HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS SAYS IMPERATIVE FOR EVERYONE CONCERNED TO DO UTMOST TO PROTECT RIGHT TO LIFE IN KOSOVO CONFLICT

26 March 1999



The following statement was issued today by High Commissioner for
Human Rights Mary Robinson:


My office has been following the situation of human rights in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia closely for some time and, after conclusion of the Dayton accords, has sought to work with other international partners to help nurture peace with respect for human rights. Pursuant to a Memorandum I signed with the Yugoslav authorities last November, I established an office in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia that has been gathering information about human rights developments on the ground and making representations, particularly in Kosovo, regarding matters such as the right to life, to protection of the law, and to a fair trial. My office has also worked closely with other international institutions following the situation of human rights in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia including in Kosovo.

At different times I have had occasion to express serious concern about lack of respect for human rights, particularly in Kosovo. I have also written to the Yugoslav authorities about these matters.

Now, at a perilous time for the international community and for the peoples of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, particularly the people of Kosovo, I have followed with dismay and deep anguish the developments on the ground that have occasioned massive violations of the right to life and have caused such human suffering.

I deeply regret the turn of events that has led to the current military actions in Yugoslavia. As High Commissioner for Human Rights, I should like to stress that it is imperative on everyone concerned to do their utmost to protect the right to life, to physical and mental integrity, and to protect from the threat of harm or of being forced to flee from their homes and neighbourhoods.

I strongly appeal to all concerned to exercise maximum vigilance and to do their utmost to protect the right to life and other basic human rights. This, after all, is the year in which we mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and the one hundredth anniversary of the Hague Conventions. I also strongly appeal to everyone concerned to make a special effort to help turn the current situation around so that the peoples of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, particularly the people of Kosovo, can enjoy their inalienable human rights in peace and dignity.