HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR REFORM IN PERU

3 July 2002



United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson began an intensive three-day programme in Peru today, pledging her Office’s support for human rights reform in the country.

Mrs. Robinson kicked off her first visit to the South American country by signing an agreement on cooperation between the Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR) and the Peruvian Government. Following the signing with Foreign Minister Diego Garcia Sayan, the High Commissioner said she welcomed Peru’s renewed commitment to protecting human rights, including its open invitation to investigators and panels – the “special procedures” -- of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to visit the country.

“This agreement means commitments from my Office and from Peru”, she said. “OHCHR will work with the Government and civil society to strongly support current reforms aimed at protecting the human rights of all Peruvians, particularly the most vulnerable”.

The High Commissioner encouraged Peruvian authorities to be as inclusive as possible in drafting a national plan of action on human rights.

In addition to Mr. Garcia Sayan, Mrs. Robinson met with the President of the Supreme Court, Oscar Alfaro; the President of the Constitutional Tribunal, Manuel Aguirre Roca; the human rights ombudsman, Walter Alban Peralta, and non-governmental organizations.

Also today Mrs. Robinson opened a workshop for countries of the Community of Andean Nations on human rights and development. She said a rights-based approach provides a comprehensive framework for development planning and implementation; focuses on individuals as beneficiaries of development, and promotes accountability and the rule of law as essential ingredients of development processes.

The High Commissioner’s visit to Peru, scheduled to end on 5 July, continues tomorrow, when meetings scheduled with President Alejandro Toledo and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, among others.



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