17th Session, 30th May – 17th June 2011
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions and the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers
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Oral statement delivered by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), a non-governmental organisation with general consultative status
Thank you, Mr. President.
The World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions on “Protecting the right to life in the context of policing assemblies” which is very timely, in particular in light of the unfolding events in the Middle East and North Africa. The report provides guidance for States to avoid arbitrary deprivation of life during protests, which OMCT urges States to implement.
The Special Rapporteur, along with other mandate holders, has previously expressed its concern about the situation in Syria, Bahrain and Yemen, among others, with regard to the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters in clear violation of international law. Security forces in those countries have continued to blatantly use unlawful and excessive force, including widespread use of beatings, rubber and live ammunitions, against generally peaceful protests. The violent repression, aimed at silencing any dissident voices, has resulted in over hundreds dead and thousands injured. The OMCT is concerned that the situations can further escalate to unprecedented levels in the coming days, and urges these States to immediately put an end to the deadly crackdown, and to this Human Rights Council to address promptly these violations.
Mr. President,
As highlighted by the Special Rapporteur in his report, ensuring accountability for human rights violations, including of the right to life, during protests, is needed to prevent further violations. This particularly holds true for countries undergoing transition. In this regards, OMCT supports the Special Rapporteur’s call for independent, impartial and exhaustive investigations and justice to all of the victims of the violent protests that took place at the beginning of the year in Tunisia and Egypt. OMCT further calls on the countries undergoing transition to engage in decisive legal and policy reforms to fully guarantee the right of people to engage in peaceful protests, including by repealing long-term emergency laws, ensure that they can do so without fear or threat, and to ensure that the State security forces comply fully with international standards on the use of force and firearms.
Mr. Special Rapporteur, in light of the recent events in Pakistan, notably with the Abbottabad operation, do you intend to follow-up on your predecessor’s study on targeted killing?
Turning to the report of the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers, OMCT wishes to highlight the case of Venezuelan Judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni, who was arrested on 10 December 2009, following her decision to release on bail a defendant, taking into account the recommendations of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. Judge Afiuni is presently under house arrest and faces ongoing prosecution. The OMCT urges the Venezuelan authorities to ensure her safety at all times, end her persecution and guarantee that the trial initiated against her meet all international standards of fair trial and is open to international observers.
Finally, Ms. Special Rapporteur, while we welcome the topic of the report, we would appreciate if you could identify pertinent violations and cases that you think should be given particular attention in connection with the thematic addressed in your report.
Thank you.
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