HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS GENERAL DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATIONS THAT REQUIRE THE COUNCIL’S ATTENTION

The Human Rights Council in a midday meeting today held a general debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

Speakers raised concerns about violations affecting human rights defenders, freedom of opinion and expression, independence of the judiciary, the death penalty and other issues in countries and territories around the world. Countries were urged to hold credible, impartial and independent investigations into alleged violations. Some speakers said the attention given by the Council to egregious human rights abuses was not a pro forma exercise, but rather an important means of working towards alleviating the suffering of people who had no voice. But other speakers said Western countries had no right to turn the Council into a courtroom for the countries of the South, whilst enjoying impunity for their own human rights violations.

Speaking in the general debate were Spain on behalf of the European Union, France, Norway, Japan, United Kingdom, Slovenia, Slovakia, United States, Belgium, Cuba, China, Pakistan, Netherlands, Algeria, Switzerland, New Zealand, Denmark, Austria, Australia, Sweden, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Canada, Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Iran, Ethiopia and Syria.

The following non-governmental organizations also took the floor: France Liberte Fondation Danielle Mitterand, CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizens Participation and Baha’i International Community.

The Council today is holding a full day of meetings from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This afternoon, the Council will hold a panel discussion on toxic waste. The continuation of the general debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention will take place at a later date.

General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council's Attention

JAVIER GARRIGUES (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the European Union wished to reiterate its utmost distress over the violent and alarming suppression of peaceful protesters in Iran following the Presidential election of 12 June 2009, and deeply deplored the consistent failure of Iran to conduct an impartial, transparent and thorough investigation without delay into the allegations of serious human rights violations. The situation in Sudan remained of deep concern, notably with regard to the increasing insecurity and violence in South Sudan and ongoing clashes in Darfur, and the European Union was concerned about deficiencies in relation to international standards which affected the electoral process. The European Union was also deeply concerned about the recent developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. On the situation in Sri Lanka, the European Union acknowledged some improvement of the overall situation since the end of the war, but remained concerned about the situation of journalists and human rights defenders, and the lack of adequate investigations of alleged violations of human rights concerning abductions, enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings. The European Union was very worried about the recent unrest in Thailand. The European Union remained concerned about the human rights situation in China. The European Union strongly condemned the increasing violence directed against persons belonging to religious and other minorities in various parts of the world.

EMMANUEL PINEDA (France) said that in Iran, one year after the contested presidential election, the authorities continued to practice a political regime of systematic intimidation. France condemned the frequent reports of rape and torture in Iranian prisons and also deplored the detention of seven Baha’i leaders who had been incarcerated for more than two years. In this regard, France reiterated the importance of the right to a fair trial and the right to legal defence, which must be protected by the Iranian Government. In Sudan, France remained concerned about the systematic violations of women’s rights. The Government of Sudan had to do more to combat impunity. Concerning the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the recent assassination of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire was a reminder of the precarious situation of human rights defenders in that country. Finally, France remained preoccupied by the recent violence in Thailand. France encouraged the Thai Government to take all necessary measures to conduct impartial investigations on the human rights violations that had taken place during this recent internal conflict.

BENTE ANGELL-HANSEN (Norway) said Norway called on all parties to Afghanistan’s conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Norway also supported the call for an independent and credible investigation of the allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in connection with last year’s war in Sri Lanka. Turning to the situation in Thailand, Norway stressed the importance of all players working to resolve differences in a way that strengthened democracy and the rule of law, and expressed hope that the Government would ensure that an independent investigation of recent events would be conducted. Norway remained deeply concerned about the ongoing, systemic and serious human rights violations in Iran and called on the Government to honour its obligations to allow freedom of speech, association and assembly. Norway went on to voice concern about the situation for the freedom of press, speech and association in Sudan, and called upon the Government to ensure that all people enjoyed those fundamental rights. In addition, Norway called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to immediately establish a credible, impartial and independent investigation into the killing of Floribert Chebeya Bahizire, also calling upon all parties to Somalia’s conflict to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.

AKIO ISOMATA (Japan) said with regard to the human rights situation in Myanmar, Japan continued to be concerned about the detention of prisoners of conscience, and called upon the Government to release all prisoners of conscience, including Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and to take concrete steps towards holding free and fair elections, consistent with international standards. In Sri Lanka, the Government should continue to work towards improving the situation. The issue of impunity regarding human rights violations should be addressed transparently, and in conformity with international standards, and there should be progress towards national reconciliation. Japan would continue to support the Government of Sri Lanka. Japan was deeply concerned at the lack of signs of improvement of the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and of the lack of resolution of the issue of abduction, and urged the Government to take concrete steps to improve the human rights situation, and collaborate with the new Special Rapporteur. On Iran, Japan was concerned about restrictions on rights, including on the mass media, and wished to continue its constructive dialogue with Iran. On the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan was concerned about violence against women, and the serious malnutrition affecting infants and women in the eastern part of the country, and hoped the Government would fully address human rights violations, including the issue of impunity.

REBECCA SAGAR (United Kingdom) said the United Kingdom was deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Iran, which had deteriorated sharply since the disputed elections of June 2009. The ensuing crackdown on fundamental freedoms had created a climate of fear and there were credible reports of mistreatment and torture in detention. The rights of Burmese people continued to be violated as the human rights situation deteriorated. A long term solution to the problems in Burma required a process of national reconciliation, starting with a genuine dialogue between all ethnic and opposition political groups. The United Kingdom was also concerned about the recent events in Kyrgyzstan and said it was important that democratic institutions and the rule of law there were restored in line with international standards as quickly as possible. The state of human rights implementation in many parts of the world remained fragile, including in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The United Kingdom was deeply concerned about the recent death of human rights defender Floribert Chebeya Bahizire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and called on the Government to ensure a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

MARKO HAM (Slovenia) said Slovenia strongly supported efforts to establish a moratorium on the death penalty and encouraged all countries that still had the death penalty on their books to undertake measures to establish a moratorium with the aim of abolishing the death penalty. Recent developments in Belarus were also of concern to Slovenia and the delegation called on the authorities to allow freedom of expression, access to information, and freedom of assembly. Slovenia went on to voice concern about the situation of journalists and human rights defenders in Sri Lanka and urged the authorities to allow an independent and impartial investigation of all violations of international human rights. Slovenia was deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Iran and strongly condemned the increasing recourse to death sentences. Slovenia urged the provisional Government of Kyrgyzstan to ensure adequate coordination to peacefully resolve the current crisis. It called on the Thai Government to carry out independent and credible investigations into alleged human right violations, and urged the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to reinforce its efforts to end impunity of those accountable for grave human rights violations.

ROSHA FEDOR (Slovakia) said the first national elections in Myanmar could have served as a window to national reconciliation, respect for human rights, and democracy, but on the contrary, the new electoral fell far below international standards, seriously undermined the right of expression, assembly and association, and discriminated on the basis of political opinions. Slovakia supported the establishment of an inquiry into past gross and systematic human rights violations in the country. The situation of Sudan was critical. Numerous human rights violations continued to be reported, including extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary arrest, and others, and Slovakia strongly supported the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert on Sudan. Slovakia regretted that the persecution of Iran's political opponents continued to be reported. The Government of Sri Lanka should ensure due investigation of and accountability for all allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations committed by both sides of the conflict. Slovakia was concerned about the persistent intimidation of human rights defenders in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

EILEEN CHAMBERLAIN DONAHOE (United States) said that the human rights situation in Iran remained of grave concern and had deteriorated since the elections in June 2009. In January, several mothers were arrested while silently commemorating the death of their children at the hands of the authorities. Both conservative and progressive newspapers had been shot down and access to the Internet by non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders was restricted. There was increased pressure on minorities and several Bahai leaders were restricted from travelling. The situation in Burma remained grim and the United States believed that the international community needed to look at the possibilities of engaging with that country in order to improve the situation. The establishment of a peaceful country that respected human rights of its citizens was essential, and therefore the United States was considering supporting the proposed Commission of Inquiry into possible international humanitarian law violations in Burma, as suggested by the Special Rapporteur. The United States expressed its concern over the human rights situations in China, Cuba, Venezuela, Zimbabwe, and Viet Nam. Finally, the United States remembered the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s human rights activist Floribert Chebeya Bahizire and called for an autopsy with United Nations oversight to determine the cause of death. The United States was ready to provide forensic experts to assist Congolese authorities in this task.

XAVIER BAERT (Belgium) said the recent unrest in Kyrgyzstan underscored that the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms remained a key condition for political stability and sustainable growth. In this respect, Belgium welcomed the willingness of the Kyrgyz authorities to move towards democracy and encouraged them to conduct an impartial investigation and punish the perpetrators of the grave human rights violations that had been inflicted on the population. Turning to the death penalty, Belgium said the circumstances in which the death penalty was applied in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq were unacceptable; the death penalty, if still applied, needed to be used in line with international standards. Belgium regretted that Belarus was the only European country that still used the death penalty. Belgium was further shocked about the death of Congolese human rights defender Floribert Chebeya Bahizire. In that regard, while it was pleased to hear that first measures had been taken by Congolese authorities, Belgium encouraged them to conduct more in-depth investigations with a view to shed light on all circumstances of that death.

MARIA DEL CARMEN HERNANDEZ (Cuba) said doing away with the discredited Commission on Human Rights, which was full of double standards and discrimination, had led to the hope that the Human Rights Council would pave the way for international cooperation as the only way to protect and promote all human rights. Thus, it was today with great sadness that the hypocrisy of Western States was seen, as their interpretation of human rights that required the Council's attention were only those that occurred in the South, based on a hegemonic vision of the world, with impunity for gross human rights violations occurring in their own countries. The Human Rights Council was supposedly not strong enough to consider such violations, which covered all of humanity - the persecution of the countries of the South had become an obsession, rather than the revision of the Council. There were double standards, although it had been said this would be left behind in the establishment of the Council. Western countries had no right to turn the Council into a courtroom for the countries of the South, whilst enjoying impunity for their own human rights violations. Some Western countries, such as the United States, drew up long lists of countries of the South, accusing them of human rights violations, but were incapable of saying a single word about the human rights violations that the United States committed against migrants in its own territory, or upon the inhabitants of countries it attacked during its wars of aggression.

QIAN BO (China) said China had always believed that countries should deal with human rights properly through dialogue and so China had carried out dialogues with the European Union and the United States. It was for this reason that China thought that the statements they had just made in this Council ran contrary to the spirit of that dialogue. China said that criminal violence organised by anti-Chinese separatists aimed at inciting panic and instigating ethnic relations, so that the ulterior purposes of separatists could be served. China called on the United States and the European Union not to use double standards and not to interrogate China’s judicial sovereignty. China was concerned about the human rights violations in some of the European Union countries, which were suffering from very high unemployment and where Roma populations suffered discrimination and were denied access to employment, health or education. Minorities were attacked and it was difficult for them to integrate. China was also concerned about the respect for human rights by the United States and the phenomenon of racial discrimination that existed in many areas such as employment, education, housing, judiciary and others. The percentage of African-Americans suffering from unemployment was higher than that of whites. China hoped those countries would reconsider and reflect on why human rights violations could not be stopped, and appealed to them to leave behind double standards.

MARGHOOB SALEEM BUTT (Pakistan) said Pakistan wished to expose the double standards of the European countries who had attempted to characterize the recent attack on a mosque in Pakistan as religious violence against minorities. As a matter of fact, that attack was a terrorist attack which had been condemned by the people and Government of Pakistan. Pakistan had been playing a central role in the fight against terrorism and that terrorist attack was a fall-out of Pakistan’s ongoing struggle. Instead of assisting Pakistan, the European Union had engaged in unjustified allegations. Pakistan needed no lessons, particularly not of hypocrites, on the protection of its people’s human rights. Guided by their political interest, some States continued using this forum for their own purposes. The representatives of the European Union did not have the courage to point to the discrimination on racial and religious grounds that had engulfed several European countries. Reflecting on their own human rights records would help them realize that people living in glass houses could not allow themselves to throw stones against others. In fact, discrimination on religious rounds and defamation and negative stereotyping persisted in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden; the killing of women continued in Germany, as did the vandalizing of mosques in France and Italy. These were just some of the well-documented incidents and some societies were so paranoid that they even attacked shops selling “halal” food. There was also a need to be aware of the discrimination of Roma people in Europe, which was criticized by almost all human rights mechanisms, including the High Commissioner. The hypocrisy and double standards of the European Union was underscored by its members’ vote on the resolution on Palestine. While Pakistan had made invaluable efforts in the fight against terrorism, States of the European Union had been involved in secret detention and torture. Pakistan hoped that future statements of the European Union would be more balanced and impartial.

BOUDEWIJN J. VAN EENENNAAM (Netherlands) said human rights violations occurred in all regions of the world, and it was the Council's duty to speak on behalf of the victims of such violations. One year after the Presidential elections in Iran, the Netherlands remained worried about the human rights situation in that country, as well as being concerned for the increasing number of people condemned to death and the executions that had been carried out. The continued blockage, filtering and monitoring of mobile phone communication, satellite television and the Internet, as well as other restrictive measures went against Iran's international obligations to respect human rights. The Government of Iran should respect the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other treaties to which it was a party, and allow the United Nations' Special Rapporteurs and experts to visit the country.

BOUALEM CHEBIHI (Algeria) said Algeria wished to draw the attention of the Human Rights Council to the human rights situation in the Western Sahara, which was the outcome of the Sahrawi people not exercising their right to self-determination. Their right to enjoyment of their resources had always been denied, while freedom of expression and movement were limited and suppressed. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International indicated that there were constant human rights violations in the Western Sahara, and Algeria said that the Council must be seized with this matter and go there and find out what the situation on the ground was.

DANTE MARTINELLI (Switzerland) said Switzerland welcomed the mechanism for conducting independent enquiries one year after hostilities which had taken place in Sri Lanka and reiterated Switzerland’s appeal to Sri Lankan authorities to cooperate with international institutions. With regards to Thailand, the declared will to bring perpetrators of crimes to trial and provide justice to victims was a step in the right direction, but it was crucial that a process of national reconciliation could be strengthened. Turning to the situation in Burundi, the delegation of Switzerland said the perpetuation of a climate of impunity had led to grave human rights violations. While Switzerland appreciated the measures that had been taken, it encouraged Burundi to become more actively engaged in the establishment of a national human rights institution that was in line with the Paris Principles.

WENDY HEATON (New Zealand) said serious and urgent situations continued to require attention by the Human Rights Council. The attention given by the Council to egregious human rights abuses was not a pro forma exercise, but rather an important means of working towards alleviating the suffering of people who had no voice. New Zealand was seriously concerned about the human rights situation and absence of democracy in Myanmar, and reiterated its call for the immediate release of political prisoners to allow them to participate fully in this year's elections. New Zealand remained concerned about the human rights situation in Iran, in particular the execution of those who committed crimes as minors, restrictions on the right to freedom of religion, and discrimination against ethnic and religious minorities. The self-imposed international isolation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea had contributed to the deterioration of the human rights of its people, and the country should allow access to the new Special Rapporteur, as a first step in establishing a dialogue with the international community. A military regime in Fiji continued to rule by decree, and regional and international communities had called for genuine, independent and open political dialogue, and a prompt return to democracy.

ARNOLD DE FINE SKIBSTED (Denmark) said Denmark continued to be alarmed by the massive human rights violations in Iran and the continued violent crackdowns on the political opposition by the Iranian authorities. Denmark was concerned about the continued executions, the discrimination against religious minorities and against women inscribed in Iranian laws regarding inheritance, divorce, and custody of children. Denmark urged the Government of Iran to live up to its acceptance of the recommendations made by the international community during its Universal Periodic Review in February this year. Denmark was extremely concerned about the systematic and grave violations of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and strongly condemned the use of torture and inhuman labour camps against political prisoners and repatriated persons. Denmark deplored the severe malnutrition and widespread health problems for the population of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and urged the Government to cooperate with the international community on food distribution systems. Denmark said that the majority of inmates in “North Korean” labour camps were female and were routinely subjected to beatings, intimate body searches, forced abortion and infanticide. Denmark strongly urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to fully cooperate with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and other relevant United Nations mechanisms.

CHRISTIAN STROHAL (Austria) said there were a number of situations where the international community continued to see a serious lack of progress in the promotion and protection of human rights, including a lack of political will necessary to implement international obligations and standards. Austria remained deeply concerned by the continuous and widespread human rights violations in Iran, including ongoing reports of the violent suppression of peaceful protesters. Suppression had led to incommunicado detentions without due process guarantees and to an increased number of executions carried out in the complete absence of internationally recognized standards. Austria also expressed concern over the ongoing grave humanitarian and human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Violence against women and children, in particular sexual violence, as well as massive displacement and the continued threat that the Lord’s Resistance Army posed to the civilian population remained deeply worrying. Those responsible for serious human rights violations, no matter what rank or position, must be held accountable in order to achieve reconciliation and justice for victims and sustainable peace. Austria also urged Sudanese authorities to investigate human rights abuses and bring those responsible to justice.

MIRANDA BROWN (Australia) said serious human rights concerns remained in Sudan, and ongoing close attention and support from the international community was necessary. Australia was deeply concerned by the Independent Expert's finding that allegations of arbitrary arrests, detention, torture and ill-treatment of individuals by the military, security and intelligence forces continued to be raised throughout Sudan. The lack of accountability for serious human rights violations in Darfur and southern Sudan was of particular concern, and all allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law should be duly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice promptly. Australia shared the concern of the Independent Expert about increasing tribal violence in southern Sudan, and the attendant loss of lives, especially among women and children. Finally, Australia noted the Independent Expert's concern over allegations of violations of political and civil rights in the context of the electoral process, and urged Sudan to produce a conducive environment for the exercise of political rights, with firm guarantees of the fundamental freedoms for expression and assembly.

HANS DAHLGREN (Sweden) said that in Sudan, a number of serious issues were of concern. Violence in Southern Sudan and Darfur had forced thousands to flee their homes and human rights defenders were in constant danger of harassment or attacks. Many credible reports existed on the systematic human rights violations committed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo against the civilian population. Sweden also deplored the use of the death penalty in Iran and was appalled by reports of executions based on expression of opinions. Sweden urged the Government of Iran to release all political prisoners and remained deeply concerned about the discrimination of persons belonging to the Bahai community and other religious and ethnic communities. The Swedish delegation also condemned the two death sentences imposed in May in Belarus and also condemned alleged human rights abuses in Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Cuba.

KONRAD MAX SCHARINGER (Germany) said that the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment and punishment was absolute and non-derogable. At the same time, torture was still a widespread practice in many countries and the world had witnessed an increase in such practices as a means to combating terrorism and extremism. In his recent report to the Council, the Special Rapporteur on torture took note of an alarming reality that almost no society was immune against torture and was deeply concerned about the fact that the Special Rapporteur had been prevented from visiting a large number of countries. In Central Asia the cases of torture in preliminary custody and extortion of confessions were still widespread. In China torture was still a used practice especially in detention. In Zimbabwe perpetrators of torture were brought to justice to a very limited extent and Iran was another case of country where torture and rapes in detention centres were reported. Germany highlighted positive efforts of countries such as Georgia, Paraguay, Togo, Denmark, Moldova and Uruguay.

GERARD CORR (Ireland) said Ireland remained deeply concerned about the ongoing injustices in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including discriminatory evictions and home demolitions of Palestinian families. Ireland was especially concerned about reports that incidents of attacks from settler groups had increased, particularly in East Jerusalem. Recent events served to highlight again the suffering caused by the blockade of Gaza and this situation needed to be addressed as it was unsustainable. Ireland was particularly disturbed about the situation of human rights defenders in many countries around the world, including African countries. Ireland was also deeply concerned about the situation regarding fundamental freedoms and human rights in Myanmar. Serious repression continued in many areas: over 2,000 political prisoners remained locked up; elections were being planned which would in no way be inclusive, free and fair; and military offensives and other forms of abuses were taking place against a range of the country’s ethnic groups. Ireland was also seriously concerned about the situation in Sri Lanka, including the plight of internally displaced persons still in camps. They needed help to return to their homes at the earliest opportunity. It was vitally important that some process of reconciliation began to address the root causes of Tamil grievances and to bring harmony and peace to that country.

WALID ABU-HAYA (Israel) said that twelve months ago, almost to the day, the world shook when it witnessed the grave post-election human rights violations in Iran. In violent suppression of the freedoms of opinion or expression, assembly and association, religion or belief, Iran silenced and continued to silence the voice of political opposition, human rights defenders and journalists. The issuance of death sentences outside internationally recognized fair trial standards was common practice in Iran and public hangings and stonings were the norm. Pakistan purported to promote the freedom of religion or belief and advocate the need for multiculturalism and tolerance. In reality, however, Pakistan failed to take the appropriate steps to protect its minorities from violence ad allowed religious extremism to operate within a culture of impunity. Israel also expressed its concern regarding the overall worsening human rights situation in Syria. In particular, Israel called attention to the situation of a large number of political prisoners and violations of privacy rights, freedoms of expression or opinion, press, assembly and association, and movement. In closing, Israel stated that systematic violations of this nature had to be urgently addressed and condemned.

JEFFREY HEATON (Canada) said Canada remained deeply concerned about the lack of personal security, freedom and basic necessities in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and condemned the continued violations of human rights, including public executions, torture, use of child labour and indefinite detention of political prisoners in political camps. Canada was concerned about the high level of malnutrition attributed to continued food shortages and unequal distribution of the available food. Canada was deeply concerned by the situation in Iran and condemned the crackdown of the authorities in the wake of last year’s elections. The Iranian Government instituted severe restrictions on freedom of expression and movement, and repressed ethnic and religious minorities. Canada condemned the lack of respect of the Burmese Government for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens, and called on the Burmese Government to cooperate with the United Nations and its representatives in order to ensure the well-being of its citizens. Canada called on the Government to hold free and fair elections, release all political prisoners and start a dialogue with the opposition, civil society and ethic groups.

VERONIKA STROMSIKOVA (Czech Republic) said the Czech Republic was greatly concerned about the continued police repression in Iran and the persecution of Iranian citizens for peacefully expressing their political opinions. Restrictions continued to be imposed on freedom of expression, namely by repressing and persecuting peaceful criticism of the Government by domestic printed and online media, as well as hampering foreign broadcasting and Internet filtering. The Czech Republic called on Iran to guarantee fair trials. Concerning the situation in Sri Lanka, the Czech Republic expressed serious concerns about the lack of progress of investigations into alleged violations of human rights during the war between Sri Lanka and the LTTE in the first half of 2009. The overall human rights situation in Cuba remained poor, with human rights defenders subject to harassment. The Czech Republic reiterated its calls for the Cuban Government to release all political prisoners. The Czech Republic remained concerned about the ongoing restrictions on the freedom of expression in China, and it was alarming that 21 years after the violent suppression of a movement of citizens peacefully demonstrating for a pluralistic political system, Chinese citizens continued to be persecuted. The Czech Republic supported the prolonged mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, and remained concerned about human rights violations in the Darfur region. The Czech Republic wanted to stress the importance of fair and transparent parliamentary elections in Venezuela. Safeguarding free expression was especially important in the lead up to the election.

CHRISTINE GOY (Luxembourg), addressing the situation of human rights in Iran, said Luxembourg wished to reiterate that the death penalty was an unacceptable penalty, as were stonings and other forms of physical torture. A true democracy needed an opposition in order to function effectively. The crackdown on political opponents in Iran during the June 2009 elections was proof that Iran was not yet democratically mature. The fates of detained members of the Bahai community in Iran also remained an issue of grave concern and Luxembourg asked that their cases be brought to trial in a fair and transparent manner. The plight of human rights defenders had to remain central to the work of the Human Rights Council. Luxembourg also deplored the death of Floribert Chebeya, a human rights activist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Luxembourg called on the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to launch an independent and transparent investigation into this tragic event. The Human Rights Council and its Members had an obligation to ensure that the intimidation and harassment of human rights defenders no longer took place.

MOHSEN GHANEI (Iran) said Iran deeply regretted the disturbing growth of new trends and manifestations of racism, racial and religious discrimination in many States of the European Union. In the United Kingdom, many reports acknowledged that under the pretext of counter-terrorism legislation, human rights had been sacrificed in the name of security. Torture, ill-treatment and prolonged detentions were among the serious abuses resulting from emergency measures. In France, Iran was alarmed over restrictions on freedom of expression and press, excessive police brutality, torture and harassment of prisoners. Also, violence against women remained a matter of grave concern and the Government had carried out a series of discriminatory acts to limit the social and personal freedom and freedom of religion of Muslim women and girls. The German Government still failed to address its human rights violations committed in the context of the United States-led war on terror. In Canada, a series of systematic abuses and violations of human rights still persisted, particularly against aboriginal and Muslim communities. The human rights record of the United States was very weak and unjustifiable, particularly the respect of human rights of those being suspected in the so called “war on terror”. Iran considered that those situations were in serious need of the Council’s attention.

ALLEHONE MULUGETA ABEBE (Ethiopia) said Ethiopia wanted to update the Human Rights Council on the elections held in the country in May. Free and fair elections made an important contribution to the promotion and development of human rights. The significance of this momentous event could not be lost, particularly to a country which, in its distant and recent past, had witnessed persistent human rights violations committed by previous regimes. Ethiopia had indeed come a long way, with an economy that was growing on average by more than nine per cent. People had become direct beneficiaries of increased public social spending and infrastructure development. Those who were most vulnerable, such as women and children, enjoyed full access to social services. Ethiopia’s democratic space was also widening as a vibrant community of civil society organizations and the private press was growing. It was indeed gratifying to witness that more than ninety per cent of the 30 million registered voters cast their ballots. Sixty two political parties participated in the election which was preceded by free and lively debates and political campaigning. The current economic and political condition in Ethiopia gave many reasons to be hopeful. The Government of Ethiopia was more than willing to work with development partners to further consolidate these gains in the area of human rights and democracy.

RANIA AL RIFAIY (Syria) said that Syria found it very strange to listen to the Israeli delegate point fingers at Syria in the wake of the attack on the freedom flotilla last week. Israel claimed the right to use “mild forms of physical pressure”. This included incommunicado detention, incarceration in tiny cells with music blaring and other forms of torture. The ex-President Jimmy carter was appalled to see the treatment of Palestinians. One prominent Rabbi even called Palestinians “swine”. Israel continued to live with a paranoid feeling of superiority. Even small children were taught to use weapons and sign missiles that would be dropped on Arabs. Israeli occupation had brought the region to the brink of war on countless occasions. Syria called on the international community to help end Israeli impunity.

CAROLINE VIRET, of France Libertés – Fondation Danielle Mitterrand, in a joint statement with Movement against Racism and for Friendship among Peoples, American Association of Jurists, and International Educational Development, drew the attention of the Council to the situation in the Western Sahara and the Moroccan refusal to allow for the human rights mandate of the United Nations presence. Despite the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice and the negative opinion of the European Union courts the illegal exploitation of the Western Sahara’s natural resources by Morocco continued. With the dissolution of the former Commission on Human Rights it was time for the Council to take up the issue of the human rights violation of the Sahrawi people.

RONEO ULAMOR, of CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, in a joint statement with American Association of Jurists, Franciscain international, and International Association of Democratic Lawyers, said CIVICUS was concerned about the continuing attacks on human rights defenders in the Philippines and wanted to bring the Council’s attention to the case of 43 health workers who were arrested by state security forces using a faulty warrant and were falsely labelled as members of a rebel movement. They were held incommunicado and denied counsel for six days. To date the healthcare workers had been held for four months, and only 38 of them had been transferred to a regular detention facility, while five were still held in a military camp. CIVICUS appealed to the Human Rights Council to look into this case and employ all appropriate measures to get the Philippines to respect its obligations under major human rights instruments.

ORIANE ALAI, of Baha’i International Community, said 35 innocent Baha’i were in Iranian prisons today. The entire community was constantly harassed with arson and other violent attacks increasing as well as widespread incitement to hatred. Baha’i children were intimidated by teachers and school officials, students were denied access to university, all because of their religious beliefs. Their trade permits were revoked and their rights to pensions and inheritance were denied. This campaign of persecution, directed by the Government itself, continued each day with the ultimate goal of eradicating the entire Baha’i community as a viable entity in Iran. Of particular concern was the well-being of those men and women unjustly imprisoned and forced to endure very harsh conditions, often for years on end. These individuals sought nothing other than the well being and prosperity of their nation, and like so many of their compatriots they continued to pay a high price by being persecuted for their beliefs and made to suffer for their noble aspirations.



For use of information media; not an official record

HRC10/068E