Concerns Rise Over Threats to U.N. Human Rights Experts in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed grave concern over threats against its special rapporteurs in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. Verbal assaults on Ms. Sheila Keetharuth in Eritrea and intimidation of Commission Inquiry members in Burundi were highlighted, noting that these actions undermine human rights mechanisms. The article calls for an urgent need for states to respect UN mandates and protect human rights advocates.
On November 21, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights raised alarms regarding threats directed at its special rapporteurs, particularly highlighting incidents in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. A statement released by the UN underscored the ongoing attempts by several states to undermine the vital mechanisms established by the Human Rights Council, composed of 47 Member States. The situation concerning Eritrea is troubling, as Ms. Sheila Keetharuth, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the nation, has encountered significant hostility. The UN’s report indicated that she was the target of a personal attack from the Eritrean Ambassador during an interactive dialogue at the Human Rights Council in June. The Ambassador disparaged her by referring to her as a “naked Empress with no clothes” and alleged that she was acting like a “Viceroy over Eritrea,” engaging in a witch-hunt. The High Commissioner reiterated that Ms. Keetharuth should not endure such vitriolic and personal assault while fulfilling her UN mandate. Regarding Burundi, the UN communicated its concern to the government due to threats against members of a Commission of Inquiry who authored a recent report on human rights violations in the country. The High Commissioner condemned these threats and characterized them as a direct violation of article VI of the 1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, emphasizing that such actions jeopardize the integrity of UN operations. He urged the Burundian government to reconsider its stance on cooperating with the International Commission and to refrain from intimidating its members. The Philippines was also mentioned as a country where President Duterte and his supporters reportedly issued threats against UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard, who investigates extrajudicial killings. The statement from the UN High Commissioner elucidates the concerning trend of harassment directed at human rights experts for fulfilling their duties, compelling the international community to respond to these injustices with appropriate urgency.
This article presents an overview of recent threats against United Nations human rights experts by various state officials in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines. The context involves significant violations of human rights which have prompted investigations and reporting by the UN. Specifically, the actions against Ms. Sheila Keetharuth in Eritrea and the threats encountered by the Commission of Inquiry in Burundi illustrate a broader pattern of resistance to international human rights scrutiny and accountability. The UN High Commissioner’s remarks are pivotal in underscoring the need for protection of human rights workers and the sanctity of international mandates that seek to promote and protect basic human rights globally.
The rising trend of hostility against UN human rights experts, as evidenced in Eritrea, Burundi, and the Philippines, poses significant challenges to the enforcement of international human rights norms. The threats faced by these experts not only undermine the essential work mandated by the UN but also highlight the crucial need for robust international support and action to safeguard human rights advocacy. It is imperative that the involved states acknowledge their obligations under international law to protect those who carry out such vital responsibilities.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
