{"id":79021,"date":"2022-10-28T08:06:27","date_gmt":"2022-10-28T08:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indonesiatribune.com\/?p=79021"},"modified":"2022-10-29T08:09:32","modified_gmt":"2022-10-29T08:09:32","slug":"third-committee-urges-nations-in-conflict-occupying-forces-to-end-forced-displacement-indiscriminate-killing-rape-gender-based-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indonesiatribune.com\/third-committee-urges-nations-in-conflict-occupying-forces-to-end-forced-displacement-indiscriminate-killing-rape-gender-based-violence\/","title":{"rendered":"Third Committee Urges Nations in Conflict, Occupying Forces, to End Forced Displacement, Indiscriminate Killing, Rape, Gender-Based Violence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Special Rapporteur Calls Israel\u2019s Occupation of Palestinian Territory Unlawful<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mandate holders presenting reports on human rights situations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi and Eritrea today defended their work against delegates\u2019 criticism of their activities, as the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) continued its interactive dialogues on human rights.<\/p>\n

The first of six mandate holders to brief the Committee today, Navanethem Pillay, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, presented her Commission\u2019s report, expressing grave concern that ongoing occupation in the Palestinian territory is expanding and becoming permanent, while hiding behind a fiction of temporariness.\u00a0 This permanence and annexation have led the Commission to conclude that Israel\u2019s occupation is now unlawful, she said.<\/p>\n

Further, actions of the Israeli Government may constitute the war crime of displacing a civilian population, she said.\u00a0 Calling\u00a0on\u00a0the General Assembly to address Palestine\u2019s continued occupation due to the persistent refusal of successive Israeli Governments to abide by international law, she asked that it seek the opinion of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing interactive dialogue,\u00a0the representative of Israel rejected\u00a0Ms.\u00a0Pillay\u2019s report as illegitimate, adding that antisemitism\u00a0may be\u00a0politically incorrect today,\u00a0but\u00a0the world\u00a0now\u00a0burns the Jewish State as it once burned Jews\u00a0at the stake.\u00a0 He cited the disproportionate focus of the Human Rights Council on\u00a0his\u00a0country, adding that the body\u00a0has adopted more resolutions condemning Israel than it has on Syria, the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and Iran combined.<\/p>\n

The observer for the State of Palestine underscored that the law, not opinion, states that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, condemning\u00a0Israel\u2019s refusal to allow United Nations mandate holders to visit the country.\u00a0\u00a0Decrying that Israel has not implemented a single General Assembly\u00a0resolution requiring the\u00a0country to guarantee the safety of Palestinians, she asked what third\u2011party obligations are regarding impunity in the context of occupation.<\/p>\n

Others were divided, with the representatives of Australia and Albania expressing concerns about the open-ended mandate,\u00a0while\u00a0the representatives\u00a0of Namibia and South Africa supported it,\u00a0with the latter underscoring that Israel is practising apartheid, not an assertion he would make lightly given his country\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

Sharing her colleague\u2019s concern, the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since\u00a01967, Francesca Albanese highlighted growing violence marked by systematic targeting and extrajudicial killings of Palestinians by Israeli forces, while Israeli \u201csettlers\u201d destroy property and terrorise unarmed civilians and their children with impunity.\u00a0 Labelling Israel\u2019s persistent denial of\u00a0the\u00a0Palestinian people\u2019s inalienable right to self-determination as \u201cde-Palestinianization\u201d, she\u00a0underscored\u00a0the tragic irony that Israel has advanced\u00a0its\u00a0occupation\u00a0under the pretence of security reasons under the watch of the same international community that has vowed to end colonialism.<\/p>\n

In the afternoon Betty Murungi, Chair of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, noted\u00a0that conflict has returned to the region between Government and Tigrayan forces after a five-month pause.\u00a0\u00a0The conflict has intensified with Eritrean troops fighting alongside Ethiopian forces on several fronts,\u00a0causing Ethiopians to flee their homes for a second or third time.<\/p>\n

She detailed the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray,\u00a0where the Government has used starvation as a war tactic and looted or destroyed humanitarian aid.\u00a0\u00a0The Commission also documented an increased prevalence of rape and gender-based violence committed by all sides of the conflict.\u00a0\u00a0Measures the Government\u2019s Inter\u2011Ministerial Task Force and National Dialogue Commission put forward during the Commission\u2019s visit, if implemented, will contribute to transitional justice, she said.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing interactive dialogue, the representative of Ethiopia said the Commission only exists to justify interventions and sanctions, recalling\u00a0that no African country voted for\u00a0its\u00a0creation.\u00a0 While his\u00a0country welcomes constructive international dialogue, he said the\u00a0Commission refused to work with its Government.\u00a0\u00a0While their work with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights\u00a0(OHCHR) will continue, he dismissed the \u201cdesk report\u201d\u00a0made with a few phone calls from Geneva\u00a0to\u00a0unverifiable sources.<\/p>\n

South Africa\u2019s delegate, speaking on behalf of the African Group,\u00a0said\u00a0the\u00a0Universal Periodic\u00a0Review remains the only globally\u00a0agreed\u00a0mechanism\u00a0to address human rights issues non-politically, with delegates from Venezuela and China echoing her point.<\/p>\n

Eritrea\u2019s delegate dismissed false accusations in the report, adding that it shifts blame away from the Tigrayan forces.\u00a0 In support of the Commission, delegates from the European Union and United States expressed grave concern over its findings, underscoring the need to ensure accountability for violations in the region.<\/p>\n

Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, stressed that Eritrea\u2019s entry into the conflict in Tigray has complicated the country\u2019s human rights violations, pointing to indefinite military service, which has conscripted men, women, children and the elderly alike.\u00a0 Noting that Eritrea had made no progress on developing the minimum institutional infrastructure of human rights, she expressed concern over a lack of an independent judiciary, citing arbitrarily detained or disappeared persons and journalists.<\/p>\n

Eritrea\u2019s delegate rejected the Rapporteur\u2019s mandate as politically motivated, as well as the report, which she said was informed by dubious sources.\u00a0 She denied there is a humanitarian crisis in her country, stressing that human rights standards are best addressed through the Universal Periodic Review.\u00a0 Adding that the Rapporteur overstepped his mandate in Tigray, she said the crisis there has been invented to reassert the United States and Western allies\u2019 geopolitical agendas in the new reality of the \u201cshifting global order\u201d.<\/p>\n

Also briefing the Committee today were Isha Dyfan, Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, and Fortune\u0301 Gaetan Zongo, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi.<\/p>\n

The Third Committee will reconvene at 10\u00a0a.m. on Friday, 28 October, to continue its consideration of human rights questions<\/p>\n

Interactive Dialogues: \u00a0Occupied Palestinian Territory<\/u><\/p>\n

NAVANETHEM PILLAY, Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, presenting her report (document\u00a0A\/77\/328<\/a>), highlighted the responsibility of Member States to ensure a just solution for the situation in Israel and Palestine that protects the human rights of all.\u00a0 Israel is treating the occupation as permanent, she said, annexing parts of the West Bank while hiding behind a fiction of temporariness.\u00a0 This permanence and annexation, including the purported de jure annexation of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights, have led the Commission to conclude that Israel\u2019s occupation is now unlawful, she added.\u00a0 Actions of the Israeli Government may constitute the war crime of transferring \u2013 directly or indirectly \u2013 part of one\u2019s own civilian population as well as deportation or forcible transfer.<\/p>\n

Her Commission\u2019s mandate is to consider the conflict and occupation in its full context to uncover the root causes of the now 75-year-long protracted conflict, identify the role of third States and outline accountability measures, she said\u00a0 It has concluded that permanent occupation and de facto annexation policies serve as a root cause of instability and protracted conflict.\u00a0 Noting Israel\u2019s security-based justifications for some of its actions, the Commission found that many actions in the West Bank are often used as a pretext to justify territorial expansion and that it could not identify efforts to end the occupation.\u00a0 Instead, statements made by officials indicate that the State intends for the occupation to be permanent.\u00a0 Citing coercive treatment of Palestinians, including destruction of properties and homes, mass incarceration and limitations on access to livelihoods, she said this environment is meant to force Palestinians to leave their homes to make room for more Israeli settlements. \u00a0The report suggests that Israel has no intention of ending the occupation, and the conflict, if left unaddressed by the international community, will continue interminably, she said.\u00a0 The General Assembly should address the fact that Palestine is occupied due to the persistent refusal of successive Israeli governments to abide by international law.\u00a0 Next month, it will be 55 years since the Security Council adopted resolution 242, calling for Israel to withdraw from territories it occupied in the 1967 war, and yet Israel remains in occupation without any consequence, she said.\u00a0 Her Commission strongly recommends that the Assembly request an urgent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice on the legal consequences of Israel\u2019s permanent occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, of policies employed to achieve this and of its refusal to respect the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing interactive dialogue, the representative of\u00a0Israel<\/u>\u00a0recounted the death of five-year-old Ido Avigal by Hamas rocket shrapnel that penetrated a bomb shelter in Lod during a strike.\u00a0 He said that his story, like those of all Israeli victims of terror, is omitted from the hate-filled Commissioners\u2019 report, as it deliberately omits Hamas rockets in lieu of placing blame on the law-abiding democracy of Israel.\u00a0 Pointing to Ido Avigal\u2019s parents in the conference room, he asked Commission members to explain why they ignored their son\u2019s murder, calling them heartless and dismissing the report as illegitimate.\u00a0 He said that, although it is no longer politically correct today to be antisemitic, the world now burns the Jewish State, as it once burned Jews at the stake, and decried the Human Rights Council\u2019s disproportionate targeting of his country.\u00a0 The Council has adopted more resolutions condemning Israel than condemning Syria, the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea and Iran combined, he said.\u00a0 Adding that this inquisition of the Commission of Inquiry is led by countries like Libya, Venezuela and China, he cited the United States and United Kingdom\u2019s opposition to Ms. Pillay\u2019s open-ended mandate, calling her and her colleagues antisemitic and non-objective.<\/p>\n

The observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>\u00a0said that Israel has no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 This is guaranteed by law and not an opinion, she stressed.\u00a0 She condemned Israel\u2019s refusal to allow the Special Rapporteur and Commission of Inquiry entry, as well as its obstructing Security Council visits to the Territories, stating that this is evidence of Israel\u2019s efforts to hide its colonial and apartheid regime.\u00a0 The occupation is ongoing with no end in sight, she said.\u00a0 As outlined in Ms. Pillay\u2019s report, Israel has no intention of ending the occupation and will only further entrench it.\u00a0 She said that transferring Israeli citizens into occupied territories, land confiscation and military-supported settler attacks prove this.\u00a0 Further, not one General Assembly resolution has been implemented by the Government, she lamented, citing resolutions 242, 476 and 904, the latter of which will prevent illegal acts of settler violence and guarantee the safety of Palestinians.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s refusal to implement these resolutions and the continued lack of action or accountability from the international community will only result in more arbitrary detentions, land theft, maimings and killings.\u00a0 She asked what third party obligations are regarding impunity in the context of occupation.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>, in its capacity as observer, said that his delegation did not support the creation of this Commission of Inquiry because of concerns over its broad mandate.\u00a0 He expressed great concern over the occupation that began in 1967, calling on Israel to significantly improve the lives of the Palestinian people.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Guatemala<\/u>\u00a0said that the Inquiry must be impartial and objective, rejecting antisemitic elements of the report and all attacks against Israel.<\/p>\n

The representatives of\u00a0Australia<\/u>\u00a0and\u00a0Albania<\/u>\u00a0expressed similar concerns about the open-ended mandate.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0South Africa<\/u>\u00a0said the report details tactics that were the same under South African apartheid.\u00a0 Israel is practicing an apartheid regime against the Palestinian people and occupied territories, he said, underscoring that this is not an assertion he would make lightly.<\/p>\n

The representatives of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>,\u00a0T\u00fcrkiye<\/u>,\u00a0Egypt<\/u>\u00a0and\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0stressed that the two-State solution along the 1967 borders is the only solution to this conflict.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>\u00a0said the brutal Israeli regime has labelled Palestinian non-governmental organizations as terrorist groups, which is another attempt to stifle information akin to its army\u2019s killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Namibia<\/u>\u00a0expressed support for the Commission\u2019s work and had no objection to the open-ended mandate, stressing that energy used to condemn the mandate should be used to end the conflict.\u00a0 While the United Nations is acclaimed for its decolonization work, its failure to find solutions to this conflict is a blemish on its reputation, she said.<\/p>\n

Taking the floor again, the observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>\u00a0expressed deep concern over criticism of the open-ended mandate, as the occupation brutalizing a people for over 50\u00a0years is also open-ended.<\/p>\n

Responding to delegates, Ms. PILLAY said: \u00a0\u201cI am 81\u00a0years old, and this is the first time I have been accused of antisemitism.\u201d\u00a0 Expressing astonishment at antisemitic labels for the report, she stressed that it is based on law and that Israel is bound by international law, just like all countries.\u00a0 Addressing criticism of the mandate itself, she said it is open-ended and will allow time to address issues raised, such as armed Palestinian groups and the implications of the conflict on children.\u00a0 She said that the Commission condemns all violence and expressed condolences to the mother of Ido Avigal, adding that, if Israel will allow her Commission access to the country, she will express her sympathies personally to all victims. \u00a0Returning to the report, she recalled that it asks the General Assembly to solicit an opinion from the International Court of Justice on whether the occupation is lawful.\u00a0 She said her Commission will investigate all violations of international and human rights law, noting that the report includes the high number of Israeli casualties during the Second Intifada in 2007, when over 1,200 Israelis were killed, along with more than 4,200 Palestinians.\u00a0 Further, it will investigate Palestinian armed groups as well as their actions against civilians.\u00a0 Acknowledging Israel\u2019s legitimate security concerns, she underscored that its actions must conform to international law and that the permanent dispossession and rights denial of the Palestinian people \u201cwill never be a recipe for peace\u201d.\u00a0 Adding that the role of civil society is to bring awareness to this issue, she hailed the bravery of Palestinian and Israeli actors, despite restrictions on free speech.<\/p>\n

Also speaking were representatives of the Netherlands, Cuba, Hungary, Malaysia, Germany, Uruguay, Austria, United Kingdom, Marshall Islands (on behalf of a group of countries), Albania, Bulgaria, Czechia, Canada, Ireland, Liberia, Palau, Tunisia, United States, Syria, Malta and Italy.<\/p>\n

FRANCESCA ALBANESE, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory Occupied since 1967, presenting her report, stressed that the Occupied Palestinian Territory is experiencing yet another spike in violence, marked by heavy loss of Palestinian lives.\u00a0 The systematic targeting and extrajudicial killing of Palestinians by Israeli forces, while Israeli \u201csettlers\u201d destroy properties and attack, shoot and terrorize unarmed civilians and their children, occurs daily and with complete impunity.\u00a0 This is not an \u201cintractable\u201d conflict between two parties borne of irreconcilable rivalry and incompatible senses of identity.\u00a0 This is the result of a reality shaped by protracted injustice, where two peoples are trapped by an anachronistic settler-colonial enterprise: one the colonizer, the other colonized.\u00a0 The Israeli occupation has crystallized into an apartheid regime, she asserted, criticizing the international community\u2019s tolerance of Israel\u2019s defiant violation of the most basic provisions of international law.<\/p>\n

She went on to underscore that for 55 years Israel has attempted to bury the Palestinian people\u2019s inalienable right to self-determination in the occupied territory, which accounts for only 22\u00a0per\u00a0cent of pre\u20111948 Palestine.\u00a0 The reality of Palestinians living under occupation is marked by the persistent violation by Israel of the right to self-determination.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s systematic violation of the core components of self-determination exposes the nature of its occupation: a segregationist and repressive regime designed to prevent the realization of the Palestinian people\u2019s right to self-determination, pursuing the \u201cde-Palestinianization\u201d of the occupied territory.\u00a0 In a tragic irony, Israel has been allowed to advance its colonization under the pretence of an occupation maintained for security reasons, all under the watch of the same international community that long ago vowed to end colonialism.<\/p>\n

She noted that the past 55 years demonstrate that tolerating Israel\u2019s continued non-compliance with its international legal obligations breeds impunity.\u00a0 Calling for a paradigm shift in approaching the Israel-Palestine question, she urged the Government of Israel to cease impeding Palestinian self-determination by unconditionally ending the occupation and the interconnected apartheid practices, starting with the withdrawal of its military troops.\u00a0 Furthermore, she continued, third States must not recognize as lawful, nor aid or assist, the illegal situation created by Israel\u2019s internationally wrongful acts.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing debate, the observer for the\u00a0State of Palestine<\/u>, stressing the utter importance of the right to self-determination to the Palestinian People, opposed Israel\u2019s \u201cveto right\u201d over Palestine\u2019s statehood.\u00a0 Echoing the report of the Special Rapporteur, who characterized the occupation as settler-colonial, she said that, today, there are 700,000 Israeli settlers unlawfully present in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.\u00a0 In this context, she asked about the obligations of States and other international actors as well as the role of the General Assembly.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Cuba<\/u>\u00a0emphasized that Israeli policies towards Palestine counter the Charter of the United Nations and United Nations resolutions as well as threaten international peace and security.\u00a0 Peace must be based on the two-State solution, he noted.<\/p>\n

In a similar vein, the representative of\u00a0South Africa<\/u>\u00a0underlined that Israel must be held accountable for committing the crime of apartheid as part of its broader system of oppression and domination over the Palestinian people.\u00a0 Denial of the right to self-determination is a key element of colonialism, she said, noting that Israel\u2019s continued colonial occupation is a violation of international human rights law.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Indonesia<\/u>\u00a0said that Israel has violated every aspect of Palestinian society, including its political, economic and cultural spheres.\u00a0 She condemned the intentional segregation of the Palestinian people and the denial of their right to self-determination, calling on Israel to end its apartheid regime.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0T\u00fcrkiye<\/u>\u00a0expressed deep concern over the lack of progress towards a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as well as the lack of interest of the international community in finding a just solution to the conflict.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Iran<\/u>\u00a0cautioned that Palestinian basic rights, including the right to housing and employment, are being violated daily.\u00a0 Furthermore, the international community is witnessing a new wave of illegal settlements, she said, calling on Israel to end its occupation and restore the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>, voicing concern over the high number of Palestinian deaths by Israeli Forces so far in 2022, said his Government fully supports Israel\u2019s right to self-defence, but where there are accusations of excessive use of force, it advocates swift, transparent investigations.\u00a0 The United Kingdom is appalled by terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens and the resulting deaths, he said, asking what confidence-building measures can be advanced to improve the lives of Palestinians and lay the foundation for final status negotiations.<\/p>\n

Responding, Ms. ALBANESE stressed that the occupying power refuses to withdraw its troops and its colonial presence from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, over which it has no sovereignty.\u00a0 The Government of Israel declines to respond to issues of concern and allow visits to the territory, she said, noting that Israel engages in vilification of human rights mechanisms by attacking them with allegations of antisemitism and bias.\u00a0 Criticizing the paralysis of the United Nations Security Council, she said Israel loudly attempts to divert attention from the reality on the ground.\u00a0 \u201cThe law is clear, and the reality is fully documented,\u201d she asserted, opposing the false equivalence pushed on the parties: One is the occupier, and one is the occupying.\u00a0 One is the colonizer, and the other is the colonized.\u00a0 Israel\u2019s actions amount to a crime of aggression, she underscored, noting that Palestinians should not be pushed to negotiate conditions with their colonizers.\u00a0 She also emphasized that humanitarian aid might be necessary but is never a substitute for a political solution.\u00a0 International law is only as valid as the will of States to enforce it, she said, calling for strengthened accountability.<\/p>\n

Also speaking were representatives of Luxembourg, Egypt, Chile, Venezuela, Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Qatar, Micronesia (associating with the Marshall Islands), Norway, Azerbaijan (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Niger, Russian Federation, China, Tunisia (associating with the Non-Aligned Movement), Namibia and Mali.\u00a0 The representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, also spoke.<\/p>\n

Somalia<\/u><\/p>\n

ISHA DYFAN, Independent Expert on the Situation of Human Rights in Somalia, said the security situation in the country remains a serious concern, despite the efforts of the Government of Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to maintain peace and security.\u00a0 Noting that Al-Shabaab and various armed groups have recently escalated their attacks, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties, she cited deadly incidents in Kismayo and Beletweyne.\u00a0 Stressing that parties to the conflict continue to perpetuate the six grave violations against children at alarming rates, she pointed to over 4,400 verified cases of abuses and called on the Government to intensify its efforts to protect civilians\u2019 human rights.\u00a0 Appreciating the Government\u2019s approach to civilian protection, she noted that this focuses on transferring security responsibilities from ATMIS to Somali security forces and institutions.\u00a0 It also aims at enhancing a community-led inclusive reconciliation process and collaboration with civil society and the international community to minimize the impact of armed conflict and insecurity, which led to the displacement of an estimated 366,000 people in 2022, including 99,000 people in August alone, she said.<\/p>\n

Welcoming the election of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and the establishment of the Government as an opportunity to accelerate implementation of the human rights agenda, including through reforms, she added that the election fell short of the principle of \u201cone person, one vote\u201d.\u00a0 As women remain underrepresented, with only 54 of the House of the People\u2019s 275 seats, below the 30\u00a0per\u00a0cent minimum quota, she called for greater participation of women in politics and public affairs.\u00a0 Expressing concern about violations of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, especially in Somaliland, she noted that security personnel continue to attack media freedoms by harassing, intimidating and arbitrarily arresting an increasing number of journalists.\u00a0 Highlighting incidents on 22 and 11\u00a0October, she urged the Government to bring media legislation in line with the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia as well as regional and international human rights standards by amending laws criminalizing the work of media and ensuring accountability.<\/p>\n

Multifaceted challenges and the humanitarian crisis caused by conflict and exacerbated climate change have resulted in increasing violations of human rights, she said, including sexual violence and limited access to basic services.\u00a0 Stressing that 7.8\u00a0million people are impacted and more than 1\u00a0million displaced by drought, including nearly 99,000 in August, she said that \u201cSomalia is facing a humanitarian catastrophe and imminent famine if the next rainy season fails or proves to be on the below-average cycle\u201d.\u00a0 Adding that the Government`s efforts at addressing security, political and institutional reforms cannot be sustainable without addressing economic, social, and cultural rights issues, she encouraged an acceleration of the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries process.\u00a0 Further, she called on the State to prioritize the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission and finalize a comprehensive review of all pending bills on women and children\u2019s rights.<\/p>\n

When the floor opened for questions and comments, the representative of\u00a0Somalia<\/u>, noting the achievements of his new Government over the last three months, said that mobilization of the people and Government forces against Al-Shabaab has recently reached its highest level, leading to the liberation of some areas that have not been in Government hands for over 20 years.\u00a0 The relationship between Somalia and its neighbors has been revived, as have relations with the international community, he said.\u00a0 Noting that Somalia is facing some of the worst multifaceted challenges worldwide, he stressed his Government\u2019s commitment to transition from over two decades of devasting conflict, drought and famine to stability and prosperity.\u00a0 In this regard, he cited the launch of a revaluation process on policies to build a joint steering committee for peace and protection of women and women\u2019s rights, along with other frameworks on social protection, recovery and development.\u00a0 He also spotlighted his Govermnent\u2019s benchmarks to achieve the promotion of human rights, including strengthening its institutions and judiciary.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0called for the release of persons arbitrarily detained and an end to unlawful recruitment or use of child soldiers, encouraging the country to create transparent democratic structures to promote human rights and accountability.\u00a0 She asked Ms. Dyfan how Mogadishu can be assisted in building democratic institutions that can safeguard human rights.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>, in its capacity as observer, expressed hope that a 30\u00a0per\u00a0cent minimum quota for women\u2019s representation in Government will be met in the future.\u00a0 Alarmed by the fact that an estimated 7.1\u00a0million people \u2013 or 45\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the total population \u2013 are acutely food-insecure and that over a million people have been displaced by drought, he expressed concern over ongoing human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Somalia.\u00a0 Deploring violations against children, journalists, women and girls, he pointed to a rising number of cases of female genital mutilation over the past two years.\u00a0 Encouraging the country to review its penal code, adopt sexual offences legislation and endorse a female genital mutilation bill in line with international standards as well as legislation to protect the rights of children, he asked how States can help Somalia implement indicators in the report.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>\u00a0encouraged the country to pass bills addressing sexual offences and child rights.\u00a0 Underlining the importance of accountability in human rights and encouraging the establishment of a national human rights commission, she welcomed Somalia\u2019s expected participation at the upcoming Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative hosted by her country.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Mexico<\/u>\u00a0expressed concern over growing reports of gender violence perpetrated by Al-Shabaab as well as members of the police and security forces.\u00a0 Noting that the 30\u00a0per\u00a0cent quota for women\u2019s participation in Government has not been reached, she said their input is key to achieving long-term peace.\u00a0 She asked Ms. Dyfan about prospects for Somalia\u2019s ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and other laws to penalize sexual and gender violence, including female genital mutilation, early marriages and marital rape.\u00a0 Further, she asked if civil society is participating in the investigation of cases of sexual and gender violence by members of security forces.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>, responding to the United Kingdom\u2019s statement, said that the failure to adopt a resolution on Xinjiang at the Human Rights Council shows that the international community is unwilling to accept claims and allegations against it.<\/p>\n

Ms. DYFAN, responding, said that Somalia is at a critical juncture, given the escalation of violence by Al-Shabaab and other actors and the humanitarian catastrophe, which threaten peace and security and have disastrous consequences on the population.\u00a0 Noting the growing number of casualties in the country, she highlighted increased attacks in February and March during the electoral process and after June, when the new President was announced.\u00a0 If this trend continues, the number will grow beyond 2021 and 2020 figures, she said.\u00a0 Armed attacks are continuing and civilians experiencing the worst impacts, she said, stressing that advancing peace and security reforms should occur in parallel with promoting the rule of law and accountability.\u00a0 Stressing that courts of law should provide a minimum guarantee for due process and a fair trial, she said Somalia could adopt a moratorium on all executions with a view to completely abolishing the death penalty.\u00a0 She called on the international community to continue providing technical and financial support for reform of police, judiciary and rule of law institutions.\u00a0 Inviting the Government to pass the child rights bill and juvenile justice bill in line with international standards and complete the review of pending bills, she called on all stakeholders to protect the rights of minorities and marginalized groups.\u00a0 Pointing to prospects for ratifying the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, she said this requires further discussions and involvement of experts to help civil society and the Government come to an agreement.\u00a0 Other bills on gender-based violence and female genital mutilation have also been discussed with civil society, she said, noting that some of the issues blocking them have been more political than legal and expressing hope that the new Government will accelerate their adoption.<\/p>\n

Also speaking today was the representative of Luxembourg.<\/p>\n

Ethiopia<\/u><\/p>\n

KAARI BETTY MURUNGI, Chair of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, said that after a five-month cessation of hostilities, fighting resumed in August between the Federal Government and its allies and Tigrayan forces.\u00a0 The conflict has recently intensified considerably, she added, spreading into Amhara, Oromia and Afar.\u00a0 Eritrean troops are fighting alongside Ethiopian troops on several fronts, launching attacks with heavy weapons on major population centres, like Axum, Shire and Sheraro, she noted, stressing that hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians were forced to flee their homes, many for a second or third time.\u00a0 \u201cEthiopia\u2019s beleaguered civilian population now finds itself mired, once again, in the intractable and deadly consequences of a war affecting the stability of Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa,\u201d she said.\u00a0 The Commission found reasonable grounds to believe that most risk factors contained in the 2014 United Nations Framework of Analysis for Atrocity Crimes are present in Ethiopia today, notably dissemination of hate speech and horrific and dehumanizing acts of violence.\u00a0 Stressing the Commission\u2019s role as a tool for prevention, she welcomed the launch of an African Union-led peace process this week between the Federal Government and Tigrayan regional authorities.\u00a0 Highlighting the Commission\u2019s visit to Addis Ababa, she expressed regret that the Ethiopian Government did not grant access to any areas outside of the city.<\/p>\n

The report underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray, where the Government and allies have denied some six\u00a0million people access to food, medicine, and basic services for over a year.\u00a0 They have destroyed and looted goods indispensable for the survival of civilians and implemented severe restrictions on humanitarian access to Tigray, thus leaving 90\u00a0per\u00a0cent of the population in dire need of assistance, an 80\u00a0per\u00a0cent increase since the beginning of the conflict.\u00a0 \u201cOur report finds reasonable grounds to believe that the widespread denial and obstruction of access to food, medicine, and basic services amounts to the crimes against humanity of persecution and inhumane acts\u201d, she said.\u00a0 Further, it also finds \u201creasonable grounds to believe that the Federal Government is committing the war crime of using starvation as a method of warfare\u201d.\u00a0 The Commission has received information indicating that Tigrayan forces have looted or otherwise misappropriated humanitarian aid.\u00a0 It has also found that rape and crimes of sexual violence have been perpetrated on a staggering scale since the conflict began.\u00a0 Ethiopian and Eritrean forces and regional militias have targeted Tigrayan women and girls, and Tigrayan forces have committed rape and sexual violence against Amhara women and girls as well as Eritrean refugees, she said, adding that all parties to the conflict are recruiting and using child soldiers.<\/p>\n

The Commission found reasonable grounds to believe that Tigrayan forces have committed serious human rights abuses, some of which amount to war crimes, including large-scale killings of Amhara civilians, rape and sexual violence as well as widespread looting and destruction of civilian property.\u00a0 In addition, the Ethiopian National Defence Force intentionally directed an attack against civilians when it struck a camp for internally displaced persons in Debt in January\u00a02022, killing around 60 civilians.\u00a0 \u201cThis would amount to a war crime,\u201d she said, noting an intensified drone strike campaign in Tigray over the last four weeks.\u00a0 The Defence Force also indiscriminately attacked civilians when it shelled Mekelle on 28\u00a0November\u00a02020.\u00a0 She added that some measures the Government\u2019s Inter-Ministerial Task Force and National Dialogue Commission put forward during the Commission\u2019s visit, if implemented, will contribute to transitional justice.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Ethiopia<\/u>\u00a0said the Commission of Experts on Human Rights violates the principles of universality, impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity.\u00a0 Adding that the Commission exists only to justify intervention and sanctions, he recalled that no African Country voted for its creation, as African countries are routinely targeted.\u00a0 He expressed hope that, as its mandate was renewed by a margin of two votes, this term will be their last.<\/p>\n

While Ethiopia is committed to constructive international dialogue, the Commission refuses to work with the Government, which is reflected in the false content of the report, he added.\u00a0 In contrast, the joint report of the Human Rights Council and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has concluded that further investigation of the country is necessary.\u00a0 He dismissed the desk report made with a few telephone calls to unverified individuals that acquits the terrorist group the country is facing.\u00a0 He said the Government will hold the terrorist group responsible and will continue its cooperation with the OHCHR.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0South Africa<\/u>\u00a0speaking on behalf of the African group, said that the Universal Periodic Review remains the only universally agreed upon mechanism to address human rights issues, strongly condemning politicization and double standards.\u00a0 No meaningful outcomes can come from politicizing human rights, she added, commending efforts of the Ethiopian Government to protect its people.<\/p>\n

Echoing his colleague on the primacy of the Universal Periodic Review, the representative of\u00a0Venezuela<\/u>\u00a0expressed support for the Non-Aligned Movement position rejecting country-specific mandates, as they engender conflict and are not conducive to dialogue.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Eritrea<\/u>\u00a0rejected accusations in the report, adding that the Tigray People\u2019s Liberation Front spreads disinformation.\u00a0 The Front\u2019s massacres in northern Ethiopia, followed by regime change are well-documented as part of its 20-year plan.\u00a0 She criticized the report for attempting to shift blame away from the Front and called for the elimination of double standards.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0said that maintaining peace in Ethiopia is important for the entire region and expressed support for all parties in the country, encouraging dialogue between them.\u00a0 Commending the African Union-led peace talks, she warned against country-specific mechanisms that will complicate the issue.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Liechtenstein<\/u>\u00a0asked how to work with the African Union to ensure peace and security in the region.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0European Union,<\/u>\u00a0in its capacity as an observer, said that reports of a recurrence of conflict in Tigray run counter to commitments made by the Government and the Front, stressing that the conflict has no military solution.<\/p>\n

The Representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0decried violence harming civilians, including by Eritrean forces.\u00a0 Welcoming the release of some prisoners, she voiced apprehension over those still detained based on their ethnicity as well as Internet shutdowns that restrict free speech and the work of journalists.\u00a0 She asked what steps the international community can take to ensure accountability for crimes and violations in Ethiopia.<\/p>\n

Also speaking were representatives of Spain, Switzerland, Australia, United Kingdom, Cuba, the Russian Federation, Ireland, Luxembourg, Germany, T\u00fcrkiye, Cameroon and Nigeria.<\/p>\n

Responding, STEVEN RATNER, a member of the Commission, stressed the importance of the Commission\u2019s interaction with the domestic processes in Ethiopia and called for national ownership of accountability mechanisms.\u00a0 On sexual and gender-based violence, he said the Commission continues to be concerned by uncovered atrocities as well as the long-term effects of these actions on women and girls.\u00a0 The shocking degree of violence demands that the Commission continue to focus on the issue in its further work, he stressed.\u00a0 Moreover, the Commission is determined to focus on the humanitarian situation in the country and is concerned about the mobilization of hate speech by State and private actors that have demonized opponents.\u00a0 He also drew attention to the issue of child soldiers.\u00a0 Underscoring the core role of the African Union in terminating conflict as well as human rights and humanitarian law violations, he called for continued dialogue with the Government of Ethiopia.<\/p>\n

Burundi<\/u><\/p>\n

FORTUN\u00c9 GA\u00c9TAN ZONGO, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi, said cooperation between his mandate and Burundi can lead to the identification of priorities that can be formalized to strengthen the rule of law and better consider human rights.\u00a0 Noting that Burundi joined the United Nations in 1962 and is one of 128 States to extend a standing invitation to the special procedures in 2013, he said it is essential that the country reaffirm its commitment to advance human rights.\u00a0 During his mandate, he aims to analyse root causes and factors leading to conflicts so that early warning mechanisms can be put in place to better prevent the resumption of conflicts in the future, he said, affirming that conflict prevention largely depends on the implementation of targeted measures to protect human rights.\u00a0 Strengthening the rule of law, independence of the judiciary and expanding civic space as well as economic, social, cultural, women\u2019s, children\u2019s and refugees\u2019 rights will also be addressed by his mandate.<\/p>\n

Highlighting progress in the fight against human trafficking in Burundi, he said that judicial proceedings have been launched, investigations are under way, sentences have been handed down and victims have received assistance.\u00a0 Further, Burundi has established a training programme on tackling trafficking for law-enforcement staff and has adopted laws on regulating migration, he said.\u00a0 However, the human rights situation in the country has not changed in a lasting manner, he said, stressing the need for institutional reforms.\u00a0 Adding that the country is afflicted by the effects of the COVID\u201119 pandemic, extreme poverty, a spike in the price of basic goods, fuel shortages, a food crisis and youth unemployment, he said that cyclical violence Burundi has undergone, including the crisis in 2015, should\u00a0 be considered.\u00a0 Praising initiatives fostering the country\u2019s development, he said that human rights will be considered in a cross-cutting way in Government actions, adding that the State should acquire strong institutions able to enforce the rule of law and fight impunity.<\/p>\n

In the ensuing interactive dialogue, the representative of\u00a0Burundi<\/u>\u00a0noted the purely subjective nature of the report, which ignores all encouraging developments on the ground \u2013 the withdrawal of Burundi from the Security Council agenda, lifting of economic and targeted sanctions imposed on Burundi by the European Union and reforms initiated in the areas of social justice, freedom of opinion, freedom of press and civil and political rights.\u00a0 It is clear today that all of Burundi\u2019s partners have changed their perceptions of the country\u2019s human rights situation, he said, expressing regret that the report is completely out of touch with reality on the ground.\u00a0 Pointing to political motives that are behind the drafting of the report, he highlighted enormous progress achieved in human rights, including the right to free speech.\u00a0 He also drew attention to Burundi\u2019s reopening of civil society organizations, voluntary return of many human rights defenders and repatriation of refugees, as confirmed by the OHCHR.\u00a0 The status of a fragile country is no longer applicable to Burundi, he asserted, stressing the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity.<\/p>\n

Echoing his concerns, the representative of\u00a0Nicaragua<\/u>\u00a0firmly rejected the manipulation and use of the human rights agenda as a pretext to intervene in the domestic affairs of independent sovereign States.\u00a0 Similarly, the representative of\u00a0Eritrea<\/u>\u00a0opposed the country-specific mandate on the human rights situation in Burundi.\u00a0 Selective approaches on addressing human rights targets in developing countries fail to have meaningful impacts, she observed, describing the Universal Periodic Review as the most comprehensive mechanism to address human rights challenges in all countries in a fair manner.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0opposed politicization of human rights issues and the use of human rights as a political tool to discipline developing countries and intensify the atmosphere of confrontation.<\/p>\n

In the same vein, the representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>, highlighting the imposed nature of the mandate, said the report cannot claim to be objective and reflective of the real situation.\u00a0 Those who initiated the creation of this post continue to use their beloved practice of exploiting the human rights topic to exert pressure on a developing African country, he stressed, rejecting the imposition of unilateral coercive approaches, including through mechanisms of intergovernmental organizations.\u00a0 Moscow supports the principle of African solutions to African problems, he asserted.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the representative of the\u00a0European Union<\/u>, in its capacity as observer, expressed concern about the fragile human rights situation in Burundi, noting persistent allegations of acts of torture and inhuman treatment, enforced disappearances and unjustified restrictions on fundamental freedoms.\u00a0 She asked the Special Rapporteur about measures to better protect human rights defenders in Burundi.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0pointed to cases of harassment of opposition supporters in recent months and allegations of abuses against Congolese civilians by Burundian forces.\u00a0 Despite progress made, Washington is concerned by the lack of a consistent approach to accountability, he said, urging the Government of Burundi to prosecute all human rights violations and cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms as well as the Special Rapporteur.<\/p>\n

Responding, Mr. ZONGO said Burundi has accepted the rules of the game that the United Nations stipulates.\u00a0 He underscored that Burundi is indeed moving in the right direction, adding that he has observed developments since his first report.\u00a0 Detailing his priorities for the months to come, he stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and building strong institutions. \u00a0This cannot be done without Burundi\u2019s cooperation, he said.\u00a0 He also identified priorities for Burundi in terms of protecting human rights and strengthening mechanisms for crisis prevention.\u00a0 He called for objective, balanced and transparent support from the international community to help Burundi resolve its crises and move towards development.<\/p>\n

Also speaking were representatives of Venezuela, Cuba, Belarus, Iran, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Cameroon and Norway.<\/p>\n

Eritrea<\/u><\/p>\n

MOHAMED ABDELSALAM BABIKER, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, stressed that Eritrea\u2019s involvement in the armed conflict in the Tigray region has brought to the fore persistent human rights violations linked to the system of indefinite military service.\u00a0 Thousands of conscripts have been forced to participate in the Tigray conflict, with men, women, children, and older persons being swept up and sent to fight on the frontlines.\u00a0 Previously documented patterns of child recruitment by the Eritrean forces have worsened, with some as young as 14, many of whom have died or been disabled.<\/p>\n

The human rights situation in the country has continued to push thousands of Eritreans to flee, she said, adding that Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers continue to face increasingly restrictive asylum systems both in transit and destination countries.\u00a0 Voicing concern about the situation of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, where thousands remain in grave danger, she spotlighted reports of Eritrean refugees killed in attacks, and of preventable deaths linked to lack of access to food, water and medicines in Tigray.\u00a0 In August\u00a02022, Eritreans from the Afar region in Eritrea were denied access to asylum procedures in Ethiopia, she said, also noting with concern the difficulties that humanitarian actors face operating in Tigray due to the complex security situation.\u00a0 This has impeded the delivery of humanitarian assistance to refugees and other populations in need in Tigray for several months.\u00a0 The intensification of the armed conflict in Tigray and the recent resumption of fighting has seriously impacted civilian populations, including refugees and asylum seekers.\u00a0 The role played by Eritrean forces in enforcing a de facto blockade is of serious concern, she asserted.<\/p>\n

She underscored that Eritrea made no progress towards the development of a minimum institutional infrastructure to protect and ensure respect for human rights.\u00a0 The country continues to lack rule of law, a constitution, and an independent judiciary.\u00a0 She also expressed concern about the situation of hundreds of Eritreans who have been arbitrarily detained or disappeared in secret prisons.\u00a0 She urged Eritrea to reveal the whereabouts of victims of enforced disappearance to their relatives and develop a transparent system for detainee registration.\u00a0 Urgent action is required to address widespread human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearances, torture and inhuman or degrading treatment, she emphasized, noting that conditions of detention in Eritrea also amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, with detainees unable to access to water, food, and medical attention.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, civic space in Eritrea remains tightly restricted, she said, adding that there is still no independent media and the country remains one of the most censored in the world.\u00a0 She said that 16\u00a0journalists, including Swedish-Eritrean journalist and writer Dawit Isaak, have not been seen for over 20\u00a0years, making them the longest detained journalists in the world.\u00a0 Moreover, she also called on the Government of Eritrea to release those imprisoned for their religious beliefs and allow all Eritreans to exercise their right to freedom of religion.<\/p>\n

When the floor opened for questions and comments, the representative of\u00a0Eritrea<\/u>, rejecting the mandate of the Rapporteur as the outcome of a politically motivated initiative, said her delegation does not intend to respond to the substance of the report.\u00a0 Noting that the mandate does not have the consent of her country and violates the principle for which the Human Rights Council was created, she said the report undermines national priorities and negates her country\u2019s reality and the progress made to address the needs of its people.\u00a0 Adding that it depends on dubious sources and groups that have a long history advocating for changes in Eritrea, she highlighted the detrimental effect of unilateral coercive measures on development and people.\u00a0 Noting that Mr. Babiker welcomes such measures in Eritrea, she said this demonstrates the politicization of his mandate.\u00a0 Asking if there is a humanitarian crisis in her country demanding the attention of the Human Rights Council for over a decade, she said the answer is no, and that gaps in human rights standards are best addressed through the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.\u00a0 Citing remarks on Tigray, she said the Rapporteur has overstepped his mandate, noting that he attacked Eritrea\u2019s National Service Programme.\u00a0 Restoration of peace to Eritrea and Ethiopia in 2018 contributed to revitalizing the Horn of Africa, she said, adding that \u201cthe Tigray crisis has been invented to abort these dynamics and reassert the United States and Western allies\u2019 geopolitical agendas in the new reality of the shifting global order\u201d. \u00a0She called on States to support her country\u2019s efforts to consolidate regional peace and security, oppose country-specific mandates on Eritrea and intensify the fight against double standards in human rights.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United States<\/u>\u00a0expressed concern over unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture, closing of civil space and other human rights violations and abuses in Eritrea.\u00a0 Supporting the call for a national action plan to implement recommendations by various human rights mechanisms, she pointed to the Rapporteur\u2019s remarks on Eritrea\u2019s involvement in the war in Ethiopia, which has resulted in human rights abuses.\u00a0 Calling on Eritrea to withdraw its troops and cease fueling the conflict, she asked Mr. Babiker what States could do to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes committed in Eritrea and by Eritrean forces in Ethiopia.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Venezuela<\/u>\u00a0rejected country-specific mandates and reports that reflect selectivity and politicization as well as the creation of instruments and resolutions against specific States without their consent.\u00a0 He pointed to the Universal Periodic Review and other instruments based on dialogue as tools for advancing constructive discussion on human rights.<\/p>\n

Echoing similar concerns, the representative of\u00a0South Africa<\/u>\u00a0rejected country-specific reports lacking objectivity and non-selectivity, opposing the politicization of human rights, which proved confrontational and counterproductive.\u00a0 All countries\u2019 sovereignty should be respected, she said, defining the Universal Periodic Review as the sole mechanism for addressing human rights. \u00a0Acknowledging Ethiopia\u2019s efforts to promote human rights and appreciating positive developments in peace and cooperation in the region, she invited States to support such endeavors.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0United Kingdom<\/u>\u00a0pointed to military conscription, arbitrary detentions, indefinite national service, Eritrea\u2019s participation in the conflict in northern Ethiopia and human rights abuses by Eritrean troops, including extrajudicial killings and sexual and gender-based violence. \u00a0Calling on the Government to end such atrocities, she urged Eritrea to implement recommendations from the last Universal Periodic Review, release those arbitrarily detained, withdraw its troops from Tigray and act on the findings of the joint investigation.\u00a0 She asked Mr. Babiker how members of the Council can help him discharge his mandate when the Eritrean Government refuses to cooperate.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0Ethiopia<\/u>\u00a0said that country-specific mandates are often politically motivated and counterproductive and undermine the work of the Human Rights Council.\u00a0 He rejected the report and commended Eritrea\u2019s Government for its efforts in promoting the enjoyment of human rights.\u00a0 Further, he highlighted that State\u2019s engagement with human rights treaty bodies through the submission of reports and implementation of the Universal Periodic Review. \u00a0He added that the Special Rapporteur exceeded his mandate with allegations directed at the north of Ethiopia, inviting impartiality, objectivity and non-selectivity.<\/p>\n

The representative of\u00a0China<\/u>\u00a0appreciated Eritrea\u2019s progress in advancing economic and social development and protecting human rights, particularly those of women, children and persons with disabilities.\u00a0 She supported its efforts to maintain sovereignty and oppose external interference through unilateral measures.\u00a0 She opposed the establishment of country-specific bodies addressing human rights without the consent of the concerned State.<\/p>\n

The representative of the\u00a0Russian Federation<\/u>\u00a0rejected the path taken by Western States to exploit human rights, stressing that the extension of the Special Rapporteur’s mandate was not supported by Eritrea.\u00a0 Adding that the Special Rapporteur should have been looking for cooperation with that country instead of choosing confrontation through a report full of accusations, he stressed that several States opposed the special procedures.\u00a0 Further, he noted with surprise that the Rapporteur supported the use of unilateral coercive measures in Eritrea when their negative impact on human rights has been reiterated on multiple occasions.<\/p>\n

Also speaking today were the representatives of Cuba, Nicaragua, Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea, Egypt, Nigeria, Norway, Cameroon, Syria, Iran, Belarus and Burundi.\u00a0 A representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, also spoke.<\/p>\n

Responding to allegations that his mandate is politicized, Mr. Babiker referred to factual points, including detainees who disappeared for 20\u00a0years and detention of political prisoners and children.\u00a0 He stressed that he shared his report with Eritrea, but the country failed to reply.\u00a0 He urged Member States to facilitate engagement with the Government of Eritrea to be allowed access and verify information on the ground.\u00a0 The issue of selectivity is not relevant, he said, noting that as a Member of the Human Rights Council, Eritrea should uphold the highest human rights standards and cooperate with the United Nations human rights system.\u00a0 On the issue of exceeding his mandate, he said his mandate extends extraterritorially.\u00a0 Recalling the destruction of four refugee camps in Tigray, he said that his mandate allows him to report on the human rights situation of Eritrean refugees.<\/p>\n

In response, the representative of\u00a0Eritrea<\/u>\u00a0said misinformation is dangerous, adding that when the Human Rights Council, through the Special Rapporteur, repeats unsubstantiated allegations against States, it inadvertently propagates the dangers it stands up against.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Source: United Nations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Special Rapporteur Calls Israel\u2019s Occupation of Palestinian Territory Unlawful Mandate holders presenting reports on human rights situations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia, Ethiopia, Burundi and Eritrea today defended their work against delegates\u2019 criticism of their activities, as the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) continued its interactive dialogues on human rights. 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