UN Human Rights Experts Threatened in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised alarms over threats to its special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines, emphasizing the detrimental impact such actions have on international human rights efforts. The condemnatory statement details specific instances of aggression towards key figures including Ms. Sheila Keetharuth in Eritrea and highlights breaches of international protocols in Burundi. Overall, the report calls for constructive engagement rather than intimidation from governments.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has articulated serious concerns regarding threats directed at its special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. A statement released on November 21, titled “Attacks/threats by States against UN human rights experts,” emphasizes the detrimental efforts made by certain states to undermine mechanisms established by the 47 Member States of the Human Rights Council. In Eritrea’s case, the statement denounced verbal assaults against Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, the UN human rights expert for the region. Ms. Keetharuth recently issued a report indicating a deteriorating human rights situation in Eritrea. During a recent session at the Human Rights Council in June, she faced significant hostility, including a personal attack from the Eritrean Ambassador, who disparagingly referred to her as a “naked Empress with no clothes” and accused her of adopting a “Viceroy over Eritrea” stance while conducting a witch-hunt. The High Commissioner reaffirmed the importance of protecting Ms. Keetharuth as she diligently fulfills her mandate from the UN Human Rights Council. In Burundi, the UN has lodged a formal complaint with the government over its ambassador’s threats against the authors of a report from the Commission of Inquiry addressing human rights issues in the nation. The High Commissioner deemed it intolerable that members of a commission mandated by the Human Rights Council face potential prosecution for performing their duties, stating that such threats represent a clear violation of Article VI of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which safeguards experts undertaking UN missions. The Commissioner urged the Burundian government to reconsider its refusal to cooperate with the international commission and to halt threats against its members. Lastly, in the Philippines, President Duterte and his supporters have reportedly issued open threats toward Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, and arbitrary executions. This climate of intimidation highlights the urgent need for the protection of human rights defenders globally.

The article addresses the concerning climate surrounding United Nations human rights experts, particularly focusing on Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. It sheds light on the threats faced by these experts and the implications for international human rights operations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned these attacks as detrimental to the effective enforcement and respect for the mechanisms designed to uphold human rights. The statement serves to reinforce the commitment of the UN to protect individuals working in this field despite hostile governmental reactions.

In conclusion, the threats made against UN human rights experts in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines represent a troubling trend that undermines the integrity and effectiveness of human rights monitoring mechanisms. The High Commissioner’s condemnation of these actions highlights the need for accountability and protection of those who risk their safety to uphold human rights. As the international community watches closely, it remains crucial for states to engage constructively with UN bodies rather than resorting to intimidation and hostility.

Original Source: www.africanews.com