HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL STARTS SECOND DAY OF HIGH-LEVEL SEGMENT

The Human Rights Council this morning started the second day of its high-level segment, hearing 18 dignitaries raise issues concerning popular demands for democracy in the Middle East and North Africa, especially the situation in Libya, national efforts to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights, and the review process of the Human Rights Council.

Speaking in the meeting were Iurie Leanca, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova; Jean Asselborn, Vice Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg; Hoda Alban, Minister of Human Rights of Yemen; Fatima Al Balooshi, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain; Mutula Kilonzo, Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs of Kenya; Uri Rosenthal, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands; Karel Schwarzenberg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic; Kanat Saudbayev, Secretary of State – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan; Antonio Milososki, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Dipu Moni, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh; Mourad Medelci, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Algeria; Luzolo Bambi Lessa, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Fashion Phiri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia; Ikuo Yamahana, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; Frank Belfrage, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden; Luis Raul Estevez Lopez, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala; Dimiter Tzantchev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria; and Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.

The dignitaries said the Human Rights Council needed to find flexible, creative and effective ways to address specific situations whenever they occurred. There were areas that should be enhanced to improve the Council’s performance. The Council had on numerous occasions missed the opportunity to hold a victim oriented debate on situations of serious concern or developing crises. The Council should address this shortcoming and increase the capacity of this body to react promptly whenever needed. The Human Rights Council was an effective global body that carried a review of compliance at the country level. Its potential would be needed in handling the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa. The five year review offered an opportunity to adjust the Council’s working procedures. There was a need to reinitiate the work of streamlining the Special Procedures and harmonizing the cycle of reports to the Council.

Recent events in the Middle East and Northern Africa had clearly emphasized the obligation to maintain human rights at the top of the global affairs agenda and those tragic events had underscored yet again the failed policy of eyes wide shut. Unemployment, poverty and the presence of parallel economies had led to a political conflagration in the Arab countries, mobilized by new media and led by young people who had risen up and succeeded in breaking the wall of fear and thereby had reclaimed their history. These movements were welcomed but there must be structures and political institutions to reflect the legitimate democratic demands of the people which would be achieved through dialogue, beginning with the organization of free and fair elections. The successful protests and demonstrations and the astonishing series of developments in Tunisia and Egypt were historic changes and everyone felt they were important even though no one could say what exactly their outcomes would be. Young people of Egypt had found their way out and hope and optimism had taken hold. But there was also ample reason for concern and dismay. The violent response of the regime in Libya to the peaceful protests was outrageous. The Libyan Government, or whatever was left of it, must stop the violence immediately.

The Human Rights Council will continue its high-level segment this afternoon at 3 p.m.

High-Level Segment

IURIE LEANCA, Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova, said that the Republic of Moldova shared the position of the High Commissioner for Human Rights that the Human Rights Council needed to find flexible, creative and effective ways to address specific situation whenever they occurred. In the Republic of Moldova, the human rights dimensions were at the forefront of the Government’s policy, and the country stood for universal respect of the principles of international law and human rights that stemmed from their indivisibility and interdependence. The Republic of Moldova’s calls for an early, lasting and peaceful solution to the Transnistrian conflict based on the respect of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Moldova would remain insistent and continuous. The ongoing abuses and the flagrant lack to respect for human rights in the eastern region of the Republic of Moldova would not be tolerated.

While the Republic of Moldova lacked natural resources, it was blessed with hardworking, law-abiding and freedom-craving people who brought about the democratic changes that had taken place in the country over the past two years. As part of their European integration efforts, last year they had chosen to launch the European Union – Republic of Moldova structured dialogue on human rights. Also, when the Republic of Moldova had decided to run for election to the Human Rights Council, it had offered its pledge to open-mindedly further the cause of human rights worldwide. Recent events in the Middle East and Northern Africa had clearly emphasized the obligation to maintain human rights at the top of the global affairs agenda and those tragic events had underscored yet again the failed policy of eyes wide shut. In conclusion, the Republic of Moldova believed that everybody should work together with all stakeholders in order to transform the perceptions and stereotypes about victims of human rights violations by promoting the value and respect for the rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

JEAN ASSELBORN, Vice Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, said there had been a political conflagration in the Arab countries, mobilized by new media and led by young people who had risen up and succeeded in breaking the wall of fear and thereby had reclaimed their history. Unemployment, poverty and the presence of parallel economies had led to these developments. Luxembourg welcomed these movements and recognized that there must be structures and political institutions to reflect the legitimate democratic demands of the people which would be achieved through dialogue, beginning with the organization of free and fair elections.

Luxembourg had joined the countries which called for the holding of a Special Session of the Council on Libya and had condemned the human rights violations and the death of hundreds of persons and had called for an immediate cessation of these human rights violations which equated to crimes against humanity. No impunity must be tolerated and the United Nations Security Council had correctly referred this case to the International Criminal Court. Under the multi-annual agreements signed by Luxembourg with the United Nations Refugee Agency, Luxembourg would provide 500,000 Euros to react to the humanitarian crisis in Libya and the rest of the region. Luxembourg condemned the human rights violations in Iran and insisted that Iran must stop applying the death penalty, especially by stoning, and called for creating a mandate on this issue. In Gaza, there were unacceptable living conditions for the population; peace negotiations remained deadlocked, and all the violations of international law, humanitarian law and human rights law, including the destruction of houses, the building of the wall and the establishment of settlements were being committed. Luxembourg regretted that the Security Council did not adopt the initiative against the construction of settlements. Economic activity in Gaza remained paralyzed. In Belarus Luxembourg had called for the release of all political prisoners including political candidates, journalists and members of civil society. In The Democratic Republic of the Congo, one of the poorest countries in the world where 500,000 children died every year before reaching the age of 5, Luxembourg was concerned about rapes and violence committed against women of all ages. The Council must work to stop this and help these most vulnerable people while the Democratic Republic of the Congo must cooperate with the Council. The use of torture constituted a flagrant violation of human rights, even when used to combat terrorism and should not be acceptable and all States should ratify the Convention against Torture and torture victims should be compensated. Luxembourg was also worried about vicious attacks against Christians, churches and other religious communities in Iraq and Egypt and called for all countries to respect freedom of religion and belief and to reject intolerance.

HODA ALBAN, Minister of Human Rights of Yemen, said that the world today needed to establish new structures so that they could live enjoying justice, freedom, democracy and human rights. But how could this happen if millions were hungry and did not have the most basic necessities concerning healthcare, water, education, work and housing. How could they speak about the right of peoples to self-determination when the Palestinian people were suffering under the Israeli military? How could they ensure sustainable development in light of globalization and the countries of the south suffering from debts? Yemen would like to enter this new century at a time where all human beings could enjoy human rights. Ms. Alban said that there were so many challenges before them and the country expressed its attachment to human rights, liberty and equality. Yemen needed international mechanisms to have human rights respected and they were building them but efforts had to be carried out at all levels.

In Yemen, since 1990, the date of the unification of Yemen, a lot of changes had been made and legislation complied with human rights. Yemen was making efforts to ensure that human rights were respected and they focused on the most important achievements such as setting up a national committee based on the Paris Principles to take strategic measures for the respect of human rights. The President of Yemen had prohibited the imprisonment of journalists for expressing their opinions. There was also a committee to deal with recommendations and suggestions of the Universal Periodic Review process held in 2009 and there were 124 remedies that had been applied. Yemen also was committed to welcome increasing numbers of refugees coming from the Horn of Africa. There were presently 850,000 refugees in the country. Yemen attached a great deal of importance to the judiciary and it was carrying out comprehensive judicial reforms. Yemen had taken large steps towards development and respecting human rights, but there were still challenges, including poverty and the Yemenis who could not read. Terrorism forces wanted the wealth of their country and balanced means had to be found to combat terrorism while respecting human rights and Yemen requested the international community and the Council to assist them to ensure that human rights were respected. Yemen hoped to receive fresh guidance from the Council.

FATIMA AL BALOOSHI, Minister of Social Development of Bahrain, said that the creation of the Human Rights Council had been a quantum leap in the promotion and protection of human rights. The commitment to the human rights and the reforms had guaranteed stability in Bahrain over the chaos. Therefore, Bahrain had a long-standing record in security and safety and in non-discrimination based on gender or religion. Unfortunate incidents in Bahrain over the past several days happened because the demonstrations had not been peaceful. The security forces had been instructed to act peacefully and withdraw in order to avoid clashes. Approximately 300,000 people had taken to the streets in response to the call for national unity and peace for all. Based on demands of the demonstrators, a cabinet change had been effected. As for reforms, Bahrain would continue the process to realise the hopes attached to it and this process was irreversible.

The objectives of Bahrain focused on the promotion and protection human rights. As for cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Human Rights Council, it was continuing on all fronts and in total transparency. Bahrain had made a voluntary contribution to the Office in order to advance its work and had participated in a number of regional and international meetings. Also, Bahrain was fully committed to improving the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council. In conclusion, Bahrain said it hoped that the members of the Council would support the initiatives for national dialogue and the setting up of the commission of investigation of the incidents that had taken place.

MUTULA KILONZO, Minister for Justice, National Cohesion and Constitutional Affairs of Kenya, said that Kenya wished to convey its condolences to the people of Libya for their losses over the past few days. Kenya had worked to resolve issues concerning discrimination in its new constitution which now provided an elaborate protection against discrimination as tested in the Kenyan courts by civil society organizations regarding political nominations which the court declared as non-constitutional on the basis of discrimination. New article 53 of the constitution stated that every child should be entitled to constitutional protection including free and compulsory education, and there had also been legislation added against ethnic or racial contempt, ethnic discrimination and victimization.

Kenya was committed to following up on the Durban Review Conference held in April 2009. Kenya reiterated its commitment to resolution 7/23 of the Human Rights Council on climate change as Kenya recognized the implications that climate change had for the full enjoyment of human rights and the negative impact that might result from disease, natural calamities and food insecurity. Kenya was committed to the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The new Kenyan constitution established an independent and inclusive Judicial Service Commission, a supreme court which would be headed by the Chief Justice, and a legal framework for the provision of judicial services as contained in the Judicial Services Bill that contained far reaching recommendations including financial independence, transparent and merit based appointments, disciple and removal of judges. The Bill was passed by the National Assembly last week. The National Assembly had also passed the Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Law in February 2011 and had established a Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission to inquire into human rights violations including those committed by state institutions, groups and individuals. The Kenyan Government was committed to Vision 2030, its economic blue print to achieve an economic growth rate of 10 per cent per annum by 2012 and maintain this until 2030 and to build a just and cohesive society in the eight key social sectors of education, training, health, water and sanitation, environment, housing and urbanization.

URI ROSENTHAL, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, said that the successful protests and demonstrations and the astonishing series of developments in Tunisia and Egypt were historic changes and everyone felt they were important even though no one could say what exactly their outcomes would be. Young people of Egypt had found their way out and hope and optimism had taken hold. But there was also ample reason for concern and dismay. The violent response of the regime in Libya to the peaceful protests was outrageous. The Libyan Government, or whatever was left of it, must stop the violence immediately. The Netherlands welcomed last Friday’s Special Session on Libya and said it was clear that no country that blatantly disregarded the human rights of its citizens belonged in this international forum and that it made perfect sense under the circumstances to suspend Libya’s membership to the Human Rights Council. A smooth transition to democracy and the rule of law must be supported and this was not only about free and fair elections, but about establishing a transparent and accountable government, a judicial system and the creation of jobs and economic opportunities, including opening of the markets. With regard to recent events in the Arab world, there was a hope that the Middle East peace process would be on the move again. The parties must bring peace to the region that had been embroiled in a conflict for decades. A new tone could make for a vital difference and the Netherlands hoped that the Human Rights Council would play its role. A major improvement would be to reduce the number of resolutions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to refrain from inflammatory language that did not help the peace process at all.

The updating of the human rights system in the Netherlands was under way and the Netherlands would, while working together with others, target violators and issue sanctions. The Netherlands was keen on the enjoyment of the freedom of expression including internet freedom, which opened the doors to the enjoyment of other rights and freedoms. The focus would also be on freedom of religion and freedom of expression of beliefs, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. The Netherlands was one of the Council’s original members and it had worked hard to make real improvements in people’s lives. In the five years of the life of the Council, successes and disappointments were experienced. The Council had achieved progress with the Universal Periodic Review and the Special Procedures, which were the Council’s eyes and ears in the world. In closing, the Netherlands called on all Member States to live up to the Council’s original objectives to elevate the status of human rights and not to make human rights issues disappear from the table, so that the millions of people who were counting on their support could cross the bridge from tyranny to liberty.

KAREL SCHWARZENBERG, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, said that the Czech Republic enshrined the ideals of peace, human rights and democratic principles into its foreign policy. The Czech Republic welcomed the outcome of the Special Session on the situation of human rights in Libya and urged all countries to allow for substantial discussion on the Council’s request during the session in the General Assembly.

The creation of the Council had brought about a number of undisputed positive elements, specifically the Universal Periodic Review, which allowed all States regardless of their political system or economic development to listen to their partners on how to develop human rights mechanisms, and the Special Procedures. Special Rapporteurs were not expected to compliment governments on their achievements but rather to find those areas where they should do better. The Czech Republic aspired to become a member of the Human Rights Council and had decided to present its candidature for the period 2011-2014 in the upcoming elections. The Czech Republic had considered the areas that should be enhanced to improve the Council’s performance. The Council had on numerous occasions missed the opportunity to hold a victim oriented debate on other situations of serious concern or developing crises, such as Iran or the post-election crackdown on opposition in Belarus. The Czech Republic urged the Council to address this shortcoming and to increase the capacity of this body to react promptly whenever needed.

The Czech Republic saw the release of the Nobel Prize laureate Ms. Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in November last year as a first step on the way to democracy in Myanmar but there should also be an inclusive dialogue with political opposition and civil society to reestablish her as the only legitimate leader of the country. The Czech Republic also condemned the persecution of pro-democratic activities, lawyers, students and members of the civil society in Belarus and lately the revoking of licenses of four lawyers involved in the so called mass riot case.

KANAT SAUDABAYEV, Secretary of State – Minister for Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, said that in the 20 years of independence Kazakhstan had turned into an internationally recognised, strong and democratic state. In all those years, Kazakhstan had been working closely with others, including the United Nations agencies and bodies on implementing its national strategic objective of the promotion and protection of human rights and economic development. As part of the National Plan of Action for Human Rights, legal reforms had been implemented, including enacting 16 laws to make criminal legislation more humane and strengthening the role and status of women in political life. Kazakhstan had been implementing a Gender Equality Strategy in order to improve the situation of women in the country. Kazakhstan had been working closely with the human rights machinery including the Human Rights Council and the successful passing of the Universal Periodic Review in 2010. The country had been visited by a number of Special Procedures, and Kazakhstan expressed its belief in their professionalism and the intention to fully cooperate with mandate-holders.

During its 2010 presidency of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Kazakhstan had significantly expanded and intensified the humanitarian dimension of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s work. Kazakhstan intended to continue in those areas during its chairmanship of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in 2011 and 2012 with the special emphasis on the promotion of tolerance between the West and the Islamic world. Kazakhstan viewed the Human Rights Council as an effective global body that had carried a review of compliance at the country level. Its potential would be needed in handling the situation in the Middle East and Northern Africa and Kazakhstan expressed its support for the capacity of the Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and would continue with its voluntary contributions to the Office. Kazakhstan had put forward its candidacy for membership in the Human Rights Council for 2012-2015 and remained committed to consistent efforts to promote and protect universal human rights and freedoms.

ANTONIO MILOSHOSKI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, said that the Government commended the urgent action by the Council on the situation in Libya. The changes that had happened in North Africa and the Middle East had been historic but there have also been human rights violations which should not be allowed. Human rights and fundamental freedoms were the paramount values of the constitutional order of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and constituted one of the core components and guiding principles of its foreign policy.

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macdeonia clearly defined its priorities in the area of human rights: the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, the struggle against gender discrimination and violence, the advancement of the rights of women, the fight against torture and other cruel and inhuman and degrading treatment, the fight against poverty and exclusion, protection against discrimination, the fight against freedom of religion and belief, freedom of expression, protection of the rights of disabled people and the rights of the Roma people. From May to November 2010, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had chaired the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe and aimed to strengthen and consolidate human rights protection and the promotion of youth participating in society.

The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia had presented its candidature for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the term of 2013-2016. It was party to all major international human rights instruments and would ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Optional Protocol and the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances.

DIPU MONI, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, said that it was an honour as a contributing member of the Human Rights Council to deliberate once more and reaffirm Bangladesh’s robust political commitment to the mandate, process and the work of the Council. The Government, established two years ago, had developed the Vision 2021 that aimed at transforming Bangladesh by the fiftieth anniversary of its independence into and educated, well informed, middle-income nation, free from exploitation and where justice and equality were guaranteed. The Vision vindicated democracy, pluralism, development, human rights, the rule of law and empowerment of women as progressive values for peace and prosperity of the people. The Government had dedicated the past two years to extensive political and institutional initiatives to improve, create and fortify institutions, legislation and policies to guarantee freedoms for the people. A dormant national human rights commission had been transformed into a vibrant institution as per the Paris Principles, and a Citizen’s Charter had been launched. While the State had remained appreciative of the contribution of law-enforcement agencies in the major reduction in crime in 2010, it still remained vigilant in monitoring due process and had set a record in taking disciplinary measures against law-enforcement personnel for violations of rules, procedures, laws and code of conduct. The judiciary had been made fully independent in rendering justice and fully privatised vibrant print media ensured the freedom of speech. Those changes added to the democratic and human rights credentials of Bangladesh.

Abject poverty was a major obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights and Bangladesh had undertaken a wide range of initiatives to ensure rights-based development, reduction of human and economic poverty and gender equality. Bangladesh aimed to provide food security and education to its entire people as a tool and a way to the enjoyment of human rights. In the last two years, the Government had enacted four new laws dedicated to protection of women and children. Bangladesh had already achieved some of the Millennium Development Goals, such as universal primary education and was on its way to achieving others, including access to safe drinking water. Bangladesh then outlined some challenges in which the continued engagement of the Human Rights Council was essential. Climate change and its erratic patterns were hitting Bangladesh with increasing intensity, with the poor being its victims. The Human Rights Council should give more attention to the links between climate change, poverty and development. Food security was another issue to address to uphold the dignity of the world poor, as were the right to development and the rights of migrant workers. Bangladesh had a high confidence in the Human Rights Council and its Universal Periodic Review in which many participated with enthusiasm.

MOURAD MEDELCI, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria, said that Algeria had shown its devotion to strengthening the work of the Council by working to restore common values rather than values based on individual interests. The Council must preserve its creditability. The five year review offered an opportunity to adjust the Council’s working procedures and Algeria was satisfied with the work done by the Council.

Algeria stressed the need to reinitiate the work of streamlining the Special Procedures and harmonizing the cycle of reports to the Council and welcomed the work done by the Universal Periodic Review. Algeria emphasized the interdependence between security and freedom and that fundamental freedoms should be respected in the fight against terrorism. Algeria suggested holding a panel which could discuss the human and humanitarian dimensions involved with hostage taking. Algeria had officially lifted the state of emergency and thus had responded to the recommendations of the Council. Algeria devoted particular attention to the difficult events in the region and had called for an evolution toward national dialogue because the acceleration of history in this region could not eclipse the existing non-rights of the Western Sahara and Palestinian peoples where there had been violations to the right of self determination. Algeria had invited seven Special Rapporteurs in 2007 but to date had only received one visit on the issue of women; Algeria was still awaiting the other Special Rapporteurs to come. Algeria continued its cooperation on forced or involuntary disappearances and since 1993 Algeria had observed a moratorium on the death penalty.

Algeria had achieved three of the eight Millennium Development Goals, reduced extreme poverty and hunger, provided for free education for all children and had reduced HIV and AIDS infections and would soon achieve the objective of reducing the infant mortality rate as well as improving the health of pregnant women.

LUZOLO BAMBI LESSA, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, said at this sixteenth session the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Special Procedures would submit the report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The way some people viewed justice in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was regrettable. Systematic violations of human rights, including sexual violence against women and girls, were the features of the war in this country. The Congolese Government had shown on several occasions its commitment to combating impunity which was the major motivation for the referral of the country situation to the International Criminal Court by the President. At the internal level military tribunals had strengthened their capacity, which was still insufficient considering the number of violations. Since the trials of Songo and others for sexual violence, the courts had not hesitated to apply the Rome Statute in sanctioning those crimes. The statistics concerning prisons demonstrated increased numbers of soldiers and members of the military who were being brought to justice. It might be a mistake of the Government for not talking more about the achievements made in this area. It was worth asking the questions regarding the financial contributions to the justice and human rights sectors, since the answer was very disappointing: no contributions were being made. Nevertheless the Government was doing its best because that was a very important issue.

Concerning the United Nations report on the human rights abuses and violations during 1992-1998, the Government had sent a number of replies and had undertaken several initiatives in the country, including prosecuting those responsible. Combating impunity for those crimes was an urgent task for the Government today. The Democratic Republic of the Congo was considered a model pupil at The Hague Court, but was considered a bad pupil in Geneva. While the Government had handed over its own citizens to the Hague, other Governments remained reluctant to do the same with their own nationals who had created chaos in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, namely Joseph Kony and Laurent Nkunda. The causes of sexual violence must be understood and the remedy found, since the situation was worsening in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including the 2010 incidents in Walikale. The absence of the effective reparation mechanisms weakened the system of justice and the Government needed help in doing so. United Nations peacekeepers who had been involved in rapes had still not been prosecuted and the Democratic Republic of the Congo did not merit this double treatment. Two laws concerning sexual violence and concerning the remedy to victims of sexual violence had been promulgated and the specialised agency for assistance to victims was becoming operational.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo had a national plan for the promotion and protection of human rights and the Government had a hope there would be sufficient means and resources to implement it. Concerning the protection of human rights defenders, the Democratic Republic of the Congo recalled its firm belief in their work and had adopted an order for subsidies for their work. The trial for the case of Floribert Chebeya was ongoing and it was the wish of the Government to find those responsible. There was zero tolerance towards corruption and misuse of public funds and the Government was working on developing plans for equitable division of the natural wealth. The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was such that it no longer required constant attention of the Human Rights Council and its emergence from the agenda item 10 would be appropriate.

FASHION PHIRI, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Zambia, said that Zambia strongly condemned the on-going violence in Libya which had led to loss of life. Zambia was equally concerned with events in other countries within the region and beyond. Mr. Phiri was happy to note that Zambia was a member of the Human Rights Council and it played its role in facilitating the holding of the Special Sessions. Zambia expressed condolences to the people of New Zealand on the loss of life following the recent earthquake. Although Zambia had fallen behind in its reporting obligations, the Minister of Foreign Affairs was pleased to inform the Council that the Government was still committed to fulfilling its reporting obligations under the various human rights treaties that Zambia was a party to. In this regard, the Government had allocated resources in the 2011 national budget to prepare and finalize all the State’s party reports that were due in 2009 and 2010. Despite its challenges, Zambia remained committed to discharging its international and regional human rights obligations. Zambia recognized the important role that women played in the development of a nation. Zambia also acknowledged that, although major strides had been made in the elimination of discrimination against women through the adoption of various codes and standards at the international level, the vice continued to permeate all spheres of human endeavor. It was for this reason that Zambia intended to domesticate the Convention against All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

In order to assist vulnerable people the Zambian Government had put in place various measures such as the establishment of the Public Assistance Scheme whose objective was to assist the most vulnerable in society to fulfill their basic needs, particularly health, education, food and shelter. The Scheme also aimed to promote community capacity to develop local and externally supported initiatives to overcome the problems of extreme poverty and vulnerability. Another measure consisted of the introduction of the Food Security Pack Programme whose overall objective was to promote food security at the household level in order to reduce poverty and enhance household nutrition among the vulnerable but viable households engaged in agricultural sector. On the issue of the death penalty, Zambia maintained a de fact moratorium and as such, no executions had been carried out since 1997. Zambia was looking forward to its second review under the Universal Periodic Review. Although challenges had been experienced in the follow up to the recommendations that were received during Zambia’s initial review, progress had been made in the field of heath, education, access to justice and protection of the rights of women and children. As Zambia continued to strengthen its human rights standards, it would endeavor to engage in global human rights issues through active participation at different international and regional fora.

IKUO YAMAHANA, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, said it was essential for governments to protect their citizens and guarantee the enjoyment of their human rights. Japan strongly condemned the use of violence by the Government of Libya against its citizens and strongly urged Gaddafi to observe the Human Rights Council resolution, halt violence and fully respect human rights. The Human Rights Council had an increasingly important role to ensure that human rights were respected in the international community. The Universal Periodic Review presented one of its main accomplishments and Japan was eagerly awaiting the outcome results of the review process. Japan was hoping to see all countries undertaking voluntary actions to improve their human rights situation and said it would commit to a number of international instruments treaties, as recommended by the Special Procedures mandate-holders. The Japanese Government had recently established an agency to promote a system of protection for people living with disabilities. The issue of child abduction also received a high level of attention by the Government. In addition, Japan would continue promoting the international framework for human rights.

Unfortunately, the Universal Periodic Review alone was insufficient and the Special Procedures were an indispensable mechanism that complemented it. So far Japan had fully cooperated with the Special Procedures and was considering extending them a standing invitation. Turning to the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Japan said it was unacceptable that this country had rejected a great number of Universal Periodic Review recommendations and had not addressed the abduction issue even though they had agreed to conduct a new investigation. Given this situation, Japan, together with the European Union would present later in this session of the Council, a proposal for the new mandate for human rights monitoring in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. There was no end to the promotion and protection of human rights and even though Japan’s term as a member of Human Rights Council would end this summer, it was standing as a candidate in the 2012 election in the hope of contributing further to the international efforts to improve human rights situations around the world.

FRANK BELFRAGE, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, said that in the first months of 2011 the international community had witnessed dramatic changes in countries in North Africa and in the Middle East. Sweden supported the peoples of these countries in their legitimate hopes and aspirations for human rights, democratic change, social justice and economic development. The international community had to accompany these countries to ensure a prompt and peaceful transition to democracy. The violent repression of demonstrators and civilian deaths were unacceptable and had, rightly so, been condemned by the international community. It was important and appropriate that the Human Rights Council, in order to fulfill its mandate, address serious human rights violations wherever they occurred. Sweden therefore welcomed the outcome of the Special Session on Libya last Friday, in the light of the unacceptable use of violence and use of force against civilians condemned by the Security Council, the European Union and the League of Arab States. Sweden also strongly supported the Security Council’s call upon the Government of Libya to meet its responsibility to protect its population.

Sweden aspired to membership of the Human Rights Council and they did so as firm advocates of the universality of human rights. Sweden was equally a strong advocate of everyone’s right to equal opportunities, and would not weaken in their efforts to support the sustainable development of all nations. The right to life was at the core of all human rights and Sweden was appalled by the extent of extrajudicial killings, in all parts of the world, and called upon every State to intensify efforts to bring these terrible acts to a halt. The highest number of executions was believed to be carried out in China and Sweden regretted that the Chinese authorities were not publishing information in this regard. Torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment had no place in a civilized society and Sweden welcomed the efforts of the Special Rapporteur on torture.

Sweden was deeply concerned by the worsening human rights situation in Iran. The use of the death penalty and the alarming rate of executions so far this year was profoundly disturbing. Sweden, together with other countries, proposed the establishment of a country mandate to address the human rights situation in Iran. Sweden also took a very serious view on other forms of discrimination where persons were singled out and mistreated because of their gender or sexual orientation. Whether based on prejudice, cultural practices or traditional values, no such discrimination should be allowed. One of Sweden’s three main priorities in development cooperation was to support and promote human rights and democracy. In these efforts, Sweden encouraged their partners to incorporate the recommendations of the treaty bodies, the Special Procedures and the Universal Periodic Review into their national development action plans.

LUIS RAUL ESTEVEZ LOPEZ, Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Guatemala, said that the promotion and protection of human rights was one of the priorities for its Government and an axis of its foreign policy. The membership of Guatemala in this Council gave it an obligation to act nationally and internationally to promote human rights. Guatemala further said that it was fully committed to the consolidation of the Council and had participated actively to make it a forum for dialogue. The results achieved during the review, even though limited, did reflect the status of the Council. Guatemala condemned and regretted the loss of life and destruction and appealed to the authorities in Libya to protect its citizens and appreciated that the international community had directed a lot of energy in trying to find solutions. For over ten years Guatemala had maintained an open door policy with regard to Special Procedures and with same energy continued to work on its national and international commitments. Guatemala had established a follow up mechanism to identify appropriate institutions and degree of fulfilment of its commitments.

Guatemala recognised its weaknesses in the implementation of its obligations with regard to the enjoyment of economic, social and political rights, but had nevertheless implemented a number of measures and was maintaining the budget for those measures despite the global economic and financial crises. Urgent measures were undertaken to further protect human rights defenders and to react to referred cases. National efforts to protect migrants and their families included strengthening of legislation for their greater assistance and protection and the establishment of National Migrant Committee. The fight against impunity included the establishment of a unique International Commission against Impunity. In closing, Guatemala reaffirmed its commitment to human rights especially for those who were most vulnerable and in need of protection.

DIMITER TZANTCHEV, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria, said that the international community was all focused on the developments in Libya where heavy weapons were used on unarmed and peaceful demonstrators with a high number of casualties among the civilian population. The ongoing violence in Libya was unacceptable and must stop immediately. The establishment by the Human Rights Council of an international commission of inquiry was an important step to hold to account these responsible for the grave human rights violations and Bulgaria had supported the convening of the Special Session on Libya and had co-sponsored the resolution commending the suspension of Libya’s membership at the Human Rights Council. The adoption of this resolution by consensus was a strong signal of condemnation of the gross and systematic violations of human rights committed by the Libyan authorities. The international community was witnessing historic events in the region of North Africa, where people of Tunisia and Egypt peacefully affirmed their will for political and social change. Bulgaria supported and saluted the peaceful and dignified expression by the people of those countries of their legitimate democratic, economic and social aspirations. Bulgaria supported the renewal of the mandates on the human rights situation in Myanmar and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and they were concerned about the recent repressions against the peaceful rallies of the Iranian opposition and urged the Iranian Government to respect human rights and cooperate with the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council.

Bulgaria paid tribute to the tireless efforts that the President of the Council had undertaken to conclude in time the review process of the work and functioning of the Human Rights Council while preserving the consensus among the States. Bulgaria believed in particular, as recent events had illustrated, that more work was needed to strengthen the Council’s credibility and its capacity to fulfill its mandate as set out in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251. Bulgaria hoped that there would be other opportunities to discuss and to implement some of the good ideas that were raised in the course of the review process. During this session the Council would consider and adopt the final outcome of the review of Bulgaria, held in November 2010 (during the ninth session of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review). Bulgaria would submit a written document containing its views on the recommendations. They had accepted most of the recommendations and in doing so the Government of Bulgaria reaffirmed its firm commitment to further enhancing the promotion and protection of human rights in the country.

EKMELEDDIN IHSANOGLU, Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, said that the Organization of the Islamic Conference would like to express its appreciation for the progress made by the Human Rights Council over the last year in fulfilling the mandate stipulated in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 60/251 and for the recent success in the consensual outcome of the first review of its work and functioning. The Universal Periodic Review was an efficient tool to promote human rights values.

The leaders in the Muslim world, where people had been aspiring to democracy, good governance and human rights, should deal with the situation with patience, wisdom and a forward looking vision. The Organization of the Islamic Conference supported the Council’s decision to dispatch an independent international commission to visit Libya and to investigate the allegations of human rights violations. The Organization of the Islamic Conference had dispatched two Coordination Missions to assess the humanitarian needs on the ground at the border with Egypt and Tunisia and it underlined its principled position against any possible military intervention to the situation in Libya. Organization of the Islamic Conference Member States, as outlined in the Organization of the Islamic Conference Charter, were committed to good governance, the rule of law, the promotion of human rights, fighting corruption and the expansion of political participation and comprehensive development.

The convening of the Council’s Special Sessions should be completed by effective strategies and efficient means to implement decisions in the interest of preserving the credibility and relevance of the Council. The Organization of the Islamic Conference would like to highlight the plight and permanent suffering of the Palestinian people under the continuous and deliberate aggression by Israeli military forces and the frequency of flagrant violations of their basic human rights. The Organization of the Islamic Conference encouraged efforts for promoting and protecting human rights of the Kashmiri people and supported the resumption of engagement between Pakistan and India. It also followed the humanitarian situation of Muslim minorities in non Member States such as the Philippines, Thailand and Bulgaria.

The Organization of the Islamic Conference had prioritized the fight against Islamophobia as a manifestation of racism. The Organization of the Islamic Conference had taken a principled position against defamation of any religion, dehumanization of the followers of a religion or denigration of symbols sacred to all religions. It called for an urgent need to initiate and sustain a preventive cultural diplomacy and reiterated its call, during the fifteenth session of the Council for establishing an Observatory at the Office of the High Commissioner to monitor acts of defamation of all religions or incitement to hatred or violence on religious grounds as a first step towards concerted action at the international level. The Organization of the Islamic Conference was on the verge of establishing an independent permanent commission on human rights.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC11/010E