HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL DISCUSSES FOLLOW-UP TO VIENNA DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION

The Human Rights Council this afternoon discussed, under its agenda item eight, Follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which, speakers said reaffirmed the solemn commitment of all States to fulfil their obligations to promote universal respect for and observance and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.

In the discussion, speakers said seventeen years ago, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action reaffirmed that all human rights were universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that the international community should treat all human rights in a fair and equal manner, and with the same emphasis, and committed the international community to fight against discrimination of anyone based on their racial or ethnic origin, gender, religion and belief, language, sexual orientation, age or disability. It also provided a tool for the protection of human rights towards a full realization of those rights in a just and balanced manner, and called for increased coordination in support of human rights and fundamental freedoms within the United Nations system.

Information technology and recent technological and scientific progress enriched human society; despite this the instances of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance could still be seen. A strong, effective and independent system of administration of justice and strict adherence by States to the rule of law, coupled with effective review mechanisms at the international and regional level remained essential to the full realization of human rights on a non-discriminatory basis, as enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. To promote its common objective, equal attention must be given to economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development. The way forward in building sustainable democracies was to fight crimes of State repression on the foundations of justice, truth, memory and reparations.

The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action’s call for the realisation of the right to development remained as urgent today as it had been in 1993; the upcoming 25th anniversary of the Declaration on the right to development in 2011 presented an opportunity to reflect on the progress in the struggle against poverty. The Declaration also highlighted the importance of democratic principles to an international society built on human rights, recognising that democracy was based on the freely-expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives.

Speaking this afternoon were the representatives of Belgium on behalf of the European Union, Nigeria on behalf of the African Group, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, Costa Rica on behalf of GRULAC, Brazil on behalf of MERCOSUR, Syria on behalf of the Arab Group, Norway on behalf of Argentina, India, Nigeria and the Russian Federation, Russian Federation, China, United States of America, Argentina, Algeria, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, and Morocco.

Also speaking were International Service for Human Rights, France Libertés, International Lesbian and Gay Association Europe, Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights, Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik, Action Canada for Population and Development, Action Internationale pour le Développement, Amnesty international, World Union for Progressive Judaism, International Club for Peace Research, European Union for Public Relations, International Institute for Peace, Femmes Afrique Solidarité, Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization, International Humanist and Ethical Organization, Fundacion para la Libertad, Indian Council of Education, Centrist Democratic International, Action international pour la paix et le développement dans la region des Grands Lacs, International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, World Federation of Democratic Youth, Widows Rights International, and Association for World Education.

The next meeting of the Council will be at 10 a.m. on Monday 27 September, when it will hold an interactive dialogue with the Committee of Independent Experts.

General Debate on Follow-up and Implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

XAVIER BAERT (Belgium), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action offered a comprehensive framework for a range of issues related to the protection and promotion of human rights which continued to require attention today. It also reaffirmed that all human rights were universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated, and that the international community should treat all human rights in a fair and equal manner, and with the same emphasis, and committed the international community to fight against discrimination of anyone based on their racial or ethnic origin, gender, religion and belief, language, sexual orientation, age or disability. The European Union was convinced that the United Nations' system's capacity to promote gender equality and women's empowerment needed to deliver real progress on the ground. Equally, the European Union wished to emphasise that no human being could be denied their rights based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, and wished to deplore the ongoing criminalisation of individuals based on sexual orientation in many countries and called on concerned States to repeal such laws. The progress achieved in the establishment of new mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights and of human rights instruments could not substitute for the continuing lack of universal ratification of core human rights treaties. A strong, effective and independent system of administration of justice and strict adherence by States to the rule of law, coupled with effective review mechanisms at the international and regional levels remained essential to the full realization of human rights on a non-discriminatory basis, as enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

MOHAMMED I. HAIDARA (Nigeria), speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that prior to the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action in 1993, there existed before it a number of international human rights instruments, particularly the international bill of rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. However, none of these instruments addressed human rights with bold pragmatism. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action not only reaffirmed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Charter, but it unequivocally considered the promotion and protection of human rights as a matter of priority for the international community. It also provided a tool for the protection of human rights towards a full realization of those rights in a just and balanced manner. Finally, in the view of the African Group, poverty alleviation should become the fundamental theme of the Council in the future.

AFTAB A. KHOKHER (Pakistan), speaking on behalf of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, said the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was the first milestone demonstrating the collective resolve to promote human rights and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action strengthened this resolve. To promote its common objective equal attention must be given to economic, social and cultural rights and the right to development. The world order continued to be led by selectivity and the Organization of the Islamic Conference believed that political considerations must be separated from the promotion and protection of human rights. It was important for the international community to take into account national and cultural peculiarities. The growth of xenophobia and racial discrimination threatened the multicultural fabric of many societies. It was regrettable that those incidents were increasingly targeted against Islam and the Organization of the Islamic Conference had asked the Human Rights Council time and again to take all measures to combat religious hatred. Today one third of the world population lived in abject poverty, while the benefits of globalization remained reserved for the privileged few. Poverty made it difficult for those who suffered violence and discrimination to fight it. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action’s call for the realisation of the right to development remained as urgent today as it had been in 1993. The upcoming 25th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development in 2011 presented an opportunity to reflect on the progress in the struggle against poverty.

EUGENIA GUTIERREZ RUIZ (Costa Rica), speaking on behalf of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries, said everybody should remember the content of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which allowed no question to fall on the universal, indivisible and interdependent nature of human rights. It would appear that the acceptance of the solemn commitment by States to comply with the protection and promotion of human rights was not universal where migrants were concerned, and the international community should step up its efforts to channel the movement of people and ensure that the rights of migrants and their families were respected throughout the migratory experience. The challenges of international migration could not be overcome through imposing unilateral policies or measures, closing down borders and persecuting migrants, which just led to negative phenomena. International cooperation needed to be strengthened in order to meet the challenges, including that of illegal migration. Restrictive migration policies never stopped illegal migration, but just made illegal migrants more vulnerable. It was not a case of establishing new human rights for migrants, but to better apply those human rights that had already been recognized.

ALEXANDRE GUIDO LOPES PAROLA (Brazil), speaking on behalf of the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), said that MERCOSUR and associate countries were committed to promoting and protecting human rights both in the region and internationally. The members of MERCOSUR were united in the struggle against all forms of discrimination as discrimination ran counter to the very basis of humanity. In addition, the promotion of women’s rights was central to the work of MERCOSUR. During the recent MERCOSUR summit, held in San Juan, Argentina, States reiterated the importance of human rights. To this end, funds had been earmarked to create a human rights agency to function within MERCOSUR. MERCOSUR was committed to the ongoing work of the Human Rights Council and was looking forward to the review of the Council, which would hopefully take place in a climate of transparency and dialogue.

FAYSAL KHABBAZ HAMOUI (Syria), speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, reiterated that the Durban Declaration and Plan of Action and the final outcome of the Durban Review Conference in 2009 must be the first reference to fight racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. Complementary standards to deal with racism must be agreed and an additional international instrument to deal with this issue must be established. The information technology and recent technological and scientific progress enriched human society; regardless the instances of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance could still be seen. The world thought that the end of the apartheid regime in South Africa had put an end to racism. The Israeli racism against Arabs in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the Syrian Golan, as well as the war waged against Islam reiterated clearly the elevation of religious issues into political spheres. Those who drew offending caricatures of the Prophet were applauded by some Western countries, and this was another example of the hatred and enmity that some in the West harboured against Islam and Muslims, using the pretext of freedom of opinion and expression to attack Islam. A community of over 1.5 billion Muslims would never accept the prejudice against monotheistic religions. In conclusion, the Arab Group called on the Council to pass a resolution condemning the incidents and imposing sanctions against those responsible.

BEATE STIRO (Norway), speaking also on behalf of Argentina, India, Nigeria and the Russian Federation, said these countries attached great importance to the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises. Together they were responsible for negotiating the renewal of the mandate, and would continue to pursue this issue when the mandate renewal came up in 2011, with the goal of strengthening the common capacity to provide better protection against business and corporate related human rights abuses. The Special Representative had made a strong case on the need for a coherent and systematic response from States and other stakeholders in order to close the governance gap created by globalization. A key challenge was to narrow and ultimately bridge this gap, which provided and facilitated the permissive environment for wrongful acts by companies without allowing for adequate sanctioning or reparation. There was a need for the guiding principles he would present next year. It was of utmost importance for the five countries to work for a strong and positive decision by the Council on the principles, and for a robust and meaningful follow-up mandate.

ALEXEY GOLTYAEV (Russian Federation) reiterated the importance of respecting human rights and the rule of law. Russia attached great importance to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as well as human rights education and raising general awareness of human rights. Human rights reflected a whole set of traditional human values, which could be found in cultures, religions and customs around the world. Mankind only possessed these rights because of the principle of human dignity. Unfortunately, there were still many myths and prejudices surrounding traditional human values, which were diametrically opposed to certain outdated traditional practices. In closing, Russia said that there was a need to work closely to promote the values of freedom, equality and dignity.
NING Bo (China) said that more than 10 years ago the world leaders made the commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights by adopting the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The international community should have a fair and impartial attitude in dealing with human rights in a comprehensive way. China was giving equal attention to economic, social and cultural rights and was implementing education and health programmes in rural and urban areas. Also, a lot of improvement had been seen in living conditions for low-income families. There were still a number of developing countries affected by crises and the number of people suffering from hunger was on the increase. China welcomed the progress made during the last meeting of the Working Group on the right to development. China called on the international community to assist those countries which needed it by fulfilling their official development assistance commitments. The issue of human rights of some countries using naming and shaming and not following rule of procedure was not solving anything.

EILEEN CHAMBERLAIN DONAHOE (United States) said the arc of human progress had been shaped by individuals with the freedom to assemble, and by organizations outside of the Government that insisted upon democratic change and by free media that held the powerful accountable. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action highlighted the importance of democratic principles to an international society built on human rights, recognising that democracy was based on the freely-expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems, and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. The rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association were fundamental to a democratic society and were organically linked with the realization of other rights, such as the freedoms of expression, religion and thought. The Council should uphold such values. Another theme of the Declaration was the principle that the full and equal enjoyment by women of all human rights was a priority of Governments and of the United Nations, and the Council should create a mandate for a Special Rapporteur on Discrimination against Women.

SILVIA CAO (Argentina) said that the fight against impunity was a key pillar for Argentina. The State authority had committed itself to addressing crimes committed by previous administrations and had condemned State structures that granted immunity to political figures that had committed egregious violations of human rights. Furthermore, Argentina highlighted the recent ruling in its country by the Chamber of Deputies to try crimes against humanity caused by previous Governments. The use of forensic medicines was also useful in identifying those who had disappeared. Argentina was convinced that the way forward in building sustainable democracies was to fight crimes of State repression on the foundations of justice, truth, memory and reparations.

IDRISS JAZAIRY (Algeria) said the world conference on human rights acknowledged the importance and the need for peace-keeping missions to have a human rights dimension. The respect for the right to self-determination of people under foreign occupation must be respected. The phenomenon of hostage taking by terrorists and requests for ransom had been on the increase and it was worrying that more and more States were giving in to the demands. States which accepted those were in fact increasing risks for many and were opening new ways for trafficking in persons. The concern of the Council to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights meant it must seek to protect immediate and more long-term victims of trafficking. This issue must be further studied and the countries must find an agreement on what measures would work and be least painful for victims.

MATJAZ KOVACIC (Slovenia) said the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action affirmed the fundamental principles of universality and non-discrimination, principles which were also central to the Council's mandate. However, around the world, people continued to face human rights violations because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, including killings, criminal sanctions, torture, rape and arbitrary detention. Issues of sexual orientation and gender were sensitive for many, but the international community must not shy away from its shared duty to engage with issues that challenged it, guided always by the principles of human rights. Laws criminalising people on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity violated the principle of non-discrimination, also fuelled violence, helped to legitimise homophobia, and contributed to a climate of hate. Cultural considerations should not stand in the way of basic human rights. States should work towards the goal of removing criminal sanctions based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and the Council should work to help make the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action's promise of "universal human rights protection for all" a reality.

SAMIRA SAFAROVA (Azerbaijan) said that the general debate under the agenda item on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action was an important opportunity to share the views, best practices as well as ways forward on the implementation of universal human rights values enshrined in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action called for an increased coordination in support of human rights and fundamental freedoms within the United Nations system. As expressed on many occasions, Azerbaijan was of the view that the Human Rights Council served as the best forum to engage in almost all discussions on universal human rights and to follow new trends on these issues. In conclusion, Azerbaijan reminded Members of the Council that the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action urged all States to put an immediate end to the practice of torture.

HASSANE BOUKILI (Morocco) said the right to self-determination was a universal right, but it was the most violated right. All of the instruments provided for the equality of all human rights. Morocco had always been against the instrumentalisation of this right especially if it meant destruction of the territory of a State. Several United Nations resolutions had expanded and modernised this right and it had always been adapted to time. Now was the time to adapt it to modern democracy, Morocco said. The general international practice gave place to autonomous solutions and modern forms of self-determination. Morocco considered that the strongest legitimacy today was the one of democracy and human rights, with negotiations and compromise at a heart.

KATRINE THOMASON, of International Service for Human Rights, in a joint statement with several NGOs1, said the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action recognized the need to strengthen the United Nations human rights machinery, and led to the establishment of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Some States were attempting at this session to weaken the independent role of the High Commissioner in the United Nations system. The draft resolution on strengthening dialogue, coordination and cooperation between the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights represented a dangerous intrusion on the independence of the High Commissioner. The effectiveness of the High Commissioner in carrying out her mandate to protect and promote human rights for all required that she be independent and politically impartial. The new relationship entailed in the draft resolution would seriously threaten that independence and impartiality. The members of the Council should oppose the adoption of the resolution at this session.

ORETTA BANDETTINI DI POGGIO, of France Libertés – Fondation Danielle Mitterrand, in a joint statement with ,Movement against Racism and for Friendship among Peoples; International Educational Development; and American Association of Jurists, said all persons had the right to dispose of themselves, and peoples had the right to take all legitimate measures to realise their right to self-determination. The Western Sahara, a non-autonomous territory, which came under article 73 of the United Nations Charter, deserved particular attention and should be the goal of efforts by the international community so that the people of the territory could freely express themselves in a referendum. The Human Rights Council should note that the occupying power in that region was not on the United Nations list of administering powers - the decision on the territory had not yet been taken. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action called upon all States to eliminate all human rights violations and the causes thereof, as well as obstacles to the realization of these rights.

JOHN FISHER, of European Region of the International Lesbian and Gay Association, said that despite the role of Special Procedures, in every country and every region of the world people faced human rights violations because of their sexual orientation and gender identity. The mere existence of laws criminalizing people because of their sexual orientation or gender identity gave State officers and private citizens the belief that their discriminatory actions were legitimised and fuelled violence and hatred against all those perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex. In summary, the International Lesbian and Gay Association was heartened by the progress seen at the international, regional and national levels in addressing these important human rights concerns and urged the Council to play its part.

TOM GANIATSOS, of Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights, called attention to the adverse implications of Council resolution 12/21 which, contrary to obligations undertaken in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, aligned the Council in favour of the re-examination of the relation between traditional values and practices and human rights. Along these lines, the Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights asked the Council whether the full-face veil really constituted religious attire. Neither the Koran nor any other religious work required it. Nor did it comprise part of a religious ritual or manifestation, as did the cassock worn by priests. The covering of a woman’s face was to deny her the ability to communicate her personality, rendering her in effect invisible. The Marangopoulos Foundation for Human Rights concluded by urging that the full-face veil be abolished in every country of the world so as to render to every woman the visibility of her personality, her freedom and her equality.

SHOLEH ZAMINI,of Verein Südwind Entwicklungspolitik, provided some recommendations to further the implementation of the goals of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. First, country status reports on the situation of women should be included in the regular Universal Periodic Review process for each State. Second, the Universal Periodic Review should use additional indicators for establishing the situation of human and women’s rights defenders and civil society activists, such as how many were arrested or brought to court, their health treatment in jail, conditions of release and others. Third, the non-governmental organization recommended instituting a special procedure to continually monitor proposed and new legislation in all countries and put on debate the legislation that might be considered discriminatory in nature, particularly towards women, such as the family planning bill in Iran.

DALIA ABDEL-HAMED, of Action Canada for Population and Development, reiterated its support for the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The annual discussion held this morning was an opportunity to hear some specific proposals to cover gender dimensions of the work of the Council. The Council was also called upon to apply lessons learned from the past three years. It was essential today to fill the gaps, and address the issues that had been on the fringes of the Council, such as female mortality and morbidity rates. The draft decision proposed by Mexico and Colombia calling for the elimination of discrimination against women should be supported and Action Canada for Population and Development called on States to establish an Independent Expert which would focus on discrimination against women.

Mr. ED-DAHY, of Action Internationale pour le Développement, said the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action stated that all human rights were interdependent and inter-related, and was one of the foremost instruments for the international community on the protection of human rights for all. To realise the vision of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, all States must respond to human rights concerns and live up to their international commitments. Freedom of expression and opinion was part of democratic societies. The freedom of expression lay at the heart of every person's right to not be oppressed, and was a right guaranteed by the Declaration. Individuals should be able to express their opinions freely under all circumstances, but some States still violated this right on a daily basis.

PATRIZIA SCANELLA, of Amnesty International, said the Vienna Declaration reaffirmed that everyone was entitled to the right to seek and enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution. The chance of being granted international protection in Greece was very small because of the lack of a functioning asylum system. Two days ago, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees described the situation facing those seeking international protection in Greece as a humanitarian crisis. The protection of refugees and others eligible for international protection was founded on the principles of humanitarianism and responsibility-sharing. By insisting on returning asylum-seekers to Greece, European States were acting duplicitously, causing untold suffering and violating the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees. The Council should call upon those European States to accept responsibility for and process the international protection claims of anyone who could otherwise be transferred to Greece, and to comply with their international obligations to uphold the rights of asylum-seekers and refugees in good faith.

DAVID LITTMAN, of World Union for Progressive Judaism, in a joint statement with Association for World Education, said that everyone knew that, in their respective legal codes, that religions had laws which were not in keeping with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For several centuries, Christian and Jewish jurisprudence had led to the laws being considered obsolete. In Western countries and elsewhere, it was inconceivable that a Christian priest, pastor or rabbi could call for holy war or reintroduce stoning. The Human Rights Council was a secular platform for dialogue on human rights and it should never impose silence on free and healthy criticism. That would be the death of critical inquiry and would be the denial of the divine light that was shared between all human beings.

SULTAN SHAHIN, of International Club for Peace Research, said that on the anniversary of 9/11, threats to burn the Koran only further intensified the religious intolerance and xenophobia facing Muslim minorities in some quarters of the Western world today. Conversely, however, the International Club for Peace Research said that Muslims had not helped their cause by reacting with a wild and generalized condemnation of the West. The International Club for Peace Research urged fellow Muslims to declare that peaceful Islam was the genuine Islam, the mainstream Islam. The International Club for Peace Research concluded by saying that Muslims had to fight their own victim mentality and start taking responsibility for their actions.

NISAR UI HAQ, of European Union of Public Relations, said that 17 years after the adoption of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action the full realization of all human rights for all was a dream. There was a big gap between the rich and the poor nations and the right to development was a prerequisite for the full realisation of human rights for all. In recent years the international community found the new definition of development whereby its aim was to improve the quality of life in every sphere of meaningful activity. The Declaration of the Right to Development established this right as a basic human right and demanded that development programmes be integrated with human rights concerns. In trying to translate those principles in concrete measures, the international community faced the gap between the developed and developing, the gap further increased by globalization and the dominant economic power of multinational corporations.

EMMANUELLE DANGE, of International Institute for Peace, said that one of the responsibilities of the United Nations was to build the bridge between civil society and Governments so that communities and Governments could work together to get more done to improve people’s lives in every sense of the word. In their work at the United Nations, the International Institute for Peace saw time and again how a small but palpable people’s movement could lead to pressure on policy makers to respond and start change in policies and laws and shifts in cultural beliefs and practices. India had a long and rich tradition of people’s movements and the principle of equality was inscribed in the Indian Constitution. Giving women 33 per cent of the seats in Panchayats all over India had resulted in the induction of at least one million women to public life in India at the grassroots level.

GRACE ATIM,of Femmes Afrique Solidarité, said the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action reaffirmed that women's rights were human rights, and that States had the responsibility to protect women, and should therefore be linked to Security Council resolution 1325, as women brought an added value in peace and security. The resolution's tenth anniversary was an opportunity for making positive changes to restore women’s dignity in armed conflicts, promote their rights, enhance their meaningful participation in decision-making even at the highest level, ensure their protection under the law, prevent crimes and violations against them, and prosecute perpetrators of atrocities. Mandate holders and the Universal Periodic Review processes should adopt a perspective which integrated a resolution 1325 indicator with national laws and human rights machinery to deal with prevention and protection issues in conflict situations.

MINI SHARMA, Afro-Asian People's Solidarity Organization, said the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action was a landmark and step forward in the faith and commitment of the international community to the full realization of all human rights for all. But there was a need for attention and efforts for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Declaration. The Declaration affirmed that it was the duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to protect and promote all human rights and fundamental freedoms and to eliminate all human rights violations and their causes, as well as obstacles to the enjoyment of these rights. This included the duty to ensure the principles of equality and non-discrimination under the law and in practice. Notwithstanding this obligation, discrimination was still a daily reality experienced by too many people in all parts of the world.

XAVIER CORNUT, of International Humanist and Ethical Organization, said that every State had the responsibility of protecting the human rights of all residents in their territory, whether citizens or not. Sadly, however, certain States, particularly from the Organization of Islamic Conference, were falling short of their obligations under international law in this regard, especially for women. By way of conclusion, the speaker asked Member States of the Organization of Islamic Conference to end the relentless misuse of culture, tradition and religion to deny women equality under the law and to justify violence against women.

VICENTE DE LA QUINTANA DIEZ, of Fundacion para la Libertad, said that the Vienna Declaration had made some very clear recommendations on how to follow-up and monitor human rights violations within nations. The terrorist activities of ETA-BATASUNA continued to threaten peace and stability within the Basque region of Spain. States had the obligation to protect their citizens from terrorism and as such there was an urgent social need to combat the ongoing threats of ETA-BATASUNA. In addition to the criminal acts perpetrated by the terrorist group, they also instigated a continual climate of terror. It was for this reason that Fundacion para la Libertad called for the establishment of a Special Rapporteur on all persons punished by the plight of terrorism.

ANJALI GANDHI, of Indian Council of Education, said cohesive development required the integration of gender concerns into institutions so that women and men could participate and benefit equally. This approach recognised that gender roles recognised by society put women in disadvantaged positions. To ensure equality of women, structural changes had to be brought about in policies, programmes and budgets. In the education sector for example, encouraging girls to continue their education in traditional society meant that female teachers had to be appointed, schools had to be safe and toilet facilities had to be available. The most important instrument of gender mainstreaming was scrutiny of state and public budgets. The effective gender integrated approach ensured that adequate justice for both women and men, but more particularly women, took place.

AICHA RAHAL, of Centrist Democratic International, said the provisions of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action were still systematically violated in several areas of the world. The non-governmental organization regretted the fact that the violations happened daily by some states and groups. Particularly in the areas affected by armed conflict the victims suffered all sorts of violations and had no possibility to exercise their rights. States that supported separatist groups and provided them with shelter in their territory were not fulfilling their international obligations. The right to self-determination was used as a pretext for detention of the population, the speaker said, but the international community had luckily recognised that this principle was instrumentalized and used against articles of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.

HAMDI CHERIFI, of Action internationale pour la paix et le développement dans la région des Grands Lacs (AIPD), said universality was an essential part of human rights. The Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action said that human rights and fundamental freedoms were the birthright of all humans, and their protection and promotion was the first responsibility of Governments. The protection of human rights was a legitimate concern of the international community. Some States were violating the provisions of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The universal nature of these rights and freedoms was beyond question, and the population taken hostage by the Polisario in the Tindouf camps was evidence of ways in which the Declaration was violated. The Council should take the necessary steps to ensure the provisions of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action were being respected with regard to the situation in the Tindouf camps.

ARBINDER SINGH KOHLI, of International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, said gender mainstreaming was a process of assessing the impact of policies on men and women at all levels and making men and women part of programmes in all sectors of society so that the benefits were spread across both sexes. The ultimate goal was to ensure gender equality; this required political will and the development of gender-sensitive programmes and policies. These measures could not be effective if the task was left only to State actors; non-governmental organizations, particularly women's NGOs, had a particular role to play in this regard. Gender integration required an appropriate and timely supply of information and a social audit by civil society actors.

MALAININE LAKHAL, of World Federation of Democratic Youth, quoted the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action on the responsibilities of all States to develop and encourage respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion. During the last four decades, violations of human rights were occurring in Western Sahara. The occupying power in Western Sahara was guilty of denying the Saharawis their legitimate and inalienable right to self-determination. There was an urgent need to take up the right to self-determination in the discussions of the Council to support all the peoples who were still struggling to exercise their most fundamental rights.


PATSY ROBERTSON, of Widows’ Rights International, said that there was no doubt over the last decades that the international community had made great strides to improve the status of women around the world. However, one group of women, namely widows, remained amongst the most vulnerable and disenfranchised members of society. They faced discrimination across the globe irrespective of cultures, religion, ethnicity or even economic status and education. In closing, the representative of Widows’ Rights International urged all States to ensure that widows were not subjected to inhuman, humiliating or degrading treatment.

DAVID LITTMAN of Association for World Education, said that the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action declared that exploitation and abuse of children should be actively combated, including by addressing their root causes. The non-governmental organization learned that 70 per cent of Egyptian children aged 4 to 15 worked twelve hours a day in the dangerous agricultural sector. Female children were still subjected to Female Genital Mutilation each year despite the state’s legislation outlawing the practice. The Council still hadn’t condemned the scandalous affair of stoning in Iran. The speaker said it was strange that the Organization of the Islamic Conference requested a resolution on burning the Koran, but not a resolution of condolences for the thousands of innocent victims engulfed in the tragic floods in Pakistan.

1Joint statement on behalf of: International Service for Human Rights; Canadian HIV/Aids Legal Network; Human Rights Watch; Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia); and Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies.



For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC10/109E