Human Rights Council hears statements from 24 dignitaries as it continues its High-Level Segment

Human Rights Council
AFTERNOON

28 February 2011

The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued with its high-level segment, hearing statements from 24 dignitaries who spoke about national efforts to promote and protect human rights, the review of the work of the Human Rights Council, the results of last week’s Special Session on the situation in Libya and the growing popular call for democracy in the Middle East, among other issues.

Speaking were Sven Alkalay, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia Herzegovina; Steven Vanackere, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium; William Hague, Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom; Guido Westerwelle, Vice Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany; Alexander Stubb, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland; Mohamed Bushara Dosa, Minister of Justice of Sudan; Jonas Gahr Store, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway; Ahmet Davutoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey; Luis Almagro, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay; Hilary Rodham Clinton, Secretary of State of the United States; Franco Frattini, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy; Kasit Piromya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand; Samuel Zbogar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia; Omar El Sherif, Vice-Minister of Justice of Egypt; Michael Spindelegger, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria; Ali Akbar Salehi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran; Hector Marcos Timerman, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina; Bandar Bin Muhammad Alaiban, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia; Min Dong-Seok, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea; Nicholar Emiliou, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus; Ahoussou Jeannot, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Côte d’Ivoire; Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada; Pham Binh Minh, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam; and Coumba Gaye, Minister of State in Charge of Human Rights of Senegal.

During the meeting, many speakers referred to the Special Session on Libya that the Human Rights Council held on 25 February, and they pointed out the particular importance of these sessions which confirmed the Council’s ability to react in emergency situations. Members of the Human Rights Council must live up to this responsibility and rise up each time human rights violations were committed wherever they occurred in the world. However, the Universal Periodic Review seemed to reinforce the status quo rather than live up to the States that desired to uphold the rule of law. The Council had tools, albeit limited ones, which could show its capacity to respond to the legitimate demands of the people. The Council must undertake trans-regional actions and question the practice of the clean slate when it came to electing countries to the Council, as evidenced by Libya. The review process could do this.

Other speakers went on to say that the international community must now maintain the momentum attained to ensure that there could be no impunity for crimes committed in Libya and to help bring about an immediate end to the violence. On the wider region, it was a moment of great opportunity in the Middle East and if changes and development could be achieved peacefully, it would be the greatest advance in world affairs since Central and Eastern Europe changed so dramatically 20 years ago and many of their countries entered the European Union. If instead violence took hold, the risks for human rights and international security would be grave. The international community must support those working peacefully for more open societies and economic reform in the Middle East, so that in the months to come the international community would see a better observance of human rights across the region. Like their neighbours in Tunis and Egypt, the people of Libya were asserting their rights; in all those cases, the demand for change had come from within and the others saw a universal yearning for freedom and respect. This moment belonged to the people, particularly young people of the Middle East.

The high-level dignitaries also highlighted other issues, with one speaker saying that global poverty was their gravest human rights challenge today and the international community must promote economic, social and cultural rights to the same extent as civil and political rights because they were inherently interconnected. In terms of the review process of the Council, a speaker said that the intergovernmental Working Group for the review of the work and functioning of the Council had finished its job and it seemed that nobody was content with the result. It seemed that the outcome document was not what was expected, or maybe they had expected too much from this process. It might be a lost opportunity for making the Council more effective and efficient, a Council that would be able to respond to all human rights violations. It was noted that despite the extensive efforts of the international community in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the measures taken to root out these evil and inhuman phenomena, racist and xenophobic attitudes, and still worse, institutionalized practices, continued to prevail in various parts of the world. As part of the collective endeavours in combating these phenomena, Member States were called upon to take concrete steps and adopt effective and practical measures toward combating Islamophobia and other forms of racism and racial discrimination in line with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and other human rights instruments.

When the Council reconvenes at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 1 March, it will continue with its high-level segment.

High-Level Segment

SVEN ALKALAJ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that Bosnia and Herzegovina was privileged to be a member of the Human Rights Council from June 2007 to June 2010 and throughout that period had participated in addressing the full range of human rights that this Council dealt with. It was not long ago that the Council was established, but it had performed numerous and intense activities so that the international community could assess its achievements, its strong points, and its shortcomings as well. Their common task was to strive for further improvement of its work. The intergovernmental Working Group for the review of the work and functioning of the Council had finished its job and it seemed that nobody was content with the result. It seemed that the outcome document was not what was expected, or maybe they had expected too much from this process. It might be a lost opportunity for making the Council more effective and efficient, a Council that would be able to respond to all human rights violations.

Bearing in mind the Special Session on Libya held a few days ago, Bosnia and Herzegovina wished to point out the particular importance of Special Sessions of the Council, confirming its ability to react in emergency situations. The Secretary-General in his recent address to this body emphasized the role this Council played with its Special Sessions. The topmost priorities for Bosnia and Herzegovina were the principles related to the respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms through strengthening democracy, multicultural dialogue and respect of national, cultural and religious diversities and suppression of all forms of discrimination and intolerance against members of any part of the society. In that sense, Bosnia and Herzegovina had achieved significant progress creating more effective mechanisms in accordance with international standards. Bosnia and Herzegovina was truly committed to its international obligations in the field of human rights and continued to work on improving its legislation based on multilateral treaties and their implementation in the country. In May 2010 Bosnia and Herzegovina issued a standing invitation to the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council thus joining the family of 72 countries that, up to now, had issued standing invitations. Cooperation with relevant United Nations bodies had also been very constructive and at a high level. It was reflected in their efforts to fulfil obligations to the United Nations committed in a timely manner, through successful presentation of the initial and periodic reports on the state of human rights by specific topics.

STEVEN VANACKERE, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, said the States elected to the Human Rights Council had special obligations which must be translated into specific actions and commitments kept. Libya had stated that it was fully attached to human rights and was one of the countries that had acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other covenants, but they had broken their commitments. Council Members had reacted firmly by requiring an international commission to investigate the crimes that had been committed and to suspend Libya’s membership. Belgium called upon all Member States to support this suspension. In 2005 the principle of responsibility to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity would be in history books only. Council Member States must live up to this responsibility and rise up each time human rights violations were committed wherever they occurred in the world. However, the Universal Periodic Review seemed to reinforce the status quo rather than living up to the States that desired to uphold the rule of law. The Council had tools, albeit limited ones, which could show its capacity to respond to the legitimate demands of the people. The Council must undertake trans-regional actions and question the practice of the clean slate when it came to electing countries to the Council, as evidenced by Libya. The review process could do this.

WILLIAM HAGUE, Foreign Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, said that the unanimous response to the crisis in Libya, here in the Human Rights Council and at the United Nation Security Council, was remarkable. The international community came together in a way which it had not done before, setting aside differences in the face of a challenge to the very notion of what they commonly and instinctively regarded as the basic rights of humankind. Together the international community had signalled that crimes would not be condoned, would not go unpunished and would not be forgotten and that this was a warning to anyone contemplating violations of human rights in Libya or any other country: stay your hand. There would be a day of reckoning and the reach of international justice could be long. The international community must now maintain the momentum attained to ensure that there could be no impunity for crimes committed in Libya and to help bring about an immediate end to the violence.

On the wider region, Mr. Hague said that it was a moment of great opportunity in the Middle East and that if changes and development could be achieved peacefully, it would be the greatest advance in world affairs since Central and Eastern Europe changed so dramatically twenty years ago and many of their countries entered the European Union. Mr. Hague said that if instead violence took hold, the risks for human rights and international security would be grave. The international community must support those working peacefully for more open societies and economic reform in the Middle East, so that in the months to come the international community would see a better observance of human rights across the region.

GUIDO WESTERWELLE, Vice Chancellor and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, said that a new chapter of history had been written by those in Tunisia and in Tahrir square. However, this was the opposite of what had happened in Libya. Germany denounced and condemned the violations of human rights in Libya and applauded the Security Council’s decision to pose economic sanctions on those who were responsible for the violence. Germany had offered both Tunisia and Egypt a partnership for transformation to democracy which would also be extended to Libya once it had decided to follow the path towards democracy. Germany had proposed the establishment of a North-South pack to promote democracy, the rule of law and to foster economic development. Germany would help to build democratic institutions by the promotion of an effective rule of law with truly independent judges and by supporting the States in their fight against corruption and by intensifying trade and the promotion of the people’s pursuit of happiness. Europe and its southern neighbours should seize this opportunity to create a partnership between equals. Security and peace were closely linked to freedom, human rights and development. The events of the past week underscored how closely security and peace were linked with freedom, human rights and development.

Germany deplored the recent wave of executions in Iran and called upon the leadership to respect human rights. Regarding Libya, the General Assembly should act and the Council should take the next step and call upon all Member States to support the investigation and embrace the ongoing review process. It should reflect the lessons of the past weeks that all Member States of this Council carried a responsibility for the global state of human rights and in this way the Council should become a beacon of hope for those who yearned for the light of freedom and democracy to end the darkness that oppressed their lives.

ALEXANDER STUBB, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, said that Finland supported those who wanted a peaceful transition to democracy and he made five points about how his country viewed things going on. First, Mr. Stubb condemned strongly the violations happening in Libya; the response of the international community had been unusually swift and this was very positive. Secondly, he saw the sanctions put forward by the United Nation Security Council over the weekend as positive, especially those calling for economic sanctions and the freezing of Gaddafi properties. Thirdly, Mr. Stubb underlined the notion of responsibility to protect and said that the primary responsibility was for the States and then the international community had the responsibility to help States to protect their population. As a fourth point, Mr. Stubb said that with regard to Libya the international community was dealing with crimes against humanity and it was important that those responsible were prosecuted. Finally, Mr. Stubb made a philosophical reflection saying that the international community had seen things falling in Tunisia and Egypt and they were witnessing this in Libya as well. These were classic battles between values and interests and values must go first and they must heed the voice of people and respect their fundamental freedoms. In conclusion, Mr. Stubb said that the international community must critically evaluate human rights situations and that the most important thing was their responsibility to protect people around the world.

MOHAMED BUSHARA DOSA, Minister of Justice of Sudan, said that all the Member States had been working to keep the Council strong and these efforts had been directed toward introducing detente to areas which had experienced tension and war. Sudan was convinced that peace, democracy and human rights were the foundation of stability and in 2005 it had signed the Global Peace Accord which had put an end to violence and had called for a referendum that had concluded on 9 January 2011. They had kept their promise and a referendum had been organized which represented a turning point in Sudanese history. The result was that a majority of those in the south had voted for independence. Despite the bitterness that had resulted from this secession the Government of Sudan had accepted it as the will of the people and that these were aspirations which had been expressed in a climate of peace, openness and tolerance.

Sudan had worked tirelessly through joint technical and political committees to react to questions such as the demarcation of the borders, citizenship, water and oil resources, currency and other issues and Sudan had endeavoured to find solutions before this new state of South Sudan was born. South Sudan would be a new neighbour and the president of Sudan had made a commitment to aid them. There had been a popular consultation between the two governments to ensure there would not be a return to violence. Sudan invited the international community to support these efforts and asked donors and financial institutions to implement projects in the north and south. Regarding Darfur, Sudan was committed to resolving the conflict peacefully through discussions in Doha and it would do its best to facilitate the return of those who had been displaced. Sudan had committed $ 2 million to development projects in education, water and infrastructure. However there were factions who refused to enter into negotiations. Sudan had been able to reconcile tribes by means of a number of initiatives expressing peaceful coexistence which had had a positive effect on peace in the region and the Ministry of Justice had been in the process of converting these initiatives into law. Regarding the east of the country, there had been progress evidenced by a donor conference that was held in Kuwait, where $ 3.5 billion were raised to fund projects; Sudan would like to thank all those who contributed. On legal reform, Sudan had organized broad consultations to establish a new permanent constitution to replace the former provisional one. Sudan had submitted its first report in the Universal Periodic Review which would be considered next May and it hoped to engage in constructive dialogue and it was committed to making this mechanism a success. Sudan was determined to cooperate with all UN field missions to promote peace and stability and the protection of human rights.

JONAS GAHR STORE, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, said that they met in Geneva as the drama in Libya continued to unfold, and as millions across the Arab world rose up to demand full respect of their legitimate human rights. Norway welcomed the timely Special Session on Libya held here in the Council on Friday demonstrating the ability of the Council to react urgently, sending a clear message that the ruthless use of violence against peaceful protesters was entirely unacceptable. Norway complimented the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council for having reacted swiftly, with precision and by unanimity to the madness carried out by the Gaddafi regime, a regime that by all standards had lost legitimacy and that should conclude urgently that the time to go had come. Norway commended the determined efforts of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, and her Office and said that the world needed a strong, independent and courageous High Commissioner. The Libyan authorities must prevent further deterioration of the crisis and reiterated their call for an immediate end to the violence and for steps to be taken to address the legitimate demands of the population. Norway strongly supported the call for an independent international investigation into the violent suppression of protests in the country. Unlawful acts of violence would not go unpunished. Global poverty was their gravest human rights challenge today and the international community must promote economic, social and cultural rights to the same extent as civil and political rights because they were inherently interconnected. Norway’s contributions to human rights must also be seen in the context of fighting poverty and promoting development and mobilizing the political will to confront climate change. Norway was learning valuable lessons from their membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council and they saw great value in the stronger attention to the human situation on a country level, closer to people, closer to the daily reality where the rights were to be enjoyed. Norway was committed to using its membership to ensure that every individual was better protected against discrimination and abuse.

AHMET DAVUTOGLU, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, said that a new order was being established whereby ordinary people were able to make a difference. Recent changes had placed human rights in the forefront of the order and were reminiscent of Ghandi or Malcolm X who had both mobilised the world. The Council should be able to adapt itself to be able to respond to the new situation and must not be behind new developments. The Universal Periodic Review process must endow the Council with tools and procedures to address challenges in an indiscriminate manner. The lack of fundamental freedoms and rights could present an unbearable burden, as recent experiences showed, Turkey said. The peace and welfare of those countries were important to Turkey, who shared a common past with Tunis, Libya and Egypt. It was essential that fundamental freedoms and the rights of people were protected and guaranteed and the international community had the responsibility to provide the concerned countries with inputs and resources necessary for the transformation. Each country required different approaches, Mr. Davutoglu said, adding that the international community must not dictate its solutions, but offer the guidance so countries could find their own way towards democracy, without meddling in their internal affairs.

Solidarity with the people must be demonstrated and the new order must now allow for space for privileged States. Violations of international humanitarian law had been committed during the attack on the humanitarian flotilla and the international community was still waiting for the results of the inquiry. The Human Rights Council must remain seized of this issue until the fact finding mission had finished with its report. The major reform process Turkey had undertaken enabled it to achieve major progress, such as constitutional amendments, but it was still aware that it needed to continue with those efforts. In conclusion, Turkey pleaded for the joining of forces to listen to the voices of the people and to build the new order based on universal values.

LUIS ALMAGRO, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Uruguay, said that Uruguay had committed itself to the defence of human rights and the international system and had ratified all the treaties and the optional protocols. Since 2005 Uruguay had had a standing invitation to all United Nations bodies and the bodies of the Inter American Organization. Human rights were the axis on which all public and foreign policies were predicated in Uruguay. The country had worked hard to restore economic development with economic growth last year and the lowest rate of unemployment in its history of 6.5 per cent. The reduction of poverty to 9 per cent was a priority for the Government and free compulsory public schooling had been offered in Uruguay for over 100 years, but still more than 50 per cent of those under 16 lived in marginal areas. Uruguay was aware that the future of their country depended on its youth, so they were trying to change this. Uruguay had reduced the poverty rate from 30 per cent to 20 per cent.

In 2009, Uruguay had a visit from the Special Rapporteur on torture and in 2010 from the Special Rapporteur on trafficking of persons. Uruguay had taken steps to improve conditions in its prisons and was grateful for the technical assistance from the One United Nations project which had contributed to transparency and consistency. In 2011, Uruguay would have a visit from the Special Rapporteur on access to drinking water as a human right as well as access to a healthy environment. Uruguay was committed to the rights of the child and this year had looked at street children and the complex roots of their problems. Uruguay had highlighted human rights and the environment and human rights and climate change as two important areas. The High Commissioner had denounced all forms of discrimination, especially gender and sexual discrimination, and had always denounced all forms of human rights violations. During the dictatorship in Uruguay, the forced disappearances of peoples was revealed by the work of the United Nations and the non-governmental agencies that had contributed to denouncing the violations during this time and Uruguay was grateful that impunity had now been included in the Council. Uruguay cosponsored the resolution on Libya in the Human Rights Council and supported Spain’s call for an early warning system on human rights violations.

HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON, Secretary of State of the United States, said that all eyes were today fixed on Libya, with the Government’s deployment of heavy weapons against civilians, use of mercenaries, arbitrary arrests and torture. The violations of universal rights committed in Libya were unacceptable and would not be tolerated. The Council had taken the first steps in that direction last Friday by establishing the independent commission of inquiry. Those steps were followed by the Security Council’s resolution and other measures, including the referral of Libya’s case to the International Criminal Court. Governments that turned their guns on their own people had no place in this chamber and Ms. Clinton expressed the hope that the African Union would follow the steps of others in addressing the situation in Libya. President Obama was meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General and the United States would continue to take other measures against Gaddafi and to provide the necessary humanitarian assistance. Nothing was off the table in terms of response as long as the Government used brutal force against its own people. Like their neighbours in Tunis and Egypt, the people of Libya were asserting their rights; in all those cases, the demand for change had come from within and the others saw a universal yearning for freedom and respect. This moment belonged to the people, particularly young people of the Middle East and President Obama and the American people were inspired by their actions.

Without meaningful steps toward representative and transparent government and open economies, the gap between authorities and people would always been present, Ms. Clinton warned. Democratic change must grow from within; it could not be implanted from the outside and that was why the United States supported the people working for progress in all countries. Initial results of such events and the process of transition must be protected from undemocratic influence, wherever it came from. Free and fair elections were the necessary condition for the establishment of democratic society, but they were not enough. They must be accompanied by the rule of law, freedom of speech and association, and vibrant civil society. The United States was committed to broadening its engagement with civil society and urged leaders to consider civil society as allies and not adversaries. The events in the Middle East demonstrated how inequity and lack of economic opportunities drew people into the street. The basic goal for all people in the world today was a decent life for themselves and their families. Societies could not thrive if half of their population, women, did not have their rights protected and upheld.

There was an alternative vision for the future of the region that caused concern, warned Ms. Clinton, as extremists claimed they were the ones to mobilise the people. In Iran, the Government killed and arbitrarily arrested peaceful protesters, targeted human rights defenders, student leaders, journalists and bloggers. The Human Rights Council was founded to address tragedies and humanitarian crises. The international community saw it at its best on Friday with the Special Session on Libya and previously on Côte d’Ivoire. Too often the response had not been serious enough. The permanent agenda item of this Council on Israel, while other countries and situations were treated under other agenda items was wrong, she said. The Council must have the capacity to respond to emergencies in real time and must demonstrate the will to address gross violations of human rights. It must apply a single standard to all countries based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Council needed to abandon tired and rhetorical debates and focus on making real differences in people’s lives, Ms. Clinton concluded.

FRANCO FRATTINI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, said that the protection and promotion of human rights was one of Italy’s foreign policy priorities stemming from the assumption that the respect for fundamental freedoms was crucial in guaranteeing peace, preventing conflicts and fostering the growth of stable and democratic societies worldwide. Italy focused its action on a number of priorities: the abolition of the death penalty, the support of freedom of religion or belief and the support of women’s rights.

Regarding the situation in Libya, Italy expressed its deep concern for the situation and firmly condemned the actions of Col. Gaddafi and requested that he engage in a dialogue with the opposition. Italy supported the decision by the Human Rights Council last Friday to dispatch an international commission of inquiry to investigate all the violations of human rights law in Libya and to the recommendation to the General Assembly to consider the suspension of Libya’s membership in the Council. Italy was concerned about the uncontrolled migrants that had crossed the Mediterranean following a vacuum of power in Libya and to the continued systematic human rights violations by the regime.

Italy had offered the use of its military base in Sigonella and had expressed the need to launch a New Pact for the Mediterranean to overcome the limitations linked to the current cooperation instruments; a pact that should be based on the principles of co-ownership, stability, political responsibility and strong economic and political support. The European Union should lead the international efforts to support its southern neighbours in transitioning towards democracy. Stability could not be achieved without providing socio-economic development through identifying flexible strategies of action based on the different realities of each country in the region. A better future for the people in the South was in the hands of the people, but they should know that they will not be left alone.

KASIT PIROMYA, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, said that many had high expectations for this young body and even though most saw further room for improvement in its functioning, there was an agreement that it had been moving in the right direction. Thailand had high hopes that the adoption of the expected outcome of the review of the Council later in this session would make this body more efficient in its task of the promotion and protection of human rights. Constructive dialogue and cooperation should be the guiding principles and more effort at raising the voice of victims should be made. The events unfolding in many countries in Africa and in the Middle East and the democratic impulse behind then would continue to demand the Council’s attention, Thailand said. The Special Session last week had underscored the need to be alert in order to react promptly and constructively. The promotion and protection of human rights continued to be one of the top priorities for the Thai Government. The recent and on-going political turbulence in Thailand had attracted wide public interest. Thailand was determined to overcome those difficulties while fully respecting freedom of expression and the rule of law. Root causes of grievances continued to be addressed and various structural reforms had been implemented, focused on constitutional, political, economic, social and judicial reform. A key part of this effort was Thailand’s social policy which was a human rights-based and social-oriented system. It was the Thai Government’s genuine hope that the reforms and measures in key areas would contribute to national reconciliation and serve to empower and create equal opportunities for all in the longer term.

Thailand was in the process of withdrawing reservations to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. It was also seriously considering becoming a party to the Convention on the Protection against forced Disappearance. Thailand’s international pledges and commitments were translated into a plan of action with priorities accorded to the protection of the rights of vulnerable groups, and the promotion of human rights among law enforcement officers. Thailand was proud to have contributed to the vital work of norm setting on human rights with the recent adoption by the General Assembly of the “Bangkok Rules” on treatment of women prisoners. Thailand would undergo review under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism in October this year and Mr. Piromya reiterated Thailand’s intention to make the process as broad and inclusive as possible. No country was perfect when it came to human rights, but what was important was to acknowledge shortcomings and make every effort to address them, Thailand concluded.

SAMUEL ZBOGAR, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia, said that human rights were one of the priorities of Slovenia’s foreign policy and they were reflected in all their activities, be it in the bilateral, multilateral or development context. Last year Slovenia concluded its first term as a member of the Human Rights Council and it believed that they were an active and constructive member which always worked hard on building a wide consensus among the Council members, while balancing this approach with basic principles in the field of human rights. Slovenia continued its work regarding human rights and protection of the most vulnerable population groups, children, women and minorities. Respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, human rights law, international humanitarian law and refugee laws, as well as protection of the most vulnerable population groups were clearly defined as part of the guiding principles of Slovenia’s candidature for the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2012 to 2013. Slovenia had always been a firm supporter of the United Nations Human Rights Council and its predecessor, the Commission on Human Rights. Mr. Zbogar said that one of the most important new mechanisms was the Universal Periodic Review, an innovative peer review of human rights situations in all United Nations Member States. Slovenia took the recommendations it received very seriously and devoted a lot of efforts to improving certain situations, procedures and mechanisms. Last year Slovenia was very pleased to receive the first special procedure mandate holder to request a visit to Slovenia. The independent expert on human rights obligations relating to access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Ms. Catarina de Albuquerque, visited Slovenia last May. Her visit provided a good opportunity for the Government to consult with an independent expert on further measures needed to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation, especially for those members of the Roma community that still faced such problems. Although Slovenia was not currently a member of the Council, it remained engaged and committed to its work and he welcomed the extension of some important mandates and the establishment of some equally important new ones, such as the cross-regional Working Group of Experts on the issue of discrimination against women in law and practice.

Slovenia was looking forward to the adoption of the Declaration on Human Rights Education and Training and welcomed the constructive discussions on this issue under the facilitator of the Platform on Human Rights Education and Training of which Slovenia was a member. Turning to the thematic discussions of this session, Slovenia welcomed the opportunity to actively engage in the annual discussion on the child and on the rights of persons with disabilities. Slovenia was convinced that it was highly important to end impunity for acts of violence and end penal sanctions against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons.

OMAR EL SHERIF, Vice-Minister of Justice of Egypt, said that the revolution over the past few weeks had placed Egypt on the path to development. There was no better forum than this Council to review the progress in democratic reform and in strengthening of the human rights brought about by the revolution. The people of Egypt were united in defending their freedom and rejecting corruption and failed policies. They requested democracy, freedom and social justice, by taking to the streets for 18 days, in which over 300 martyrs fell. Regardless of the violence, the protesters had not forgone the peaceful character of demonstrations. The solidarity between Muslims and Christians during the revolution was yet more proof of the strong social fabric of the country. Change started with the steps towards justice, equity and accountability, Mr. El Sherif said. Some of the priorities for the next stage were re-establishing order and security and a return to civilian rule as soon as possible; the engagement of necessary resources for free and fair elections in order to realize all freedoms and rights guaranteed by the Constitution; justice, equity and redress to be ensured for all citizens who exercised their rights in organising the demonstrations; combating corruption with all their might; and re-energising the economy. The transitional authorities had set up a commission to review the necessary constitutional reform and the preparation of the proposal for the national referendum. A fact-finding commission was established that would submit its findings to the prosecution for next steps. A number of former security agents and police officers charged with opening fire on protesters had been arrested. Egypt had frozen funds and assets of the former president and his family and a number of former ministers.

While the people of Egypt had achieved their democratic ambition, this had made them keener to voice their concern about the violation of rights of Muslims throughout the world. The time had come for everyone to recognise and address this phenomenon. Egypt was committed to deepening its cooperation with human rights mechanisms and paid tribute to the High Commissioner for Human Rights and invited her to voice what more Egypt could do to improve the situation. Egypt was committed to the implementation of all accepted recommendations arising from the Universal Periodic Review conducted last year and would continue the strengthening of women’s rights and the rights of children. Egypt was committed to carrying out its reform and Mr. El Sherif said it was a road of no return.

MICHAEL SPINDELEGGER, Federal Minister for European and International Affairs of Austria, saluted the efforts undertaken by the people and leadership in Tunisia and Egypt to manage a peaceful and swift transition to pluralist democracy. Together with its partners in the European Union Austria would support a process of broad based national dialogue preparing for democratic elections and to hold the perpetrators of human rights violations accountable. Freedom of expression, together with freedom of association and freedom of peaceful assembly should be protected by all governments and not threatened through excessive use of force such has occurred recently in Belarus, Iran and Libya. Austria saluted the swift and decisive action by the Council last Friday to investigate the crimes committed by the leadership in Libya as well as the Security Council’s unanimous decision, Resolution 1970, referring the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court.

Austria had a long standing record of active engagement to ensure the protection of human rights as evidenced by the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights in Vienna, whose declaration and programme of action remained of pivotal importance today and served as the basis of the establishment of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. Austria, as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council in 2009 and 2010, aimed to prioritize human rights. Austria had presented its candidature for membership to the Human Rights Council for the period 2011 to 2014 and if accepted would pledge to foster a culture of cross-regional cooperation in human rights issues. Austria would like to be an active member of the Council and had implemented and ratified the international human treatises and had pledged to take these commitments seriously as evidenced by having issued a standing invitation to the international mechanisms, treaty bodies and special procedures.

Austria contributed to the respect of freedom of religion and belief as evidenced over the last decade when Austria hosted a number of high-level dialogues between religious and secular leaders. Austria would also host the Fifth Annual Forum of the Alliance of Civilizations following Qatar and has paid particular attention to bolstering the role of women and the inclusion of young people. Austria had committed to support an independent and effective Office of the High Commissioner and would continue to support the important work of Special Rapporteurs of the Council and that of treaty bodies and the further buttressing of the Universal Periodic Review system.

ALI AKBAR SALEHI, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, said that Iran was a founding member of the United Nations and a party to the major international human rights instruments. While upholding the promotion of principles enshrined in its constitution and ensuring its full compliance with the relevant international commitments, Iran had taken a genuine and long term approach to safeguarding human rights. People in the Middle East were experiencing highly vital and critical moments. Tired of corruption and foreign domination, they were desperately appealing for their rights to freedom and independence from foreign domination, tyranny and despotism. Governments in the region must pay attention to these requests and observe the fundamental rights of their people. Certain foreign powers must refrain from putting obstacles in the way of the people of the region thus allowing them to freely choose their own destiny and future. It was historically attested that the domineering policy of certain Western countries was the main cause of the misery and bloodshed currently witnessed in the region as it happened at the time of the revolution in Iran when thousands of innocent people were killed by the Shah’s regime. These States, in particular the United States, should not repeat the mistakes they made in the past presumably to serve their own narrow political interests.

Mr. Salehi said that despite the extensive efforts of the international community in combating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the measures taken to root out these evil and inhuman phenomena, racist and xenophobic attitudes, and still worse, institutionalized practices, continued to prevail in various parts of the world. As part of the collective endeavours in combating these phenomena, Iran called upon all Member States to take concrete steps and adopt effective and practical measures toward combating Islamophobia and other forms of racism and racial discrimination in line with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and other human rights instruments. In this context, Iran welcomed the General Assembly decision to convene a high level meeting in September 2011 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.

HECTOR MARCOS TIMERMAN, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Argentina, said that since the restoration of democracy, Argentina had embraced human rights at every level and there had been a deep awareness in Argentinean society of the importance of human rights. Argentina had adopted instruments to maintain human rights and to support the values of memory, truth, justice, respect and the fight against impunity. The three branches of Government had adopted measures to allow legal proceedings against those who committed crimes during the military dictatorship, which up to 2010, had resulted in the conclusion of 217 trials in which 196 persons had been found guilty and 21 had resulted in acquittals.

Argentina had embarked on four major efforts to support human rights. The first was the initiatives and institutional reforms guaranteeing the rights of citizens to be informed. Vital to this was the importance of ensuring pluralism in the media; in any democratic society the media should not only be independent but also pluralist. The Argentinean Government had taken historic steps to reform all the laws from the period of dictatorship; for example in 2009 Argentina had modified its criminal code to eliminate the crimes of defamation and slander so that journalists would not be pressured.
The second was the demand for decent work; 2011 was declared as the year of decent work, which meant that there should be opportunities for productive work, better prospects for personal development and the rights to organize and participate in decision making, all in accordance with the human rights that have been set forth in the Universal Declaration. The third aspect was the passage of the recent Equal Marriage Law which forbade any discrimination based on sexual orientation and was the first such legislation passed in Latin America and the tenth in the world which stated that couples of the same gender had the same rights regarding the receiving of pensions and adoption rights. The fourth effort was the protection of all persons against the crime of forced disappearances.

In these days of violent repression, Argentina insisted that Governments should be held responsible for human rights violations and much more should be done to avoid the establishment of dictatorships through the work of the members of the Human Rights Council.

BANDAR BIN MOHAMMED ALAIBAN, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia, said that in Saudi Arabia, the comprehensive reforms and ongoing development of laws and regulations in numerous fields including, in particular, the judicial and political systems, the economy, enhancement of governmental performance, the anti-corruption campaign, consolidation of the principle of national dialogue, the promotion of human rights, broader participation by women and implementation of regulations to protect their rights and further the welfare of citizens, constituted prominent characteristic features of the reign of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. Saudi Arabia had established the basic foundations for a comprehensive national renaissance, within the framework of gradual and balanced progress towards fulfillment of the aspirations of society in a manner consistent with the Islamic Shari’a, through a clear vision of the formulation of an integrated national plan focusing on the human person as the fundamental objective of development and reform. These reforms, which were proceeding in accordance with the requirements and needs of Saudi society, were achieving notable success while, at the same time, preserving established social values and avoiding any disruption of the stability and security of society.

Mr. Alaiban said that Saudi Arabia had adopted a clearly defined policy based on tolerance and dialogue among all civilizations and cultures in order to promote dialogue among all civilizations and cultures in order to promote coexistence and mutual understanding in a world characterized by cultural and religious diversity and had pursued numerous initiatives and practical policies to this end. At the domestic level, the initiative of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques calling for dialogue among the followers of religions and cultures, which was launched at the Makkah and followed up by conferences and forums, gave practical expression to the Kingdom’s vision and policy of building on the common denominators of shared human values and opposing manifestations of conflict, hostility and hatred.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the first visit by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Palestinian territories during which she observed the tragic circumstances in which the Palestinian people had been living under occupation for more than six decades, the manner in which the occupation authorities were violating the Palestinian’s people rights, and the suffering caused by the way in which Palestinian people were being effectively intimidated by the iniquitous Israel policies. The High Commissioner confirmed the illegality of the settlements, the separation wall and the annexation of occupied East Jerusalem, emphasized that human rights in the Palestine were inalienable and non-negotiable, and called for the lifting of the “illegal” blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip. From this rostrum, Saudi Arabia stressed the need to take the necessary steps and measures to ensure that the United Nations resolutions were enforced and applied, since the victims had not yet obtained redress, no action had been taken on the findings of Justice Goldstein’s report, and Israel was continuing its blockade of Gaza and its policy of collective punishment against one and a half million Palestinians in the Strip.

MIN DONG-SEOK, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea, said this year marked a critical moment for the Human Rights Council as it was expected to open a new chapter through its review process. This was a fitting juncture to look back on the past five years and ask if the expectations placed on the Council had been fulfilled. Over the past five years, the Council had made a meaningful progress in enhancing human rights around the world, in particular with its Universal Periodic Review process, which had provided a useful framework for examining human rights conditions in each country and making concrete recommendation on those. Also, the Special Procedures had an extremely important role to play in the promotion and protection of human rights. The long-standing controversy over double standards still needed to be overcome and the persistent refusal of some countries to cooperate with the Special Procedures still presented a major challenge. The Government of the Republic of Korea emphasized that many good proposals, especially on the capacity of the Council to respond promptly to human rights emergencies, should not be dismissed just for not being included in the review outcome document.

Despite the growing awareness of human rights as universal values, there continued to be many instances of human rights violations in many parts of the world and in numerous cases the international community had failed to respond in a timely and appropriate manner. Poverty, armed conflict and discrimination continued to undermine the basic human rights of countless victims. External shocks such as global economic and financial crises, food shortages and climate-related catastrophes further exposed the most vulnerable groups to risks. Deficiencies in democratic governance also had a negative impact on realisation of human rights. The Republic of Korea had been following the situation in Libya and expressed its deep concern at the loss of lives and the serious violation of human rights in this country. The Government also shared the deep concern of the international community over the serious human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and referred to the humanitarian issue of separated families and of abductees of Korean nationality. The Republic of Korea strove to build a harmonious society in which all people enjoyed fully human rights and fundamental freedoms and as part of those efforts had launched a Multi-Cultural Family Support Center. In conclusion, the Republic of Korea said that it was now the time for the Council to rededicate itself to its founding values and principles, and reaffirmed its strong commitment to cooperate with the international community in advancing human rights for all and addressing human rights violations around the world.

NICHOLAS EMILIOU, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, said that the review process of the Council presented an opportunity for strengthening the Council’s capacity to have a tangible impact on the promotion and protection of human rights on the ground. The Universal Periodic Review was the most promising instrument that the Council had at its disposal and maintaining and enhancing its significance should be of primary importance. As a peer review exercise, the Universal Periodic Review depended on the application of universal standards and transparent procedures for all and the Council should exert every effort to keep the mechanisms, procedures and decision making processes of the Council outside the realm of politics. In addition, the independence and the impartiality of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and her Office should be safeguarded.

Cyprus condemned the violence against peaceful demonstrators and deplored the use of force and the deaths of civilians that had occurred in Libya. Cyprus welcomed the timely reaction of the Special Session of this Council to the Libyan crisis and the resolution that was adopted by consensus.

Cyprus had welcomed the Report on Best Practices in the Matter of Missing Persons submitted to the Human Rights Council by the Advisory Committee including the suggestion to establish a Special Rapporteur on missing persons as this would significantly enhance the existing mechanisms to protect the rights of missing persons. Cyprus had also supported the statement that sometimes the cases of missing persons should constitute criminal offences including war crimes or crimes against humanity. Cyprus had also taken note of the report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, the mandate on the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons was a high priority for Cyprus since nearly a third of its population had been displaced due to the illegal use of force and continuing military occupation.

AHOUSSOU JEANNOT, Minister of Justice and Human Rights of Côte d’Ivoire, said that the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire had caused serious violations of human rights and risked to annul all the efforts made in order to reestablish peace and establish a democratic State in the country. Côte d’Ivoire was satisfied with the activity of the Human Rights Council in promoting the protection of all human beings and appreciated its commitment to end the crisis in Côte d’Ivoire and this commitment had led to the conduct of a Special Session that had condemned the ongoing violence in the country. The resolution adopted on 23 December 2010 had brought a significant and durable response to the disastrous and worrying situation in the Ivorian territory.

Mr. Jeannot denounced the violent campaign of intimidation perpetrated by certain members of the forces of defense and security of Côte d’Ivoire. There were more than 1,000 deaths and over 200,000 internally displaced persons and 60,000 refugees in the country. No one could stay indifferent in front of the practices of Laurent Gbagbo, the former President, who refused the results of the election and was kept in power by a part of the army, his militants and mercenaries, killing all persons trying to oppose his confiscation of power. The Government of Côte d’Ivoire repeated the invitation to all Rapporteurs to investigate all the violations of human rights in Côte d’ Ivoire as soon as possible. Mr Jeannot said that Cote d’ Ivoire needed the indispensable help of the international community to strengthen the capacity of the Government in order to allow it take into consideration the essential needs of the vulnerable persons. In light of this, programmes designed to alleviate the violations had currently been drafted.

Given the humanitarian crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Jeannot informed the Council that the President of the Republic and its Government had mandated a college of national and international lawyers in order to engage all the proceedings in front of the national and international judicial competences, notably the International Penal Court. In conclusion, Mr. Jeannot said that President of the Republic of Coste d’Ivoire, S. E. M. Alassane Quattara had given him the responsibility to reiterate the country’s wiliness to put an end to the political adventures and disasters of M. Laurent Gbagbo and the impunity in Côte d’Ivoire and to restore the human rights and rule of law in the country.

LAWRENCE CANNON, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, said that the appalling violence witnessed in Libya must stop. The killing of civilians constituted a gross violation of human rights and must carry serious consequences. Canada welcomed the landmark resolution of the United Nations Security Council and strongly supported its key provisions. Canada would be among the first countries to implement the binding obligations called for in the Security Council’s resolution. Canada was planning to go beyond this resolution and would freeze assets and prohibit financial transactions with the Libyan regime, its institutions and agencies, including the Central Bank. Canada was among the first to call for the referral of the situation in Libya to the International Criminal Court and was pleased that the Security Council had taken action on this. Canada demanded that Libya complied with all aspects of this resolution immediately and that it respected its human rights obligations and the will of the Libyan people. The actions of the Security Council should not detract from the important decisions adopted last week by the Human Rights Council, Canada said and congratulated the members of this Council, in particular Mexico, for its unanimous adoption of a groundbreaking resolution on the situation in Libya.

Despite the clear messages from the international community, Libya continued with the violent repression of its citizens. Canada also called on the regime to facilitate departure of foreign nationals to leave the country and to allow safe passage of humanitarian supplies. Just as the international community had supported brave demonstrators in Egypt and Tunisia, it must be ready to stand by the people of Libya in their hour of need. The tide of change was sweeping the Middle East and leaders who tried to defy or repress this tide, like Gaddafi or the leadership in Iran, would eventually be overwhelmed. Canada strongly urged Governments facing those challenges to open genuine dialogue with their people and to respect their rights and fundamental freedoms. The repression the world witnessed in Iran, in Libya and elsewhere in the world must not go on, Canada warned and concluded by saying that the only acceptable course of action for Gaddafi was to halt the bloodshed and vacate his position and authority.

PHAM BINH MINH, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam, said that during the first decade of the twenty-first century there had been unprecedented progress in human civilization while at the same time the world had been confronted by many daunting challenges. The gap between the North and South continued to widen and the Millennium Development Goals still remained beyond the reach of many countries while the global economic and financial crises, hunger, the spread of diseases and disasters, poverty, instability and conflicts, racial discrimination continued to threaten the most fundamental rights of people around the world, especially those who live in developing countries. Viet Nam was deeply concerned about the recent unraveling situation in North Africa and the Middle East. Viet Nam has called on all parties concerned to work towards a prompt and peaceful solution without any coercion and external interference so that stability and order were ensured as well as guaranteeing the safety and security of foreign nationals, including migrant workers in Libya.

Viet Nam noted that over the past five years the United Nations Human Rights Council had proved itself more effective, serving as a forum of dialogue and cooperation for all countries in dealing with all human rights issues in a comprehensive and more balanced manner. Viet Nam promoted and protected human rights through a human-centered approach. Viet Nam had achieved poverty reduction as evidenced by the United Nations Development Program’s Human Development Index Report which placed Viet Nam among the top ten performers in economic growth for the last 40 years. Viet Nam followed the three pillars of economic growth, social equality and rule of law and had deepened legislative, administrative and judicial reforms.

Viet Nam considered the Universal Periodic Review as an important mechanism to enhance the promotion and protection of human rights. It had invited six Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council to visit the country. Viet Nam had decided to present its candidature for a seat on the Human Rights Council for the term 2013-2016 and committed itself to the promotion and protection of human rights as well as to the standards and norms in setting human rights at the multilateral level which had been consistently demonstrated through both our achievements and active involvement in the work of the Council.

COUMBA GAYE, Minister of State in Charge of Human Rights of Senegal, expressed her sincere condolences to the families of the victims of the manifestation in Libya and gave homage to those who continued to claim in a peaceful manner and with courage and determination the exercise of the fundamental freedom guaranteed by the international law of human rights and national legislations. Therefore, in deciding to devote 25 February 2011 to an extraordinary session on the situation of human rights in Libya which led to the adoption by consensus of a firm resolution, with the support of numerous States including Senegal, the Human Rights Council played its role and gave again the proof of its vitality and its sense of responsibility in conformity with its mandate of the promotion and protection of human rights that obliged it to act promptly in front of urgent situations.

Speaking about the review of the Human Rights Council, Ms. Gaye encouraged all actors who were involved to handle carefully all the efforts to complete with success this complex exercise that the international community had the heavy role to carry through. Concerning education, Senegal was pleased to receive the visit of the Special Rapporteur of human rights that Senegal had welcomed from 09 until 15 January 2011 in the framework of cooperation that Senegal maintained with all the mechanisms of the Council.

Concerning the programme of the Council’s session, Ms. Gaye expressed her congratulations for the theme of the panel discussion on persons of African descent in which the promotion of human rights and the valorization of the rich cultural heritage displayed an objective that the international community had to tackle together with a more complete respect of the dignity of the human persons. This constituted all the meaning that the international community needed to give to the Third World Festival of the Black Arts that Senegal had the honor to organize in December 2010 for the second time after its launch in Dakar in 1996. The improvement of the human rights situation in Senegal was one of the core priorities of the Head of the State and the Government whose architecture included a Minister in charge of human rights that today she had the privilege to direct. Particular attention was dedicated to the promotion of the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of all Migrants Workers and members of their families.

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