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Fifty-fifth General Assembly
Third Committee
33rd Meeting (PM)
24 October 2000


The Millennium Summit had demonstrated that human rights were central to world leaders and had shown that protection of rights was seen as the Organization’s priority task, the High Commissioner for Human Rights told the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) this afternoon. High Commissioner Mary Robinson made the remark as the Committee took up its consideration of issues related to human rights questions, including alternative approaches, human rights situations and her own report.

The growing importance of human rights issues was reflected in the workload of her Office, she continued. As the number of mandates and programmes grew steadily, the Office faced ever-greater requests for technical cooperation and advisory services from governments around the world.

Of concern, however, was continued selectivity in regard to human rights. While the crisis in the Middle East had led to the convening of special sessions last week throughout the Organization, the worsening situations in countries such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo got little supportive human rights attention.

Asma Jahangir, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, said there were patterns that predicted a repeat of violations. Persistent impunity, disrespect for the rule of law and weak judicial systems were factors that provided a breeding ground for violence, especially when combined with an arbitrary distribution of economic resources and discriminations that polarized people.

The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, Kamal Hossain, said only a significant improvement in the human rights situation would occasion voluntary repatriation to that country. That would take a broad- based government, which could rebuild the country, repeal the "edicts" that violated rights, and create the conditions of confidence to enable millions of refugees to return home.

Responding to the report on his country, the representative of Afghanistan said it was now openly acknowledged that non-Afghan elements were involved with the Taliban. The State responsibility of Pakistan as an aggressor must be accepted. The Special Rapporteur should visit the Pakistani prisoners who were in custody of Afghanistan's armed forces.


Taking part in question and answer exchanges following the introduction of reports were the representatives of France, Iraq, Libya, Russian Federation, Chile, Australia, Cuba, Cameroon, Singapore, Kuwait, Egypt, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Observer of Palestine.

The Committee will meet again at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 25 October, when it will continue considering questions related to human rights issues, including alternative approaches, human rights situations and the report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.


Committee Work Programme

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this afternoon to take up human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Committee would also consider human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives; implementation and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (1993); and the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The Committee has before it the reports considered under the item of human rights instruments. (For background, see Press Release GA/SHC/3601 of 23 October.) The Committee also has before it a range of additional reports. One is a note by the Secretariat on human rights and unilateral coercive measures. Another note by the Secretariat transmits the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the right to development, while a note by the Secretary-General transmits the report of the independent expert on the right to development. The Secretary-General also reports on the right to development directly.

Notes by the Secretary-General also transmit the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the subject of the United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2004); the interim report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights regarding religious and related intolerance; and the report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on irregular executions.

Also before the Committee are reports by the Secretary-General on the effect of globalization on human rights; human rights and cultural diversity; human rights defenders; regional arrangements for promoting and protecting human rights; the situation of human rights in Cambodia; strengthening United Nations action in the field of human rights; strengthening the rule of law; protecting migrants; enforced or involuntary disappearances; and the right to development.

A note by the Secretariat transmits the Special Rapporteur's report on the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Notes by the Secretary-General transmit the reports of special representatives or rapporteurs on human rights in Burundi, Haiti, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iraq, Myanmar and Rwanda. The Secretary-General himself reports on the human rights situations in the Sudan, Myanmar, Iran, southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa, and Kosovo.

Finally, the Committee has before it the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Documents

The Secretary-General's report on strengthening action in the field of human rights by promoting international cooperation (document A/55/213 and Add.1) contains responses of States to the request that they submit proposals and ideas on the issue. The report summarizes the responses of Belarus and Costa Rica. The Addendum summarizes Cuba's response.

A note by the Secretariat reports on human rights and unilateral coercive measures (document A/55/214 and Add.1). It states that on 30 May, notes verbales were sent to States requesting views on the issue by 30 June and that responses would be included in an addendum to the note. The Addendum summarizes the responses of Cuba, Libya and Syria.

A note by the Secretary-General on the right to development (document A/55/302) transmits the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the right to development. The report summarizes the work of the High Commissioner's Office relating to the implementation of the right to development, the implementation of the relevant resolutions of the General Assembly and the Commission on Human Rights, and the coordination among the relevant entities of the Organization in that regard. The report noted that the Office promotes the implementation of the right to development in a wide range of activities, including providing support for the independent expert on the right to development, as well as promoting an approach to development that is based on human rights.

The report further states that the Office of the High Commissioner has been active in promoting development within a human rights framework through the work of the United Nations Development Group, in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). Her Office has also supported the mandates of the Commission on Human Rights on foreign debt, structural adjustment programmes, and education viewed as essential to realizing the right to development. In the area of poverty, in addition to providing support for the independent expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty, the Office of the High Commissioner has encouraged the adoption of a rights-based approach to the development of strategies to achieve the Secretary-General's goal of halving extreme poverty by 2015.

A note by the Secretary-General transmits the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the mid-term global evaluation of progress made towards achieving objectives of the Decade for Human Rights Education (1995-2004) (document A/55/360). The report reviews the Decade's background and the framework, including the Plan of Action and the structure for coordination, implementation and monitoring. The review of national experience in the first five years is broken down into the regions of Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and a look at cross-regional trends. The five-year review of international experience is presented from the perspective of the United Nations system, other intergovernmental organizations, regional organizations, non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and trends.
Recommendations for overall action and for actions at the national, regional and international levels are included.

Overall, the conclusions indicate that human rights education has been reaffirmed in a number of contexts, including in human rights instruments. Adequate resources should be allocated to realize the right to human rights education. Further, human rights education is an important strategy for achieving other important ends, such as empowerment, participation, transparency, accountability, conflict prevention and resolution, and peace-building. The Decade remains the sole mechanism for global mobilization of strategies for human rights education. Effectively utilizing that potential for the remaining years of the Decade would lay the foundations for sustainability beyond the Decade. An Annex to the report lists responses to questionnaires as at 31 July by region and institution.

The Secretary-General's report on the right to development (document A/55/306) transmits the report of the independent expert on the right to development and focuses on issues related to poverty and how they affect the prospects of realizing that right. According to the report, the eradication of poverty is an essential element of the step-by-step programme for realizing the right to development. The report also includes an attempt to outline the current state of the implementation of that right and to lay out guidelines for that implementation. It examines the content of the right to develop -- what is to be implemented -- and concludes that the right to develop is the right to a process of development that allows the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. That process also allows civil and political rights and all fundamental freedoms by expanding the capabilities and choices of the individual.

The report further concludes that the realization of rights has to be based on a programme of coordinated actions in the form of a development plan that strives for growth of gross domestic product and other resources, as well as sustained improvement of the social indicators related to those rights. The plan for development has to be formulated through a process of consultation with civil society and the beneficiaries in a non-discriminatory and transparent manner. To facilitate the realization of the process in a step-by-step manner, the independent expert proposed first taking up the realization of three rights: the right to food; the right to primary health; and the right to primary education. The expert also proposed implementing the programme through a development compact between the countries concerned and representatives of the international community, donors and international financial institutions. That would highlight the importance of international cooperation in implementing the right to development.

A note by the Secretary-General on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (document A/55/288) transmits the interim report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on her activities as at 1 July, and focuses on a number of issues which were of particular concern, brought to her attention largely by NGOs. Those communications contain specific cases of alleged executions, imminent executions of death sentences, death threats or more general information on questions relating to the right to life in the countries under consideration. The report states that during field visits, the Special Rapporteur noted that in a number of countries, representatives of civil society -- including journalists and lawyers -- were unaware of the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations. She, therefore, recognizes that the information she receives might sometimes be limited or selective, and may not reflect all the dimensions of the violations of right to life.

During the reporting period (August 1998 to July 2000), the Special Rapporteur transmitted urgent appeals on behalf of 400 persons to the governments of 54 countries. In addition, the report states that she transmitted allegations regarding violations of the right to life of more than 1,650 individuals to the governments of 62 countries. The Special Rapporteur notes that the global situation with regard to the right to life is bleak. Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions occur in every corner of the world. She is appalled at the situation in some countries, where violations of the right to life have become everyday occurrences. She concludes that it is imperative for the international community to concentrate its efforts on effective prevention and early warning mechanisms with the capacity to identify emerging crises. She recommends that governments take every effort to ensure that children are not used as pawns in armed conflict. She also calls on all countries that retain the death penalty to put a moratorium on executions with a view to completely abolishing the practice.

In his report on enforced or involuntary disappearances (document A/55/289) the Secretary-General recalls the background to the 1992 Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances. He then outlines actions taken to implement the Declaration, for example, through public information and dissemination efforts by the United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI). The report also mentions activities of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, which is entrusted with communications between families of the disappeared and governments. It also provides technical assistance to States for implementing the Declaration.

The preliminary report of the Secretary-General concerning the impact of globalization on human rights (document A/55/342) outlines the issues and challenges, which include shrinking space and disappearing borders that link people's lives more intensely than ever before. It surveys the global economy's impact on human rights and its effects in terms of shaping an international social order conducive to protection of rights. It concludes, however, that the benefits of globalization are not being enjoyed evenly, and many people are still living in poverty.

Further, while the World Bank estimates that the number of people living on less than $1 per day has been relatively stable in the past decade and the percentage of those living in extreme poverty has dropped from 29 to 24 percent between 1990 and 1998, still poverty alleviation is uneven. East Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and North Africa have had significant decreases in poverty. In South Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa, poverty rates have remained relatively stable. Europe and Central Asia, however, have seen significant increases in poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa, 51 per cent of the population still lives in absolute poverty. The majority of those living in poverty are women.

The report also states that poverty is both a cause and effect of human rights abuses. While it is difficult to assess the extent to which agents of globalization lead to or alleviate poverty, a study by the World Trade Organization (WTO) indicated that domestic policy in areas such as education and health impacted on poverty more than did trade. Trade liberalization was seen to be a positive contributor to poverty alleviation, which indicated the need for more effective strategies to harness globalization's potential to alleviate poverty for all nations and regions. The report concludes that the goals and programmes for achieving that goal are already formulated as a result of commitments already laid out. The indicated direction was to adopt the principles and standards of human rights as the framework for globalization.

In his report on human rights defenders (document A/55/292), the Secretary-General reviews the role and risks of human rights defenders, who are at the core of the human rights movement the world over. He recalls the background and outlines initiatives taken with regard to the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, in particular, by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations human rights mechanisms and the Subcommission on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights. He reviews technical cooperation programmes to support the creation of conditions conducive to the work of human rights defenders, particularly through the adoption of national plans.

Overall, the Secretary-General stresses the need for cooperation among all actors. He outlines the role of the special representative on human rights defenders, who is charged with examining and responding to information about human rights, establishing and conducting dialogue with governments, and recommending effective strategies to better protect human rights defenders.

Regional arrangements for promoting and protecting human rights are outlined in a report by the Secretary-General (document A/55/279). Based on the widely recognized premise that progress in protecting and promoting human rights depends primary on national and local efforts, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is developing regional and subregional strategies for institutional capacities, resolving priority problems with each region and exchanging best practices. The report surveys overall initiatives and indicates that the Office would be according highest priority over the next 15 months to projects linked with the 2001 World Conference against Racism. The regional frameworks for Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean are detailed.

According to the Secretary-General, in his report on the situation of human rights in Cambodia (document A/55/291), his special representative for human rights in Cambodia was involved in a number of developments prior to his resignation as of 31 December 1999. One of those concerns the process of investigating and prosecuting the most serious crimes in Cambodia during the Democratic Kampuchea period. Draft articles of cooperation between the United Nations and the Government of Cambodia have been drawn up under the guidance of the Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs. A draft law is pending before the Judicial Committee of Cambodia's National Assembly, but no day has been scheduled for a debate.

Pending the naming of a new special representative, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights/Cambodia is charged with helping to promote and protect rights in the country. Since a memorandum of understanding between the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights/Cambodia and the Government expired on 28 February, a verbal agreement to extend the memorandum to March 2002 is in effect, but negotiations on the text are still under way.

With regard to human rights issues overall, the report documents an increase in alleged violations of labour and housing rights as well as freedoms of the press, expression and association. The report also cites increasing allegations of intolerance toward minorities, police violence, trafficking in persons and sexual exploitation of children and women. In view of other allegations, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights/Cambodia is looking into prison conditions and is submitting cases of alleged rights abuses to thematic mechanisms such as the Special Rapporteur on torture.

The report also outlines technical cooperation programmes being carried out by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights/Cambodia. Those concern such areas as drafting human rights legislation, strengthening of institutions, training, reporting and support of non-governmental human rights groups. A United Nations Development Assistance Framework was created for the period 2001-2005, which identified human rights as a cross-cutting issue in all areas of concentration. However, the Office’s financial situation is such that it cannot carry on its functions to the end of the present year. It is urgently appealing for new contributions.

On strengthening the rule of law (document A/55/177), the Secretary-General outlines activities of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations system, in providing advisory services as well as technical and financial assistance to support actions and programmes with a focal point on human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The technical cooperation programme assists the adaptation of international human rights standards into national laws, policies and practices. It also helps build sustainable national capacities to implement the standards. It offers assistance to some 30 different countries through national partners by assessing needs, formulating projects, then monitoring and evaluating them.

Technical cooperation projects in South Africa, and in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are offered in the report as selected country examples. Also outlined is a listing of initiatives to achieve increasing system-wide coordination, which shows an increase in the States requesting technical assistance for strengthening the rule of law and good governance. Finally, the report indicates that priority is being given to assisting developing countries, with a focus on those in transition to democracy.

The report of the Secretary-General on the protection of migrants (document A/55/275 and Add.1) indicates action on the part of the Organization in light of General Assembly resolution 54/166 on the protection of migrants, which called upon States to take steps such as reviewing their policies and programmes in that area. The report states that the Secretary-General requested governments to provide him with any information they wished to submit pertaining to the implementation of that resolution. He received replies from the Governments of Cuba, Kuwait, Croatia, Qatar and Costa Rica, which expressed concern for various issues that ranged from trafficking of migrant workers to prison detention policies for migrants. The addendum to the report contains the response from the Government of Mexico. The Secretary-General encourages governments to continue providing information, and he also urges States to take all the necessary steps to ratify the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families. The report also notes that the Commission on Human Rights has appointed a Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants.

The report of the Secretary-General on the right to development (document A/55/283) summarizes the responses of countries and organizations on the right to development and obstacles identified in the realization of that right. The report states that by 24 July, the Commission on Human Rights had reserved responses from Cuba, Iran, Lebanon, Portugal and the UNDP.

According to the report, several of the governments which replied to the Commission noted a lack of political will on the part of developed countries. Those governments also felt that economic and social cultural rights, as well as development, have not received the same consistent and programmed support as civil and political rights. The UNDP summarized its contributions to and support for the cause of the right to development.

A note by the Secretariat contains the report on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (document A/55/318). It states that although a ceasefire agreement was signed on 10 July 1999 in Lusaka by six parties to the conflict, and then by the Movement for the Liberation of the Congo and the Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie on 1 and 31 August, respectively, the insecurity continues, particularly in the South Kivu. A joint mission of inquiry was unable to be deployed and would not report to the General Assembly, as requested. The Special Rapporteur would report on the joint mission when presenting his report.

The Special Rapporteur's report on the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is transmitted by a note of the Secretary-General (document A/55/403). It recalls the mandate, outlines activities and notes administrative obstacles. It sketches out pending activities and investigations, then notes the various armed conflicts and ceasefire agreements as well as their outcomes. Any movement toward political development or democracy seemed to be unwanted by the Government, while in the territory controlled by the Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie, the Congolese people's feelings of terror and humiliation were increasing. Describing specific violations by the Government and in territory occupied by the Rassemblement congolais pour la démocratie and the Mouvement de libération du Congo, the Special Rapporteur summarizes the violations of international humanitarian law.

The Special Rapporteur then draws general conclusions about the catastrophe in Central Africa and specific conclusions about the armed conflicts and human rights violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He recommends that parties to the wars should implement the Lusaka Agreement and the necessary adjustments thereto. They should also cooperate with the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), while putting an end to impunity. The Special Rapporteur also makes recommendations to the Government, to the rebel groups and to the foreign armies occupying Congolese territory. He calls on the United Nations system and the international community to support the peace process, provide financial and logistic assistance, and establish an arms embargo on all countries involved in the Congolese conflict.

A note by the Secretary-General transmits the interim report of the Special Rapporteur regarding the situation of human rights in the Sudan (document A/55/374). It acknowledges good cooperation from the Government of the Sudan. With regard to respect for human rights and humanitarian law in the conflict, the report indicates progress through a number of peace talks in addressing the root cause of the conflict. However, well documented information indicates the perpetration by all parties of massive and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law -- the principal targets of which were innocent civilians. The report outlines a series of bombings of those populations. It also analyses the oil issue in the western Upper Nile.

Other situations of concern are outlined in the report. They involve abductions of women and children, abuses by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Liberation Army in Eastern Equatoria, and the situation of refugees from Eritrea. The report outlines initiatives with regard to work on the constitution and the transition to democracy, women's rights, the rights of the child and juvenile justice, and redress of other reported human rights violations. Those concern individual cases, the suspension or dismissal of students, the pardon of those involved in the Khartoum bombings and the harassment of humanitarian workers.

The Special Rapporteur concludes that the dramatic escalation in military hostilities over the past few months is of concern. He underlines the responsibility of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement and Liberation Army for military actions taken in violation of a ceasefire. He strongly recommends the promotion of new follow-up mechanisms within the framework of the peacemaking process, endorsing earlier recommendations that urged renewal of a ceasefire and the mediation structure aimed at a negotiated solution to the conflict. He also acknowledges the importance of agreements for delivery and protection of humanitarian assistance, yet draws attention to the plight of the internally displaced whose numbers had increased with the intensification of the conflict.

Finally, the Special Rapporteur notes his regret that an improved political environment had not led to a cessation of human rights violations such as torture, arbitrary detention and attempts against freedoms. Following with interest the political developments revealing a new dynamism in the relationship between the Government and the political opposition, he called for making a direct link between that development and the issues of peace, democracy and human rights. Ultimately, he called for a guarantee of independence for the judiciary, control of security organs and the establishment of a system of checks and balances. He reiterates his recommendation that emergency legislation be revised in full conformity with international human rights standards, and that the Government lift the state of emergency.

The note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (document A/55/359) transmits the interim report prepared by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the humanitarian situation in that country as of 31 July. The Special Rapporteur has not as yet been authorized to visit Myanmar, but notes with deep concern the deterioration in the situation since his last report. He concludes that the suppression of the exercise of political rights, freedom of thought, expression, association and movement continues unabated, and is especially targeted against the National League for Democracy and other opposition minority groups. He notes that an intensive campaign of intimidation and harassment was aimed at coercing individual members of such groups to tender their resignations. He also notes that urgent and meaningful measures to halt or reverse the downward spiral of the situation are called for.

The report concludes that the torture and other forms of inhuman treatment, including arbitrary detention and long-term imprisonment of political opponents, continue in Myanmar. Women, particularly ethnic minorities, continue to be subject to torture or inhuman treatment by the military, especially in the context of forcible relocations and forced labour. The Special Rapporteur notes that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is able to visit a number of prisons and places of detention. The report also concludes that the economy is very weak, characterized by extreme poverty, lack of food security -- especially in rural areas -- and unsatisfactorily low levels of budgetary allocation in the areas of health, education and the welfare of women and children. The Special rapporteur also took note of the fact that the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women had welcomed Myanmar's submission of initial periodic reports on compliance with the Convention.

The note by the Secretary-General on the situation on human rights in Burundi (document A/55/358) transmits the interim report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation in that country. The report, which covers the period from 15 April to 15 July, summarizes her second visit to that country from 27 June to 7 July. During her stay, the Special Rapporteur met with the highest political, legal, military and civilian authorities in the country. She also met with leading political figures who were not representatives of the Government, including provincial authorities, several judges and international lawyers. The mission took place during a crucial moment in the Arusha peace negotiations, and the Special Rapporteur was informed in an objective manner about recent developments in the general situation in Burundi, the human rights situation there and, in particular, the situation with women and children. The Special Rapporteur urgently called on all parties that had been so far absent from the peace negotiations to participate in them and to demonstrate their devotion to the cause of the people of Burundi.

The report states that the Special Rapporteur further urged all the parties to the conflict to respect the people's rights, beginning with their right to life. She called on those parties to respect the right to children not to be subjected to violence and to protect them from torture and other inhumane treatment. She further urged the belligerents to observe the full provisions of international humanitarian law relating to the protection of children affected by armed conflict. To the Burundian authorities, the Special Rapporteur strongly emphasizes the need to combat the phenomenon of forced disappearances. She urges the Government to make every effort to improve the living conditions of refugees, disaster victims and returnees. She calls upon the international community to provide for and mobilize the material and human resources required, and to make even greater efforts to develop socio-economic programmes and projects to promote stability in the region.

A note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Haiti (document A/55/335) transmits the report and recommendations of the independent expert on the humanitarian situation in that country. The report covers the expert's mission in Haiti from 27 July to 8 August, a time of high tension between that country and the international community as a result of the manner in which elections were recently carried out there. The tensions appeared to be exacerbated by the threat of sanctions and the political debate surrounding an embargo. Daily violence, including hold-ups and murders, form a background for the political violence. This dark picture is worsened by the abject poverty of the poorest classes, who have suffered so much and who continue to face problems of access to drinking water, health care, housing education and, last but not least, the justice system.

The report concludes that it is essential for Haiti's political leaders to make a genuine commitment to the fight to strengthen the culture of democracy and the rejection of violence. In recognition of the dominant role of the judicial system in strengthening human rights, the expert urges immediate steps to implement a plan of action relating to the judicial system. The non-existence of an operational parliament is a major handicap in executing that plan. The expert further recommends that the United Nations mission go beyond monitoring human rights and place a greater focus on capacity-building.

A note by the Secretary-General transmits the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan (document A/55/346). The report states that the Special Rapporteur met in Tehran with high-ranking Government officials, but that the situation for human rights remains deplorable. Extensive policy reviews have taken place during the current year, but there is a growing recognition that a clear identification of strategic goals is needed. The 20-year conflict that has caused massive destruction and inflicted enormous suffering must also end, with the peace process moving forward and for a phased transition to a multi-ethnic, broad-based and truly representative Government.

The report reviews developments aimed at promoting the peace process from April to July, when the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan visited Kandahar and Kabul for talks with Taliban leaders. The report also covers the resumption of conflict during the period from June to August, reportedly under external support. Those events are accompanied by one of the worst droughts ever, which along with displacement of the population has impacted the humanitarian situation severely. Civilians bear the brunt of the fighting and the horrific outcomes of widespread landmines. In addition, the report catalogues a series of Taliban edicts and actions that are violations of human rights.

The Special Rapporteur concludes in his report that edicts of the Taliban were inconsistent with Afghanistan's obligations under the international instruments to which it was party, and, therefore, should be repealed. The Taliban police force was composed of young militants who meted out punishment without due process. The Taliban authorities needed to understand that violations could not be justified by subjective interpretations of prescriptions not supported by religious texts, traditional Afghan practices or Muslim practice. Taliban authorities also must address alleged violations of international law, such as through torture.

Since humanitarian assistance is urgently needed to meet survival needs and repatriation is not feasible, the Special Rapporteur repeats his call for a framework change through efforts to end the conflict and move forward with the peace process involving all segments of the Afghan population. With the confidence a broad-based government would inspire, millions of refugees would return to their homeland, where the edicts resulting in a systematic violation of rights could be repealed. An Annex to the report contains an April letter from the Special Rapporteur to the President of Afghanistan regarding alleged human rights violations.

The Secretary-General's report on the situation of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (document A/55/282 - S/2000/788) states that the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights was concerned that the Stability Pact had not succeeded in developing or implementing a strategic global programme for reconstruction and renewal in the Balkans. That added substantially to past attempts to address the situation in the region. Many issues, he believed, were best addressed from a regional perspective.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the report further states that the current political environment, lack of functioning institutions and a complicated constitutional and legal framework continued to impede any real changes in the country. The report further stated that discrimination in employment was a serious concern, and ethnic divisions in the education system had resulted in minority children not being allowed to use school premises. Violence against returnees had also been reported in some parts of the country. However, according to the report, the Special Rapporteur noted that there had been some improvement, and that there was more reason for optimism than a year ago. There had been greater implementation of decisions of the Human Rights Chamber and the Ombudsperson, although rates were still little better than 50 per cent.

In the Republic of Croatia, the Special Rapporteur was satisfied with recent political developments and with the political will for change shown by the Government as well as President Mesic, and hoped the country would not lose the momentum it had gained. Although the Government had moved quickly to establish cooperation with the Tribunal, the report continued, issues such as tenancy rights, property restitution and reconstruction assistance are much more difficult to resolve, particularly at the local level. The Special Rapporteur also calls on the Government to address, as a matter of priority, the slow pace of return of internally displaced persons and refugees and to respect international standards of fairness in war crimes proceedings, according to the report.

In the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Special Rapporteur noted that the three effective component parts of the country were developing distinct systems of law and regulation as well as separate financial systems and foreign policies. The report further states that freedom of movement was severely restricted, there were concerns of violations of the right to personal security and widespread allegations of ill treatment in custody, lack of due process and the failure of the administration of justice. In addition, there was discrimination based on ethnic or national origin, and threats to freedom of expression, conscience and assembly. The report also states that given the pace of change, some of its observations could be superseded by events in the country. In this regard, Special Rapporteur planned to update the General Assembly on recent developments.

A note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Rwanda (document A/55/269) transmits the report of the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights on the humanitarian situation in that country. The report states that in light of the evolution of the human rights situation in Rwanda, the Special Representative and his team carried out three missions there in 2000. The report summarizes those visits while noting that Rwanda's complex nature -- owing to the relatively recent genocide, its post-crisis political and socio-economic structure, and extreme poverty -- makes reconstruction, reconciliation and recovery an extremely difficult challenge. However, the Special Representative was deeply gratified that Rwanda is stepping out of the shadow of genocide and laying the foundation for the transition to democracy. The Government is also to be commended for its efforts to eradicate ethnic labels and to promote reconciliation.

The report goes on to state, however, that there was not yet a full “culture” of human rights in Rwanda. The regional crisis remains relevant and extremely disturbing, because the ongoing conflicts there create a deep feeling of insecurity and fear among the population, and prevent efforts at reconciliation and the promotion of human rights. The Special Representative is convinced, however, that the time is ripe for a major breakthrough. He recommends, among other measures, that the Interior Ministry should honour its commitment to provide food and medical care to prisoners; that the Ministry should adopt a budget for food and access to medical facilities for those detainees; and that the Ministry of Justice should give priority to those who have confessed to participation in the genocides. He further recommends that the Government should meet the criticism of the local defence forces by offering a clear explanation of their role, training and chain of command.

A note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in southern Lebanon and Western Bekaa (document A/55/400) states that information had been requested of Israel and had not been received. However, it also notes that information was received on 16 June to the effect that the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) had completed the verification process and that Israeli forces had withdrawn from Lebanon, meeting the defined requirements.

A note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Iraq (document A/55/294) transmits the interim report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the humanitarian situation in that country. The report covers the period from 20 September 1999 to 20 June 2000, and focuses on large-scale violations of human rights that have allegedly occurred during that period and on past occasions. It attempts to discern whether Iraq’s humanitarian situation remains the same or whether there has been improvement or deterioration. While it was the intention of the Special Rapporteur to begin his activities by visiting Iraq, at the time the report was drafted, the Government had not yet extended an invitation to him. The Special Rapporteur deemed it essential to provide the Government of Iraq the opportunity to comment on the allegations of human rights violations that had been brought to his attention. To that end, pending a reply to his request to visit the country, he held a series of formal and informal working meetings with representatives of the Government in Geneva.

According to the report, the Special Rapporteur noted that although the humanitarian situation remains serious, as a result of Security Council resolution 1284 and the increased price of oil, more money is now available under the “oil- for-food” programme, and a marked improvement has been observed with respect to the availability of food and medicines. It appears that there were improvements with respect to purchases connected with infrastructure, such as water, electricity and sewage. He also received information that, today, Iraq can afford to spend more money out of its budget for food and medicines.

With all this in mind, he was of the opinion, however, that the humanitarian situation should be kept under constant review and necessary adjustments should continue to be made. He urged the Government to revise its laws permitting the imposition of the death sentence and, in the meantime, consider a moratorium on executions. He also called on the Government to ensure that no forceful relocations of citizens takes place and to put an end to unlawful practices of arrest and torture.

A note by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran (document A/55/363) transmits the interim report of the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights on the humanitarian situation in that country. The Special Representative notes with regret that he continues to be unable to visit the country. The report covers the period from 1 January to 15 August. It concludes that those seven months have been tumultuous ones in Iran, and human rights have been a dominant feature in most of the issues. The Special Representative notes that from one perspective, it might be said that the Government is paying a high price for the transparency it introduced three years ago. He states that one of the most dramatic developments was the accelerating attack on the press which, by the end of the review period, had led to the suppression of the entire reformist press and the imprisonment of many journalists. He notes that, at the time the report was drafted, however, there were indications that some publications would be allowed to reopen.

The report further states that the economic situation of the poor and marginalized had worsened. On a significant number of occasions, Iranians took to the streets to protest unemployment, inflation and inadequate municipal services, along with more political issues. The status of women remained largely unchanged, although there is the prospect that the new Majilis will tackle some of the systemic issues, such as easier access to divorce and the minimum age for marriage. The Special Representative also notes that the promised judicial reform had not got off the ground, and there were indications that the issue was being hotly debated behind the scenes. On balance, he considers that certain tangible progress has been overshadowed by backsliding in some areas and stagnation in others. He urges the Government to address the rights of minorities, both ethnic and religious, as their concerns remain another issue largely ignored. He believes that the Government should also address the socio-economic problems that are causing so much distress to the poor and disadvantaged.

The report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (document A/55/36) presents information aimed at inviting the Assembly to consider decisive steps to prevent gross violations of human rights; for the integration of human rights and development; the integration of human rights in peace and security efforts; and the implementation of the right to development.
According to the report, the High Commissioner hopes that the Assembly will build on human rights strategies for the achievement of social justice, gender equality and the implementation of core international human rights conventions. With this in mind, the High Commissioner draws the Assembly’s attention to the progress that has already been made towards formulating new strategies for more effective protection of human rights. She notes the increasing emphasis being paid to the protection of human rights during conflict situations. She also notes the gains in integrating human rights throughout the United Nations system as well as in regional, subregional and national policies and programmes.

Further to the report, the High Commissioner recognizes that the prevention of gross human right violations is one of the foremost aims of the United Nations human rights programme and of her Office in particular. Preventive measures currently in use included urgent appeals by special rapporteurs and thematic mechanisms; requests by treaty bodies for emergency reports; the establishment of international courts; and the urgent dispatch of human rights observers or fact- finders. The report states that situations such as those in Sierra Leone, Chechnya and East Timor highlight the urgency of preventive measures. The report contains brief updates on the humanitarian situations in those countries, focusing on the work of the United Nations, the Office of the High Commissioner and relevant agencies to address those situations.

The report also highlights the importance of the issue of human rights and development. Experience has shown that human rights are essential for full human development, and that human development is essential for the universal enjoyment of human rights. That relationship had become increasingly apparent, and the ongoing imperative is to find new ways of combating the untold suffering that continues to plague a large percentage of mankind -- namely, the inability to participate meaningfully and freely in development and to partake of the benefits of such development.

Introductory Statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

MARY ROBINSON, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that she was saddened to have to introduce her fourth annual report to the Committee on such a sombre note: the overall human rights situation worldwide continued to be worrying, and in some areas, such as the Middle East and several parts of Africa, was worsening to a degree that gave rise to grave concern. It was a “chastening environment” in which the Committee held its first meeting of the Millennium. She noted that while the crisis in the Middle East had led to the convening of a special session of the Commission last week, the worsening situations in countries such as Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo tended not to get supportive human rights attention. Indeed, there was a selectivity of approach that had raised her concern and should be addressed by the Committee.

Turning to focus on a few of the core findings, conclusions and recommendations highlighted in her report (document A/55/36), she said that in sum, despite over 50 years of constructive development of international human rights norms, standards, institutions and mandates, too little progress was being made in key areas such as the prevention of gross violations of human rights, and the practical implementation of knowledge and awareness of human rights where it mattered most, at the grass roots level. On a brighter note, she continued, the centrality of human rights to the United Nations mission had been graphically illustrated at last month’s Millennium Summit, notably in the Declaration adopted by world leaders. The Secretary-General’s report “We the Peoples” also highlighted the fact that people around the globe considered the protection of human rights to be the most important task of the Organization.

It was not surprising that an increased international focus on human rights had had a direct impact on the work of her Office. As the number of mandates and programmes had grown steadily, the Office had faced an ever-larger number of requests for technical cooperation and advisory services emanating from governments around the world. The Commissioner highlighted several initiatives aimed at dealing with those issues, including a change designed to strengthen the Office as a centre of excellence, particularly in areas of strategic planning, as well as financial and communications management.

She went on to address some of the events that had taken place at the Commission on Human Rights in recent months. On 15 September, as a consequence of the Commission’s own “change management” initiative, an informal session of the Commission was convened to facilitate transmission of information ahead of the Assembly’s consideration of human rights issues. She also reiterated that the special session of the Commission had been held last week in Geneva to discuss the human rights implications of the outbreak of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories. In its resolution, the Commission decided to establish a human rights inquiry commission and had requested the High Commissioner to undertake an urgent visit to those territories. She welcomed the recent political developments in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and noted that she had appointed a Special Envoy on Persons Deprived of Liberty, in order to address the issue of prisoners, detainees and missing persons in the region.

Another recent development was her visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She said that the human rights situation in that country had continued to deteriorate with serious, widespread and systematic violations taking place almost on a daily basis. Before she left the region, however, President Kabila had agreed to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, to suspend the prosecution of civilians before the military court, and to reform its statute so as to allow the right of defence and appeal. On the most recent developments concerning the implementation of the Commission’s resolution on the situation in Chechnya, she informed the Committee that Russia had voted against that resolution and did not accept its terms. That resolution had called on the Government to establish urgently a national independent commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of violations of human rights and bring the perpetrators to justice. While noting the continued collaboration of the Russian authorities, she said that she was nevertheless concerned about the situation regarding the economic, social and cultural rights of the Chechen people in the region.

Finally, the High Commissioner was pleased to inform the Committee that South African President Mbeki had announced that the upcoming World Conference against Racism would be held in Durban. She reminded the Committee that a successful Conference would require adequate resources. Approximately $4 million was raised for Conference-related activities this year. Most of that had now been expended. She said that in her annual appeal for 2001, she would be seeking to raise another $6 million: she looked to all Member States, big and small, rich and poor, to assist in any way they could.

Questions and Answers

Committee members posed a series of wide-ranging questions to the High Commissioner. The Representative of France, on behalf of the European Union, asked the High Commissioner to elaborate on the regional preparatory process for the upcoming World Conference against Racism. The observer of Palestine asked for clarification on the mandate and operating procedures of the proposed human rights inquiry commission for the Middle East. The representative of Libya asked the High Commissioner to address specific questions about the annex to her report dealing with removal of reservations from core human rights conventions. The Russian Federation expressed concern that the High Commissioner's report did not reflect the true situation in his country on the issue of allegations of human rights and other violations against the people of Chechnya. The representatives of Chile, Australia, Cuba and Cameroon also posed questions.

On the regional preparations for the upcoming World Conference against Racism, Mrs. Robinson informed the Committee that the last of the regional preparatory conferences would take place this week in Chile. That conference would focus on the economic, political and social rights of disadvantaged peoples. She pointed to the successful outcome of the previous regional conference in Strasbourg as a clear recognition that Europe was prepared to honestly and openly address serious problems in the area of racial discrimination and bring the spirit of healthy exchange of views to the World Conference.

Regarding the human rights inquiry commission for the Middle East, she said that it was envisaged that the Commission on Human Rights would take the initiative to set up that body and appoint its participants. She said that situation was different from the inquiry established for East Timor. The request to establish that body had been made directly to the Secretary-General. She assured the Committee that the relevant special rapporteurs and representatives would visit the region as soon as possible. The High Commissioner said that as plans came together for her visit to the occupied territories of Palestine, she would consider visits to other areas within the region in the future. In response to a question about the request to States to remove reservations to ratification of certain human rights treaties, she drew the attention of the Committee to the annex of her report which requested States to “consider” removing reservations. That language, she said, was intended to raise the issue of consideration by particular States, rather than a request.

In response to questions posed by the representative of the Russian Federation, she welcomed the continued constructive dialogue with the authorities of that country. The length of the section in her report that dealt with the humanitarian situation in Chechnya in the Russian Federation, as well as the recent developments she had highlighted in her presentation today, were only meant to reflect to the Committee the importance of the issue. The depth of her response had been commensurate with the detailed information her Office had received, and had been set out with a genuine wish to put before the Committee the broad range of issues. The High Commissioner said that she noted the Russian representative’s call for objectivity in the reporting process, and she took that principle extremely seriously. During her tenure she had exerted every effort to remain objective in order to maintain the integrity of the Office.

Elaborating on the emerging consensus that globalization was now affecting human rights issues, the High Commissioner said that idea made the notion of a human rights-based approach to development that much more pertinent. Part of her duties now included efforts to mainstream such an approach throughout the United Nations system. A human rights-based approach made it more likely for full development to be sustainable.

She said that the recent Brahimi report on peacekeeping operations had focused attention on the idea that human rights issues should be at the centre of peacemaking and peace-building efforts. At the same time, it meant that her Office needed further resources to meet the challenges of new initiatives in that regard. She said that she hoped that the changes to the management of her Office would make it easier to meet those and other rapidly evolving demands.

The High Commissioner said that she shared the view with delegations that her Office must, at all times, recognize that it was a “global” office. She said that she always ensured the involvement of participants from a wide range of offices, and always stressed gender balance.

She believed that more could be done to prevent violations of human rights. In that regard, she welcomed the opportunity to allay concerns that had arisen about the establishment of a rapid response humanitarian task force. Such a task force would respond only where there were emergency situations.

Finally, she welcomed the words of appreciation from Committee members on the establishment of a subregional commission for human rights in Central Africa. She hoped that the regional commission would be a potential trailblazer for subregional development and the creation of other such centres.

Introductory Statement, Special Rapporteur on Executions

ASMA JAHANGIR, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, said field visits were particularly important in the discharge of her mandate, since they allowed the forming of an impression of the situation on the ground. That enabled detection of early symptoms of violence, which permitted remedial measures at an early stage through preventive action.

She described her four country visits -- to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Mexico, East Timor and Nepal. She said she regretted not having been able to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Chechnya. However, communications did give an indication of the situation on the ground. Overall, during the period under review, she had transmitted urgent appeals from more than 400 individuals to 54 governments. She had sent allegations regarding violations of the right to life of more than 1660 individuals to the governments of 62 countries; and she had received a list of 133 documented cases of extrajudicial killings or death threats directed against human rights defenders in 1999 alone. While the thrust of her mandate was to examine violations by State officials who had impunity, some non-State actors with similar allegations against them were linked or tolerated by governments.

She said the global situation with regard to respect for the right to life was bleak. It was imperative to concentrate international efforts on developing early-warning mechanisms to identify signs of emerging crises. Those efforts must be guided by the scale of the human rights violations taking place. They must not be misguided by the silence of those being oppressed since persistent violations often resulted in violence and extrajudicial killings. The growing pessimism among ordinary people in countries where human rights violations occurred regularly and with impunity was disturbing. Some governments even defended extrajudicial killings committed by their security forces, especially when confronted with armed opposition groups.

She said she had noted some common patterns conducive to a recurrence of extrajudicial killings. Those included persistent impunity, disrespect for the rule of law, and finally, weak legal and judicial systems. Those factors provided a breeding ground for violence, especially in combination with an arbitrary and inequitable distribution of economic resources, and social or religious discriminations that polarized and embittered people. New democracies faced the risk of erupting into violence as a legacy of past oppression. It was critical to support countries making a transition to democracy.

Finally, she said she regularly received reports of the death penalty being imposed in cases that did not fall within the category of "most serious crimes". She also received reports of the mentally ill being executed, and of public executions that by their cruelty served to dehumanize society. Reports of executions of those who were less than 18 years old at the time of the commission of the crime had also come from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Iran and the United States. She called for a moratorium on executions by those governments still retaining the death penalty.

Questions and Answers

The representative of Singapore said the Special Rapporteur had overstepped her mandate by expressing her personal views on capital punishment, while Libya’s representative asked the Special Rapporteur to look into the effect of sanctions on the right to life. She also said her country could not support the International Criminal Court or the Rome Statute, because they were mechanisms of the powerful to punish the weak. The representative of France asked about human rights defenders. Those of Kuwait and Egypt said there was no reason for her to take sides regarding the death penalty, particularly not in her professional capacity as Special Rapporteur.

MS. JAHANGIR, the Special Rapporteur, said she would look into the issue of sanctions and would report on it. She said she was available to go to the Middle East, and preparations were being made for that trip. The Rome Statute was designed to protect the weak and keep the powerful from getting away with crime. She would take special care about measures ensuring its absence of bias. To the representative of France, she explained the guidelines determining the course of her work, and said not enough was done to protect human rights defenders.

With regard to the death penalty, she said she was constantly getting reports of people being wrongly put to death. The volume of those reports had brought home to her a realization of the penalty's irreversibility. She said the most evolved law advocated its abolition, and with regard to the cultural sensitivity Kuwait had mentioned, the death penalty was not religious-sensitive because many countries that were not Islamic also had the death penalty.

The representative of Libya clarified her country's position to say it was thinking of abolishing the death penalty because so many countries had abolished it and then resumed it. The representatives of Kuwait and Sudan said the Koran called for the death penalty in cases of human killings. The representative of Iran said his country did not execute those under 18 years of age, and the representative of Singapore said it was disingenuous to talk of evolved law on the death penalty when there was no consensus on it. Besides, it was a domestic issue. The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo asked whether the Special Rapporteur had heard of women being buried alive in her country.

MS. JAHANGIR, the Special Rapporteur, said she had sent a letter to Iran on the issue of executions of children and was awaiting a response. She was glad to hear there were no executions of juveniles. Also, she was watching the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to make sure things like the burial of women did not occur. She was pleased the debate on the death penalty was continuing.

The representatives of Egypt and Saudi Arabia said the death penalty was applied in accordance with Shariah law, and was an internal matter. The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo said the burial of women in her country by Rwandan soldiers had been documented.

MS. JAHANGIR, the Special Representative, said she considered only those reports that were lodged by individuals or organizations. Media reports were not in her purview.

Introductory Statement, Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan

KAMAL HOSSAIN, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, introduced his report and stressed that the situation remained deplorable. The 1999 peace initiatives had been aborted with the military offensive in the Central Highlands, including Bamyan in May and Shamali Plains in July, followed by the resignation of the Special Envoy. The appointment of the Secretary-General's personal representative had seen fresh initiatives develop through dialogue. Matters had progressed to the stage of exchanging prisoners when externally supported armed conflict broke out. The displacements caused by that conflict were compounded by the one of the worst droughts in decades, he continued. A July visit to Iran showed some 1.4 million Afghan refugees there, about the same number as in Pakistan. It was hoped that Iran would be moved to extend the allotted stay of those refugees beyond the present three-month period. However, it bore repetition that only a significant improvement in the human rights situation in Afghanistan would occasion a significant increase in voluntary repatriation.

Reviewing violations that had resulted from edicts such as punishment of soccer players for wearing shorts and the closing down of bakeries run by women, he asked: "What then is needed to make measurable progress in improving the situation?"

First, he answered, it was necessary to be cautious about "relaxations" and not mistake them for real progress. Then, too, the allegations of abuses must be addressed by the Taliban authorities. A visit, as he had requested, would prove or disprove those allegations, and if true, those responsible for summary executions and torture would incur international criminal responsibility. A broad-based Government could undertake the rebuilding of the country, its economy and institutions, he said. It would repeal the "edicts" violating rights and would create conditions of confidence to enable millions of refugees to return home. It would also assure Afghanistan's men, women and children of their human rights, to which they were entitled by virtue of Afghanistan's being a party to the main international human rights instruments.

Questions and Answers

The representative of Afghanistan, responding to the report on his country, said the Taliban, as supported by Pakistan, represented a danger to the civilian population of his country. It was gratifying to have the non-Afghan elements among the Taliban mentioned. However, the core subject was still missing. The State responsibility of Pakistan as an aggressor meant it must be held accountable. The Special Rapporteur should have visited those Pakistani prisoners in the custody of Afghanistan's armed forces.

The recent Taliban actions in banning the Special Rapporteur from visiting Afghanistan showed the level of the Taliban's arrogant defiance, he said. That same attitude indicated they would pursue massive violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law with impunity as the Pakistani Government encroached on Afghanistan's sovereignty.

Responses by Special Rapporteur

The representatives of Afghanistan, France and the Russian Federation put questions to the Special Rapporteur on the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan.

The Special Rapporteur indicated that it would have been useful to visit the northern areas, where he could have witnessed first-hand the situation with detainees there, but shortly after his request, violence had broken out in that region. He hoped that there were other areas he could visit where there was no fighting.

On the issue of child soldiers, he said that information he had received from the field, as well as a recent report of the Secretary-General, had indicated ages “as low” as 14. While he had not had the opportunity to investigate that issue thoroughly, he said that it was well known that conscription was aimed at younger men. Unemployed youth in refugee camps were particularly susceptible.

As for allegations of torture and other ill-treatment, he said that his findings were based on direct statements from persons who had escaped from detention. That was but one of the many questions that he would like to put to the Taliban, and, in that regard, he noted his renewed request to visit prisons and detention centres in Afghanistan.

He went on to say that he felt that allegations of torture were much too serious to transmit by hand. Indeed, they demanded a response and face-to-face dialogue. Sadly, however, he had been unable to go to the various sites where executions had been reported.



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