The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed grave concern regarding threats against special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, the rapporteur for Eritrea, faced personal attacks from the Eritrean Ambassador, while in Burundi, government threats against Commission of Inquiry members were condemned. The Philippines also saw threats against rapporteur Agnes Callamard.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised alarm regarding threats directed at its special rapporteurs in three nations: Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. In a statement released on November 21, the High Commissioner expressed concern over ongoing attempts by certain governments to discredit essential mechanisms created by the Human Rights Council. Specifically addressing Eritrea, the statement highlighted the adverse treatment faced by the Special Rapporteur on human rights, Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, who has recently reported deteriorating conditions in the country. During an interactive dialogue at a Human Rights Council session in June, the Eritrean Ambassador launched a personal attack on Ms. Keetharuth, describing her as a “naked Empress with no clothes” and accusing her of acting as a “Viceroy over Eritrea,” conducting a so-called witch-hunt against the nation. The High Commissioner firmly asserted that such vitriolic attacks are wholly unacceptable and that Ms. Keetharuth is performing her duties in accordance with her mandate from the UN Human Rights Council. Turning to Burundi, the UN has lodged a complaint concerning threats made against the authors of a report from a Commission of Inquiry examining human rights issues in the politically turbulent nation. The High Commissioner asserted that it is unacceptable for members of such a Commission, created by the Human Rights Council, to face threats of prosecution for carrying out their designated responsibilities. The threats from the Burundian government violate Article VI of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which protects experts undertaking assignments for the UN. The High Commissioner has urged the Burundian authorities to reconsider their non-cooperative stance toward the International Commission of Inquiry and to cease threatening its members. The report also mentions the Philippines, where President Duterte and his supporters have supposedly threatened UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who oversees matters concerning extrajudicial killings. It is imperative for nations to respect the work of human rights experts and to foster an environment of cooperation rather than hostility.
The ongoing challenges to human rights in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines highlight significant issues regarding state accountability and the protection of international human rights mechanisms. The UN Human Rights Council established special rapporteurs to monitor and report on human rights situations, and the threats faced by these experts underscore the increasing hostility towards such oversight. The response from the UN serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the rights of individuals within these countries and upholding international human rights standards.
In conclusion, the threats against UN human rights experts in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines illustrate a troubling trend of state aggression towards international human rights monitoring. The UN High Commissioner’s denouncement of these actions calls attention to the necessity for countries to honor their commitments to human rights and cooperate with international bodies. It is crucial for the global community to advocate for the protection of human rights experts to ensure continued oversight and progress in these regions.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
