The following information was released by the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG):
The Human Rights Council this afternoon continued its general debate on human rights situations that require its attention, which was followed by a closed meeting to discuss issues under its complaint procedure.
Speaking on human rights situations that require the Council's attention, speakers said the Council had the duty to act in cases of egregious human rights violations and to be specific about what violations were occurring and where. They spoke about alleged violations in a number of countries in regions around the world.
PETER GOODERHAM (United Kingdom) said it was a primary function of the Council to address serious human rights violations wherever they occurred.
Recent developments in Burma were a cause for great concern, and the arrest and trial of Aung San Suu Kyi was a pretext for the regime to exclude her from the 2010 elections. The Government should release her and other political prisoners and begin a genuine transition to democracy.
There was concern for the widespread and systematic human rights violations in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Government should grant access to the United Nations Special Rapporteur. Third countries should treat emigrants as refugees in accordance with rules of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The growing number of executions in Iran and the use of the death penalty for minors was a cause for alarm. Serious restrictions remained on freedom of expression.
There was concern for the further deterioration in human rights in Fiji, where access to justice, freedom of information, freedom of association and the rights of detainees had all been curtailed.
There was also concern for continued violations of human rights in Zimbabwe. The new administration should take immediate action to guarantee the human rights of all people in the country.
The United Kingdom was ready to engage bilaterally with any of the countries mentioned, to support them to resolve these and other human rights challenges.
PHILIP KIMPTON (Australia) said the civilian toll in northern Sri Lanka had been and remained a matter of serous concern. For peace to flourish, reconciliation should also begin; allegations of human rights abuses, including those arising from recent fighting, needed to be dealt with.
The basic democratic principle of freedom of speech should be restored and media allowed to operate freely and independently.
Australia was gravely concerned at the deteriorating human rights situation in Fiji, and called on the Interim Government to uphold human rights for all citizens of Fiji including by ensuring an environment in which all citizens could publicly and freely express their political opinions without fear or retribution.
8 June 2009
States News Service
