MIDDAY/AFTERNOON
 
Hears the Presentation of the Secretary-General’s Report on the Human Rights Situation in Cambodia and the High Commissioner’s Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Yemen
 
GENEVA (28 September 2016) - The Human Rights Council today held separate interactive dialogues with Aristide Nononsi, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan; Marie-Thérese Keita Bocoum, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic; and with Bahame Nyanduga, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia.
 
The Council also heard the presentation of the Secretary-General’s report on the role and achievements of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in assisting the Government of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights, and of the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Yemen and on the follow-up to Council resolution 30/18. 
 
Presenting his report on Sudan, Mr. Nononsi commended the signing by the Government of Sudan of the Road Map Agreement aimed at ending the conflicts in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and the deployment of 20 prosecutors across Darfur to improve access to justice.  Nonetheless, Sudan continued to face enormous challenges in terms of securing basic fundamental rights.  There was a growing concern about the pervasive actions of the National Intelligence and Security Service and their impact on the exercise of civil and political rights.  There was also an upsurge in armed conflicts perpetrated by both State and non-State actors.
 
Sudan, speaking as the concerned country, expressed grave concern that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had declared itself unable to provide it with technical assistance.  It was regrettable that the report overlooked the progress and achievements made in the promotion of human rights, including the reforms of the Criminal Code and the criminalization of female genital mutilation.  The armed conflict was the main challenge for the enjoyment of human rights and Sudan hoped that much would be done through community dialogue in order to achieve sustainable peace.
 
While welcoming the signing of the Road Map Agreement by the Government of Sudan and armed opposition movements, most delegations regretted the persistent use of arbitrary arrests, detention and crackdowns on demonstrators, the media and civil society; denial of humanitarian access to those in need; severe restrictions of political rights and freedoms; and widespread impunity.  Further steps should be taken to improve the relations between the Government and the opposition, with the view of putting an end to violence in the conflict zones.  Other delegations commended Sudan’s efforts to promote human rights, and noted that the Independent Expert should have included a proposal on how best to attract technical support and should have given more attention to the right to development.  
 
Speaking were European Union, Saudi Arabia on behalf of the Arab Group, South Africa on behalf of the African Group, Qatar, Poland, Germany, Libya, France, Norway, Albania, Spain, Algeria, United Kingdom, Egypt, Kuwait, China, Switzerland, Belgium, United Arab Emirates, Togo, Botswana, New Zealand, United States, Eritrea, Bahrain, Mozambique, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mali, Ukraine, Ghana, Belarus, Mauritania, South Sudan, and Morocco.
 
The following civil society organizations also spoke: International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Eastern Sudan Women Development Organization, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, Rencontre Africaine Pour la Defense des Droits de l'Homme, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Arab Commission for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, and Jubilee Campaign.
 
In the interactive dialogue on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, Ms. Keita Bocoum said that 2016 was a landmark year for the country, with the organization of the referendum on the new Constitution and the successful Presidential elections.  The Central African Republic had succeeded in its transition with the support of the international community, which needed to remain engaged to ensure stabilization and durable peace.  The priorities for the Government were the establishment of the Special Criminal Court, the fight against impunity, security sector reform, re-establishing the authority of the State on the territory, national reconciliation, restoration of the rule of law and justice, and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. 
 
The Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, expressed gratitude to the international community for its constant support.  Despite efforts, the security situation was still of great concern.  The day after the Transitional Government had been established, the Central African Republic had called for a Marshall Plan, but those were still empty words.  The country had few resources to achieve its policies.  There needed to be reform of the security sector, demobilization, disarmament and reintegration programmes, and work in the sector of justice. 
 
In the ensuing interactive dialogue, speakers expressed their support for the renewal of the mandate and said that the efforts to combat impunity were vital.  They remained concerned about the continuation of violence and urged the Government to push forward with its disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and security sector reform, the reformed and effective security forces would be a key factor in projecting stability throughout the country.  The international community was called upon to continue to support the Central African Republic in those efforts, and in particular in establishing the Special Criminal Court, promoting national reconciliation, and the building of sustainable peace.  Several speakers expressed concern about sexual and gender-based violence and called for the continuation of inter-community and inter-religious dialogue in order to reduce tensions.
 
European Union, Russia, Spain, Georgia, Algeria, Morocco, United States, Egypt, China, Benin, Belgium, Sudan, Togo, New Zealand United Kingdom, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Croatia, Mali, Ukraine, Ghana, Angola, and France spoke in the discussion. 
 
The following non-governmental organizations also spoke: World Evangelical Alliance (joint statement), Jubilee Campaign, Rencontre Africaine Pour la Defense des Droits de l'Homme, and Save the Children International.  
 
On the situation of human rights in Somalia, Mr. Nyanduga commended the Government and people of Somalia for the significant progress made in their reconciliation and nation building process, which had been achieved in spite of enormous challenges, in particular the security situation.  There was great optimism for the success of the forthcoming elections.  However, concerns remained about continued attacks by Al-Shabaab, violence against women and the intimidation of media practitioners.  The role of the media in Somalia was critical and indispensable as the country built peace and democracy and consolidated the State.
 
Speaking as the concerned country, Somalia welcomed the renewal of the Independent Expert’s mandate and spoke about the complex human rights challenges that had to be addressed, including lack of capacity building and security.  A lot was achieved in the field of human rights in the last four years, including the adoption of a number of bills.  Somalia was working hard to implement all its Universal Periodic Review commitments, and called for international partners to increase their support to enable the country to fulfil its human rights obligations.
 
Speakers in the interactive dialogue recognized the progress made, despite capacity constraints and other challenges, in the improvement of the political stability and strengthening of the institutions.  Concern remained about the security situation and the fact that terrorism, including by Al-Shabaab, remained one of the main threats to the country’s stability.  Other concerns included the use of the death penalty and the passing of sentences on minors, that military courts oversaw civilian cases, and sexual and gender-based violence.  There was now a window of opportunity for Somalia to move away from decades of lawlessness, and in this, a timely, credible and peaceful electoral process which respected freedom of expression, assembly and association was crucial.  Delegations urged Somalia to continue to work on establishing the rule of law through the consolidation of the judiciary, and also urged the international community to provide Somalia with the necessary technical and financial assistance.
 
Speaking were European Union, Qatar, France, Australia, Russian Federation, Denmark, Turkey, United States, Egypt, Kuwait, China, United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Ireland, Botswana, Djibouti, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Italy, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Spain, Ukraine, Algeria, and Bahrain.
 
The following civil society organizations also spoke: the International Educational Development, International Federation of Journalists, Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l'Homme, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation (joint statement), Human Rights Watch, Article 19, Arab Commission for Human Rights, and Human Rights Information and Training Centre.
 
At the end of the day, the Council heard the presentation of the Secretary-General’s report on the role and achievements of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in assisting the Government of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights, and of the report of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in Yemen and on the follow-up to Council resolution 30/18. 
 
Kate Gilmore, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the report on Yemen, said that a year and a half since the intensification of the conflict in Yemen, the situation had deteriorated further, bringing devastating effects for the population.  More than 12 million Yemenis were in desperate need of life-saving assistance, and basic services were in near total collapse.  The Council was called upon to urgently establish an international, independent investigative body to carry out comprehensive investigations into violations of international law in Yemen.
 
Speaking about Cambodia, Ms. Gilmore stated that the human rights situation in the country presented dual trends.  On the one hand, the reporting period had seen steady progress on a number of technical issues, while on the other hand the deteriorating relationship between the two main political parties was severely affecting the ability of Cambodians to exercise their fundamental rights.  The Office’s presence in Cambodia stood ready to assist the Government in promoting reform at the policy level with all Government counterparts on a range of human rights issues.    
 
Cambodia, speaking as a concerned country, said that the Secretary-General’s report did not fully cover the progress made in Cambodia.  All political parties freely conducted their activities in accordance with the existing laws and legal instruments.  There was no intention to constrain freedom or shrink spaces of civil society.  Forced evictions were not condoned and were not the policy of the Government, while land issues in some locations had been politicized.
 
Yemen, speaking as a concerned country, noted that the report suffered from certain shortcomings and that it did not include information provided by the Government.  The national committee established to investigate human rights violations needed international technical support in order to carry out its mandate.  The international community needed to call for an end to the attacks and crimes carried by the Houthi militia, and it needed to listen to the voices of the victims of that militia.
 
The Council will next meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, 29 September, to hold its general debate on technical assistance and capacity building in the field of human rights.  It will then proceed to take action on decisions and conclusions before it concludes its regular thirty-third session on Friday, 30 September.   
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the Report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan (A/HRC/33/65).
 
The Council has before it an addendum to the Report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan – Comments by the State (A/HRC/33/65/Add.1).
 
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan
 
Presentation of Report by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Sudan
 
ARISTIDE NONONSI, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, informed that he had undertaken one visit to Sudan during the period under review, from 14 to 28 April 2016, during which he had met officials, United Nations and diplomatic representatives, civil society and numerous other stakeholders.  During the reporting period, Mr. Nononsi had noted some positive steps, including the signing by the Government of the Road Map Agreement aimed at ending the conflicts in Darfur, Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, and the deployment of 20 prosecutors across Darfur, as part of efforts by the Sudanese authorities to improve access to justice.  Nonetheless, Sudan continued to face enormous challenges in terms of securing basic fundamental rights.  There was a growing concern about the pervasive actions of the National Intelligence and Security Service, and their impact on the exercise of civil and political rights.  As an organ of the State, the National Intelligence and Security Service had an obligation to fully respect human rights standards when carrying out its functions.  The Expert had also noted an upsurge in armed conflicts perpetrated by both State and non-State actors.
 
The security situation in Darfur, during the reporting period, had been marked by an escalation in fighting between Government forces and the Sudan Liberation Movement – Abdul Wahid.  The vast majority of displacements in 2016 had been triggered by the conflict in Jebel Marra, as well as intercommunal clashes.  The security situation and the shortage of food inside the Zam Zam camp for internally displaced persons in northern Darfur was a matter of serious concern.  Mr. Nononsi welcomed the appointment of a special prosecutor for violence against women in north Darfur state.  While the decision by the Sudanese authorities to receive South Sudanese refugees in the country was commended, their living conditions remained precarious.  The provision of education and other services was still pending upon the relocation of the camp to a new site.  The resumption of ground hostilities between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile had led to a rapid deterioration of the security situation since January 2016.  Armed movements were urged to put the interests of the people of Sudan first and to sign the Road Map Agreement.
 
There was, to a large extent, consensus amongst all relevant stakeholders on the need for capacity building in the form of relevant human rights training for members of the judiciary, the national human rights institution, and other issues.  Mr. Nononsi expressed his belief that the spirit of cooperation was essential between the Government, donor States and the United Nations, with the view of improving the human rights situation in the country.  He hoped that the members of the Council, the Government of Sudan and all other stakeholders would accept and implement his recommendations.      
 
Statement by the Concerned Country
 
Sudan, speaking as the concerned country, regretted that the report deviated significantly from agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity building.  Sudan was gravely concerned that the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had declared itself unable to provide it with technical assistance.  Sudan had made much progress in the promotion of human rights and it was regrettable that most of those achievements had been overlooked in the report.  Despite that, Sudan had demonstrated full cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.  It had signed with the United Nations a plan for the protection of children in armed conflict.  It had also made legislative reforms, encompassing more than 60 laws, including the Criminal Code and criminalization of female genital mutilation.  Sudan had signed more international human rights agreements, such as those on enforced disappearances, discrimination, and the protection of migrant workers and their families.  Furthermore, the country hosted thousands of refugees which represented an additional burden on the Government, and it had made efforts to combat human trafficking.  The armed conflict was the main challenge for the enjoyment of human rights and the delegation expressed hope that much would be done through community dialogue in order to achieve sustainable peace.
 
Interactive Dialogue on Sudan
 
European Union regretted the persistent use of arbitrary arrests, detention and crackdowns on demonstrators, media and civil society in Sudan.  Could the Independent Expert elaborate further on the concerning actions by the National Intelligence and Security Service, and what could be done to address it?  Saudi Arabia, speaking on behalf of the Arab Group, noted that the Sudanese Government had fully cooperated with the Independent Expert and provided him with unrestricted access.  A number of measures had been taken to improve political and civil rights; further steps should be taken to improve the relations between the Government and the opposition, with the view of putting an end to the conflict.  South Africa, speaking on behalf of the African Group, believed that all international efforts to promote human rights should be based on cooperation, dialogue and non-selectivity, in conformity with national priorities.  The efforts by the Sudanese Government to achieve peace and to secure the widest possible participation of various actors were highly valued.  Qatar welcomed the high degree of cooperation by the Government of Sudan with the Independent Expert.  In his report, the Expert should have included a proposal on how best to attract technical support, and give more attention to the right to development.  Different parts of the Doha Agreement had been implemented, noted Qatar.  Poland was concerned about the infringements on the freedoms of expression and association and the freedom of the press.   Poland wanted to hear the Independent Expert’s views on possible effective steps that could be taken by the international community to better ensure the protection of civil society actors in Sudan.  Germany remained deeply perturbed by indiscriminate aerial attacks by Government forces, denial of humanitarian access to those in need, severe restrictions of political rights and freedoms, and widespread impunity.  Germany welcomed the signing of the Road Map Agreement by the Government of Sudan and armed opposition movements.     
 
Libya welcomed the measures adopted by Sudan to improve human rights and the determination of the Government to promote political and social rights, including the adoption of the Road Map Agreement between the Government and armed groups.  To what extent did the technical assistance correspond to the needs of Sudan?  France supported the renewal of the mandate of the Independent Expert for one year.  It remained concerned that the inter-community violence in the Darfur region had reached unprecedented levels.  It called on the Government to cease indiscriminate aerial bombings and to allow access to humanitarian aid.  Norway expressed concern about restrictions on freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, especially detention and treatment of human rights defenders.  It urged parties to cease hostilities as soon as possible and to find a solution for humanitarian access.  Albania commended Sudan’s measures to prevent female genital mutilation and the recruitment of children into the armed forces, as well as its hosting of numerous refugees.  It urged the authorities to enable conditions for durable peace and a vibrant civil society, and it expressed concern over the violence in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.  Spain regretted the climate of impunity for sexual and gender-based violence in conflict zones.  The high number of refugees spoke volumes and Spain called on the Government to lift any limitation on access to humanitarian aid.  It urged Sudan to pursue national reconciliation.  Algeria commended Sudan’s cooperation with the international community and the African Union, as well as progress made in the protection of human rights and national dialogue, notably the signature of the Road Map Agreement in 2016.
 
05      United Kingdom welcomed positive developments, including steps taken to eradicate female genital mutilation within a generation.  Implementing the African Union Road Map was essential for achieving peace.  The United Kingdom was disappointed that the National Security Act had not been reformed.  Concern was expressed over arbitrary arrests and harassment of Christians.  Egypt said major progress had been made in Sudan.  The report, nonetheless, was full of generalizations, and lacked mention of some violations by armed groups.  The report also did not focus on the need for technical support in the field of human rights.  Kuwait welcomed the Government’s cooperation with the Expert and its measures taken to protect human rights.  The ongoing national dialogue on the way forward was welcomed.  Technical assistance and capacity building for human rights and the national human rights institution ought to continue. China welcomed Sudan’s progress in healthcare, education, infrastructure and other areas.  Sudan had managed to reform a number of laws, and had made efforts to protect the most vulnerable groups.  China was concerned over the effect of negative unilateral coercive measures on the people of Sudan.  Switzerland was concerned about the ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression and reprisals against civil society activists and organizations, including human rights defenders.  How did the Independent Expert view the ongoing violations in the context of the Government’s cooperation with his mandate?  Belgium expressed deep concern over the human rights situation across Sudan.  Urgent measures ought to be taken to put an end to the climate of impunity, and everything should be done so that journalists and human rights defenders could pursue their activities without the fear of reprisals. 
 
United Arab Emirates said that the visit of the Independent Expert should have exclusively focused on technical capacity-building, noting that Sudan faced numerous challenges, including an unstable security situation in the region.  Togo congratulated the Sudanese Government for the positive steps taken, urging the Government to continue pursuing efforts to foster peace and reconciliation, and taking note of the creation of a sub-office of the National Human Rights Institution in Darfur.  Botswana commended ongoing regional efforts to promote dialogue between the Government and armed opposition movements, but expressed remaining concern about the curtailment of civil society activities, sexual violence against women, and other concerns.  New Zealand said the conflict had had devastating effects on civilians, welcomed the signature of the Road Map Agreement for ending the conflict in Sudan, and urged continued progress on implementing the Road Map.  United States remained gravely concerned by the serious human rights situation in Sudan, and asked the Independent Expert for concrete recommendations for the international community to ensure that the Government of Sudan stopped harassing, intimidating, and arresting civil society representatives, human rights defenders, media and journalists, and others.  Eritrea said Sudan had achieved significant strides in development in the last 10 years, including in the human rights sector, and added that capacity-building support needed to be based on Sudan’s priorities. 
 
Bahrain appreciated the cooperation of Sudan with the Independent Expert, and expressed gratitude to the Government for giving him access to all the places he wanted to visit.  The positive steps by the Government, including the Road Map Agreement on Darfur and the appointment of 20 prosecutors, were appreciated.  Mozambique said that Sudan was facing multiple challenges.  The National Dialogue Conference was encouraged, because it stood the chance of addressing the grievances and helping improve the situation of human rights of the Sudanese people.  Democratic People’s Republic of Korea believed that country-specific mandates were not conducive to the genuine promotion and protection of human rights.  The report on Sudan deviated from the principle of objectivity and it did not refer to the negative effects of the unilateral coercive measures against Sudan.  Mali fully encouraged Sudan to continue its cooperation with the human rights mechanisms, and noted with satisfaction the efforts to promote the dialogue between the Government and the armed opposition groups.  The establishment of a sub-office of the National Human Rights Institution in Darfur was a positive development.  Ukraine commended the efforts of the Government of Sudan to meet its international obligations, especially the signing of the Road Map Agreement aimed at putting an end to the Darfur conflict.  Ukraine hoped that efforts would intensify on improving the situation vis-à-vis the freedom of speech and assembly.  Ghana praised the Government of Sudan for its continuous cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner, but was concerned about various human rights violations which continued to plague the country, including curtailing civil and political freedoms. 
 
Belarus said that technical assistance was an important tool for the protection of human rights, and that the constructive participation of Sudan in the second cycle of the Universal Periodic Review had confirmed its commitment towards improvements in the human rights sphere.  Mauritania welcomed efforts toward an inclusive national dialogue in Sudan, and expressed appreciation for efforts deployed by the Government toward combatting trafficking in persons.  South Sudan took note of the report of the Independent Expert and the recommendations provided to all, and welcomed the national dialogue between Sudanese stakeholders, also encouraging the establishment of a National Human Rights Commission.  Morocco expressed appreciation for the activities of Sudan toward the promotion and protection of human rights, also noting that technical assistance should be provided to Sudan, and calling on the Council to ensure that Sudan received all the technical assistance that it needed.
 
International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said that the climate of repression that blocked independent monitoring and reporting on the ground in Sudan necessitated the appointment by this Council of a robust mandate to monitor and regularly report on violations of international human rights and humanitarian law throughout the country.  Eastern Sudan Women Development Organization noted the positive developments in Sudan, including the ending of the war in conflict-affected areas, and despite the existence of unilateral sanctions.  East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project expressed concern about the crackdown by the Government on the independent civil society, and the severe circumscription on the right to freedom of expression.  The conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile continued to have a devastating impact on civilians.  Rencontre Africaine Pour la Défense des Droits de l'Homme said that the Government of Sudan continued to attack villages, indiscriminately bomb civilian areas, and block humanitarian aid.  In Darfur, the armed conflict had entered its thirteenth year without an end in sight.  The Council should appoint a Special Rapporteur under its agenda item on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.  CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation said that the resistance of the Government to launch an independent judicial investigation into the killings of scores of peaceful protesters in 2013 was an indication of the lack of will to seriously address persistent human rights violations.  The violations of fundamental public freedoms undermined the stalled national dialogue among the Government, political opposition and civil society.
 
Arab Commission for Human Rights said that civilians continued to suffer from armed conflict, particularly in the regions of Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile.  The Independent Expert was asked what the top priorities should be, and what kind of capacity building was needed for the State, the National Human Rights Institution and others.  Human Rights Watch noted that the Sudanese Government’s widespread human rights violations and failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible justified specific scrutiny by the Council.  A number of repressive laws, including the National Security Act of 2010, contravened human rights norms, and detainees were routinely tortured.  Jubilee Campaign was particularly concerned by the continued harassment of church leaders by the National Intelligence and Security Service, which also continued to restrict press freedom and use lethal force to shutdown protests.  In Darfur, displaced people continued to experience violence from government-allied militia.   
 
Concluding Remarks
 
Sudan said that unilateral coercive measures were a challenge for the enjoyment of human rights, and that it was disappointing not to have that mentioned in the report at all.  There was insufficient coordination between the mandate holders as was required.  Armed conflict was the main obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights.  Qatar was thanked for its efforts to promote peace.  Sudan was currently collecting weapons from those who had been demobilized.
 
ARISTIDE NONONSI, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan, said that his methodology had been to identify progress as well as challenges and shortcomings.  It was therefore true that he had not identified all challenges. The dialogue launched by the Government was very important for human rights.  Concern about shortcomings was expressed; all people who were perpetrators of human rights violations needed to be held accountable.  Concerning the implementation of his recommendations, he said he was in ongoing discussion with both the Government of Sudan and with civil society.  He expressed hope that on his next visit, progress on recommendations would be identifiable.  He expressed hope that a donor conference could be arranged to support technical cooperation programmes regarding human rights in Sudan.  The work was still ongoing, and when finalized, the international community and the Government of Sudan would be equally part of the project.    
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the Report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic (A/HRC/33/63).
 
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic
 
Presentation of Report by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in the Central African Republic
 
MARIE-THERESE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, presenting her report, said that 2016 was a landmark year for the Central African Republic with the organization of the referendum on the new Constitution and the successful presidential elections, which generated hopes for lasting peace, reconciliation and development.  The Government was facing colossal challenges and the expectations of the international community must be realistic.  Turning to the recommendations contained in the report, the Independent Expert said that the national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme had been drawn up, but was yet to be approved by the Government.  The Government should adopt a strategy on national reconciliation, with the participation of all stakeholders, with clear objectives and a time table. 
 
Concerning the fight against impunity, there had been a delay in the implementation of the Law on the Special Criminal Court, but on 26 August, the Government, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and the United Nations Development Programme had validated a joint programme which would present an essential step in this project.  The fight against impunity must focus on the protection of victims and the right to a fair trial, and the Government should adopt a global strategy to address the past violations based on the mechanisms of transitional justice.  The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic continued to gather evidence of sexual violence in connection with the armed conflict; the numbers were quite high but because of stigmatisation many victims were reluctant to approach the courts.  There was a need to set up support centres for victims, particularly victims of sexual violence, forced marriages and young mothers. 
 
Children suffered from high levels of violence, they were recruited by armed groups, suffered malnutrition and had limited access to basic services – child protection initiatives needed to be strengthened and particular attention paid to children associated with armed groups.  Another issue of concern was violence and torture of persons accused of witchcraft: more than 60 cases had been documented since January 2016.  The international community should provide financing for priority programmes in the country and especially for the establishment of the Special Criminal Court, security sector reform, and disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and resettlement programmes.  Twenty-one cases of alleged sexual abuse by members of international forces had been documented – there was a need for the urgent implementation of measures to bring an end to this scourge.  In conclusion, the Independent Expert said that the Central African Republic had succeeded in its transition, with the support of the international community, which must remain engaged to ensure stabilization and durable peace.  The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, whose mandate had just been renewed, had a crucial role to play in the protection of civilians from armed criminal groups that operated in the country.  The priorities for the Government were security sector reform, re-establishing the authority of the State on the territory, national reconciliation, restoration of rule of law and justice, and disarmament, demobilization and reintegration. 

Statement by the Concerned Country
 
Central African Republic, speaking as the concerned country, expressed gratitude to the international community for its constant support, particularly to the United States, France and the European Union, and to all those who had made a contribution to the thaw in the Central African Republic.  There were still pockets of insecurity in the country.  The Central African Republic was making efforts, but the security situation was still of great concern, and it was vital that the security and defence services were strengthened.  The day after the Transitional Government had been established, the Central African Republic had called for a Marshall Plan, but those were still empty words.  The country had few resources to achieve its policies.  There needed to be reform of the security sector, demobilization, disarmament and reintegration programmes, and work in the sector of justice. 
 
Interactive Dialogue on the Central African Republic
 
European Union supported the renewal of the Independent Expert’s mandate and called on the Government of the Central African Republic to resolutely commit itself to ensure stability, disarmament, demobilization, and reform of the security sector.  Efforts to combat impunity were vital.  What were the priority measures to encourage reconciliation?  Russian Federation noted the positive progress made in the Central African Republic.  However, full normalization of the situation was still far from full grasp.  The number of displaced persons was close to a million.  Technical assistance would be much more effective if conditions for development were in place.  Spain condemned human rights violations committed by different armed groups roaming the Central African Republic.  It abhorred sexual violence against women and children.  The Central African Republic had to purge the armed forces of criminal elements.  Spain welcomed the establishment of a special criminal court to fight impunity.  Georgia welcomed the willingness of the newly elected authorities in the Central African Republic to engage with international human rights mechanisms, the adoption of a new constitution, and the holding of elections.  It was necessary to accelerate the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, and reform of the security sector in order to protect civilians.  Algeria stated that the human rights situation in the Central African Republic had been constantly improving for more than a year.  Human rights issues were better tackled with the support of the United Nations and the African Union.  It encouraged the Government to consolidate national reconciliation, combat impunity and foster the inclusion of marginalized groups.  Morocco welcomed the return to constitutional order in the Central African Republic and hoped that it would be a start of united and peaceful existence in the country.  It also welcomed the newly elected authorities, noting that collective support would have a real impact on the construction of a durable peace.  United States agreed that the successful conclusion of presidential and legislative elections were milestones in the Central African Republic’s progress towards restoring peace, security and justice.  But, it remained concerned about continued killings, hostage-taking, mistreatment and reported torture, sexual violence and displacement.
 
Egypt welcomed efforts made by the Independent Expert, and noted that transparent and peaceful elections had taken place in the Central African Republic, which had brought the three-year transition period to an end, underlining the necessity of establishing State authority and the rule of law.  China supported efforts by the Government of the Central African Republic in a range of fields, including human rights, noted that the country continued to face challenges in economic and social development, and called on the international community to support further progress.  Benin thanked the Independent Expert and noted the commitment of the Central African Republic toward progress, encouraging the Government to continue the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration process and to encourage national reconciliation.  Belgium welcomed the peaceful elections in the Central African Republic and the successful democratic transition, but noted that many challenges remained, singling out the persistence of violence committed by armed groups.  Sudan said the Central African Republic had cooperated with the Independent Expert, and noted that the country was making efforts to promote its citizens’ rights, holding a referendum on a new constitution and allowing the new President to take up his functions.  Togo congratulated the Central African Republic for its properly conducted elections, welcoming measures taken to restore the States and protect civilians; concern remained, however, over armed groups remaining in the country’s territory.  

New Zealand remained concerned about the continuation of violence and said that the protection of civilians, particularly children and internally displaced persons, must be paramount as ongoing clashes between armed groups continued to threaten national security.  An extension of state authority to the whole territory was vital to supporting such protection efforts.  United Kingdom encouraged the Government to push forward with its disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and security sector reform in a way that reflected the ethnic and religious diversity of the country.  Reformed and effective security forces would be a key factor in projecting stability throughout the country.  What progress had been made in developing disarmament agreements with armed groups?  Mozambique stressed the need for strong transitional justice if the Central African Republic was to embark on a sustainable peace process in the medium and long run.  The international community should provide financial and material support for those efforts, and especially the setting up of the Special Criminal Court.
 
Republic of the Congo endorsed the conclusions and recommendations of the Independent Expert, and called on the Government to pursue the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.  It encouraged the determination of the new authorities to end impunity.  Croatia was deeply concerned about the worrying humanitarian situation and the persistent threats from armed groups to the security of civilians in the Central African Republic.  It welcomed the adoption of a new constitution and the Prime Minister’s principles – security, disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and national reconciliation – which were in line with the Bangui Forum guidelines.  Mali commended the new authorities on maintaining excellent relations with human rights mechanisms.  It called for the end to violence in order to ensure the security of civilians and humanitarian actors, and for assistance to be provided to victims of violence and displaced persons.  Ukraine reminded that in the areas controlled by armed groups, numerous crimes against civilians, especially against women and children, were being committed.  It regretted that the majority of crimes went unpunished, which was why it was crucial to complete the establishment of the Special Criminal Court.
 
Ghana commended the Independent Expert for her report on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, but noted with concern the continued violations of human rights carried out by armed groups throughout the country, and called on the international community to engage with the Central African Republic to bring all perpetrators of violence to justice and end the culture of impunity.  Angola recognized the importance of measures taken to combat impunity, reiterated its full support to the Central African Republic, and appealed to the international community to redouble its efforts in providing support to the Central African Republic.  France said that the human rights dimension was essential towards ensuring the stabilization of the Central African Republic, but noted that grave violations of human rights continued to be committed against civilians, noting that France condemned attacks committed by armed groups. 
 
World Evangelical Alliance, in a joint statement with Caritas Internationalis (International Confederation of Catholic Charities), asked which priorities should be set for comprehensive human development in the Central African Republic and how could the international community contribute towards that.  Jubilee Campaign called on the Independent Expert to pay particular attention to religiously motivated discrimination or acts of violence and to make specific recommendations to the Government of the Central African Republic and the international community on how to address them.  Rencontre Africaine Pour la Défense des Droits de l'Homme stressed the need for the international community to support the Government in the implementation of the recommendations by the Bangui Forum.  The stigmatization of the Muslim minority and the violence against those accused of witchcraft was deplorable.  Save the Children International called on all to ensure that grave violations of children were fully included in justice and reparation mechanisms and to end impunity for cases of sexual exploitation and abuse against children committed by international peacekeepers.  Victims must be at the heart of the response, and must be protected from perpetrators, whoever they might be.
 
Concluding Remarks
 
Central African Republic welcomed the extension of the mandate of the Independent Expert and said that her report was a cry of alarm to the Government and the international community.  It was hoped that the Donors Conference in Brussels would facilitate the response to the many challenges in the country, and in particular in strengthening the authority of the State throughout the territory – otherwise, all the efforts made would not achieve the desired results. 
 
MARIE-THERESE KEITA BOCOUM, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic, said in her concluding remarks that the Bangui Forum had indicated the basic areas of priority action and the paths that needed to be taken in the process of reconciliation.  The Government now needed to put in practice its decisions concerning the implementation of those recommendations, in particular by setting up a Committee to follow up on them, and adopt the national strategy for reconciliation and the national strategy for social cohesion.  The implementation of the national reconciliation strategy would need to be backstopped by local, municipal and regional committees, as well as the active use of the radio.  New hope must be given to the people, and a new social contract must be established between the State and its people.  Trust was essential, as was the effective security – there would be no reconciliation without those.  In addition, an effective strategy for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons must be put in place, with the involvement of local institutions.  All those measures would need the technical and financial support of the international community, but also the African community and the region, particularly in addressing sub-regional issues such as migration and security.  That was why the Independent Expert had called for a conference on migration which would address those sub-regional issues.  National reconciliation, restoration of the authority of the State, disarmament, and human development were key areas of actions, in which measures must be implemented in a coordinated fashion.  A roadmap was needed to this end, which would clearly outline the measures and help all to maintain the trust in the process.
 
The President had visited many areas of the country, this must be stepped-up and the progress in the dialogue with armed groups must be disseminated.  Armed groups were still active, there was still no consensus on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration initiatives, they still did harm – the efforts on the dialogue with armed groups, on the rehabilitation of young people and in addressing the frustration of those pushed aside, especially Muslims, must be stepped up, otherwise the whole future of the Central African Republic would be jeopardised.  One of the major measures would be the creation of income generation and employment opportunities for women and the youth.  The local elections would be a vital and positive element in reaching those who felt excluded from the political and public life of the country.  In terms of what could be done to address the die-hards who presented a security threat, there must be strict impunity measures to make them understand that violence and violations would not be tolerated.  The setting up of the Special Criminal Court was in this sense essential.  In addition to measures to address and end impunity, there was a need for more efforts in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration.  The State authority must cover the entire country as none of the efforts and measures proposed would succeed without the effective rule of law on the whole territory.  Further support – technical and financial – of the international community in this was indispensable.
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it the Report of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia (A/HRC/33/64).
 
Interactive Dialogue with the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia
 
Presentation of Report by the Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia
 
BAHAME NYANDUGA, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, commended the Somali political class for their foresight in establishing the National Leadership Forum, a coalition of national and regional leaders which had been instrumental in facilitating consultations between Federal and State authorities on urgent issues.  He also commended the Government and people of Somalia for the significant progress made in their reconciliation and nation building process, which had been achieved in spite of enormous challenges, in particular the security situation.  There was great optimism for the success of the forthcoming elections.  It was significant that the upcoming elections would guarantee 30 per cent representation of women in both the Lower and Upper Houses.  They would also ensure broader clan representation.  The clans were key to governance in Somalia.  The only drawback was the likely underrepresentation of minority clans, youth and persons with disabilities.  The Federal Government had made commendable progress to improve the human rights situation, namely the adoption of the law which would establish a national human rights commission.
 
On the other hand, Al-Shabaab still threatened the security situation through its asymmetrical attacks.  There were also concerns about cutbacks to the financing of military support, as well as the threat by some troop contributing countries to the African Union Mission in Somalia to withdraw their forces due to the cuts in funding.  Those developments would have serious security implications for Somalia.  Mr. Nyanduga was also concerned about continued reports of violence against women, which had been exacerbated by the conflict.  Internally displaced girls and women, and girls from minority clans were especially vulnerable and lacked protection.  Despite advocacy conducted by the authorities and civil society, girls were exposed to female genital mutilation and forced marriages within their communities.  In spite of the adoption of the new media law, media practitioners continued to complain about physical attacks, harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrests by security forces.  The role of the media in Somalia was critical and indispensable as the country built peace and democracy and consolidated the State.  It was thus important for the Government to address the concerns of media stakeholders.
 
Statement by the Concerned Country
 
Somalia welcomed the renewal of the Independent Expert’s mandate.  Somalia expressed condolences to the family and the people of Somalia for the journalist who was killed yesterday, unfortunately, it was not in the hands of the Government, the Al Shabaab were the ones who affected these bad things.  There were complex human rights challenges to fulfil in Somalia, including lack of capacity building and security.  The Federal Government of Somalia had achieved a lot in the field of human rights in the last four years.  Progress included the adoption of a number of bills.  The Independent Expert had explained how Somalia was working hard to implement all its Universal Periodic Review commitments.  Somalia called on international partners to increase their support to enable the country to fulfil its human rights commitments.
 
Interactive Dialogue on Somalia
 
European Union asked the Independent Expert how he intended to assist Somalia in order to uphold human rights during the electoral process and political transition to a new Federal Government.  Qatar commended steps taken to uphold the human rights situation in Somalia despite challenges, central of which was terrorism, as well as the scarcity of food; allocating a certain number of seats for women in Parliament was a step forward.  France said that respect for human rights meant implementation of the proper texts; in the absence of a State able to enforce the rule of law, human rights remained abstract.  Deep concern was noted about attacks against journalists.  Australia expressed grave concern at ongoing indiscriminate attacks on civilians by Government forces, militias and terror groups, and called on the Government to ensure the protection of human rights defenders, including journalists. 
 
Russian Federation stated that the main objective in Somalia remained the imminent convening of general elections and ensuring the conditions for those elections.  Unfortunately, the security situation had not improved significantly and the struggle against Al-Shabaab was far from over.  Denmark noted that Somalia had come a long way in improving security and political stability, despite capacity constraints.  But serious challenges persisted, such as violence against women.  How could the international community ensure continued awareness and improvement of human rights in Somalia?  Turkey welcomed the continued commitment of Somalia to the Universal Periodic Review and the adoption of the bill on the establishment of a national human rights commission.  However, terrorism remained one of the main threats to the country’s stability.  United States said that a new and inclusive Government was needed to consolidate progress and carry the reform agenda forward in Somalia.  Harassment, arrests and censorship of journalists by the Government remained deeply concerning.  Additional actions were needed to prevent the unlawful recruitment and use of child soldiers.  Egypt commended the National Leadership Forum, which could contribute to the stability of Somalia.  It was highly important for the Government of Somalia to work on establishing the rule of law through the consolidation of the judiciary, and for the international community to provide Somalia with the necessary technical assistance.
 
Kuwait said that the report had shed light on challenges facing Somalia at many levels, and lauded progress achieved by the Government in reinforcing reconstruction of the State, noting Kuwait’s provision of support for initiatives aimed at women and children, among other initiatives.  China thanked the Somali delegation for its update, commending the country for its commitment to human rights.  Noting the daunting challenges faced by Somalia, China called on the international community to provide Somalia with support to promote and protect human rights.  United Arab Emirates expressed agreement with the Independent Expert that the establishment of the rule of law was key, noting that it could be achieved only with support for Somalia from the international community, and outlining support for Somalia provided by the United Arab Emirates.  Sudan expressed deep interest in the safety and security of Somalia, and noted that Sudan valued reconciliation projects, also commending the Government of Somalia for agreeing on a permanent constitution for the country.  Ireland thanked the Independent Expert for the report on Somalia, noting that the country was entering a critical phase but underlining that there were a number of concerns, such as the prevalence of violence against women.  Botswana observed that the report had noted an improvement in the security situation in Somalia, but said that challenges remained, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
 
Djibouti said that progress had been made in strengthening institutions and the security situation in Somalia, as well as in respect for the rights of minorities, women and children, despite the obstacles.  Djibouti welcomed the preparations for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections, and noted that seats had been set aside for women.  New Zealand said that there was a window of opportunity for Somalia to move away from lawlessness and stressed that the respect for human rights was an essential part.  New Zealand welcomed the establishment of the national human rights institution in August and urged the authorities to prioritize the protection of civilians both in fighting Al-Shabaab and in addressing regional conflicts.  United Kingdom said that the human rights situation in Somalia remained severe, and that the implementation of the commitments of the Government was slow.  A timely, credible and peaceful electoral process which respected freedom of expression, assembly and association was crucial.  The United Kingdom was concerned that the death penalty and the passing of sentences on minors continued to be used, and that military courts oversaw civilian cases.  Italy expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Government to implement its obligations from the Somali compact, and urged it to properly address the situation of women, children, and internally displaced persons.  How could the international community further help Somalia promote gender equality and eradicate sexual and gender-based violence?  Mozambique noted that Somalia used to be one of the most protracted conflicts in Africa and welcomed the progress made despite the challenges posed by Al-Shabaab.  The international community should strengthen its multifaceted support to this country.  Ethiopia was committed to supporting Somalia in bringing peace, stability and protection of human rights in the country.  The main human rights violations were caused by Al-Shabaab, with external support.  Integrated economic development increased the enjoyment of human rights; that was why the adoption of the National Development Plan was commendable.
 
Spain said that the major challenge in Somalia continued to be security.  As for the death penalty, Somalia needed to explore other forms of punishment.  Implementation of awareness-raising measures for rural women should be considered.  Ukraine commended Somalia’s latest progress in building a democratic government, but expressed concern at the situation of children suspected of association with al-Shabaab, and noted that there was a need for ongoing support from the international community.  Algeria welcomed Somalia’s cooperation with United Nations mechanisms, and recalled the important role of the African Union, also noting the strong determination of Somalia in promoting rights in the country.  Bahrain said that technical assistance was of particular importance for capacity building, and said greater efforts needed to be made to promote national unity in Somalia. 
 
International Educational Development, noted that the situation in Somalia in the past several months had been particularly grim, as Al-Shabaab continued to carry out attacks on a regular basis.  How did the Independent Expert plan to get the international community to provide the essential financial support?  International Federation of Journalists stressed that freedom of media continued to be constrained in Somalia.  Attacks on journalists continued unabated and with impunity.  The Ministry of Information used national security agents to undermine freedom of assembly.  Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme stated that the security context remained fragile and the Somali authorities lacked the capacity to manage all of the country’s territory.  Concerns remained about ongoing sexual violence and attacks on the media.  What would the Independent Expert recommend as measures to address that scourge?  CIVICUS - World Alliance for Citizen Participation, in a joint statement with East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, called on Somalia to ensure that Government officials’ threats and intimidation of media workers were swiftly and effectively investigated.  It should also ensure that the media law was in line with international and regional obligations.  Human Rights Watch noted that international focus on the political process should ensure basic rights; the protection of civilians was central to Somalia’s state-building efforts.  Attacks by Al-Shabaab, sexual violence, the lack of accountability for grave abuses, and attacks against journalists remained of grave concern. 
 
Article 19 said that Somalia remained one of the deadliest countries for journalists.  All attacks should be fully investigated and perpetrators held to account.  There was also concern about arbitrary arrests and the detention of journalists, as well as about blocking of media signals by Al-Shabaab. 
Arab Commission for Human Rights offered condolences for the death of Yusuf Mohamed Ismail Bari-Bari, the former Somali Ambassador to the Human Rights Council.  What were the Independent Expert’s proposals for developing the national justice system and providing conditions and safeguards for fair trial?   Human Rights Information and Training Centre drew attention to the plight of Somali refugees in countries such as Yemen, which themselves were plagued by war.  Houthi militias were recruiting Somali children and using them to fight in the war in Yemen.  Somali refugees in Yemen had on a number of occasions been exposed to inhumane treatment by Houthi militias.
 
Concluding Remarks
 
Somalia said that the Government had been trying its best to improve the conditions of human rights in Somalia.  Killings in Somalia were conducted by Al Shabaab, not by the Government.  Somalia was thankful to the international community for its support, which should continue.
 
BAHAME NYANDUGA, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, in his concluding remarks, thanked all those who had supported the renewal of the mandate.  A number of grave concerns remained with regards to the situation of human rights in Somalia.  The insecurity continued and it affected the enjoyment of human rights, as well as economic activities of the population.  The attacks by Al-Shabaab continued to negatively impact the political and security situation and the efficiency of the electoral process.  The current electoral system was an improvement of the 2012 process in which clan elders participated; although it did not yet provide for universal suffrage, it was a direct system, which also guaranteed the participation of women and reserved 30 per cent of seats for women.  The success of the elections would ensure that the institution building process continued and that the next Government adopted the new Constitution, on the basis of which the next elections would be held and which would ensure universal adult suffrage.  The Independent Expert said that he had engaged with the Government on the right to freedom of expression and said that Somalia was emerging from a conflict situation in which civil liberties were under attack.  Without access to information, it was impossible to build a democracy and that was why it was essential to ensure that the media could freely operate, and the Government was prepared to look into the existing legislation and propose amendments to bring the laws in line with international standards in this regard. 
 
A number of speakers were concerned about the endemic problem of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly against internally displaced girls.  In this regard, it was important for the international community to provide continuous support to civil society, particularly because the capacity of the Ministry for Women was rather weak.  The adoption of the Sexual Offences Bill presented a great improvement in the legal framework and its implementation would depend on the capacity of the Ministry of Justice to ensure its application by the police and the judiciary, train them and ensure that traditional justice measures and systems were not being applied.  The traditional justice system must be reformed to ensure that it did not deal with issues which fell under the criminal justice system.  Concerning the rights of children, the Independent Expert said that his report had highlighted the challenges they faced, including illnesses such as cholera and measles, recruitment of children by armed and terrorist groups including Al-Shabaab, and sentencing to death of those captured with terrorist groups.  The Independent Expert recommended that the Government of Somalia should ratify the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict to enhance the protection of children from recruitment by clan militias and Al-Shabaab, and said that he would pursue the serious allegation of recruitment of children by the Somali army.  The Human Rights Commission would soon be on track and it was important to provide it with capacity building and so enable it to discharge its mandate with independence.
 
Documentation
 
The Council has before it Workshop on effective, inclusive and participatory mechanisms and methodologies to mainstream human rights in the formulation and implementation of public policies - Note by the Secretariat (A/HRC/33/35).
 
The Council has before it the Technical assistance and capacity building for Yemen in the field of human rights - Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (A/HRC/33/38).
 
The Council has before it Role and achievements of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in assisting the Government and people of Cambodia in the promotion and protection of human rights - Report of the Secretary-General (A/HRC/33/39).

Presentation of the Reports on Yemen and Cambodia
 
KATE GILMORE, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, introducing the report on Yemen, said that a year and a half since the intensification of the conflict in Yemen, the situation had deteriorated further, bringing devastating effects for the population.  Over 12 million Yemenis were in desperate need of life-saving assistance, and basic services were in near total collapse.  August had witnessed a sharp increase in civilian casualties; there had also been an increase in attacks against protected civilian objects.  The most recent attack had taken place a week earlier, in a residential area in the town of Hudaydah.  The situation in the city of Taizz was particularly worrisome, said Ms. Gilmore.  The conflict had given rise to a growing number of allegations of violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict.  In its first report, published in August 2016, the Yemeni National Commission of Inquiry categorically stated that the Office of the High Commissioner had failed to provide the Commission with any technical assistance.  That narrative was disingenuous.  The reality was that the Office had tried to engage a dialogue with the Commission, but the latter had either rejected the Office’s support or had not responded.  The Office believed that a national judicial body that lacked impartiality and was not aligned with international standards would fail to help promote justice and accountability.  The report which was being presented contained several examples of possible violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law.  The international humanity had a legal and moral duty to protect Yemeni civilians.  The Council was called upon to urgently establish an international, independent investigative body to carry out comprehensive investigations into violations of international law.
 
Turning to the report on Cambodia, Ms. Gilmore  stated that the human rights situation in the country presented dual trends.  On one hand, the reporting period had seen steady progress on a number of technical issues, such as the expansion of a case management database in Cambodian courts and the conferral of communal land titles to indigenous communities.  Reforms in the areas of education, public administration reform, civil registration and electoral preparations were also achieving important successes.  On the other hand, the deteriorating relationship between the two main political parties was severely affecting the ability of Cambodians to exercise their fundamental rights.  There was now a near total blockage of any public demonstrations, while many political opposition figures were facing judicial procedures, without due process.  Death threats had been received by prominent political analysts, while persons believed to be living on the streets were being arbitrarily rounded up and detained without judicial review.  The current electoral environment was not conducive to credible and fair elections in 2017 and 2018.  The Office’s presence in Cambodia stood ready to assist the Government in promoting reform at the policy level with all Government counterparts on a range of human rights issues.    
 
Statements by Concerned Countries
 
Cambodia, speaking as a concerned country, said that the Secretary-General’s report did not fully cover the progress made in Cambodia.  All political parties freely conducted their activities in accordance with the existing laws and legal instruments.  Some 3.6 million people had turned out to register for the upcoming elections in 2017 and 2018 and the voter registration process had gone smoothly so far.  Cambodia had enacted three fundamental laws on the judicial reform, and had carefully formulated the law on non-governmental organizations in accordance with the Constitution.  There was no intention to constrain freedom or shrink spaces of civil society.  So far, there had been no complaints concerning the implementation of the law.  The claim that there had been an attempt to limit democratic space might prejudice the Government effort and commitment to uphold the application of the rule of law for the better promotion and protection of human rights in the country.  Forced evictions were not condoned and were not the policy of Cambodia.  Land issues in some locations had been politicized, while the unlawful meddling of some entities into those issues, ignoring the existing legal procedures and dispute settlement mechanisms, had complicated and dramatized the problems.
 
Yemen, speaking as a concerned country, said that the report suffered from certain shortcomings.  Yemen had notified the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to rectify the report by using the information provided by the Government.  However, that information was not taken into account.  The report failed to state that the challenges faced were the result of the coup carried out by the Houthis.  The High Commissioner’s report was politicized and needed a professional review.  The Government of Yemen had demonstrated positive cooperation with the Council and the Office and it expected a non-biased take on the events in the country.  A presidential decree had extended the mandate of the national committee to investigate human rights violations, and it needed technical support in order to carry out its mandate.  The international community needed to call for an end to the attacks and crimes carried out by the Houthi militia.  It needed to listen to the voices of the victims of that militia.  The most heinous crime against the people of Yemen was the coup, destruction of the social fabric and the spread of hate speech and terrorism.

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