مجلس حقوق الإنسان يبدأ مناقشة عامة بشأن التقارير المواضيعية وتعزيز جميع حقوق الإنسان وحمايتها

MORNING

14 March 2014

Concludes Interactive Dialogue on Violence against Children, and on Children and Armed Conflict

The Human Rights Council this morning heard a presentation by the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights of thematic reports by the High Commissioner and the United Nations Secretary-General, followed by a general debate on these reports and on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. It also concluded its interactive dialogue with the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on violence against children, and on children and armed conflict.

Flavia Pansieri, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, said subjects covered included treaty body strengthening, the Special Fund established by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture, the right to a remedy for violations of economic, social and cultural rights, access to justice for children and the right of persons with disabilities to education, focusing on inclusive education.

In the first part of the general debate on all human rights, speakers raised issues including unilateral coercive measures, access to contraception as a key need for women’s autonomy, the abolition of the death penalty, criminalization of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, economic sanctions, protection of the family unit, the use of torture, hate speech, and concerns about criminal networks in North and East Africa. The human rights situations in Venezuela, Uzbekistan, Jammu and Kashmir, Palestine, Syria, Central African Republic and Myanmar were mentioned. Challenges to the Council’s own effectiveness were also listed. History and current events demonstrated that nations that respected the rights of all their populations were more just, prosperous and secure, a delegation said.

The following delegations took the floor during the general debate: Ethiopia delivering a cross-regional statement, Greece on behalf of the European Union, Turkey, Iran, speaking on behalf the Non-Aligned Movement, Egypt, Pakistan, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic States, Namibia, speaking on behalf of 97 delegations, Philippines, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Chile, on behalf of Denmark, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco, Montenegro, United States, Ireland, Morocco, South Africa, Russia, Costa Rica, Italy, Macedonia, Germany, on behalf of a group of countries, Romania, Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Iraq, Spain, Iran, Australia, Moldova, Council of Europe, OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission, El Salvador, Sudan, Qatar, Netherlands, Egypt, Myanmar and Ghana.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council concluded its clustered interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict. The two mandate holders presented their reports on Wednesday, 12 March and a summary of their comments and the ensuing discussion can be read here: (part one) and (part two).

In concluding remarks Marta Santos Pais, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children, highlighted the importance of including the objective of protecting children from violence in the post-2015 agenda. Other key issues included accelerating progress in protection, advancing the implementation of restorative justice, and empowering and providing children with information.

In concluding remarks, Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, said it was important to promote the new Security Council resolutions on the right to education and prevention of the use of schools for military purposes. Sexual violence was a phenomenon that arose in almost every conflict and it was essential to work with the families and communities so the girls returning with babies in their arms would be regarded as victims and not be victimized by them.

The following non-governmental organizations spoke in the clustered interactive dialogue on violence against children and on children and armed conflict: Friends World Committee for Consultation, Caritas Internationalis, International Institute for Non-aligned Studies, Human Rights NowP, Commission to Study the Organization of Peace, World Organization Against Torture in a joint statement, International Catholic Child Bureau, in a joint statement, International Movement ATD Fourth World, African Technical Association, Centre for Law and Justice, and Colombian Commission of Jurists.

The Human Rights Council this afternoon continues its general debate on the promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development. At 5 p.m. the Council would go into a closed meeting to discuss its complaints procedure.

Documentation

The Council has before it the annual report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children, Marta Santos Pais (A/HRC/25/47).

The Council has before it the annual report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui (A/HRC/25/46).

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on the conclusions and recommendations of special procedures (A/HRC/25/20).

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on measures taken to implement resolution 9/8 and obstacles to its implementation, including recommendations for further improving the effectiveness of, harmonizing and reforming the treaty body system (A/HRC/25/22).

The Council has before it a note by the Secretary-General on the Special Fund established by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (A/HRC/25/24)

The Council has before it a corrigendum to the note by the Secretary-General on the Special Fund established by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (A/HRC/25/24/Corr.1)

The Council has before it a note by the Secretary-General on the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture (A/HRC/25/25).

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the role of the public service as an essential component of good governance in the promotion and protection of human rights (A/HRC/25/27).

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on human rights and arbitrary deprivation of nationality (A/HRC/25/28).

The Council has before it the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on a thematic study on the right of persons with disabilities to education (A/HRC/25/29).

The Council has before it a corrigendum to the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on a thematic study on the right of persons with disabilities to education (A/HRC/25/29/Corr.1).

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities (To be issued: A/HRC/25/30).

The Council has before it the report of the Secretary-General on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights (A/HRC/25/31).

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the deliberations held during the seminar on effective measures and best practices to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests (A/HRC/25/32).

The Council has before it a corrigendum to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the deliberations held during the seminar on effective measures and best practices to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of peaceful protests (A/HRC/25/32/Corr.1).

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights of a summary of the panel discussion on the human rights of children of parents sentenced to the death penalty or executed (A/HRC/25/33).

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on combating intolerance, negative stereotyping and stigmatization of, and discrimination, incitement to violence and violence against, persons based on religion or belief (A/HRC/25/34).

The Council has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on access to justice for children (A/HRC/25/35).

The Council has before it an addendum to the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on access to justice for children containing information received from Member States after the deadline for submission (A/HRC/25/35/Add.1).

The Council has before it the report of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the operations of the Voluntary Fund on participation in the Universal Periodic Review (A/HRC/25/36).

Interactive Dialogue On Violence against Children and Children in Conflict

Friends World Committee for Consultation spoke about the impact having a parent sentenced to death had on the human rights of children, which could lead to stigmatisation, been exposed to abuse, being orphaned or been left without guardianship or a carer. Those children were often invisible and more attention should be paid to their situation in order to protect them from violence. Caritas Internationalis highlighted the fear experienced by many children, particularly in South Kordofan: the fear of bombs, the fear of seeing dead relatives, and fear of the presence of armed forces. Many children oppressed by armed conflict seemed already dead inside. Caritas urged the Council to change policy and practice regarding the role of education in emergencies, it could not be considered as a secondary response. International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies said traditional justice was not as effective in prescribing justice to children and young people. Restorative justice was commendable in that it placed the child at the centre of the process, and ensured that the individual was not deprived of liberty and facilitated integration.

Human Rights NowP recalled that more than ten years had passed since the beginning of the 2003 Iraq war, yet the people, and especially children, still suffered human rights violations as military operations continued. Commission to Study the Organization of Peace said that sexual violence against children must be punished and asked about mechanisms in place to ensure accountability of perpetrators. World Organization Against Torture, speaking in a joint statement, said one billion children lived in countries or territories affected by armed conflict. Yet child protection mechanisms as lifesaving interventions were often overlooked. States should ensure that in all new conflicts child protection and education were considered a vital aspect of humanitarian response.

International Catholic Child Bureau, speaking in a joint statement, said the punitive system of justice had shown its weaknesses; it was time to move to restorative justice. Family reconciliation and mediation between victims and perpetrators were important, as were the traditional systems and mechanisms. International Movement ATD Fourth World said more than one million children worldwide were currently deprived of their liberty. Most were being held in pre-trial detention for minor offences. Many had been born into extreme poverty and were subject to legal systems that criminalized their very existence, which was why alternatives to punitive justice systems were so important. African Technical Association said that belief that adults had unlimited power over children was an obstacle in addressing violence against children in homes, schools and other institutions. In Pakistan, violence against children became a norm rather than an exception.

Centre for Law and Justice drew the Council’s attention to the issue of infanticide and late abortion. Some of the methods of late abortion were extremely violent and could considered torture. Children born alive after an abortion were often left to die or killed by asphyxiation or a lethal injection, as recommended by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Colombian Commission of Jurists said that in 20 departments in Bogota there were blockades and displacements; conflict had a disproportionate impact on children and young people in particular regions. It was necessary to adopt preventive measures and the Commission invited the Special Representative to support the conversation with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Concluding Remarks by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children

MARTA SANTOS PAIS, Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children, speaking in concluding remarks, emphasized it was important that the objective of protecting children from violence was included in the post-2015 agenda. Other key issues included accelerating progress in protection, advancing the implementation of restorative justice, and empowering and providing children with information. Acknowledging work done by the United Nations and its agencies, Ms. Pais encouraged the Council to take into account the reports on the impact of violence on development and the need to prevent violence. Ms. Pais emphasised the need to gather data to monitor important aspects which were not currently visible.

In many cases legislation was not clear on the prohibition of violent punishments. Ms. Pais emphasised the importance of restorative justice in the context of conflict, because there was a strong commitment to make it work, a greater sense of ownership and justice, and the potential was enormous. But it was not a magic solution; legislation needed to be clear and in conformity with international standards and court oversight. The call for a global study on juvenile justice was an important opportunity. Civil society required the necessary training and resources in order to do its work. Children should be empowered on the basis of relevant and user-friendly information so that they could become the first line of prevention.

Concluding Remarks by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict

Ms. LEILA ZERROUGI, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict, speaking in concluding remarks, said it was important to strengthen the relevant United Nations mechanisms on implementing resolutions and action plans, as well as promoting the new Security Council resolutions on the right to education and prevention of the use of schools for military purposes. States had to strengthen the capacity of and empower States confronted with conflicts that affected children, there was often no absence of political will, but shortage of resources, so when there were attempts to strengthen capacities and empower States to address the effects of conflict, many countries had made effort to do so. Ms. Zerrougi spoke about the role of regional and sub-regional organizations to strengthen the mandate on the rights of the child, and said the work of the European Union, the African Union, Asian organizations and the Arab League, which was crucial as they were familiar with regional context and often had cross-border cooperation in place.

A guidance note would be published soon with a list of concrete measures for States and other parties to prevent military use of schools. Sexual violence was a phenomenon in almost every conflict, Ms. Zerrougi said. It was essential to work with families and communities so girls returning with babies in their arms would be regarded as victims but not be victimized. Regarding children living under occupation, Ms. Zerrougi assured the Council she was working on the situation of Palestinian children, including on a UNICEF field mission. Responding to a question on Congo, she said a plan had been agreed to end the sexual violence and recruitment of children and a mobile court had been set up, but challenges remained concerning reintegration and fighting impunity.

Presentation of thematic reports by the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Flavia Pansieri

FLAVIA PANSIERI, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, said that the report on the implementation of Human Rights Council Resolution 9/8 on harmonizing and reforming the human rights treaty body system presented developments in the intergovernmental process on treaty body strengthening during 2013 and Ms. Pansieri warmly welcomed the outcome reached a few weeks ago in New York. The report on the Special Fund established by the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture drew attention to the struggles to stabilize its funding level and consolidate its donor base, while the report on the United Nations Voluntary Fund for Victims of Torture informed of the grants awarded to non-governmental entities working in more than 90 countries to provide medical, psychological, social, legal, humanitarian, financial and other forms of assistance to victims of torture and members of their families. The thematic study on the right of persons with disabilities to education focused on inclusive education as a means to realize the universal right to education, which concluded that education systems should be transformed progressively into inclusive systems.

The report on the question of the realization in all countries of economic, social and cultural rights discussed the legal framework applicable to the right to a remedy for violations of economic, social and cultural rights and analysed effective domestic remedies. The report on access to justice for children discussed the relevant legal framework and challenges that children faced in accessing justice due to their special and dependent status and provided an overview of standards and good practices relating to some particularly important aspects of access to justice for children. Other reports informed of the conclusions and recommendations of the special procedures; how a human rights-based approach could contribute to improving public service; legislative and administrative measures that may lead to the deprivation of nationality; the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities; on the seminar on protection and prevention of human rights in the context of peaceful protests; a summary of Council’s panel discussion on the human rights of children of parents sentenced to the death penalty or executed; on combating intolerance, stigmatization and discrimination against persons based on religion or belief; and on the operations of the Voluntary Fund for participation in the Universal Periodic Review.

General Debate

Ethiopia, delivering a cross-regional statement, stressed that lack of access to contraceptives for family planning was a human rights challenge. Access to contraception was essential to secure the autonomy of women, including to freely decide the spacing and number of one’s children. The Millennium Development Goals committed Governments to reduce by three quarters the mortality rate and achieve universal access to reproductive health by 2015. Access to contraception could empower women to complete their education, delay the age of marriage, improve their economic security and overall health, reduce maternal deaths and protect them from sexual disease and HIV. The result would be improved gender-equality and an overall positive effect on the economic development.

Greece, speaking on behalf of the European Union, said the European Union was a strong advocate of the abolition of the death penalty, and welcomed the report presented in that respect and the high-level panel discussion on 5 March 2014. Freedom of religion or belief, including for those who exercised no religion or belief or chose to change it, had to be expanded. It was intrinsically linked to freedom of expression, the European Union said, calling on all States to allow a free flow of information and open internet, including protection of bloggers. Fighting violence against women, sexual violence and promoting equality between men and women was crucial.

Turkey noted the progress by the Council in technical assistance and capacity building, as well as establishing relevant mandates and cross-regional agreements but identified challenges to its effectiveness. First, the Council’s programme of work had reached its limit in terms of available time. Second, the increase in the number and length of draft resolutions which were presented too late in the session to prevent adequate analysis and consultation. Third, the implication on resources for the implementation of the high number of initiatives, and increasing overlap of the work of the Third Committee. Turkey stressed restraint in resorting to resolutions, notification of delegations of draft texts in advance, shortening the draft resolutions, minimization of duplication and respecting capacity constraints in launching new initiatives.

Iran, speaking on behalf the Non-Aligned Movement, reaffirmed the Movement’s commitment to promote cooperation as outlined in the United Nations Charter and the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action. Cooperation in the field of human rights should contribute to the urgent task of prevention violations. Rejecting extremism and violence in all its forms, Iran called on Member States to protect all rights and freedoms in their effort to combat extremism and expressed concern at the human rights implications of unilateral coercive measures, such as economic sanctions, which often affected the most vulnerable groups. Emphasising the need for a constructive approach for the promotion of human rights, Iran urged the Council to focus on cooperation, capacity building and assistance.

Egypt, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that intellectual property regime should contribute to the mutual advantage of users and producers, and serve the public purpose of promoting science and culture, balancing private interests with the goals and needs of a society. The framework of the right to health made it clear that medicines should be made available without discrimination and express several concerns in that regard.

Pakistan, on behalf of the Organization of Islamic States, took note of the report of the High Commissioner on combating in tolerance but noted that the report had been made available very late. Pakistan also raised concern over the late circulation of Council resolution 22/31 for seeking information, around seven months after its adoption, which restricted time available for States to respond and share concrete information. The Organization of Islamic States encouraged Member States to fully and effectively implement the Action Plan and share the requisite information with regard to concrete action on the ground.

Namibia, speaking in a cross-regional statement on behalf of 97 delegations from the six regions of the world, said that the family as the natural and fundamental group unit of society was entitled to the widest possible protection and assistance by the State and the society. The family unit around the world continued to face challenges and difficulties, and that was why the Human Rights Council should address the means and ways of protection entitled to the family as set in the international human rights law. Namibia called for greater attention to the challenges and best practices related to fulfilling State’s responsibilities to provide protection and assistance to family unit.

Philippines, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, reiterated its commitment to promoting social justice and promoting human rights in all spheres of life, especially for disadvantaged and marginalized groups. It had established the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Women and Children to promote their wellbeing, development and participation in the countries in the region, and had adopted in 2013 the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Children.

Chile, speaking on behalf of a group of countries including Denmark, Ghana, Indonesia and Morocco, said that torture was never, under any circumstances justified. Despite advances over the last 60 years, recent years had seen attempts to trivialize and even defend the use of torture and demonstrated that that torture and ill-treatment could happen anywhere. One of the most regular concerns expressed by States during their Universal Periodic Reviews had been related to measure and mechanisms to protect people from torture.

Montenegro said that at the domestic level, it was important for States to implement strategies and policies that allowed effective mechanisms to promote economic, social and cultural rights and determine appropriate avenues of redress. The recent entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights would aid in protecting those rights and increase in appropriate remedies.

United States said that history and current events demonstrated that nations that respected the rights of all their populations were more just, prosperous and secure. The United States was increasingly concerned by the shrinking space for civil society around the world, including enhanced restrictions on the rights of freedom and expression, both online and offline, as well as freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and attacks on journalists, expressing concern about the situation of Venezuela and Uzbekistan.

Ireland stressed that peaceful protests attested to a free and enabling environment for civil society and should be seen by authorities as an enriching form of direct and participatory democracy. Children should enjoy the same access to justice as adults and have appropriate access to information. Those responsible for children must act in their best interest, and those who violated their rights had to be held accountable. The principle of the best interest of the child was a primary consideration with respect to the children of parents who received the death penalty, to which Ireland was opposed.

Morocco said a human rights based approach was important for the provision of public services and good governance. Morocco’s constitution guaranteed citizens’ access to information and norms of quality, transparency and accountability. In the context of a reform of public administration, a number of important measures had been adopted, including new legislation on the right to information and the reform of legislation making it compulsory for public office holders to be transparent about their assets.

South Africa said it attached great importance to the work of the Office of the High Commissioner and its independence in the fulfilment of its mandate. South Africa was concerned about the issue of racism, racial discrimination and xenophobia, and the fact that the international community had not taken sufficient action towards the implementation of the Durban Declaration. South Africa commended the High Commissioner for her work on the promotion of human rights; in particular the right to development, intensified global partnerships for development should be part of this effort.

Russia said international law clearly set out that the family was the natural and basic unit of society and enjoyed the right to protection from society and the State. Unfortunately, it had to note that the problems facing the institution of the contemporary family had not garnered the importance it deserved in the world capital of human rights, Geneva. Russia supported the joint declaration on the family. The first eight years of the Council had shown its dependence on cooperation. Russia opposed the imposition of a narrow interpretation of international standards and norms in the area of human rights.

Costa Rica agreed that the role of the public sector was crucial for effective enjoyment of human rights and a human rights perspective in the civil service was essential. Education and human rights training could play a fundamental role in ensuring that was cross-cutting. Greater synergy was needed between international financial institutions and the United Nations. Costa Rica reaffirmed unconditional support for the abolition of the death penalty. It emphasized that complying with the law should not be used as a justification for deprivation of life or arbitrary detention or other cruel treatment.

Italy said the global trend towards the abolition of the death penalty was encouraging but at the same time, it urged retentionist States to join a moratorium on the death penalty as a fundamental first step. The fight against degrading practices like female genital mutilation and forced marriage were essential components of the strategy aimed at promoting women’s health, dignity and empowerment. Italy recalled the mutually reinforcing character of freedoms of religion and expression, necessary antidotes against the sectarian violence that increasingly threatened international peace and stability.

Macedonia said that being a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural democracy it highly valued all issues related to the protection and promotion of the freedom of religion or belief and commended the High Commissioner’s report on combatting discrimination and incitement to violence based on religion and belief. In order to overcome fear and contempt driving hate speech, trust-building policies and activities were a must. Macedonia called for sharing ideas and best practices for ensuring freedom of expression and countering hate speech and for the implementation of the Rabat Plan of Action.

Germany, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, drew attention to the alarming increase of activities of criminal networks in North and East Africa. While instruments to address the continuing kidnapping, exploitation, trafficking, violence and abuse both at national and international level were in place, they were not sufficiently implemented or enforced. Germany encouraged all relevant regional organizations to support regional cooperation and coordination and appealed to States concerned to investigate the alleged involvement of officials and increase their vigilance, renew and strengthen their efforts.

Romania said there were no second-rate rights and regretted that a certain non-governmental organization made a statement on possible human rights violations in Romania in the context of a mining project. Romania stressed that the project had not yet started, thus all the human rights violations were hypothetical and an environmental impact assessment was under way. Concerned citizens had opportunities to participate in the decision-making process and freely demonstrate their opposition as Romania had organized public consultations as well as consultations with the neighbouring States.

Republic of Korea said that the threat to life and violations of human rights were prevalent not only in armed conflicts but also in non-conflict contexts and circumstances and it was sad to witness the existence of political prisoner camps in this century . Republic of Korea highlighted three important areas requiring focused and concerted efforts from the international community: justice and accountability; the issue of discrimination; and mainstreaming human rights at both the national and international levels, including as part of the post-2015 development agenda.

Pakistan said that the right to self-determination was an integral element of basic human rights and fundamental freedom, its exercise was inevitable to ensure the achievement and promotion of other related human rights, as well as preserving the human dignity and self-respect through freedom of thought and conscience. Pakistan expressed concern about the situation of the people in Jammu and Kashmir – the realization of the right to self-determination of the people of Jammu and Kashmir was one of the outstanding items of the Security Council’s agenda.

Iraq said it had taken several measures to protect rights and attached great importance to the role of civil society. Among other measures, Iraq had addressed the question of the right of nationality and the right of Iraqi women to pass on their nationality to their children. Iraq had also ratified the Convention against Torture and was a party to the Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities. Legislation on social assistance had been adopted. The death penalty had been preserved because of the need to respond to terrorist attacks.

Spain commended the Council for exploring the often invisible human rights consequences for children whose parents were sentenced to the death penalty. Judges had to take into account the best interest of the child in their decisions. There was also an obligation to consider the best interest of minors when developing legislation. Nobody could be blind to the fact that human rights violations would continue to occur and so effective remedies were necessary.

Iran expressed appreciation for the work of the Working Group on the Right to Development. In a time of enhanced globalization there was an increasing need for international solidarity and cooperation. While no one could deny national responsibility to promote the right, could not underemphasize the importance of global partnership for creating an environment for the generalization of the right to development. Imposing unilateral coercive measures and sanctions were contrary to the words and spirits of the United Nations Charter and international human rights law.

Australia supported a culture of equality, inclusion and diversity within the Australian Public Service and promoted that culture through various programmes such as the Australian Public Service Indigenous Strategy and the Disability Employment Strategy. It was concerned that in some parts of the world peaceful protests continued to be met brutality and repression, and was further concerned that such violence had been targeted at women and girls, including as a tactic to curtail participation. The rights of those belonging to religious and other minorities had to be protected.

Moldova appreciated the summary of the panel discussion on the human rights of children of parents sentenced to the death penalty or executed, as it was imperative to minimize the harm suffered by the children. Only an efficient, transparent and human rights-oriented public service could guarantee expected results, and in that regard human rights considerations in recruitment of personnel and provision of incentives for achievements were important.

Council of Europe stressed that data processing carried out without the necessary safeguards and security could raise major human rights concerns. Member States had undertaken to secure within their jurisdiction the right to respect private and family life, home and correspondence, with negative obligations to refrain from interference with fundamental rights and positive obligations to actively protect those rights.

OIC Independent Permanent Human rights Commission was concerned about the push by certain quarters to promote controversial concepts within the ambit of rights and stressed the promotion of the status of family as a fundamental society unit. It noted with particular concern the situations in Palestine, Syria, Central African Republic and Myanmar, and commended the pronouncements and steps made by the Council in addressing those. The Commission noted with concern the growing incitement to hatred and discriminations on the basis of religion or belief.

El Salvador said that it gave particular importance to the subject of the environment. Ecuador was a small and vulnerable economy that was increasingly threatened by global climate change. Ecuador had implemented a five year strategic plan that contained strategies to reverse the process of environmental degradation and that reflected how valuable it was to move to respect human rights and a clean and sustainable environment. That was a question that had to be addressed on an ongoing basis.

Sudan said as a developing country, it considered the realization of economic social and cultural rights as one of the major elements in the context of international cooperation in the promotion and protection of human rights. Unilateral coercive measures remained a major barrier to development in the country, based on unrealistic political reasons. The international community and the Council were called upon to take appropriate measures and an appropriate position on the imposition of unilateral coercive measures by some States onto others.

Qatar said that terrorism in all its forms was an extremely dangerous trend. It threatened international peace and security and the lives of innocent people, destabilizing States and hindering social and economic development. All religious precepts were against terrorism and called for tolerance. Qatar firmly condemned every form of terrorism irrespective of the reasons, causes, justifications, source or parties committing it. A specific commission had been set up, and established a strategy to combat terrorism. It reaffirmed the importance of developing an exhaustive international treaty containing a definition of terrorism.

Netherlands said that was concerned about escalating attacks and harassment, repression and retaliation on the human rights defenders. In response the Government had initiated a project in two cities with safe shelters for the human rights defenders and supported the Lifeline project. Netherlands deplored the judicial harassment and stigmatization of those who defended the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) persons. The international community witnessed a worrying trend when countries adopted legislation criminalizing homosexuality or permitting discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Egypt stressed its commitment to combat transnational organized crime and prevent trafficking of persons, which violated the fundamental right to dignity. Noting the international community efforts, a need to adopt integrated national strategies, investigate cases of women trafficking and target transnational criminal perpetrators was underscored. Egypt said it had ratified all international instruments, was drafting a national action plan to combat trafficking in persons and address the negative impact of illegal migration, and had enacted a law to combat smuggling which had led to a decrease in victims and a number of suspects being brought to trial.

Myanmar traditionally protected and respected women’s rights, having a zero tolerance policy for any sexual misconduct by military personal; it said severe punishments were given in rape cases. Myanmar gave top priority to children and had ratified international legislation on the protection of children and against child labour, sale, prostitution and pornography. It was actively considering signing the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural rights.

Ghana said it was committed to the fight against torture in all its forms and manifestation and had been considering the implementation of a number of special procedures that had visited it. The cardinal lesson was do not do unto others what you would not have them do unto you. Ghana had enacted the Children’s Act incorporating the Convention on the Rights of the Child together with the Juvenile Act and the Access to Justice for All Programme which promoted the paramount interest of the child. In Ghana, demonstrators did not require a prior permit but did need to give prior notice to protect the safety of the public.

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For use of the information media; not an official record