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MORNING - Human Rights Council Hears that Discrimination Against Women and Others Remains Pervasive in Somali Society, and that While the Central African Republic Has Avoided the Worst Possible Outcome Due to Cooperation, More Remains To Be Done
Council Concludes Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia
The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia and an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic. The Council also concluded an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia.
Isha Dyfan, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, presenting her report covering the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, said discrimination against women, girls, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities remained pervasive in all aspects of Somali society, rooted in traditional structures such as the clan system and patriarchal norms and practices, which permeated all aspects of the country. During the reporting period, the Government made security its top priority and launched a military offensive operation against the Al-Shabaab militant group. However, the military offensive resulted in a marked surge in attacks by Al-Shabaab targeting civilians and members of the security forces.
Somalia, speaking as a country concerned, said the Government had extended an invitation to the Independent Expert in the coming month of November 2023 and had also decided to renew her mandate for a period of one year during the current session. The current challenge faced by the Government was the escalating security threat posed by Al-Shabab, which was why the Government reiterated its call for greater solidarity in this noble battle against this terrorist group, to consolidate the progress achieved so far and to ensure the continuation of the gradual progress in the promotion and protection of human rights in Somalia.
In the discussion on Somalia, some speakers commended the Government of Somalia for its efforts to address the deteriorating security situation and reiterated their commitment to support the Government in its fight against terrorism. They appreciated the efforts made by the Government to achieve stability and improve the human rights situation for all citizens despite the threats of terrorism. Some speakers said the military, political and economic situation in the country remained difficult and the human rights situation remained poor. While recognising the challenges in relation to the ongoing military offensive and the continuous terrorist threat posed by Al Shebaab, speakers emphasised the need for the Government to investigate alleged excessive use of force by security forces, and to prioritise accountability for human rights violations and civilian protection.
The Council then held an interactive dialogue with the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic.
Yao Agbetse, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said the report covered the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, and he wished to applaud the cooperation shown by the Government with his visits. Ongoing participation by the Government in various interactive dialogues showed the Government’s commitment to human rights. The worst possible outcome for the situation had been avoided thanks to this cooperation, but a great deal remained to be done. A normative framework had been drawn up, along with other pieces of legislation to fight corruption, establish a national observatory, and ensure gender equality. However, implementing other commitments, including the Luanda Peace Agreement, required further political commitment.
Central African Republic, speaking as a country concerned, said when it came to the protection of human rights, many challenges remained. The armed groups that had come together as the Coalition of Patriots to Change continued to perpetrate harmful actions against the Central African Armed Forces and the civilian population. In response to these attacks, investigations had been carried out by the Public Prosecutor's Office to identify, apprehend and bring those responsible to justice. The Central African Republic required increased support from the international community due to the influx of refugees and asylum seekers as a result of the Sudanese conflict.
In the ensuing discussion on the Central African Republic, some speakers said the Independent Expert’s report showed that the civilian population suffered from persistent and widespread violence, grave human rights violations and abuses, and lack of access to basic services. Sexual violence was committed with impunity against children. There must be consistent investment by the Government and the international community into the educational sector, as this combatted child recruitment and early marriage, a speaker said. There must be effective implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, as well as the Luanda Roadmap, in order to consolidate the authority of the State, and improve people’s trust in institutions. All violations of international law and abuses of human rights must be independently and impartially investigated.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded the interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, which began yesterday. A summary can be viewed here.
In concluding remarks, Vitit Muntarbhorn, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, said there had been some constructive developments recently: last week up to seven human rights defenders and activists had been released, and he was looking forward to more being released. On the implementation of human rights, there was a need to ensure access to justice for all; to release those who had been arrested for political reasons; to open up the space for pluralisation; to re-enfranchise those who had been deprived of their rights; and to re-vamp the various institutions that were not quite independent, including the judiciary. Cooperation with the United Nations was welcome, including the Pentagonal Strategy.
In the discussion on Cambodia, some speakers recognised that Cambodia had made progress on economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. Some speakers said they shared the Special Rapporteur’s concerns about the environment in which Cambodia’s national elections took place, including the disqualification of the main opposition party and pressure on the independent media and civil society. Some speakers congratulated Cambodia for the successful holding of general elections in July 2023, saying they were held in a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and inclusive manner. They emphasised that the human rights agenda should be addressed through genuine dialogue and cooperation and should be guided by the principles of impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicisation.
Speaking in the interactive dialogue on Somalia were European Union, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, France, United States, China, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, Yemen, Mauritania, Sudan, Burundi, Botswana, Eritrea and Venezuela.
Also speaking were National Union of Somali Journalists, Le conseil universel des droits de l'homme, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Minority Rights Group, Centre du Commerce International pour le Développement, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme, and Amnesty International.
Speaking in the interactive dialogue on the Central African Republic were Norway on behalf of a group of countries, European Union, Egypt, Luxembourg, Ireland, France, United States, China, Russian Federation, United Kingdom, China, Venezuela, Senegal, Sudan and Eritrea.
Also speaking were United Towns Agency for North-South Cooperation, Defence for Children International, Centre du Commerce International pour le Développement, and Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l'homme.
Speaking in the interactive dialogue on Cambodia were Australia, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Yemen, Venezuela, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Belarus, Viet Nam, Japan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, Cuba, Timor-Leste, Lebanon, Türkiye and India.
Also speaking were Save Cambodia, Human Rights Now, Earthjustice, Human Rights Watch, Lawyers' Rights Watch Canada, International Commission of Jurists, CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, and Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development.
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-fourth regular session can be found here.
The Council will reconvene at 3 p.m. this afternoon to hold an interactive dialogue with the High Commissioner on his interim report on the situation of human rights in Haiti, followed by the presentation of the High Commissioner and Secretary-General’s country reports on Cambodia, Georgia and Yemen. The Council will then hold a general debate under agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity building.
Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia
The interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia started in the previous meeting and a summary can be found here.
Discussion
A number of speakers recognised that Cambodia had made progress on economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. They commended Cambodia on its response to COVID-19, particularly on social protection, as well as its commitment to the climate, education and healthcare. Cambodia’s ongoing engagement with the Special Rapporteur and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was welcomed. Cambodia had also made significant progress towards the establishment of the National Human Rights Institution.
Some speakers said they shared the Special Rapporteur’s concerns about the environment in which Cambodia’s national elections took place, including the disqualification of the main opposition party and pressure on the independent media and civil society. Cambodia was called on to release detained human rights defenders, union leaders and political dissidents, and to drop the charges against them. Speakers also supported the Special Rapporteur’s call for the new generation of leaders to open up civic and political space; engage in constructive dialogue with civil and political actors; and guarantee an open political environment. Concern was also expressed about the report’s findings of restrictions on civil and political rights, with the Cambodian Government being called on to implement the 20 benchmarks outlined in the report.
A number of speakers congratulated Cambodia for the successful holding of general elections in July 2023, saying they were held in a free, fair, transparent, peaceful and inclusive manner. Some speakers also emphasised that the human rights agenda should be addressed through genuine dialogue and cooperation and guided by the principles of impartiality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicisation. The issue of human rights could not be dealt with through the selective imposition of specific mandates against sovereign States, even less so when they did not have the consent of the country concerned. Only through genuine dialogue and cooperation would it be possible to advance the protection of human rights around the world.
Some speakers pledged to continue their support to the Cambodian Government, including through development assistance and technical support, to advance Cambodia’s international standing and preserve its hard-won stability and socio-economic growth. They would work constructively with Cambodia in its efforts to advance all human rights, including by supporting the implementation of the benchmarks and recommendations set out in the Special Rapporteur’s report. It was hoped the Government would take constructive measures to improve the human rights situation in the country, in conjunction with United Nations mechanisms and other stakeholders.
Speakers asked the Special Rapporteur how States could assist Cambodia to create conditions enabling all Cambodians to participate in the political process? What were the most important measures the Cambodian Government needed to take to ensure open civic space?
Concluding Remarks
VITIT MUNTARBHORN, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia, said there had been some constructive developments recently: last week up to seven human rights defenders and activists had been released, and he was looking forward to more being released. Also, Senate and municipal elections were upcoming, an opportunity for more opening-up, and he hoped the authorities would restore the rights of those who had been disenfranchised. Further, climate change supports were welcome, and there were lots of openings in the country for green technology and green development. The help that the international community should also try to render should be on anti-trafficking measures, and there should be a status determination of those who were arrested during raids to classify them as victims rather than criminals and illegal immigrants. Cambodia’s contribution to technical cooperation could be extended to, among others, de-mining.
On the implementation of human rights, there was a need to ensure access to justice for all; to release those who had been arrested for political reasons; to open up the space for pluralisation; to re-enfranchise those who had been deprived of their rights; and to re-vamp the various institutions that were not quite independent, including the judiciary. Cooperation with the United Nations was welcome, including the Pentagonal Strategy. There needed to be a very clear order and system to stop attacks on human rights defenders, and to investigate cases to ensure transparency, and justice must be ensured to victims and their families, along with a reform of laws and practices to counter violence and discrimination: the space for human rights defenders and political opponents must be opened up so they could enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia
Report
The Council has before it the report of the Independent Expert on Somalia (A/HRC/5478).
Presentation of Report
ISHA DYFAN, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, presenting her report covering the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, said it provided an overview of recent political, security and humanitarian developments in Somalia and an assessment of the human rights situation in the light of the key benchmarks for progress in improving the situation of human rights.
Discrimination against women, girls, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities remained pervasive in all aspects of Somali society, rooted in traditional structures such as the clan system and patriarchal norms and practices, which permeated all aspects of the country. Ms. Dyfan commended the President of Somalia and leaders for their constructive discussions during the National Consultative Council meetings on key issues of paramount national importance. However, it was regretful that Puntland was not part of the decision-making process. She was encouraged by reconciliation efforts by the Government and by the passing of 11 legislations relating to security by Parliament. She also welcomed significant legislative developments, including the child rights bill and the juvenile justice bill, as well as the peaceful conclusion of the one person, one vote elections in Puntland in May 2023, which increased the prospects for direct universal suffrage in Somalia.
During the reporting period, the Government made security its top priority and launched a military offensive operation with clan militias, the African Union’s Transition Mission in Somalia troops and the United States Africa Command against the Al-Shabaab militant group. However, the military offensive resulted in a marked surge in attacks by Al-Shabaab targeting civilians and members of security forces. According to the report of the Secretary-General, the first quarter of 2023 saw the highest number of improvised explosive device incidents compared with any other quarter since 2017. Ms. Dyfan was concerned about the continued conflict in Laascaanood, which had taken a heavy toll on civilians and led to more than 185,000 people being displaced. She called for the parties to the conflict to agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities and resolve their disputes through dialogue, and for the Government to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and to fight impunity.
Disturbing trends of intimidation, harassment, arrest and detention of journalists continued. Ms. Dyfan condemned these acts and called on the Government to immediately cease the use of the Penal Code Act of 1964 against journalists and media practitioners. The humanitarian situation remained dire in Somalia following five consecutive seasons of failed and below-average rains exacerbated by climate change. Although famine was averted, flash and riverine floods in several regions affected at least 468,000 people and displaced over 247,000 people, as of 6 June 2023. Ms. Dyfan called on the international community to increase their assistance.
Ms. Dyfan welcomed the increase in the health care budget and the recent launch of the US$ 11.4 million project to strengthen emergency care services at regional hospitals in Somalia. Somalia required a legal framework against conflict-related sexual violence, domestic violence, and the impact of traditional practices such as female genital mutilation and child marriages. Ms. Dyfan called on the Government to pass the sexual offences bill and to take meaningful steps towards the ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, or the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa.
Statement by Country Concerned
Somalia, speaking as a country concerned, said the Federal Republic of Somalia took note of the comprehensive report of the Independent Expert, and regretted that the report did not set the record straight on some critical points. The Somali Government deeply regretted not being able to grant the Independent Expert a field visit, due to the security constraints and also for technical and organisational reasons as the Government’s institutions at Federal and state levels were engaged in the fight against terrorism. However, the Government had extended an invitation to the Independent Expert in the coming month of November 2023 and had also decided to renew her mandate for a period of one year during the current session.
With regard to the report, the Independent Expert used the terminology of Somalia and Somaliland as the name of the country, which stood in direct contradiction to the official name of Somalia as the “Federal Republic of Somalia”, and undermined its sovereignty and identity as a nation. Certain Government actions and commitments had been overlooked or underrepresented, including its proactive efforts in engaging diverse stakeholders on crucial matters. Significant strides had been made in the areas of media freedom: the Government recognised the leading role that journalists played in the reconciliation and peace process and the Government’s democratic institution-building process, and guaranteed the freedom of expression as enshrined in the provisional constitution, while encouraging media professionals to undertake their activities in line with national existing laws, just as should be the norm for other institutions and indeed for individual citizens in a democratic society.
The current challenge faced by the Government was the escalating security threat posed by Al-Shabab, which was why the Government reiterated its call for greater solidarity in this noble battle against this terrorist group, in order to consolidate the progress achieved so far, and also to ensure the continuation of the gradual progress in the promotion and protection of human rights in Somalia.
Discussion
In the discussion, some speakers reiterated full support to the mandate of the Independent Expert. It was regretful that the Independent Expert was unable to conduct a visit to Somalia during the reporting period. The Government was encouraged to engage with and facilitate a visit by the Independent Expert during the next period.
Some speakers commended the Government of Somalia for its efforts to address the deteriorating security situation and reiterated their commitment to support the Government in its fight against terrorism. They appreciated the efforts made by the Government to achieve stability and improve the human rights situation for all citizens, including addressing security threats, protecting civilians, and strengthening the rule of law, despite the threats of terrorism.
A number of speakers extended congratulations to the Cabinet for recently approving the child’s rights bill, which marked a significant step towards protecting the rights of all Somali children. The Government and the Somali Cabinet were strongly encouraged to prioritise other important files on the legislative agenda. The Government’s actions to implement the Universal Periodic Review recommendations were also commended.
Some speakers said the military, political and economic situation in the country remained difficult and the human rights situation remained poor. Somalis were victims of inter-clan conflicts and deaths as a result of terrorist acts, and around 7 million Somalis were in need of food and social assistance. The increase of conflict-related sexual violence was also extremely concerning. It was essential to monitor such abuses and violations and assure accountability. Somalia was encouraged to prioritise its accession to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and other international conventions.
While recognising the challenges in relation to the ongoing military offensive and the continuous terrorist threat posed by Al Shebab, speakers emphasised the need for the Government to investigate alleged excessive use of force by security forces, and to prioritise accountability for human rights violations and civilian protection, including the protection of children affected by armed conflict. The difficult conditions that journalists continued to endure while exercising their important work was also concerning. It was hoped that the Somali Government and its people would move forward on the path of development and security. All donors should take account of the humanitarian needs in the country, which were urgent.
Somalia needed support from the international community in the field of human rights. One speaker said that it had been more than a decade since the mechanism has been established, and despite continued requests made by the State concerned to terminate the mandate and provide the necessary institutional support and resources, it had been renewed each year. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should provide technical assistance to Somalia, but the mandate should be terminated, said the speaker.
Concluding Remarks
ISHA DYFAN, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, said on the question on how the Council could best support Somalia in the implementation of the benchmarks and indicators for the improvement of human rights, it should provide technical assistance on capacity for relevant Ministries, among others. The Government should adopt a multistakeholder approach in holding roundtables and talks with all parties on how to improve the human rights situation in Somalia, and prioritise those related to the implementation of the benchmarks and indicators. Technical assistance was necessary to accelerate the implementation of the benchmarks, moving forward.
On how she would plan and use the upcoming visit, she intended to learn from the lessons of the past, and how that could be used to resolve the human rights concerns that she had, including on the political participation of women, the elderly, and the disabled. It would be important to understand from all stakeholders what resources would be necessary to implement some of the recommendations made in the report under the benchmark on the rule of law. On how the Government should ensure its responsibility to maintain security and respect the rights of journalists and the freedom of expression, she supported the efforts of the Government to create an enabling environment for human rights investigative bodies, and she would push for further understanding of the situation. She was positive that progress would continue, step by step.
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic
Report
The Council has before it the report of the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic (A/HRC/54/77).
Presentation of Report
YAO AGBETSE, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said his report covered the period from 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023, and he wished to applaud the cooperation shown by the Government with his visits to the country. The ongoing participation by the Government in various interactive dialogues, and the fact that the Minister for Justice and Good Government was present in Geneva, showed the Government’s commitment to human rights. The worst possible outcome for the situation had been avoided thanks to this cooperation, but a great deal remained to be done, despite positive developments that showed the political resolve to ensure that human rights were at the heart of the Government’s agenda, and he called for technical assistance and funding to ensure that this could happen.
A normative framework had been drawn up, along with other pieces of legislation, to fight corruption, establish a national observatory, and ensure gender equality. However, implementing other commitments, including the Luanda Peace Agreement, required further political commitment. Two referenda had been held, and a participatory and inclusive process had begun, and there were witnesses to this. Some women journalists had been prevented from covering matters related to the referendum, showing that political tensions and questions remained: having a genuine political dialogue was crucial to ensure that future elections took place inclusively, with a genuine dialogue. More women needed to come forward as candidates and to vote. Technical partners had committed to providing the funding required, and this was crucial for developing democracy.
On disarmament and repatriation, Mr. Agbetse said four armed groups had signed a peace agreement, and all involved should do more to implement article four of that agreement, which stipulated that all armed groups throughout the territory would be dissolved. During the period under consideration, the security situation had remained tense, and armed groups had contributed to instability in the country. Civilians suffered from this ongoing insecurity: there were attacks in villages, fields, mines and on the roads, with serious effects on the enjoyment of life and on human rights.
The situation also needed to be considered in light of refugee flows as a result of the conflict in Sudan. There were also refugee flows from Chad. These crises had clear direct impacts on the lives of people: many people were unable to feed themselves and their families, due to the price of basic foodstuffs having doubled. Russian bilateral forces were also involved in many human rights violations, including sexual violence, summary executions, kidnappings, and other violations committed against civilians. However, progress had been made with regards to justice and reconciliation.
Statement by the Country Concerned
Central African Republic, speaking as a country concerned, said when it came to the protection of human rights, many challenges remained in the Central African Republic. The armed groups that had come together as the Coalition of Patriots to Change continued to perpetrate harmful actions against the Central African Armed Forces and the civilian population. In response to these attacks, investigations had been carried out by the Public Prosecutor's Office to identify, apprehend and bring those responsible to justice. The national criminal courts as well as the Special Criminal Court had continued their work in this regard, and the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission would begin its hearings in the next few days. The Central African Republic required increased support from the international community due to the influx of refugees and asylum seekers as a result of the Sudanese conflict.
The Central African Republic would undertake its fourth cycle of the Universal Periodic Review, during 2024. One of the recommendations from the previous cycle which had been accepted was the development of a national policy on human rights. This document provided a framework for all interventions in the field of the promotion and protection of human rights. The people of the Central African Republic had adopted a new constitution and aspired to definitively turn their back on crises and work towards the development of the country. The Central African Republic would soon submit its candidacy to the Human Rights Council. This was a modest effort being made by the authorities to remained mobilised in international human rights commitments.
Discussion
In the ensuing discussion, some speakers said the Independent Expert’s report showed that the civilian population in the Central African Republic suffered from persistent and widespread violence, grave human rights violations and abuses, and lack of access to basic services. One speaker expressed particular concern for the precarious situation of the country´s nearly three million children, noting that the report highlighted the low school enrolment rate and lack of vocational training. These were aggravating factors in the recruitment of children by armed groups, the trafficking of children, as well as child marriages. Sexual violence was committed with impunity against children. There must be consistent investment by the Government and the international community into the educational sector, as this combatted child recruitment and early marriage, a speaker said.
There must be effective implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, as well as the Luanda Roadmap, in order to consolidate the authority of the State, and improve people’s trust in institutions, some speakers said. The withdrawal of Russian forces was a sine qua non. There must be free and transparent elections that were inclusive. These were the requirements to ensure non-recurrence of the events of the previous decades. The perpetrators of violent acts must be held responsible. The Government should strengthen transitional justice and fight impunity. All violations of international law and abuses of human rights must be independently and impartially investigated.
The shrinking of civic space and the persecution of human rights defenders and the independent media was also of concern. All parties should ensure full, safe and unhindered access to humanitarian aid. The Government should protect members of predominantly Muslim communities that were targeted by certain groups, including the Wagner group, a speaker said.
The efforts by the Government to enhance social dialogue with all parties were commended, a speaker said, and it should continue its efforts to improve the human rights situation and continue the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration efforts in order to put an end to violence. The international community must provide technical cooperation and capacity building in the field of human rights in a manner that was commensurate to the Central African republic’s needs and priorities. The international community must look at the situation coolly and calmly without any politicisation, another speaker said.
Among questions posed were: could the Independent Expert elaborate on what measures could be undertaken by the Government to ensure children and youth quality education, free from fear, violence and threats; what consequences did the Independent Expert foresee with regard to refugee flows in the north of the country; and how could the international community support the Central African Republic in efforts to ensure accountability and avoid future human rights violations and abuses?
Concluding Remarks
YAO AGBETSE, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, thanked all those who had spoken in the discussion. Within the Central African Republic, there was an operational plan to combat early and forced marriage, and a plan of action against human trafficking, as well as an education plan. Vocational training and agricultural training were areas where more needed to be done. State support was needed, as well as support from the United Nations country team.
The crisis had had a direct impact on the lives of people in border areas. Prices of basic foodstuffs had increased sharply. All technical partners should provide technical and humanitarian support to ensure it met the needs of everyone. This included people fleeing from Chad and Sudan, but also those who had returned to the Central African Republic. There was a need to ensure that military courts could deal with allegations of human rights violations appropriately; this was a way to combat impunity.
Support could also be provided through funding for victim reparation funds. The international community needed to do more to combat sexual and gender-based violence in the Central African Republic, including by providing technical support. Law and order forces and the military needed to be trained to ensure they could protect the rights of civilians. The list of sanctions within the Security Council needed to be followed closely. The authorities needed assistance to give impetus to the Peace Agreement, and it needed to be ensured that the Luanda Roadmap was put into effect.
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not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.
HRC23.146E