HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS GENERAL DEBATES ON OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES AND ON VIENNA DECLARATION AND PROGRAMME OF ACTION

The Human Rights Council this morning held a general debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, followed by a general debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its general debate on the Universal Periodic Review. It also heard a statement from Aichetou Mint M’Haiham, Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society of Mauritania.

In the debate on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, Palestine and Syria spoke as concerned countries. Israel was not present in the room to take the floor.

Speakers said in the general debate that the issue of Palestine was at the core of the Middle East issue and that without a long-term solution there would be no peace or stability in the region, nor any guarantee of the human rights of the Palestinian people. The events currently unfolding in Palestine were of deep concern and delegations called on Israel to immediately stop the unlawful raids and release over 350 Palestinians unlawfully arrested in those raids. Speakers were also concerned about the consolidation of the Israeli policy of illegal settlements which negatively affected the peace process and put the two-State solution in jeopardy. Israel should dismantle settlements and put an end to the occupation. Several speakers said that the continued violations of rights of Palestinians by Israel in the full view of the international community confirmed the need for item 7 to remain on the agenda of the Human Rights Council. It was regrettable that some delegations had decided to cease their participation in this agenda item.

Speaking in the discussion were Ethiopia on behalf of the African Group, Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Iran on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement, Egypt on behalf of the Arab Group, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, China, Cuba, Morocco, Algeria, Maldives, Brazil on behalf of the India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Venezuela, Chile, South Africa, Namibia, Qatar, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Malaysia, Bahrain, Oman, Bangladesh, Jordan, Senegal, Lebanon, Yemen, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Libya, and El Salvador.

Also speaking were the following non-governmental organizations: BADIL Resource for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, Action contre la faim, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists, United Nations Watch, General Arab Women Federation, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Al-Haq Law in the Service of Man, Union of Arab Jurists, Commission on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches, European Union of Jewish Students, and International Muslim Women’s Union.

In the general debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, speakers noted that the twentieth anniversary of the World Conference on Human Rights was celebrated last year and that in the final conference documents, participants had reaffirmed the continued relevance of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as a guiding document in efforts to respond to today’s global human rights challenges. Speakers also emphasised the importance of the role of civil society organizations. Work should be based on the spirit underpinned by the Declaration, which was cooperation and dialogue, based on the principle that all human rights were universal, indivisible and interdependent. The international community had to treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis.

Speaking in the discussion were the United States on behalf of a group of 35 countries, Greece on behalf of the European Union, Argentina on behalf of a group of States, Egypt on behalf of a group of States, United States, Russia, Indonesia, Ireland, India, Pakistan, Venezuela, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Iran, Council of Europe, Netherlands, Holy See, and Canada.

Centre for Human Rights and Development, World Barua Organization, International Buddhist Relief Organisation, Action international pour la paix et la développement dans la région des Grands Lacs, British Humanist Association, Center for Inquiry, Comité International pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples, Amnesty International, World Muslim Congress, Alsalam Foundation, Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik, Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale, Liberation, Indian Council of South America, Global Helping to Advance Women and Children, and the International Muslim Women’s Union also took the floor.

Speaking in right of reply were Morocco and Algeria.

During this meeting, the Human Rights Council also heard an address by Aichetou Mint M’Haiham, Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society of Mauritania, who briefed the Council about the progress made in the human rights situation in the country. An ambitious plan had been adopted to build a modern society based on the rule of law and fairness in which the needs of all would be met without any discrimination. Significant efforts were being made to combat slavery, including the establishment of a special tribunal, and following the visit by the Special Rapporteur on modern forms of slavery earlier this year, the Government intended to put in place a national plan to combat the phenomenon of slavery and its consequences.

At the beginning of its morning meeting, the Council concluded the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review in which speakers said that mid-term reports were key elements in the process and welcomed the repetition of recommendations that were not accepted or implemented during the first cycle. Speaking were UPR Info, Human Rights Law Centre, Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik and CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation. The first part of the general debate on the Universal Periodic Review took place on Monday, 23 June, and a summary can be seen here.

The Council is holding full day of meetings today. At 2 p.m., the Council will hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, followed by interactive dialogues with the Independent Expert on the Central African Republic and the Independent Expert on Côte d’Ivoire.

General Debate on the Universal Periodic Review

UPR Info said that mid-term reports were key elements in the process and the number of those reports to the Council had dramatically increased. About 40 per cent of the Universal Periodic Review recommendations were fully or partially implemented and the lack of resources, which was often an obstacle, could be mitigated with the voluntary fund to support implementation.

Human Rights Law Centre said serious violations continued to blight Australia’s human rights record and the treatment of asylum seekers was increasingly harsh and punitive. All maritime arrivals to Australia were subject to mandatory indefinite detention in conditions that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees assessed were falling short of international human rights standards.

Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik appreciated the more active presence of States in the Universal Periodic Review, and welcomed the repetition of recommendations that were not accepted or implemented during the first cycle. Sudwind particularly welcomed the recommendations to ratify international human rights instruments, which were crucial for the improvement of the human rights records of countries under review.

CIVICUS World Alliance for Citizen Participation, in a joint statement, placed great expectations on the Universal Periodic Review process and looked forward to a real, people-centred development in Viet Nam. There had been cases of persons trying to attend the Human Rights Council who had been stopped or had suffered harassment. Viet Nam continued to violate international laws and in many instances its own.

General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories

Statements by the Concerned Countries

State of Palestine, speaking as a concerned country, extended thanks and appreciation to all the friendly countries which engaged on the question of human rights in occupied Palestine and other occupied Arab territories. They were talking of one of the worst forms of violations: occupation. The occupying power, Israel, had stolen the land and built settlements on Palestinian land. Such systematic widespread violations without deterrence encouraged parties to violate human rights. Israel had suspended its cooperation with the Council and had not presented its report under the Universal Periodic Review. It continued its grave violations against the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination, demolition of houses and controlling natural resources, as well as air raids, bulldozing of land, and extra-judicial killings.

Syria, speaking as a concerned country, said that the occupation power, Israel, had been called upon to withdraw from the occupied territories. The United Nations had renewed its demand on Israel to comply with resolutions relating to the occupied Syrian Golan but Israel continued its aggressive behaviour and ignored United Nations resolutions. It had continued its oppression and killing of civilians, violating human rights in the field of occupation, education, health, nutrition, culture and social protection. Syrian detainees were being inhumanely treated in Israeli prisons, and this for more than 30 years. Israel was exploiting the difficult situation prevailing in the region and seeking to entrench its continued occupation of the territories, Judaise them and control their resources. Syria warned against measures taken by the Israeli occupation authorities in exploring for Syrian oil and leasing the land to explore the land for oil. Israel was using the situation in Syria as a distraction from its violations.

General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories

Ethiopia, speaking on behalf of the African Group, said that throughout the decades of occupation, the world had continued to witness the systematic oppression and suffering of the people of the occupied Palestinian and Arab territories. The African Group expressed concern about the consolidation of the Israeli policy of illegal settlements which negatively affected the peace process; it was vital that Israel halt the construction of settlements, including in Jerusalem. The African Group was further concerned about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and requested their immediate release, particularly of women and children.

Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, said that the Human Rights Council so far had failed to ensure peace and security of the Palestinian people and called on all Member States to actively support the agenda item 7. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation was concerned about the new brutal campaign against Palestinians by Israel and strongly condemned the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Israel continued to build the illegal wall in the State of Palestine in complete defiance of the international community and international law.

Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, underscored the need to continue to provide political, economic and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people so that they could realize their aspirations. The Non-Aligned Movement deeply regretted that the Palestinian people continued to suffer from the ruthless occupation by Israel and continued to have their human rights violated, including the right to self-determination. The Non-Aligned Movement was deeply disappointed by the decision of some countries to cease participation in agenda item 7 and called on Israel, the occupying power, to fully respect the International Court of Justice advisory opinion.

Egypt, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, regretted efforts to marginalise this agenda item, one of the main items on the agenda of the General Assembly. The Arab Group condemned Israeli violations of international humanitarian law, including the continued expansion of settlements, the destruction of property, as well as restrictions of movement across borders. The occupying authorities had carried out military operations, leading to the deliberate killing of Palestinians, including children, in violation of the Geneva Conventions. The Arab Group further condemned acts of violence in the occupied territories and called on Israel to end its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

Russia supported efforts towards direct negotiations between Palestine and Israel with a view towards a peaceful settlement, in accordance with international law, which would be agreeable to both parties. Russia welcomed the ratification of several instruments by the Palestinian Government, which illustrated its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights; and reaffirmed its position concerning the indivisibility of the Palestinian territory. Russia opposed acts of violence undertaken by the Israeli Government, including its policy of colonization, and the blockade of Gaza.

Saudi Arabia said that the suffering of Palestine over the past decades due to Israeli transgressions had not been enough to persuade the European Union of the importance of this agenda item or stop them from addressing the issue under agenda item four. This move reflected efforts to marginalise the subject and to allow Israel to continue to breach international law. The Council should not accept any efforts to marginalise this item, as this would constitute a policy of impunity and double standards. Saudi Arabia condemned the occupation of the Palestinian territory. Jerusalem continued to be the subject of violations and they were seeing a flagrant attempt to change the legal status of its holy places.

Indonesia expressed grave concern about and condemnation of the human rights situation in Palestine, including grave violations of human rights, which derived from the prolonged occupation by Israel. Indonesia regretted that there seemed to be a concerted effort to undermine the works to address this issue and was dismayed by the situation of detention of more than 5,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisoners, a blatant violation of fundamental norms of international law. It was time to renew and recalibrate global efforts.

China said the issue of Palestine was at the core of the Middle East issue. Without a long-term solution there would be no peace or stability in the region, nor any guarantee of the human rights of the Palestinian people. China supported the Council’s continued attention to the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. It was hoped that the two concerned parties could overcome obstacles and move towards compromise to resume talks.

Cuba said that the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories confirmed once again that the Israeli authorities continued to gravely violate international law in those territories. Israel continued to deprive the nation and people of Palestine of their basic rights, including their right to self-determination. International humanitarian law was being violated. The decisions of the Council had to be urgently implemented and this agenda item was particularly important. Israel had to comply with the recommendations of this forum.

Morocco said that the humanitarian situation in Palestine continued to worsen as a result of the occupation and Israel’s unilateral measures. Israel was preventing all initiatives aiming for a just and lasting peace and extended the violations of human rights also to the holy city of Jerusalem. Morocco condemned the new settlements on the West Bank and the violations, attacks and aggression of Israeli authorities targeting the believers and students. The quest for peace was the responsibility of the whole international community.

Algeria said that there had been an increase in suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the Israeli occupation, blockade and expansion activities. Algeria condemned the blockade of the Gaza Strip and requested Israel to end it and also end violations of human rights of Palestinians. Algeria appealed to the international community to require that Israel respect the resolutions of the United Nations.

Maldives was deeply concerned about the events currently unfolding in Palestine and called on Israel to immediately stop the unlawful raids and arrests of the Palestinian people. Maldives strongly condemned the killing of two young men, including a 14-year-old child, by the Israeli forces on Friday and called for the release of over 350 Palestinians arrested unlawfully in recent days. Maldives was also concerned about the kidnapping of the three Israeli teenagers and hoped for their safe return.

Brazil, speaking on behalf of the India-Brazil-South Africa Dialogue Forum, expressed concern about Israel’s settlement expansion, including in East Jerusalem, which threatened the much desired two-State solution. The Forum called on Israel to dismantle and put an end to the occupation: this was not a concession, but an obligation under international law. They further called on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza and facilitate cross-border movement. Conflicts could not be solved by force and the Forum, in this regard, condemned all acts of violence. The Forum had provided humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, including facilities to support persons with disabilities.

Kuwait recalled that in resolution 1268, from November 2013, the General Assembly had declared a year of solidarity with the Palestinian people, who were victims of an occupation leading to human rights violations. Kuwait expressed concern about acts of violence undertaken by extremist groups and the Israeli Government. Despite efforts by various groups to reach a peaceful solution to the conflict, Israel continued to pursue a policy of colonization that led to the deterioration of the situation. It was necessary to put an end to violence and ensure Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

United Arab Emirates recalled that the Council had taken measures in situations less severe than Palestine and did not see how delegations could refuse to allocate item 7, as it had been customarily done, to the Palestinian question and violations arising from the occupation. Renewing this item constituted recognition of the ongoing violations and there should be no pretexts to eliminate this item, as the violations described of suppression and prosecution had been proven by relevant non-governmental organizations and the United Nations. The elimination of the item would lead to impunity and hurt the Council’s credibility.

Venezuela fully supported the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people. The settlements and other Israeli activities in the occupied territories were illegal pursuant to international law. Despite all the United Nations resolutions and the requirements put forward by a majority of States to end the occupation, the occupying power had ignored calls to dialogue and peace. Israel was trying to wipe out the history of the Palestinian people and had used utter brutality to do that.

Chile reiterated the need to put an end to the acts of violence and economic hardship of the Palestinian people and deplored the Gaza blockade and its continuation over time, with very serious humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian people. The United Nations system and civil society for decades had been rejecting and condemning the unlawfulness of Israel’s settlement policy. Chile called for a cessation of all activities of expanding the settlements that were violating the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people.

South Africa remained deeply concerned about the ongoing Israeli settlement expansion, including in East Jerusalem. South Africa had consistently called on Israel to abandon all settlement expansion. The continuation of settlement construction was seen not only as a violation of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, but also as a violation of a commitment already agreed to by Israel during peace negotiations, including at the 2007 Annapolis International Middle East Peace Conference in which South Africa had participated.

Namibia remained concerned about the stalemate in talks between Palestine and Israel and called on the international community to pressure Israel to allow the Palestinian people to exercise their right to self-determination and the right to their land. The international community must assist the Palestinian people to achieve statehood. 2014 had been proclaimed an International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People and this was an opportunity to resolve this unacceptable situation.

Qatar condemned the nomination of Israel as Vice Chair to the United Nations Special Political and Decolonization Committee, as Israel was the only colonial State in the world which continued to occupy territories by force of arms. The international community had an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure the lifting of the siege of Gaza and allow the 1.7 million Gaza residents to live in dignity. The continuing settlement activities must be halted as they undermined the peace process.

Egypt said that the illegitimate practices of Israel in the West Bank and other occupied territories continued and called on the international community to put an end to settlements in the West Bank. Egypt called on Israel to release political prisoners, particularly children, and also called on the international community to support the Palestinian people to restore their legitimate items.

Tunisia said that thousands of Palestinians were in Israeli prisons, many of them had been held for over 20 years: they looked at the Council and the international community to put an end to their suffering. The Working Group on arbitrary detention should be giving this issue particular attention. As 2014 was the year of solidarity with the Palestinian people, Tunisia called on this Council to take action. The occupying force had committed crimes against humanity and war crimes. Israel should respect Palestinians’ rights and all principles of international law.

Turkey said that while the international community celebrated the international year of solidarity with the Palestinian people, the historical injustice and continuing violations of the Palestinian people persisted. The prolonged occupation and the persistent violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention and its additional protocol lay at the heart of abysmal human rights violations. The situation of Palestinian prisoners was another major source of concern and Turkey urged Israel to fulfil its legal obligations to Palestinian civilians and all prisoners and detainees illegally held.

Ecuador reiterated its faithful commitment to the Palestinian people and the creation of an independent and sovereign Palestinian State. Ecuador appealed to the United Nations to ensure the implementation of General Assembly resolution 181, which remained unfulfilled, and urged States that held Security Council veto rights to reconsider their position. There would be no peace in the Middle East without the settlement of the Palestinian issue. Ecuador called on Israel to fulfil its commitments under human rights instruments. Ecuador condemned the building of a separation wall and Israel’s settlement policy.

Sri Lanka remained deeply concerned about the situation of the Palestinian people whose socio-economic well-being continued to be affected. The persistence of the situation would further deteriorate the livelihoods and economic sustainability of the Palestinian people which would particularly affect women and children. An end to the Gaza blockade and Israel’s settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories and the release of more Palestinian detainees would help reduce the mistrust and bitterness between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples.

Sudan said that Israel continued its policies that ran counter to all humanitarian law, represented in arbitrary detention, coercive and forced detention, imposition of a blockade, settlement expansion, and the building of the wall despite the International Court of Justice’s Opinion. Sudan also expressed concern vis-à-vis the situation of the occupied Syrian Arab Golan and the need to put an end to this illegal occupation, which was in violation of all resolutions and the United Nations Charter.

Malaysia said it was troubling to observe the continued politicization, polarization, selectivity and double standards on this issue, apparent by the actions of certain countries not to consider or to participate in the deliberations under this item. It was ironic and even mindboggling that after 47 years of proven and continued atrocious and cruel human rights violations against an entire people and nation, some countries held the view that the human rights situation in Palestinian and other Arab territories did not deserve the attention and concern of the international community.

Bahrain commended the ascension of Palestine to 15 human rights international treaties and confirmed that the agenda item on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories must remain on the agenda of the Human Rights Council until the end of the occupation. Bahrain condemned the Israeli violations in the Syrian Golan and called on Israel to comply with the relevant legal obligations and put an end to the occupation of Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.

Oman reiterated that the continued violations of the rights of Palestinians by Israel in the full view of the international community confirmed the need for agenda item 7 on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories. The self-determination of the Palestinian people must be supported by the international community so that both sides could live in peace and security. Israel should withdraw from all occupied territories so that peace could be reached and human rights standards ensured.

Bangladesh said that Palestinians were terrorised by intimidation and harassment. Recent raids on Palestinian houses in the occupied West Bank and arbitrary arrests, detentions, and killings were contrary to the Geneva Conventions and other norms of international law. The international community must stop Israel from continuing with these atrocities. A lasting and viable peace in the region could not be achieved until the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people were recognized and Israeli occupation forces withdrew from the occupied territory.

Jordan said that Israel continued its violation of human rights, including collective punishment imposed on the Palestinian people as a response to the missing settlers in the West Bank. The policy to Judaize, the demolition of houses, and attacks on religious sites illustrated the refusal of the occupation to comply with international norms and obligations. Jordan expressed support for the Palestinian people and it would face all Israeli violations, calling on the international community to address Israel’s violations which constituted a threat to international security.

Senegal saw increased tension in Jerusalem and the deterioration of living conditions in the Gaza Strip as a result of the blockade, and called for a cessation and dismantling of settlements and the resumption of negotiations. Senegal expressed support for the aspiration for an independent Palestinian State with secure borders alongside Israel and called for the immediate cessation of violent acts. Senegal also called on all parties to show restraint and on the international community to make the peace process a priority.

Lebanon said that Israel continued its policy of fait accompli through its settlement policy and attempts to change the status of Jerusalem, as well as through the construction of the separation wall. Lebanon requested the international community to ensure the end of violations and occupation, respect for the right of self-determination for the Palestinians, the right of return of Palestinian refugees and the release of detainees. Human rights violations continued in the occupied Syrian Golan and Lebanon called on the Council and the international community to put pressure to bear on Israel and ensure the credibility of international mechanisms.

Yemen confirmed the importance of item 7 on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab. The Council was requested to pay particular attention to this item as long as the occupation continued, and to take measures that would oblige Israel to cease its suppression and torture. Yemen called for an end to the occupation of all the occupied territories and condemned all measures taken by Israel to change the legal, physical and demographic situation and considered them as null and void, in parallel with the Fourth Geneva Convention.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea said the deteriorating human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, resulting in further suffering and misery of millions of Palestinians, including women, children and the elderly, continued to be of grave concern to the international community. It condemned all unilateral and unlawful measures by Israel aimed at changing the status and demographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territories. Violations carried out by Israel in the occupied Syrian Golan remained another grave concern.

Libya said Israel continued to breach the human rights of unarmed Palestinians and pursue its policy of ethnic cleansing. It was also committing other systematic violations and had imposed an unjust siege on the Gaza Strip, which had led to a deterioration of the situation and the increased suffering of Palestinians, especially women and children. Israel persisted in its refusal of all resolutions that reaffirmed the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and despite many calls to halt all measures to Judaise Jerusalem, it pursued its activities.

El Salvador had demonstrated its support for the peace process which would allow Israel and Palestine to achieve a peaceful solution. As a country which promoted and respected multilateralism, El Salvador supported the stronger involvement of the United Nations and the measures under Chapter VI of its Charter. Both parties should renew the dialogue in the search for a lasting peace and the international community should assist the Palestinian people in the realization of their right to self-determination.

BADIL Resource for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights condemned the holding in Israeli prisons of approximately 5,000 Palestinian hostages, among them children, women and the elderly. In response to the April hunger strike by about 100 administrative detainees, held in continued detention without charge or trial, Israel was considering a force feeding bill. Force feeding was considered torture, including by the Convention against Torture; if passed into legislation, this bill would provide Israel with a legislative foundation for torture on an industrial scale.

Action contre la faim said that the prolonged occupation of Palestinian territory and adverse policies and practices of the occupying power had generated engrained levels of water scarcity, food insecurity, dependence on humanitarian relief and a chronic state of emergency. The situation in the Gaza Strip remained of concern with 57 per cent of households food insecure and crippled by the cost, quality and availability of water for irrigation and domestic use.

International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations said Israeli military forces were running throughout the occupied Palestinian territories and making life unbearable for the Palestinian population. Israel was guilty of war crimes and violating the whole fabric of international law. Member States had weakened their resolve to put pressure on Israel to respect international law and end its legal occupation.

International Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists said that while the debate was dedicated to the occupied Palestinian territories, it was impossible to focus on such issues in light of recent events: the kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers by Palestinian terrorists and the killing of a 13-year old Israeli Arab boy by a guided missile fired by Syrian forces across the border. President Abbas had denounced the kidnapping but sill preserved the Government’s union with Hamas, an organization that had praised the kidnapping of these children and continued to fire rockets at Israeli towns.

United Nations Watch allowed Rachel Frankel, mother of one of the teenage students kidnapped on their way home from school, to share her experience and express gratitude for the prayers and support pouring from around the world. Ms. Frankel thanked the United Nations Secretary-General for condemning the abduction and call for the immediate release of the boys. Ms. Frankel also thanked the International Red Cross for stating clearly that international humanitarian law prohibited the taking of hostages and for demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the boys.

General Arab Women Federation, in a joint statement, said little had made as many headlines as the alleged kidnapping of three Israeli teenagers living inside illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. It was difficult to ignore the apparent discrepancy between these outcries and the continuing half-hearted lip service paid over years towards the suffering of an entirely kidnapped Palestinian society.

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies remained especially concerned by the hundreds of Palestinians administratively detained by Israel without being charged, a dozen of whom currently were on a hunger strike and who may face forced feeding if the legislative amendment on force-feeding was passed before the Israeli Knesset.

Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights stressed the urgency of the situation in the Gaza Strip and requested action by the Human Rights Council. The Gaza blockade was a gross violation of human rights and the population was faced with the denial of basic services and infrastructure. Such restrictions amounted to a form of collective punishment.

Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said that the construction of Israeli settlements was illegal and despite all efforts by the international community, Israel still defied the international will and continued to illegally construct the wall as well as settlements. The United Nations and the international community should have a more active approach to solve this long lasting problem.

Al-Haq Law in the Service of Man said that the recent killings of Palestinians had taken place as part of a large-scale highly intrusive investigation which was taking the form of collective punishment in reprisal for the missing settlers. Member States should take strong action to ensure that the search for the three settlers was no longer used as a pretext to kill, arrest, torture and infringe on the rights of Palestinians.

Union of Arab Jurists said that the 34 year-long occupation of the Syrian Golan was illegal and since last February, the construction of illegal settlements had been continuing. Those acts were violations of international law and required the international community to ensure that the rule of the jungle did not prevail in the world.

Commission on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches expressed concern about the effects of the Israeli occupation, in particular the growing trend of heavy military presence nearby schools. Depriving children of the right to education was not only a human concern and a breach of international law, but an obstacle to the building of a viable and healthy future for Palestinians. The Commission called on Israel to cease all military activities and presence around schools, facilitate children’s access to education and ensure their safety during their commute.

European Union of Jewish Students noted that Israel was the focus of about a third of the Council’s resolutions, making it the most condemned country and the only one with a single agenda item dedicated to it. Israel therefore received more attention than Syria and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, where grave human rights violations were taking place. Why were States disproportionately dealing with Israel given the limited time available for addressing human rights violations around the world? The Union also expressed concern about the recent kidnapping of three Jewish boys.

International Muslim Women’s Union said after decades of futile diplomacy and disregarded United Nations resolutions, the General Assembly had finally decided to designate 2014 as the international year of solidarity with the Palestinian people. While Israel blinded the world with an alleged readiness to make “painful compromises”, it expanded settlements, accelerated demolitions and increased the number of Palestinians held in administrative detention, while the international community stood aside and carefully expressed its slight “disappointment”.

Statement by the Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society of Mauritania

AICHETOU MINT M’HAIHAM, Commissioner for Human Rights, Humanitarian Action and Relations with Civil Society of Mauritania, said that the human rights situation in Mauritania had been in the international focus over the past several years. The democratic process had moved forward and Mauritania constructively cooperated with human rights mechanisms, which was evidence of the new approach in which human rights had become a priority in all walks of life and internationally. Mauritania was also committed to meeting the Millennium Development Goals and had undertaken to strengthen its broad infrastructure by focusing on health and education for all, improving child and maternal mortality, and empowering women and their real participation in all areas. With regard to political reform, Mauritania had criminalized slavery and undertaken a whole host of measures seeking reform, including the participation of women in electoral proceedings. The monopoly of the State over the media had come to an end and now the media operated freely. Mauritania was now the Arab State with the greatest media freedom. An ambitious plan had been adopted to build a modern society based on the rule of law and fairness in which the needs of all would be met without any discrimination. Significant efforts were being made to combat slavery, including the establishment of a special tribunal to try slavery. Following the visit by the Special Rapporteur on modern forms of slavery earlier this year, the Government intended to put in place a national plan to combat the phenomenon of slavery and its consequences. The law establishing the national human rights institution had been amended to ensure that it complied with the Paris Principles.

General Debate on the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action

United States, speaking on behalf of a Group of States, expressed great concern that indigenous women and girls often suffered multiple forms of discrimination. Indigenous persons themselves may be in the best position to combat violence against indigenous women and girls. The Group of States would strive and encourage other States to, where appropriate, enable and empower indigenous people to better address these issues themselves, including through the provision of resources, to stop the cycle of violence that affected them.

Greece, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said last year the twentieth anniversary of the World Conference on Human Rights was celebrated. In the final conference documents, participants reaffirmed the continued relevance of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action as a guiding document in efforts to respond to today’s global human rights challenges. The General Assembly had underscored that this had to be translated into action by non-governmental organizations. Emphasis was placed on the role of civil society organizations.

Argentina, speaking on behalf of a Group of States, recalled the adoption of resolution 17/19, on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity, which had convoked a panel to discuss discriminatory laws and practices, as well as acts of violence committed on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Group of States reaffirmed the principle in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights that all individuals were free and equal and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons had the same rights and dignity as others. It was vital that the Council continued to deal with this issue; reticence would send a negative signal that the Council was not capable of providing protection to all vulnerable groups.

Egypt, speaking on behalf of a Group of States, said that youth accounted for 1.5 billion people around the world and constituted one of the most growing age segments globally. Youth contributed with a wealth of energy, innovation and creativity. However, youth could not always fulfil their full potential, as they continued to face considerable challenges, including key challenges related to access to education. The Group of States called on the relevant stakeholders to consider paying further attention to the challenges facing young people and on States to consider the Universal Periodic Review as an opportunity to address this issue and share best practices.

United States said that when non-State actors employed terrorist means such as kidnapping and hostage-taking to achieve their aims, the threat to the enjoyment of human rights was a threat to all. The Vienna Declaration condemned acts of terrorism which constituted serious obstacles to the enjoyment of rights. The United States was alarmed by several recent incidents in which terrorists had targeted and abducted members of vulnerable groups such as women and children, and condemned the kidnapping of hundreds of school girls in Nigeria by Boko Haram and three Israeli students in the West Bank.

Russia said that the Vienna Declaration enshrined cooperation as one of the basic principles for promoting human rights. All of this had huge potential that should be drawn upon. Unfortunately the atmosphere of cooperation and dialogue that prevailed in initial years of the Council was giving way to political confrontation. Russia viewed work on the basis of cooperation as an alternative to confrontation and politicization. States must not indulge in bias and selective criticism and work that sowed discord in the work of the Council.

Indonesia said that it should be remembered that work should be based on the spirit underpinned by the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, which was cooperation and dialogue, based on the principle that all human rights were universal, indivisible and interdependent. The international community had to treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis. Indonesia had enacted a comprehensive national plan of action of human rights.

Ireland recalled the recognition in the Vienna Declaration that gross violations of human rights, including in armed conflicts, were among the multiple and complex factors leading to the displacement of people. Ireland echoed the call for safe and timely access for humanitarian assistance and for full respect for humanitarian law in all situations of armed conflict in all current conflicts, including Syria. It also recalled the recognition contained in the Declaration of the important role of non-governmental organizations at the national, regional and international levels.

India recalled that the right to development was a universal and inalienable right and said that the international community should promote effective cooperation for the realization of the right to development and the elimination of obstacles. Policies at the national level, equitable economic relations and a favourable economic environment at the international level were necessary. A coordinated international effort was required to ensure that States established, promoted and sustained national and international arrangements that created an enabling environment for its realization.

Pakistan stressed the importance of ensuring non-selectivity, which had also motivated the establishment of the Human Rights Council. However, the Council was becoming a highly politicised body. The Council should provide answers regarding continuing violations of human rights caused by drone strikes, as well as cases of torture, surveillance and other violations in the context of counter terrorism. Violations of freedom of expression were a threat to pluralistic societies; however, without responsible exercise, this right could also lead to violations, such as expressions of hatred, racism and discrimination.

Venezuela reiterated its commitment to the Vienna Declaration and support to the doctrine that all human rights were universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The current economic crisis, resulting from neoliberal policies and capitalism, had put tens of thousands of persons in precarious situations; Venezuela reiterated the importance of the right to development as a fundamental component of human rights. An international order based on the principles of the United Nations Charter must be guaranteed, achieving the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Morocco said that the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action was an important milestone and a building block in building the edifice of human rights. Twenty years after its adoption, this was an appropriate time to take stock of the progress made and assess how far they had to go. The adoption of Morocco’s 2011 constitution endorsed human rights principles and enshrined the principle of the separation of powers, and also set out the main mechanisms establishing the independence of the judiciary.

Algeria said the Vienna Conference was an important step in reaffirming the world’s commitment to non-selectively in protecting all human rights. The Vienna Declaration was a reflection of the priority that States had decided to accord to human rights on an equal footing. Algeria had adopted new measures, including initiatives to promote employment among youth. Efforts made to build decent housing were part of a sustained effort since 1999 through the implementation of several resources and institutional, financial and material tools to do so.

Sudan had made enormous efforts in order to achieve the objectives of the Vienna Declaration, including aligning national laws with international instruments ratified by Sudan. Sudan reiterated its full commitment to the Vienna Declaration on the occasion of the twenty-first anniversary, celebrated tomorrow. Sudan had established the Human Rights Advisory Council, which addressed human rights issues in accordance with the letter and spirit of the Declaration. A number of other specialized units and national councils had been set up, such as the National Council for Children.

Iran said that the Vienna Declaration had brought attention to constructive approaches to promoting human rights, bringing hopes that human rights should not be exploited for cultural supremacy. Contrary to the pledges made in the Vienna Declaration, some countries had adopted a number of selective approaches regarding particular human rights issues. The recourse to the exploitation of human rights to political ends, as well as unilateral actions on the basis of human rights excuses, were condemned.

Council of Europe said that the Convention of the Council of Europe on the prevention of violence against women would enter into force on 1 August. The Convention was the first set of legally binding norms to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence. It established the obligation of States to prevent violence, protect victims and pursue perpetrators, as well as coordinated measures in the context of global policies.

Netherlands agreed that human rights should not be used for political purposes. States should jointly use political tools to promote and protect human rights. The Vienna Declaration spoke of a legitimate concern and the consistent and objective application of human rights instruments. Governments were obliged to act to promote and protect rights, they had to prevent violence and discrimination against all people, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Holy See supported the importance given by the United Nations to the twentieth anniversary observance of the International Year of the Family. As the Council was aware of the strong debates held in this chamber about the family, such discussions often led States to conclude that the family was more of a problem than a resource to society. The Holy See believed that despite past or current challenges, the family, in fact, was the fundamental unit of human society. It firmly maintained that the family was a whole and integral unit which should not be divided.

Canada supported the call to end global violence against indigenous women and girls. The causes of violence against aboriginal women and girls were complex, interrelated, and identified in a number of reports and studies. There was deep concern about discrimination and poverty faced by indigenous women and girls. Action had to be taken at all levels of Government and aboriginal communities in order to increase the safety of these most vulnerable women and girls.

International Lesbian and Gay Association said that around the world many faced violence or discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation, among others. In too many countries, severe human rights violations were faced by these persons, with criminalization and the death penalty, denial of healthcare, as well as discrimination in work

Action Canada for Population and Development was deeply concerned about the draft resolution on the protection of the family. The most frequent form of violence experienced by women globally took place in intimate environments, as well as female genital mutilation and early and child marriages. Any international initiatives should focus on the protection of individuals. Different family standards asked for different approaches by the Government and should not all be exposed to a uniform treatment.

International Volunteerism Organization for Women, Education and Development said that there were significant challenges to the full enjoyment of all rights by youth, who experienced certain difficulties just because of the fact that they were young. Youth could significantly contribute to sustainable development if they were provided the right tools to empower them.

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development noted that five years had passed since the establishment of the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights, but the body was yet to effectively respond to a single human rights violation in the region. The international human rights community should provide input into the review of the Commission’s terms of reference.

Centre for Human Rights and Development said that cases of rapes and other crimes committed against women in India were increasing drastically. Last month, women vigilantes abducted 13 young women on charges of being sex workers, kept them in illegal custody and tortured them. Pictures of the tortured women were circulated on the social media in Garo Hills district, Meghalaya, India.

World Barua Organization (WBO) indicated that the rights of women in North East India were denied by the State. India had enacted a number of laws that were not being followed and the Government must sincerely and seriously work for the rights of women in North East India. Section 19 of the 1993 Human Rights Act must be amended to make verdicts of the Human Rights Commission more binding.

International Buddhist Relief Organization noted that human rights violations of women in India were not only the result of a mere patriarchal culture, as it was usually the case, but were rooted in discriminatory caste laws of India’s social system called the caste system. Women in India were subject to violations that included female infanticide, discrimination within the household, lack of work opportunities, and honour killings.

Action international pour la paix et la développement dans la région des Grands Lacs stated that States had the obligation to protect and promote the human rights of their citizens. The population of Western Sahara was exposed to human rights violations on a daily basis.

British Humanist Association said that caste discrimination persisted, affecting 260 million people worldwide. The recourse for Dalits was notoriously non-existent, of which recent incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Maharastra were proof. Inequality would prevail as long as impunity persisted, and justice should be served for Dalit victims.

Centre for Inquiry said that many cases had been witnessed where the rights of vulnerable women to free expression and belief had been denied in the most extreme ways, including in Pakistan and Sudan. Blasphemy and apostasy laws were cruel and inhuman. They targeted vulnerable people and contravened the laws of both Sudan and Pakistan.

Comité International pour le Respect et l’Application de la Charte Africaine des Droits de l’Homme et des Peuples said that the Vienna Declaration continued to be violated and regretted that certain States and groups committed these violations, such as in the case of people held against their will in the Tindouf Camps. More specifically, women captive in these camps who were accused of being supporters were subjected to degrading acts and ill-treatment by the Polisario Front, and many women developed serious psychological complications.

Amnesty International was concerned that an initiative on the “protection of the family” that was purported to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the international year of the family would undermine the human rights of individual family members. Various forms of the family existed in all contexts. States had an obligation to respect, protect and fulfil the human rights of all individuals belonging to the various forms of family.

World Muslim Congress said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had been promised self-determination but the violation of their rights by India, including the presence of army and security forces, had led to serious violations and incidents of violence in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The Government’s policy to apply more violence against peaceful protesters demonstrated that lessons from the past had not been learned.

Alsalam Foundation stated that Bahrain had failed to implement key elements of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. The Government continued to target, arrest and abuse journalists and members of the press in Bahrain, including Husain Hubail, an award-winning freelance photographer. Bahrain was called on to immediately release all prisoners currently held under charges related to their free expression or assembly.

Sudwind said that the Vienna20 conference had called for the protection of women journalists and punishment of attacks against them. In Iran, inequality between women and men was systematically implemented and dominated every aspect of life, and there were examples of aggression against several female journalists.

OCAPROCE International said that the rights of women around the world were still not fully respected. There were often legal limbos where justice and inequality continued to prevail. Sexual violence against women and girls, particularly in conflict zones, was prevalent. Women often did not have access to education. The organization was fighting for the effective implementation of the economic, social and cultural rights of women.

Liberation said that any discussion on expanding Governments’ accountability on protecting women’s human rights in conflict situations needed to include realities of North East India where women experienced murder, rape and molestation from State and non-State actors. Future resolutions needed to broaden the term armed conflict to include diverse situations such as those in India.

Indian Council of South America asked Canada in reference to the World Conference on indigenous peoples what “meaningful participation” meant. With regard to the right to self-determination, a well-recognized principle of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and the United Nations Charter, which was non-existent on the agenda of the Council, it should be included as an agenda item.

Global Helping to Advance Women and Children applauded the ongoing dialogue concerning the protection of the family resolution but was concerned by attempts to change the focus to individual rights rather than focus on the unique role the family played in fulfilling rights of its members.

International Muslim Women’s Union said that the Vienna Declaration called upon States to abrogate legislation leading to impunity for those responsible for grave violations and to prosecute violations, thereby providing a firm basis for the rule of law. The Indian State had enacted draconian laws that facilitated human rights violations and provided impunity for men in uniform.

Right of Reply

Morocco, speaking in a right of reply, regretted that Algeria had not grasped the noble objective of this debate and had instead taken the opportunity to politicise the discussion. The Vienna Declaration reaffirmed the obligations of States to protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms, which Algeria violated in a number of regions, including the Tindouf Camps. Among others, freedoms of expression, conscience and expression, also covered by the Declaration, were being violated as noted by the report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression. The Declaration also stated that minorities had the right to enjoy their own culture, but in Algeria peaceful demonstrations by ethnic minorities were violently repressed. Algeria refused to open up these cases and closed its territory to investigations. These were only some examples of violations which had to be addressed.

Algeria, speaking in a right of reply, said that there had never been an attempt to solve crimes against Sahrawi people in Morocco. Their identity cards had been falsified to bring their numbers down in Morocco. There had been suspicious killings of a number of individuals and dozens of political prisoners were still languishing in Moroccan courts. Those convicted in July 2013 were now on a hunger strike.

Morocco, speaking in a second right of reply, said that the attack by Algeria proved its involvement with certain groups working on destabilizing Morocco. Such attempts to denigrate Morocco were futile and pointless. Algeria had always supported separatist aspirations of southern parts of Morocco, but did not recognize similar claims of some groups on its territory.

Algeria, speaking in a second right of reply, stated that the situation of human rights in Morocco had always been alarming. It included cruel and inhumane treatment of political prisoners, as well as mistreatment of migrants. The excessive use of force, beatings and ill treatment by Moroccan police forces were common. Amnesty International continued to receive information on the torture of people in custody.


For use of the information media; not an official record

HRC14/085E