Contents
Oral statements
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) delivered 21 joint oral statements with International Organization for the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (EAFORD), International-Lawyers.org, and Kayan Feminist Organization during the 41st Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Several thematic issues and country-specific situations were addressed under the various Agenda Items of the Council.
Human Rights Council Agenda Items
- Item 2: Annual report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General.
- Item 3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development.
- Item 4: Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention.
- Item 5: Human rights bodies and mechanisms.
- Item 6: Universal periodic review.
- Item 7: Human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.
- Item 8: Follow-up to and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
- Item 9: Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
- Item 10: Technical assistance and capacity-building.
Thematic Issues
Business & Human Rights
GICJ delivered two joint statements, one each with International-Lawyers.org and EAFORD, concerning business and human rights issues during two General Debates. Under Agenda Item 5, the statement addressed ongoing discrimination against women in the workplace and the overall responsibility of businesses to respect human rights. The second statement, for Agenda Item 9, specifically considered how extractive industries perpetuate racism and colonialism.
Item 5: General Debate
3 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Aditi Ramakrishnan
Thank you, Mr. President.
International-Lawyers.org and the Geneva International Centre for Justice thank the Working Group on Business and Human Rights for their report on last year’s Forum.
However, firstly, the report did not reflect much discussion on discrimination against women already in the workforce. Often, female employees are subjected to sexism that is embedded into and normalized by our vernacular and practice. To this end, we advocate for mandatory Human Resources trainings, for codified best practice in mannerisms and speech, and for the abolition of disrespectful treatment toward women in the workforce.
Secondly, the Forum report highlights the role of investors in encouraging companies to respect human rights. But this role should extend not just to existing companies, but also to those in the making. We advocate for making it a compulsory prerequisite for startups to have a comprehensive human rights plan, adhering to the UNGPs or a future legally binding instrument, in order to receive capital.
Finally, we call on the Working Group to reinforce and codify the fact that businesses don’t just have a crucial role in upholding human rights in their own activities and supply chains, as in the UNGPs, but also in society at large. The role of businesses in social welfare no longer ends with periodic CSR or charity work – it lies in the constant and continuous upholding of society’s fundamental human rights.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Item 9: General Debate
9 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Isabela Zaleski Mori
Thank you, Mr. President.
We are deeply concerned about the minimal efforts that are being put into implementing the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, and we also regret the alarming human rights violations in the extractivism economy.
Global extractivism is direct linked to colonial domination, which has reinforced racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance around the globe. Regrettably, the persistence of these attitudes continues to contribute to social and economic inequalities even today, especially towards indigenous peoples and communities of African descendent.
Extractivist projects can threaten the very physical and cultural existence of these groups by severely violating their rights to health and life due to devastating environmental impacts. We therefore would like to remind this Council that the DDPA recognises and strongly condemns the suffering caused by colonialism, and we believe effective measures should be taken to prevent its reoccurrence.
Mr. President,
EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice call upon States and transnational corporations to anchor governance, oversight and evaluation of the extractivism economy in the principles of sovereign equality, the right to self-determination and the right to development. And finally, we highly recommend states to support, adopt and fully implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action.
Thank you.
Environment
GICJ and EAFORD delivered a joint statement concerning climate change under Agenda Item 3. In response to an earlier discussion on the issue of women’s rights and climate change, the statement highlighted the need for gender-sensitive responses to this global issue due to the intersectional forms of discrimination that can lead to gender-differentiated impacts of climate change.
Item 3: General Debate
1 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Isabela Zaleski Mori
Thank you, Madam Vice-President.
We would like to draw the Council’s attention to the human rights impacts of climate change, specifically the need for gender sensitive responses. Women are more dependent for their livelihood on natural resources that are threatened by climate change and face unequal access to decision-making processes that address climate issues. This is in addition to being more vulnerable to discrimination due to pre-existing gender roles and patriarchal stereotypes.
Intersectional forms of discrimination can also lead to gender-differentiated impacts of climate change concerning health, food security, and decent work. Such practice can exclude women from climate action, inhibiting the effectiveness of this action and worsening climate harms.
So, how can measures to tackle climate change be effective if half the world’s population has no voice or presence in discussing and developing the legal frameworks of mitigation and adaptation? Women can lead climate action and they need to be better represented in climate decision-making in all respects.
In conclusion, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice call upon the States to strengthen gender mainstreaming in climate change response activities, focusing on sustainable and equitable development, adaptation and mitigation, with a strong commitment to empowering women to build their own resilience.
Thank you.
Human Rights Defenders
GICJ partnered with Kayan Feminist Organization and EAFORD to deliver joint statements concerning human rights defenders in two different contexts. One statement, under Agenda Item 3, discussed the treatment of HRDs by Israel; the other, under Agenda Item 4, highlighted how NGO activities that protect the lives and human rights of migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea are being criminalized.
Item 3: General Debate
1 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Benedetta Viti
Mr. President,
We would like to draw the attention of the Council to the treatment of Human Rights Defenders by Israel, that has deteriorated steadily over the years and has now reached an alarmingly serious point.
Beyond the most popular cases that receive the attention of the international community, there are several others aimed at silencing criticism and preventing Human Rights Defenders from performing their work. A clear example is Israel’s steady denial of entry permits for foreign nationals working as Human Rights Defenders in the West Bank and the procedures adopted against them. This is clearly aimed at frightening, deterring and dissuading individuals and groups from defending and promoting human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Human Rights Defenders are also subjected to serious criminalization by Israel through the prohibition of peaceful protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and arbitrary arrests often based on false criminal charges. We maintain that these actions demonstrate a systematic policy perpetrated by Israel aimed at designating as “public enemies” those that oppose the occupation and associated human rights violations.
Mr President,
Deflecting the attacks against Human Rights Defenders is a challenge to the international community. Kayan and Geneva International Centre for Justice urge this Council to take urgent action against Israel in the aim of ensuring the implementation of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Item 4: General Debate
3 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Giulia Marini
Thank you, Mr. Vice-President.
Our organization and Geneva International Centre for Justice are seriously concerned about the ongoing human rights situation in the Central Mediterranean Sea. In particular, we would like to draw the Council’s attention to the growing criminalisation of NGOs activities in this area by several States, some of which are currently serving as members of this Council.
In certain countries, the criminalization of NGOs engaged in search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean has resulted not only in the seizure of vessels and arrests of crew members, but also in the initiation of investigations and criminal proceedings against them.
The most recent example is the arrest of Sea-Watch 3 Captain Carola Rackete, who was arrested for saving the life of 42 persons in situation of distress at sea, a duty prescribed under international law. We welcomed the latest decision of the Italian judiciary authorities to free her and not to validate her arrest.
NGOs present in the Mediterranean are conducting activities with the sole aim of providing migrants with humanitarian aid, thus compensating for the lack of action by States. Their presence at sea has prevented the number of deaths and casualties from being higher. Our organizations want to highlight that humanitarian assistance is not and cannot be considered a crime.
Thank you.
Migrants
GICJ and EAFORD delivered a joint statement concerning female migrants during an interactive dialogue under Agenda Item 3. The statement focused on addressing the needs of migrants with a gender sensitive perspective to ensure female migrants have the same access to economic opportunities as their male counterparts.
Item 3: Interactive Dialogue with Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
26 June 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Isabela Zaleski Mori
Thank you, Madam Vice-President.
We welcome the report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, which focuses on the impact of migration on migrant women and girls through a gender perspective.
Today, more female migrants are migrating independently for work, for education and as head of households. But it is with deep regret that we note that female migrants may still face stronger discrimination in their host country and can experience double discrimination as both migrants and as women, in comparison to male migrants.
Violence against women migrant workers and trafficking, continues to play a major role in migration. They are part of the broader scope of violence, as well as the gendered norms that drive it. Such norms impact the migration opportunities available to women, restricting their ability to access regular migration into skilled, safe and well-paid employment.
Madam Vice-President,
Although the gender stereotypes and expectations also shape the migration experience of men and boys, we must focus on female migrants, considering they are most likely to be “left behind” in progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
In conclusion, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice recommend member states to ensure that opportunities to promote safe and regular migration, consider gender factors and do not reinforce disadvantage due to a bias towards traditionally male employment sectors; and implement an adequate special prosecution unit for all perpetrators human rights abuses against migrant women and girls.
Thank you for your kind attention.
Racism, Xenophobia, and Related Forms of Intolerance
The alarming rise in hate speech around the world is especially apparent in politics and on social media. GICJ jointly addressed this issue with Kayan and EAFORD under Agenda Item 9 pointing out examples of this worrying trend in the Middle East, Europe, and America.
Item 9: General Debate
9 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Benedetta Viti
Mr. President,
We would like to express grave concerns about the increasing phenomenon of hate speech and misinformation about specific groups used by politicians in order to foment hate, division and intolerance in society.
In spite of the important commitments expressed by the DDPA, which stresses on the obligation of states to eliminate discrimination, we mention the reduced funds and the undermining of the DDPA.
Politicians are taking advantage of increased global tensions, in order to influence the voting pattern among citizens. Populist movements prosper across the globe. It is the case of Israel, where far-right political representatives are publicly delivering hate speech against Arabs. Political instrumentalization and manipulation can evolve into violent acts, as words fuel extremism and trigger the worst human reactions.
Hate crimes against Palestinians are often direct or indirect, targeting their property, and worst their personal safety or their lives. Recently, on 16 May 2019, a Palestinian teenager from East Jerusalem, aged no more than 16, was hospitalized after being attacked by a group of Jewish teens shouting, “Death to Arabs”.
Kayan and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on this Council to encourage world leaders to be committed to international treaties and avoid hate speech, preventing incitement to violence and atrocity crimes.
Thank you, Mr. President
Item 9: General Debate
9 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Aditi Ramakrishnan
Madame Vice-President,
We express deep concern over the pervasiveness of racist hate speech in today’s society, especially on social media.
This phenomenon is extremely prevalent in Europe and the Americas. For instance, in the Netherlands, racism and xenophobia find their way into politicians’ public addresses, particularly targeting immigrants, refugees, and Muslims. In the United States, xenophobia is an unfortunate part of the rhetoric surrounding issues such as immigration, border control, and gun violence. Here too, politicians condone and employ the practice in their verbal comments as well as social media posts.
Israel is another example where, every day, a huge number of inciting posts targeting Palestinians are published on social media, especially Facebook, by political leaders and state officials. Their content includes racist slurs, insults, and calls for violent actions. These are frequently addressed to Arab political representatives in the Knesset or to Palestinian personalities, such as the activist Ahed Tamimi.
Madame Vice-President,
International-Lawyers.org and the Geneva International Centre for Justice believe the exercise of one’s freedom of expression should never come at the cost of the respect and equality of another. We advocate for this Council to take strong action to prevent impunity for perpetrators of hate speech, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance, and call for the effective implementation of the DDPA.
Thank you.
Country-Specific Issues
Afghanistan
GICJ delivered two joint statements concerning the UPR review of Afghanistan. With International-Lawyers.org, the statement addressed violence against women and gender-based crimes. The other statement, with EAFORD, discussed the need to combat impunity for human rights violations.
Item 6: Consideration of the UPR on Afghanistan
4 July 2019
Delivered by: Samia Haydar
Thank you, Mr President,
We welcome the report of the working group on the Universal Periodic review of Afghanistan.
While a legal framework to provide protection for violence against women has been established, there remain obstacles limiting women’s access to justice.
We applaud the enactment of local laws on the elimination of violence against women as a major development as well as the steps undertaken by the government to implement and enforce the law. However, it is not implemented to the same degree in all provinces and is in many cases subject to mediation and to decisions based on cultural norms rather than the use of the legal framework to ensure accountability.
Lack of easy access to justice and accountability for gender-based crimes is leading to ineffective implementation of existing legislations. The institutional, social and cultural obstacles need to be addressed in this instance.
Very few cases of violence against women, particularly cases of rape or sexual abuse, are reported compared with the actual prevalence rates. Women and girls are prevented from reporting acts of violence for reasons including stigma, shame and discrimination, as well as the insufficient protection mechanisms.
Mr President,
International-Lawyers.org and Geneva Centre for International Justice recommend that Afghanistan reinforce its measures protecting women and girls from violence and ensure the implementation of the legal frameworks permitting access to justice for gender-based crimes.
Item 6: Consideration of the UPR on Afghanistan
4 July 2019
Delivered by: Giulia Marini
Thank you, Mr. President.
We welcome the Report of the Working Group on the Universal Period Review of Afghanistan.
We welcome the State’s ratification to the Optional Protocol of the Convention against Torture and the attempt of national justice and judicial reformed developed in recent times.
Our organization and Geneva International Centre for Justice remain of the idea that combatting impunity and ensuring justice to victims shall remain a top priority for Afghanistan. During the armed conflict, several violations of human rights law and humanitarian law have been committed against the civilian population by all parties to the conflict. Such violations include child recruitment, torture of detainees, summary executions and enforced disappearances.
Given the decision of the International Criminal Court Pre-Trial Chamber to reject the request of the Prosecutor to proceed with an investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in in the contest of the armed conflict in Afghanistan, we urge Afghanistan:
- To investigate all incidents of civilian casualties and alleged crimes that occurred during the armed conflict
- To prosecute those responsible, either belonging to armed groups or security forces
- To provide remedies and reparations to the victims.
- To ensure the protection of civilians, and to ensure that all officers and soldiers of the Afghan national security and defence forces, as well as the officials in the judiciary and law enforcement, are fully trained on international humanitarian and human rights law.
Thank you.
Burundi
GICJ and EAFORD delivered a joint statement to the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi concerning violations of human rights by the Imbonerakure and other state-related actors. The statement called for accountability for past offenses and better protection of freedoms of expression and assembly to allow for peaceful protests by the people. The Commission responded to GICJ’s statement during the interactive dialogue.
Item 4: Interactive Dialogue with the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi
2 July 2019
Delivered by: Isabela Zaleski Mori
Merci, Monsieur le Président.
We appreciate the attention to human rights abuses and violations committed by the Imbonerakure as highlighted in the Commission of Inquiry’s previous report to the thirty-ninth session of the Human Rights Council. We also side with the Commission’s position to establish responsibility of the Burundian State Government for these wrongful acts.
Intimidation and threats by the Imbonerakure continue to threaten democracy, including freedoms of expression, association and assembly, and political participation among others. Moreover, there is deep concern that such tactics were used to limit or restrict these freedoms prior to the 2018 vote on the referendum to extend the presidential term. Worse still, cases of summary executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture and sexual violence against the spouses of victims associated with the opposition, have also been reported.
Monsieur le Président,
Due to a non-functional judiciary system, arbitrary arrests have been executed with the use of the vaguely defined offence of “undermining the internal security of the State”.
EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice call for:
- One, steadfast investigation into human rights violations committed by the Imbonerakure and the perpetrators being brought to justice, and
- Two, immediate measures toward the protection of the right to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
Finally, we ask the Commission of Inquiry:
- How has the closure of the UN Human Rights Office in Burundi affected the Commission’s work and what steps are being taken to deal with this situation?
Thank you.
View the Commission of Inquiry’s response to the statement.
Central African Republic
While commending the Central African Republic (CAR) for the concrete steps taken toward peace, GICJ and International-Lawyers.org jointly recommended greater participation by the population in the peace process, especially the more vulnerable groups within the population. The statement also stressed the need for accountability for past human rights violations.
Item 10: Enhanced interactive dialogue with the independent expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic
10 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Audrey Ferdinand
Thank you, Ms. Vice President.
We thank the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic for her oral update.
We commend the steps taken for the peace process, especially through the Bangui Forum on National Reconciliation, the signature of the Bangui Peace Agreement in February and the signature of a peace agreement for the Haut-Kotto region in Bria on April 2019.
We call for their full respect and for the application of sanctions in the event of breaches, as no peace process will take place as long as there is impunity.
We recommend greater participation of the population through consultations, especially of the most vulnerable as women, children, elderly, disabled people and ethnical minorities, that are often disproportionately affected by conflict but have rarely a role to play during the peace process.
As the Independent Expert underlined in her 2018 report, violations have been perpetrated by both armed groups and national authorities.
It is necessary to put an end to these violations and ensure their non-recurrence to work towards reconciliation, peace and justice, in particular by creating strong and independent judicial institutions to investigate and make perpetrators accountable.
Ms. Vice President,
International-lawyers.org and the Geneva International Centre for Justice call the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to support CAR in the construction of peace by providing technical assistance in the establishment of strong institutions and hope for the full cooperation of the Central African Republic.
I thank you.
Iraq
GICJ delivered two joint statements concerning the human rights situation in Iraq. These statements highlighted how the rule of law is not functioning in the country, the ongoing use of rape by army personnel, and the need to appoint a special rapporteur for Iraq.
Item 2: General Debate on the High Commissioner’s Oral Update
25 June 2019
Delivered by: Mr. Christopher Gawronski
Mr. President,
We greatly appreciate the update of the High Commissioner, especially regarding the ongoing trials in Iraq of alleged former ISIS fighters, and the situation of their families and children. However, much more attention must be placed on the larger human rights situation in the devasted country.
The use of trials without due process to sentence alleged ISIS fighters to death is, as the High Commissioner mentioned, a grave problem in Iraq. However, this is just one example of the absence of the rule of law in the country. Many innocent Iraqis are now on death row without having been able to defend themselves, and even without knowing the accusations against them. The unfortunate reality is that Iraq’s judiciary is not independent, and legal proceedings of all types are commonly subject to meddling by political interests including militias.
The High Commissioner has been provided information about other issues, including the systematic use of rape by army personnel in Iraq. Rape has been used to target particularly vulnerable people such as the displaced people across Iraq. In terms of food security, just as Iraq is poised to enjoy a large harvest due to generous spring rains, militias are torching orchards and fields to keep Iraq reliant upon Iranian food imports while terrorizing entire rural communities.
Mr. President,
EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice request the High Commissioner to further investigate these gross human rights violations, and we call on the Council to seek international cooperation to dissolve all the militias in Iraq in order to re-establish the rule of law.
Thank you.
Item 4: General Debate
3 July 2019
Delivered by: Mr. Naji Haraj
Mr. President,
In the deliberations under Agenda Item 4 entitled Human rights situations that require the Council's attention, we examine various situations to take the necessary action so as to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights for all.
A State in which torture is practised on the widest scale, in which the death penalty is applied after swift and unfair trials, and in which hundreds of thousands of innocent people are placed in prisons and detention centres for many years without trials, it is incumbent upon this Council to examine the situation and take the necessary measures.
A State in which corruption is extended to the sale of ministerial posts, governorates, deputy ministers, and almost all public posts, must be subject to a detailed examination by this esteemed Council.
A country in which high-ranking officials share its national wealth but leave the citizens without drinking water, without medical care, without education, and without social services, and while the Parliament adopts laws to discriminate between citizens in salaries, pensions and services – indeed, the Council must urgently examine this situation.
Mr. President,
I’m talking about the situation of human rights in Iraq, for which a Special Rapporteur must be appointed by this esteemed Council.
Thank you.
Myanmar
GICJ joined with EAFORD and International-Lawyers.org to deliver joint statements concerning the human rights situation in Myanmar. The statements focused particularly on protecting freedom of religion and addressing the issue of impunity.
Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Myanmar Minorities
10 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Isabela Zaleski Mori
Thank you, Mr. President.
We welcome the oral updates of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and we share her concern about the situation of minorities in Myanmar.
Since the outbreak of unprecedented violence against the Rohingya, and despite compelling evidence of genocide and crimes against humanity perpetrated at the hands of Myanmar military forces, hate speech, discrimination and blatant violations of the most fundamental rights continue unabated in Myanmar.
We are deeply concerned about the restrictions on freedom of worship that adherents to Islam are facing throughout Myanmar, notably in Chauk Township and Rakhine State. Even though the idea of conducting a public vote may seem the most democratic way of taking decisions, we remind all local, regional and central authorities in Myanmar that a public vote may never justify the violation of fundamental rights enshrined in international human rights treaties.
Additionally, a minority can never be denied the right to practice its faith in its sacred places unless the conditions of legality, necessity and proportionality of the restriction are fulfilled. In the present case, it appears clear that the refusal is not justified by any public imperative.
Mr. President, EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice strongly recommend the following:
- Effectively prosecute hate speech against all religious and ethnic minorities, punish the perpetrators with commensurate sanctions;
- We call upon the local, regional and national authorities to immediately put an end to the violation of the freedom of worship for Muslims living in Myanmar.
Thank you.
Item 2: Interactive Dialogue with the High Commissioner on Myanmar Minorities
10 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Samia Haydar
Mr. President,
We would like to thank the Deputy High Commissioner for this update.
The list of human rights violations allegedly committed by the Myanmar security forces towards ethnic and religious minorities, especially Rohingya Muslims, is extensive as the examples presented today demonstrate. We would like to focus on the issue of impunity.
Myanmar has the legal obligation to provide accountability for perpetrator of crimes committed against its civilians. Violations of human rights such as murder, executions without due process, attack against civilians as well as sexual violence constitute war crimes and demand swift and strong action by the State. However, the inadequate investigations and failure to prosecute perpetrators within Myanmar means the time for local action has passed. Now, prompt action by the Prosecutor of the ICC is needed to bring the perpetrators of these horrific human rights violations to account.
We would like to ask the Deputy High Commissioner, what can the international community do to help the Prosecutor and ICC obtain justice for the many victims of the Myanmar crisis?
We believe that accountability for the genocidal acts and other oppressive and discriminatory conduct by the Myanmar authorities is the only way forward. Only if Myanmar fully cooperates to end impunity, will there be a chance of re-establishing a sense of trust in the government and hope for reconciliation.
Mr. President, International-Lawyers.org and Geneva International Centre for Justice encourage the Myanmar authorities to cooperate with the ICC process to ensure accountability for human rights violations against the Rohingya Muslims and all minority groups.
Thank you.
New Zealand
GICJ delivered two joint statements, partnering with International-Lawyers.org and EAFORD, concerning the UPR review of New Zealand. GICJ commended New Zealand’s efforts to address hate speech and discrimination while encouraging additional efforts to reduce incarceration rates of native people and address domestic violence.
Item 6: Consideration of the UPR on New Zealand
4 July 2019
Delivered by: Audrey Ferdinand
Mr. Vice President,
Jointly with the Geneva International Centre for Justice, we welcome the decision of New Zealand to accept one hundred and sixty out of the one hundred and ninety-six UPR’s recommendations.
We encourage New Zealand to continue its efforts in improving its legislations regarding the rights of minorities, to ensure no part of society is discriminated against, that hate speeches and hate crimes are duly investigated upon and perpetrators are brought to justice, in order to reach for peace.
We would like to take this opportunity to commend the attitude of the Prime Minister after the terrorist attack against two Mosques at Christchurch on 19 March 2019, who responded by bringing communities together. We call on all States to follow this positive example.
This is an important step towards the creation of a more inclusive society for migrants and monitories and it is critical to go on working towards this path while anti-Islam and anti-migrant attitudes rise worldwide.
We further commend the ratification of core human rights conventions by New Zealand and call for continued ratifications as recommended during the UPR.
We appreciate the development of a National Plan of Action for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights, which is an effective step towards the implementation of UPR recommendations.
I thank you, Mr. Vice President.
Item 6: Consideration of the UPR on New Zealand
4 July 2019
Delivered by: Isabela Zaleski Mori
Merci, Monsieur le Président.
We welcome the UPR report on New Zealand and congratulate the progress made by the Government in policies and practices in relation to the promotion of gender equality, the implementation of initiatives to ensure the participation of women in leadership positions, and the improvement of the socioeconomic situation for indigenous peoples.
Despite the official efforts towards the implementation of recommendations from the previous cycle, we remind the Government of New Zealand of the need to address the high incarceration rate, in which Māori people are disproportionally represented in detention centres, and at every stage of the criminal justice system, both as offenders and as victims.
We also note that New Zealand has a serious problem with gender-based violence, with intolerably high levels of family violence. As mentioned in the report, one in three women endured physical, emotional or sexual violence from a partner in their lifetime. Worse still, Māori women, women with disabilities and young women are more likely to be victimized.
EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice strongly recommend the New Zealand Government to:
- Eradicate discrimination against Maori, by tackling social inequalities experienced by Māori people in health, housing, employment, education and access to justice; and
- Take concrete steps in addressing sexual and domestic violence against women, by guaranteeing that all victims benefit from protection and have access to medical and legal aid.
Thank you.
Occupied Palestinian Territories
On the human rights situation in occupied Palestine, GICJ jointly raised the rapidly expanding issue of hate speech against Palestinians in Israeli society. Another statement raised the question of whether Israel’s ongoing actions against the Palestinians over many generations constitutes the crime of genocide. A final statement called attention to the poor treatment of Palestinian women in detention.
ITEM 7: General Debate
8 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Benedetta Viti
Mr. President, we would like to draw the attention of the Council to the pervasive phenomenon within Israeli society of hate speech targeting Palestinians.
Thousands of inciting, violent or insulting posts against Palestinians are published on social media, whose content includes racist slurs, insults, and calls for violent actions. Israel completely ignores these attacks and makes use of its cybersecurity surveillance in order to limit the freedom of expression of Palestinians.
Hate speech by political representatives has an alarming impact on society, giving legitimacy to discriminatory behaviours and contributing to widespread xenophobia. Disinformation and hate speech have the result of instilling fear of vulnerable groups and minorities among the larger population.
This form of manipulation allows politicians to win and govern a country based on fear and hatred with the strong possibility of enacting discriminatory and racist laws.
Kayan and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on this Council to:
- Take prompt action against the widespread phenomenon of hate speech in Israeli society and ensure accountability for the crimes that have been committed.
- Put pressure on Israel to implement the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and the Rabat Plan of Action.
- Restate the fundamental right of self-determination of the Palestinian people as well as their right of return to their lands and properties.
Thank you, Mr. President.
ITEM 7: General Debate
8 July 2019
Delivered by: Ms. Samia Haydar
Thank you, Mr. President,
While we are discussing item 7, we would like to remind the international community that these discussions are still ongoing and will continue only because Israel has hitherto failed to implement all relevant UN resolutions that seek to protect the basic rights of Palestinian people.
In this sense, International Lawyers.org and Geneva International Centre for Justice note that the actions taken by Israel over the span of around 100 years demonstrate a systemic attempt to destroy the Palestinian people. We also note how there is no parallel in recent history where a people have been placed in such an inhumane situation for such an extended period of time.
We remind this Council that the crime of genocide is committed by a State or non-State actor which intentionally undertakes to destroy a people in whole or in part. Thus, we call on this Council to initiate an investigation into the activities carried out by the Government of Israel, and the violations to the human rights of the Palestinian people over such a long period of time, to determine whether or not the State of Israel is committing the International crime of genocide.
Additionally, we urge this council once again to take immediate measures to pressure the State of Israel to terminate all illegal settlement activities, and to stop the institutionalized and blatant discrimination against Palestinian people.
Thank you.
ITEM 7: General Debate
8 July 2019
Delivered by: Mr. Christopher Gawronski
Mr. President,
We would like to highlight the broad issue of the treatment of Palestinian women in detention. As compared to men, women have particular needs during pregnancy, childbirth and menstrual periods, none of which are typically addressed in Israeli detention facilities. With its behavior against women in detention, by not taking gender considerations into account, Israel is flagrantly disregarding international standards such as the “Bangkok Rules” on the treatment of women prisoners.
We also wish to express our concern over the violence perpetrated against Palestinian women during arrest, interrogation, investigation and detention by Israeli authorities. Palestinian women are subjected to a wide range of psychological and physical violence, including sexual harassment and rape, often used as a mechanism for exerting pressure during interrogations. Cases of such violence involve both police officers and officers of the Israeli Security Agency.
Mr. President,
EAFORD and Geneva International Centre for Justice call on the Council and all States to take prompt measures seeking justice for those women who have faced sexual harassment and other abuses while detained by Israeli authorities.
Thank you.
