人权理事会通过有关埃及和波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那的普遍定期审议结果（部分翻译）

人权理事会
上午

2015年3月20日

结束有关人权理事会附属机构和机制的一般性辩论

人权理事会今天上午通过了有关埃及和波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那的普遍定期审议结果，并结束了有关人权理事会附属机构和机制的一般性辩论。

埃及常驻联合国日内瓦办事处代表阿米尔·拉马丹（Amr Ramadan）在审议中表示，埃及在收到的300条建议中全面接受了220条，部分接受了23条。不接受一些建议是因为它们违反了宪法，例如关于暂缓死刑的建议。埃及接受了所有关于酷刑罪、贩运人口和打击恐怖主义方面的建议，并同意与人权机制进行合作，确保公平审判和起诉，制订有关民间社会和和平集会的新法和通过反歧视法律。

埃及国家人权委员会呼吁政府在几大关键领域采取行动，并通过一项关于游行的新法，加强反恐方面的努力并废除所有限制个人自由的法律。此外，该国还应邀请特别程序开展国别访问，并建立人权高专办地区分部。

讨论中的发言者对埃及在普遍定期审议中的建设性合作表示欢迎，并承认打击威胁到社会基础的恐怖主义的必要性，但表示应该遵守人权框架。对宪法的修订很好地反映了对人权的承诺，但埃及应推进改善法治方面的努力，巩固社会发展方面的努力，强化安全政策和保护弱势人群。讨论中特别提出了人权捍卫者不断恶化的情况，对言论和集会自由以及民间社会空间的限制，警察施行的暴力，大规模拘留和死刑的使用等问题。

在讨论中发言的有白俄罗斯、比利时、委内瑞拉、博茨瓦纳、文莱达鲁萨兰国、布基纳法索、中国、科特迪瓦、古巴、沙特阿拉伯、萨尔瓦多、埃塞俄比亚、加蓬、德国、加纳和希腊。

社会和经济权利中心、国际人权服务社（联合声明）、国际人权联盟、荷兰文化与休闲中心、埃及人权组织、东非与非洲之角人权维护者项目、阿拉伯人权组织、第十五条（联合声明）、开罗人权研究所（联合声明）和人权观察也讨论中发言。

理事会随后通过了有关埃及的普遍定期审议结果。

波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那常驻联合国日内瓦办事处代表米洛斯·普利佳（Milos Prica）表示，该国政府十分重视人权合作。新政府需要更多时间以继续对普遍定期审议期间收到的讨论进行详细和透彻的审议。波斯尼亚将很快能对每条建议提出具体意见。

波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那人权监督员通过视频发言表示，该国没有确保促进和保护所有人权的全面国家政策文件，而这便造成了复杂的情况。此外，波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那需要对监督员办公室进行严肃改革以为下次普遍定期审议做准备。这将包括保证其获得足够预算。

讨论中的发言者对波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那对普遍定期审议过程的承诺，及其在加强法律和机制框架方面的努力，以及通过了改善最弱势群体状况的有关社会保护的新法表示赞赏。波斯尼亚与黑塞哥维那还采取积极举措来增加对战争罪的起诉，现任当局必须解决积压问题并开展新的调查以为包括遭到性暴力的战争罪幸存者在内的受害者实现正义。发言者敦促该国建立一项有关酷刑的国家防范机制，并通过一项反歧视的行动计划，并对不断增多的袭击记者现象，塞族共和国最近通过有关公共秩序的法律，基于包括性取向和性别认同在内的多种理由的歧视表示关切。

以下代表团在讨论中发言：马来西亚、塞拉利昂、英国、委内瑞拉、中国、欧洲委员会、科威特、拉脱维亚和利比亚。

以下非政府组织也在讨论中发言：人权之家基金会、少数群体权利团体、拯救儿童、国际特赦组织、加拿大人口与发展行动以及国际妇女和平与自由联盟。

理事会还在今天上午通过了有关人权机构和机制的一般性辩论，发言者在其中对世界各地的少数族裔和宗教少数派受到的袭击表示关切，并呼吁建立解决暴力侵害少数群体的早期预警机制。各国和人权理事会应采取更多努力解决对与人权机构和机制合作的个人和团体的报复问题。许多国家未对紧急行动作出响应这种构成与特别程序的不合作行为是令人遗憾的。

以下非政府组织在讨论中发言：人权与和平倡导中心、姆博洛洛社会与文化发展协会、非洲通信和促进国际经济合作组织、人权联系会、联合国观察、南风政策研究会、绿化母国基金会、

非洲维护人权会议、世界穆斯林大会、非洲卫生和人权促进者委员会、争取发展国际社、国际穆斯林妇女联合会、国际罐头业常设委员会、非洲技术发展联络中心、君士坦丁堡普世教会联合会、日本工人人权委员会、吉星组织、非洲民主国际协会、南美印第安人理事会、伊朗精英研究中心、非洲技术协会、国际不结盟运动研究所、欧洲公共关系联盟、和平组织问题研究委员会、学联国际、环境与管理研究中心、世界环境和资源理事会、非洲建筑师联盟、国际特设组织和阿拉伯法学家联合会。

理事会今天将召开全日会议。它将于中午开始有关普遍定期审议的一般性讨论，随后将进行有关世界各地种族歧视情况的辩论。

文件

理事会已收到普遍定期审议工作组关于埃及的报告（A/HRC/28/16）

Consideration of the Outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Egypt

AMR RAMADAN, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Egypt had contributed positively to the development of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and reaffirmed Egypt’s trust in its value and effectiveness. During its review process, Egypt had received 300 recommendations, and had established a national committee which studied them and proposed policies and measures. This committee was currently the national human rights institution, led by the transitional Minister of Justice; it included all relevant Ministries and institutions and held systematic meetings with civil society. Egypt based its acceptance of a recommendation, partial or total, on its 2014 Constitution and its international human rights obligations; partial acceptance meant that Egypt accepted the objective of a recommendation, but did not agree with the method proposed or the defined time-frame. The non-acceptance of some recommendations was due to their contravention with the Constitution; such was the case of the recommendation concerning a moratorium on the death penalty.

Egypt had accepted 243 recommendations, including those asking Egypt to adhere to international treaties in the field of human rights and withdraw reservations. It had also accepted all recommendations regarding the crime of torture; criminalization of violence against women, children and persons with disabilities; cooperation with human rights mechanisms; guarantee of fair trial and prosecution; establishment of a new law on civil society and peaceful assembly and anti-discrimination laws; and the 49 recommendations concerning trafficking in persons. All recommendations relating to the fight against terrorism had been accepted as well, and Egypt agreed to combat terrorism in accordance with human rights norms and principles, as was stipulated by its Constitution, and to provide compensation to the victims of terrorism. Egypt had accepted 243 recommendations, of which 220 were fully accepted and 23 were partially accepted. Over the past few months, the Committee for Legislative Reform had started the examination of national laws to ensure that they were not running counter with the Constitution, and Egypt intended to build capacity and allocate resources for the implementation of the accepted recommendations.

National Human Rights Commission of Egypt said it took responsibility for implementing the recommendations accepted within the framework of its mandate, as that was something the people called for strongly during the revolution. The Commission called on the Government of Egypt to take action in several key areas. In light of the recommendations made by the Human Rights Council, Egypt should adopt a new law on demonstrations which affirmed the right to demonstrate if people or organizations gave prior notification; it should establish a Commission for Equal Opportunities and should strengthen efforts to combat terrorism. Egypt was also asked to cancel all laws which restricted individual freedoms, establish an independent mechanism to visit prisons, invite Special Procedures to carry out country visits and establish a regional branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Commission said the region needed peace and development more than ever, but they could only be enjoyed by upholding the legitimate rights of the Egyptian people.

Belarus said it welcomed Egypt’s constructive cooperation within the Universal Periodic Review framework and commended it for accepting many recommendations, including those proposed by Belarus. It recommended adoption of the report.

Belgium recognized the need to combat terrorism which threatened the very foundations of society but said law and order must be provided within the framework of human rights. It expressed concern about violence carried out by police officers, mass detentions and the use of the death penalty.

Venezuela acknowledged Egypt’s significant efforts in the field of human rights and welcomed the commitment of the Government to continue those efforts, as shown by its cooperation with the Universal Periodic Review process.

Botswana welcomed the amendments made to the Constitution which now rightly reflected the commitments to human rights. Despite its political challenges, Egypt had accepted a high number of recommendations. Botswana encouraged Egypt to continue efforts to ensure freedom of assembly and association.

Brunei Darussalam appreciated Egypt’s commitment in carrying out policies to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms, and in particular initiatives to eradicate illiteracy and empower women, and wished it well in the implementation of the accepted recommendations.

Burkina Faso was pleased that Burkina Faso was able to participate in the Working Group on the review of Egypt and thanked Egypt for accepting the three recommendations Burkina Faso had made.

China appreciated the constructive engagement of Egypt in the Universal Periodic Review and the acceptance of the recommendations to continue the empowerment of women in all sectors and to ensure human rights education for law enforcement officers.

Côte d’Ivoire remained convinced that the implementation of the recommendations accepted by Egypt would contribute to the improvement of human rights in the country. Egypt should pursue efforts to improve the rule of law, consolidate efforts in the area of social development, and protect vulnerable persons.

Cuba welcomed the fact that Egypt had accepted all of Cuba’s recommendations, including those to fight corruption, as well as to promote the respect for religious tolerance and the economic development for women. Cuba recommended the adoption of the report of Egypt.

Saudi Arabia welcomed the delegation of Egypt and thanked it for the report. Egypt had undergone a difficult period over the past few years, yet this had not prevented it from promoting human rights. This was evidenced in the measures taken by the Government and Parliament.

El Salvador noted the Government’s will to work to promote human rights and hoped that the announced parliamentary elections would consolidate Egypt’s democracy. The new electoral law gave greater participation for women and persons with disabilities. Egypt should continue working with civil society, the Special Procedures and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Ethiopia welcomed the delegation and thanked Egypt for its commitment to promoting human rights. It appreciated the constructive engagement and acceptation of a significant number of recommendations, including those of Ethiopia. Ethiopia wished Egypt success and recommended the adoption of its report.

Gabon welcomed the recent initiatives of Egypt, particularly on tackling violence against women, getting children into school, and establishing a health insurance system for women and vulnerable people. It called on the international community to support Egypt in its restructuring efforts and its fight against terrorism.

Germany appreciated Egypt’s commitment to step up efforts to uphold women’s rights, to fully safeguard freedom of expression and to better protect journalists. Recent decisions to impose the death sentence in hundreds of cases raised questions about sound judicial judgement and were deeply worrying.

Ghana said in spite of the major political and social changes in Egypt since 2011, its efforts to rebuild the nation, and progressive changes brought in by the 2014 constitution and amendments to the Penal Code, notably including a definition of sexual harassment, were commendable.

Greece welcomed Egypt’s acceptance of more than 80 per cent of the recommendations it received and called on it to swiftly implement them. It called on Egypt to enhance the parliamentary representation of women and strengthen its efforts to prevent illegal migration, especially through high-risk sea boats.

Centre for Social and Economic Rights said that Egypt had embarked on an ambitious reform agenda, including the amendment of the Constitution, but the gap between the commitment to the improvement of the socio-economic situation and the situation on the ground was of concern.

International Service for Human Rights in a joint statement with Association for Progressive Communications and Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development, expressed concern about the deteriorating situation of human rights defenders, particularly women human rights defenders, including violence, intimidation and harassment.

International Federation for Human Rights Leagues said that the fact that many civil society organizations had not participated in the Universal Periodic Review of Egypt for fear of reprisals spoke volumes about the situation of human rights in the country. The new “terrorist entities” law could be used to target independent civil society.

COC Netherlands said Egypt had no explicit law criminalizing homosexuality, but “debauchery,” prostitution and blasphemy laws were used against the lesbian, gay, bisexual and intersex community. Egypt had announced that it would eradicate homosexuality through a surveillance system violating the right to privacy.

Egyptian Organization for Human Rights commended Egypt for adopting the recommendations on women’s rights, and the Constitution’s incorporation of economic, social and cultural rights. However, there were no national strategies on the ground to implement them.

East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project said that there was a severe disconnect between commitments made and the reality on the ground concerning journalists, human rights defenders and civil society organizations, as well as the release of those detained solely for exercising rights to freedom of expression, or for membership in a political group.

Arab Organizations for Human Rights said they appreciated the positive steps taken by Egypt since the June Revolution, particularly given the gravity of the challenges it faced, especially from terrorism. Egypt had to ensure civil society had space to operate.

Article 15, said Egypt’s expressed commitment to human rights during the Universal Periodic Review process was in stark contrast to reality, where Egypt was carrying out an unprecedented crackdown on fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and the right to freedom of assembly.

Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, said the Egyptian authorities continued to propagate rights violations, including attacks on the protests on 24 January; thousands of individuals, including children, had been imprisoned since 3 July 2013 for protesting against Government policies.

Human Rights Watch said Egypt’s Universal Periodic Review took place in the midst of unprecedented and ongoing repression. It asked the Human Rights Council how many more human rights defenders and peaceful activists would have to leave the country or be silenced before the Council told Egypt to stop the crackdown.

The President said that out of 300 recommendations received, Egypt supported 224, noted 53 and additional information was provided by Egypt on the remaining 23 recommendations.

Concluding Remarks

AMR RAMADAN, Permanent Representative of Egypt to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that Egypt was keen to ensure the full independence of its national human rights institution, and welcomed positive criticism expressed in the dialogue today which helped and was constructive. Some negative criticism was heard today which did not conform to the situation on the ground, said Mr. Ramadan and stressed the commitment of Egypt to the promotion and protection of human rights. Egypt was fully aware of the grave challenges it faced, particularly in the light of the danger of terrorism, which required that all had to close rank in order to face it. This was reflected in the National Road Map which was being currently implemented; a large part of this Road Map had already been implemented through the amendments to the Constitution and the ongoing legal and policy reform which saw the inclusion of economic, social and cultural rights.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Egypt.

Documentation

The Council has before it the report of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review - Bosnia and Herzegovina (A/HRC/28/17)

Consideration of the Outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina

MILOS PRICA, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said that his country’s cooperation with the Human Rights Council had always been constructive and fruitful and was reflected in the efforts to fulfil various United Nations human rights treaties’ reporting obligations. Bosnia and Herzegovina was looking forward to further deepen its full cooperation with the Human Rights Council and fulfilling its commitments. It paid particular attention to the obligations deriving from the Universal Periodic Review mechanism and recognized the conclusions and recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review Working Group as an impetus for the relevant authorities to further enhance their cooperation with the United Nations appropriate bodies dealing with human rights. Mr. Prica thanked all the delegations and the members of the troika who had constructively participated in the interactive debate and who recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts. Bosnia and Herzegovina had had a prolonged interim period with the caretaking Council of Ministers since the elections on 12 October 2014. The new Council of Ministers was expected to be fully operational within a few days. Therefore, the new authorities needed more time in order to continue their detailed and thorough examination of the 167 recommendations received during the Universal Periodic Review which had been taken note of. Bosnia and Herzegovina would soon be in a position to provide very specific views on each recommendation.

Through a video presentation, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Bosnia and Herzegovina highlighted several human rights issues that needed action from the State. There was no comprehensive national strategy document to ensure the protection and promotion of all human rights, and this created complications. In addition, Bosnia and Herzegovina needed to undertake serious reforms of the Ombudsman’s Office in order to prepare for the next Universal Periodic Review. This included granting it a sufficient budget. Twenty years after the war, no reparations had been provided to victims of the war. It was imperative that the issues of the past were resolved and this included the adoption of a law on victims. The full implementation of the anti-discrimination law was also needed.

Malaysia appreciated the commitment of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the Universal Periodic Review process, the efforts to strengthen its legal and institutional framework, and the adoption of the new law on social protection which improved the situation of those most vulnerable.

Sierra Leone noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina had yet to provide its responses to the recommendations and called on this country to consider all recommendations it had received as soon as the situation permitted, and to continue working to improve the human rights situation in the country.

United Kingdom was concerned about increased attacks on journalists. Of particular concern was the recent adoption of the Law on Public Order by Republika Srpska which was in violation with its Constitution, and European and international standards.

Venezuela said that Bosnia and Herzegovina had acceded to various international human rights instruments and highlighted the efforts to adapt its legal framework to address gender and domestic violence and assist victims.

China commended Bosnia and Herzegovina for its constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review and urged it to continue efforts to promote and protect the human rights of vulnerable groups so they could better enjoy the benefits of development. China recommended that the report be adopted.

Council of Europe evoked the recommendations it made to Bosnia and Herzegovina to overcome the social exclusion and marginalization of Roma; to harmonize legislation concerning the criminalization of corruption offences; and relating to war atrocities to ensure victims had access to justice and effective reparations.

Kuwait commended Bosnia and Herzegovina’s constructive participation with the second round of the Universal Periodic Review and its accession to certain Council of Europe treaties, in particular those on the rights of children. Kuwait recommended the adoption of the report.

Latvia recognized Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efforts to promote gender equality and combat domestic violence. Latvia encouraged Bosnia and Herzegovina to take steps to strengthen freedom of speech and freedom of access to information, both online and offline.

Libya commended Bosnia and Herzegovina for demonstrating transparency and openness during the Universal Periodic Review process, and its commitment to continue improving the human rights situation therein. Libya recommended the adoption of the report of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Human Rights House Foundation said discrimination against ethnic and other minorities, including Roma, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups was prevalent. A country-wide anti-discrimination strategy was needed, focusing especially on education.

Minority Rights Group stated that political marginalization left minority groups with limited decision making power. The Government was urged to amend its constitution and national laws in order to end political discrimination against national and de facto minorities and ensure their political participation.

Save the Children International welcomed recommendations promoting children’s rights, prohibiting their corporal punishment and fighting violence against children. Psychological bullying and cyber violence still had to be recognized as violence against children.

Amnesty International said that Bosnia and Herzegovina had taken positive steps to increase prosecution for war crimes and the authorities now must address the backlog and launch new investigations in order to provide justice to victims. Survivors of sexual violence in armed conflict faced difficulties in realizing reparations.

Action Canada for Population and Development was disappointed that Bosnia and Herzegovina did not indicate which of the recommendations on sexual orientation and gender identity would be acted on. Bosnia and Herzegovina should harmonize the laws on anti-discrimination, close the loopholes, and develop a national action plan.

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom urged Bosnia and Herzegovina to adopt the Law on Victims of Torture and so ensure the right to reparation to victims of torture during the war.

The President of the Council said Bosnia and Herzegovina had taken note of all the recommendations.

Concluding Remarks

MILOS PRICA, Permanent Representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said all comments made today were taken as a positive contribution. Bosnia and Herzegovina would be able to come up at the June Council session with a real and comprehensive detailed answer on recommendations made during the Universal Periodic Review. Bosnia and Herzegovina had undergone an important transformation since the war and was determined to continue its efforts for the full implementation of all human rights.

The Council then adopted the outcome of the Universal Periodic Review of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

General Debate on Subsidiary Bodies of the Human Rights Council

Centre for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy regretted that India had failed to implement recommendations on non-governmental organizations and defenders and to give justice to Sikh victims of the 1984 massacre. It was shameful that Indian officials involved in crimes against Sikh continued to avoid justice.

Mbororo Social and Cultural Development Association expressed solidarity with helpless women and minors in India who continued to be victims of rape, while the State enacted laws selectively. Over 24,000 rapes had been reported in India in 2012. More than half of the cases remained unreported due to fear of social stigma.

Organization pour la Communication en Afrique et de Promotion de la Cooperation Economique Internationale said civil society groups and persons who cooperated with Special Procedures faced reprisals at the hands of State authorities. The Universal Periodic Review was the best way to improve human rights on the ground; however Member States refused to comply.

Conectas Direitos Humanos and Alliance for the Water was concerned about the grave human rights violations in Sao Paulo in Brazil, which was facing the worst water crisis in history. Its main water reservoirs were nearly depleted, threatening the water supply of millions of people, especially vulnerable communities.

United Nations Watch referred to Report 28/74, in which the Advisory Committee argued that sanctions were a violation of human rights. But this was not true. The report named only a few country examples and applied a superficial analysis. The sanctions against Iran were in fact promoting human rights.

Sudwind expressed concerns about human rights in Iran, and the detention in solitary confinement of human rights defender Mohammad Reza Pourshajari, who had started a hunger strike and had not received sufficient healthcare. Sudwind supported the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Iran.

Pasumai Thaayagam expressed its ongoing concern about the rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka, who had faced repression by successive regimes. The ongoing de facto military occupation of their homeland had a catastrophic effect on their daily lives. The new Government did not seem to be willing to end military occupation.

Rencontre Africaine pour la Defense des Droits de l’Homme welcomed the report by the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, and expressed concerns about attacks against ethnic and religious minorities around the world. It called for the establishment of early warning mechanisms to address violence against minorities.

World Muslim Congress recognized the increased attention given to the issue of reprisals against those who cooperated with human rights bodies and mechanisms and said that much more needed to be done. Reprisals against human rights defenders in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir must be addressed.

Commission Africaine des promoteurs de la santé et des droits de l’homme regretted that many States did not respond to urgent actions, which amounted to non-cooperation with the Special Procedures, and was deeply concerned about cases of reprisals against those who cooperated with human rights mechanisms.

Agence Internationale pour le devéloppement said that during the last few years, several journalists and lawyers had been killed in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir because they had addressed the human rights violations committed by the Indian security forces.

International Muslim Women’s Union was dismayed that India had not responded to the requests for country visits by experts on torture and on enforced disappearances. It also expressed grave concern about reprisals against human rights defenders, particularly those in the occupied Kashmir region.

Canners International Permanent Committee expressed grave concern about violations of the right to freedom of religion and belief in Pakistan, in particular the authoritarian interpretation of Islam in parts of the country and attacks on Muslims who advocated for aspects of pluralism.

African Technology Development Link spoke about human rights violations in Pakistan, which it said was becoming an increasingly dangerous country for religious minorities, was growing increasingly intolerant of dissent from journalists, and was struggling to tackle militant extremism.

Ecumenical Federation of Constantinopolitans, which represented the expatriated Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul, regretted that Turkey had not brought to justice the perpetrators of the Pogrom against Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Jewish communities in 1955. A formal apology had to be issued for this crime.

Japanese Workers’ Committee for Human Rights was concerned about hate speech rallies against Korean residents in Japan, and about the Government of Japan’s lack of response to prevent and combat hate speech.

Auspice Stella recalled the inalienable rights of colonized people and underlined the responsibility of the United Nations to form internal decolonization committees. It was important address the needs of colonised people and uphold their right to self-determination.

International Association for Democracy in Africa spoke about the murder of approximately half a million Hazara people in Baluchistan. Pakistan had completely failed to protect Hazara people from attacks by extremists, who seemed to enjoy complete freedom to carry out their genocidal agenda against Shia communities.

The Indian Council of South America said the high-level plenary at the United Nations in New York, masquerading as the World Conference on Indigenous Peoples, was so high it forgot to invite real representatives of indigenous peoples. The resulting outcome document lacked universality.

Iranian Elite Research Centre said religious minorities in Iran were free to conduct their personal affairs, including marriage, divorce and inheritance. Many cultural, social and economic places were open to them. The organization spoke about the participation of Jewish people in various areas of Iranian society.

African Technical Association expressed serious concern about the situation in Baluchistan, in particular recent threats to the Zikri community. The authorities in Pakistan were systematically converting the majority Baloch group into a minority. The Council should ensure security for minorities in Baluchistan as well as for Baloch.

International Institute for Non-Aligned Studies highlighted the challenges and serious threats, discrimination and racism faced by minorities worldwide, and recalled the definition and rights of minorities under the United Nations Minorities Declaration adopted in 1992.

European Union of Public Relations expressed concerns about human rights violations against the Christian minority in Pakistan. Blasphemy laws were used to justify persecution against the Christian minority and to violate their right to freedom of religion or belief.

Commission to Study the Organization of Peace said States had to provide an open framework to guarantee the right to freedom of religion and belief and protect minorities from systematic exclusion. The situation of minorities in Pakistan was a matter of concern.
United Schools International expressed concerns about discrimination against members of minorities in Pakistan. Freedom of religion was being denied to a part of the society, including by extremist groups. Law enforcement groups silenced organizations and individuals raising their voice to protect freedom of religion.

Centre for Environmental and Management Studies said that Pakistan had become a dangerous place for religious minorities, and said the transition from Islamic fundamentalism to extremism was the result of poor Government policies that were unable to control the situation.

World Environment and Resources Council spoke about attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan and highlighted the problem of sectarianism in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of the undivided state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was currently controlled by Pakistan.

AUA Americas Chapter Ice spoke about the threat of extinction of the Syriac people, one of the oldest peoples in Iraq. In Da’esh-occupied areas they had been subjected to the worst atrocities. Today there were less than 450,000 Syriac people left in Iraq and many of them were internally displaced.

Amnesty International said some Council Members repeatedly failed to meet their commitments in terms of cooperation with Special Procedures. India held the record for the most outstanding requests for a visit, but others included Indonesia, Russia, Venezuela, Algeria, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

Union of Arab Jurists spoke about the plight of ethnic and religious minorities in many Middle East States where there were a growing number of terrorist and takfiri movements which did not respect the rights of minorities. Some States and religious centres even sponsored those movements.

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