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04. 11. 2017.

OHCHR PRESS BRIEFING NOTES - (1) Manus Island



3 November 2017

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights:  Rupert Colville

Location:      Geneva

Subject:        (1) Manus Island
               
(1) Manus Island

We are concerned by events in the past week at Australia’s offshore Regional Processing Centre on Manus Island in Papua New Guinea where refugees and asylum seekers are holding out after the Australian Government’s decision to close the facility and pull out its support staff. We share the concerns of other UN agencies, including UNHCR, about what is an unfolding humanitarian emergency. We have serious concerns about the welfare, safety and well-being of the roughly 600 men who remain in the accommodation compound, who are too frightened to leave.
We call on the Australian Government, as the Party who interned the men in the first place, to immediately provide protection, food, water and other basic services which have been cut off since authorities shuttered the facility on 31 October. Australian contractors/service providers have now left the island.

We remind the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea of their responsibilities under international human rights law and the 1951 Refugee Convention, to protect the men from harm; to ensure their right to seek and enjoy asylum; to guarantee access to fundamental economic, social and cultural rights, including adequate housing, water, food, sanitation, and health care; as well as to fulfil other humanitarian obligations. Moreover, the men have said they fear they will be subjected to violence at the hands of locals if they leave the compound – and, given there have been violent incidents in the past, we believe these fears should be respected and satisfactorily addressed.

All migrants, including refugees and asylum-seekers, are human beings. Like all of us, they have a right to a safe and secure environment, a right to an adequate standard of living and to participate in the decision-making process that is affecting their future. Human dignity should be ensured throughout the entire processing of their asylum claims. We urge the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea to fully respect their human rights, including their specific rights under international refugee law, and to enter into a dialogue with the men to ensure these rights are duly respected, protected and fulfilled.

We repeat our overall concerns about Australia’s offshore processing centres, which are unsustainable, inhumane and contrary to its human rights obligations. We urge the Australia Government to transfer the men to mainland Australia where their claims can be processed.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 9767 / rcolville@ohchr.org) or Liz Throssell  ( +41 22 917 9466/ ethrossell@ohchr.org ) or Jeremy Laurence: + 41 22 917 9383  / jlaurence@ohchr.org


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Sale and exploitation of children: UN rights expert launches visit to Lao PDR


Laotian version attached

Sale and exploitation of children: UN rights expert launches visit to Lao PDR

GENEVA (3 November 2017) – A United Nations human rights expert will carry out an official visit to Lao PDR from 8 to 16 November to assess the extent of child exploitation in the country and reach out to young victims.

Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children, said: “I appreciate the invitation of the Government of Lao PDR to help them promote and protect the rights of children. During my visit, I will evaluate the risks and forms of exploitation of children in the country, as well as the measures already adopted to fight the problem, and the challenges that remain.”

“I will reach out to child victims of abuse, violence and exploitation, and to children in vulnerable situations, such as migrant children, those from minorities, and children placed in institutions, to take their opinions into account in my recommendations to the Government and other concerned parties,” said Ms de Boer-Buquicchio.

The Special Rapporteur, whose mission is at the invitation of the Government, will visit a number of childcare and rehabilitation centres, and shelters for victims.

During her nine-day visit, Ms de Boer-Buquicchio will travel to the capital, Vientiane, and the provinces of Oudomxay, Champasak and Salavan. She will meet representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, provincial and local authorities, representatives of non-profit associations and international NGOs, the private sector and members of the international community.

At the end of her visit, on Thursday 16 November 2017, Ms de Boer-Buquicchio will share her preliminary observations with the media at a press conference at the UN House, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane, at 14:00 local time. Access will be strictly limited to journalists.

The Special Rapporteur will present a comprehensive report on her visit to the UN Human Rights Council.
  
ENDS

Ms Maud de Boer-Buquicchio (Netherlands) was appointed as Special Rapporteur on the sale and sexual exploitation of children by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2014 and her mandate was renewed in March 2017. She served as Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe between 2002 and 2012. Ms de Boer-Buquicchio spearheaded the adoption of the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. She is the President of the European Federation for Missing and Exploited Children.

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

UN Human Rights, Country Page - Lao

For additional information before and during the visit please contact: Nekane Lavín (+41 22 917 9402 / nlavin@ohchr.org) or write to srsaleofchildren@ohchr.org



For inquiries regarding the press conference please contact: Ildiko Hamos-Sohlo –
UN in Lao PDR (+856 20 7717 7913 /ildiko.hamos@one.un.org)

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts please contact:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9826 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  


Concerned about the world we live in? Then STAND UP for someone’s rights today. #Standup4humanrights and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org




Human rights must be centre-stage as Paris climate change deal takes effect, UN experts say



Human rights must be centre-stage as Paris climate change deal takes effect, UN experts say


GENEVA (3 November 2017) – Human rights must be central to the way the Paris climate change agreement is put into practice, a group of UN specialists has urged ahead of a major global conference.

The implementation guidelines for the COP 21 deal should also focus heavily on sustainable development, said the experts*, as UN agencies, governments and civil society groups prepare to meet in Bonn from 6-17 November for the COP 23 climate change conference, which will work on guidelines for how the deal will be implemented.

“The Paris Agreement marked an important global recognition of the devastating human rights impacts of climate change and the key importance of human rights in addressing this global challenge,” said the experts.

“It is crucial that this recognition is carried forward as the world works together to implement the plan and to create a sustainable shared future.”

They added: “All of us – from Governments and groups to communities and individuals – should come together in a spirit of cooperation, solidarity, creativity and determination to build on the Paris agreement, to shape a safe, healthy and sustainable world where all human rights and fundamental freedoms are realized.”

The COP 23 conference will discuss financing climate action, enabling countries to cooperate, adapt and build resilience, reporting progress, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable development.

“Each of these issues has a human rights dimension that must not be ignored,” the experts stressed. “The world must move forward to address climate change using the long-established principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

“The needs of the most vulnerable must always be at the forefront as climate finance and adaptation, prevention and resilience measures are decided. The world must also meet its obligations to cooperate across borders and to mobilize all available resources to progressively realize economic, social and cultural rights, and to advance civil and political rights and the right to development.”

The experts also emphasized the relationship between climate change and other major human rights challenges.

“We have already seen the very real effects that climate change has on people’s homes and livelihoods, on their rights to health, housing, food, water and sanitation, development and many others,” they said.

“The international community needs to respond in a way that safeguards the human rights of individuals and communities, especially migrants and refugees, indigenous peoples, children and people with disabilities.

“We must work for a global commitment to sustainability and shared prosperity, cooperating across borders to enable States to grow in new ways that respect human rights and meet people’s needs while guaranteeing a safe and healthy future for our environment and for present and future generations.”

The implementation guidelines discussed in Bonn should respect key human rights principles such as transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, meaningful and informed public participation, access to justice, and equality and non-discrimination, the experts said.

Particular attention should be paid to the gender dimensions of climate change and to inter-generational equity, they added, and implementation should complement other important global processes such as the Global Compact for Migration, the Global Compact for Refugees, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The experts said they embraced the Fijian Presidency’s vision of infusing the COP 23 with the Fijian “Bula Spirit” of inclusiveness, friendliness and solidarity.
 
ENDS

*The UN experts:  Mr John Knox, Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment ; Ms Leilani Farha, Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing; Mr Obiora C. Okafor, the Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity; Mr Felipe Gonzalez Morales, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants; and Mr Saad Alfarargi, Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development .


The Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For inquiries and media requests, please contact: Monica Iyer (+41 22 917 9668 / spbconsultant7@ohchr.org)
 

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts please contact:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9826 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  


Concerned about the world we live in? Then STAND UP for someone’s rights today. #Standup4humanrights and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org


02. 11. 2017.

MEDIA STATEMENT - ENGLISH -- International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – Thursday 2 November / Political leaders must end demonization of journalists to stop increased attacks – UN experts



International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists – Thursday 2 November

Political leaders must end demonization of journalists to stop increased attacks – UN experts


Geneva (1 November 2017) – The world is witnessing a “downward spiral of attacks” on journalists, spurred on by hate speech even from senior politicians, two UN experts have warned. Speaking ahead of 2 November, which has been designated International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Special Rapporteurs on arbitrary, summary and extrajudicial executions, Agnes Callamard, and on freedom of expression, David Kaye, called on States to act:

“So far this year, the world has lost more than 30 journalists to targeted attacks. In addition to taking individual lives and depriving family members of their loved ones, these attacks aim to destroy the public watchdog role of journalism that is essential to democratic society.

The attacks on journalism are widespread and deplorable. Assaults on investigative reporters, including independent journalists, freelancers and bloggers, undermine official accountability and help entrench corruption and other abuses of power.

When authorities fail to follow up such attacks with independent and impartial investigations that can bring perpetrators to justice, the killers and their allies achieve their objectives.

The attacks need to stop. So too does the public demonization of reporting and specific media outlets and reporters by political leaders at the highest levels.

Whipping up anger and distrust, or redefining journalism as a crime akin to terrorism, are steps on the path to physical attack. The end of impunity begins with a commitment at the most senior levels to stop the hateful rhetoric, end detentions and prosecutions of journalists, and take steps to bring all attackers to justice.

Our societies cannot afford to continue this downward spiral of attacks against journalists. We urge all States - in word and action – to devote resources to reverse this trend.”

ENDS


The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For more information and media requests please contact:
Ms Azin Tadjdini (atadjdini@ohchr.orgatadjdini@ohchr.org/ +41 22 917 9400 or write to freedex@ohchr.org).

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts please contact:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9826 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  


Concerned about the world we live in? Then STAND UP for someone’s rights today. #Standup4humanrights and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org


26. 10. 2017.

NEWS RELEASE (ENGLISH / ESPAÑOL) - Put human rights at heart of development, Zeid urges Peru / Zeid insta a Perú a poner los derechos humanos al centro del desarrollo Inbox



Vea abajo la versión en español

Put human rights at heart of development, Zeid urges Peru

GENEVA/LIMA (25 October 2017) – Peru has made great strides over the last decade in reducing poverty, but needs to stand up firmly for human rights to ensure its economic model is sustainable and works for the benefit of all, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said on Tuesday at the end of a two-day visit to the country.

“I welcome Peru’s efforts to fight poverty and exclusion, and its economic progress is undeniable. The country must now consolidate such advances by continuing to strengthen the rule of law and the protection of human rights,” said Zeid, whose visit included meetings with President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, as well as with authorities from Congress and the Judiciary, civil society representatives and the private sector.

“Development, to be truly sustainable, should not leave anyone behind, and should never be at the expense of the rights of some members of society,” the High Commissioner stressed.

While expressing concern about the negative impact of corruption on the enjoyment of human rights in the country, Zeid said: “Peru has a great opportunity to significantly improve its human rights situation. In this endeavour, it is crucial to recall that international treaties ratified by the country impose obligations not only on  the Government but also on  Congress, the Judiciary and all State institutions.”

The High Commissioner highlighted the Government’s development of a National Human Rights Action Plan and called for the meaningful participation of all sectors, particularly civil society groups and the Ombudsman’s Office in its elaboration.“It is our sincere hope that the resulting National Action Plan can adequately address Peru’s human rights needs, particularly those of the most vulnerable groups,” he said. Zeid also reiterated the readiness of the UN Human Rights Office, including through its Regional Office for South America, to continue providing support and technical expertise on this and other human rights initiatives.

There has been progress in consulting indigenous peoples on mining, energy and other development projects since the adoption in 2011 of a landmark law, Zeid said, but more needs to be done to ensure they can give their free, prior and informed consent for such projects, in line with international human rights standards.

“Speaking to civil society groups, I heard their burning sense of injustice that decisions affecting people’s land, lives and futures are made by others,” Zeid said, highlighting that dozens of social conflicts and protests erupt each year in Peru, many linked to the mining, oil and logging sectors. “This is why, in my talks with business leaders, I stressed the urgent need for companies to respect the human rights of indigenous peoples, human rights defenders and trade unionists. Meaningful consultation and dialogue do not undermine business, rather they serve to advance the human rights and business agenda.”

Zeid also urged the Government to implement without delay measures to increase the protection of human rights defenders. “Peru is no exception to a trend across the Americas - and indeed the world - of harassment, intimidation and alarming attacks on human rights activists,” he noted.

The implementation of the 2016 legal framework and national plan to search for people missing between 1980 and 2000 is also urgent, the High Commissioner said.
“Such steps are vital to help Peru come to terms with its painful past that saw so much suffering and bloodshed, but I am concerned that the recommendations made more than a decade ago by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission have to date been insufficiently implemented,” he said.

“The high level of impunity for violations committed during this period is deeply troubling. The needs of victims and their relatives must be addressed, including their right to truth, justice and reparations. In addition, resources must be made available to ensure that the search for the missing can be fully carried out.”

Zeid also heard concerns about the possibility of a presidential pardon for former President Alberto Fujimori, who was sentenced in 2009 to 25 years in prison for very serious human rights violations. “Fujimori was convicted of crimes amounting to crimes against humanity, that is, crimes of interest to the international community as a whole. The international community must be approached and engaged in this highly important matter,” the High Commissioner recalled.

With women and girls at high risk of gender-based violence in Peru, the passing of laws designed to prevent and punish such violence, including domestic violence and femicide, is important, Zeid noted. Nevertheless, rigorous implementation and strong preventive measures are also required, because in too many cases the perpetrator escapes punishment. “I urge the Government to address the social and cultural attitudes that continue to be used to justify violence against women,” the High Commissioner said.

Zeid also called for improvements in the area of sexual and reproductive rights of women. The recent amendments by Congress to measures aimed at promoting gender equality and LGBTI rights were a “setback,” he added.

The High Commissioner welcomed Peru’s election as a Member State of the UN Human Rights Council. “I look forward to Peru’s full cooperation with the Council by upholding the highest human rights standards for the world, which must also be pursued at the national level,” he said.

ENDS

For more information and media requests, please contact:
In Geneva: Rupert Colville (+41 22 917 97 67 / rcolville@ohchr.org), or Liz Throssell (+41 22 917 94 66 / ethrossell@ohchr.org)
Travelling with the High Commissioner: Maria Jeanette Moya (+56979997907 / mmoya@ohchr.org)

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Zeid insta a Perú a poner los derechos humanos al centro del desarrollo


GINEBRA/LIMA (25 de octubre de 2017) - Perú ha logrado grandes avances en la última década en la reducción de la pobreza, pero debe defender firmemente los derechos humanos para garantizar que su modelo económico sea sostenible y funcione en beneficio de todas las personas, comentó el martes el Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Derechos Humanos, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, al concluir una visita de dos días al país.

"Celebro los esfuerzos de Perú para luchar contra la pobreza y la exclusión, y sus progresos económicos son innegables. El país debe ahora consolidar tales avances, continuando con el fortalecimiento del estado de derecho y la protección de los derechos humanos", manifestó Zeid, cuya visita incluyó reuniones con el Presidente Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, así como con autoridades del Congreso y el Poder Judicial, representantes de la sociedad civil y del sector privado.

"Para que sea realmente sostenible, el desarrollo no debe dejar a nadie atrás, y nunca debe ocurrir a expensas de los derechos de algunos integrantes de la sociedad", subrayó el Alto Comisionado.

Junto con expresar preocupación por los impactos negativos de la corrupción en el disfrute de los derechos humanos en el país, el Alto Comisionado dijo que “Perú tiene una gran oportunidad para mejorar su situación de derechos humanos de manera considerable. En este cometido, resulta crucial recordar que los tratados internacionales ratificados por el país imponen obligaciones no solo al gobierno sino también al Poder Legislativo, el Poder Judicial y, en definitiva, a todas las instituciones del Estado”.

El Alto Comisionado destacó que el gobierno está desarrollando un Plan Nacional de Acción en Derechos Humanos y pidió una participación significativa de todos los sectores, especialmente las organizaciones de la sociedad civil y la Defensoría del Pueblo en su proceso de elaboración. “Esperamos sinceramente que el Plan Nacional de Acción resultante pueda abordar en forma adecuada las necesidades de derechos humanos en Perú, y en especial aquellas de los grupos más vulnerables”. Él también reiteró la disposición de la Oficina de Derechos Humanos de la ONU, incluyendo a través de su Oficina Regional para América del Sur, para continuar brindando su apoyo y asistencia técnica en esta y otras iniciativas de derechos humanos.

Ha habido progresos en consultar a los pueblos indígenas sobre asuntos relacionados a la minería, energía y otros proyectos de desarrollo desde la adopción en 2011 de una histórica ley, expresó Zeid, pero se necesita hacer más para garantizar que puedan dar su consentimiento libre, previo e informado para tales proyectos, en línea con los estándares internacionales de derechos humanos.

"Hablando con representantes de la sociedad civil, escuché una fuerte sensación de injusticia al ver que las decisiones que afectan las tierras, las vidas y el futuro de los pueblos indígenas son tomadas por otros", dijo Zeid, destacando que cada año en Perú surgen docenas s de conflictos sociales y protestas, muchos de los cuales están vinculados a sectores mineros, petroleros y madereros.

"Es por eso que en mis conversaciones con líderes empresariales enfaticé en la necesidad urgente de que las empresas respeten los derechos humanos de los pueblos indígenas, de las defensoras y los defensores de derechos humanos y de los líderes sindicales. Las consultas y diálogos significativos no socavan los negocios, sino que sirven para avanzar en los derechos humanos y la agenda de negocios."

Zeid también instó al gobierno a implementar sin demora medidas para aumentar la protección de las y los defensores de derechos humanos. "Perú no es una excepción a la tendencia en las Américas, y de hecho en todo el mundo, de hostigamiento, intimidación y ataques alarmantes en contra de activistas de derechos humanos", señaló.

La implementación del marco legal y del plan nacional de 2016 para la búsqueda de personas desaparecidas entre 1980 y 2000 es también urgente, dijo el Alto Comisionado. "Estos pasos son vitales para ayudar a Perú a superar su doloroso pasado de sufrimiento y derramamiento de sangre, pero me preocupa que las recomendaciones realizadas hace más de una década atrás por la Comisión de la Verdad y la Reconciliación se hayan implementado de manera insuficiente", destacó.

"El alto nivel de impunidad por las violaciones cometidas durante este período es profundamente preocupante. Deben abordarse las necesidades de las víctimas y sus familiares, incluidos su derecho a la verdad, la justicia y la reparación. Además, los recursos deben estar disponibles para garantizar que la búsqueda de los desaparecidos se pueda completar".

Zeid también escuchó preocupaciones sobre la posibilidad de un indulto presidencial para el expresidente Alberto Fujimori, quien fue sentenciado en 2009 a 25 años de prisión por muy serias violaciones a los derechos humanos. El Alto Comisionado recordó que “Fujimori fue condenado por delitos que constituyen crímenes contra la humanidad, es decir, crímenes que son del interés de la comunidad internacional en su conjunto. La comunidad internacional debe ser involucrada en este tema tan importante”.

Sobre mujeres y niñas en alto riesgo de violencia de género en Perú, la aprobación de leyes diseñadas para prevenir y castigar dicha violencia -incluida la violencia doméstica y el feminicidio- es importante, dijo Zeid. Sin embargo, Zeid agregó que también son necesarias una implementación rigurosa y fuertes medidas preventivas, pues en demasiados casos, el perpetrador escapa del castigo. “Insto al Gobierno a abordar las actitudes sociales y culturales que se siguen utilizando para justificar la violencia contra la mujer ", declaró el Alto Comisionado.

Zeid también llamó a introducir mejoras en el ámbito de los derechos sexuales y reproductivos de las mujeres. Asimismo, agregó que las recientes enmiendas introducidas en el Congreso a medidas que buscan promover la igualdad de género y los derechos de las personas LGBTI representan “un revés".

Por último, el Alto Comisionado saludó la elección de Perú como Estado Miembro del Consejo de Derechos Humanos de la ONU. "Espero con interés que Perú coopere plenamente con el Consejo, manteniendo los más altos estándares de derechos humanos frente el mundo, lo que también debe perseguirse a nivel nacional", enfatizó.


FIN

MEDIA STATEMENT - ENGLISH -- UN independent expert urges Spanish Government to reverse decision on Catalan autonomy



UN independent expert urges Spanish Government to reverse decision on Catalan autonomy


GENEVA (25 October 2017) - The UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas, is calling on Spanish authorities to enter into negotiations in good faith with leaders in Catalonia following the announcement that the Spanish Government would suspend the region’s autonomy. On 19 October, the Spanish Government announced its intention to impose direct rule on the region after a deadline seeking an end to the Catalan independence campaign was not met. His statement is as follows:

“I deplore the decision of the Spanish Government to suspend Catalan autonomy. This action constitutes retrogression in human rights protection, incompatible with Articles 1, 19, 25 and 27 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Pursuant to Articles 10(2) and 96 of the Spanish Constitution, international treaties constitute the law of the land and, therefore, Spanish law must be interpreted in conformity with international treaties.  

“Denying a people the right to express themselves on the issue of self-determination, denying the legality of a referendum, using force to prevent the holding of a referendum, and cancelling the limited autonomy of a people by way of punishment constitutes a violation of Article 1 of the ICCPR and of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. Alternatively, addressing the aspiration of peoples to self-determination in a timely fashion is an important conflict prevention measure, as is evidenced by the countless wars that have occurred since 1945 that found their origin in denial of self-determination. Dialogue and political negotiation should be encouraged to prevent violence.

“The Spanish Government appears to invoke the principle of territorial integrity to justify forceful attempts to silence political dissent and aspirations of self-determination. While the principle of territorial integrity is important, as understood in many United Nations Resolutions, including GA Resolutions 2625 and 3314, it is intended to be applied externally, to prohibit foreign threats or incursions into the territorial integrity of sovereign States. This principle cannot be invoked to quench the right of all people, guaranteed under Article 1 of the International Covenants on Human Rights, to express their desire to control their futures. The right of self-determination is a right of peoples and not a prerogative of States to grant or deny. In case of a conflict between the principle of territorial integrity and the human right to self-determination, it is the latter that prevails.

“Of course, there are many peoples worldwide who aspire to self-determination, whether internal in the form of autonomy or external in the form of independence. And while the realization of self-determination is not automatic or self-executing, it is a fundamental human right that the international community should help implement.

“The international law of self-determination has also progressed far beyond mere decolonization. Applying the 15 criteria contained in my 2014 report (paras 63-77), it is evident that no state can use the principle of territorial integrity to deny the right of self-determination and that arguments about the legality of actions taken by Catalonia’s elected parliament are immaterial. Such arguments do not nullify the ius cogens character of self-determination.

“The only democratic solution to the current impasse is to suspend repressive measures and to organize a referendum so as to determine the true wishes of the population concerned. Such a referendum should be monitored by the EU, OSCE and private observers including the Carter Center.”

ENDS

Mr. Alfred de Zayas (United States of America) was appointed as the first Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic andequitable international order by the Human Rights Council, effective May 2012. He is currently professor of international law at the Geneva School of Diplomacy. Mr. de Zayas practiced corporate law and family law in New York and Florida. As a Human Rights Council mandate holder, he is independent from any government or organization and serves in his individual capacity.

The Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For more information and media requests, please contact Ms. Aminta Ossom (+41 22 917 9611 / aossom@ohchr.org) or write to ie-internationalorder@ohchr.org


Concerned about the world we live in? Then STAND UP for someone’s rights today. #Standup4humanrights and visit the web page at http://www.standup4humanrights.org 


NEWS RELEASE - ENGLISH -- Human rights defenders face worsening risks for challenging firms, UN expert warns



Human rights defenders face worsening risks for challenging firms, UN expert warns

NEW YORK (25 October 2017) - States and companies must do more to protect and respect human rights defenders working on business-related issues, amid a worsening climate of attacks, a United Nations expert has said.

“Human rights defenders who are pressing for companies to be held accountable should not be criminalised or threatened,” said Michel Forst, presenting his fourth report to the UN General Assembly.  

“They play a critical role in ensuring sustainable development and the enjoyment of fundamental rights.

“Human rights defenders, local communities, trade unionists and whistleblowers who denounce business scandals are all facing increasing dangers worldwide, and the responses so far have not matched the challenges,” Mr. Forst added.

The Special Rapporteur said there was a “worrying tendency to silence critics”, even though more and more companies were developing guidelines to ensure that development projects respected the rights of communities and defenders.

“Human rights defenders are often depicted as anti-development, but it is high time we change the narrative and show that those who act against human rights are actually those who are against progress and development,” Mr Forst said.

In many regions of the world, human rights defenders paid a high price for exposing human rights violations in the context of business-related activities, he said. The increasing number of threats and attacks could largely be explained by the lack of preventative measures such as consultations of affected communities and reactive measures like grievance mechanisms.

“I am also appalled by the number of cases in which companies benefit from corrupt political systems that favour short-term profits over human rights,” the Special Rapporteur added.

He highlighted a number of concrete steps which States could take to prevent human rights violations of people trying to hold companies to account.

For example, countries could introduce laws obliging companies to show due diligence in protecting human rights and guaranteeing the participation of communities and rights defenders in business-related decisions.

International finance institutions also had to ensure their projects avoided any negative impact on human rights on the ground, he added.

ENDS

Mr. Michel Forst (France) was appointed by the Human Rights Council as the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders in 2014. Michel Forst has extensive experience on human rights issues and particularly on the situation of human rights defenders. In particular, he was the Director General of Amnesty International (France) and Secretary General of the first World Summit on Human Rights Defenders in 1998. He is a former UN Independent Expert on the human rights situation in Haiti.

The Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For inquiries and media requests, please contact Lucía de la Sierra  (+41 22 917 9741 ldelasierra@ohchr.org), or write to defenders@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9826 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  


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NEWS RELEASE - ENGLISH -- Time to fight global avalanche of misogyny caused by fundamentalism and extremism, UN rights expert says



Time to fight global avalanche of misogyny caused by fundamentalism and extremism, UN rights expert says


NEW YORK (25 October 2017) – The world must fight back against a growing threat to women’s rights fuelled by rising fundamentalism and extremism, a UN human rights expert has told the General Assembly in New York.

“Fundamentalism and extremism are giving rise to widespread abuses of women’s cultural rights,” said Karima Bennoune, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, presenting a report on the global challenges being faced.

“Some of the most urgent threats that women’s human rights will face in coming years will include the diverse forms of fundamentalism and extremism that are on the rise across all regions of the world.”

The Special Rapporteur asked the audience: “What world will your daughters inherit? This is a wake-up call for our times. We face a multidirectional global avalanche of misogyny, motivated by diverse fundamentalist and extremist ideologies. For the sake of all the daughters around the world, let us come together and take an unequivocal stand for women’s equal cultural rights, to reverse this worrying trend.

Ms. Bennoune said protecting women’s rights was not optional in tackling fundamentalism and extremism, which have inequality and rejection of human rights at their core and have to be met with a vigorous international human rights-based challenge.

“These ideologies seek to roll back advances achieved in securing women’s equality, aim to block further advances, and try to penalize and stigmatize women human rights defenders promoting such critical efforts. They give rise to a backlash against women’s rights and those who defend them,” she said.

“Diverse religious fundamentalists have sought to punish cultural expression incompatible with their interpretations of religion through blasphemy laws, gender discriminatory family laws, campaigns of harassment, human rights abuses and outright violence.”

“Extremists often harass and target women who are members of minority groups, or who are immigrants or are lesbian, bisexual or transgender, as they seek to enjoy their equal cultural rights. They are often motivated by myths of a homogenous nation, claims of cultural or ethnic or racial superiority or purity, and populist ultra-nationalism.”

The Special Rapporteur called for an immediate end to discriminatory practices such as banning women’s artistic expression, extremist targeting of cultural events associated with women and girls, the imposition of “modest” dress codes, and curbs on women’s equal participation in social, economic, political and cultural affairs.

“Boosting the protection and promotion of women’s human rights is not only essential to tackling extremism, but there is no way to achieve gender equality by 2030 as committed to in the UN Sustainable Development Goals without addressing the human rights impacts of fundamentalism and extremism,” she added.

The Special Rapporteur said she had particular concerns that fundamentalists and extremists were targeting education in an effort to impose their worldviews.

“The promotion and defence of non-sexist education in accordance with international standards, and of non-discrimination and full equality for women and girls in education, are among the most important measures governments can take to defeat fundamentalism and extremism and defend women’s cultural rights,” Ms. Bennoune said.

“Arts, education, science and culture are among the best ways to fight fundamentalism and extremism and support women’s rights. These are not luxuries, but are critical to creating alternatives and protecting youth from any form of radicalization.”

She also paid tribute to female human rights defenders around the world who “recognized and responded to” extremism, sometimes at the cost of their own lives, and stressed they should be central to developing strategies to combat fundamentalism and extremism. “Empowering them disempowers extremists,” she added.

The Special Rapporteur said the answer lay partially in secular politics and governance.

“The separation of religion and state is a critical piece of the struggle against fundamentalist and extremist ideologies that target women, as it creates or preserves space for women and minorities to challenge those ideologies, and to enjoy their cultural rights without discrimination,” Ms. Bennoune said.

She also stressed that women’s rights should never be used as a bargaining chip in pursuit of peace with extremist and fundamentalist groups. “Giving in to the social demands of fundamentalists and extremists, especially about women, only exacerbates the human rights situation and leads to escalating claims,” she said.  

ENDS

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Special Rapporteur is convening aside event, The Impact of Fundamentalism and Extremism on the Cultural Rightsof Women: Time to Take a Stand, at 1700 local time on 26 October 2017, in Conference Room 11, UN Headquarters, New York.

Ms. Karima Bennoune was appointed UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights in October 2015. She grew up in Algeria and the United States. She is Professor of Law and Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall Research Scholar at the University of California-Davis School of Law where she teaches courses on human rights and international law. Ms. Bennoune has worked in the field of human rights for more than 20 years.

The Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

For inquiries and media requests, please contact Ms. Johanne Bouchard +41 22 917 9630 / jbouchard@ohchr.org) or write to srculturalrights@ohchr.org

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9826 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  


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28. 09. 2017.

UN expert group on people of African descent launches fact-finding visit to Guyana




UN expert group on people of African descent launches fact-finding visit to Guyana

GENEVA (28 September 2017) – The United Nations Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent will undertake its first official visit to Guyana from 2 to 6 October 2017 to study the human rights situation of people of African descent in the country. 

“We will gather information on any forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, Afrophobia and related intolerance, in order to assess the overall human rights situation of people of African descent in Guyana,” said Sabelo Gumedze, who currently heads the expert group.

The Group’s delegation will travel to Georgetown and Linden, and meet representatives of the Government, relevant communities, civil society and individuals working on issues of racism and racial discrimination.

The delegation, which also includes human rights experts Michal Balcerzak and Ahmed Reid, will look into good practices and gaps in protecting the human rights of people of African descent within the particular multi-ethnic context of Guyana.

The experts will also promote the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), which aims both to highlight the contribution of people of African descent to societies and to strengthen national, regional and international cooperation to ensure the human rights of people of African descent around the world are respected, protected and fulfilled.

A press conference to share the delegation’s preliminary findings will be held on Friday 6 October, at 1430 hrs in the United Nations Offices in Guyana (42 Brickdam & United Nations Place, Stabroek, Georgetown).  Access to the press conference is strictly limited to journalists.

ENDS

For more information on the Working Group including its mandate and activities please visit its page

The Working Groups are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures’ experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

UN Human Rights, Country Page: Guyana
For further information and media requests, please contact africandescent@ohchr.org or Ms.Christina Saunders (+41 79 444 5172 / csaunders@ohchr.org)

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9383 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  


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End to Saudi driving ban for women should be just the first step – UN experts



End to Saudi driving ban for women should be just the first step – UN experts
  
GENEVA (28 September 2017) – The decision to allow women in Saudi Arabia to drive is a first major step towards women's autonomy and independence, but much remains to be done to deliver gender equality in the Kingdom, UN human rights experts* have said.  

“We warmly welcome this historic development and urge its immediate and effective implementation,” said the experts. “We pay tribute to the Saudi women who have long struggled against this discriminatory and demeaning ban – some at great personal cost, suffering stigmatization and even imprisonment.

“The Saudi ban on women driving, unique in the world, has placed serious obstacles in the path of women’s enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, political and civil rights.

“We now encourage the Government to repeal all remaining discriminatory laws. If it is serious about the importance of women’s rights for economic reform, addressing remaining barriers to the human rights of women should be the next step in its ambitious reforms.”

The UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, who visited the Kingdom earlier this year, had called after his visit for the ban to be lifted, arguing that it was not only a matter of human rights, but good economic policy in a country going through major economic and social transformation.

“In January, I praised Vision 2030, the country’s change agenda, as an ambitious and deeply transformative plan that could be a catalyst for women’s rights,” said Mr. Alston. “The end of the driving ban is of crucial importance for Vision 2030 because it unlocks the economic potential of women in the Kingdom, especially those women living in poverty.”

The Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice, Kamala Chandrakirana, said: “The end of the driving ban should now be complemented by similar measures ending other restrictions imposed, inter alia, by the male guardianship system, which effectively treats women as dependent minors as well as other discriminatory legislation violating women’s right to equality.

“We welcome the ongoing efforts to abolish regulations requiring male guardian approval in accessing public services, but these reforms have not gone far enough to abolish the discriminatory guardianship system in law and in practice and to ensure the substantive equality of women.”

Mr. Alston, who presented a report on his visit to Saudi Arabia to the Human Rights Council in June, noted that one of the most significant aspects of the royal decree lifting the ban was that it removed a highly restrictive practice held in place by conservative opposition.  

“The same situation applies to other features of the guardianship system. In law, women no longer need permission from their male guardian to work, but many employers take it upon themselves to insist on such authorization and the Government hardly ever intervenes against such illegal discrimination,” he said.

The experts encouraged the Government to seize this opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to reform by repealing any discriminatory law contrary to its international human rights obligation in order to ensure substantive equality of women in law and in practice.

ENDS

(*) The experts: Mr. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights;  and the UN Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice: the Current Chair-Rapporteur Kamala Chandrakirana (Indonesia), Eleonora Zielinska (Poland), Alda Facio (Costa Rica), Frances Raday (Israel/United Kingdom), and Emna Aouij (Tunisia).

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, 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. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.

UN Human Rights Country Page: Saudi Arabia

For more information and media requests please contact Ms. Junko Tadaki (+41 917 9298 / jtadaki@ohchr.org) or write tosrextremepoverty@ohchr.org
OR
Ms. Hannah Wu (+41 917 9152 / hwu@ohchr.org) or write to wgdiscriminationwomen@ohchr.org)

For media inquiries related to other UN independent experts:
Bryan Wilson – Media Unit (+ 41 22 917 9826 / mediaconsultant2@ohchr.org)  

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