Category: Human Rights

Kuri uyu wa gatanu igenekerezo rya 7 gitugutu 2022 i Gitega, Nyakubahwa Imelde SABUSHIMIKE, Umushikiranganji wo Gushigikirana Imibano, Agateka ka zina Muntu n’Iterambere Ridakumira yaratanguje ibikorwa vyo gutanga ibikoresho vy’ishure kubanyeshure babatwa batoye ikibazo co mu mwaka w’icenda ubu bari mu mashure afise uburaro.  Akaba yahereye ku banyeshure 18 bari mu mashure atandukanye ngaho mu ntara ya Gitega.

Yaboneyeho kubakeza no kubaha impanuro zitari nke, harimzo no kwirinda ibibasamaza hamwe agakuku k’abagenzi bohava babatesha intumbero nziza yo kwiga.

Yavuze kandi ko Reta y’Uburundi yabashigikiye kugirango bige bafise ingene babayeho nk’abandi banyeshure basanzwe bava mu miryango yifashe.

Aca ababwira ko ari icitegererezo kubandi kugira bazorabe ko umwimbu uzoba mwiza mugihe bashigikiwe.

Bakaba bashigikijwe ibikoresho bigizwe n’ivarizi, amashuka, uniforme amasabune hamwe n’amahera yo kwikenura muri bimwe bimwe bakenera mu buzima bza minsi yose.

Mwomenye ko bubaye ubwambere Reta ishigikiye abanyeshure babatwa batoye ikibazo co kwinjira mu mashure yisumbuye kandi uno mwaka bakaba bagera kw’125.

Source: Ministry of National Solidarity, Social Affairs, Human Rights and Gender

• Increasing energy and food prices continue to challenge the fragile economies of the region by putting an additional burden on the most vulnerable households. The price of a local food basket has increased by 46.4 percent over the past twelve months. Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan continued to record the most expensive food baskets in the region (USD 32.3, 27.5 and 24.5, respectively).

• Nutrient-rich food continue to be less affordable than a year ago, with Sudan recording a more than twofold increase in milk price and Somalia recording a 43 percent increase in the cost of milk.

• Price of cereals and vegetable oils stabilized between July and August 2022; however, the cost of both items soared compared to a year ago. Sorghum in Sudan has become 3 times more expensive than a year ago driven by higher transport costs and the compound effect of poor produce and high demand during the peak lean season. Cost of imported wheat increased by 30 percent since the conflict in Ukraine started.

• Government policies to cushion people from price spikes helped keeping fuel prices stable across most the region; however, pump prices have soared compared to pre-conflict level and a year ago (reaching an average cost of USD/L 1.6). Due to shortages, fuel prices in Burundi tripled compared to August 2021; in Somalia and South Sudan fuel prices have almost doubled compared to a year ago.

• Higher energy cost contributed the spike in overall costs of living across the region, with the annual inflation rate averaging 27.6 percent. August marked the sixth monthly decline in annual inflation in Sudan; however, the country is still recording hyperinflation (at 117.4 percent, ranking as the fourth highest inflation rate in the world). Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Burundi continued to record double digit inflation (32.5, 20.4 and 19.6 percent, respectively).

• All countries in the region recorded double digit food inflation in August 2022, mainly Sudan (81.8 percent, the highest food inflation rate in the region), Ethiopia (35.5 percent) and Rwanda (34.4 percent, the highest since 2010, pushed up by spikes in cereals and vegetables prices).

• Local currencies across East Africa continue to depreciate against the U.S. dollar; with South Sudan recording the highest depreciation of local currency against the USD both in the official market and parallel market.

Source: World Food Programme

The Human Rights Council this morning continued with its agenda item on technical assistance and capacity building, holding an interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in South Sudan and concluding the enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Christian Salazar Volkmann, Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said the activities of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan continued to yield positive impact on the beneficiaries, particularly in terms of heightened awareness of human rights concerns in the different communities. From January to August 2022, the Human Rights Division of the Mission delivered 225 capacity building and sensitisation activities to a total of 8,874 participants. These technical assistance and capacity building activities were strengthening the human rights architecture of South Sudan as well as networks to promote freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly and other rights. The support of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan to the rule of law institutions would contribute towards the creation of a conducive environment for transparent, inclusive, and genuine consultations in relation to transitional justice, constitutional-making and electoral process.

Ruben Madol Arol Kachuol, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of South Sudan, speaking as a country concerned, said to promote and protect human rights, the President had established a National Human Rights Council to conduct public awareness, advocacy, monitor investigations and to provide advice towards addressing human rights violations in the country. A technical committee was established which conducted public consultation throughout the country. The Government was consulting with the African Union Commission on the guidelines for the establishment of the Court. In April 2022, the Council adopted a resolution to urgently provide technical assistance and capacity building to South Sudan. To have meaningful technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan, the Government was requesting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to set up a mechanism for implementation of the resolution.

In the discussion on South Sudan, some speakers remained shocked and deeply concerned about the ongoing grave human rights violations in the country. The excessive use of repression and force by State security forces against civilians was appalling, especially reports on widespread and systematic sexual and gender-based violence. The perseverance of the Government to lower levels of violence and to bring about peace and stability was welcomed. There should be urgent reforms to bring out better living conditions in the country and ensure respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, with free and transparent elections. Some speakers said that the situation in South Sudan clearly continued to require the Council’s attention and assistance, whilst respecting the cultural and social specificities of the country, sovereignty and non-interference, in respect of the United Nations Charter and the territorial integrity of the country, with genuine dialogue and cooperation, without politicisation, selectivity or double standards. The establishment of the National Human Rights Advisory Council was an important step in achieving lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded the enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Marie Thérèse Keita-Bocoum, Member of the Team of International Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in concluding remarks, welcomed progress made on the issues raised, but reiterated that what was needed was practical funding from the international community. Transitional justice was important and should be better structured, and lessons could be learned in this regard.

Abdul Aziz Thioye, Director of the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in concluding remarks, welcomed the convergence of ideas to establish a peaceful and human rights-based approach to elections. It was important that the Democratic Republic of the Congo adopted the necessary legislative bills for democratic progress, particularly concerning public demonstrations, such as against hate speech and promoting freedom of association and access to information.

Albert Fabrice Puela, Minister of Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in concluding remarks, thanked all those who had spoken and congratulated the Democratic Republic of the Congo on their human rights efforts; it was not an easy task, moving from a repressive regime to one that was respectful of the rule of law. The Government wished for transitional justice to become truly effective and national conversations were underway in several provinces.

Christian Salazar Volkmann, Director of the Field Operations and Technical Cooperation Division at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in concluding remarks, said this was a very delicate moment of transition. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was pushing for accountability of transitional justice, and it was fragile and complex. There were some signs of hope, and the international community should continue to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

In the discussion on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, some speakers commended the High Commissioner and the Team of International Experts for their efforts towards the continuous improvement of the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some speakers noted with concern that violations of humanitarian law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were ongoing, condemning the excessive use of force by all parties, and calling on authorities to protect civilian populations. Authorities were encouraged to continue their efforts on transitional justice, administrative reform, security and judicial sectors, which would contribute to dialogue and national reconciliation throughout the Congolese territory. Some speakers said that the international community should provide constructive assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for maintaining peace and security and improving the human rights situation. Diplomatic efforts to pursue dialogue and de-escalation were welcomed, and the High Commissioner was called on to continue its technical assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue on the Democratic Republic of the Congo were Senegal, Egypt, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Venezuela, Russian Federation, Mauritania, China, United Kingdom, Benin, South Sudan, Belgium, Angola, Togo, Netherlands, Malawi, Tanzania, and United States.

Also speaking were Minority Rights Group International, International Federation of ACAT (Action by Christians for the Abolition of Torture), Lawyers for Lawyers, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, International Bar Association, World Organisation Against Torture, Elizka Relief Foundation, and Centre du Commerce International pour le Développement.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue on South Sudan were the European Union, Iceland on behalf of a group of countries, Côte d’Ivoire on behalf of a group of African States, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Libya, Costa Rica, Egypt, Ireland, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, United Nations Children’s Fund, Ethiopia, Luxembourg, Australia, Russia, Mauritania, China, Netherlands, United States, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Burundi, Mali, Sudan, Eritrea, Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela.

Also speaking were East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Organisation internationale pour les pays les moins avancés, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, Elizka Relief Foundation, Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Amnesty International, and Meezaan Centre for Human Rights.

The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-first regular session can be found here.

The Council will next hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia. This will be followed by an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia.

Enhanced Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The enhanced interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo started in the previous meeting and a summary can be found here.

Discussion on the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In the discussion, some speakers commended the High Commissioner and the team of international experts for their efforts towards the continuous improvement of the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They welcomed the extension of the mandate to cover the whole of the Congolese territory. Some speakers appreciated the efforts of the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo aimed at achieving stable conditions in the country, striving to preserve human rights and protecting civilians.

Some speakers noted with concern that violations of humanitarian and human rights law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were ongoing, condemning the excessive use of force by all parties and calling on authorities to protect civilian populations. The violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the eastern region of the country, was a serious concern and speakers called for a coordinated response. Recent violence by armed groups, especially the Allied Democratic Forces and M23, had led to human rights abuses, jeopardising efforts to pursue peace, and exacerbating the already severe humanitarian situation. There were also many cases of conflict-related sexual violence. This raised dire concerns about the protection of civilians in the conflict-affected regions, with some speakers stating that it was the Government’s responsibility to protect its people and to take concrete action. Speakers were also concerned about the recent violent protests against the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which resulted in the deaths of civilians and peacekeepers.

A number of speakers called on all armed groups to immediately cease violence and participate unconditionally in the political process and the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme. The importance of countering impunity to put an end to violence was crucial; access to justice was a key tenant to combatting impunity and needed to be afforded priority. Speakers were also alarmed by hate speech, welcoming the bill to suppress hate speech, calling on authorities to take all measures to implement the law once it had been enacted. It was important for the Government to guarantee free and fair elections; the protection of civic and democratic space was essential, including in provinces under siege. Authorities were encouraged to continue their efforts on transitional justice, administrative reform, security and judicial sectors, which would contribute to dialogue and national reconciliation throughout the Congolese territory.

Some speakers said that the international community should provide constructive assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo for maintaining peace and security and improving the human rights situation. All actors were urged to address the humanitarian impacts of the violence, ensuring the affected people, including the 5.9 million internally displaced civilians, received the assistance they needed. Diplomatic efforts to pursue dialogue and de-escalation were welcomed, and the High Commissioner was called on to continue its technical assistance to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Some speakers said they would stand by the Congolese Government to support it in improving human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Source: UN Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council this afternoon concluded its general debate held under its agenda item four on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.

The general debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention started in previous meetings and summaries can be found here and here.

In the general debate, some speakers addressed the autonomy of the media and journalists, saying that in certain countries, independent media were being shut down and threatened into silence. In some areas and regions, scores of civil society and media representatives continued to be disappeared and arbitrarily detained. There had been arrests of journalists and State agencies were used to intimidate media representatives. It was appalling that international crimes committed by high-ranking State officials had gone without accountability. Systematic enforced disappearances and impunity for those involved were issues of concern for some speakers, and States were called on to take effective steps for the recovery of disappeared persons. There needed to be a clear message that wealthy and powerful States were not beyond scrutiny.

The situation of women was also a key concern for many speakers. Women human rights defenders and those defying patriarchal norms were deemed immoral in certain countries, and subject to arrest and imprisonment. Speakers urged all States to call for an end to the violent repression of women and to ensure justice and accountability for all those who had been subjected to violence for standing up for equality. Some speakers also called for countries to remove all barriers to abortion, and in accessing contraception for women.

Attacks on minority and religious groups continued to be a key issue of concern for many speakers, with calls reiterated for the Council to address the situation. States were encouraged to create favourable conditions to end the suffering of these groups. The right to freedom of religion and belief was curtailed in certain countries, with religious leaders regularly targeted with harassment and torture. A number of speakers called on States to release all those detained because of their religion.

Some speakers said that indigenous leaders were being murdered in certain countries, and decisive action needed to be taken to stop this violence. There were also serious concerns regarding the violation of cultural rights, due to situations of forced cultural assimilation.

The situation of internally displaced persons was also raised as an issue of concern, with some speakers stating that the development of greenhouse gases contributed to massive internal displacement and food insecurity. Governments were urged to strengthen their collaboration with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and with mandates, including on internally displaced persons.

The issue of child safety was raised, with speakers stating that it was paramount that child protection services were improved, to ensure that the best interests of the child were the primary consideration. There were increasing cases of violence in schools in certain countries, which was extremely concerning. Governments should dedicate greater financial resources to the reduction of school violence cases, and comply with recommendations issued by the Committee on the Rights of the Child regarding school violence.

Some speakers highlighted the negative impacts caused by unilateral coercive measures, particularly the adverse effect these sanctions had on the health sector.

Freedom of expression, association and opposition must be ensured by Governments, which should allow civil society to operate freely. Lawyers and other human rights defenders should not be subjected to arbitrary arrest, torture and silencing, as this systematically undermined the rule of law. The Council should insist that all those charged on offences related to peaceful expression of opinion and assembly be freed, and that unfair laws be repealed and fair trials with legal representation be ensured. Increases in surveillance and harassment in various parts of the world were of grave concern to several speakers, who urged the Council to strengthen resolutions on that topic, and to appoint Special Rapporteurs to oversee their implementation.

Racism and racial discrimination were too often used as a pretext to incite conflict, some speakers said, and the Council needed to protect the rights of minorities to a greater extent in order to prevent ethnic cleansing and gross discrimination. Capacity-building among youth was essential for achieving a balanced future.

Selectivity and double standards were at their worst in cases of national occupation. The rule of law enjoyed a culture of impunity, several speakers said, and the High Commissioner should make greater efforts to ensure that this culture came to an end, and that human rights and law enjoyed greater respect. Questioning of democratic institutions and disruptions to democratic normality were an issue that the international community should be aware of to a greater extent, and to which it should pay greater attention.

An enforced disappearance continued until the fate and whereabouts of the individual concerned was established, a speaker said, urging the Council to hold an international investigation on the matter. The international community should call for accountability with respect to long-standing emblematic events that had been met with persistent impunity, thus tackling long-standing cultures of impunity that existed. The Council should make sure that the voices of victims could be heard.

The Secretary-General was urged by one speaker to initiate an Human Rights Council mechanism to encourage all banks and financial institutions to comply with their international obligations, including their responsibilities under the United Nations Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and General Comment No. 24 of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, due to their continued de-risking policies that violated human rights, hindered the flow of humanitarian items to sanctioned countries, and infringed the rights of free access to medicine and medical equipment.

Speaking in the general debate were the following non-governmental organizations: Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, Association Ma’onah for Human Rights and Immigration, Lawyers Rights Watch Canada, Tumuku Development and Cultural Union, Tourner La Plage, Union of Northwest Human Rights Organisation, Association Thendral, Association of Women with University Education Social Organization, Khiam Rehabilitation Center for Victims of Torture, Global Welfare Association, Medical Support Association for Underprivileged Iranian Patients, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Asociacion HazteOir.org, Al Barem Association for Charitable Work, American Association of Jurists, Platform for Youth Integration and Volunteerism, Right Livelihood Award Foundation, World Muslim Congress, International Service for Human Rights, International Union of Socialist Youth, Promotion du Développement Economique et Social, World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Meezaan Centre for Human Rights, International Action for Peace and Sustainable Development, Association Bharathi Centre Culturel Franco-Tamoul, and iuventum e.V..

Also speaking were Association des étudiants tamouls de France, African Green Foundation International, International Buddhist Relief Organisation, Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, Alliance Defending Freedom, Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights, Al-Haq, Law in the Service of Man, British Humanist Association, Jameh Ehyagaran Teb Sonnati Va Salamat Iranian, International Support For Human Rights, Institute for NGO Research, Africa Culture Internationale, Women’s Human Rights International Association, International Muslim Women’s Union, Villages Unis, Rahbord Peimayesh Research & Educational Services Cooperative, Elizka Relief Foundation, Maloca Internationale, Il Cenacolo, European Centre for Law and Justice, Comité International pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples, PRAHAR, The Institute for Protection of Women’s Rights, Solidarité Suisse-Guinée, Association D’Entraide Médicale Guinée,Zero Pauvre Afrique, Synergie Feminine Pour La Paix Et Le Developpement Durable, International Yazidis Foundation for the Prevention of Genocide, Community Human Rights and Advocacy Centre, Al-Hakim Foundation, Indigenous People of Africa Coordinating Committee, Association pour l’Intégration et le Développement Durable au Burundi, World Barua Organization, Reprieve, and Commission africaine des promoteurs de la santé et des droits de l’homme.

Speaking in right of reply were India, Türkiye, Belarus, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Russia, Japan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Venezuela, Lithuania, Iran, Sierra Leone, Cuba, Iraq, Ethiopia, Benin, Pakistan, and Republic of Korea.

The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-first regular session can be found here.

The Council will next meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 September, when it will hear an address by Sahil Babayev, Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan, after which it will hold its annual panel discussion on the rights of indigenous peoples, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Source: UN Human Rights Council

The Human Rights Council this afternoon held an interactive dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic and began an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia.

Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, said today, Syrians faced increasing and intolerable hardships, living among the ruins of this lengthy conflict. Millions were suffering in displacement camps, while resources were becoming scarcer, donor fatigue was rising, and now there was a cholera outbreak. The war was not over despite a general reduction in fighting. The Secretary-General’s urgent report on this issue contained a clear recommendation for the establishment of an international body, as called for by families and survivors, and this body, focusing strongly on victims and survivors and inclusive of families, must be established as soon as possible.

Syria, speaking as a country concerned, said Syria had rejected the creation of the Commission of Inquiry and the extensions of its mandate, and it rejected its politicised and biased reports. The latest report ignored the nature of the terrorist war targeting Syria and the external factors supporting the establishment of armed terrorist groups, which included thousands of foreign terrorists, that continued to commit crimes on Syrian territory. The Commission had distorted the efforts of the Syrian State to protect its people, provide for their basic needs, achieve national reconciliations and facilitate the return of displaced persons and refugees. Immediately and unconditionally lifting the economic blockade targeting the Syrian people was the gateway to ending their suffering and to ensuring their enjoyment of human rights, which were being violated as a result of unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States and the European Union.

In the ensuing discussion, speakers commended the work of the Commission and expressed concern about the deteriorating security, humanitarian and socio-economic situation in Syria. Some speakers condemned continued, serious violations of human rights committed by the Syrian authorities. They called for the situation to be referred to the International Criminal Court. Many speakers called for resolution 2254 of the Security Council to be implemented. A number of speakers said that the Commission’s report was based on fabricated information and was politically motivated. The Council should not interfere with the internal affairs and sovereignty of States. The Council should work to support the fight against international terrorism that was impacting Syria, and work to achieve peace through dialogue.

Speaking in the discussion on Syria were Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic group, European Union, Qatar, Liechtenstein, Kuwait, Switzerland, Israel, Cyprus, Republic of Korea, France, Ecuador, Germany, Egypt, Ireland, Iraq, Australia, Luxembourg, Cuba, United Arab Emirates, Malta, Venezuela, Jordan, Russian Federation, China, Netherlands, Chile, United States, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, Romania, Belarus, Italy, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Burundi, Greece, Georgia, Malawi, Albania, Türkiye, Iran, Nicaragua, and Japan.

Also speaking were Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, International Council Supporting Fair Trial and Human Rights, World Jewish Congress, Physicians for Human Rights, Palestinian Return Centre, Syrian Centre for Media and Freedom, International Service for Human Rights, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, International Commission of Jurists, and International Bar Association.

The Council also started an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi.

Fortune Gaetan Zongo, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, said it was essential today that Burundi reaffirmed its commitment and agreed to commit itself more effectively to advancing human rights. The human rights situation had not changed substantially. Establishing accountability was one of the keys to lasting peace, as was the need for deeper institutional reforms. Establishing and acknowledging the truth would help to recognise victims and encourage their social reintegration. A system for the protection of victims and witnesses of human rights violations needed to be established.

Burundi, speaking as a country concerned, said that Burundi was fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights and complied with its international obligations in that regard. The situation had been improving every year in all sectors of life in the country, and a number of reforms had been initiated in terms of good governance, social justice, freedom of the press, civil and political rights, and national reconciliations, among others. The situation had improved, and the Human Rights Council should not miss this opportunity to remove Burundi from its agenda, as it was unfair and irrelevant to retain the special mechanism. The Special Rapporteur on Burundi should have his mandate ended.

The National Human Rights Commission of Burundi also took the floor.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia.

Radkiha Coomaraswamy, Member of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, said in concluding remarks that the Commission would consider how to work more closely with Ethiopian institutions while maintaining its impartiality. The Commission expected the Council to remain seized of the issues presented and to continue to monitor the situation, and urged the Council to work towards stopping hostilities and holding those responsible for abuses accountable.

Steven Ratner, Member of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, in concluding remarks, said that the Commission had examined violations that were of particular gravity. The Government had been working hard to secure access for humanitarian organizations to provide support. The Commission aimed to write reports that did not take sides in the conflict and maintained its impartiality.

In the continued dialogue on Ethiopia, speakers said there had been alarming reports of serious human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties during the conflict, including summary executions and sexual and gender-based violence. There was concern over the protracted humanitarian crisis and food insecurity across the country, which emphasised the urgency to cease all hostilities and negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire. All parties should guarantee full and unfettered humanitarian access to alleviate the suffering of civilians. The commitment of both sides to an African Union-led end to the hostilities was commended. The work of the Commission as a form of deterrence was vital, and it should have its mandate renewed, as the scale of the atrocities did, in some areas, amount to war crimes, and it was necessary for its work to continue. Some speakers said the work of the Commission should be based on impartiality, non-bias, non-selectivity, with respect for the sovereignty of Ethiopia, urging the Commission to focus on supporting the Government’s ongoing efforts.

Speaking in the interactive discussion were New Zealand, Malawi, Eritrea, Republic of Korea, Iran, Zimbabwe, Türkiye and Eritrea.

Also speaking were Ethiopia Human Rights Commission, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Human Rights Watch, Coordination des Associations et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, Amnesty International, Legal Action Worldwide, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Center for Global Nonkilling, International Bar Association, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, The Next Century Foundation, Society for Threatened Peoples, Maat for Peace, Development and Human Rights Association, International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, Every Casualty Worldwide, and Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety.

Speaking at the end of the meeting in right of reply were Türkiye and Greece.

The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-first regular session can be found here.

The Council will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Friday, 23 September to conclude the interactive dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.

Interactive Dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia

The interactive dialogue with Kaari Betty Murungi, Chairperson of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, started in the previous meeting and a summary can be found here.

Remarks by the Delegation of Ethiopia

Ethiopia, speaking as a country concerned, said that Ethiopia expected the European Union to understand and respect the territorial integrity of the country. The Government had attempted to engage with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, but the Commission had failed to implement its mandate, and had made all its efforts irrelevant.

Source: UN Human Rights Council

International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia Finds Reasonable Grounds to Believe that the Federal Government Has Committed Crimes against Humanity in Tigray Region and that Tigrayan Forces Have Committed Serious Human Rights Abuses, Some Amounting to War Crimes

Council Concludes Interactive Discussion with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar, Discusses Remaining Challenges to Implementing the Recommendations of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Myanmar with the Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights

Kaari Betty Murungi, Chairperson of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, told the Human Rights Council this morning that its report found reasonable grounds to believe that the parties to the conflict in Ethiopia had committed serious violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law since November 2020. It found reasonable grounds to believe that many of these acts amounted to war crimes.

The report found reasonable grounds to believe that the Federal Government and its allies had committed crimes against humanity in Tigray region, said Ms. Murungi. Some of these crimes were ongoing. The report also underscored the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray, where the Federal Government and its allies had denied some six million people access to basic services for over a year. The report found reasonable grounds to believe that the Federal Government was using starvation as a method of warfare. The report also found reasonable grounds to believe that Tigrayan forces had committed serious human rights abuses, some of which amounted to war crimes.

Ms. Murungi noted that after a five-month cessation of hostilities, fighting resumed last month between the Federal Government and its allies, and forces backing the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. That fighting appeared to be intensifying. She said there was a need for an external, independent and impartial mechanism to address ongoing violations and accountability.

Ethiopia, speaking as a country concerned, said that it had been the subject of unfair and biased scrutiny at the Council for more than a year now. Such misguided campaigns against Ethiopia should stop as the Government was implementing the recommendations of the Joint Investigation Team of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, and abiding by its international human rights and international humanitarian law obligations. The Commission had submitted a report of substandard quality, with unsubstantiated allegations, and it had not met the standard of proof for such investigations. The Council should reject this report and oppose any attempt to extend the mandate of this Commission.

In the ensuing discussion, some speakers said that parties to the conflict should seize the opportunity to immediately end hostilities and engage in direct talks with the aim of reaching a formal ceasefire agreement and a permanent political solution. Some said the report clearly outlined the reported brutality of methods of warfare used by all parties to the conflict, including extrajudicial killings, rape, sexual violence and starvation of the civilian population, and the Commission found that, in several instances, there were reasonable grounds to believe that these violations amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity. One speaker said the Commission had gone beyond its mandate, and made statements that went beyond its remit, underscoring that the Commission should not undermine the measures of accountability undertaken by the Ethiopian Government. A number of other speakers said they rejected bias, selectivity, politicisation and double standards in the Council.

Speaking in the interactive discussion were European Union, Denmark on behalf of a group of countries, Côte d’Ivoire on behalf of a group of countries, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France, Ireland, Luxembourg, Cuba, Germany, Australia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Venezuela, Russian Federation, Namibia, China, Netherlands, Czech Republic, United States, Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, South Sudan, Belarus, Belgium, Greece, and Canada.

Earlier in the meeting, the Council held an interactive dialogue with the Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights on a report by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the progress made and remaining challenges to implementing the recommendations of the independent international fact-finding mission on Myanmar.

Nada Al-Nashif, Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, presenting the report, said after the military coup of February 2021, the Myanmar military had continued its exploitation of the country’s resources to advance its own interests and fuel a campaign of violence and repression against Myanmar’s people. The report urged the international community to take all steps within its power to support the people of Myanmar and to act in coordinated fashion to financially isolate the military. Member States should implement additional targeted measures against key entities that facilitated the Tatmadaw’s continued access to foreign currency.

In the discussion on the report on Myanmar, many speakers condemned the military’s illegal coup d’état. They called on the junta to cease all attacks on civilians, release all people arbitrarily detained, stop abusing the Rohingya, and cease imposing the death penalty on pro-democracy leaders. States needed to hold the junta accountable for their crimes, place an embargo on arms, and prevent flows of financial resources to the military. States also needed to put an end to the climate of impunity and stop the flow of arms into Myanmar. Some speakers encouraged States to respect the sovereignty of Myanmar and not interfere in its domestic affairs. One speaker called for a halt to illegal unilateral coercive measures, which were causing untold suffering for the Myanmar people. Another speaker said that it was deplorable that the report suggested the use of such sanctions.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue were Lithuania on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries, European Union, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization for Islamic Cooperation, France, Luxembourg, Australia, Maldives, Venezuela, Russian Federation, Namibia, China, United States, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Canada, Thailand, Malawi, Jordan, Singapore, Gambia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic.

Also speaking were Edmund Rice International, Organization for Poverty Alleviation and Development, Human Rights Now, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Centre for Civil and Political Rights, and iuventum e.V.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar.

In the discussion, some speakers said that since the military coup in February 2021, the most serious crimes were being committed on a daily basis by the Myanmar authorities, including sexual and gender-based crimes and crimes against children. The Rohingya continued to live in horrendous conditions, both inside and outside of Myanmar, waiting for a possibility to safely return to their homes. The reports of human rights abuses committed by the military were strongly condemned, including the executions of four pro-democracy activists in July following secret and unfair trials. One speaker said the international community should respect the political independence, sovereignty, and the will of the people of Myanmar, in order to restore peace at an early date.

In concluding remarks, Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, said the international response to the crisis in Myanmar had failed. The pattern of the response from the international community needed to change. A coalition of like-minded nations needed to be established immediately. All Member States should halt the sale of weapons to the Myanmar military. All States should deny the legitimacy of the Myanmar junta. There needed to be greater investment in humanitarian aid. Member States should better support people fleeing Myanmar by increasing resettlement quotas and by providing legal status to Myanmar refugees. If there was no change in the way the United Nations responded to this crisis, Mr. Andrews said he would return with news that the situation had again worsened. He urged the Council to do the right thing for the people of Myanmar.

Speaking in the interactive dialogue were China, Czechia, Malaysia, United States, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Croatia, Bulgaria, Thailand, Malawi, Japan, and Germany.

Also speaking were Baptist World Alliance, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Article 19 – International Centre Against Censorship, Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, Centre for Civil and Political Rights, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, Partners for Transparency, iuventum e.V., and International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.

The webcast of the Human Rights Council meetings can be found here. All meeting summaries can be found here. Documents and reports related to the Human Rights Council’s fifty-first regular session can be found here.

The next meeting of the Council will be at 3 p.m. this afternoon, when it will conclude its interactive dialogue with the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia. It will then hold an interactive dialogue with the commission of inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Burundi.

Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar

The interactive dialogue with Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, started in the previous meeting and a summary can be found here.

Source: UN Human Rights Council