Human Rights Council holds general debate on human rights situations requiring its attention

Human Rights Council 
MIDDAY / AFTERNOON

17 March 2015

The Human Rights Council today held a general debate on human rights situations that require the Council’s attention, during which speakers raised allegations of human rights violations in countries and regions around the world and reiterated the Council’s responsibility to address all situations of concern.

Speakers in the general debate highlighted concerns about violence perpetrated in the name of religion and the situation of religious minorities in different parts of the world.  They expressed concerns about restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly and the harassment of human rights defenders.  Several speakers regretted the confrontational approach of this item of the Council and condemned the politicization of human rights issues. 

Taking the floor in the general debate were Latvia on behalf of the European Union, Iran on behalf of the Non Aligned Movement, Qatar on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ireland, Germany, United States, Netherlands, Cuba, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Venezuela, China, Russian Federation, Bolivia, France, Iceland, Australia, Norway, Czech Republic, Spain, Ecuador, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Italy, Belgium, Israel, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Iran, Slovakia, Georgia, Canada, Denmark, Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Eritrea, Myanmar on behalf of a group of countries, and Montenegro. 

Also speaking were the following non-governmental organizations: Baha’i International Community, Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik, Prevention Association for Social Harms, International Movement Against all Forms of Discrimination and Racism, Centre for Reproductive Rights Inc., Franciscans International, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Society of Iranian Women Advocating Sustainable Development of the Environment, Organization for Defending Victims of Violence, Edmund Rice International Limited, Khiam Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture, International Association of Democratic Lawyers, World Barua Organization, Federacion de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos, Institute for Women’s Studies and Research, France-Libertés, Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales, Human Rights House Foundation, 1International Federation for Human Rights Leagues, Family Planning Association of Iran, Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain, Liberation, Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims, Asalam Foundation, United Nations Watch, Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy, Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association, Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism, Maryam Ghasemi Educational Charity Institute, International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations, Press Emblem Campaign, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project, CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Women’s Human Rights International Association, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, World Jewish Congress, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, International Buddhist Relief Organization, International Association for Democracy in Africa, International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies, Society for Threatened People, Center for Inquiry, European Union of Public Relations, Centre for Environmental and Management Studies, World Environment and Resources Council, World Evangelical Alliance, African Technical Association, American Association of Jurists, World Muslim Congress, Commission to Study the Organization of Peace, United Schools International, Canners International Permanent Committee, African Technology Development Link, International Humanist and Ethical Union, British Humanist Association, Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme, Agence Internationale Pour le Developpement, International Muslim Women’s Union, African Development Association, Action international pour la paix et le développement dans la region des Grands Lacs, Association of World’s Citizens, Africa Culture International Human Rights, Auspice Stella, International Service for Human Rights, Indian Council of South America, Victorious Youth Movement, Russian Peace Foundation, Vivat International, and Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et la Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale.

At the end of the meeting, Lebanon, Venezuela, Sudan, Russian Federation, Syria, Bahrain, Egypt, Armenia, Canada, Japan, Cuba, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Turkmenistan, Thailand, Ethiopia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Belarus, Qatar, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Iran spoke in right of reply to statements made during the general debate on human rights situations requiring the Council’s attention.

The Council will reconvene at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, 18 March, to hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues.  The Council will also hear a report of the Forum on Minority Issues and consider Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Italy, El Salvador, Gambia, Bolivia, Fiji and San Marino.

General Debate on Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention

Latvia, speaking on behalf of the European Union, condemned the serious deterioration of the human rights situation in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.  It was also deeply concerned by the continuing reports on the serious human rights situation in South Sudan.  It expressed deep concern for the human rights situation in Nigeria, Egypt, China, Russia, Venezuela and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  Respect for human rights and international humanitarian law were key factors for peace and stability.

Iran, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, reaffirmed that democracy, development and respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms were interdependent and mutually reinforcing.  The international community should support the strengthening and promotion of those values in the entire world, without distinction between developed and developing countries.  They should be addressed through a constructive, non-confrontational, non-politicised and non-selective manner.

Qatar, speaking on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, extended support for the President of Yemen and condemned the attempt by the Houthis to dissolve the parliament, and to preach violence and endanger fundamental freedoms.  Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council had agreed to hold a conference with the Yemeni President in order to uphold the legitimacy of his office and reject the illegal constitutional declaration, and to help Yemen to go back to stability and security.  All parties were urged to prevent terrorist organizations from taking root in Yemen.

Ireland remained concerned about the deterioration of the human rights situation in Egypt, including repression of peaceful assembly and abuses in detention.  In Bahrain, the detention of activists was unacceptable.  Ireland was concerned about the situation in Libya, and called for settlement of the conflict.   Illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territories led to human rights violations against the Palestinian people.  Ireland was concerned also about repression in Azerbaijan and Belarus, and violence committed in the name of religion in Nigeria and Iraq. 

Germany was concerned about repression against civil society in Azerbaijan, and urged the Government to investigate and prosecute such cases.  It was concerned about restrictions on the media and imprisonment of activists in China, and called on the authorities to release all prisoners of conscience and respect human rights and the rule of law.  It was concerned about atrocities by Boko Haram and ISIL, and by human rights violations by the Nigerian authorities.   It called on Russia to address the climate of hatred and ensure due process standards.  Germany remained concerned about the situations in Sudan, South Sudan, and  Ukraine, particularly in Crimea. 

United States was concerned about atrocities in Syria by ISIL and the authorities.  The United States was also concerned about restrictions on freedoms in Sudan.  In South Sudan, opponents and activists had been targeted.  The United States called for the release of prisoners of conscience in China.  In Venezuela, intimidation of dissenters had increased.  The United States called on Venezuela and Cuba to release prisoners of conscience.  The United States was also concerned the situation in Uzbekistan, Egypt, the Russian Federation, and in eastern Ukraine.  

Netherlands remained very concerned about the atrocities committed by Da’esh and other armed groups involved in the conflict in Iraq.  It stressed the importance of holding all perpetrators accountable, and of avoiding deepening sectarian tensions and preventing further atrocities.  It was also appalled by the continuation of grave human rights violations in Syria, Ukraine, South Sudan, Myanmar, and the Democratic People’s Democratic Republic of Korea. 

Cuba reiterated that a group of countries was using the Council as an inquisition court.  An attempt in the Council to abuse Venezuela without proper argumentation was unacceptable.  It was unacceptable to interfere in a country and thus endanger its security.   Cuba reminded that the United States had no moral authority to condemn others, especially in light of the events at Ferguson.  It wondered why there was no analysis in the Council on the United States’ use of drones. 

United Kingdom remained deeply concerned by the situation in Crimea and eastern Ukraine and called on both sides to respect international law.  It was also appalled by the violations of human rights in Syria.  The United Kingdom was concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and supported the imminent opening of an office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Seoul.  It also voiced concern about the conflict zones in Sudan and South Sudan.

Japan urged the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to sincerely heed the calls of the international community and take concrete actions towards the improvement of its human rights situation, including the resolution of the issue of abduction.  With respect to Syria, Iraq and ISIL, Japan deplored the grave human rights violations and abuses and expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the region.  Japan resolutely condemned the killing of Japanese hostages by ISIL.

India said the Human Rights Council had to be a platform for dialogue and be guided by the principles of the United Nations Charter.  It was important to avoid double standards and address human rights challenges within the global context through a constructive, non-confrontational, non-politicized and objective manner.   The proliferation of country-specific mandates focusing only on developing countries demonstrated the inherent contradictions in approaching human rights in isolation and had not been able to generate genuine dialogue. 

Venezuela rejected the selective practice of some powers of the Council to violate the principle of States’ sovereignty.  The Council should not be an arena for Western countries to attack countries of the South.   Anti-democratic movements sponsored by foreign powers had threatened Venezuela, and the Government had addressed this, while respecting human rights.  Venezuela highlighted arbitrary detentions, including in Guantanamo, cyberspace espionage and unlawful unilateral coercive sanctions by the United States.  The Council had to reject such behaviour that violated the most basic principles of international law, and address issues without selectivity or politicization. 

China said that resolutions targeting particular countries had been used as tools to achieve geopolitical goals, and insisted on the respect of the principles of impartiality, non-selectivity and neutrality.  All parties should come back to constructive cooperation and renounce double standards.  China paid equal attention to all its citizens, whose living standards had risen significantly and whose religious freedoms were respected; everyone was treated equally by the law.

Russia said that the situation in Ukraine, primarily in eastern areas, remained worrying and said that the truce must lay a foundation for the national political dialogue.  As a result of the  protracted conflict, a humanitarian crisis had developed and even now, there was not enough food or medicine, while social infrastructure was destroyed.  Kiev must show respect for human rights and humanitarian norms, as laid down in the Minsk agreement.

Bolivia renounced the establishment of some country mandates that did not enjoy the support of the concerned country, and stressed that they should be consistent with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the institution-building package.  Measures to promote and protect human rights should enjoy the consent of the country concerned, stressed Bolivia, saying that the Council already had in place a mechanism to examine human rights situations in all countries, which was the Universal Periodic Review.

France said in Syria, Bachar Al-Assad was no longer content to wage war against his own people, he was conducting a campaign of rehabilitation in the international media to present himself as a bastion against terrorism.  Make no mistake, said France, Da’esh and Bachar were the two faces of the same terror.  Bachar Al-Assad could not be part of Syria’s future.   France called on the international community to mobilize in response to Da’esh in Iraq.  It also raised deep concerns about rights situations in  Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Iran, South Sudan, eastern Ukraine, Eritrea and Maldives. 

Iceland regretted that there were increasing threats to civil society groups, human rights defenders and the media in many parts of the world, particularly in Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Egypt.  The prolonged foreign occupation of the State of Palestine was a violation of international law, as were Israel’s continued settlement activities.  The occupation violated the most basic human rights of Palestinians, said Iceland, urging Israel to work constructively towards ensuring lasting peace based on the two-State solution.

Australia strongly condemned attacks based on religious intolerance.  It expressed deep concern about human rights attacks committed by Da’esh in Iraq and Syria and condemned its reprehensible acts in the strongest possible terms.  The Australian Government had committed to resettling at least 4,400 people fleeing violence in Iraq and Syria this year.  Australia also expressed concerns about the grave human rights situation in eastern Ukraine, as well as in Sudan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. 

Norway remained deeply concerned about the human rights situation in Syria, Iran, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Eritrea, Myanmar and South Sudan.  In Venezuela, Norway was concerned about reported violations of civil and political rights, and was also worried about the dire situation of civil society and human rights defenders in Azerbaijan.  Norway welcomed the openness of authorities in Ukraine to address human rights challenges and regretted that parts of the country remained outside of their control.

Czech Republic remained concerned about continued detention and sentencing of human rights defenders in China and the deteriorating environment for human rights defenders and journalists in Azerbaijan.  The dire human rights situation in the illegally annexed Crimea and the fuelling of the conflict by Russia was also an issue of concern.  The Taliban responsible for the murder of children in Peshawar in Pakistan must be held responsible.

Spain said that the institutional crisis in Libya was of great concern and only a political agreement would be able to reign in the chaos.  In South Sudan the non-implementation of agreements had led to the deterioration of the situation, while the human trafficking of Eritrean migrants was of concern.  Security in the Central African Republic was not ensured throughout the territory and attention must be paid to the situation of child soldiers and their demobilization and reintegration.

Ecuador expressed concern about practices of espionage and massive interception of electronic communications by countries such as the United States.  States must take responsibility for rights violations that they committed, even outside of their own territories.  The United States  Government must respond to complaints of torture made by prisoners in Guantanamo and CIA secret detention centres, and the killing of innocent victims in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Yemen by drones.

Switzerland expressed deep concern about the ongoing use of torture around the world, particularly in Egypt and Gambia.  It congratulated Tajikistan for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture but said it must combat widespread use of torture in its territory.  Switzerland called on the United States  to end impunity for perpetrators of torture.  It also expressed concern about the shortage of reproductive and sexual healthcare around the world.
Costa Rica said that in its report to the Council the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights had flagged a number of human rights situations of concern around the world.  The Human Rights Council could not ignore those situations: the voices of the victims must be heard and the international community must remain alert.  Year after year many Governments refused to cooperate with Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council; Costa Rica appealed to them to change their minds. 

Italy said that the international community faced multiple challenges and crises.  The rise of ISIL was a matter of great concern, as was the rise of new forms of violence in all parts of the world.  Italy expressed its strong support for the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, reiterated concern about the humanitarian impact of the current crisis in South Sudan and expressed support for a political solution of the crisis in Ukraine.

Belgium said that democracy, rule of law and human rights mutually strengthened each other, but in pre-election periods the opposite occurred, and Belgium was concerned about the situation in a number of countries which would soon hold elections, including in Venezuela and Azerbaijan.  The freedom and the spirit of the Constitution and United Nations norms must be respected in those and in countries that had recently undergone elections, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Burundi.

Israel said that the Middle East remained the hub of serious human rights violations and there were no moderates in the struggle in Iran.  The Human Rights Council must speak loud and clear on behalf of the millions in the Middle East who wanted a life in peace and freedom from Islamic State and the Islamic Republic.  Hamas and Hezbollah were getting ready to commit new violence, and this must not be accepted if peace and good governance were the goals.

Democratic People's Republic of Korea expressed concern about a number of human rights violations being committed in the United States, and said the international community should no longer close its eyes to those serious crimes – it should bring the perpetrators to justice.   It also expressed concern about rights violations in the European Union, in particular discrimination towards migrants, acts of hate crime and the rise of neo-Nazi groups.  It called on Japan to acquit itself with regard to historic human rights violations.  

Iran said the atrocities against the Palestinian people could be added to the long list of rights violations committed by the Israeli regime over the last six decades.  Systematic violations of rights, particularly discrimination towards minorities, racism, hate speech and xenophobia, in some European Union Member States was still a matter of grave concern.  Iran also expressed concern about indigenous peoples in Canada. 

Slovakia said it was seriously concerned about the deteriorating conflict and grave human rights violations and abuses in Syria, where the suffering of civilians had already reached an unprecedented level.  The human rights situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea  required consistent attention.   It remained extremely concerned by the situation in eastern Ukraine, where huge numbers of people had lost their lives, and hoped all parties to the Minsk agreements would respect their commitments. 

Georgia said that Russia’s actions in Ukraine, such as the annexation of Crimea, should be appropriately addressed by the international community.  Ukraine was not an isolated case but rather part of Russia’s attempt to expand zones of influence by hampering the sovereign right of nations to determine their future.  A clear example of this was Russia’s military aggression against Georgia in 2008, the occupation of 20 per cent of its territory, and the flagrant violation of the cease fire agreement brokered by the European Union.

Canada remained concerned by ongoing and widespread violations and human rights abuses committed by all parties to the conflict in South Sudan, and was appalled by the attacks on civilians based on ethnicity, continued recruitment of child soldiers, and widespread sexual violence.  There must be impartial investigation into the accusation of widespread rape in Darfur, said Canada, and expressed concern about the intimidation of political opponents and protestors in Venezuela and the  mistreatment of civil society in Azerbaijan.

Denmark said that in Ukraine, although violence had clearly decreased, the situation remained very fragile, the humanitarian situation remained dire and human rights were violated on a daily basis.  Denmark welcomed the recent commitment of Sri Lanka to cooperate with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and encouraged it to also cooperate with the international investigation.  The continued Israeli settlement activity remained deeply concerning and the Government should ensure accountability for human rights violations.

Belarus said the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review showed that even the most democratic States received accusations of human rights violations.  The Human Rights Council was repeating the mistakes of the Human Rights Commission by continuing its short-sighted approach to some countries and ignoring the situation in other countries whose Governments had taken upon themselves a messianic mission to promote human rights.  Such double standards and politicization were leading to a break-down in trust in the Council. 

Ukraine said following the act of aggression by Russia against it last March, and its subsequent occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Russia had many questions to answer.  They included oppression of Crimean Tatars and ethnic Ukrainians in Crimea, the unlawful detention in Russia of Ukrainian citizens abducted and forcibly taken across the border, Russia’s arming of militant groups in the southeast of Ukraine, and Russia’s exploitation of the humanitarian situation in Donbas.  Ukraine called on Russia to end its propaganda war, both globally and nationally. 

Azerbaijan drew attention to the human rights of one million Azerbaijani refugees and internally displaced persons who were expelled from their native lands more than 20 years ago as a result of aggression from Armenia.  Azerbaijan expressed deep concern about reports of discrimination and rights abuses towards minorities and anti-Semitic and Islamophobic statements in Norway, Germany and Belgium.  It condemned the practice of racial profiling in the United Kingdom, and expressed concern about the use of extreme violence by law enforcement agencies in the United States. 

Eritrea stressed that human rights issues should not be politicised and deplored the continuous targeting of countries in total disregard of the consent of the concerned countries.  Eritrea was concerned about the double standards and the violation of basic principles by some countries.  Cooperation and engagement should be based on the Universal Periodic Review as an important mechanism and the institutional capacity building should be expanded as much as possible.

Myanmar, speaking on behalf of a group of countries, said that adopting country-specific resolutions against the principle of non-selectivity and will of the concerned countries did not create a meaningful dialogue.  Country-specific mandates were not able to create a genuine dialogue to strengthen the capacity of Member States in fulfilling their human rights obligations for the benefit of all human beings.

Montenegro continued to be concerned about the human rights situation in Syria, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belarus, Sudan, South Sudan and Ukraine, and condemned the recent brutal crimes committed by the Islamic State and Boko Haram.  As a result of armed conflicts, the number of internally displaced persons and refugees had significantly increased.  Montenegro expressed concern about the high rate of executions, including in Iran and Egypt.

Baha’i International Community noted that regrettably in Iran the principle that all human beings were equal was not applied.  In fact, discrimination against minorities, such as the Kurds, the Baluch, the Arabs, the Sunnis and the Shi’a dervishes, was usual State practice.  The Baha’is in particular endured discrimination, such as denial of public employment and severe restrictions in the private sector, and a ban on professing their faith. 

Verein Sudwind Entwicklungspolitik said it was of outmost importance for the Human Rights Council to consider the phenomenon of ISIL and its regional allies, such as Al Qaida and Al Shabab.  In Iran, hanging, stoning and blinding constituted legal penalties.  Those were carried out in secret to keep domestic and international public opinion in the dark.  The Council should firmly react to such clear violations of human rights and inhumane punishment as part of Iran’s penal code.

Prevention Association for Social Harms said the increasing violence in the name of monotheist religions was one of the biggest threats to international peace and security.  It called on international organizations and the Human Rights Council to take practical and preventive actions towards creating a world free of violence and extremism.

International Movement against all Forms of Discrimination and Racism condemned the recent killing of a human rights blogger in Bangladesh and urged the Government to effectively investigate the incident and ensure the safety of human rights defenders, including political opponents.  The indication of the President of Sri Lanka that the United Nations would not be included in a domestic inquiry into war crimes was of concern.

Centre for Reproductive Rights Inc. expressed concern about the criminalization of abortion under all circumstances in El Salvador and the imprisonment of women for pregnancy-related complications and miscarriages.  The Government should be held accountable for its failure to respect and protect women’s reproductive rights.  In India, marginalized women died and suffered grave complications as a result of substandard conditions in government-sponsored sterilization camps.

Franciscans International drew attention to the serious human rights situation in Papua and the regular extra-judicial and summary executions by Indonesian security forces.  Excessive or unnecessary use of violence by the police force was applied as a repressive measure during demonstrations and gatherings.  The Government should reform the Indonesian military court system which currently let impunity prevail.

Human Rights Watch said China had claimed during its Universal Periodic Review outcome that freedom of expression was not restricted and human rights defenders were not persecuted.  China however refused to explain the death of human rights defender Cao Shunli.  In Egypt, authorities had arrested at least 41,000 people since July 2013, many for protesting or for alleged links with the Muslim Brotherhood. 

Amnesty International recalled the United States Senate report on the secret detention programme operated by the Central Intelligence Agency after the attacks of 11 September 2001.  The United States now had to end impunity for systematic crimes under international law.  Other States also had to be held accountable and take responsibility for their complicity in the Central Intelligence Agency Programme. 

Society of Iranian Women Advocating Sustainable Development of the Environment said eco-tourism in Iran had been neglected due to lack of resources.  Economic sanctions  imposed on Iran negatively affected development in general and the protection of the environment in particular.  The Council should support international protection of the environment in Iran through removing economic sanctions and ensuring cooperation. 

Organization for Defending Victims of Violence said that despite a number of Security Council resolutions defending freedom of religion and belief, that freedom was continuously endangered.  Violence committed in the name of religion spread fear.  It was thus important that Governments adopted legal measures against defamation of religion to reduce extremism on both sides of the spectrum.

Edmund Rice International Limited, in a joint statement with Fondazione Marista per la Solidarietà Internazionale ONLUS, noted that the Australian Government had adopted harsh regulations for asylum seekers, and signed three memoranda of understanding with nearby countries to that end.  Children asylum seekers suffered mental and physical conditions, and were exposed to various types of assault, including sexual assault.  The Australian Government should ban the processing of claims while still at sea.

Khiam Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture spoke on behalf of thousands of prisoners in Israel.  Tens of thousands had been tortured.  Israel considered itself above the law.  There were also children in prisons suffering from cancer and other serious diseases.  Khiam Rehabilitation Centre for Victims of Torture called on Israel to treat those prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Conventions and ensure their immediate release.

International Association of Democratic Lawyers drew attention to the dire human rights situation in Ukraine, and the banning of the Communist Party of Ukraine, which was the main opposition party representing 13.2 per cent of the vote in the previous legislature.  Such actions represented a serious attempt against the freedom of association and expressions of Ukrainian people. 

World Barua Organization said that the Council’s continued attention was needed on the violations of indigenous peoples in north-east India, whose rights were trampled upon by India.  India had jeopardised incremental progress over the past several decades, contrary to the recommendations by several Special Procedures and treaty bodies. 

Federacion de Asociaciones de Defensa y Promocion de los Derechos Humanos welcomed the spirit of States when they created thematic rapporteurs, including on indigenous peoples, which contributed to peace and continuous progress of States and indigenous peoples.  The Council should consider the creation of a thematic Rapporteur on the self-governing territory of Western Sahara.

Institute for Women’s Studies and Research expressed concerns about the rise of violence against Muslims in France after the Charlie Hebdo attacks.  These attacks marked an increase in Islamophobic incidents since the Paris shootings, and created an atmosphere against Muslims in France.  It was France’s primary responsibility to protect its population. 

France-Libertés was concerned regarding human rights violations and lack of human development in Western Sahara, and particularly about the neglect of sanitation in detention facilities, which had led to several deaths.  The United Nations should create a monitoring mechanism on human rights in Western Sahara.

Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS) Asociación Civil, in a joint statement with Conectas Direitos Humanos; and International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH), welcomed the declassification by the United States Senate of elements of its report on torture by the Central Intelligence Agency.   It was important to ensure accountability for acts of torture.  Continuing impunity threatened to undermine the absolute prohibition of torture.  The Council had to demand full accountability and transparency. 

Human Rights House Foundation, in a joint statement with International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH); Article 19 – The International Centre Against Censorship, CIVICUS – and World Alliance for Citizen Participation, expressed concern about a crackdown in Azerbaijan against human rights defenders, and against any independent voices in the country.  The crackdown also targeted independent media.  Human Rights House Foundation called on the Azerbaijani Government to put an end to the systematic punishment of leaders of civil society.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues noted that in Egypt independent civil society was being destroyed.  Dissenting voices were targeted through show trials based on scant evidence.  In Saudi Arabia and Bahrain repression of opposition and civil society also continued unabated.  In Russia, Malaysia and South Sudan, Governments conducted judicial campaigns with clear political motivation, and harassed human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations.

Family Planning Association of Iran noted that the Iranian people had been suffering from the negative effects of sanctions.  The suffering had increased due to the imposition of unilateral sanctions by Western countries.  The last three reports of the Special Rapporteur on the situation in Iran did not pay enough attention to the sanctions.  Sanctions left negative, destructive and long lasting effects on everyone’s health and the enjoyment of human rights.

Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain raised concerns over the failure of the Saudi judicial system which continued to restrict the rights of women, human rights defenders and voices of dissent.  The system offered women limited legal and domestic rights, while the guardianship system rendered them legal minors before their male relatives.  In the past year, human rights defenders had increasingly been tried as terrorists.

Liberation said north-east India had been reeling under harsh military laws for over 50 years.  Liberation had consistently recommended that the Government repeal the Special Powers Act.  The Human Rights Council should take steps to ensure the repeal of the law.

Charitable Institute for Protecting Social Victims said that the terrorist group ISIS committed crimes in the name of religion but had no concern for religion at all.  The crimes committed were in no way justifiable.  By stirring religious and ethnic feelings, the perpetrators pursued evil objectives to deal a blow to followers of monotheistic religions and damage the relation with Islamic countries.

Asalam Foundation, in a joint statement, referred to the deepening human rights crisis in Bahrain, where arbitrary arrests, detentions, torture, ill-treatment and extrajudicial killings were systematically being used to severely restrict free expression, free assembly and free association, and to silence critical voices peacefully calling for reform. 

United Nations Watch said today was election day in Israel, and demanded whether countries that had not had free and fair elections, including members of the Council who condemned Israel, such as China, Russian Federation, Cuba, Venezuela, State of Palestine or Saudi Arabia, would watch Israel’s democracy in action and learn something.

Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy underlined India’s failure to prosecute those responsible for killings and other abuses during the 1984 anti-Sikh violence.  No police officers had been convicted and there were no prosecutions for rape, highlighting a comprehensive failure of the justice system.  Many victims, witnesses and perpetrators had since died, making hope for justice and accountability more remote every passing year. 

Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association said that caste discrimination persisted with adverse effects on human rights on multiple levels in India.  State authorities often failed to prevent it.  The Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability Act of 2011 had been applied in only a handful of criminal cases, due to a lack of awareness about the Act and victims’ fears of reporting attacks.

Association for Defending Victims of Terrorism requested the United Nations to address the adverse effects of terrorist crimes on victims, and called on Member States to establish national focus points to promote adequate protective policies and necessary assistance for victims.  It suggested that the United Nations join its campaign for a world free of violence and extremism.

Maryam Ghasemi Educational Charity Institute said children suffered violations of their rights in situations of conflict.  They could be homeless and unaccompanied within displaced populations.  In Syria many children had been killed.  The international community had to find solutions for such problems.  Otherwise, children may join extremist armed groups.

International Youth and Student Movement for the United Nations reminded that Western Sahara was still waiting for the United Nations to adopt a resolution on a referendum on independence.  It was also necessary to urgently create an independent and permanent mission to investigate the situation of human rights in Western Sahara.

Press Emblem Campaign said that 2014 had been the second deadliest year for journalists during the past decade: 138 media workers had been killed in the line of duty in 32 countries.  The most dangerous countries were Syria, Gaza, Pakistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Mexico, Afghanistan and others.  As of today, 33 journalists had already been killed in 2015.

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project said that the situation in South Sudan was worsening and noted the failure of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development to reach a peace agreement.  A Special Procedure mandate on the human rights situation in South Sudan was needed and the Council must act decisively, including by calling on the African Union to release the report of its Commission of Inquiry.

CIVICUS – World Alliance for Citizen Participation drew attention to the declining respect for freedoms of association and expression across the globe, affecting both emerging and consolidated democracies, including in Ethiopia, Azerbaijan and Bahrain.  The Council should take concerted action to address the continued deprivation of the fundamental rights of civil society and called on those governments to immediately release all human rights defenders.

Women’s Human Rights International Association expressed concerns about the current situation in Iraq, especially with regard to healthcare services and detention facilities.  It asked for monitoring of the situation in Ashraf camp.

Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development expressed concerns about the persecution of human rights defenders and political dissidents in a number of Asian countries, including in Malaysia and the Maldives.  In Thailand, at least 200 civilians had been prosecuted in military courts, many of them for exercising their right to freedom of assembly.

World Jewish Congress referred to the situation in Iran, where activists, women and members of religious minorities lived in fear.  People sitting in the Council should consider themselves lucky not to live under such threats.  World Jewish Congress condemned that Iran had organized a holocaust denial cartoon competition, and expressed concerns about the resurgence of anti-Semitism.  

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies drew attention to the ongoing crackdown by authorities in Morocco against freedom of association and human rights defenders.  Despite progress achieved in Morocco, recent attacks against human rights defenders  cast serious doubts about the political will of the current government to uphold universal standards.

International Buddhist Relief Organization noted that India’s 160 million Dalits still suffered from egregious caste discrimination.  They were often targets of physical and sexual violence  and worked in degrading conditions.  The Indian Government had failed to enforce its laws to ensure Dalit rights.

International Association for Democracy in Africa noted that the role of religion in radicalization was dangerously exaggerated.  Abject poverty and unemployment among youth made them easy prey for radicalization, and efforts had to be made to keep them away from such ideologies.  The pushback against radical Islam had to come from religious centres themselves.

International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies said that the right to self-determination had become one of the most complex issues facing policymakers.  It was a fundamental and inalienable human right because of its importance to the international order and the protection of individual rights.

Society for Threatened People called the attention of the Council to the deteriorating human rights situation of the Tibetan people in China and to the well-known case of their spiritual leader, the 11th Panchen Lama who had disappeared when he was six years old.  While the Chinese authorities had admitted taking him, they refused to divulge any information about his whereabouts.

Centre for Inquiry said that freedom of religion or belief remained almost inexistent in Saudi Arabia, which had a lengthy record of punishing individuals or communities that differed from the Government’s narrow version of authoritarian Islam.  States should be more involved in the Istanbul Process, but given its human rights record, Saudi Arabia would be an inappropriate setting for the next meeting.

European Union of Public Relations referred to the deplorable situation of women in Afghanistan under the Taliban and current regime.  Women in Afghanistan had no social status, no freedom of speech and lacked access to medical care.  Women were prohibited from being seen or heard, and had to wear full veils when going out.  Women suffered domestic violence as well. 

Centre for Environmental and Management Studies said fighting terrorism became a futile exercise when subjective choices were made about which terrorist to fight and which to nurture.  It regretted the double game played by Pakistan in connection to Afghanistan and India, tolerating and aiding militant groups there for strategic purposes and in contradiction with Pakistan’s public commitment to support Afghan-led reconciliation.   

World Environment and Resources Council underlined human rights violations by Pakistan against Sindhi people, including  kidnapping, torture and killings of activists.  Indigenous Sindhi Hindus were facing increased violence, including forced conversions to Islam, forced marriage and attacks on their properties.  This had resulted in the exodus of the indigenous Hindu population out of Sindh. 

World Evangelical Alliance drew attention to two situations in Asia.  The first one was the position of Evangelical Christians and other small minorities in Sri Lanka.  They were demonized as allegedly dangerous threats to the long-term survival of the nation.  The second situation concerned Malaysia where the use of the word “Allah” was banned despite the fact that it was a generic word for “God” in Arabic.  

African Technical Association said the human rights situation in Balochistan was worsening.  Human rights defenders were facing increasing obstacles in their effort to highlight human rights abuses and remedial actions for abuses.  The situation was expected to get worse as China was helping Pakistan to loot Balochistan’s resources.

American Association of Jurists welcomed the announcement by the High Commissioner for Human Rights about sending a technical mission to Western Sahara to visit Tindouf camp.  The continuing serious violations of fundamental freedoms and rights by Morocco in Western Sahara could not continue with impunity.  The Association invited the Council to consider the report to be prepared by the technical mission.

World Muslim Congress said that in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, justice was denied, poverty was enforced, and neither persons nor property were safe.  The security forces knew they could get away with anything on account of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, and they indulged in abysmal felonies.  

Commission to Study the Organization of Peace said that internally displaced persons were among the world’s most vulnerable persons and they remained under the protection of their Government, even if they ran away from that Government in the first place.  The number of internally displaced persons in the north Waziristan province in Pakistan had been on the increase since the conflict between the army and the Taliban.

United Schools International said that Pakistan continued to support cross border terrorist activities carried out by groups which were deliberately created and nurtured as strategic assets to help Pakistan achieve its foreign policy objective.  The security situation in Pakistan had deteriorated and Pakistan had become a sponsor of terrorism rather than a combatant of it.

Canners International Permanent Committee noted that torture had become a norm in Pakistan, and was used irrespective of gender.  It was used to prevent any dissent and caused fear among the citizens in Pakistan.  Many Baloch women and men disappeared every year.  The Baloch merely wanted to be acknowledged as part of Pakistan, and not as outsiders.

African Technology Development Link said that in a society in which many cultures coexisted, it was necessary to treat everyone equally.  The right to freedom of expression, worship and cultural perpetuation by the Gilgit-Baltistan society was deliberately denied by the Pakistani occupying regime in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

International Humanist and Ethical Union called attention to death sentences in Mauritania and Saudi Arabia handed down on the grounds of insulting Islam.  In Pakistan more than 1,000 people had been prosecuted for blasphemy.  In Viet Nam three activists were sentenced to prison for having called for religious freedom.  

British Humanist Association said that blasphemy laws were an obstruction to combating terrorism or violence of non-State actors, because they lent legitimacy for extrajudicial violence, and heightened interfaith and intercommunal animus.  States should demonstrate their commitment to Resolution 16/18 by implementing it at the domestic level, supported by the Rabat Plan of Action.

Rencontre Africaine pour la defense des droits de l’homme said that human rights violations by fanatical groups were being witnessed daily.  What was happening in Nigeria, Libya, Syria, Iraq, or in Pakistan showed the levels of cruelty that humans had descended to and the international community should put an end to such barbarity.

Agence Internationale Pour le Developpement fought against the silence surrounding atrocities committed in Sahrawi refugee camps in Tindouf in Algeria.  Several serious international organizations had categorized those crimes as crimes against humanity.  The situation in the Sahrawi refugee camps was serious and the Polisario was embezzling humanitarian aid.

International Muslim Women’s Union noted that the promotion of gender equality and the protection of women’s rights were key international standards.  Women were indirect victims of violence in Kashmir, but also direct victims of rape and abductions.  They suffered various illnesses and disorders, as well as negative social effects due to the conflict.   

African Development Association reminded that a colonial system continued to prevail in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, which had been declared a disputed area by the United Nations.  That oppressive system had manifested itself recently when military courts abused their jurisdiction by declaring life sentences for local political leaders.  

Action international pour la paix et le développement dans la region des Grands Lacs wished to draw the Council’s attention to the systematic violations of human rights in the Tindouf camps in south Algeria.  So-called human rights in Tindouf camps did not exist.       

Association of World’s Citizens said there was a feeling of betrayal among the Syrian population over the failure to protect them from indiscriminate bombings and chemical attacks.  Refugees and displaced persons were living in dire conditions. 

Africa Culture International Human Rights was concerned about the situation in Pakistan and in so-called Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, and violence and harassment against activists and defenders there under the Anti-Terrorism Act.  Anti-Terrorist Courts had continuously failed to punish terrorists and had even freed some of them.

Auspice Stella said Chilean police brutality and lack of due process against Mapuche community members remained a problem, and regretted that no investigation, arrest or prosecution had been undertaken.  The Temucuicui Community had undergone numerous police raids, and arrests of its members was commonplace.

International Service for Human Rights said that Assyrian civilians had been subjected to indiscriminate attacks and called upon the Council and the international community to provide protection to Assyrian Christians,  provide displaced families with humanitarian relief, take a firm stand against impunity, and urge the Syrian Government to release all persons arbitrarily detained.

Indian Council of South America said that the Indigenous Fund set up in Bolivia was derived from gas revenues and was used as an open check book by the ruling political party to manipulate indigenous organizations.  The rights of the indigenous peoples in Alaska and Hawaii were being violated and the Indian Council of South America diplomatically protested the illegal occupation of those territories.

Victorious Youth Movement expressed concern at the instrumentalization of human rights values in relation to Algeria and Polisario in southern provinces of Morocco.  This aimed to bring prejudice to the respectable image of Morocco on the international scene by the enemies of Morocco.

Russian Peace Foundation referred to cases of torture by Ukrainian security forces, including waterboarding and strangling, sometimes leading to the death of victims.  The information collected by non-governmental organizations showed that the most cruel forms of torture were systematically and on purpose used by the Ukrainian security forces, which amounted to a war crime. 

Vivat International referred to human rights violations against the community of Piqua de Baixo in Brazil, including high levels of pollution resulting from industrial activities and affecting the health and livelihood of families, particularly children.  Brazil should put in place a community collective resettlement programme and take measures to control the pollution resulting from industrial activities. 

Organisation pour la Communication en Afrique et la Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale underlined that people detained against their will in the Tindouf camps in Algeria were victims of Algeria’s policy aiming at perpetuating the Sahara conflict.  Extrajudicial executions, sequestration, rape, sexual trafficking, and diversion of humanitarian aid were among the violations that occurred to people detained there and people protesting against this. 

Right of Reply

Lebanon, speaking in a right of reply, did not understand why the words on Hezbollah had been used in the discussion on the human rights situation in Syria and rejected false statements, particularly by those who violated the most basic rights on a daily basis.  Israel occupied not only Palestine but also the occupied part of Lebanon and had committed worst forms of human rights violations there, including torture.

Venezuela, speaking in a right of reply, said that the United States continued to practice interventions against Venezuela and was behind a conspiracy to cause instability of the legitimate Government.  The United States had no moral standing to point fingers: it had invaded sovereign countries, killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children, and practiced segregation against Spanish speakers in the United States, including the repatriation of unaccompanied migrant children. 

Sudan, speaking in a right of reply, rejected false accusation relating to human rights violations in Sudan as they were inspired by pure political motives.  Some States persisted in trying to politicize the Council and attacked other States without any reason.  In response to the allegations of restrictions on freedom of expression, Sudan said that there were more than 30 dailies active in the country.  Those States should better stop imposing unilateral sanctions on Sudan, which in itself was a human rights violation.  Sudan would soon hold elections monitored by regional bodies, and assertions and allegations would not prevent it from promoting human rights.

Russian Federation, speaking in a right of reply, said that the United States continued to consider itself the gold standard of democracy and to exercise a messianic outlook, disregarding its own violations of human rights at home and abroad.  A report on the torture carried out by the CIA provided another example of the grave violations of human rights committed by the United States authorities.  The United States continued to maintain the scandalous prison in Guantanamo and continued to abduct people abroad on dubious charges. 

Syria, speaking in a right of reply, said that a well-orchestrated campaign by the United States, United Kingdom, Turkey and other countries was heard earlier in morning regarding the situation in Syria.  Syria reminded that aid to the so-called “moderate groups” in the country breached international laws.  As for Turkey, it was attempting to gain a prominent regional role through the destabilization of the Syrian Government.  Lack of diplomatic courtesy was notable in the statements made by countries which were responsible for the spread of Wahhabi extremism.

Bahrain, speaking in a right of reply, said that the allegations of human rights violations in Bahrain were unfounded.  Detainees in fact threatened the constitutional system in Bahrain, and those persons were affiliated with international terrorist organizations and carried out espionage activities.  It was emphasized that there was a difference between crimes and fundamental freedoms.

Egypt, speaking in a right of reply, rejected the approach of some Western countries to use the Council to advance their political agendas and also rejected the European Union statement concerning the court rulings in Egypt, which was based on distorted and misleading accusations on the political and the judicial system in the country.  Comments on judicial verdicts were unacceptable and represented a serious transgression on the independence of the judiciary.  All those referred to in the European Union statement were tried by regular courts and most trials took place in absentia.  Any violation of the laws could be reported to the General Prosecutor who was independent from the executive and the judiciary.

Armenia, speaking in a right of reply, said that instead of getting into xenophobic propaganda, it would have been better if Azerbaijan respected its obligations for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.  Azerbaijan should also prepare its people for peace and not war, respect the cease fire, remove snipers from the demarcation line, and put in place a mechanism to investigation violations of the cease fire, with the view to save numerous human lives. 

Canada, speaking in a right of reply, said Canada had welcomed the report by the Special Rapporteur on indigenous peoples on his visit to the country which had acknowledged the many positive steps taken to improve the overall well-being and prosperity of Aboriginal people.  Canada was one of the first countries to extend constitutional protection to the rights of Aboriginal peoples.  In Iran, on the other hand, discrimination was rife, there were clear legal restrictions and institutional barriers that prevented women’s access to the job market and their equal participation in the society.

Japan, speaking in a right of reply in response to a statement made by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, said that Japan had constantly acted with deep remorse over the past 70 years and had undertaken the path of human rights, democracy and the rule of  law. 

Cuba, speaking in a right of reply, asked what moral authority the United States had to stand as an accuser of human rights violations, and referred to the United States warrant against Edward Snowden, arrests of peaceful protestors from the Occupy Wall Street movement, violations of the right to privacy and spying, racial tensions and killings in Ferguson, and the United States’ refusal to allow access to the Special Rapporteur on Torture.  The United States’ drone programme and use of the death penalty were responsible for countless deaths, and torture was being used in Guantanamo detention centre. 

Uzbekistan, speaking in a right of reply, said its legislation respected legal standards, protected equality before the law and protected freedom of expression and of assembly.  Elections were open and transparent and allowed pluralism.  The death penalty was fully abolished, and reforms had been taken to improve detention conditions and eradicate torture.  Uzbekistan ensured respect for all ethnic groups.  Uzbekistan was concerned about human rights violations by the United States, including violations of the rights of migrants, xenophobia and the use of the death penalty. 

Saudi Arabia, speaking in a right of reply, rejected the allegations of human rights violations, and reaffirmed its support for the respect of all human rights.  As for Iran’s accusations that it was supporting terrorism, Saudi Arabia reiterated that it rejected all forms of terrorism.  Syria’s accusations were rejected as well.  Saudi Arabia was supporting all countries that were sparing no effort to aid the Syrian people.  The Syrian regime should be held accountable for the crimes it had committed, including the persecution and displacement of millions of people.

South Sudan, speaking in a right of reply, responded to the statements made by Latvia on behalf of the European Union, Canada and East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders.  The South Sudan Government was taking measures to address the issue of recruitment of children and to prevent gender-based violence.  South Sudan believed that the existing mechanisms for addressing human rights violations were sufficient, whereas setting up of new mechanisms would be counterproductive. 

Turkmenistan, speaking in a right of reply, refuted unfounded allegations made by the European Union and the United States.  The Constitution and relevant laws in the country guaranteed freedom of opinion and expression, as well as access to information.  In addition, the Law on Organizing and Holding Meetings, Rallies and Demonstrations was adopted on 1 July 2015.  In May 2010 a new criminal code was adopted to ensure wider supervision by civil society on the functioning of the penitentiary system.

Thailand, speaking in a right of reply, said it was moving ahead with reforms on human rights, reconciliation and reinvigoration of domestic institutions.  Defendants before military courts had the same rights and due process guarantees as before civil courts.  Thailand attached great importance to freedom of expression, and restricted it only to prevent hate speech.  The lese-majeste law was in place to protect the Thai monarchy, which was a pillar of stability in Thailand. 

Ethiopia, speaking in a right of reply in response to allegations by CIVICUS, rejected all allegations of violations of freedom of expression and repression of human rights defenders.  Ethiopia was under the obligation to protect its people from terrorist attacks and hold those responsible accountable.  Referring to Ethiopia as a country that did not respect civil society was false and not representative of the situation on the ground.  It was regrettable that CIVICUS was using the Council for political purposes. 

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, speaking in a right of reply, strongly rejected groundless statements by the United States, Japan and European countries.  The Commission of Inquiry report was fraud and based on false testimonies, and therefore had no legal validity.  The United States would be better off to correct its own shortcomings in human rights, including torture by the Central Intelligence Agency.  Japan had to address past crimes, including sexual slavery.  

Indonesia, speaking in a right of reply, regretted that the non-governmental organization for which they were exercising their right of reply had failed to acknowledge the significant developments in Indonesia.

Belarus, speaking in a right of reply in response to statements made by Ireland and Montenegro, said Ireland’s allegations of the violations of children’s rights in Belarus were not true.  As for Montenegro, the Belarussian Government wished it peace, calm and a sober approach to international affairs.

Qatar, speaking in a right of reply in response to Syria’s statement, warned that the Syrian delegation had no role but to try to improve its image and reputation, although it was a barbaric regime.  The Assad regime used terrorism on a daily basis against the civilian population as a war tool in order to annihilate the Syrian population.

Turkey, speaking in a right of reply, rejected unfounded allegations by Syria, and underlined that Syria continued to defy international law.  Threats emanating from Syria were growing fast, and the regime was the root cause of the development of terrorism there. 

Azerbaijan, speaking in a right of reply, said Armenia had occupied, used force and undergone ethnic cleansing on territories of Azerbaijan.  Armenia had to withdraw its armed forces and engage in a constructive dialogue.  The international community had to take a more proactive role in ensuring accountability for human rights violations against the people of Azerbaijan.  Aggression by Armenia in the name of self-determination had been condemned by the whole international community. 

Iran, speaking in a right of reply, encouraged Canada to address its human rights record and put an end to violations of the rights of indigenous people.  Canada should avoid repeating allegations that undermined the credibility of the Council. 

Armenia, speaking in a second right of reply, said that it had serious concerns about the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  It was surprising that a country with such large natural resources as Azerbaijan could not take care of refugees.   

Japan, speaking  in a second right of reply in response to the statement made by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea regarding the issue of so-called comfort women, said it had stated its position on that issue in the Council and would not repeat it.  As for the visits to the Yasukuni shrine by Japanese officials, it was a common practice to mourn, pray and exercise reverence for those who lost their lives fighting for their country.  In no way was that shrine a monument to war criminals.

Syria, speaking in a second right of reply in response to statements made by Saudi Arabia and Qatar, said they repeated only accusations and lies.  It was shameful that they could sit among members of the Council while their religious leaders decapitated citizens and financed terrorism.   As for Turkey, it could not turn a blind eye on allowing many terrorists to enter Syria.  Qatar continued to fund and arm terrorist networks , including the Al-Nussra Front.

Azerbaijan, speaking in a second right of reply, said the statement made by Armenia was a distortion of the facts, and underlined that Armenia’s acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing were clear examples of its destructive motives against Azerbaijan.  The sooner Armenia would end its occupation, the better for them. 

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, speaking in a second right of reply, strongly urged Japan to abandon its evasive attitude and address its past crimes against the Korean people.  More than one million Koreans had been killed, and thousands of women had been forced into sexual slavery. 

Qatar, speaking in a second right of reply, called on the international community to promptly take action to save the millions of Syrian civilians who were victims of the Assad regime and allow them to achieve their freedom. 

Turkey, speaking in a second right of reply, said that Syria was repeating the same unfounded allegations and that it was disrespectful in disregarding the sacrifices made by Turkish military forces in their fight against terrorists.  Turkey in fact did detain persons suspected of being terrorists, following the lists that were supplied to it by third countries.

Saudi Arabia, speaking in a second right of reply in response to the accusation made by Syria, said the Assad regime only levelled unfounded accusations against those countries that helped the Syrian people.   Saudi Arabia was one of the countries that demanded the formation of the Commission of Inquiry to investigate grave human rights violations in Syria.  Saudi Arabia called upon the Council and the international community to confront criminals of the Assad regime and prosecute them.

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For use of the information media; not an official record

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