The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed deep concerns over threats directed toward special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines, highlighting a pattern of aggression that undermines human rights efforts in these countries. Notably, Sheila Keetharuth faced vehement attacks in Eritrea, while Burundi’s government threatened the authors of a Commission report, and the Philippines saw direct threats against U.N. rapporteur Agnes Callamard.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised grave concerns regarding threats directed at its special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. In a statement issued on November 21, it was noted that there are ongoing efforts by certain nations to undermine vital mechanisms established by the Human Rights Council, which comprises 47 member states. Focusing on Eritrea, the high commissioner highlighted the particularly aggressive verbal attacks on its human rights expert, Ms. Sheila Keetharuth. Ms. Keetharuth recently unveiled a report indicating a deteriorating human rights situation in Eritrea. During a Human Rights Council session in June, she faced significant disdain, including a derogatory remark by the Eritrean Ambassador who labeled her as a “naked Empress with no clothes” and accused her of conducting a ‘witch-hunt’ against the nation. The high commissioner emphasized that it is unacceptable for Ms. Keetharuth to encounter such fierce hostility while fulfilling her mandate from the UN. In Burundi, the UN has formally complained to the Burundian government concerning threats made against authors of a recent report from a Commission of Inquiry investigating human rights concerns in the country. The High Commissioner declared it unacceptable for members of the Commission to face prosecutorial threats for their legitimate work. This conduct is a clear infringement of article VI of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, which safeguards experts undertaking UN missions. A call has been made for the Burundian administration to reassess its non-cooperative stance towards the International Commission of Inquiry and to desist from threatening its members. The third nation mentioned, the Philippines, has seen President Duterte and his administration openly threaten the U.N. special rapporteur on extrajudicial killings, Agnes Callamard, demonstrating a pattern of intimidation against UN human rights operatives.
The article addresses the alarming trend of hostility and threats against United Nations human rights experts, particularly with respect to the activities of the UN in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. It underscores the growing challenges that UN officials face in protecting human rights in these nations amidst significant governmental opposition. The document draws attention to the role of the UN Human Rights Council in supporting and protecting human rights advocates who often work under adverse conditions.
In conclusion, the actions of Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines illustrate a troubling climate of hostility towards UN human rights experts. The threats against Ms. Sheila Keetharuth in Eritrea, the intimidation faced by Commission members in Burundi, and the aggression directed at Agnes Callamard in the Philippines highlight the urgent need for accountability and protection of human rights voices globally. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for cooperation and respect for the expertise applied within its mandate to ensure the preservation of fundamental human rights.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
