The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed alarm over threats to special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. Eritrea’s Ambassador verbally attacked UN expert Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, while Burundi threatened members of a Commission of Inquiry. In the Philippines, President Duterte and allies have made threats against rapporteur Agnes Callamard, showcasing a broader issue of hostility towards UN human rights mechanisms.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised serious concerns regarding threats directed at its special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. A statement issued on November 21 highlighted the ongoing efforts by certain states to undermine the critical mechanisms established by the UN Human Rights Council, which consists of 47 member states. In Eritrea, the human rights expert, Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, faced significant hostility, particularly during her interactive dialogue at a Human Rights Council session held in June, where she was personally targeted by the Eritrean Ambassador. The Ambassador described her as a “naked Empress with no clothes” and accused her of conducting a witch-hunt, indicating a hostile position towards her reports on the deteriorating human rights situation in the country. The UN body underscored that such personalized attacks against Ms. Keetharuth are unacceptable, as she has been fulfilling her mandate from the UN Human Rights Council duly. In Burundi, a complaint was lodged with the government regarding threats made against the authors of a Commission of Inquiry report that investigated human rights violations within the country. The High Commissioner has expressed that threatening members of a Commission tasked with ascertaining human rights issues not only violates international norms but also contravenes the privileges and immunities granted under the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. The Commissioner called upon the Burundian government to reconsider its stance of non-cooperation with independent inquiries and to cease hostile actions toward its members. Additionally, in the Philippines, threats against UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard, known for her work on extrajudicial executions, have reportedly been made by President Duterte and his allies, further illustrating the perilous environment that human rights experts face in performing their duties.
The United Nations established the Human Rights Council to address and promote international human rights standards. Within this framework, special rapporteurs are appointed to investigate specific human rights issues and report findings to the Council. However, these experts often face resistance and hostility from certain governments, particularly when their reports challenge the conducts of those states regarding human rights abuses. The cases of Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines illustrate the ongoing tension between national governments and international human rights oversight.
In summary, the threats against UN human rights experts in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines mark a concerning trend of hostility towards mechanisms aimed at safeguarding human rights. The UN High Commissioner has condemned such actions, emphasizing the importance of protecting the integrity and safety of its representatives. States are urged to respect the mandates provided by the UN and to allow for independent inquiries without intimidation or retaliation.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
