Submitted by crinadmin on
Summary: Responding to the momentum created by the
proposals to reform the UN Commission on
Human Rights, Amnesty International's
Secretary General challenged all member
states of the Commission to rise above
national and regional interests and restore
the credibility and legitimacy of the UN to
protect victims of human rights abuse.
2005 UN Commission on Human Rights: Time to act to protect human
rights - 30 March 2005
(Geneva) Responding to the momentum created by the proposals to reform
the UN Commission on Human Rights, Amnesty International's Secretary
General challenged all member states of the Commission to rise above
national and regional interests and restore the credibility and legitimacy of
the UN to protect victims of human rights abuse.
"Responsibility to avoid selectivity and double standards rests with each
member. Each member that calls on the Commission to address some
human rights situation, but turns a blind eye to others; that supports or
abstains from 'no-action motions', contributes to undermining the credibility
of the Commission and fails in its obligation to address the human rights
challenges of the moment," said Ms Khan. Her visit to Geneva, which
coincides with the Commission's discussion of country situations, is
intended to emphasize the need for the UN's human rights body to be able
to effectively tackle such problems.
"Political factionalism has hampered effective action to address major
human rights crises in countries such as Zimbabwe, Iraq and Chechnya.
Others, like Guantánamo, do not even make it on to the Commission's
agenda."
"The Commission on Human Rights must act forcefully and decisively to
reverse the human rights catastrophe unfolding in Nepal," declared Ms
Khan as she called on the Commission to adopt a strong resolution
establishing a Special Rapporteur on Nepal and ensuring a strong
international human rights monitoring presence in the country.
"Nepal is a test case to measure the Commission's willingness and ability
to tackle human rights crises. Failure to act decisively will prove that not
only do power politics prevent the consideration of serious human rights
violations in large countries, but that the members of the Commission are
incapable of acting to prevent a human rights disaster in any country."
In February 2005 an Amnesty International delegation, led by Ms Khan,
was the first international NGO delegation to meet with Nepal's
government after the declaration of the State of Emergency. The
organisation has documented how, as a result of the State of Emergency
in Nepal, fundamental rights have been suspended; hundreds of people
have been arrested and "disappeared"; and, the hand of the military has
been strengthened, increasing the likelihood of intensified violence and
human rights abuses in the decade-long conflict by both the security forces
and Maoist rebels.
Ms Khan cautioned that human rights standards are being undermined by
the measures taken by governments in the context of the "war on terror".
"The Commission has played a major role in setting standards for human
rights. Now, as countries large and small erode them in the name of
security, the Commission must urgently act to preserve its own legacy," Ms
Khan warned.
Amnesty International is calling for the Commission to establish a Special
Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter-terrorism to continue the work
of the Independent Expert appointed last year.
"The pursuit of security cannot be at the expense of justice and respect for
human rights. The role of the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and
Counter-terrorism will be essential to ensure that respect for human rights
and fundamental freedoms is a cornerstone in the efforts to enhance
security," Ms Khan added.
Welcoming the UN Secretary-General's report, In larger freedom: towards
development, security and human rights for all, Ms Khan stated: "At a time
when the credibility of the Commission is at its lowest point ever, reform of
the UN human rights machinery is urgently needed and must be
substantial -- tinkering around the edges is not enough."
"Reform must be geared towards ensuring that the UN's human rights
machinery can effectively deal with country situations, and retain its ability
to name and shame countries with serious human rights violations," Ms
Khan said.
"Human rights abuses must be tackled whenever and wherever they arise -
- regardless of political interests."
Ms. Khan called on member states to encourage and support the High
Commissioner for Human Rights to take independent initiatives as the UN's
chief guardian of human rights.
"While governments talk shop, the human rights of women, men and
children around the world are at risk as never before," Ms Khan concluded.
"Governments must make a demonstrable commitment to re-establishing
the authority of the Commission at its 61st session."
For latest information on the 61st session of the UNCHR, please go to:
http://amnesty-news.c.topica.com/maadlwwabfzYDcgmhtib/