Anti-Homosexuality law in Uganda violates human rights and endangers LGBT people - Pillay

Anti-Homosexuality law in Uganda violates human rights and endangers LGBT people - Pillay

GENEVA (24 February 2014) - The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Monday denounced the anti-homosexuality law signed into force in Uganda, which she said would institutionalise discrimination against lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and could encourage harassment and violence against them.
The law, which was signed into force today, criminalises and imposes sentences of life imprisonment for homosexuality, same-sex marriage and "aggravated homosexuality". It also provides for prison sentences of five to seven years for the “promotion” of, “attempts to commit”, “aiding and abetting” and “conspiracy to engage in” homosexuality.
“Disapproval of homosexuality by some can never justify violating the fundamental human rights of others,” Pillay said. “This law will institutionalise discrimination and is likely to encourage harassment and violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation. It is formulated so broadly that it may lead to abuse of power and accusations against anyone, not just LGBT people.”
Pillay stressed that Uganda is obliged, both by its own constitution and by international law, to respect the rights of all individuals and to protect them from discrimination and violence.
“This law violates a host of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom from discrimination, to privacy, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, opinion and expression and equality before the law – all of which are enshrined in Uganda’s own constitution and in the international treaties it has ratified,” Pillay said.
Pillay expressed deep concern that the law could also threaten the critically important work of human rights defenders in the country, urging the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that they are not prosecuted for their advocacy.
“With the HIV infection rate rising in Uganda, the law will have a negative impact on efforts to prevent transmission and provide treatment for people living with HIV, as well as undermine the Government’s commitment to non-discriminatory access to healthcare,” the High Commissioner said.
Police and judicial authorities must investigate any violence and attacks against LGBT individuals and hold perpetrators to account, Pillay said, stressing that States have a legal duty to protect all individuals from human rights violations, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Media organisations should also refrain from fuelling hatred or attacks on the basis of sexual orientation, Pillay said.
On claims that the new law will protect children from abuse, Pillay said that outlawing consensual same-sex relations between adults would not have any bearing on the protection of children from abuse. She urged the Government to instead strengthen implementation of its laws and policies to prevent and prosecute such abuse.
The High Commissioner expressed hope that the new law would be reviewed at the earliest opportunity in light of its fundamental conflicts with Uganda’s constitution and its international human rights obligations.
ENDS
For more information or media requests, please contact Ravina Shamdasani (+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org) or Cécile Pouilly (+41 22 917 9310 / cpouilly@ohchr.org )

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un expert de l’ONU réclame des réformes importantes avant les élections présidentielles de 2015

English version, see below
La version anglaise se trouve ci-dessous

Côte d’Ivoire : un expert de l’ONU réclame des réformes importantes avant les élections présidentielles de 2015

GENEVE / ABIDJAN (24 février 2014) – L’Expert indépendant des Nations unies sur la situation des droits de l’homme en Côte d’Ivoire, Doudou Diène, a appelé le Gouvernement de Côte d’Ivoire à adopter des réformes urgentes avant les élections présidentielles prévues en octobre 2015.

L’appel de M. Diène est intervenu à la fin de sa toute dernière visite dans le pays, du 11 au 23 février. Au cours de cette visite, il a également organisé une « Conférence internationale sur la situation des victimes de la crise ivoirienne » et recueilli des informations sur la situation des droits de l’homme dans le pays.

« Alors que l’échéance électorale de 2015 approche, plusieurs questions clés liées à la justice et à l‘organisation des élections ne sont toujours pas résolues », a déclaré M. Diène qui est chargé par le Conseil des droits de l’homme de l’ONU de suivre, transmettre des informations sur et formuler des conseils de la situation des droits de l’homme en Côte d’Ivoire.

« Les autorités ivoiriennes doivent accélérer la résolution des questions de fond telles que la réforme de la Commission électorale indépendante (CEI), la mise à jour de la liste électorale, la réinsertion équitable des ex-combattants, l’organisation de procès liés à la crise post-électorale ainsi que les réparations aux victimes de la crise », a déclaré M. Diène.

Monsieur Diène a exprimé son inquiétude face à la lenteur avec laquelle les procédures judiciaires suivent les recommandations de la Commission nationale d’enquête. Cette Commission, qui a fait état de graves violations des droits de l’homme commises par les deux camps durant la crise, a aussi appelé à l’impartialité des procédures judiciaires en cours.

« Les libertés provisoires accordées à des détenus ne doivent pas conduire à une amnistie générale de fait qui pourrait être dangereuse pour l’avenir de la démocratie en Côte d’Ivoire », a-t-il déclaré. « Les autorités ivoiriennes doivent trouver un juste équilibre entre l’équité de la justice, la lutte contre l’impunité et le processus de réconciliation nationale. »

M. Diène a salué la décision prise par le Président de la République de prolonger le mandat de la Commission Dialogue, Vérité et Réconciliation et a appelé l’ensemble des acteurs de la société ivoirienne à appuyer les phases d’enquêtes et d’auditions publiques à venir. « L’Etat ivoirien doit mettre à la disposition de la Commission les moyens nécessaires à la réalisation de son mandat », a-t-il souligné.

L’expert des droits de l’homme a salué les étapes significatives qui ont été franchies pour améliorer la situation sécuritaire, établir des institutions étatiques et relancer le dialogue politique entre le gouvernement et l’opposition. « J’encourage les différents partis politiques à renoncer à tout discours polarisant et de nature à compromettre la bonne marche du dialogue politique en cours », a-t-il déclaré.

L’Expert indépendant a reconnu les efforts déployés par les autorités pour restaurer l’état de droit et renforcer le processus démocratique, y compris grâce à la prolongation des mandats de la Commission Dialogue, Vérité et Réconciliation (CDVR), de la Cellule spéciale d’enquête, par la libération provisoire des personnes détenues en lien avec la crise post-électorale et par l’appel au retour des exilés.

Au cours de sa visite de treize jours, M. Diène a rencontré des représentants du gouvernement, y compris le Premier Ministre Daniel Kablan Duncan, des membres des autorités judiciaires, de hauts responsables de la sécurité publique, le Président de la Commission Dialogue, Vérité et Réconciliation et la Présidente de la Commission nationale des droits de l’homme. Il a aussi rencontré des représentants de la société civile et du corps diplomatique.

L’Expert indépendant a également rencontré plusieurs partis politiques dont le Front Populaire Ivoirien (FPI), le Rassemblement des Démocrates pour la République (RDR) et le LIDER.  

Il a aussi rendu visite à des détenus de la Maison d’arrêt et de correction d’Abidjan (MAMA) ainsi qu’à l’épouse de l’ex-Président Laurent Gbagbo, Simone Gbagbo, arrêtée en 2011 pour crimes contre l’humanité. Il a aussi rencontré des organisations de défense des victimes qui lui ont exprimé leurs frustrations face à la lenteur du processus de réparation.

L’Expert indépendant présentera son rapport sur la situation des droits de l’homme en Côte d’Ivoire lors de la prochaine session du Conseil des droits de l’homme, en mars  2014.
 
FIN
 
M. Doudou Diène (Sénégal) est entré en fonction en tant qu’Expert indépendant des Nations Unies sur la situation des droits de l’homme en Côte d’Ivoire le 1^er novembre 2011. Il agit indépendamment de tout gouvernement ou organisation. M. Diène était précédemment le Rapporteur spécial des Nations Unies sur les formes contemporaines de racisme, de discrimination raciale, de xénophobie et de l'intolérance qui y est associée de 2002 à 2008.

Le mandat de l’expert indépendant a été établi par le Conseil des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies en 2011 pour une période d’une année pour assister le Gouvernement de la Côte d’Ivoire et les acteurs pertinents dans le suivi des recommandations de la Commission internationale d’enquête et du Conseil des droits de l’homme, en ce compris celles adressées à la communauté internationale. Le mandat a été renouvelé par le Conseil des droits de l’homme en juin 2013 pour une année.

Pour accéder au dernier rapport de l’Expert indépendant, veuillez cliquer sur : http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session25/Pages/ListReports.aspx

Page du HCDH sur le pays – Côte d’Ivoire: http://www.ohchr.org/FR/Countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/CIIndex.aspx

Pour de plus amples informations et les demandes de la part des medias, veuillez contacter M. Eugène Nindorera (+225 20 23 32 81 / nindorera@un.org) ou M. Johel Dominique (+41 22 929 9398 / +41 79 444 4537  / jdominique@ohchr.org).

Pour les demandes des médias relatives à d’autres experts indépendants des Nations Unies :
Xabier Celaya, Droits de l’homme de l’ONU – Unité média (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)  

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_________________

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NEWS RELEASE

Côte d’Ivoire: UN expert calls for key reforms before the 2015 presidential elections

GENEVA / ABIDJAN (24 February 2014) – United Nations Independent Expert Doudou Diène called on the Government of Côte d’Ivoire to adopt urgent reforms before presidential elections scheduled for October 2015.

Mr. Diène’s appeal came at the end of his latest visit to the country, from 11-23 February, during which he organised an “International Conference on the situation of victims of the Ivorian crisis” and gathered information on the human rights situation in the country.

“As the 2015 electoral year approaches, several key questions linked to justice and the organisation of the elections are still pending,” warned Mr Diène, who is  charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the situation of human rights in Côte d’Ivoire.

“The authorities must accelerate the resolution of substantive issues, including the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission, the updating of the electoral list, the unbiased reintegration of ex-combatants, and the organisation of trials related to the post-election crisis, as well as reparation for victims of the crisis,” the Independent Expert noted.  
 
Mr. Diène expressed concern at the slow pace of judicial proceedings in following up the recommendations of the National Commission of Inquiry, which reported grave human rights violations committed by both sides during the crisis. He also stressed the need for the proceedings to be impartial.

“Provisional releases granted to detainees should not lead to a general de facto amnesty that could be dangerous for the future of democracy in Côte d’Ivoire,” he said. “The authorities must find a balance between the fairness of the judiciary, the fight against impunity and the national reconciliation process.”

Mr. Diène welcomed the decision by the President to extend the mandate of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and urged all members of Ivorian society to support the upcoming phases of investigations and public hearings. “The State of Côte d’Ivoire must make available to the Commission the necessary means to achieve its mandate,” he stressed.

The human rights expert welcomed the significant steps achieved by improving the security situation, establishing State institutions and re-launching the political dialogue between the Government and the opposition. “I encourage the different political parties to refrain from divisive comments that could undermine the success of the ongoing political talks,” he said.

The Independent Expert acknowledged the authorities’ efforts to re-establish the rule of law and reinforce the democratic process that included extending the mandates of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Special Investigation Cell, provisionally releasing detainees linked to the electoral crisis, and urging exiles to return.  

During his thirteen-day mission, Mr. Diène met government officials, including Prime Minister Daniel Kablan Duncan, members of the judiciary, top security officials, the President of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the president of the National Human Rights Commission. He also met civil society representatives and members of the diplomatic corps.

The Independent Expert met also with several political parties, including the Front Populaire Ivoirien (FPI), the Rassemblement des Démocrates pour la République (RDR) and the LIDER.  

Mr. Diène visited detainees at the Abidjan prison (MAMA), and also met former Ivorian First Lady Simone Gbagbo under house arrest since in 2011 for crimes against humanity. He met with several victims organisations which expressed frustration at the slow progress of the reparation process.

The Independent Expert will present a comprehensive report on the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire to the Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2014.
 
ENDS

Mr. Doudou Diène (Senegal) took up his functions as UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Côte d'Ivoire in 2011. In that capacity, he acts independently from any Government or organization. Mr. Diène was previously the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance in 2002-2008.

The mandate of the Independent Expert was established by the UN Human Rights Council in June 2011 for a period of one year to assist the Government and relevant actors in the follow-up of the recommendations of the International Commission of Inquiry on Côte d’Ivoire and the Human Rights Council, including the ones addressed to the international community. The mandate was renewed by the Human Rights Council in June 2013 for one year. Check the Independent Expert’s latest report on Côte d’Ivoire: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/HRC/RegularSessions/Session25/Pages/ListReports.aspx

UN Human Rights, country page – Cote d’Ivoire: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/AfricaRegion/Pages/CIIndex.aspx

For additional information and media requests, please contact: Eugène Nindorera (+225 20 23 32 81 / nindorera@un.org) or Johel Dominique (+41 22 929 9398 / +41 79 444 4537 / jdominique@ohchr.org).

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)  

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R O M A D N E S from © R O M A D N E S Production on Vimeo.

R O M A D N E S from © R O M A D N E S Production on Vimeo.

http://www.alle-bleiben.info/video/

Paunovic u poseti gradu Leskovcu

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZSUW4CZmvQ

oSta radite bre - Retko ko je spreman da zaposli stariju osbu

Sta radite bre - Retko ko je spreman da zaposli stariju os

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxPm7snLr3Y

VIDEO ZAPIS - DUBRAVA

DUBRAVA

https://vimeo.com/82934024

Cameron must include Roma and Sinti in Holocaust education

When I was living in London back in 2000 I wrote to the Barnet Press paper then thanking them for remembering Romanies in an article they wrote about Holocaust Memorial Day.

What has happened since? History hasn’t changed so why is David Cameron not including Romanies? I’m appalled. Can someone in the UK Roma groups there do something to convince him to include the Roma and Sinti victims of the Holocaust.

Isn’t Cameron aware that we have a memorial in Berlin now for our Romani victims? Probably not. Politicians only thinking of themselves…again. Using the holocaust to get some political mileage out of it.

They must include the Sinti and Roma victims and stop being prejudice. It’s bordering on insanity how they leave Romanies out and shove us under the carpet.           

Write to Cameron and tell him it’s not on. Be persistent as they will shove you off.

If you go to www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-launches-Holocaust-Commission you will get redirected to the Call for Evidence where you can register your views.

Yvonne Slee

Site Manager of RomConnect

http://www.rromaniconnect.org/Romasintiholocaust.html

UN expert on extreme poverty and human rights launches first official visit to Guinea-Bissau

Para a versão em português, veja abaixo
Portuguese version, see below

UN expert on extreme poverty and human rights launches first official visit to Guinea-Bissau
 
GENEVA / BISSAU (21 February 2014) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Magdalena Sepúlveda will undertake an official visit to Guinea-Bissau from 24 February to 1 March 2014 to collect first-hand information on the situation of people living in extreme poverty and to assess the initiatives taken by the authorities to improve their situation.

“At a time when fresh elections have the potential to reinvigorate the social structures of Guinea-Bissau, it is crucial to turn the Government and the international community’s attention to the needs of those living in extreme poverty,” said the independent expert charged by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on extreme poverty and human rights worldwide.

“Concrete efforts to reach the poorest segments of society by the State and increased international assistance and cooperation will be crucial in addressing the entrenched poverty, inequality and lack of development in the country,” she stressed.
 
During her six-day visit, Ms. Sepúlveda will devote specific attention to women, children, persons with disabilities and other groups that are victims of discrimination.

“Guinea-Bissau faces a steep challenge in meeting its poverty reduction targets,” the rights expert said, noting that the country ranks 176^th out of 186 countries in the 2013 UNDP Human Development Index, and that three-quarters of its population lives in poverty and 45 percent in extreme poverty, according to conservative estimates.

“This visit will help to assess the needs of the people of Guinea-Bissau and the critical importance of international assistance and cooperation to improve government structures and resource production and distribution,” the expert said.

The Special Rapporteur will hold meetings with senior Government officials, including representatives from various ministries working on social policies. She will also meet with representatives of the UN system, the donor community and non-governmental organizations.

Ms. Sepúlveda will also visit communities living in poverty in Bissau as well as in rural areas in other districts. Her findings and recommendations will be presented in a report to the Human Rights Council in June 2014.

The Special Rapporteur will present her preliminary observations on the visit at a press conference at 12:00 on 28 February 2014 at the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) facility in Bissau.
       
ENDS

Magdalena Sepúlveda (Chile) was appointed the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights in May 2008 by the United Nations Human Rights Council. She has extensive experience in economic, social and cultural rights and holds a PhD in international human rights law from Utrecht University. She is independent from any government or organization and serves in her individual capacity. Learn more, visit: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Poverty/Pages/SRExtremePovertyIndex.aspx

Check the Special Rapporteur’s “Guiding Principles on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty” (in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish): http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Poverty/Pages/AnnualReports.aspx

UN Human Rights, Country Page – Guinea-Bissau:
http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/africaregion/pages/gwindex.aspx

For further information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva: Michael Ferguson (Tel: +41 22 917 92 60 / srextremepoverty@ohchr.org)
In Bissau: Leilani Elliot (Tel: +245 613 6047 / elliottl@un.org)

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NOTA À IMPRENSA

Relatora da ONU sobre pobreza extrema e direitos humanos inicia primeira visita oficial à Guiné Bissau

GENEBRA / BISSAU (21 de fevereiro de 2014) – A Relatora Especial da ONU, Magdalena Sepúlveda, realizara uma missão oficial à Guiné-Bissau entre 24 de fevereiro e 1 de março de 2013, para levantar informações de primeira mão sobre a situação das pessoas que vivem em extrema pobreza e para avaliar as iniciativas tomadas por parte das autoridades para melhorar sua situação.

“Em um tempo em que novas eleições têm o potencial de revitalizar as estruturas sociais da Guiné-Bissau, é fundamental chamar a atenção tanto do Governo como da comunidade internacional para as necessidades das pessoas que vivem em extrema pobreza”, disse a perita encarregada pelo Conselho de Direitos humanos da ONU a monitorar e relatar sobre a relação entre extrema pobreza e direitos humanos no mundo inteiro.

“Esforços concretos para atingir os segmentos mais pobres da sociedade pelo Estado e um aumento da assistência e da cooperação internacional serão  cruciais para enfrentar a pobreza enraizada, a desigualdade e o subdesenvolvimento do país”, ressaltou.

Durante sua missão de seis dias, a Sra. Sepúlveda vai dedicar especial atenção às mulheres, crianças, pessoas com deficiência e outros grupos que são vítimas de discriminação.

“O cumprimento das metas de redução da pobreza é um grande desafio para Guiné-Bissau”, disse a especialista em direitos humanos, observando que o país ocupa a 176º posição no ranking de 186 países avaliados em 2013 pelo Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano do PNU, e que três quartos da população vive na pobreza e 45% em situação de extrema pobreza, de acordo com estimativas conservadoras.

“Esta missão vai ajudar a avaliar as necessidades da população da Guiné-Bissau e da importância crítica da assistência e cooperação para melhorar as estruturas de governo e de produção e distribuição de recursos internacionais”, disse a relatora.

A Relatora Especial terá reuniões com altos funcionários do governo, incluindo representantes de vários ministérios que trabalham com políticas sociais. Ela também vai se reunir com representantes do sistema das Nações Unidas, a comunidade de doadores e de organizações não governamentais.

A senhora Sepúlveda também visitará comunidades que vivem em situação de pobreza, em Bissau, assim como em áreas rurais, em outros distritos. Suas conclusões e recomendações serão apresentadas em um relatório ao Conselho de Direitos Humanos em Junho próximo.

A Relator Especial apresentará suas observações preliminares sobre a visita em uma conferência de imprensa às 12:00 do dia 28 de Fevereiro de 2014, no Escritório Integrado das Nações Unidas para a Consolidação da Paz na Guiné-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) facilidade em Bissau.
       
DADOS

Magdalena Sepúlveda (Chile) foi nomeada Relatora Especial da pobreza extrema e direitos humanos, em Maio de 2008 pelo Conselho dos Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas. Tem experiência extensiva em direitos económicos, sociais e culturais e é Doutorada em direito internacional de direitos humanos pela Universidade Utreque. É independente de governos ou organizações e presta serviços na sua capacidade individual. Saiba mais, visite: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Poverty/Pages/SRExtremePovertyIndex.aspx

ONU Direitos Humanos – Guinea-Bissau: http://www.ohchr.org/en/countries/africaregion/pages/gwindex.aspx

Confira Special Rapporteur’s “Guiding Principles on Human Rights and Extreme Poverty” (em Árabe, Chinês, Inglês, Francês, Russo e Espanhol): http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/Poverty/Pages/AnnualReports.aspx

Para mais informação e inquéritos dos media, por favor, contacte:
Em Genebra (antes da visita): Michael Ferguson (Tel: +41 22 917 92 60 / srextremepoverty@ohchr.org)
Em Bisssau (durante a visita): Leilani Elliot (Tel: +245 613 6047 / elliottl@un.org)

Para inquéritos dos media relacionados com especialistas independentes das Nações Unidas: Xabier Celaya, Unidade dos Media - Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)

Direitos Humanos das Nações Unidas, acompanhe-nos nos media sociais:
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O mundo que queremos: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Issues/MDG/Pages/MDGPost2015Agenda.aspx

Ukraine: “Violence and death toll totally unacceptable” – Key UN expert group urges restraint and real dialogue

Ukraine: “Violence and death toll totally unacceptable” – Key UN expert group urges restraint and real dialogue

GENEVA (21 February 2014) – Representatives of the largest body of independent experts* in the United Nations human rights system today called for an immediate end to renewed clashes in Kiev and other parts of Ukraine that have seen numerous deadly casualties and scores of injuries among the protestors and the security forces.

“We are horrified by what has been happening in Kiev,” said Chaloka Beyani, who currently heads the Coordination Committee of international experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. “We strongly condemn the excessive use of force by the security forces against the protestors. We urge restraint and an urgent, independent and thorough investigation into the forces’ action.”

“We further urge the authorities to shed full light on the several cases of enforced disappearances of protestors since late November 2013,” Mr. Beyani pointed out. “Similarly, we condemn the alleged repeated targeting by the security forces of media personnel who report on the protests, and urge the forces to respect and facilitate their work.”

The group of international human rights experts stressed that those responsible for ordering and perpetrating arbitrary killings, enforced disappearances, acts of torture and other human rights violations are accountable for their actions under national and international law.

“We also condemn violence perpetrated by some protestors and urge them to renounce violence,” Mr. Beyani added, while urging the security forces to differentiate between peaceful protestors and violent elements in their handling of the situation. “Respect for the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under international human rights law, is absolutely essential,” he underscored.
 
The experts called on the Ukrainian Government and the opposition to resume meaningful dialogue to put an end to the appalling human rights situation. “Violence must stop now”, they said.

“Given their expertise in a wide range of human rights issues, our independent experts will continue to follow the situation closely and take any action as necessary,” Mr. Beyani noted. “They stand ready to support any initiatives to ensure the protection of human rights and engage constructively with all parties. In line with the standing invitation extended by Ukraine to special procedures, we call on the Government to facilitate their visit to the country,” the expert added.
 
“We welcome the efforts by the international community to help all parties to find a lasting solution to the crisis. No effort should be spared to reinstate a climate where human rights are fully protected and we call on all parties to take their responsibilities in that regard,” Mr. Beyani concluded.
 
ENDS

(*) The Coordination Committee is a body of six independent experts which coordinates and facilitates the work of special procedures as a whole. It is currently composed of Mr. Chaloka Beyani (Chair), Mr. Olivier de Frouville, Ms. Sheila B. Keetharuth, Mr. Tomás Ojea Quintana, Ms. Frances Raday, and Ms. Farida Shaheed. Learn more:  http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/CoordinationCommittee.aspx

“Special procedures” is the general name of the independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms of the Human Rights Council that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Currently, there are 37 thematic mandates and 14 mandates related to countries and territories, with 73 mandate holders. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights provides these mechanisms with support for the fulfilment of their mandates.

Special Procedures: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Welcomepage.aspx
Country mandates: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Countries.aspx
Thematic mandates: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/Pages/Themes.aspx

UN Human Rights, Country Page – Ukraine: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/Countries/ENACARegion/Pages/UAIndex.aspx
 
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U Mađarskoj veliki broj romske dece ide u specijalne škole

U Mađarskoj veliki broj romske dece ide u specijalne škole

Objavljeno : 21.02.2014.
U Mađarskoj se i dalje romska deca često šalju u škole za decu sa smetnjama u razvoju, iako je Evropski sud za ljudska prava osudio tu praksu a ta članica EU ima program za integraciju Roma. Prema zvaničnim procenama, trećina romske dece u Mađarskoj ide u škole namenjene isključivo njima, trećina u redovne škole, a trećina u škole za decu sa smetnjama u razvoju. Od septembra 2014. u Mađarskoj će pohađanje vrtića postati obavezno za svu decu starosti od 3 godine, što bi trebalo da doprinese većem uključivanju romske dece. Prevelika zastupljenost romske dece u specijalnim školama je problem sa kojima se suočava i Srbija, iako ima napretka u smanjenju njihovog broja. U mestu Đenđeši, na istoku Mađarske, u školi za decu sa smetnjama u razvoju, deca uče da broje kroz pesmu, dok druga deca crtaju crteže kojim će ukrasiti zidove učionice. Atmosfera je topla, a učitelji izgledaju posvećeni svom zadatku. Međutim, jedna stvar upada u oči: većina učenika su romska deca koja nemaju smetnje u razvoju, piše u reportaži agencije Frans pres. Direktorka te ustanove koju pohađa oko stotinu dece starosti od 5 do 18 godina nije želela to da potvrdi. "Ne svrstavamo decu prema etničkoj pripadnosti, to je zabranjeno, već prema socijalnom stanju", rekla je direktorka škole "Petefi" Eva Katalin Darudit. Ona je rekla da između 60% i 70% dece dolazi iz socijalno ugroženih porodica. Eva Katalin Darudit je istakla da ovakve škole, kojima upravlja država, nastoje da osposobe romsku desu koja su dovedena zbog lakših problema u učenju, da se uključe u redovnu nastavu. Međutim, predsednica nevladine škole "Šansa za decu" Eržebet Mohači smatra da je to u stvarnosti put ka odustajanju od daljeg školovanja. Od 10 miliona stanovnika u Mađarskoj oko 8% su Romi. Trećina romske dece, prema zvaničnim procenama, ide u redovne, mešovite škole, trećina u ustanove samo za romsku decu, a trećina u škole za decu sa smetnjama u razvoju. U toj članici EU nema statističkih podataka o učenicima, baziranim na etničkoj pripadnosti. "To znači da dve trećine romske dece nisu punopravni članovi društva, kao što je to pokazala presuda Evropskog suda za ljudska prava", rekla je Eržebet Mohači. Evropski sud za ljudska prava je u januaru 2013. presudio u korist dvojice romskih mladića koji su tužili Mađarsku jer su na neosnovan i diskriminatoran način smešteni u centar za osobe sa mentalnim smetnjama. Sud je u mišljenju konstatovao da su romska dece previše zastupljena u školi za decu sa smetnjama u razvoju koju su dva mlada Roma pohađala. U mišljenju se navodi da je takvo stanje u svim sličnim ustanovama u Mađarskoj zbog sistematičnog postavljanja pogrešnih dijagnoza o mentalnim smetnjama. Eržebet Mohači je rekla da je ta praksa bila izražena u vreme komunističkog sistema u Mađarskoj i drugim evropskim zemljama. "U tim školama 90% dece su Romi koji nemaju smetnje u mentalnom razvoju", rekla je ona. O upućivanju dece u specijalne ustanove odlučuju komisije koje čine prosvetni radnici, psiholozi i pedagozi. Međutim, kako navodi Eržebet Mohači, odluke se često donose na brzinu i to bez testiranja dece. Ima slučajeva i da komisija donosi odluka a da dete nije ni videla. Evropski sud za ljudska prava je ukazao na propuste u sistemu postavljanja dijagnoze jer se ne uzima u obzir socijalna i kulturološka sredina iz koje potiču romska deca. U izveštaju iz 2009. Evropska komisija protiv rasizma i netolerancije (ECRI) kritikovala je Mađarsku zbog nesrazmerno velikog broja romske dece sa smetnjama u mentalnom razvoju. Mađarske vlasti ističu da su svesne problema i da rade na uključivanju Roma u redovne škole koje pohađaju i deca mađarske nacionalnosti, što je i predviđeno nacionalnim programom za integraciju Roma u periodu 2007-2015. U 2007. godini 10% Roma je pohađalo srednju školu u Mađarskoj, a pet godina kasnije njihov udeo je porasto na 19%, navodi se u najnovijem izveštaju o sporovođenju programa za integraciju Roma. Udeo Roma koji polože maturu praktično se nije promenio i iznosi 6% dok ih je 2007. bilo 5%. Slično je i sa stopom mladih Roma koji imaju fakultetsku diplomu a koji iznosi 1%. "Naš cilj je da zajedno odgajamo romsku decu i decu drugih nacionalnosti", rekla je za AFP državna sekretarka za obrazovanje Roža Hofman. Ona očekuje da će do konrektnog pomaka doći u septembru 2014. godine, kada će pohađanje vrtića postati obavezno za svu decu starosti od 3 godine. Ta mera treba da doprinese većem uključivanju u društvo romske dece jer ona sada ulaze u obrazovni sistem tek polaskom u školu sa 6 godina. Prema istraživanju Evropskog centra za romska prava (ERRC), čiji su rezultati predstavljeni u novembru 2013. u Beogradu, broj romskih učenika u specijalnim školama u Srbiji je smanjen, ali je i dalje visok. U školškoj 2011/2012. udeo romskih učenika u ukupnom broju đaka u ustanovama za decu sa smetnjama u razvoju bio je 23%, dok se u 2012/2013. njihov udeo smanjio na 21%. U nekim specijalnim školama udeo romskih učenika je bio daleko višo, do 73%, rečeno je na predstavljanju rezultata istraživanja krajem novembra. Konstatovano je da se i u Srbiji često dešava da se romska deca upisuju u specijalne škole bez mišljenja komisije. Izvor: AFP, EurActiv.rs Foto: sxc.hu http://www.euractiv.rs/

ODŽAN SASTANAK NA TEMU ''AKTIVNOSTI NACIONALNOG SAVETA U 2013. GODINI''

ODŽAN SASTANAK NA TEMU ''AKTIVNOSTI NACIONALNOG SAVETA U 2013. GODINI''

Utorak, 18. februar 2014. godine

U Palati Srbija, održan je sastanak predstavnika Kancelarije za ljudska i manjinska prava i delegacije Nacionalnog saveta romske nacionalne manjine, na temu ''Presek aktivnosti Nacionalnog saveta romske nacionalne manjine Srbije u 2013. godini'', u organizaciji Kancelarije za ljudska i manjinska prava.

 

Uvodna obraćanja imali su dr Suzana Paunović - direktorka Kancelarije za ljudska i manjinska prava, dr Dragoljub Acković- zamenik direktora Kancelarije za ljudska i manjinska prava i mr Bajram Saitović-rukovodilac Grupe za unapređenje položaja Roma i pomoć migrantima, Kancelarije za ljudska i manjinska prava.

Predsednik  Nacionalnog saveta, prof. Vitomir Mihajlović, detaljno je prezentovao aktivnosti Nacionalnog saveta u 2013. godini i istakao veoma dobru saradnju sa dr Suzanom Paunović, koja je u proteklom periodu saradnju sa romskim Nacionalnim savetom podigla na zavidan nivo.

Učešće u diskusiji, uzeli su i Dragan Jovanović, Nenad Tairović, Nenad Vasić, Živojin Mitrović, Dragan Vasiljković, Zlatomir Jovanović, Slavko Jovanović Bajram Saitović i Dragoljub Acković.
Analizu rada Odbora  Nacionalnog saveta sa posebnim osvrtom na standardizaciju romskog jezika, podneo je Ljuan Koko, predsednik Radne grupe za standardizaciju jezika.

http://www.romskinacionalnisavet.org/vesti/item/413-od%C5%BEan-sastanak-na-temu-aktivnosti-nacionalnog-saveta-u-2013-godini.html

UN rights expert hails changes, but highlights remaining challenges

Myanmar: UN rights expert hails changes, but highlights remaining challenges  

YANGON (19 February 2014) – United Nations Special Rapporteur Tomás Ojea Quintana today welcomed important changes in Myanmar “that have brought improvements to the human rights situation,” but raised alarm on a number of challenges which, if left unaddressed, “could jeopardize the entire reform process.”

“I believe there is limited space for backtracking, though -as a senior Government official admitted to me in Nay Pyi Taw- the democratic transition is still fragile,” he underscored.  

Mr. Ojea Quintana’s comments come at the end of his last official mission* to the country, after six years as the independent expert mandated by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor, report and advise on the human rights situation in Myanmar.

The Special Rapporteur praised key positive changes achieved in recent years, like the release of prisoners of conscience, the opening up of space for freedom of expression, the development of political freedoms, and important progress in securing an end to fighting in the ethnic border areas.

He warned, however, that “the military retains a prevailing role in the life and institutions of Myanmar for the time being. State institutions in general remain unaccountable and the judiciary is not yet functioning as an independent branch of Government.”
 
“Moreover, the rule of law cannot yet be said to exist in Myanmar,” Mr. Ojea Quintana stated, noting that the current situation in Rakhine State still represents a particular obstacle and a threat to the reform process.

Regarding the recent police operation in Du Chee Yar Tan, northern Rakhine State, he said that if an independent investigation does not take place, “I will urge the UN Human Rights Council to work with the Government of Myanmar to establish a credible investigation to uncover the truth…and to hold anyone responsible for human rights violations to account.”  

During his last mission to Myanmar, Mr. Ojea Quintana visited the capital -Nay Pyi Taw-, Yangon, Rakhine State, Sagaing Region and Kachin State including Laiza. This is the first time that a human rights rapporteur has been able to visit Laiza.

“During my drive up from Myitkyina to Laiza, I saw villages that had been abandoned over the previous years by those fleeing advancing military troops,” he said. “The visit to Laiza brought home to me how closely related the fighting is with serious human rights violations, and the importance of securing a national ceasefire accord in the coming months.”  


The Special Rapporteur commended progress towards this national ceasefire accord, which could be signed by April.  “A critical challenge will be to secure ceasefire and political agreements with ethnic minority groups, so that Myanmar can finally transform into a peaceful multi-ethnic and multi-religious society,” Mr. Ojea Quintana said. “Whatever the course of these negotiations, military and non-state actors need to abide by humanitarian and human rights law.”  

On the Constitution, he said that reform was necessary to “embrace the aspirations of the ethnic communities”, and to “address the undemocratic powers granted to the military and further democratize parliament, upholding the right of people to choose their own government and president.”  

The human rights expert called for a change of mind-set within all levels of Government, to allow civil society, political parties and a free media to flourish beyond the limited freedoms that have currently been granted. “Detaining journalists for the coverage of sensitive stories is something that belongs in Myanmar’s past,” he stressed.        

He visited Thilawa Special Economic Zone, south of Yangon, and met with communities who had been displaced by the development project and spoke with members of the Thilawa management committee. The expert also visited the copper mines in Monywa in Sagaing Region, and met with opponents of the mine as well as the State Government and members of Wanbao, the Chinese company active in developing the copper mine at Letpadaung.      
 
“I am finishing my time on this mandate with a clear and visible human rights agenda to be followed up on by the Government, civil society and the international community,” the Special Rapporteur concluded.
 
His full report on the visit will be presented to the Human Rights Council on 17 March 2014.
(*) Check the full end-of-mission statement by the Special Rapporteur: 

http://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=14263&LangID=E  

ENDS

Mr. Tomás Ojea Quintana (Argentina) was appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council in May 2008. As Special Rapporteur, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity. Learn more, log on to: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/HRBodies/SP/CountriesMandates/MM/Pages/SRMyanmar.aspx

Read the Special Rapporteur’s latest report to the UN General Assembly (October 2013): http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Countries/MM/A-68-397_en.pdf

UN Human Rights, country page – Myanmar: http://www.ohchr.org/EN/countries/AsiaRegion/Pages/MMIndex.aspx

For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Bangkok: Daniel Collinge, (+41 79 444 3707 / dcollinge@ohchr.org)

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Xabier Celaya, UN Human Rights – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / xcelaya@ohchr.org)  

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