The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expresses alarm over threats against special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines, highlighting hostility faced by key figures like Sheila Keetharuth. The UN affirms that such actions undermine the integrity of human rights mechanisms and calls for an end to these violations.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised serious concerns regarding the threats directed towards its special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. A statement dated November 21 highlights ongoing efforts by certain nations to undermine crucial mechanisms established by the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. In Eritrea, notable hostility has been directed toward the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, who recently released a report indicating that the human rights situation in the country remains dire. The statement denounces the verbal assault she faced from the Eritrean Ambassador during an interactive dialogue at a Human Rights Council session in June. The Ambassador’s disparaging remarks described Ms. Keetharuth as a ‘naked Empress with no clothes’ and suggested that she was acting as a “Viceroy over Eritrea” and engaging in a witch-hunt. The UN reiterated that Ms. Keetharuth is fulfilling the mandate conferred upon her by the Human Rights Council, and should not endure such vitriolic personal attacks by state representatives. Regarding Burundi, the UN has formally complained about threats made by the Burundian government against authors of a recent report from a Commission of Inquiry addressing human rights violations in the country. The High Commissioner expressed grave concern over these threats, deeming them unacceptable and a violation of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. The Commissioner urged the government to reconsider its refusal to cooperate with the International Commission of Inquiry and to cease the intimidation of its members. Additionally, the Philippines was mentioned in context to President Duterte and his supporters, who have reportedly issued open threats against the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights oversees the protection of individuals’ rights on a global scale. The challenges faced by its special rapporteurs, particularly in nations like Eritrea and Burundi, underscore ongoing human rights violations and the hostile climates that inhibit independent reporting and oversight. The reports by special rapporteurs are fundamental to acknowledging and addressing human rights concerns, thus any action undermining their work poses a serious threat to the human rights framework established by the international community.
In summary, the threats against UN human rights experts in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines reveal a troubling trend of hostility towards individuals tasked with protecting and promoting human rights. The statements by the United Nations High Commissioner emphasize the need for governments to uphold their commitments to international law and cooperate with UN mandates to ensure accountability and protect human rights.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
