ARBITRARY DETENTION WORKING GROUP TO MEET IN GENEVA NEXT WEEK

11 May 2001




The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights will hold its thirtieth session in Geneva from 14 to 18 May 2001.

The panel, established in 1991, investigates allegations of arbitrary deprivation of liberty, provided that no final decision has been taken in such cases by local courts in conformity with domestic law. Since 1997 its mandate has also covered the issue of administrative custody of asylum-seekers and immigrants.

Last year, the Working Group adopted 39 Opinions concerning 21 countries and 115 individuals. In 33 Opinions, it considered the deprivation of liberty to be arbitrary. In the same period, the Working Group transmitted to Governments 34 communications as well as a total of 107 urgent actions concerning 499 persons to 45 Governments and the Palestinian Authority. The Group also formulated general recommendations on human rights and State secrets, detention of conscientious objectors and extradition issues. (Details of cases are contained in the Group's latest report to the Commission, document E/CN.4/2001/14).

The Working Group meets three times a year in Geneva. Cases are submitted to it by representatives of human rights organizations and families or witnesses directly concerned with reports of arbitrary detention. The panel is headed by Kibal Sibal (India), Chairman-Rapporteur; Louis Joinet (France), Vice-Chairman; Soledad Villagra de Biedermann (Paraguay), and Tamás Bán (Hungary). Laity Kama (Senegal), who had been a member of the Working Group since its establishment in 1991, passed away on 6 May 2001 in Nairobi. A successor is to be appointed by the Chairman of the Commission.



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