16 December 2016
Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights: Ravina Shamdasani
Location:
Geneva
Subject: (1)
Myanmar
(2)
Colombia
(3)
50th Anniversary of the Human Rights Covenants
(1) Myanmar
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al
Hussein today warned the Government of Myanmar that its “short-sighted,
counterproductive, even callous” approach to handling the crisis in northern
Rakhine – including its failure to allow independent monitors access to the
worst affected areas – could have grave long-term repercussions for the country
and the region.
“The repeated dismissal of the claims of serious human
rights violations as fabrications, coupled with the failure to allow our
independent monitors access to the worst affected areas in northern Rakhine, is
highly insulting to the victims and an abdication of the Government’s
obligations under international human rights law,” Zeid said.
(*Link to full press release below)
(2) Colombia
The Colombian peace agreement has great potential to
improve the human rights situation in the country but we are concerned that
practical aspects of the demobilization and disarming of FARC members set out
in the accord are not being prioritized.
International experience shows that the initial days of
demobilization are the most critical in ensuring combatants do not abandon the
peace process and to prevent an increase in violence.
Under the peace deal, FARC guerrillas are supposed to
gather in 27 zones where they will disarm and demobilize. But two weeks into
the demobilization process, none of these zones are equipped to adequately
receive them. There is limited access to safe drinking water, food, health
services and electricity.
In the meantime, FARC members have been gathering in what
are known as pre-concentration points prior to disarming and demobilizing,
where there is similar lack of preparation and facilities. We are also
concerned that there are no concrete security measures in place.
As FARC guerrillas leave areas traditionally under their
control, the State has not yet fully stepped in, leaving a power vacuum. Armed
and criminal groups are vying for control of illegal economic activities in
these areas, such as coca-growing and illegal mining.
Amid this situation, there is a risk of increased human
rights violations. The UN Human Rights Office in Colombia documented 61
killings in 2016 – mainly of human rights defenders and social leaders in rural
areas. Twenty-one of these killings happened after the signing of the first
peace accord on 26 September.
There are also long-term challenges given the ambitious
scope of the peace agreement.
We therefore urge the Colombian Government to designate a
crisis manager with executive authority to address these practical problems to
avoid undermining a peace process that promises much, if properly implemented.
We are also calling for immediate, determined and visible
State action on the ground to provide security and basic services and to begin
implementing all aspects of the accord to ensure that it lives up to the
promise of peace for Colombia.
The impetus given to the peace process by the granting of
the Nobel Peace Prize to President Juan Manuel Santos is welcome. We also hope
that the decision by Colombia’s Constitutional Court to grant “fast-track”
authority to implement legal reforms crucial to implement the peace deal with
the FARC, including an amnesty law, will drive the process forward.
(3) 50th Anniversary of the Human Rights Covenants
Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UN General
Assembly’s adoption of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
(ICESCR). Together with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, these two
covenants comprise what is known as the “International Bill of Human Rights.”
Over the past half century, the Covenants have helped
shape national constitutions and laws; they have contributed to policies and
programmes that respect the will of the people; and they have been an
invaluable tool in the fight against discrimination. The work of the two
Committees that monitor the Covenants has provided guidance to countries the
world over and helped many seek justice and law reform.
We urge States that are not parties to the two Covenants
to ratify them as matter of utmost importance.**
ENDS
*Read the full press release on Rakhine at:
Audio and video materials from the press briefing on will
be available at UN Web TV:
**To view a video message by Deputy High Commissioner for
Human Rights Kate Gilmore on the importance of the two Covenants, please visit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De-vc7NzqhE
To find more about the 2 Covenants and take action,
please visit: http://2covenants.ohchr.org/index.html
For more information and media requests, please contact
Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9767 / rcolville@ohchr.org) or Ravina Shamdasani
(+41 22 917 9169 / rshamdasani@ohchr.org ) or Liz Throssell ( +41 22 917 9466/ ethrossell@ohchr.org )
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