Centre for Civil and Political Rights

Le CCPR Centre accompagne le Mecanisme national de rédaction des rapports dans le suivi des recommandations des mécanismes onusiens

Senegal, Comité DH, Reccommandation. Suivi. Direction DH. Senegal, Comité DH, Reccommandation. Suivi. Direction DH.

🇺🇳 141st session | On July 15 and 16, the Human Rights Committee reviewed the fourth periodic report of . This report, due since 2001, was finally submitted in May 2022. India was represented by a high-level delegation comprising over 30 members from various ministries and departments. The session saw extensive civil society participation, with 35 NGO reports submitted based in India and throughout the diaspora.

The Human Rights Committee raised concerns over the situation of women’s rights in India, focusing on political representation, gender-based violence, and maternal health. Gross violations of women’s rights were cited with worry including acid attacks, public humiliations, and gang r**es. In response, the delegation highlighted legislative advancements such as the Dowry Prohibition Act and the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, and 128th Amendment Act of 2023, that reserves 33% of seats in Parliament for women.

The Committee also focused on freedom of expression and the shrinking civic space in India. Despite constitutional guarantees, laws like Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Public Safety Act in Jammu and Kashmir often result in arbitrary detentions and suppression of dissent. The Committee expressed deep concern about prolonged detentions of up to 180 days without charges under these acts. Despite assurances of judicial processes and legal aid availability, the delegation failed to provide specific measures to prevent misuse of these laws or detailed data on detentions and human rights violations.

💻 Watch the dialogue with the Committee here:
https://webtv.un.org/fr/asset/k1m/k1mz1g4n9e
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k13/k132q7b2lo

📖 Read our full article here: https://ccprcentre.org/ccprpages/india-as-most-of-the-1997-recommendations-remain-valid-the-iccpr-implementation-shows-poor-results

🆕 📣 Our interactive database on what States are saying about at the Human Rights Council 🇺🇳 has been updated with data from HRC56

🆘 107 out of 192 States still remain silent on Myanmar, mostly African States (41) and Latin American and Caribbean States (27) ❗

🔗 Database: https://bit.ly/3N8fCQr
🔗 Finding papers with analysis of the HRC56 session: https://shorturl.at/6H2mL

🇺🇳 141st session | On July 11 and 12, the Human Rights Committee reviewed the fourth periodic report of 🇸🇾

The format of the review was hybrid with three members of the delegation participating from Geneva and the other members participating remotely from Damascus. In their opening remarks, the Syrian delegation emphasized that other countries have been interfering into Syrian affairs and using the international system to try to exert influence over Syria.

A major topic of discussion during the dialogue was human rights violations that have occurred in the context of the ongoing conflict. Specifically, allegations of a high number of enforced disappearances and widespread use of torture were raised by the Committee. The delegation highlighted the new law on torture passed in 2022 which harmonizes all regulation of torture under one law. On enforced disappearances, the delegation stated the government is keen to operate with all relevant Syrian stakeholders to address the issue.

The Committee also raised significant concerns regarding freedom of expression in Syria, pointing to stringent government censorship and repression. Reports that journalists and human rights defenders have faced threats, physical attacks, and other forms of intimidation, often with impunity, were addressed by the Committee. In response, the Syrian delegation highlighted their legal frameworks that ostensibly protect freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

💻 Watch the dialogue with the Committee here: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1k0pvr8zf
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1i/k1i6yv2u55
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📖 Read our full article here: https://ccprcentre.org/ccprpages/syria-reality-check-the-committee-highlights-discrepancies-between-the-legislative-framework-and-its-implementation

🌍🔍 Overview: 141st Human Rights Committee Session (July 2024) -

Find out the latest information on the July 2024 session with the ICCPR reviews on
Croatia
Honduras
India
Maldives
Malta
Suriname
Syrian Arab Republic

https://bit.ly/HRCttee141

🇺🇳 141st session | On July 10 and 11, the Human Rights Committee reviewed the fourth periodic report of the Republic of 🇸🇷. The delegation was relatively small and was headed by the Minister of Justice and Police Mr. Kenneth Amoksi.

During the dialogue, the Committee expressed concerns on the rights of indigenous and tribal people in Suriname including their representation in decision-making bodies. The deaths of two men in 2023 following unrest in Pikin Saron over land rights were brought up by members. In response, the delegation indicated that those involved in the unrest had committed crimes including firing at police, arson, and taking hostages. The case is in process and will be decided by the courts. Speaking on representation of indigenous and people, the delegation indicated that the current national policy gives political organizations the power to nominate candidates for elections.

Another topic of concern for the Committee was the lack of a national human rights institution (NRHI). Members noted with pleasure Suriname’s intention to create a National Human Rights Institute but asked questions about how the independence of the institute would be ensured, how members would be selected, and if stakeholders had been consulted. The delegation responded by sharing that the draft law to create the NHRI takes into account the Paris Principles and that a wide array of stakeholders were consulted in the process of creating the draft law and their feedback was incorporated.

💻 Watch the dialogue with the Committee here: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k1659f5wki
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k13/k132q7b2lo

📖 Read our full article here: https://ccprcentre.org/ccprpages/suriname-tries-to-keep-up-with-the-committees-questions

🇺🇳 141st session | Last week, the Human Rights Committee reviewed the second periodic report of 🇲🇻. The delegation, notable for its gender balance with 58% women, included representatives from various governmental and judicial bodies.

The Maldives' reservation to article 18 of the ICCPR, which restricts religious freedom, was a significant point of contention. The state justified this reservation as essential for preserving Islamic principles, but the Committee urged for more concrete evidence of progress and criticized the use of religion to limit freedoms and defend gender inequality.

Environmental issues were also a focal point, with the Maldives highlighting their vulnerability to climate change and efforts to combat it. The Committee raised concerns about the effectiveness of policies on single-use plastics, renewable energy, and the protection of fisheries, stressing the need for international cooperation and human rights considerations in climate policies.

💻 Watch the full dialogue with the Committee here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k14/k14ggionz9
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1t0gkbpx6

📖 Read our full article here: https://ccprcentre.org/ccprpages/maldives-excuses-itself-behind-islamic-principles-to-justify-non-compliance-with-iccpr

🇺🇳 141st session | The first week of the Human Rights Committee session ended with the review of the third periodic report of 🇭🇳. The delegation was represented by the Secretary of State for Human Rights, Ms. Angélica Lizeth Álvarez.

The Committee continuously expressed concerns about the extended state of emergency declared in Honduras. The expanded powers given to the police and military police as part of the state of emergency were a point of contention as the Committee noted with worry the reported increase in human rights abuses including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings and torture. In response, the delegation emphasized the necessity of the state of emergency to deal with violence perpetrated by gangs and highlighted the progress made possible through the state of emergency citing that 450 gangs have been disbanded and 130 municipalities have been murder-free. They noted that once the situation allows for it, the state of emergency will be ended.

Another major topic of concern for the Committee was Honduras’ absolute ban on abortion. The Committee highlighted the negative impacts the criminality of abortion is having on women’s physical and psychological health noting that clandestine abortions have become a risky alternative for desperate women. The delegation responded by stating that any potential reforms would have to take place in the national congress and address the cultural norms of different groups in Honduras. They also shared that the government has not pursued many criminal prosecutions for women who have had abortions and that there is a strong commitment to address underlying causes.

💻 Watch the dialogue with the Committee here: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1g0349rqz
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1y/k1yn4kt179

📖 Read our full article here: https://ccprcentre.org/ccprpages/honduras-se-enfrenta-al-comit-de-derechos-humanos-en-medio-de-su-crisis-de-violencia-y-carcelaria

🇺🇳 141st session | Last week, the Human Rights Committee reviewed the third periodic report of 🇲🇹 The Maltese delegation, consisting of 18 members primarily from the executive branch, faced numerous concerns from the Committee on long-standing issues such as abortion laws and the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers.

The Committee was particularly alarmed by Malta's search and rescue operations, citing delayed responses to distress calls and the 2020 memorandum with Libya, which could endanger asylum seekers. The delegation defended Malta's practices, emphasizing compliance with international obligations and improvements in detention conditions. Despite these defenses, the Committee remained concerned about the effectiveness and timeliness of Malta's rescue operations, stressing the importance of adhering to international human rights standards.

Malta's strict abortion laws were another focal point of the review. The Committee questioned the highly restrictive legislation, which only allows termination when a woman's life is at immediate risk or her health is in grave jeopardy. The Maltese delegation defended their position by highlighting a 2023 legislative change that decriminalized medical intervention to save a mother's life. They noted that since 2014, there have been no prosecutions related to abortion, attributing this decline partly to increased accessibility of emergency contraception.

💻 Watch the dialogue with the Committee here: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1d/k1dlj32tvq
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1gwgflq28

📖 Read our full article here: https://ccprcentre.org/ccprpages/malta-faces-criticism-over-migrant-and-refugee-rescue-operations-at-sea-at-human-right-committee

🇺🇳 141st session | Last week, the Human Rights Committee began its 141st session by reviewing the fourth periodic report of 🇭🇷. The delegation was headed by Juro Martinović, State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice. Members of the Committee noted with pleasure the participation of many women in the delegation.

Important issues discussed included past human rights violations and the fight against impunity. The Committee was concerned by reports that justice for past human rights violations was being applied discriminately with the ethnic identity of victims and perpetrators being a deciding factor for whether or not the state would pursue judicial proceedings and reparations. The Committee also asked for more information on cooperation and collaboration between the former countries of Yugoslavia to address past violations. In reply, Croatia emphasized that the government remains committed to working with other countries in the region to identify victims and bring perpetrators to justice. However, the delegation noted that efforts to work with Serbia on these matters have been met with a complete lack of effort and cooperation from the Serbian government.

The Committee also expressed concern about the treatment of migrants in Croatia citing the increased reports of unlawful and violent pushbacks of migrants at the border. There have been allegations of abuse, extortion and theft by Croatian border officials. The Committee also highlighted the particular vulnerabilities of migrants becoming victims of human trafficking. Responding to the Committee, the delegation shared that the principle of non-refoulement is respected in Croatia and that border officials have been trained on identifying potential victims of human trafficking. The delegation emphasized that while Croatia remains a transit country for migrants who wish to venture further into the European Union, all migrants have the right to seek asylum in Croatia.

💻 Watch again the dialogue with the Committee here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1a/k1a4bgoog5
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k16yx5ji63

The 🇺🇳 UN Human Rights Committee starts its 141st session today which will include reviews on Croatia, Malta, Honduras, Maldives, Suriname, Syria and India.

Follow the opening session live on UN Web TV ⬇️ http://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k17/k17q1hly1y

Formation sur les mécanismes onusiens des droits humains en Centrafrique

Les 11 et 12 juin 2024, nous avons eu l'honneur d'animer une formation à Bangui sur les mécanismes onusiens, incluant les organes des traités et l'Examen Périodique Universel (EPU). Nous avons également abordé l'élaboration des rapports de suivi sur la base des indicateurs des droits humains.

Cette formation organisée avec le d'Etudes Juridiques Africaines (CEJA) présidée par Ghislain Patrick Lessène a réuni des participants issus de divers horizons : ONG, CNDH, Parlement et représentants de l'État. Ensemble, nous avons exploré les rôles respectifs de chacun dans la promotion et la protection des droits humains en Centrafrique.

📊 L'importance des indicateurs des droits humains a été mise en avant pour évaluer les progrès et identifier les défis persistants. Les discussions ont été enrichissantes et nous sommes convaincus que cette initiative contribuera à renforcer les capacités des acteurs nationaux.

Un grand merci à tous les participants pour leur engagement et leur collaboration ! 🙌

On 1 & 2 June 2024, CCPR Centre and the EU Programme Etkiniz held a workshop with national CSOs to prepare a joint advocacy strategy for the upcoming 🇺🇳 review of 🇹🇷

Among the main issues of concern are:
🔺The shrinking of civic space and crackdown on fundamental freedoms
🔺Discrimination against LGBTI+ persons
🔺Counter-terrorism measures & conditions of persons deprived of liberty

CSOs will prepare joint shadow reports on most pressing issues and participate in the review in October.

On 15 and 16 May 2024, CCPR Centre and Projekta Suriname held a workshop with national CSOs to prepare an advocacy strategy for the upcoming review of 🇸🇷

Among the main issues of concern are:
➡️ The lack of progress in establishing the National Human Rights Institution
➡️ The non recognition of the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples
➡️ Discrimination against LGBTI+ persons

CSOs will prepare a coalition report and participate at the session in July.

📢 🆕 lCCPR Follow-up World Maps have been updated with the latest reports of the 🇺🇳 on Tunisia, Paraguay, Finland and Uzbekistan

Important updates include Tunisia as the second worst country evaluated ever, only followed by Belarus.

Read more:

ICCPR Follow-up Implementation world maps ICCPR Follow-up Implementation world maps

Elections of the UN Human Rights Committee will take place on 29 MAY 2024

Discover the 17 candidates running for the election online next 29 APRIL 16:00-18:00 (CET)

Organized by the Geneva Human Rights Platform in co-operation with TB-Net, CCPR Centre and GQUAL, this online event will provide an opportunity to the nominated candidates to present themselves in an informal venue open to State representatives and civil society, addressing their candidacy in view of the requirements set out for membership by the treaty and relevant official documents. The candidates will also be invited to reply to questions shared beforehand by civil society representatives.

Register here:
https://www.geneva-academy.ch/joomlatools-files/docman-files/Presentation%20of%20Candidates%20to%20the%20UN%20HUman%20Rights%20Committee.pdf

🌍🔍 Overview: 140th Human Rights Committee Session (March 2024) -

🌍🔍 Overview: 140th Human Rights Committee Session (March 2024)

🇭🇳 El día de hoy realizamos un taller con organizaciones de sociedad civil de la Coalición Contra la Impunidad Honduras en Tegucigalpa, en preparación del informe alternativo para el Comité de Derechos Humanos.

En el taller contamos con el apoyo técnico de la Alto Comisionado de la ONU para los Derechos Humanos en Honduras para facilitar el espacio de identificación de prioridades y ejes temáticos mediante un trabajo grupal, recalcando la importancia de las herramientas de seguimiento disponibles en el país.

Desde el Centro continuaremos apoyando a las organizaciones en el trabajo de informes e incidencia ante el Comité de Derechos Humanos con el fin de garantizar el pleno cumplimiento del Pacto de Derechos Civiles y Políticos.

🆕 🇺🇳 140th session | The Committee has just published Concluding Observations on Chile 🇨🇱, Somalia 🇸🇴, Namibia 🇳🇦, Guyana 🇬🇾, the UK and Northern Ireland 🇬🇧, Serbia 🇷🇸 and Indonesia 🇮🇩

🔗 They are now available on our website: https://ccprcentre.org/concluding-observations

📰 Find the press release here:
https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/un-human-rights-committee-publishes-findings-chile-guyana-indonesia-namibia

UN Human Rights Committee publishes findings on Chile, Guyana, Indonesia, Namibia, Serbia, Somalia and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland GENEVA (28 March 2024) - The UN Human Rights Committee today issued its findings on Chile, Guyana, Indonesia, Namibia, Serbia, Somalia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland after examining the seven States parties in its latest session.

🇺🇳140th session | Last week, the Human Rights Committee reviewed the third periodic report of 🇬🇾. The dialogue was changed to online format at the last moment following the request of Guyana. During the three days of exchanges with the Committee, all the interventions were made by the head of the delegation, Ms. Gail Teixeira, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance. The climate of the dialogue was quite tense, with the delegation repeatedly asserting that Guyana was a very small country with incredible progress and stating that the Committee's questions were based on exaggerations or inaccurate information. Moreover, the dialogue ended abruptly during the closing statements of the delegation, since it went well over time and interpreters had to stop.

Important issues discussed with the Committee included the corruption allegations and the environmental impacts of oil exploitation on local communities and industries such as fishing. The Committee requests more information on what measures the State is taking to ensure relevant communities are consulted on these issues. To this, Guyana replied by mentioning legislative amendments from 2022 that implemented a limit on the amount of Natural Resource Fund reserves that could be spent, to protect future generations.

Another key issue was the treatment of LGBTQI individuals. Discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity is not prohibited in the Constitution and there are allegations of ill treatment of transgender people in police custody. To this, the delegation replied they are drafting an amendment to the Prevention of Discrimination Act of 1997 to include the prohibition of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity as well as disability. The draft will undergo consultations with civil society soon.

💻 Watch again the dialogue with the Committee here:

https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1j/k1jwjeuchz
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Assessment 🇺🇿
Key issues :
1) Views under Optional Protocol
🔴Grade C - No implementation
2) Torture and ill-treatment
🔴Grade C - No implementation
3) Liberty and security of person
🔴Grade C - No implementation
🟠Grade B - Limited progress on safeguards (video recording)

Image source: © Anaïd Lindemann / Amnesty International

Assessment 🇹🇳 Key issues
1) Constitutional Court
⚫️ Grade E - Measures taken contrary to recommandation
2a) State of emergency & c/terrorism:
🔴 Grade C - No implementation
2b) Continued misuse of house arrest
⚫️ Grade E - Measures taken contrary to recommandation
3) 3) Freedom of peaceful assembly and excessive use of force by State agents
🔴Grade C - No implementation

Image source: Yassine Gaidi - Anadolu Agency

Assessment in 🇵🇾
Key issues
1) Human rights violations during the dictatorship:
🟠Grade B - Partial Progress
2) Use of pretrial detention and safeguards:
🟠Grade B - Partial Progress
3) Independence of judiciary and corruption:
🟠Grade B - Partial Progress

Image copyright: elnacional.com/ Gentileza

Assessment in 🇫🇮
Key issues
1) Hate speech and hate crimes 🟠 Grade B - Partial Progress
2) Violence against women 🟠 Grade B - Partial Progress except 🔴 Grade C - No progress on investigation
3) :Rights of : 🔴 Grade C - no progress
cc Finland in Geneva

Image source: www.eiir.eu

🇺🇳140th session | The Human Rights Committee recently reviewed the fourth periodic report of 🇷🇸. The State delegation was headed by Mr. Tomislav Žigmanov, Minister of Human and Minority Rights of Serbia, who stated in the opening remarks that they were unable to provide information on implementation in the autonomous province of Kosovo and Metohija. It was suggested that the Committee rather asked the UN Mission in Kosovo to provide information on implementation in the province.

Important issues raised during the dialogue included the lack of investigations and reparations for human rights violations and war crimes of the recent past, particularly following the Kosovo War (1998-9). There are operational delays within the Commission for Missing Persons, to which the delegation asserted that limited cooperation by Croatia and Kosovo has inhibited their ability to locate and identify human remains of victims of past human rights violations.

Another key concern of the Committee was the high rate of violence against women. In Serbia 21.6% of women experience some form of violence, with 10% being physical or sexual violence. The Committee asked about measures taken to address all forms of violence against women, to which the delegation replied they have enacted the Law on Prevention of Domestic Violence, training 2,800 police officers on and increasing coordination among relevant institutions.

💻 Watch the dialogue again here:
http://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1go7u5tu5
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1qss9s064

🇺🇳 140th session | The Human Rights Committee reviewed the 8th periodic report of the of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 🇬🇧 with the State delegation on 12 and 13 March. The UK was represented by a large delegation representing the State’s complex devolved governance structure.

A key issue discussed in the dialogue was the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in the UK. The Committee was very concerned by the partnership signed between the UK and Rwanda to transfer some UK asylum seekers to Rwanda and mentioned that Rwanda does not qualify as a safe country for asylum seekers. The Supreme Court of the UK has blocked the proposed plan over the same concerns. In response the delegation stated that they do not find the agreement with Rwanda to be in violation of the UK’s international human rights obligations and plan to continue to pursue it as means to address increased irregular migration to the UK.

The right to privacy was another key issue discussed in the dialogue. The Committee noted that the Investigative Powers Amendment Bill may weaken privacy protection by allowing for bulk personal data collection. The delegation responded by explaining that the proposed bill will improve the collection for personal data by expanding oversight. They also shared that authorization for the collection of bulk personal data requires permission from a secretary of state and a judge.

Watch the dialogue again here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1s/k1sgehsq4p
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k12/k121isoj91

🇺🇳 140th session | The Human Rights Committee conducted its review of the second periodic report of 🇮🇩 with the State delegation on 11 and 12 March. The delegation was large and composed of representatives from different ministries, and there was a remarkable presence from the national human rights institution. The dialogue occurred at an important moment in the Indonesian political timeline as the country held its general election in February of this year.

The treatment of Papuans living in the Papua and West Papua regions was a major topic of concern for the Committee. Specifically, allegations of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings committed by security forces against Papuan activists were discussed. In response, the delegation stated that there is no militarization of Papua other than the regular deployment of security forces to guard the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border.

Another issue discussed during the dialogue was the steps taken by the State to address past gross human rights violations. Particular interest was given to the crimes committed in Aceh province during the separatist movement. The delegation shared that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Aceh published a report detailing its findings and recommended that reparations be provided for all victims. So far, over 200 victims and their beneficiaries have received cash transfers.

Watch the dialogue again here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1g/k1gpw3zesa
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k12/k128h13j0g

🇺🇳140th session | On 7 and 8 March the long awaited first dialogue between the Human Rights Committee and 🇸🇴 finally took place. The State submitted its initial report in 2020, even though it was due in 1991, and the review was initially scheduled to take place June 2023, but was postponed at the last minute.

The dialogue was shaped by the vast impact of terrorist groups in the country, mainly Al-Shabaab, which exercises control in rural areas where civilians are subjected to human rights violations. The Committee asked the State delegation about destabilization of the country through indiscriminate deaths and assassinations in Somaliland and Puntland, the recruitment of child-soldiers, and the conditions of the 2.6 million internally displaced persons. Conflict-related sexual violence was also mentioned given the alarming figures of r**e, forced prostitution, abortions and sterilizations. The delegation agreed on the need to adopt comprehensive strategies to protect civilians and actively engage with international organizations.

The Committee was also concerned about the high rates of female ge***al mutilation (FGM) and harmful practices in the country. Somalia has the highest rate of FGM in the world (99%) despite it being prohibited by its constitution. Medical and social support of victims is very limited and perpetrators are hardly ever prosecuted. Moreover, the Committee mentioned worry regarding the draft constitutional law that would reduce the age of maturity from 18 to 15. It is still being reviewed and public consultations will take place before its adoption, but if passed, the law would have severe implications in child marriages and children’s rights.

💻 Watch the dialogue again here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1x/k1x4bj04pr
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1q/k1qks6droj

At the 55 session of the 🇺🇳 Human Rights Council, two Interactive Dialogues were held on Myanmar. Both High Commissioner Volker Türk and Special Rapporteur on Myanmar Tom Andrews say the human rights situation in the country has morphed into a never-ending nightmare away from the spotlight of global politics.

Given the current inaction from the UN Security Council, both representatives urge Member States to strengthen coordinated action, make clear to the junta that the killing must stop & refer the situation to the International Criminal Court. The CCPR Centre joins the call: it's time for the international community to take action.

💻 Watch the dialogues again here:
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1t/k1txz4qn29
https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1i/k1ijtwz8c6