Statement by the spokesperson of EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the recent release on bail of medical staff in Bahrain

On 08/09/2011In: EU

Brussels, 8 September 2011 A 351/11 – The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

“The High Representative welcomes the release on bail by the Bahraini authorities of the medical staff who had been detained in the wake of unrest this spring. The High Representative again urges the Bahraini authorities to conduct all trials of civilians in civilian courts, with due process and full rights to a fair and transparent trial, as promised by His Majesty King Hamad last month.
The High Representative also looks forward with great interest to the upcoming conclusions of the independent Commission of Inquiry on the events surrounding the unrest earlier this year”

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UNSR: Commentary to the Declaration on human rights defenders

On 27/07/2011In: United Nations

GENEVA, 27 July 2011 – “It is not easy being a human rights defender; in too many countries it is dangerous, plain dangerous,” said United Nations Special Rapporteur Margaret Sekaggya launching her essential guide to the right to defend human rights*, a key document aimed at supporting those who stand for our rights by increasing understanding of the UN Declaration on human rights defenders and awareness on the dangers they face.

“Despite the efforts to implement the Declaration, human rights defenders continue to face numerous violations,” Ms. Sekaggya said. “I hope that this essential guide, the new ‘Commentary to the Declaration on human rights defenders’, will contribute to the development of a safer and more conducive environment for defenders to be able to carry out their work.”

The ‘Commentary to the Declaration on human rights defenders’ is a 100-page downloadable document which maps out the rights provided for in the Declaration, based mostly on information received and reports produced by the two Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights defenders, Hina Jilani (2000-2008) and Margaret Sekaggya (since 2008), during the past eleven years. (more…)

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Declaration by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, on behalf of the European Union, on the unfolding situation in Syria

On 18/05/2011In: EU

Brussels, 18 May 2011 – 9512/2/11 REV 2 – PRESSE 115 – The EU expresses its grave concern about the situation unfolding in Syria and the deployment of military and security forces in a number of Syrian cities. It strongly condemns unacceptable violence against peaceful demonstrators, the increasing number of fatalities and calls on the Syrian security forces to exercise restraint instead of repression.

The EU urges the Syrian Government to address the legitimate demands of the Syrian people through political reforms which must be brought forward and implemented without delay in the framework of a process of inclusive national dialogue.

The EU deeply regrets that the lifting of the Emergency Law has not translated into practice.

The EU reminds the Syrian authorities of their obligation to respect Human Rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and the rights of peaceful assembly, as well as free access of the media and to respect the integrity and dignity of arrested persons and their right to a fair legal process. The EU calls for an immediate release of political prisoners and human rights defenders. (more…)

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UN experts call on Syria to urgently end crackdown and implement reforms

On 15/04/2011In: United Nations

GENEVA (15 April 2011) –UN human rights experts* on Friday denounced the rising death toll and brutal crackdown on peaceful protesters, journalists and human rights defenders in Syria despite the Government’s promises of reforms and consultations to end the 48-year-old emergency rule.

The experts noted that there were many underlying grievances that led to recent protests, including deep-seated corruption, injustice and discrimination, the lack of consultation, participation, and accountability. Political reforms, accompanied by economic and social reforms are urgent and critical. They urged the authorities to immediately stop the repression and engage in a meaningful, inclusive and transparent dialogue to implement reforms.

“Firing on peaceful crowds attending protests or funerals is by no means justified,” stressed Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on arbitrary executions. “Live ammunition is being used outside the prescribed limits and in clear violation of international law. Firearms may only be used in self-defence or in the defence of others.” Citing reports that people are now taking up arms to retaliate against law enforcement officials, Heyns warned that “this can easily escalate into widespread violence.” (more…)

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Libya: “Stop the massacre” – UN experts

On 22/02/2011In: United Nations

GENEVA (22 February 2011) – “Power cannot be sustained by killing people,” said Tuesday a group of UN human rights experts*, who warned the Government of Libya that the gross violations of human rights committed in the past few days could amount to “crimes against humanity.”

“The situation in Libya is quickly spilling out of control with the Government targeting the very people it has been mandated to serve,” the independent experts said. “Adopting tactics such as the use of live ammunition to crush dissent is unacceptable.”

“Such acts cannot go unpunished,” stressed the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution, Christof Heyns. “By engaging in a massacre of its own people, the Government of Libya is guilty of committing gross violations of human rights which could amount to crimes against humanity.” (more…)

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