AFTERNOON

9 September 2013

The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued a general debate on the update given this morning by High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on the activities of her Office.

In the general debate, speakers condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria while urging a swift resolution to the conflict by means of a negotiated settlement. Many warned against external military responses to the crisis. Some speakers condemned all acts of violence committed by all parties to the conflict in Syria and reiterated the need for a serious intervention. The unstable political situation and recent violence in Egypt was addressed by most delegations, with calls for a return to democracy made by many. The High Commissioner’s intention to establish a regional office in Cairo following the resurgence of violence in the country was welcomed. Other topics addressed included the growing threat of States acting with impunity when it came to breaking international human rights law, and the inclusion of the right of development in the settling of the post-2015 development agenda. Concerning the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, speakers said only democratic processes could improve it. Speakers warned against any deterioration of the human rights situation in the Central African Republic.

Regarding Sri Lanka, some delegations supported the High Commissioner’s call for the protection of human rights defenders, journalists and communities from any reprisal, intimidation or attack. The High Commissioner was commended for her efforts to follow up the mandates by the Human Rights Council in spite of limited resources. Concern was expressed about the systematic abuse of the right to privacy that was practiced by countries including the United States and the United Kingdom as a result of internet surveillance programmes. A number of speakers expressed strong reservations about any education campaign on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people supported by the High Commissioner on the basis that it would contradict established human rights principles.

Speaking in the general debate were United Arab Emirates, Botswana, Republic of Korea, India, Switzerland, Spain, Estonia, Benin, Angola, Argentina, Thailand, Ecuador, Poland, Brazil, Libya, Venezuela, the Republic of Congo, Denmark, Syria, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Norway, Turkey, Tunisia, Algeria, Russian Federation, Morocco, China, Iraq, Paraguay, Mexico, France, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece, Iran, Canada, Cuba, Uruguay, Slovakia, Jordan, Bahrain, Nepal, Iceland, Myanmar, Nigeria, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belgium, Colombia, Mongolia, Belarus, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the Council of Europe.

Also speaking in the debate were the non-governmental organizations Lawyers’ Rights Watch Canada, France Libertes: Danielle Mitterand Foundation and Human Rights Watch.

Speaking in a right of reply were Bahrain and Egypt.

The Human Rights Council will meet at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 10 September to conclude the general debate related to the update of the High Commissioner, followed by an interactive dialogue with the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for children and armed conflict.

General Debate on Update by the High Commissioner on the Activities of her Office

United Arab Emirates thanked the High Commissioner for her exhaustive report and commended the work undertaken by her Office, despite the limited resources available. Egypt’s readiness to host a regional office testified the country’s commitment to cooperate with the United Nations system. The United Arab Emirates supported the efforts made by Egypt to combat violence and terrorism and supported the efforts made by Bahrain to implement the findings of its Independent Commission of Inquiry.

Botswana said that the people of Syria continued to suffer the gravest crimes and supported the work of the High Commissioner in the protection and promotion of human rights, particularly in Syria. Botswana condemned all acts of violence committed by all parties to the conflict in Syria and reiterated the need for a serious intervention. Botswana welcomed the High Commissioner’s intention to establish a regional office in Cairo following the resurgence of violence in the country. Botswana commended the efforts made in Mali since the signing of the Preliminary Agreement in June.

Republic of Korea said that the suffering of the Syrian people had reached a catastrophic level. Those responsible for the use of chemical weapons should be held accountable. The Commission of Inquiry on the human rights situation in the Democratic People Republic of Korea started its work last August and the Republic of Korea looked forward to the Commission’s oral presentation next Monday. A group of countries was working on a draft resolution on the role of local government in promoting human rights.

India said that it was following the developments in Syria closely. There could be no military solution to this conflict and India was of the view that the international community should wait for the report of the United Nations inspectors on the alleged use of chemical weapons. Recent developments in Egypt had indeed been a matter of concern and all sides were urged to abjure violence, exercise maximum restraint and engage in an earnest dialogue that would promote national reconciliation and permit an early transition towards a stable and peaceful democratic set-up.

Switzerland condemned the violations of human rights and international humanitarian law which continued daily in Syria with impunity. Switzerland had asked the Security Council to refer the Syrian situation to the International Criminal Court. In Egypt, the situation had become graver over the past few weeks and violence had led to the death of hundreds of people. Switzerland regretted that the Council was not able to specifically consider this situation. There must not be use of force unless it was strictly necessary and proportional.

Spain said that at this session they were faced with a persistent deterioration of many of the situations and problems, and they had seen how some fears had materialized. In Egypt, news of violations and human rights abuses were condemned. Spain joined in calls on the Egyptian Government to allow the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the special procedures to visit the country as soon as possible and report on what had happened in the past weeks. Words failed with regards to describing abhorrent acts committed in Syria.

Estonia reiterated its unwavering support for the High Commissioner and her Office. It was sad, however, that at the start of each Human Rights Council session the number of casualties and refugees caused as a result of the conflict in Syria only increased; the horrific chemical attack of August 21 was strongly condemned, and the case should be referred to the International Criminal Court. In Egypt, Estonia encouraged all parties to commit themselves to a peaceful solution to political violence and instability and urged a swift return to democracy. In this context, the right to freedom of expression and a free media had to be upheld.

Benin thanked the High Commissioner for her work and the continued fight to improve human rights around the world. It called on the various human rights actors at national, local, regional and international levels to pursue the objectives of peace, security and development. With regard to the right to development, Benin called for bold work on behalf of governments and international organizations to strengthen and deepen the role that this right would play in the deliberations of the post-2015 development agenda.

Angola said that the Human Rights Council and the international community had to resist the politicization of human rights. Angola reiterated its support for the Addis Ababa framework agreement reached in 2013 for the strengthening of peace in the Great Lakes region. Only democratic processes could improve the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Angola looked forward to further progress in Mali and welcomed the conduct of the presidential election in Zimbabwe. It warned against any deterioration of the human rights situation in the Central African Republic.

Argentina thanked the High Commissioner for her presentation. The situation in Syria was still a major concern for the international community. Perpetrators of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law must be held accountable and the situation should be referred to the International Criminal Court. With regard to Egypt, Argentina expressed its serious concerns and called on all parties to refrain from violence. The Council had to strengthen the right to privacy in light of recent violations of this right.

Thailand said that all citizens had to participate in the promotion and protection of human rights in their own countries. Thailand expressed concerns regarding the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria and stressed that only a political and peaceful solution would bring a lasting peace to Syria. The economic crisis should not impede the realization of economic, social and cultural rights. Human rights had to be an integral part of the post-2015 development agenda.

Ecuador expressed its solidarity with the Syrian people, who had suffered from the indiscriminate use of weapons. The use of force would only exacerbate the suffering of the population. A peaceful negotiated solution was necessary. Ecuador shared the concerns regarding the negative effect of the conflict on the enjoyment of all human rights by the Syrian population. Greater clarity was needed with regard to corporate social responsibility.

Poland said the number of victims in Syria was still growing, and the intensity of fighting and level of atrocities committed recently had reached an unprecedented scale. There was grave concern regarding reports of the use of chemical weapons. All sides to the conflict were called upon to implement a cease fire and allow for the provision of necessary humanitarian aid to civilians. In Egypt, the increasing rigidity of position of sides to the conflict raised serious concerns. It was only through negotiation and talks that a peaceful political solution could be achieved.

Brazil, with regards to Syria, reiterated its firm belief that there was no military solution to the conflict. Any further militarization would aggravate the spiral of violence and cause more suffering. Any external military intervention not in strict accordance with the Charter would only lead to further instability. Brazil noted with satisfaction the decision of Israel to release Palestinian prisoners, but at the same time was concerned at continued settlement activity, which was detrimental to current diplomatic efforts.

Libya said it was indebted to the United Nations and the Security Council. The Human Rights Council had also taken a leading position, adopting resolution 39/19 of 23 March 2013. It looked forward to the visit of the High Commissioner to Libya and supported the plans by all mandate holders to come to the country. Every effort was being made by Libya during this very difficult period, despite external and internal challenges. The Syrian situation was alarming. Libya called on the international community to stand side by side with the Syrian people and put an end to these massacres.

Venezuela said it had studied with interest the High Commissioner’s report. Unity within diversity was emerging among the countries of the global south, yet poverty and economic crisis were stalking the world, weakening the pursuit of human rights. In addition, Venezuela rejected any bellicose plans with regard to the situation in Syria and warned against further escalation of violence. It continued to voice its support for the rights of Palestinians. Venezuela also rejected espionage by the Western powers against their own and other populations that were a blatant violation of human rights norms.

Republic of Congo congratulated the High Commissioner on her work in the Republic of Congo and with its people. However the violation of human rights could be seen everywhere and challenges remained. The Republic of Congo was making great efforts to educate its population, provide better drinking water, protect journalists and take other measures to protect its citizens’ rights. The crisis in Syria was similarly a faith-based conflict and the Republic of Congo expressed its support for a peaceful, political settlement there.

Denmark, speaking on behalf of itself, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, said that this session of the Human Rights Council was inevitably concerned with Syria and Egypt. With regard to the first, the group of countries was gravely concerned about the reported use of chemical weapons and called for the United Nations Security Council to address the crisis in all its aspects, including by making a referral to the International Criminal Court. Secondly, as friends of Egypt, the countries called for a peaceful path to democracy involving all parties and supported all efforts of the Office of the High Commissioner to assess the human rights situation on the ground.

Syria regretted that the report of the High Commissioner ignored a number of important points, including the influence of foreign countries on extremist “taqfiri” movements. Despite the barbaric massacres reported in Syria, the United States stopped the Security Council from taking a decision on the situation in Syria and obstacles were being put by some countries to prevent the organization of a second meeting in Geneva. The Syrian delegation highlighted the negative and destructive role of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Sri Lanka said that elections would be held in September after 23 years of civil conflict. Sri Lanka would continue to process the requests of Special Rapporteurs wishing to visit the country. Sri Lanka looked forward to an unbiased view on the situation of the country, noting that the High Commissioner had just returned from a country visit. Sri Lanka requested the Office of the High Commissioner to provide the Government with information, if any, on alleged human rights violations since the end of the conflict.

Egypt thanked the High Commissioner for her report and valued her interest in the transition processes currently taking place in the Middle East and North Africa. Egypt was convinced that interactions with the international human rights machinery were necessary and looked forward to the signature of the agreement on the establishment of a regional office in Cairo. Egypt informed the Council that the General Prosecutor had ordered a fact-finding inquiry on the recent violent events. The authorities were keen to implement a road map to end the transitional phase. There would be a referendum on the draft Constitution within 60 days and a process of national reconciliation would be launched.

Norway strongly supported the principled voice of the High Commissioner addressing the ongoing atrocities and increasing levels of suffering in Syria. The use of chemical weapons had been outlawed by the shared will of mankind and Norway joined those who condemned their use in the strongest possible terms. Regarding Sri Lanka, Norway supported the High Commissioner’s call for the protection of human rights defenders, journalists and communities from any reprisal, intimidation or attack. The High Commissioner was commended for her efforts to follow up the mandates by the Human Rights Council in spite of limited resources.

Turkey, with regards to Syria, said the use of chemical weapons by the regime had introduced a new and horrific dimension to this tragedy. In Egypt, it was vital for free, fair and transparent elections to be held as soon as possible. The international community should not lose sight of the humanitarian tragedy of the Palestinians under Israeli occupation. International human rights law foresaw that people should not resort to violence while exercising their freedoms. It was the responsibility of all Governments to make sure that public order and the rights and safety of all citizens were protected. The same applied to the incidents that took place some months ago in Istanbul.

Tunisia restated its determination to pursue building the rule of law, freedoms and human rights in the country. Visits recently carried out by seven mandate-holders had shown Tunisia’s intense cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner, as well as with civil society. All transitions involved difficulties, which should be addressed with courage. The Government had made it clear that it was determined to shed light on the recent terrorist acts. Thanks were renewed to the Office of the High Commissioner and the High Commissioner herself for their tireless efforts to strengthen and promote human rights in Tunisia and worldwide.

Algeria thanked the High Commissioner and said it shared her concerns about the worsening crisis in Syria. Algeria supported the work of Lakhdar Brahimi, the United Nations and Arab League Special Representative to Syria, in finding a lasting peace. Algeria shared the concern of the High Commissioner on the situation of human rights in the occupied Arab territories, and condemned the settlement policy and illegal practices of the Israeli occupation forces. Algeria deplored the resurgence of racism, xenophobia and related intolerance against migrants in some developed countries.

Russian Federation said the High Commissioner had given a correct assessment of the global concerns in human rights and said that the expansion of technical assistance in this sphere was best achieved at the country and regional level. Thus, while strongly condemning chemical attacks in Syria, some of which had been made by rebels according to Russian experts, the Russian Federation stressed that there could be no military solution to the Syrian crisis. The Geneva II peace talks were the way forward. Mounting pressure for an outside military intervention was to be deplored as any such course would destroy human rights in Syria for a long time.

Morocco said the use of chemical weapons in Syria was to be condemned and only serious global negotiations could bring about a peaceful outcome. Morocco welcomed the democratic progress witnessed in Mali. The promotion and protection of human rights required democracy and the rule of law; these must form the bedrock of the post-2015 development agenda. The difficulties of implementation of human rights standards in developing countries as a result of the 2008 financial crisis made the focus of the High Commissioner on maintaining levels of development aid from developed countries most welcome.

China hoped that the Office of the High Commissioner would further promote a constructive dialogue in the field of human rights. A political settlement was the only solution for the conflict in Syria. The Security Council should uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and take decisions that enabled peace in the Middle East. National reconciliation and the protection of human rights were utmost priorities in Syria.

Iraq said that the authorities had launched a fact-finding inquiry in connection to the recent murder of 52 people in Camp Ashraf because of varied stories about what had actually happened in the camp, including the alleged presence of weapons, the explosion of fuel barrels or internal fighting among the residents. The Government had provided the people in the camp with housing and improved security to protect inhabitants against any attack. With regard to the death penalty, Iraq noted that it was still imposed on perpetrators of acts of terrorism, so as to deter potential terrorists.

Paraguay said that the protection of human rights was a fundamental pillar of the Government’s actions. A human rights national action plan had been launched, as well as a national plan for human rights education and training. Similarly, a national preventive mechanism against torture had been established. Paraguay condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and hoped that an inclusive dialogue could be achieved to find a solution to this devastating conflict.

Mexico deplored the situation of human rights in a range of countries in the Middle East and Africa, and condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and their inhumane and indiscriminate impacts, especially on the civilian population. It agreed that there was a need to restrict the supply of arms to ensure that this would not exacerbate and spread the conflict. Mexico was also seriously concerned about the situation in Egypt and supported the intention by Egypt and the Office of the High Commissioner to open an office in the country.

France said that violations in Syria had reached an unequalled degree of severity. These abominable crimes could not leave the international community indifferent. All perpetrators of serious crimes committed had to be held accountable. To document these crimes, the international commission of inquiry needed access to the territory, which had been refused. Human rights violations in the Central African Republic required strong mobilization by the Council. France paid great attention to the situation of Roma persons in order to respond to often complex situations.

United Kingdom strongly condemned the violence by all sides in Egypt since 3 July and called on the authorities to ensure a swift and thorough investigation. It remained concerned about freedom of expression in Egypt and called for detainees to be properly charged or released. The United Kingdom also supported the request for a United Nations technical team to visit the country. On the continuing deterioration of the situation in Syria, the United Kingdom called on all sides to put an end to the violence. It remained committed to a negotiated settlement.

New Zealand said the High Commissioner was doing valuable work and thanked her for it. It was clear that serious human rights challenges remained all over the world. The crisis in Syria would be addressed by New Zealand in later meetings of the Human Rights Council in this session. Meanwhile, New Zealand said that all efforts should be made in Egypt to move the country and its people toward an early return to an inclusive democracy within which human rights were upheld and violence halted.

Greece said it strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria and supported moves toward the Geneva II process. As regards Egypt, the Foreign Minister of Greece visited Egypt last week and affirmed that Greece stood with the Egyptian authorities in the interest of stability in the country. Greece was fully aware of its own obligations toward human rights and took any act of racist violence within its border extremely seriously. A number of measures were being undertaken to protect victims and prevent further occurrence of such incidences.

Iran said the High Commissioner had tried to reflect the plight of Palestinians but had failed to depict the full horror of their persecution. On Syria, Iran concurred with the High Commissioner that a military response would only serve to cause more violence in the area, and that a negotiated settlement was the right path. Iran also expressed concern at the systematic abuse of the right to privacy that was practiced by countries including the United States and the United Kingdom as a result of internet surveillance programmes. Iran said it had strong reservations about any education campaign on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people supported by the High Commissioner on the basis that it would contradict established human rights principles.

Canada expressed concerns with regard to constant attacks against Syrian civilians, including the use of chemical weapons. Canada also expressed concern regarding the situation in Egypt and urged all parties to resolve peacefully their disputes and called on the Egyptian authorities to protect all citizens. Recent violence, including attacks against religious minorities, was deeply concerning and swift action had to be taken against perpetrators. Canada called on Sri Lanka to implement the recommendations from Special Rapporteurs who had visited the country.

Cuba thanked the High Commissioner for her presentation and commitment to combat racism and xenophobia. Syria had the right to sovereignty, territorial integrity and self-determination according to the United Nations Charter. Any international action should be decided by the Security Council. Cuba condemned the violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people. The Office would be truly independent if the contributions to its budget were non-earmarked. Finally, Cuba called on the Office to encourage the United States to close the Guantanamo base.

Uruguay thanked the High Commissioner and her Office for their preventive role in transition contexts around the world. Countries should have a genuine dialogue with the Office to promote and protect human rights. The situation in Syria and the use of chemical weapons was unacceptable. The Syrian Government was primarily responsible for the situation, but all parties involved had to be held accountable for their wrongdoings. Uruguay took note with interest of the discussions between the Office and Egyptian authorities regarding the opening of a regional office in Cairo.

Slovakia deplored and condemned in the strongest terms the atrocities committed in the conflict in Syria. The situation of internally displaced persons and refugees needed to be urgently addressed as well. The current situation in Egypt was a matter of concern. Particular attention should be paid to most vulnerable groups, including religious minorities. While taking note of information on alleged human rights violations committed by the police against Roma living in settlements in eastern Slovakia, there was assurance of the strong commitment of the authorities to address this individual case in a transparent and effective manner.

Jordan believed it was important to reach an urgent political solution to the humanitarian crisis in Syria. It agreed with the High Commissioner that Israel, the occupying power, continued its practices and violations of human rights in the Occupied State of Palestine, continuing to deny the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State, as well as its continuing settlement activity. Additionally, sieges, arrests, restrictions of freedom of movement and confiscation of land ran counter to international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Bahrain said that it had taken note of the various issues faced today, including violations perpetrated in all parts of the world, such as the right to education and in relation to religious intolerance. It regretted that the High Commissioner had said things about Bahrain without being sure of the basis for these, which was unacceptable. Bahrain reaffirmed the importance of public freedoms through the provision of support and collaboration with the United Nations and any objective organization, and that transparency had to be achieved in any report that was written.

Nepal said that all human rights, including the right to development, carried equal weight and had therefore to be pursued even-handedly. Despite a difficult past, Nepal had emerged to be able to take concrete measures in the promotion of human rights. The recommendations made as a result of the Universal Periodic Review were being implemented with urgency. Efforts to conclude the peace process had been undertaken. The uppermost priority for Nepal was now new elections to the Constitutional Assembly to be held in November 2013. Nepal hoped for continuing goodwill from the international community as it consolidated its democratic process.

Iceland said it would discuss Syria at later sessions of the Human Rights Council’s twenty-fourth session, but meanwhile reiterated its support for the High Commissioner’s work in general and with regard to the problems facing Palestinians in particular. The High Commissioner’s thematic work – that which supported the elimination of discrimination against women in the world – was of the utmost concern to Iceland and it would do all it could to support the High Commissioner in this respect.

Myanmar said the problems associated with internally displaced persons in Rakhine state, including the alleged criminal activities carried out by some of them, were being dealt with by the State of Myanmar and its security and law-enforcement bodies. Nobody in Myanmar was treated differently on the basis of religion and the President had repeatedly spoken out against religious hate speech. All measures taken by the Myanmar authorities were based on law and security concerns. As for the possible opening of a High Commissioner’s office in Myanmar, a flurry of meetings toward this end had recently taken place and progress was being made.

Nigeria noted with great concern that migrants continued to be subjected to xenophobia in many countries and called on countries where attacks occurred to do more to protect the human rights of migrants and ensure that they lived in dignity and free from fear. Concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria welcomed the resumption of peace talks in Kampala under the auspices of the International Conference of the Great Lakes Region and urged all parties to refrain from acts that would worsen the already difficult humanitarian situation in parts of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

South Sudan said it shared the High Commissioner’s concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation in Syria. South Sudan expressed its support for the Egyptian interim Government’s endeavours to achieve a political solution and national reconciliation. Regarding the inter-communal violence and alleged human rights abuses against civilians in South Sudan, the delegation said that progress was being made in bringing the violence to an end. The army had been ordered to bring those accused of human rights abuses to justice.

Democratic Republic of the Congo said that the Deputy High Commissioner had visited the country and was able to assess the human rights situation. The perpetrators of the indiscriminate bombing that occurred recently in the eastern part of the country should be held accountable. The human rights violations and the violence against women were the results of an unjust war imposed from the outside. It was thus necessary to restore the authority of the State over the entire territory of the country. The Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner should continue to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Equatorial Guinea welcomed the work of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to find peaceful solutions and bring an end to violations of human rights. Because of abuses and recent violations of human rights, principles of governance in the protection of human rights had to converge to eliminate the obstacles to the full realization of human rights. Equatorial Guinea also drew attention to the need to guarantee security in the world and to maintain peace through peaceful means, with respect for the United Nations Charter.

Azerbaijan said that successful regional economic projects were being implemented in Azerbaijan in spite of a global economic crisis in the world. The problems of economic and social development should be addressed together. Fundamental economic reforms should be complemented by a strong social policy. There was a trend by States affected by the crisis to recover the economic situation at the expense of the most vulnerable communities. The reforms in Azerbaijan were complemented and supported by a strong social policy.

Bangladesh appreciated the High Commissioner’s focus on economic, social and cultural rights. Bangladesh particularly appreciated the high-profile meeting on migration and human rights, held on 4 September in New York, and looked forward to further focus by the High Commissioner on the suffering of migrants and discrimination against them, irrespective of their status. Bangladesh shared concerns over the deteriorating human rights situation and misery of the Syrian people and the use of chemical weapons. Bangladesh placed emphasis on abiding by the agreed definition of the terms of the right to development, as stipulated in the Declaration.

Belgium said that the Office of the High Commissioner was essential for the work of the Human Rights Council and called on all States parties to the body to respect her work. The independence of the High Commissioner and her Office was a condition of her mandate and this required adequate financing: Belgium was committed to maintaining its commitment in this respect. Belgium called on Egypt to respond positively to the High Commissioner’s request for a visit to the country. The use of chemical weapons in Syria amounted to a war crime or indeed a crime against humanity and Belgium supported all efforts of the United Nations Security Council in responding to the crisis.

Colombia thanked the High Commissioner for her visit in July and the frank and open discussions held. President Santos was committed to ending the conflict in Colombia and was addressing the rights of its victims, and indeed all Colombians. Combatting economic inequity was central to this endeavour, and the Government of Colombia was taking all necessary measures in accordance with placing the right to development at the heart of the post-2015 development agenda.

Mongolia, in thanking the High Commissioner for her important work, called for an immediate worldwide moratorium on the death penalty. The President of Mongolia installed such a moratorium in the country in 2010. Mongolia was deeply concerned about the deepening crisis in Syria and supported the position of the United Nations with respect to the use of chemical weapons and the powers of the United Nations Security Council. It restated its commitment to the work of the Human Rights Council and hoped its bid to sit on the Council in the 2016-2018 term would be met favourably.

Belarus shared the concerns of the Council with regard to the human rights and humanitarian situation in Syria. Armed intervention involved a risk of greater suffering. The negotiation of a political settlement was necessary. Belarus regretted that the Office of the High Commissioner focused on specific countries and did not address other situations, especially with regard to western countries.

Saudi Arabia said that the war crimes committed by the Syrian regime, including the use of chemical weapons, were unacceptable. The high number of refugees called for the provision of technical assistance to those who were in need. Saudi Arabia supported the efforts undertaken by Bahrain to reform its institutions and congratulated Egypt for accepting the establishment of a regional office in Cairo. Finally, Saudi Arabia said that the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender were against Islamic sharia, which was applied in the country.

South Africa said that the human rights situation in Syria continued to draw international attention, particularly with the recent allegations on the use of chemical weapons against innocent civilians. The outcome of a military intervention was unpredictable and could only worsen the conflict and the human rights suffering of the Syrian people. Such an intervention could only be authorised by the Security Council. South Africa expressed its support to the work of the High Commissioner in the realisation of the right to development as mandated by General Assembly resolution 48/141 and called for a more visible allocation of resources.

Council of Europe was pleased to inform the Council that its cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had considerably increased in recent years. A consequence of this state of affairs was the need to place the future cooperation in a more articulated, systematic and comprehensive framework. Against this positive background a Joint Declaration on the reinforcement of cooperation between its Secretariat and the Office of the High Commissioner was concluded. It would be signed on 26 December in New York.

Lawyer’s Rights Watch Canada said that this afternoon it had been saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Sunila Abeyasekara, a name synonymous with human rights in Sri Lanka. She would stand as one of the most profound human rights defenders of our times. Many in this chamber had met, worked and marched along her side on issues she passionately advocated for.

A representative from France Liberte Fondation Danielle Miterrand thanked the High Commissioner for mentioning in her report the killing of the 52 refugees in Camp Ashraf in Iraq on 1 September and urging for the protection of both camps Ashraf and Liberty. The speaker said her 33 year old son was one of the victims; he and four others had their hands tied and were brutally massacred in an extrajudicial execution. The High Commissioner was called upon to immediately send a fact-finding mission to Camp Ashraf.

Human Rights Watch said that the police in Egypt had used excessive force to break-up Muslim Brotherhood protests in Cairo, shooting dead hundreds of innocent people. In Bahrain, the curtailment of the right to free expression continued to be of great concern. Human Rights Watch thanked the High Commissioner for her attention to Sri Lanka.

Right of Reply

Bahrain, speaking in a right of reply, said that the High Commissioner had underscored the fact of cooperation between her Office and the Bahraini Government, and this was to be welcomed. It was wrong to say that the visit of the Special Rapporteur had been cancelled; it had simply been postponed. Measures taken by Bahrain had been taken for its national security, including measures dealing with those committed to perpetrating acts of violence against it. The Arab League had welcomed the fact that Bahrain would become the seat of the Arab Human Rights Court. Bahrain rejected the biased interpretation some delegates had placed on the facts.

Egypt, speaking in a right of reply, said that the events of August 2013 were taken in the name of democratic revolution, contrary to the claims of some delegates in today’s debate. The previous regime in Egypt had taken the country back to the Middle Ages. The previous President had adopted exclusion measures affecting women, political party and civil society, and the Egyptian people had to move to save the revolution. Egypt rejected the term “military coup” which was used by certain delegations. In its current transitional stage, the Egyptian State was heading toward democracy and the claims inflamed by some media reports had misstated the aims of the Egyptian authorities.

__________

For use of the information media; not an official record