HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS GENERAL DEBATE ON HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATIONS REQUIRING ITS ATTENTION

The Human Rights Council this afternoon held a general debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, during which speakers raised allegations of human rights violations in countries and regions around the world and reiterated the Council’s responsibility to address all situations of concern.

Speakers in the general debate also highlighted concerns about harassment and persecution of human rights defenders, journalists and political activists, about strong restrictions imposed on civil society and independent media, and about the rise in the persecution and extreme violence against religious and ethnic minorities in a number of countries and regions.

Taking the floor in the general debate were Italy on behalf of the European Union, Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, Russia, Montenegro, United States, Czech Republic, France, United Kingdom, India, China, Cuba, Japan, Algeria, Germany, Morocco, Ireland, Austria, Netherlands, Norway, Iceland, Spain, Switzerland, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Georgia, Belgium, Israel, Slovakia, Myanmar, Ukraine, Ecuador, Armenia, Eritrea, Azerbaijan, Iran and Australia.

Also speaking were the following non-governmental organizations: World Evangelical Alliance (joint statement), Baha’i International Community, Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik, Article 19-International Centre against Censorship, VIVAT International, International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism, International Association for Democracy in Africa, Agence Internationale pour le Développement, Press Emblem Campaign, Asian Legal Resource Centre, International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Colombian Commission of Jurists, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, Franciscans International, International Buddhist Relief Organization, Alsalam Foundation, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Al-khoei Foundation, United Schools International, Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale, Liberation, Society of Iranian Women Advocating Sustainable Development of the Environment, Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, Il Cenacolo and Helios Life Association.

At the end of the meeting Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, South Sudan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Morocco, Palestine, Maldives, Armenia, Thailand, Ethiopia, Bahrain, Niger, Japan, Azerbaijan and Eritrea spoke in right of reply on statements made during the general debate on situations requiring Council’s attention.

The Council will resume the general debate on situations requiring the Council’s attention at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 17 September, followed by the presentation of reports by its Advisory Committee and a general debate on its subsidiary bodies.


General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Attention of the Council

Italy, speaking on behalf of the European Union, expressed extreme concern about the crises in Ukraine and Iraq and the deterioration of the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. Other issues of concern included the arrest and detention of human rights defenders in China, severe restrictions to freedom of expression in Russia, and actions that restricted the voices of civil society. The European Union expressed concern that Israel’s continuing policy of land confiscation and settlements in the West Bank impacted negatively on Palestinian civilians.

Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, said that the international community should support the promotion of democracy in all parts of the world and reaffirmed that all human rights including the right to development must be addressed in an independent, impartial and non-selective manner. The Non-Aligned Movement reaffirmed the need to ensure that human rights were not used for politically motivated decisions and expressed concern about the continuation of selective passing of country-specific resolutions by the Human Rights Council.

Russia said that the situation in Ukraine and especially in its eastern part was of great concern and welcomed the ceasefire and the stop to hostilities contained in the Minsk Agreement. This ceasefire must be respected by all parties to the conflict. Russia called on Kiev to respect all the provisions of international humanitarian law. The human rights situation in Ukraine was worsening with a rise in the activities of neo-Nazi groups, repression on the free media and the oppression on the opposition parties.

Montenegro commended the Commission of Inquiry on Syria for its efforts to document human rights violations there, despite not being allowed on Syrian territory. Montenegro was deeply concerned about the situation of civilians there, and reiterated its support for increased humanitarian assistance and sustained funding for humanitarian aid by the international community. Montenegro reaffirmed its support for a political solution to the conflict and called on all parties to cease violence. Montenegro finally called for accountability for those responsible for violations of human rights and humanitarian law in Syria.

United States was concerned about the situations in Syria, Iran, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Sudan and South Sudan. The Cuban Government continued its activities to silent political dissent. China had also continued harassing those who expressed political dissent and continued its repressive policies in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Uighur area. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan had imposed harsh restrictions on freedom of expression and religion, and torture had been perpetrated there. In Egypt, the United States was concerned about mass arrests and the lack of investigation into the death of protestors last year. The United States finally expressed concerns with regards to human rights violations by the Russian Federation in eastern Ukraine.

Czech Republic said that the increasing number of human rights violations in eastern Ukraine and Crimea was of great concern, and called on all parties to refrain from violence. In Libya the situation was concerning as well. The Czech Republic condemned human rights abuses in Iraq and was concerned about numerous cases of restrictions, harassments and arrests of activists and journalists. In Russia, the Czech Republic remained concerned about violence against human rights defenders and sexual minorities. The Czech Republic was concerned about violations against activists in China, remained deeply concerned about human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and was also concerned about the human rights situations in Syria, Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

France called on the international community to mobilize its efforts to end the savagery and atrocities of ISIL in Iraq, where more than two million Iraqis had fled the violence. It recalled the peace and security conference on Iraq that took place in Paris yesterday, where 26 States condemned the attacks and called on the High Commissioner to mobilize her country mission as soon as possible. France also expressed serious concern about ongoing human rights violations in Syria, violence in Libya, unfair executions of dissidents and minorities in Iran, and serious violations and indiscriminate bombardments by Sudan, particularly in Darfur and South Kordofan. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was urged to end the massive violations it continued to commit against its own population.

United Kingdom expressed strong concern about human rights violations in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Sudan and South Sudan, and about the lack of improvement in Iran under President Rouhani. Backwards steps in media freedoms and human rights in Burma risked undermining reform. The United Kingdom was also concerned by reports of violence and excessive use of force by the security authorities in ethnic minority areas of China and urged it to engage with minority communities in Tibet and Xinjiang. Deep concern about the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and the continued building of Israeli settlements was also expressed.

India said States must remain mindful of the objectives and nature of the Council. The Council must rise above political interests and machinations and squarely face the human rights challenges of their times which also arose from the actions of non-State actors. The practice of selectively highlighting country situations and finger pointing had never been proved to be productive. It only hardened the stance of countries, made them more defensive and drove them away from the Council. Resolutions by the Council that had been adopted in a confrontational manner had not served their intended purpose.

Cuba noted with concern politicization and double standards in the work of the Human Rights Council, and the number of countries that considered the Council to be an investigative court at their service. The United States held the record for abduction, torture and concentration camps, prisons and arbitrary and racist implementation of the death penalty. The only aim of the Government of the United States was to slander the Government Cuba and its revolutionary heritage.

Japan was deeply disturbed by the humanitarian situation in Iraq and urged the international community to work with the new Government there to address this and to also work towards a sustainable cease fire and stability in Gaza. The findings of the Commission of Inquiry on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea were of deep concern and Japan called on the Government to take its recommendations seriously. In South Sudan, the large number of internally displaced persons and refugees was an issue of concern and Japan called on the Government to ensure security and the rule of law.

Algeria drew attention to the humanitarian situation in Western Sahara and was concerned by the dramatic human rights situation in Morocco and the violation of the Sahrawis’ right to self-determination. The Human Rights Council must look at what could be done now to put an end to human rights violations in Western Sahara. More than ever, an oversight mechanism for human rights in Western Sahara must be put in place, including through the United Nations mission there, which was the only United Nations peacekeeping mission which did not have a human rights mandate.

Germany was gravely concerned about human rights abuses and war crimes by ISIL. Germany called on both Israel and the Palestinian Authority to fully cooperate with United Nations mechanisms, and condemned executions by armed groups in Gaza. Germany remained deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Sudan, South Sudan and the Central African Republic, and about abuses by Boko Haram in Nigeria. Germany urged the Government of China to release all political prisoners and to respect human rights law. It urged Azerbaijan to investigate allegations of human rights violations against activists, and remained concerned about restrictions on freedom of expression in the Russian Federation.

Morocco rejected allegations of human rights violations in Western Sahara just made by Algeria. In Algeria, activists of the Kabyle independent movement were oppressed and forced to flee the country. The human rights violations and violations of international refugee law by Algeria should be investigated by the United Nations. Algeria should cease making such political statements in the Council. Morocco was on the contrary fully cooperating with United Nations mechanisms.

Ireland continued to be concerned about the situation in Egypt and called on the authorities there to investigate the death of peaceful protestors last year. Ireland was also concerned about the situation of religious minorities in Egypt, and further called on Egypt to foster civil society and cease restrictions on their activities. Ireland was concerned about human rights violations in Iran, and the situation of minorities there. Ireland was also concerned about the situation in Libya and violations against activists in Bahrain and Azerbaijan.

Austria was alarmed by the increase of targeted harassment and killings of journalists, particularly those working in crisis areas, and called on all to ensure accountability for crimes perpetuated against journalists and media workers. No region was exempt from abusive practices against civil society activists and human rights defenders. Increasing attacks against religious minorities was an issue of concern, particularly in Iraq where minorities suffered severe persecution and violence at the hand of ISIS, and in the Central African Republic and a number of Asian countries.

Netherlands was deeply shocked by atrocities committed by the so-called ISIS and other armed groups which amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity and called for special attention to be paid to the particularly vulnerable position of women and girls. In Sudan, arbitrary detention was on the rise and civil freedoms of the press had been curtailed; freedom of religion was of concern and the Netherlands lamented the use of force against civilians, particularly in areas of Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

Norway said that the worldwide situation for civil society, human rights defenders and freedom of expression was deteriorating. Norway expressed deep concern about the massive crackdown on civil society, independent media and the human rights situation in Azerbaijan, the crackdown on peaceful protests in Egypt which had led to the loss of hundreds of lives, increasing pressure on human rights defenders and civil society in Russia, and the harassment and imprisonment of individuals exercising their legitimate right to freedom of opinion in Bahrain.

Iceland was deeply concerned by the massive human rights and humanitarian crisis in Iraq and Syria and strongly condemned the heinous international crimes committed by the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. It remained appalled by the human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The horrific abuses detailed in the Commission of Inquiry’s sobering report were intolerable. Iceland was also concerned by the human rights situations in Egypt and in Sudan.

Spain drew attention to the dramatic effect which political crises were having on human rights around the world. The situation in Libya was of concern. Tomorrow, in Madrid, there would be a conference on Libya, to support international mediation efforts under the leadership of the United Nations. The situation in Syria was still worrying and Spain called for respect of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Regarding the situation in the Palestinian territories, it urged Israel to cooperate with the new Special Rapporteur.

Switzerland opposed the application of the death penalty everywhere and under all circumstances. Such a sentence was incompatible with respect to the rights of persons and their families. It was particularly concerned by the situation in Saudi Arabia and Iran, which used capital punishment in categories not of the most serious kind, and carried out public executions. It also condemned the Government of the Maldives’ recent decision to amend legislation to allow the sentencing to death of children from the age of seven.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea said that the interference in other countries’ international affairs persisted under the name of the war on terror. Human rights violations were perpetrated in the United States, including racial discrimination, repression against other nationalities, illegal tapping and mistreatment of prisoners. Human rights abuses such as xenophobia, Islamophobia, neo-Nazism, sexual abuses and discrimination were present in Western countries. Finally, Japan should admit and liquidate its past crimes against humanity.

Georgia said that human rights violations persisted in Georgia’s occupied regions, including the Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. In August 2014, elections were held in the Abkhazia region in violation of Georgia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. This act was an attempt to cover up the ethnic cleansing that was taking place there. The international community should call for the respect of Georgia’s territorial integrity. In the Tskhinvali region, fences and other obstacles installed by the Russian occupation forces continued to divide families and communities.

Belgium was alarmed by the human rights and humanitarian law abuses perpetrated by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and particularly about the situation of women and children and religious minorities. The situation in Libya had recently worsened, and all parties should engage in a constructive dialogue and cease hostilities. Belgium was concerned about the situation of human rights defenders in Uzbekistan and about this country’s lack of cooperation with United Nations human rights mechanisms. Belgium was finally concerned about the harassment of political opponents in Niger.

Canada was concerned about the increase in violations of the right to freedom of religion in Iran and the manipulation of religion for political purposes in that country. In Iraq, decades of marginalization and religious persecution had created sectarian divisions which enabled the violent attacks by non-State actors on religious minorities, committing atrocities and war crimes that shocked the world. Canada counted on the Human Rights Council to address the right to freedom of religion and the rise of religious intolerance.

Denmark remained deeply troubled by the human rights situation in Iran, including the situation of minorities. While commending the dialogue on possible technical cooperation between Bahrain and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Denmark expressed concern about the detention of human rights activists. The humanitarian situation in Gaza was disastrous and Israel must secure immediate and unimpeded access to assistance in accordance with international law.

Israel said the Middle East was in the midst of turmoil and conflicts were multiplying rapidly, with tragic consequences. With political upheaval still shaping the landscape of these countries, it was a mistake to presume that their Governments had managed to provide the civilian population with any level of peace, security or ‘spring’. It called upon the Council and the international community to address the misery, suffering and despair that the upheaval in the region had brought to so many.

Slovakia expressed serious concern about the further dramatic rise in gross and wide-spread human rights violations and abuses in different parts of the world. Individuals were prevented from exercising their fundamental human rights such as the right to freedom of expression and freedom of association and assembly due to systemic and systematic violations of human rights standards. The culture of impunity still prevailed and those responsible were not held accountable for their crimes.

Myanmar believed that the promotion and protection of human rights should be based on the principles of cooperation and genuine dialogue. Continuing the practice of adopting country-specific resolutions in the Council against the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity would neither help address human rights challenges in concerned countries nor contribute to meaningful cooperation in the interests of human rights promotion and protection.

Ukraine was deeply concerned about nationalist and neo-Nazi movements in the Russian Federation. Mercenaries who invaded eastern Ukraine were members of Neo-Nazi groups. The Russian authorities were not doing anything to end these movements and groups, and were instead putting restrictions on the activities of activists and human rights defenders.

Ecuador was concerned about continuing violations of human rights caused by drone strikes carried out by the United States, and about the fact that the United States had failed to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility more than 2,000 days after President Obama had taken office. Ecuador underlined the torture activities perpetrated by the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency.

Armenia condemned the non-respect of the cease-fire in the Karabakh region by Azerbaijan and the attacks against a delegation of the Red Cross there. Azerbaijani forces had carried out attacks and arbitrary arrests of Armenian citizens. Armenia demanded that the execution of Karen Petrosian by Azerbaijan be investigated.

Eritrea opposed the protracted efforts by some countries to use politically motivated resolutions in violation of the principles of the Human Rights Council and also rejected the use of country-specific mandates and resolutions. There were human rights challenges in every nation, therefore genuine engagement, cooperation and institutional linkages through the Universal Periodic Review mechanism were a decisive approach that created a multiplier effect in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Azerbaijan said that occupation of its soil by Armenia represented a grave violation of international law; the fate of more than 4,000 Azerbaijani prisoners of war held by Armenia was still unknown. Azerbaijan said some European countries including Ireland, Netherlands and Norway should pay more attention to the situation of minorities, the status of prisons and the elimination of all kinds of discrimination against non-citizens.

Iran said that the violations of human rights in some European countries were of concern, as were instances of racism and xenophobia in the run up to the European Parliamentary elections. The treatment of indigenous peoples by the Canadian police was also an issue of concern.

Australia remained deeply troubled by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s systematic widespread and gross human rights violations. The Government was called upon to immediately begin addressing the basic human rights of its people. It was also deeply concerned over Iran’s human rights record despite some positive signals over the past year. The Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo were urged to end gross human rights violations.

World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) in a joint statement with Caritas Internationalis International Confederation of Catholic Charities, asked the Human Rights Council to keep strong attention on the Central African Republic, considering that the massacres of civilians were still going on despite the ceasefire signed in Brazzaville. The desperate situation in the Central African Republic demonstrated without a doubt the immediate need for a United Nations mission to the country.

Baha’i International Community said yesterday it released a document entitled ‘Unfulfilled Promises,’ which reviewed the commitments Iran made at the last session of the Universal Periodic Review as they pertained to the situation of the Baha’is, the largest non-Muslim religious minority in the country. Since 2010 not only had Iran made absolutely no improvement on accepted recommendations, but the situation had worsened.

Sudwind said that foreign countries intervening in civil wars aggravated the situation. Those who committed war crimes and crimes against humanity could not enjoy impunity. In this regard, it was concerning that 71 States still had not ratified the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court. Sudwind remained concerned about Iran’s police forces shootings at the western border of the country.

Article 19 called on the Russian Federation to stand by its commitment made during its second Universal Periodic Review to ensure the protection of journalists and investigate murder cases of journalists. There had been no progress on this issue since Russia accepted this recommendation, which created a climate of impunity that only led to more violations against journalists.

VIVAT International said that Papuan human rights lawyers were often intimidated by Indonesian authorities. Gustaf Kawer, a Papuan human rights lawyer had been intimidated and arbitrarily prosecuted by Indonesia for his activities in favour of indigenous people. Indonesia should end intimidation of human rights defenders and lawyers, including Mr. Kawer, and ensure the safety of Papuan human rights lawyers and defenders in doing their work.

International Movement against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism reiterated the need to provide effective protection to all human rights defenders and particularly those who engaged with the United Nations human rights bodies and mechanisms. Sri Lanka was determined to unleash a fear of possible detention and prosecution of those wishing to give evidence before the Council.

International Association for Democracy in Africa spoke about the blasphemy law in Pakistan under which more than 1,000 people had been charged since 1986. The law had no evidentiary standards, no requirement to prove intent and no procedural safeguards against false allegations.

Agence Internationale pour le Développement said that the population of Tindouf camp was denied their basic human rights and there was a notable absence of international protection. The Polisario enforced a climate of fear and the non-governmental organization called on the international community to assume its responsibilities with regards to the camp’s population.

Press Emblem Campaign said that with almost 100 journalists and media workers killed since the beginning of the year, 2014 would be one of the most deadly years for the media profession in the twenty-first century. It called on the Council to keep its constant attention on this particular subject. A request by the Council for a study on the matter by the Advisory Committee would have been appreciated.

Asian Legal Resource Centre continued to draw the attention of the Council to the deepening human rights crisis in Thailand following the 22 May coup. Although the country had been experiencing protracted political unrest, nothing in the current circumstances was a justification to introduce martial law and launch a military coup under international human rights law.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said that on 30 August, Ms. Maryam Al-Khawaja, the Co-Director of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights who had taken the floor so many times in this room and whom many members of Permanent Missions had met, was arrested upon her arrival at Bahrain International Airport. Her arbitrary detention was strongly condemned and the Bahraini authorities were called upon to release her.

Colombian Commission of Jurists said that enforced disappearances remained a serious concern in Thailand, and regretted that out of the 81 cases transmitted by the Working Group on enforced disappearances between 1980 and 2014, Thailand had only clarified two. The Colombian Commission of Jurists referred to the cases of Somchai Neelapaijit and Pholachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, two disappeared human rights activists whose fate had not been fully clarified, including because of witnesses being frightened into silence.

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain in a joint statement referred to the case of an activist arbitrarily detained in Saudi Arabia for five months, who had been beaten and suffered health problems. Saudi Arabia wanted to systematically silence political dissent and human rights activists.

Franciscans International urged Australia to ensure the reception of asylum seekers and processing of their claims in accordance with international law and immediately close offshore detention centres for asylum seekers in the Manus Island and Nauru, where there had been allegations of human rights violations and where children were in a particularly vulnerable situation.

International Buddhist Relief Organization took up the plight of Dalits in India who were victimized on a daily basis. They worked as manual scavengers and did not have access to clean water. The Human Rights Council should urge the Government of India to implement the laws enacted for the rights of Dalits and put an end to the recurring menace of Indian women and minority communities.

Alsalam Foundation called the attention of the Council to the situation of human rights defenders and prisoners of conscience in Bahrain and acts of reprisals against them. Bahrain should release all persons imprisoned solely for exercising their human rights, while the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should play a constructive role in facilitating their release which would be a beginning of the process of necessary reform.

Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said that in Syria and Iraq ISIS was committing barbaric killings of the Shia, Sunni, Christian and Yezidi in the name of the implementation of Islamic Sharia. The actions of ISIS were equal to the definition of genocide from Article 1 of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and effective action must be taken, including the referral of the ISIS leaders to the International Criminal Court.

Al-Khoei Foundation said that since the occupation of Mosul by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant last June, the Christians of Iraq and other minorities had been humiliated and forcefully displaced from their homes only because they refused to abandon their faith. It called upon the Security Council, the Human Rights Council and all bodies that were striving to achieve human rights, to free the Christian cities.

United Schools International said there was nothing worse than being uprooted from one’s home and left at the mercy of strangers. That was what internally displaced persons always suffered, hoping that one day they would return to their rightful place. The number of internally displaced persons had increased since Pakistan’s army, under no little pressure from the United States, moved into North Waziristan.

Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale was deeply concerned about the situation of women and children in the Tindouf camps, suffering the full brunt of the worsening humanitarian situation in these camps. In conflict with the principles and tenets of various international conventions, women in these camps were subjected to daily multi-faceted forms of exploitation.

Liberation condemned the coercive and intimidating actions involving the use of armed forces, police and paramilitary forces as tools to further repress the already suffering ethnic minorities of north eastern India. It requested the Council to put pressure upon the Indian Government to put an end to systematic acts of human rights violations.

Society of Iranian Women Advocating Sustainable Development of the Environment said that inequitable access to water was a serious violation of human rights. The Lake Uromia in Iran had recently experienced increasing salinity and declining water quality and a long-term plan was needed to preserve the lake which would focus on Zagros forests.

Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association said that the majority religion people were wiping out the minority Buddhists in India and their cultural rights were being ignored. The Human Rights Council should intervene in the matter and ask the Government of India to hand over Maha Boddhi Vihar to Buddhist people, remove all encroachment carried out in Buddha Vihars and Buddhist cave, and protect the cultural rights and heritage of the Buddhist minority.

Il Cenacolo supported the recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry on Syria and said that the disaster there was a result of the long-term neglect of human rights, including suppression of freedom of expression, extra-judicial killings and arbitrary detention. The situations in Cuba and Venezuela required attention by the Human Rights Council before they spiralled out of control.

Helios Life Association said that before they raised their voice against particular violations and called for bringing the violators to justice for the purpose of promoting, defending and protecting human rights, it should be understood that more violations would come unless an alternative thinking pattern was provided. The pursuit of whatever human beings were inherently entitled to was not about human rights but, rather, awareness.

Right of Reply

Venezuela, speaking in a right of reply, said that the United States Government, an expert in criminal invasions and economic blockades, had no moral basis to say it was a defender of human rights. On the contrary, it had the blackest record of human rights violations. It illegally detained persons without due process. This interventionist power should cease its policy against Venezuela.

Saudi Arabia, speaking in a right of reply in response to certain delegations, said it was proud to adopt Islam as a legislation and methodology and was keen on adopting human rights obligations. The countries that referred to Saudi Arabia should take more care of their human rights records. It had already expressed its position on the death penalty. The penal code referred to the conditions for arresting people, guaranteeing all rights to all citizens, in full transparency. Saudi Arabia rejected any kind of doubting against the Saudi system.

Algeria, speaking in a right of reply, said that Morocco regularly conducted repressive acts against civilian Sahrawi people and each time the question of human rights was raised, Morocco used the discussion for its political agenda and used invective against Algeria without providing any evidence.

South Sudan, speaking in a right of reply, said that the statement delivered by the European Union was based on false evidence. The so-called worsening of the human rights situation in South Sudan was an illustration of propaganda by the European Union. The situation in South Sudan had significantly improved, and the European Union should focus its work on the human rights violations occurring there against the Roma community, migrants and people of African descent.

Egypt, speaking in a right of reply, categorically rejected misleading statements made earlier against Egypt, and regretted the attempts to politicize the work of the Council. Any fair assessment of the overall situation in Egypt would recognise the achievements made in the field of human rights and economic development. The Egyptian penal code was fully adequate and sentences were proportional. This was for example not the case in British law regarding the anti-terrorism laws. Recent events in Ferguson showed that the United States could not give lectures either.

Uzbekistan, speaking in a right of reply, said that the United States’ statement on the situation in Uzbekistan was unfounded. There were a number of different ethnic and religious groups in the country, and freedom of religion was in line with international standards. Uzbekistan had abolished the death penalty and was applying the habeas corpus principle. There were more than 40 correspondents working in the country, and nobody was persecuted in Uzbekistan for their efforts to build civil society. Uzbekistan was concerned about the continuous application of the death penalty in the United States.

Morocco, speaking in a right of reply, stated that since 1975 Algeria had been involved in the Western Sahara territorial dispute. The pioneering nature of reforms in Morocco, and its democratic capacity, were clear and could not be contested by Algeria. Algeria was trying to export gas to foster tensions in the area. While claiming to support the principles of self-determination, Algeria was spending huge amounts of money to pursue its interests regarding Western Sahara, and should be the last country to speak about such issues, given tragic events there in the 1990s.

Palestine, speaking in a right of reply, said that item 7 on the situation in Palestine had been a standing item on the agenda since the creation of the Human Rights Council in 2006; the situation in Palestine should thus be considered under that item and not item 4 on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention. Some Governments continued to refer to the so-called “right to defense” of Israel, while it was in fact both an occupier and an aggressor when it came to Gaza. States’ disengagement from item 7 only emboldened Israel in its illegal actions against the Palestinians.

Maldives, speaking in a right of reply in response to the statement made by Switzerland, said that the last time the Maldives had implemented the death penalty was in 1953. No person was subject to prosecution except through the institutionally sanctioned process of the law.

Armenia, speaking in a right of reply in response to the statement by Azerbaijan, said that as usual it had attempted to shift the blame. On so-called innocent villagers that came to visit their homeland, it was reminded that they were carrying automatic guns, grenades and ammunition. It was hoped that after recent meetings, Azerbaijan would stop this rhetoric and put its efforts towards a peaceful resolution of the situation in Nagorno Karabakh.

Thailand, speaking in a right of reply in response to some of the issues raised by the Colombian Commission of Jurists regarding cases of enforced disappearances in Thailand, said that it appreciated concerns expressed and reiterated that it was committed to the promotion and protection of human rights of all persons. Regarding Mr. Somchai Neelapaijit, the current Government remained seized to continue the investigation of his case. For the case of Mr. Porlagee Rakchongcharoen, the Department of Special Investigation was handling the case and was conducting the investigation. The former chief of Kaen Krachan National Park, alleged to be involved in the case, would have to prove himself in due process of the law.

Ethiopia, speaking in a right of reply, said Eritrea had once again levelled unfounded allegations against Ethiopia. It was known that Ethiopia had not occupied any Eritrean territory. Eritrea was under international sanctions by the United Nations Security Council and had committed serious human rights violations against its own people.

Bahrain, speaking in a right of reply, stressed its commitment to cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms, and underscored its dedication to implementing recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry and the Universal Periodic Review. Saying that political militants were imprisoned because of peaceful activities was erroneous. People were only in prison if they committed acts that threatened the society. Violent extremism had spread in the region as a way to achieve political objectives. No one was above the law, and freedom of expression was legitimately limited in all States to protect others.

Niger, speaking in a right of reply, assured the Council that freedom of expression was well respected in Niger. Opponents and media workers were free, and nobody was prosecuted without reason. All political representatives were allowed to express their views.

Japan, speaking in a right of reply, said that the numbers presented by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea were erroneous. It was a pity that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea had not heeded recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry and the international community as a whole. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea should take constructive steps forward, rather than putting the blame on others.

Azerbaijan, speaking in a right of reply, stated that Karen Petrosian, a military member of an Armenian subversive group, had aimed to commit acts of sabotage and had entered the territory of Azerbaijan. Armenia was trying to politicize the case, which was indicative of Armenia’s intentions. Armenia had cleansed most of its territories of ethnic non-Armenians, while Azerbaijan managed to preserve its diversity. Armenia should follow various international documents, which repeatedly recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

Eritrea, speaking in a right of reply, said that some settlements had been created by Ethiopia in some of the occupied areas in order to create facts on the ground in its favour. The simple reality was that Ethiopia was going against international law, and was violating Eritrea’s right to peace and development, and the binding rulings endorsed by the United Nations Security Council. Ethiopia was trying to diverge attention from the matter. Having committed grave violations, Ethiopia had no moral ground to speak about the human rights situation in Eritrea.

Algeria, speaking in a second right of reply, said that the statement of Morocco aimed to divert attention from the human rights record of Morocco itself. Algeria referred to reports by various human rights mandate holders and non-governmental organizations that listed human rights violations and abuses committed by Morocco, including the reports by the Working Group on arbitrary detention, by the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, and by Amnesty International.

Morocco, speaking in a second right of reply, said that Algeria was the only closed country in the region and had been opposing visits by mandate holders and international human rights non-governmental organizations for several years now. The record of enforced disappearances in Algeria was one of the saddest in the world. Practices of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention and torture were a concern for all.

Armenia, speaking in a second right of reply, said that Armenian society was shocked by the deaths of prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons and places of detentions. Throughout the human history, it was shown that cruelty never contributed to peace as evil begot evil. Armenia called for more careful readings of relevant United Nations resolutions and asked Azerbaijan about its own implementation of provisions from those texts.

Ethiopia, speaking in a second right of reply, said that it was regrettable that Eritrea had once again provided unfounded allegations. Ethiopia did not occupy any territory from Eritrea. Ethiopia was a democratic country with the rule of law, as opposed to Eritrea. Eritrea should chose peace with all its neighbouring countries and respect international law.

Azerbaijan, speaking in a second right or reply, referred to a United Nations General Assembly resolution on territories of Azerbaijan occupied by Armenia, demanding that Armenia cease its aggression. Armenia’s authorities were responsible for war crimes and were not in a position to give lessons to others.



For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC14/121E