33/32 Communications report of Special Procedures
Document Type: Final Report
Date: 2016 Sep
Session: 33rd Regular Session (2016 Sep)
Agenda Item: Item3: Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development
GE.16-15649(E)
Human Rights Council Thirty-third session
Agenda items 3, 4, 7, 9 and 10
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Human rights situations that require the Council’s attention
Human rights situation in Palestine and other
occupied Arab territories
Racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related
forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation
of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
Technical assistance and capacity-building
Communications report of Special Procedures*
Communications sent, 1 March to 31 May 2016;
Replies received, 1 May to 31 July 2016
Joint report by the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the
right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this
context; the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with
albinism; the Working Group of Experts on people of African descent; the Working
Group on arbitrary detention; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights in Belarus; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in
Cambodia; the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central
African Republic; the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights; the
Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international
order; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic
People’s Republic of Korea; the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with
disabilities; the Special Rapporteur on the right to education; the Special Rapporteur
on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean,
healthy and sustainable environment; the Working Group on enforced or involuntary
disappearances; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea;
* The present report is circulated as received.
United Nations A/HRC/33/32
General Assembly Distr.: General 9 September 2016
English/French/Spanish only
the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights; the Special
Rapporteur on the right to food; the Independent expert on the effects of foreign debt
and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of
human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights; the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression; the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and
of association; the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief; the
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti; the Special Rapporteur
on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of
physical and mental health; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights
defenders; the Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; the
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples; the Special Rapporteur on the
human rights of internally displaced persons; the Special Rapporteur on the situation
of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Working Group on the use of
mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the
right of peoples to self-determination; the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of
migrants; the Special Rapporteur on minority issues; the Special Rapporteur on the
situation of human rights in Myanmar; the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of
all human rights by older persons; the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human
rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967; the Special Rapporteur on
the right to privacy; the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance; the Special Rapporteur on the
sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography; the Special Rapporteur on
contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences; the
Independent Expert on the situation on human rights in the Sudan; the Special
Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; the Special
Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental
freedoms while countering terrorism; the Special Rapporteur on torture and other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; the Special Rapporteur on the
implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal
of hazardous substances and wastes; the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons,
especially women and children; the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth,
justice, reparation & guarantees of non-recurrence; the Working Group on the issue
of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises; the
Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the
enjoyment of human rights; the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its
causes and consequences; the Working Group on the issue of discrimination against
women in law and in practice; and the Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe
drinking water and sanitation.
Contents
Page
Abbreviations ................................................................................................................................... 4
I. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 6
II. Communications sent and replies received ...................................................................................... 10
A. Communications sent between 1March and 31May 2016 and replies
received between 1 May and 31 July 2016 .............................................................................. 10
B. Replies received between 1May and 31July 2016
relating to communications sent before 1 March 2016 ............................................................ 102
Appendix
Mandates of special procedures ....................................................................................................... 117
Abbreviations
Adequate housing Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard
of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context
Albinism Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism
African Descent
Arbitrary detention
Working Group of Experts on people of African descent
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention
Belarus Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus
Burundi Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Burundi
Business enterprises Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other
business enterprises
Cambodia Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia
Central Africa Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Central African Republic
Côte d'Ivoire Independent Expert on capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire in the
field of human rights
Cultural Rights Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights
Democratic and equitable
international order
Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order
Disability Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities
Disappearances Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances
Discrimination against
women
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice
DPR Korea Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of
Korea
Education Special Rapporteur on the right to education
Environment Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a
safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Eritrea Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea
Extreme poverty Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights
Food Special Rapporteur on the right to food
Foreign debt Independent expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial
obligations of States on the full enjoyment of human rights, particularly economic, social
and cultural rights
Freedom of expression Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and
expression
Freedom of peaceful
assembly and of
association
Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association
Freedom of religion Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief
Haiti Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti
Health Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health
Human rights defenders Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders
Independence of judges
and lawyers
Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers
Indigenous peoples Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples
Internally displaced
persons
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons
International Solidarity Independent Expert on Human Rights and International solidarity
Iran Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran
Mali Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali
Mercenaries Working Group on the use of mercenaries
Migrants Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants
Minority issues Special Rapporteur on Minority Issues
Myanmar Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar
OPT Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied
since 1967
Older persons Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
Privacy Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy
Racism Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and
related intolerance
Sale of children Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography
Slavery Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery
Somalia Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia
Sudan Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan
Summary executions Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
Terrorism Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental
freedoms while countering terrorism
Torture Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or
punishment
Hazardous substances and
wastes
Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound
management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes
Trafficking Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children
Truth justice, reparation &
guarantees on non-
recurrence
Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation & guarantees of non-
recurrence
Unilateral coercive
measures
Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment
of human rights
Violence against women Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences
Water and Sanitation Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation
Other abbreviations
AL Letter of allegation
JAL Joint letter of allegation
JUA Joint urgent appeal
UA Urgent appeal
I. Introduction
1. Special procedures are mandated by the Human Rights Council to report to it on
their activities (see Appendix).
2. In 2009, the sixteenth annual meeting of special procedures mandate holders decided
that a joint communications report would be prepared (cf. A/HRC/12/47, paras 24-26), with
this decision being reconfirmed by the seventeenth annual meeting of special procedures in
2010 in order to avoid duplication, rationalize documentation, allow examination of cross
cutting issues and ensure that the content of communications and any follow-up would feed
into the universal periodic review mechanism more effectively. Mandate holders decided
that the report should contain summaries of communications and statistical information
(A/HRC/15/44, para. 26-27).
3. The Outcome of the review of the work and functioning of the Human Rights
Council calls on the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to maintain
information on special procedures in a comprehensive and easily accessible manner, and
encourages the use of modern information technology to reduce the circulation of paper
(A/HRC/RES/16/21, Annex, paras. 29 and 60).
4. Short summaries of allegations communicated to the respective State or other entity
are included in the report, and the communications sent and responses received are
accessible electronically through hyperlinks. Communications are reproduced in the
language in which they were sent. Replies received in Arabic, Chinese or Russian are
included with translations into English, where available.
5. This report covers all urgent appeals, and letters of allegations sent by special
procedures mandate holders between 1 March and 31 May 2016 and replies received
between 1 May and 31 July 2016. Communications sent before 1 March 2016 are reported
in A/HRC/32/53, A/HRC/31/79, A/HRC/30/27, A/HRC/29/50, A/HRC/28/85,
A/HRC/27/72, A/HRC/26/21, A/HRC/25/74, A/HRC/24/21, A/HRC/23/51, A/HRC/22/67,
A/HRC/22/67 corr.1 and corr.2, A/HRC/21/49, A/HRC/20/30, A/HRC/19/44 and
A/HRC/18/51 respectively.
6. The report also includes replies received between 1 May and 31 July 2016 relating
to communications sent by special procedures mandate holders before 1 March 2016. Some
of these replies supplement information communicated earlier by the respective State.
7. The present report contains urgent appeals sent by the Working Group on Arbitrary
Detention and the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances and joint
urgent appeals sent by them together with other mandates. It does not contain other types of
communications issued by these mandates, which are processed according to their own
distinctive procedures, and are reported in the annual reports of these two working groups.
8. The names of some alleged victims have been obscured in order to protect their
privacy and prevent further victimization. Names of victims who would otherwise have
their identities protected are mentioned only when the individual concerned or their direct
family has expressly consented or requested to have his or her name in the public report. In
the original communications, the full names of the alleged victims were provided to the
Government concerned. Names of alleged perpetrators have systematically been darkened
in State replies to preserve the presumption of innocence.
9. In preparing the statistics included in this report, uniform reporting periods have
been used, reflecting all communications sent between 1 March and 31 May 2016, and
responses received in relation to these communications up to 31 July 2016.
Communications and replies by mandate
Mandate
Reporting period:
1 March to 31 May 2016
Reporting period:
1 June 2006 to 31May 2016
Communications
sent
replied to by 31 July
2016
response
rate
Communications
sent
replied to by 31
July 2016
response
rate
Adequate housing 3 2 67% 298 147 49%
African descent 3 1 33% 19 11 58%
Albinism 1 0 0% 5 0 0%
Arbitrary detention (+) 22 8 36% 1,322 735 56%
Belarus* 0 0 0% 9 6 67%
Burundi** 0 0 0% 6 0 0%
Business enterprises 7 1 14% 68 36 53%
Cambodia 1 0 0% 27 5 19%
Central Africa 0 0 0% 1 0 0%
Cultural Rights 14 13 93% 67 50 75%
Democratic and equitable international order 13 12 92% 27 21 78%
Disability 3 2 67% 23 13 57%
Disappearances (+) 3 1 33% 324 146 45%
Discrimination against women in law and in
practice
11 3 27% 169 78 46%
DPR Korea 0 0 0% 9 1 11%
Education 2 2 100% 68 42 62%
Environment 9 2 22% 41 21 51%
Eritrea 0 0 0% 2 0 0%
Extreme poverty 4 2 50% 55 39 71%
Food 5 2 40% 218 88 40%
Foreign debt 0 0 0% 14 9 64%
Freedom of expression 99 41 41% 2,611 1360 52%
Freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association
65 21 32% 927 535 58%
Freedom of religion 6 2 33% 422 252 60%
Haiti 0 0 0% 9 3 33%
Hazardous substances and wastes*** 3 2 67% 65 41 63%
Mandate
Reporting period:
1 March to 31 May 2016
Reporting period:
1 June 2006 to 31May 2016
Communications
sent
replied to by 31 July
2016
response
rate
Communications
sent
replied to by 31
July 2016
response
rate
Health 30 21 70% 521 303 58%
Human rights defenders 78 25 32% 2,874 1,598 56%
Independence of judges and lawyers 11 4 36% 1,099 591 54%
Indigenous peoples 28 16 57% 378 227 60%
Internally displaced persons 0 0 0% 19 7 37%
International Solidarity 12 12 100% 12 12 100%
Iran 9 1 11% 120 59 49%
Liberia 0 0 0% 2 0 0%
Mercenaries 0 0 0% 70 26 37%
Migrants 7 4 57% 221 139 63%
Minority issues 6 3 50% 220 130 59%
Myanmar 0 0 0% 104 51 49%
Older persons 0 0 0% 1 1 100%
OPT 2 0 0% 35 7 20%
Privacy 12 12 100% 14 14 100%
Racism 9 4 44% 118 69 58%
Sale of children 2 0 0% 57 21 37%
Slavery 0 0 0% 39 22 56%
Somalia 2 0 0% 19 6 32%
Sudan 3 0 0% 32 6 19%
Summary executions 34 9 26% 1,233 589 48%
Terrorism 4 1 25% 276 131 47%
Torture 39 14 36% 2,066 1,107 54%
Trafficking 0 0 0% 75 44 59%
Truth, justice, reparation & guarantees on
non-rec
3 1 33% 38 21 55%
Unilateral coercive measures 0 0 0% 1 1 100%
Violence against women 10 2 20% 516 268 52%
Water and Sanitation 3 2 67% 71 46 65%
(*) mandate re-established in June 2012, (**) mandate terminated, (***) mandate name changed from ‘toxic waste’
(+) These figures do not include communications on standard cases sent to Governments by the Working Group on arbitrary
detention and the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances.
Please note: Totals are higher than the actual number of communications sent or replies received in the given period, as many
communications are sent jointly by two or more mandate holders.
A /H
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II. Communications sent and replies received
A. Communications sent between 1 March and 31 May 2016 and replies received until 31 July 2016
10. Communications are presented in chronological order. Copies of the full text of the communications sent and replies received may
be accessed from the electronic version of this report available on the OHCHR website. Some names of individuals or other
information have been rendered anonymous or otherwise unidentifiable.
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
01/03/2016
JUA
COL 1/2016
Colombia
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Violence against
women;
Alegaciones sobre actos de hostigamiento, amenazas de muerte, y un plan de
desaparición contra una periodista y defensora de derechos humanos, así como por
fallas en un proceso judicial por tortura psíquica de la cual fue víctima, así como
sobre amenazas y hostigamiento a su abogado y familias respectivas. Según las
informaciones recibidas, la Sra. Claudia Julieta Duque Orrego, actualmente víctima
y testigo en dos juicios penales en contra de funcionarios de la dirección general de
inteligencia y funcionarios de contrainteligencia, ha sido objeto de nuevas
amenazas y hostigamiento, las cuales han incrementado en el marco del desarrollo
de los juicios. Se alegas asimismo fallas en el desarrollo efectivo de las
investigaciones e interpelación de los presuntos responsables de estos hechos. La
Sra. Duque ha sido objeto de comunicaciones anteriores, enviadas el 23 de
septiembre de 2004, véase E/CN.4/2005/101/Add.1 caso no. COL 41/2004, el 23
de mayo de 2008, véase A/HRC/10/12/Add.1 caso no. COL 12/2008, el 13 de julio
de 2009 y el 30 de octubre de 2009, véase A/HRC/13/22/Add.1, casos no. COL
16/2009, y no. COL 20/2009, y el 7 de octubre de 2011, véase A/HRC/19/44,
caso no. COL 9/2011.
A /H
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
02/03/2016
JAL
USA 1/2016
United States of
America
African descent;
Hazardous
substances and
wastes; Health;
Indigenous
peoples; Minority
issues; Racism;
Water and
Sanitation;
Alleged high levels of lead found in water consumed by residents of Flint,
Michigan; and allegations that Flint is not an isolated incident but that
disproportionate health risks are faced by communities and/or people of lower
socio-economic standing due to toxics, pollution and other hazardous substances
and wastes in the United States of America. According to the information received,
inhabitants of the city of Flint were consuming water contaminated with lead when
the state of Michigan changed the source for tap water in April 2014 but failed to
apply standards to prevent contamination of the water. Several alerts and studies
were dismissed by the authorities until 1 October 2015 when the Governor of
Michigan admitted the gravity of the situation and urged residents to stop drinking
water from the tap, declaring a state of emergency on 5 January 2016. On 16
January 2016 President Obama declared a Federal state of emergency for Flint in
order to speed up distribution of bottled waters and filters. Up to 8,000 children
under the age of six are alleged to have been exposed to lead poisoning and will
need ongoing medical help with health and behavioural issues.
25/04/2016
03/03/2016
JAL
ISR 1/2016
Israel
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of undue restrictions to the rights to freedom of association and
freedom of expression contained in draft laws. According to the information
received, a “Transparency Law”, which was published by the Government on 18
January and 9 February 2016, respectively, and passed the first of three readings in
the Knesset, would require non-governmental organizations receiving a majority
(likely more than 50 per cent) of their funding from foreign political entities to
publicly disclose certain information. Non-governmental organizations subject to
the legislation, if enacted, would be required “to note in […] any meeting that has
minutes that the majority of its funding is from foreign government entities”. The
Law further stipulates punitive fines for those failing to comply.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
1 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
03/03/2016
JUA
NGA 2/2016
Nigeria
Environment;
Hazardous
substances and
wastes;
Alleged abduction of the spouse of a well-known environmental and human rights
defender. According to the information received, on 22 February 2016, Ms. Justina
Ojo, the wife of Mr. Godwin Ojo, the Executive Director of Environmental Rights
Action – Friends of the Earth Nigeria, a human rights and environmental non-
governmental organization, was abducted at gunpoint by unknown gunmen in front
of her home in Benin. On 26 February 2016, Ms. Ojo was released; however, as
she had been blind folded with her hands tied during her abduction, she was not
able to identify the abductors. It is alleged that the kidnapping was politically
motivated. Out of fear Mr. and Ms. Ojo have not been able to return to their home.
03/03/2016
AL
MDA 1/2016
Republic of
Moldova
Disability;
Allegations concerning a draft bill amending the 2002 Civil Code provisions
related to incapacitation and adult guardianship, which would discriminate against
persons with disabilities in the Republic of Moldova. According to the information
received, in its current form, the proposed amendments to the Civil Code remain
tied to the outdated legal doctrine of substitute decision-making, which is
discriminatory against persons with disabilities as it calls into question a person’s
legal capacity based on a person’s mental capacity.
15/06/2016
04/03/2016
JUA
AUT 1/2016
Austria
Migrants; Racism;
Torture;
Allegations concerning plans by the Heads of Police Services of the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria to increase
policing along the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s border with Greece.
According to the information received, this may result in mass expulsions and
refusal of entry to those in need of international protection thereby violating the
principle of non-refoulement. Communications with similar contents were also sent
to the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia,
Croatia and Slovenia on 4 March 2016, see below, case nos. HRV 1/2016, SRB
1/2016, SVN 1/2016 and MKD 1/2016.
05/07/2016
A /H
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1 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
04/03/2016
JUA
HRV 1/2016
Croatia
Migrants; Racism;
Torture;
Allegations concerning plans by the Heads of Police Services of the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria to increase
policing along the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s border with Greece.
According to the information received, this may result in mass expulsions and
refusal of entry to those in need of international protection thereby violating the
principle of non-refoulement. Communications with similar contents were also sent
to the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia,
Austria and Slovenia on 4 March 2016, see above and below, case nos. AUT
1/2016, SRB 1/2016, SVN 1/2016 and MKD 1/2016.
04/03/2016
JUA
SRB 1/2016
Serbia
Migrants; Racism;
Torture;
Allegations concerning plans by the Heads of Police Services of the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria to increase
policing along the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s border with Greece.
According to the information received, this may result in mass expulsions and
refusal of entry to those in need of international protection thereby violating the
principle of non-refoulement. Communications with similar contents were also sent
to the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Austria,
Croatia and Slovenia on 4 March 2016, see above and below, case nos. HRV
1/2016, AUT 1/2016, SVN 1/2016 and MKD 1/2016.
26/05/2016
04/03/2016
JUA
SVN 1/2016
Slovenia
Migrants; Racism;
Torture;
Allegations concerning plans by the Heads of Police Services of the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria to increase
policing along the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s border with Greece.
According to the information received, this may result in mass expulsions and
refusal of entry to those in need of international protection thereby violating the
principle of non-refoulement. Communications with similar contents were also sent
to the Governments of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia,
Croatia and Austria on 4 March 2016, see above and below, case nos. HRV
1/2016, SRB 1/2016, AUT 1/2016 and MKD 1/2016.
10/06/2016
A /H
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1 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
04/03/2016
JUA
MKD 1/2016
The former
Yugoslav
Republic of
Macedonia
Migrants; Racism;
Torture;
Allegations concerning plans by the Heads of Police Services of the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria to increase
policing along the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s border with Greece.
According to the information received, this may result in mass expulsions and
refusal of entry to those in need of international protection thereby violating the
principle of non-refoulement. Communications with similar contents were also sent
to the Governments of Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia and Austria on 4 March 2016, see
above, case nos. HRV 1/2016, SRB 1/2016, SVN 1/2016 and AUT 1/2016.
08/03/2016
JUA
HND 2/2016
Honduras
Environment;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Indigenous
peoples; Summary
executions;
Alegaciones de asesinato de una defensora de derechos humanos y el riesgo que
corre otro defensor del derecho a la tierra. Según la información recibida, el 2 de
marzo, la Sra. Bertha Isabel Cáceres Flores, miembro de la población indígena
Lenca, Cofundadora y Coordinadora del Consejo Cívico de Organizaciones
Populares e Indígenas de Honduras (COPINH), fue asesinada en La Esperanza,
departamento del Intibucá, por sujetos desconocidos. La Comisión Interamericana
de Derechos Humanos había otorgado medidas cautelares a la Sra. Cáceres en
junio de 2009. Según las informaciones recibidas, el Sr. Gustavo Castro Soto,
fundador y actual director de la organización Otro Mundos, A. C. Chiapas,
miembro del Movimiento Mexicano de Afectados por las Presas y en Defensa de
los Ríos (MAPDER) de México, testigo clave en el asesinato de la Sra. Berta
Cáceres habría sido herido durante al ataque y habría proporcionado a las
autoridades su testimonio sobre los acontecimientos. Las autoridades hondureñas le
habrían prohibido la salida del país. Se expresa preocupación por su seguridad
física y psicológica.
14/03/2016
14/03/2016
17/03/2016
14/03/2016
08/03/2016
AL
LBR 1/2016
Liberia
Education;
Allegation of potential adverse impact on the right to education from a proposed
privatization of public schools by the Government of Liberia through a public-
private partnership agreement. According to the information received, Liberia is
negotiating to replace 50 public pre-primary and primary schools with schools
operated by a private education provider, Bridge International Academies. The
Government reportedly intends to privatize all public primary schools within five
years. Concerns are raised that this may result in violations of the right to
education.
25/05/2016
A /H
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1 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
08/03/2016
JAL
TLS 1/2016
Timor-Leste
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged attempt to prevent members of a human rights organization from
exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
According to the information received, on 22 January 2016, police visited the
offices of Asosiasaun Hukum, Hak Asasi dan Keadilan (the Law, Human Rights
and Justice Association), also known as HAK, ahead of the visit by the President of
Indonesia to Timor-Leste to question its staff about any demonstration they might
have been planning. On 26 January 2016, police again visited the Association’s
offices, searched the property and confiscated a t-shirt worn by one of its staff
members because it had the logo “free West Papua” on it. On 27 January 2016,
several staff members of the Association did not go to work out of fear of
harassment. Three similar incidents of intimidation of other non-governmental
organizations have been reported. Serious concern is expressed at the attempt to
restrict the rights of the Association’s members to freedom of peaceful assembly
and freedom of expression, as well as that this may be a broader crackdown on
these rights during official visits and meetings.
08/03/2016
AL
TUR 2/2016
Turkey
Freedom of
expression;
Allegation of Government takeover of a media group in Turkey. According to the
information received, a court order issued on 4 March 2016 placed the Feza Media
Group, which includes the newspaper Zaman, its English language sister-
publication, Today’s Zaman, as well as two television stations, under Government
control. This is a media group which reportedly takes an editorial line critical of
the Government. The alleged basis for the court order is that the media group is
illicitly financing a terrorist organization. Concern is raised at the impact of the
decision on the freedom of the media in Turkey.
01/04/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
09/03/2016
AL
GTM 3/2016
Guatemala
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Alegaciones relativas a la falta de transparencia, publicidad y objetividad en el
proceso de elección de los magistrados y las magistradas de la Corte de
Constitucionalidad para el periodo 2016-2021 en Guatemala. Según la información
recibida, el proceso de elección de los magistrados y las magistradas de la Corte de
Constitucionalidad para el periodo 2016-2021 que actualmente se está
desarrollando en Guatemala, no cumpliría con el marco legal y la jurisprudencia
nacional, así como con los estándares internacionales de los derechos humanos en
materia de independencia judicial, en particular en cuanto a la transparencia y
objetividad de los procesos de selección de magistrados. Se expresa preocupación
de que esa falta de transparencia, publicidad y objetividad en los procesos de
selección de los candidatos a los cargos de magistrados titulares y suplentes de la
Corte de Constitucionalidad aumente el riesgo de la politización e interferencias
externas en los procesos de selección, y de este modo vulnere la garantía de la
independencia e imparcialidad judicial.
09/03/2016
JUA
KAZ 1/2016
Kazakhstan
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged arbitrary arrest, detention and sentencing of a human rights defender and
blogger. According to the information received, on 12 October 2015, the home of
Mr. Ermek Narymbaev, a human rights defender who works on issues related to
bad governance and corruption in Kazakhstan, was raided by police. Mr.
Narymbaev was subsequently arrested and charged with incitement to national
discord and insulting the honour and dignity of the Kazakh nation, under article
174 (1) of the Criminal Code, in relation to a posting he made on Facebook. On 22
January 2016, Mr. Narymbaev was sentenced by the Almaty District Court to three
years in prison with forfeiture of his right to engage in any public activities in the
next five years. On 22 February 2016, at the request of Mr. Narymbaev’s legal
counsel, the Court agreed to change Mr. Narymbaev’s pre-trial detention to house
arrest pending appeal, which is scheduled to take place on 29 March 2016. Mr.
Narymbaev was the subject of a previous communication, which concerned his
repeated arrests and detention for his role in convening a peaceful assembly and
denouncing corruption cases, sent on 31 August 2015, see A/HRC/25/55, case no.
KAZ 2/2015.
20/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
09/03/2016
JAL
ZMB 1/2016
Zambia
Albinism;
Summary
executions;
Violence against
women;
Alleged pattern of attacks against persons with albinism in Zambia. According to
the information received, during the second half of 2015, three persons with
albinism, namely Ms. Charity Zimba (age 37), Mr. Billy Chulu (age 46) and Mr.
Jeffrey Sikanyai (age 36) were attacked and dismembered, resulting in the death of
Ms. Zimba and Mr. Sikanyai. Moreover, in January 2016, an attempt was made to
kidnap a 15-year-old boy with albinism close to Lusaka. Serious concern is
expressed at these alleged attacks, as they appear to have had the purpose of using,
or selling for use, body parts for witchcraft purposes. In this context, further
concerns are expressed about the physical and mental integrity of persons with
albinism, including women who are at risk of attacks resulting in death and
mutilation, as well as in the trafficking of body parts.
10/03/2016
JAL
ISR 3/2016
Israel
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders; OPT;
Alleged administrative detention and sentencing of a woman human rights
defender, as well as harassment and tear-gas attack against another woman human
rights defender. According to the information received, on 7 December 2015, Ms.
Khalida Jarrar, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment, a fine of 10,000 NIS
(approximately 2,515 USD), and a suspended sentence of 12 months with a five
year period by Ofer Military Court on charges of “membership on an illegal
organisation” and “incitement to kidnap Israeli soldiers”, two of the initial 12
charges against her. During the court case material used as evidence was kept
secret from Ms. Jarrar and her lawyer. She is currently serving the 15 months in
Hasharon prison in Israel. On 15 January 2016, the home of Ms. Manal Tamimi
was surrounded by Israeli soldiers who fired multiple tear-gas canisters in her
direction without any obvious provocation. Ms. Tamimi was subsequently taken to
the hospital where she was treated for breathing difficulties.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
10/03/2016
JAL
JPN 1/2016
Japan
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
expression;
Torture; Truth,
justice, reparation
& guarantees on
non-rec;
Alleged non-compliance with international human rights law and standards of an
agreement made between the Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea on
28 December 2015. According to the information received, on 28 December 2015,
the Foreign Ministers of Japan and the Republic of Korea met and agreed on the
issue of “comfort women”, an expression commonly used in reference to women
and girls who were subjected to sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army in
occupied territories prior and during World War II. Serious concern is expressed at
this agreement in light of both States’ international obligations and women
victims’ human rights, including the right to truth, justice and reparation. Further
serious concern is expressed at the distress in which this agreement has left the
surviving women victims by considering this agreement as a “final and
irreversible” solution of the issue. A letter with similar content was addressed to
the Government of the Republic of Korea, see below, case no. KOR 2/2016.
10/03/2016
JAL
KOR 2/2016
Republic of
Korea
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
expression;
Torture; Truth,
justice, reparation
& guarantees on
non-rec;
Non-compliance with international human rights law and standards of an
agreement made between the Governments of Japan and the Republic of Korea on
28 December 2015. According to the information received, on 28 December 2015,
the Foreign Ministers of Japan and the Republic of Korea met and agreed on the
issue of “comfort women”, an expression commonly used in reference to women
and girls who were subjected to sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army in
occupied territories prior and during World War II. Serious concern is expressed at
this agreement in light of both States’ international obligations and women
victims’ human rights, including the right to truth, justice and reparation. Further
serious concern is expressed at the distress in which this agreement has left the
surviving women victims by considering this agreement as a “final and
irreversible” solution of the issue. A letter with similar content was addressed to
the Government of Japan, see above, case no. JPN 1/2016.
15/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
11/03/2016
JUA
COL 2/2016
Colombia
African descent;
Extreme poverty;
Human rights
defenders;
Minority issues;
Racism; Summary
executions;
Violence against
women;
Allegations of individual human rights violations as well as specific concerns
particularly affecting the Afro-Colombian community in the municipality of.
Buenaventura, Valle de Cauca Department, Colombia. According to the
information received, despite the increased presence of public security forces in
Buenaventura since 2014, criminal organized groups continue to exercise strong
social, economic and local control over the lives and activities of its inhabitants,
including by implementing invisible frontiers and imposing curfews in some of the
neighbourhoods. These groups are said to be responsible for various criminal
activities such as extortion, death threats, murder, enforced disappearances,
imposition of various types of punishments, sexual violence against women and
girls, child recruitment and forced displacement and eviction, aimed at taking
control of the territory and the different communities living in the urban area of
Buenaventura.
14/03/2016
AL
FIN 1/2016
Finland
Indigenous
peoples;
Letter concerning new legislation on land management, a lack of consultation with
indigenous peoples during its development and potential adverse impact on the
human rights of indigenous peoples. According to the information received, the
Government’s proposed new legislation on the Finnish Forest and Park Enterprise
(Metsähallitus) will transfer regulation of the management of State owned lands
and waters to a new State owned company. The reform will affect the majority of
the traditional territory of the Sami indigenous peoples. Concern has been
expressed that the proposed Bill was drafted without adequate consultations with
the Sami people and that its lack of provisions safeguarding the rights of the Sami
people may lead to a significant weakening of their rights over their lands and
resources. This Bill was previously subject of a joint urgent appeal together with
the Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the
enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment on 15 December
2015, see A/HRC/32/53, case no. FIN 1/2015.
12/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 0
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
16/03/2016
JUA
PAK 6/2016
Pakistan
Health; Human
rights defenders;
Summary
executions;
Allegations of threats and a subsequent attempted assassination of a human rights
defender and transgender activist, as well as discriminatory conduct of hospital
staff members towards her. According to the information received, on 5 January
2016, Adnany was shot and critically injured by two persons on a motorcycle, who
aimed at the car she was traveling in near the Pir Zakori Bridge in the city of
Peshawar. Adnany identified the two alleged perpetrators, both of whom had
reportedly threatened her numerous times in the months prior to the attack. Adnany
was subsequently brought to Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, where she was
initially denied treatment by several doctors due to her transgender identity. After 3
hours of delay, she was operated on to remove the bullet. After these events
Adnany lodged a complaint with the Chamkani Police, however, at the time of
writing, the police had failed to make any arrest and were allegedly instead putting
pressure on her to reconcile with her attackers. Concern is expressed that the
alleged threats, assassination attempt and initial denial of medical treatment are
related to Adnany’s activities in defence of rights of transgender persons and her
own gender identity.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
17/03/2016
JUA
BHR 1/2016
Bahrain
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations concerning the arrest and detention of a woman human rights defender
along with her 15-month-old son. According to the information received, on 14
March 2016, Ms. Zainab al-Khawaja, a prominent human rights defender and
social media activist in Bahrain, was arrested at her home along with her 15-
month-old son and detained at Al-Hoora Police Station for several hours before
being transferred to the Ministry of Interior. Ms. Al-Khawaja is reportedly charged
with “destruction of public property”, based on the tearing of a photograph of the
King of Bahrain, and with “insulting a public official”. On 15 March, Ms. Al-
Khawaja, along with her son, was transferred to Isa Town Women’s Prison where
they remained detained at the time of writing. If found guilty, Ms. Al-Khawaja
could face a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of up to 10 000
Bahraini dinars (US$26,500), given the adoption of Law 1/2014 in April 2014
which amended Art.214 of the Penal Code. It is further reported that her passport
has not been renewed and her son is being denied a birth certificate and
documentation. Ms. Al-Khawaja was the subject of seven previous
communications in relation to similar charges brought against her on 21 January
2008, see A/HRC/10/12/Add.1, case no. BHR 3/2008; 12 April 2011, see
A/HRC/19/44 case no. BHR 5/2011; 9 September 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case
no. BHR 18/2011; 20 January 2012, see A/HRC/20/30, case no. BHR 1/2012; 5
October 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case no. BHR 8/2012; 30 July 2013 see
A/HRC/25/74, case no. BHR 4/2013; and 18 December 2014, see A/HRC/29/50,
case no. BHR 15/2014
11/04/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
17/03/2016
JAL
MOZ 1/2016
Mozambique
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Summary
executions;
Alleged violations of the rights to life, freedom of expression and opinion.
According to the information received, on 20 January 2016, Mr. Manuel Bissopo,
leader of the Mozambican National Resistance (Renamo) was shot by unknown
gunmen in Beira. His bodyguard was killed and two other people who
accompanied him escaped. The attack against Mr. Bissopo happened after holding
a press conference in which he denounced exactions against Renamo’s members.
He had informed that the bodies of two members of his party were found on 19
January 2015. The attempt to assassinate Mr. Bissopo comes ten months after the
assassination of Professor Gilles Cistac, on 3 March 2015, who was shot dead by
four gunmen on his way to work. Mr. Cistac was well known for his position in
favour of autonomy for Mozambique’s provinces and decentralization of power;
and also against electoral fraud. Serious concern is expressed that the victims may
have been attacked as a result of their political activities and public position against
the Government.
18/03/2016
JUA
BDI 5/2016
Burundi
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions; Truth,
justice, reparation
& guarantees on
non-rec;
Allégations de violations du droit à la vie et des droits à la liberté d’expression et
d’association. Selon les informations reçues, suite à la visite de la Mission
d’Experts indépendants des Nations Unies sur le Burundi (UNIIB) dans le pays (1-
9 mars 2016), réalisée dans le cadre de la mise en œuvre de la résolution S-24/1 du
Conseil des droits de l’homme des Nations Unies, plusieurs défenseurs des droits
de l’homme ayant collaboré avec les experts auraient fui le pays en raison de
menaces qu’ils auraient reçues de la part des services de renseignements burundais.
De graves préoccupations sont exprimées quant aux allégations d’intimidation et
de représailles contre des défenseurs des droits de l’homme qui ont rencontré les
experts et les risques pour leur sécurité, ainsi que celle de leurs proches.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
18/03/2016
JUA
HND 3/2016
Honduras
Environment;
Hazardous
substances and
wastes; Human
rights defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alegaciones de asesinato de un defensor de derechos humanos. Según la
información recibida, el 15 de marzo 2016, el Sr. Nelson García, dirigente del
Consejo Cívico de Organizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras (COPINH),
fue asesinado en Rio Lindo, oeste del departamento de Cortés, de disparos en el
rostro por sujetos desconocidos. Se expresa profunda preocupación por el asesinato
del Sr. García y por la vida e integridad física de los integrantes del COPINH y
sus familiares que han sufrido una escalada en las amenazas e intimidación las
últimas semanas. La Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos había
otorgado medidas cautelares para los miembros de COPINH y se expresa
preocupación ante la falta de eficacia de estas medidas.
01/04/2016
18/03/2016
JAL
SAU 1/2016
Saudi Arabia
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged interrogation and arbitrary arrest of a woman human rights defender in
Saudi Arabia in retaliation for her human rights work and as a continued act of
reprisal for her cooperation with the United Nations, its mechanisms and
representatives in the field of human rights. According to the information received,
on 6 January 2016, Ms. X was summoned by the Criminal Investigation Authority
in Jeddah and interrogated for several hours in relation to her activities on Twitter.
On 12 January, she was again interrogated for several hours on her human rights
work and communication with international human rights organizations, including
the United Nations human rights mechanisms, before being transferred to Hayy al-
Salam police station and formally placed under arrest. She was then transferred to
Dhahban Central Prison. In the early morning of 13 January, Ms. X was released
on bail. Later on the same day she appeared before the public prosecution, who
released her without charges.
25/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
21/03/2016
JAL
CMR 1/2016
Cameroun
Business
enterprises;
Environment;
Food; Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allégations de nombreuses procédures judiciaires et condamnations d’un défenseur
des droits de l’homme qui pourraient constituer une forme de harcèlement
judiciaire. Selon les informations reçues, M. Nasako Besingi, le directeur de
l’organisation non-gouvernementale Struggle to Economise Future Environment
(SEFE), aurait fait l’objet de harcèlement judiciaire de la part de la société SG
Sustainable Oils Cameroon (SGSOC). Il aurait été condamné pour diffamation,
participation à des rassemblements illégaux et organisation et incitation à des
manifestations non-déclarées. M. Besingi a fait l’objet de deux lettres d’allégations
précédentes, envoyées le 4 janvier 2013, voir A/HRC/23/51 cas numéro CMR
6/2012, et 21 février 2014, voir A/HRC/28/85, cas numéro CMR 1/2014.
21/03/2016
JAL
ISR 4/2016
Israel
Health; OPT;
Terrorism;
Torture;
Allegations of torture and ill-treatment suffered by Palestinian detainees during
interrogations and detention at the Shikma Interrogation facility in Ashkelon,
Israel. According to the information received, the detention conditions and
interrogation practices at the interrogation facility/wing of inmates held for security
reasons, under the control of the Israel Security Agency at Shikma Prison (run by
the Israel Prison Service) in Ashkelon, Israel, are considered ill-treatment and can
amount to torture. Grave concern is expressed at the systematic ill-treatment of
Palestinian detainees at the Shikma Prison in Ashkelon, at times amounting to
torture, as well as their lack of access to a lawyer and adequate medical care.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
2 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
22/03/2016
JAL
MAR 1/2016
Maroc
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allégations d’actes de représailles contre une femme défenseur des droits de
l’homme liés à sa coopération avec l’Organisation des Nations Unies (ONU) et ses
mécanismes dans le domaine des droits de l’homme. Selon les informations reçues,
Mme Ghalia Djimi, femme défenseur des droits de l’homme et Vice-Présidente de
l’Association Sahraouie Des Victimes des Violations Graves des Droits de
l’Homme, se serait vue refuser son droit à un congé annuel du Ministère de
l’Agriculture où elle travaille et n’aurait pas été autorisée à quitter le territoire
marocain pour participer au Conseil des droits de l’homme de l’ONU, à Genève,
ainsi qu’à des évènements liés à son travail pour la défense et la promotion des
droits de l’homme. Des préoccupations sont exprimées quant aux informations
reçues indiquant que cette restriction à sa liberté de mouvement révèlerait une
tendance à la hausse des actes de représailles, de harcèlement et d’intimidation
contre des défenseurs des droits de l’homme ou des individus exerçant leurs droits
à la liberté d’association, de réunion pacifique et à la liberté d’expression au Sahara
occidental. Mme Djimi a fait l’objet de deux lettres d’allégations précédentes,
envoyées le 12 novembre 2007, voir A/HRC/23/51 cas numéro MAR 9/2007, et 30
juillet 2015, voir A/HRC/31/79, cas numéro MAR 6/2015.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
22/03/2016
JUA
SAU 2/2016
Saudi Arabia
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged violations of the rights to life, liberty and security, and to fair trial; torture,
cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, and confession obtained under torture.
According to the information received, on 3 March 2012, Abdullah Hassan al-
Zaher, who was 15 years old at the time, was arrested by Saudi security forces in
Al-Awamiyah city near Al-Rif. During his arrest and subsequent detention,
Abdullah Hassan was subjected to torture and denied legal assistance. On 29
January 2014, the Specialized Criminal Court sentenced Abdullah Hassan to death
on criminal charges related to his participation in demonstrations against the
authorities. In September 2015, his death sentence was confirmed by the High
Court. On 11 March 2016, the Saudi newspaper “Okaz” reported that the execution
of four people sentenced to death was imminent. Even though no names were
included in the article, it is believed that the subjects of this article include
Abdullah al-Zaher as well as Ali Mohammed al-Nimr and Dawood al-Marhoon -
two other juveniles previously sentenced to death. Ali Mohammed al-Nimr and
Dawood Hussain al-Marhoon were the subjects of two previous communications
sent on 21 September 2015 and 19 October 2015, see A/HRC/31/79, case nos.
SAU 6/2015 and SAU 8/2015.
28/07/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
2 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
23/03/2016
JAL
MYS 2/2016
Malaysia
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged undue restrictions on the right to freedom of expression caused by the
blocking of access to the online news portal “The Malaysian Insider” by the
Malaysian Government. According to the information received, on 25 February
2016, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission blocked access
to The Malaysian Insider online news portal, an independent newspaper, for
violating sections 233 and 263(2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act
1998. The Commission did not provide any specific reason for its blocking of the
website, however, it is alleged that it was done in connection with an article that
The Malaysian Insider had published on a corruption scandal involving the Prime
Minister of Malaysia. It is reported that the blocking of The Malaysian Insider is
the latest in a series of similar actions. The Act is allegedly also going to be
amended to increase fines for offences that fall under section 233 by tenfold and to
include a requirement for all bloggers to register their blogs with the Commission.
Similar concerns were addressed in a previous communication sent on 18 August
2015, see A/HRC/31/79, case no. MYS 3/2015.
24/03/2016
AL
COL 3/2016
Colombia
Indigenous
peoples;
Alegaciones indicando el impacto de las negociaciones de paz que están teniendo
lugar entre el Gobierno de Colombia y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de
Colombia (FARC) en la Habana sobre los pueblos indígenas. Se expresa una serie
de graves preocupaciones en relación con las negociaciones de paz: la falta de
participación de las organizaciones y autoridades representativas de los pueblos
indígenas en el proceso de negociación de la paz; y el impacto que ciertas
decisiones que ambas partes están adoptando en las negociaciones de la Habana
pueden tener sobre los derechos de los pueblos indígenas, incluyendo discusiones
sobre una política pública subsiguiente con el fin de poner en práctica los acuerdos
de paz. Se expresa también preocupación por la falta de avances reales en la
aplicación de las reparaciones colectivas para los pueblos indígenas. Se solicita que
ambas partes de las negociaciones observen y respeten el derecho de los pueblos
indígenas a ser consultados en relación con medidas que les afecten según
establece el Convenio número 169 de la Organización Internacional del Trabajo.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
2 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
24/03/2016
UA
ECU 1/2016
Ecuador
Indigenous
peoples;
Alegaciones de la falta de un proceso de consulta adecuada con pueblos indígenas.
Según las informaciones recibidas, el 14 de enero de 2016, el Ministerio de
Hidrocarburos firmó un contrato de explotación y exploración con la empresa
china Andes Petroleum para los Bloques 79 y 83 de la Amazonia, que afectan
directamente los territorios de los pueblos indígenas Sápara, Kichwa de Sarayaku,
Achuar, Shiwiar, Kichwa y Huaorani, generando graves impactos socio-
ambientales y amenazara su sobrevivencia e identidad cultural. Las alegaciones
conllevarían presuntas violaciones del derecho a la consulta previa y
consentimiento previo, libre e informado.
24/03/2016
JAL
EGY 4/2016
Egypt
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged targeting of leading human rights defenders and organizations in Egypt
through interrogations, asset freezes, travel bans and closure orders. According to
the information received, recent months have seen a serious escalation of the
crackdown on independent civil society in Egypt. Prominent human rights
defenders and non-governmental organizations are reportedly targeted in
connection with the re-opened Case No. 173 of 2011, also known as the “foreign
funding case”. Recently, six prominent human rights organizations and their staff
members were allegedly subjected to interrogations, travel bans and asset freezing
or closure orders. They appear to be targeted for their legitimate human rights work
as well as the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of
association. Grave concern is expressed at the growing restrictions imposed on
civil society in Egypt and the targeting of leading human rights defenders and
organizations. Particular concern is expressed as these individuals and
organizations appear to be targeted for peacefully carrying out their human rights
activities as well as for legitimately exercising their rights to freedom of expression
and freedom of association.
A /H
R C
/3 3
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2 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
24/03/2016
JAL
IDN 1/2016
Indonesia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Indigenous
peoples; Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged excessive use of force, killing, torture, arbitrary detention and charges
against individuals for the exercise of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly
and to freedom of expression. According to the information received, on 1
December 2015, indigenous Papuans commemorated their National Day through
numerous peaceful demonstrations and prayer services across Indonesia. At
demonstrations and events held in Jakarta, Yapen Island and Nabire, security
forces used blockades, tear gas and violence to end the commemorations, resulting
in the injury of 141 individuals and death of four individuals. Another 355
individuals were arrested and detained, and two were charged with criminal
offences. All individuals were subsequently released and the charges brought
against the two individuals dropped. Previous communications concerning the
exercise by indigenous Papuans of their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and
freedom of expression were sent on 9 October 2015 see A/HRC/31/79, case no.
IDN 8/2015; 1 May 2014, see A/HRC/27/72, case no. IDN 2/2014; 23 September
2013, see A/HRC/25/74, case no. IDN 4/2013; and 24 July 2012, see
A/HRC/22/67, case no. IDN 6/2012.
24/03/2016
JUA
MYS 3/2016
Malaysia
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Allegations of violations of the rights to life, liberty and security of person of three
Malaysian nationals. According to the information received, Mr. Gunasegar
Pitchaymuthu, Mr. J Ramesh Jayakumar and Mr. Sasivarnam Jayakumar were
sentenced to death by a Malaysian court for a murder committed on 16 April 2005.
As the capital punishment is mandatory for murder in Malaysia, the Courts were
not allowed to commute their death sentences, which were upheld on 19 February
2014 by the Federal Court. The authorities did not send this decision to the families
of the three men. It is believed that in December 2015 the Prisons Board of Kedah
State rejected a pardon appeal submitted by the three co-defendants. However, the
authorities did not transmit any decision in this regard to their families or lawyers,
leaving them in uncertainty. On 23 March 2016, the authorities of the Taiping
Prison informed the families of the co-defendants that they would be executed soon
and to prepare for their funerals. The three co-defendants were due to be executed
on Friday 25 March 2016 by hanging at Taiping Prison.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
3 0
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
24/03/2016
AL
MEX 1/2016
México
Torture;
Alegaciones relativas al debate en torno a la adopción de la Ley General en materia
de tortura y otros malos tratos y de la Ley Nacional de Ejecución Penal. Según las
informaciones recibidas, se está teniendo lugar en el Senado de la República del H.
Congreso de la Unión un debate en torno a la adopción de la Ley General en
materia de tortura y otros malos tratos y de la Ley Nacional de Ejecución Penal, el
Relator hace un llamado al Estado para que tome en cuenta los estándares
internacionales en cuanto a la tortura y otros tratos crueles inhumanos y
degradantes a la hora de promulgar la normativa. Estos incluyen la correcta
tipificación de la tortura, la responsabilidad mediata de superiores jerárquicos, la
observancia del Protocolo de Estambul, la correcta tipificación de la regla de
exclusión y el fortalecimiento del Mecanismo Nacional de Prevención.
24/03/2016
JUA
VEN 3/2016
Venezuela
Disappearances;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Presunta desaparición y asesinato de 28 trabajadores en las minas de Oro de
Tumeremo, Estado de Bolívar, Venezuela. Según la información recibida, el 4 de
marzo de 2016, 28 personas habrían desaparecido después de haber sido agredidas
por un grupo criminal ubicado en la zona, presuntamente liderado por una persona
ubicada con el alias “el Topo”, quien presuntamente mantiene el control de la
extracción de oro en la región en colaboración con las autoridades. Se alega,
asimismo, que familiares de las víctimas habrían organizado protestas con el fin de
exigir la actuación de las autoridades, pero dichas manifestaciones habrían sido
interrumpidas mediante el uso de la fuerza y una creciente presencia militar en la
zona. Finalmente, se alega que los medios de comunicación y periodistas habrían
enfrentado obstáculos en la cobertura de estos hechos, así como acoso por parte de
agentes encargados de hacer cumplir la ley en Tumeremo.
04/07/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
3 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
30/03/2016
JAL
ISR 5/2016
Israel
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alleged extrajudicial execution of a Palestinian man by an Israeli soldier in
Hebron. According to the information received, on 24 March 2016, in Tel
Rumeida, Hebron, an Israeli soldier shot dead Mr. Abed al-Fatah al-Sharif, a
Palestinian man, who was lying on the ground severely wounded following his
alleged attempt to stab an Israeli soldier earlier on the same day. Israeli medical
personnel present at the scene failed to check his condition or to provide him with
treatment. Mr. Imad Abu Shamsiyyeh, the human rights defender who recorded the
alleged extrajudicial execution and handed it to B’Tselem, a human rights
organization, for its release, has received threats and fears reprisals against him and
his family. His identity and photographs of him have also been widely circulated in
the media.
31/03/2016
JAL
BGR 1/2016
Bulgaria
Arbitrary
detention; Health;
Migrants;
Torture;
Alleged mistreatment of migrants and asylum seekers by law enforcement
authorities involving threats to their physical and mental integrity, excessive use
of force, summary returns in potential violation of the non-refoulement principle
and due process guarantees, and systematic detention, including of children, in
overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. According to the information received,
between March and November 2015, at least 59 migrants have been returned from
Bulgaria to Turkey by Bulgarian law enforcement officers, often after having been
deprived of their personal belongings and after having been subjected to beatings.
Police dogs and fire-arms are allegedly used as a means of deterrence which
reportedly resulted in the death of an asylum seeker by a gun shot fired by a law
enforcement official in October 2015. Migrants, including children, getting caught
when crossing the border irregularly get systematically detained in centres in
overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, which could amount to ill-treatment.
31/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
3 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/03/2016
JUA
EGY 5/2016
Egypt
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Alleged arbitrary and unfair disciplinary proceedings against at least 71 judges,
reportedly for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, opinion, peaceful
assembly and association. According to the information received, at least 71 judges
were subject to alleged arbitrary and unfair disciplinary proceedings in two cases
referred to as the “July 2013 Statement Case” and the “Judges for Egypt Case”. It
is reported that at least 46 judges were forcibly retired from their offices as a result
of the proceedings. With regards to both cases, it is alleged that the proceedings
contravened the judges’ right to a fair hearing by an independent and impartial
organ, as well as their rights to freedom of expression, opinion, peaceful assembly
and association. Grave concern is expressed that the proceedings may form part of
a widespread crackdown carried out by the Egyptian authorities against members
of the judiciary, causing a chilling effect on judicial independence.
31/03/2016
JAL
KEN 1/2016
Kenya
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of increasing intimidation, harassment and criminalization of
journalists, bloggers, online content creators and social media users in Kenya.
According to the information received, since 2015, the number of cases of
criminalization and arrests of journalists, bloggers, online content creators and
social media users has significantly increased. Concerns are expressed at the use of
domestic legislation, including section 29 of the Kenya Information and
Communication Act (KICA), to target those with dissenting views critical of the
Government and its officials, including in relation to reports and allegations of
corruption, misconducts of politicians or public officials, or other cases of public
interest. A call is made to review the KICA and its application in order to ensure its
compliance with article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
3 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/03/2016
JAL
MEX 2/2016
México
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alegaciones de campañas de desprestigio y de estigmatización contra defensores
de derechos humanos, organizaciones non-gubernamentales e integrantes de
mecanismos internacionales de derechos humanos. Según las informaciones
recibidas, se habría acusado en declaraciones públicas a varias personas
defensoras de derechos humanos de utilizar los derechos humanos para conseguir
sentencias absolutorias (principalmente a través de denuncias en casos de tortura) y
de enriquecerse con las reparaciones que se les habrían entregado a las víctimas.
Las expresiones fueron vertidas en diferentes medios a lo largo del mes de marzo y
se suman a los que se habrían dirigido contra el Grupo Interdisciplinario de
Expertos Independientes de la Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos y el
Equipo Argentino de Antropología Forense y otros defensores y defensoras de
derechos humanos en el país. Se expresa grave preocupación por lo que se podría
convertir en un patrón de descalificación del trabajo de las y los defensores al igual
que los organismos internacionales de derechos humanos que trabajan sobre
México así como por la ausencia de declaraciones por parte del Estado legitimando
y reconociendo el rol de las y los defensores.
18/04/2016
31/03/2016
JUA
MKD 2/2016
The former
Yugoslav
Republic of
Macedonia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Migrants;
Torture;
Allegations of physical violence by law enforcement officials of the former
Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia against migrants peacefully protesting and of
collective expulsion of migrants in possible violation of the principle of non-
refoulement. According to the information received, on 27 February 2016, law
enforcement officials from the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia started
firing stun grenades and dispersing teargas in a mass of migrants peacefully
protesting at the Idomeni border point. On 3 March 2016, two migrants - one of
them a key figure in the protest - suffered physical violence at the hands of law
enforcement officials. When more than 1000 migrants crossed the border to the
former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia’s territory on 14 March 2016, they were
apprehended by military and police and expelled to Greece; some of the migrants
suffered physical violence at the hands of military and police. The issue of mass
expulsions and violation of the principle of non-refoulement was subject of a
previous communication sent on 4 March 2016, see above, case no. MKD 1/2016.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
3 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/03/2016
JUA
TUR 3/2016
Turkey
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged arrests, interrogations and termination of positions of Turkish scholars and
members of the academic community in violation of their right to freedom of
expression. According to the information received, Turkish federal prosecutors
have placed over 1100 professors and researchers at 89 academic institutions under
pressure for having co-signed a public statement led by Academics for Peace
entitled “We will not be a Party to this crime”. The statement expressed concern
for the curfews that have been declared in several cities in South East Turkey, and
calls for the Government to put an end to the violence and prepare for dialogue. In
addition, three professors - Mr. Kivanc Ersoy, Mr. Muzaffer Kaya and Ms. Esra
Mungan - have been arrested and detained on charges of terrorism support
following a press conference held after their signing of the petition. Serious
concern is expressed at the broad crackdown on the right to freedom of expression
and the use of criminal and civil prosecution against the independence of
academia.
17/05/2016
01/04/2016
JUA
PER 1/2016
Peru
Business
enterprises;
Human rights
defenders;
Indigenous
peoples;
Alegaciones de ataques físicos, actos de hostigamiento y amenazas contra la
indígena quechua Máxima Acuña de Chaupe, defensora de derechos humanos, y su
familia en el departamento de Cajamarca, por razón de su disputa territorial con la
compañía minera Yanacocha S.R.L. Según las informaciones recibidas, el 2 de
febrero de 2016, la Sra. Acuña de Chaupe habría sufrido una serie de actos por
parte de la compañía minera y la Policía Nacional peruana. Se expresa
preocupación para la vida y la integridad física y moral que la presente situación
supone para la familia de la Sra. Acuña de Chaupe y la falta de medidas de
protección, pese a ser beneficiarias de medidas cautelares por parte de la Comisión
Interamericana de Derechos Humanos desde el 5 de mayo de 2014. Las
alegaciones conllevarían presuntas violaciones del derecho a la consulta previa y
consentimiento previo, libre e informado con las comunidades y rondas
campesinas en la aprobación del proyecto minero. La Sra. Acuña de Chaupe fue
objeto de comunicaciones previas enviadas el 25 de agosto de 2015 (ver
A/HRC/31/79 PER 3/2015) y el 20 de febrero de 2014 (ver A/HRC/26/21PER
1/2014).
14/04/2016
A /H
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3 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
01/04/2016
AL
VEN 4/2016
Venezuela
Torture;
Alegaciones sobre la situación carcelaria en Venezuela. Según la información
recibida nos han reportado muertes y heridos productos de explosiones de granada
granadas, motines, incendios, riñas en las cárceles venezolanas en particular en los
siguientes Centros: Penitenciaria Fénix, Centro para Procesados 26 de Julio,
Internado Judicial de Anzoátegui conocido como Cárcel Puente Ayala, Centro
Penitenciario Región Centro Occidental y Cárcel de Uribana, así como los altos
índices de hacinamiento, deficiencia alimentaria y malos tratos.
01/04/2016
UA
YEM 1/2016
Yemen
Freedom of
religion;
Alleged arrest, detention and charges brought against a Bahá’í follower based on
his religion of belief. According to the information received, on 8 January 2015,
the Specialized Criminal Prosecution of Yemen indicted Mr. Hamid Kamali (also
known as Hamed Kamal bin-Haydara) for “compromising the independence of the
Republic of Yemen”, reportedly in relation to his work for the Universal House of
Justice, the supreme governing institution of the Bahá’ís based in Israel. Mr.
Kamali was also accused of spreading the Bahá’í faith in the Republic of Yemen.
On 8 March 2015, at his first hearing, Mr. Kamali denied all charges against him
and his case was adjourned to 4 April 2015, and subsequently to 8 November 2015.
At that hearing, the judge allegedly rejected evidence of torture that Mr. Kamali
had been subjected to while he was under the jurisdiction of the National Security
Agency. However, following the request of his lawyer, Mr. Kamali was released
on bail on medical grounds. On 12 February 2016, Mr. Kamali appeared in a
closed hearing where the General Prosecutor pursued the maximum punishment for
the charges brought against him, namely execution and asset forfeiture. The next
court hearing was set for 3 April 2016. This case was the subject of a previous
communication sent on 15 October 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. YEM 5/2014
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
3 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
05/04/2016
JUA
SDN 2/2016
Sudan
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders; Sudan;
Torture;
Alleged raid on a non-governmental organization’s premises by State officials and
detention and questioning of several members and affiliates of the organization.
According to the information received, on 29 February 2016, agents from the
National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) office in Khartoum raided
TRACKS’ office and confiscated several items and documents. On 3 March 2016,
and around 10 and 12 March 2016, several individuals linked to TRACKS were
summoned to the NISS office and interrogated about their activities. In the course
of their interrogation, the following individuals: Mr. Khalafalla Mukhtar, Director
of TRACKS; Ms. Arwa Elrabie, Mr. Shazali Ibrahim El Shiekh, and Mr. Khuzaini
Elhadi Rajab, TRACKS employees; Mr. Midhat Hamdan, and Mr. Alhassan
Kheiri, TRACKS trainers; and Mr. Mustafa Adam, Mr. Adam Ali, Mr. Al Waleed
Mohamed Ahmed, and Ms. Raye Imany Leyla, individuals visiting TRACKS at the
time of the alleged incident, were reportedly verbally abused, threatened and ill-
treated by NISS agents. To date, no investigation has reportedly been initiated into
the alleged events. Concern is expressed at the increasing number of reports
pointing at harassment and criminal prosecution of human rights defenders in
Sudan for undertaking their peaceful and legitimate human rights activities.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
3 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
05/04/2016
JAL
USA 2/2016
United States of
America
Adequate housing;
Extreme poverty;
Water and
Sanitation;
Alleged violations of the human rights of residents of Flint, Michigan, in the
context of lead contamination of its water, including the rights to adequate housing,
water and sanitation, and non-discrimination. According to the information
received, water supplies in the city of Flint became contaminated with lead
following the city’s decision in April 2014 to switch its water source to the Flint
River as a cost-cutting measure and its failure to put in place corrosion control
measures to mitigate the levels of lead and copper in the water. Despite the
emergence of evidence and studies that indicated an elevated level of lead in the
water as well as in the blood of the children in Flint, the city insisted that its water
supplies complied with all state and federal standards, failing to take immediate
mitigation measures. It is further suggested that Flint residents, who are in majority
Black or African American and among the most impoverished of any metropolitan
area, did not enjoy the same degree of protection from environmental and health
hazards as that provided to other communities. A previous communication raising
concerns about the water crisis in Flint was sent on 2 March 2016, see above, case
no. USA 1/2016.
08/04/2016
JUA
BGD 1/2016
Bangladesh
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Summary
executions;
Alleged imminent execution of the leader of the Bangladeshi opposition party
Jamaat-e-Islami following an unfair trial. According to the information received, in
2014, Mr. Motiur Rahman Nizami, aged 72, was sentenced to death by the
International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh on charges of murder, rape and the
mass killing of intellectuals during Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971.
His trial and appeal process reportedly failed to meet international standards on fair
trial and due process. On 6 March 2016, the Supreme Court decided to uphold the
death sentence against him. The defendant may be executed at any time. Grave
concern is expressed at the imminent execution of Mr. Nizami following judicial
proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh that may not have
fulfilled the most stringent guarantees of fair trial and due process for the
imposition of the death penalty. Mr. Nizami was the subject of two previous
communications sent on 3 October 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case no. BGD 6/2012,
and 16 November 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case no. BGD 8/2012.
15/04/2016
A /H
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/3 2
3 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
08/04/2016
UA
BRA 1/2016
Brazil
Indigenous
peoples;
Alleged arrest of an indigenous leader and his brother based on their work
defending their lands. According to the information received, in the late morning of
7 April 2016, Mr. Rosivaldo Ferreira da Silva, known as Cacique Babau
Tupinambá, a well-known and respected indigenous leader, was arrested by Bahia
Military police of the municipality of Olivença along with his brother, Mr. José
Aelson Jesus da Silva, also known as Teity Tupinambá. The arrest took place after
they spent time in Aldeia Gravatá, in the Tupinambá de Olivença, which is
indigenous land in the south of Bahia, where the Tupinambá denounced the illegal
quarrying of sand. The two men were taken to the Federal Police headquarters in
Ilhéus. Concerns is raised about the safety and well-being of the aforementioned
individuals, in particular that of Cacique Babau Tupinambá whose arrest may be
linked to his work as a human rights defender and leader of his community.
08/04/2016
JUA
IRN 6/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Iran; Summary
executions;
Alleged imminent execution of an Iranian national on drug related offenses.
According to the information received, on 24 August 2011, Mr. Rashid Kouhi, a
36-year-old Iranian computer science student, was arrested in Roudbar, Gilan
Province, for the possession of 800 grams of crystal meth. On 30 January 2012,
Mr. Kouhi was tried before Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in Roudbar. He
reportedly did not have access to a lawyer during the investigations phase of his
case. During the inquiries, Mr Kouhi reportedly claimed that the drugs had been
placed in his bag without his knowledge. On 2 February 2012, the Court sentenced
him to death. Mr. Rashid Kouhi was denied the right to appeal his death sentence.
He has requested clemency twice, but his requests have been rejected. His
execution has been scheduled for the morning of 9 April 2016. Serious concern is
expressed that the death penalty may be carried out against Mr. Kouhi for an
offence that does not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” and that the
death penalty has been upheld following judicial procedures that may not fulfil the
most stringent guarantees of fair trial and due process.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
3 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
08/04/2016
JAL
GBR 1/2016
United
Kingdom of
Great Britain
and Northern
Ireland
Adequate housing;
Disability;
Extreme poverty;
Food;
Alleged negative impact of the Welfare Reform and Work Act on the human rights
of persons living in poverty, particularly children, large families, single parents and
persons with disabilities. According to the information received, the Welfare
Reform and Work Act, enacted in March 2016, introduces major cuts in social
benefits, including, inter alia, a lower cap on the household benefit, a four-year
freeze on working-age benefits and tax credits, restrictions on child tax credits and
reduced support for persons with disabilities in the Work-Related Activity Group.
Concerns are raised that these changes have been introduced without adequate
assessments of their impact on the rights to social protection and an adequate
standard of living, and may contribute to a rise in poverty and inequality.
14/07/2016
12/04/2016
JAL
RUS 3/2016
Russian
Federation
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of repeated harassment and attacks on a human rights organization and
several human rights defenders and journalists. According to the information
received, on 9 March 2016, masked men physically attacked and set fire to the bus
carrying Ms. Ekaterina Vanslova and Mr. Ivan Zhiltsov, two members of the
Committee of Prevention of Torture, Mr. Egor Skovoroda, Ms. Alexandrina
Elagina, Mr. Mikhail Solunin, Mr. Anton Prusakov, Ms. Lena Maria Persson
Loefgren and Mr. Oeystein Windstad, all journalists, and its driver Mr. Bashir
Pliev, as they travelled from Ingushetia to Grozny, the capital of the Russian
republic of Chechnya on a press tour organized by the Joint Mobile Group (JMG),
a human rights organization. The same day, armed and masked men broke into the
office of JMG in Karabulak, Ingushetia. On 16 March 2016, Mr. Igor Kalyapin,
Head of JMG and the Committee for the Prevention of Torture, was about to attend
a press conference in Grozny when a group of masked men physically assaulted
him. JMG has reportedly also experienced break-ins and violent attacks in the past.
Mr. Kalyapin was the subject of three previous communications sent on 22
December 2014, see A/HRC/ 29/50, case RUS 10/2014, 29 February 2012, see
A/HRC/20/30 case RUS 1/2012, and 31 March 2014, see A/HRC/27/72 case RUS
4/2014.
23/05/2016
A /H
R C
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/3 2
4 0
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
12/04/2016
JUA
TCD 1/2016
Tchad
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allégations relatives à l’arrestation de quatre dirigeants de la société civile et
défenseurs des droits de l’homme. Selon les informations reçues, entre le 21 et 23
mars 2016, M. Mahamat Nour Ahmed Ibedou, M. Younous Mahadjir, M. Nadjo
Kaina Palmer et Mme Céline Narmadji auraient été arrêtés par la police judiciaire
de N’Djamena suite à leur appel pour une manifestation pacifique contre la
candidature du Président Idriss Deby dans le cadre de sa réélection à la
présidentielle du 10 avril 2016. Il est allégué que les quatre individus seraient
accusés “de provocation à un attroupement non autorisé, tentative d’atteinte à
l’ordre public et opposition à l’ordre public et opposition à l’exercice d’une
autorité légitime” et qu’ils risqueraient des peines d’emprisonnements allant de six
mois à un an. Il est rapporté que, le 19 mars 2016, le Gouvernement aurait annoncé
que toutes les manifestations publiques ne relevant pas de la campagne électorale
seraient interdites. Des préoccupations sont exprimées quant aux allégations
d’arrestation et de détention de ces quatre personnes, qui seraient liées à l’exercice
de leurs droits à la liberté d’expression, de réunion pacifique et d’association.
13/04/2016
JUA
SOM 1/2016
Somalia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Somalia;
Alleged infringement on the rights to freedom of association and freedom of
expression of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) and the National
Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) and failure of Somali authorities to conduct
investigations. According to the information received, since 2011, serious threats,
intimidation and reprisals, including for cooperating with the International Labour
Organization, have been reported against members and leaders of NUSOJ and
FESTU, in particular, against its Secretary-General, Mr. Omar Faruk Osman and
NUSOJ’s Organizing Secretary, Mr. Abdiqani Sheik Mohamed, with an increase
since 2013. It is reported that Somali authorities continuously interfere in the trade
unions’ right to carry out peaceful activities and in the election of its members. It
has further been reported that the members of both trade unions are frequently
arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and face travel restrictions. Allegedly, the
Government has not taken adequate measures to ensure that trade unionists can
exercise their rights.
A /H
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/3 2
4 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
13/04/2016
JUA
UZB 1/2016
Uzbekistan
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Health; Human
rights defenders;
Torture;
Alleged arbitrary detention, torture or ill-treatment, and denial of necessary
medical care to a journalist and human rights activist. According to the information
received, Mr. Salijon Abdurahmanov is being held in an Uzbek prison where he is
serving a 10-year sentence for illegal possession of narcotic substances with the
purpose of sale. He is allegedly being held in deplorable living conditions and he is
subject to detention regimes which could amount to torture or ill-treatment. Mr.
Abdurahmanov suffers from serious health issues and he is reportedly being denied
proper treatment for his ailments in detention. Furthermore, international monitors
have been denied access to Mr. Abdurahmanov despite their requests.
14/04/2016
JUA
KHM 1/2016
Cambodia
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of criminal proceedings brought against Cambodian nationals,
including a student, to prevent them from exercising their rights to freedom of
assembly and expression online. According to the information received, on 16
March 2016, Mr. Kong Raya, a student, was sentenced to 18 months’
imprisonment for a posting he had made on his Facebook profile, calling for the
people of Cambodia to join him in a “colour revolution”. Cambodia has in recent
months reportedly seen a substantial increase in the number of internet users being
detained and criminally charged for comments they have made online. On 28
December 2015, the Prime Minister warned that Facebook users who criticize
government policies on sensitive issues, or resort to personal insults, could be
traced in a matter of hours. Serious concern is expressed at the sentencing of Mr
Kong Raya, as well as at what seems to be a broader crackdown on expression
online in the country.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
14/04/2016
JAL
SLV 1/2016
El Salvador
Discrimination
against women;
Health; Torture;
Violence against
women;
Alegaciones de violaciones del derecho de las mujeres y las niñas a la integridad
física y al más alto nivel posible de salud física y mental en El Salvador. Según la
información recibida sobre la situación de los derechos a la salud sexual y
reproductiva de las mujeres en El Salvador, en particular, en el contexto de los
riesgos del virus Zika para las mujeres embarazadas, el derecho de las mujeres y
las niñas a la integridad física y al más alto nivel posible de salud física y mental,
continúan siendo restringidos en El Salvador. A pesar de los esfuerzos realizados
por el Gobierno para responder a la epidemia del Zika, las mujeres todavía tienen
que enfrentar obstáculos en el acceso a la anticoncepción, incluida la
anticoncepción de emergencia. También se expresan preocupaciones con respecto
a un posible aumento de los abortos inseguros en este contexto, dada la prohibición
total de la interrupción del embarazo en el país.
06/07/2016
14/04/2016
JAL
RUS 4/2016
Russian
Federation
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged forced eviction of a human rights organization in violation of the rights to
freedom of association and freedom of expression. According to the information
received, on 13 April 2015, the Civic Assistance Committee, a human rights
organization that assists refugees and migrants in the Russian Federation, received
notice of eviction from the organization’s offices by the authorities. On 20 April
2015, the Committee was listed as a “foreign agent”. On 18 February 2016, the
authorities forcibly evicted the organization, denying its employees access to its
offices. Serious concern is expressed at the alleged reason for the eviction, namely
the Committee’s human rights work and exercise of the rights to freedom of
association and freedom of expression. The “foreign agents” law was the subject of
seven previous communications sent on 11 July 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case no.
RUS 5/2012; 13 June 2013, see A/HRC/25/74, case no. RUS 3/2013; 18 December
2013, see A/HRC/16/21, case no. RUS 13/2013; 20 June 2014, see A/HRC/28/85,
case no. RUS 5/2014; 14 November 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. RUS
9/2014; 7 August 2015, see A/HRC/31/79, case no. RUS 4/2015; and 25 February
2016, case no. RUS 2/2016.
31/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
4 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
14/04/2016
AL
USA 3/2016
United States of
America
Torture;
Allegations of serious and continued sleep deprivation amounting to ill-treatment
and potentially torture in the Pelican Bay Security Housing Unit of State Prison
system in California. According to the information received, in August 2015, a
policy of wellness checks was introduced in the Security Housing Unit, which are
carried out every 30 minutes during the day and hourly during the night, for the
purpose of suicide prevention. As a result of these checks, prisoners throughout the
Unit are experiencing serious sleep deprivation, as they are awakened multiple
times throughout the night. Serious concern is expressed at the continued sleep
deprivation which leads to inhumane detention conditions and has negative effects
on the mental state of detainees.
15/04/2016
JUA
COL 4/2016
Colombia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alegaciones de asesinato de un defensor de derechos humanos y del derecho a la
tierra. Según la información recibida, el 7 de marzo de 2016, el Sr. William
Castillo Chima, líder social, fundador y tesorero de la Asociación de Hermandades
Agroecológicas y Mineras de Guamocó (AHERAMIGUA), fue asesinado en el
establecimiento público “Los Galvanes”, en el barrio de Villa Echeverry,
municipio de El Bagre, Antioquia, por sujetos desconocidos. Pocos días antes, el 3
y 4 de marzo, la defensora Sra María Dania Arrieta Pérez, colega del Sr. Castillo
Chima, habría recibido varias amenazas de muerte por mensajes de texto. Se
expresa preocupación por las alegaciones que indican que estos hechos estarían
relacionados con el trabajo pacífico y legítimo de ambas personas en defensa de los
derechos humanos, y también por el alarmante número de defensores y defensoras
de derechos humanos asesinados en Colombia recientemente.
26/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
15/04/2016
JUA
IRQ 1/2016
Iraq
Disappearances;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of acts of intimidation and reprisals, in the form of arbitrary arrest and
ill-treatment, against two human rights defenders for their work and cooperation
with the United Nations in the field of human rights. According to the information
received, on 6 March 2016, Mr. Imad Amara and Mr. Faisal Al Tamimi were on
their way to meet with families of disappeared persons as part of their work for the
Al Wissam Humanitarian Assembly, a human rights organization that documents
cases of enforced disappearances and submits them to the United Nations human
rights mechanisms, when their car was stopped at the checkpoint close to the Bab
Al Moatham Square in Baghdad by Iraqi military forces. The military forces
searched their car and informed both men that an arrest warrant had been issued
against them. They were subsequently handcuffed, blindfolded and taken to an
unknown location where they were severely beaten, insulted and threatened, while
being interrogated about their work. Mr. Amara and Mr. Al Tamimi were released
two hours later.
15/04/2016
JUA
ISR 6/2016
Israel
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alleged threatening and intimidating statements made against the members of a
human rights organization for the exercise of their rights to freedom of association
and freedom of expression, as well as their human rights work. According to the
information received, on 28 March 2016, Government officials stated that Israel
should make “targeted civil eliminations” against members of Palestinian Rights,
Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), a human rights network, and that it is
considering revoking the citizenship of some of BDS’ members, including Mr.
Omar Barghouti. Grave concern is expressed at the physical integrity of the
members of BDS, as well as the broader impact of the above allegations on human
rights defenders, civil society and the legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of
association and freedom of expression.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
15/04/2016
JAL
LVA 1/2016
Latvia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Alleged restrictions to the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of
association related to the draft law “On Amendments to the Latvian Criminal
Law”, debated in the Parliament of Latvia on 7 April 2016. According to the
information received, the proposed amendments contain provisions on national
security that may seriously restrict the rights to freedom of expression and freedom
of association. Serious concern is expressed that the amendments significantly
limit the rights to freedom of expression and to freedom of association in Latvia.
09/06/2016
18/04/2016
JAL
MYS 4/2016
Malaysia
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
religion; Violence
against women;
Allegations concerning forced religious conversion of children, denial of the right
to access to justice and to a remedy by their mothers as well of their equal rights
and responsibilities in matters relating to their children. According to the
information received, in the cases of Ms. X and Ms. Y, the religious conversion of
their husbands to Islam had legal consequences, resulting in the violation of their
equal rights and responsibilities on matters related to their children, including their
custody, as well as their access to justice and their right to a remedy. In the case of
Ms. Y, the failure of the High Court, while deciding the custody of the children, to
recognize and consider her history of abuse by her former husband as well as the
alleged violent abduction of her son by him, combined with the inaction of the
authorities to act, raises concern as it may justify and legitimize acts of gender-
based violence. In both cases, judicial decisions undermine the primacy of
constitutional laws over religious and customary laws, due to the existence of an
inconsistent dual legal system, resulting in violations of women’s rights to equality
in law, their right to remedy and non-discrimination in marriage and family
relationships.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
19/04/2016
JAL
KHM 2/2016
Cambodia
Business
enterprises;
Cambodia;
Environment;
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged harassment, arbitrary arrest, detention and deportation of several
individuals, including members of Mother Nature Cambodia for their activities
related to the protection of human rights and the environment. According to the
information received, on 3 March 2016, the Koh Kong Provincial Court found Mr.
Ven Vorn, a member of Mother Nature Cambodia, a Cambodian environmental
organization, in violation of article 98 of the Forestry Law (“harvesting timber
products and/or non-timber forest products without a permit”) and handed him a
one-year prison sentence. Additionally, on 19 January 2016, an arrest warrant was
issued for Mr. Alejandro Gonzalez-Davidson, a Spanish national and the founder
of the Mother Nature Cambodia. Mr. Gonzalez-Davidson is allegedly accused of
being an accomplice to Mr. Samnang, Mr. Sovichea and Mr. Mala, who have been
detained since 17 August 2015 for charges under article 424 of the Criminal Code
(“threat to cause destructions followed by an order”) Mr. Gonzalez-Davidson was
reportedly deported following a decision of the Ministry of Interior not to renew
his visa. Furthermore, on 7 December 2015, seven activists were detained for
approximately two hours by private security guards allegedly employed by Oudom
Seima, a sand dredging company in Koh Kong, for taking photographs of the
dredging activities. Mr. Try Sovikea, Mr. Sun Mala and Mr. Sim Samnang were
the subject of a previous communication sent on 18 November 2015, see
A/HRC/31/79, case no. KHM 5/2015.
19/04/2016
JAL
IDN 2/2016
Indonesia
Freedom of
expression;
Health; Human
rights defenders;
Torture;
Alleged harassment, arbitrary detention and risk of torture and ill-treatment
suffered by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people from
Indonesia’s Aceh province due to the enforcement of Islamic criminal by-laws.
According to the information received, the enforcement of such by-laws is
contributing to violations of and barriers to the realisation of the basic human
rights of LGBT people, including the right to be free from torture and ill-treatment,
the right to health, the right to fair legal treatment, the right to freedom of
expression, and the right to promote and protect human rights. In addition, it is
reported that some national government agencies have adopted anti-LGBT public
positions and policies which can foster increased discrimination and violence, and
have a negative impact on, among others, children.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
19/04/2016
JUA
IRN 8/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Health; Human
rights defenders;
Iran; Violence
against women;
Alleged arbitrary detention and charges brought against a human rights defender
with serious medical conditions, for her legitimate human rights work and the
exercise of her rights to freedom of association and freedom of expression.
According to the information received, in May 2015, Ms. Narges Mohammadi was
detained and charged with several offences allegedly related to her human rights
work at the Defenders of Human Rights Center. In October 2015, she suffered
from seizures and was transferred to hospital where she was handcuffed to the bed
and constantly supervised by security officers. Security officers returned her to
prison, against her doctor’s advice, where she remains to date. The next hearing of
her trial is scheduled to take place on 20 April 2016. Serious concern is expressed
for Ms. Mohammadi’s health and the alleged reason for her detention and the
charges brought against her, namely her human rights work. Ms. Mohammadi was
the subject of five previous communications sent on 29 October 2015, see
A/HRC/31/79, case no. IRN 20/2015; 19 May 2015, see A/HRC/30/27, case no.
IRN 5/2015; 27 March 2012, see A/HRC/21/49, case no. IRN 5/2012; 11 October
2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case no. IRN 13/2011; and 23 June 2010, see
A/HRC/16/44/Add.1, case no. IRN 16/2010.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
AUS 3/2016
Australia
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
20/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
4 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
BRN 1/2016
Brunei
Darussalam
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
5 0
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
CAN 1/2016
Canada
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011
02/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
5 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
CHL 2/2016
Chile
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alegaciones acerca del impacto adverso en el disfrute de los derechos humanos de
varias disposiciones contenidas en el Acuerdo Transpacífico de Cooperación
Económica (en adelante ‘TPP’ por sus siglas en inglés). De acuerdo a la
información recibida, el TPP habría sido redactado de forma no transparente, sin
consultas amplias, impidiendo que ciertos actores, como algunos grupos indígenas,
participasen activamente en el proceso de negociación. Ciertas disposiciones del
TPP relativas a los derechos de propiedad intelectual podrían tener un efecto
perjudicial sobre el derecho de toda persona al disfrute del más alto nivel posible
de salud física y mental, el derecho a una alimentación adecuada, a vivir en un
ambiente limpio, a gozar de los beneficios del progreso científico y a participar en
la vida cultural. Se expresa gran preocupación sobre las disposiciones relativas a
los mecanismos de solución de controversias ante los cuales los individuos no
tienen capacidad legal y por lo tanto se ven privados del derecho a un recurso
efectivo, así como sobre el mecanismo de solución de controversias entre
inversores y el Estado que permite a los inversores desafiar la aplicación de las
leyes y políticas que promuevan y protejan los derechos humanos. El impacto
negativo en el acceso a medicamentos por parte del TPP fue objeto de una
comunicación anterior enviada el 19 de julio de 2011, ver A/HRC/19/44, casos no.
AUS 4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011,
SGP 2/2011, USA 13/2011 y VNM 5/2011.).).
30/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
5 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JUA
CUB 1/2016
Cuba
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alegaciones de intimidación y amenazas de muerte contra una activista política en
Cuba. Según las informaciones recibidas, desde julio de 2012 la Sra. Rosa María
Payá Acevedo, activista política de 27 años de edad y miembro del movimiento
Cuba Decide, y su familia, habrían sido víctimas de persecución y acoso por parte
del gobierno por denunciar la muerte de su padre, el disidente Cubano Oswaldo
Payá Sardiñas, en un choque automovilístico supuestamente provocado. En marzo
de 2013, la Sra. Payá Acevedo habría sido objeto de amenazas de muerte luego de
denunciar el caso de su padre públicamente ante el Consejo de Derechos Humanos
de la ONU y en algunos países europeos. El hostigamiento continuó tras su retorno
a Cuba, razón por la cual la familia se exilió en otro país. Se ha expresado temor
por la seguridad de la Sra. Payá Acevedo, quien reside intermitentemente en Cuba,
y de los miembros del movimiento Cuba Decide, defensores de derechos humanos
quienes también habrían sido objeto de amenazas. El Sr. Oswaldo Payá Sardiñas
fue objeto de una comunicación anterior enviada el 19 de abril de 2013, ver
A/HRC/24/21, caso no. CUB 2/2013.
22/06/2016
20/04/2016
JAL
JPN 2/2016
Japan
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
5 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
MYS 5/2016
Malaysia
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
5 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
MEX 3/2016
México
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alegaciones acerca del impacto adverso en el disfrute de los derechos humanos de
varias disposiciones contenidas en el Acuerdo Transpacífico de Cooperación
Económica (en adelante ‘TPP’ por sus siglas en inglés). De acuerdo a la
información recibida, el TPP habría sido redactado de forma no transparente, sin
consultas amplias, impidiendo que ciertos actores, como algunos grupos indígenas,
participasen activamente en el proceso de negociación. Ciertas disposiciones del
TPP relativas a los derechos de propiedad intelectual podrían tener un efecto
perjudicial sobre el derecho de toda persona al disfrute del más alto nivel posible
de salud física y mental, el derecho a una alimentación adecuada, a vivir en un
ambiente limpio, a gozar de los beneficios del progreso científico y a participar en
la vida cultural. Se expresa gran preocupación sobre las disposiciones relativas a
los mecanismos de solución de controversias ante los cuales los individuos no
tienen capacidad legal y por lo tanto se ven privados del derecho a un recurso
efectivo, así como sobre el mecanismo de solución de controversias entre
inversores y el Estado que permite a los inversores desafiar la aplicación de las
leyes y políticas que promuevan y protejan los derechos humanos. El impacto
negativo en el acceso a medicamentos por parte del TPP fue objeto de una
comunicación anterior enviada el 19 de julio de 2011, ver A/HRC/19/44, casos no.
AUS 4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011,
SGP 2/2011, USA 13/2011 y VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
5 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
NZL 1/2016
New Zealand
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
13/07/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
5 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
PER 2/2016
Peru
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alegaciones acerca del impacto adverso en el disfrute de los derechos humanos de
varias disposiciones contenidas en el Acuerdo Transpacífico de Cooperación
Económica (en adelante ‘TPP’ por sus siglas en inglés). De acuerdo a la
información recibida, el TPP habría sido redactado de forma no transparente, sin
consultas amplias, impidiendo que ciertos actores, como algunos grupos indígenas,
participasen activamente en el proceso de negociación. Ciertas disposiciones del
TPP relativas a los derechos de propiedad intelectual podrían tener un efecto
perjudicial sobre el derecho de toda persona al disfrute del más alto nivel posible
de salud física y mental, el derecho a una alimentación adecuada, a vivir en un
ambiente limpio, a gozar de los beneficios del progreso científico y a participar en
la vida cultural. Se expresa gran preocupación sobre las disposiciones relativas a
los mecanismos de solución de controversias ante los cuales los individuos no
tienen capacidad legal y por lo tanto se ven privados del derecho a un recurso
efectivo, así como sobre el mecanismo de solución de controversias entre
inversores y el Estado que permite a los inversores desafiar la aplicación de las
leyes y políticas que promuevan y protejan los derechos humanos. El impacto
negativo en el acceso a medicamentos por parte del TPP fue objeto de una
comunicación anterior enviada el 19 de julio de 2011, ver A/HRC/19/44, casos no.
AUS 4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011,
SGP 2/2011, USA 13/2011 y VNM 5/2011.
19/07/2016
A /H
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5 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
SGP 1/2016
Singapore
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
5 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
ARE 1/2016
United Arab
Emirates
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of arbitrary detention of a human rights defender despite his acquittal,
as well as of revocation of citizenship of the children of another detained human
rights defender. According to the information received, on 2 July 2013, Mr. Obaid
Yousef al-Zaabi, a human rights defender and online activist, was arrested after
posting a series of tweets criticizing the mass trial of 94 government critics and
reform advocates, known as the “UAE 94”. On 4 August 2013, he was released on
bail due to his poor health. On 12 December 2013, Mr. Al-Zaabi was re-arrested by
State Security officers and charged under the Cybercrimes Law 2012. On 23 June
2014, the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi
acquitted Mr. Al-Zaabi of all charges. However, he remains in the prisoner ward of
Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Hospital in Abu Dhabi. According to the information
received, on 7 March 2016, the two daughters and son of Mr. Mohammed Abdul
Razzaq Al-Siddiq, a human rights defender and online activist who was one of the
UAE 94 and is serving a 10-year prison sentence in Al Razeen prison, were
summoned to the Department of Migration in the Emirate of Sharjah, where they
were informed that their citizenship had been revoked. Mr. Al-Zaabi was the
subject of a previous communication sent on 6 August 2013, see A/HRC/25/74,
case no. ARE 4/2013.
20/06/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
5 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
USA 4/2016
United States of
America
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
20/04/2016
JUA
VNM 1/2016
Viet Nam
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of continued harassment, threats and attacks against a Vietnamese
human rights defender. According to the information received, Mr. Tran Minh
Nhat, a former political prisoner, writer and advocate for the promotion and
protection of economic, social and cultural rights in Vietnam, has faced continued
intimidation and threats, as well as assaults, since his release from prison on 27
August 2015. His family and neighbours have reportedly similarly been subjected
to a series of harassment and attacks. Mr. Nhat was the subject of a previous
communication sent on 14 January 2013, see A/HRC/23/51, case no. VNM 1/2013.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/04/2016
JAL
VNM 2/2016
Viet Nam
Cultural Rights;
Democratic and
equitable
international
order; Freedom of
expression;
Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
International
Solidarity;
Privacy;
Alleged adverse human rights impact related to numerous provisions within the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). According to the information received, the TPP
was drafted opaquely, without broad consultations, preventing certain stakeholders,
including indigenous peoples, from meaningfully participating in the negotiation
process. Certain provisions of the TPP related to intellectual property rights may
have a detrimental effect on the realization of the right to the highest attainable
standard of physical and mental health, to live in a clean environment, to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and to participate in cultural life. Serious concern is
expressed at provisions relating to the dispute settlement mechanisms before which
individuals do not have legal standing and thus are deprived of the right to an
effective remedy, and at the investor-State dispute resolution mechanism, which
allows investors to challenge laws and policies that promote and protect human
rights. The negative impact on access to medicines by the TPP was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 19 July 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case nos. AUS
4/2011, BRN 1/2011, CHL 3/2011, MYS 8/2011, NZL 1/2011, PER 3/2011, SGP
2/2011, USA 13/2011 and VNM 5/2011.
30/06/2016
21/04/2016
JUA
UGA 2/2016
Uganda
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged acts of intimidation and reprisal against a human rights defender for his
cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms. According to the
information received, on 1 and 2 March 2016, following his participation in a
submission to the Universal Periodic Review of Uganda organized by the Lutheran
World Federation, Mr. Douglas Bulongo, a human rights defender focusing on
refugee rights in Uganda, was subjected to harassment and intimidation by groups
of armed men in Kampala, Uganda. On 19 March 2016, an injured man was left in
Mr. Bulongo’s drive-way. Mr. Bulongo took the injured man to the police station,
where he later died. On 20 March 2016, Mr. Bulongo, his wife and the two
colleagues were arrested and charged with murder. While his wife and two
colleagues were later released, Mr. Bulongo appeared before the Makindye Court,
on 1 April 2016, where he was informed of the charge of manslaughter brought
against him. Mr. Bulongo is currently detained in Luzira prison, Kampala, and
reportedly does not have access to his family.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
6 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
22/04/2016
JUA
CHN 3/2016
China (People's
Republic of)
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Health; Human
rights defenders;
Alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of two women human rights defenders, and
lack of access to adequate healthcare. According to the information received, on 26
October 2015, Ms. Zhang Shuzhi, who has called for the release of various
imprisoned Chinese human rights defenders, was arrested in Beijing and charged
with “picking quarrels and provoking troubles”. On 28 January 2016, she was
sentenced to four years imprisonment. Ms. Shuzhi is terminally ill with cancer and
allegedly only has access to basic medication in detention. Ms. Liu Jie has
persistently been targeted by Xunke Farm Reclamation Bureau for several years,
due to her petitioning for legal and political reform of land rights in the
Heilongjiang Province. On 27 February 2016, Ms Liu Jie and her husband were
seized by officials from the Xunke Farm Reclamation Bureau and the Bei’an Land
Reclamation Bureau in Heilongjiang Province, as they prepared to travel to Beijing
for Ms. Jie to seek treatment at the Peking University Cancer Hospital, and to
attend meetings. On 18 March 2016, Ms. Jie was handed a ten day administrative
sentence on charges of “false accusation”. Allegedly, she did not have access to
appropriate medical care during the course of her detention. Ms. Jie was the subject
of three previous communications dated 27 August 2008, see A/HRC/10/12/Add.1,
para. 624; 28 December 2007, see A/HRC/10/12/Add.1, para. 451; and, 25 October
2007, see A/HRC/7/28/Add.1, para. 392.
22/07/2016
22/04/2016
JAL
IDN 3/2016
Indonesia
Food; Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
Alleged preventable deaths of 51 children and three adults as a result of a Pertussis
epidemic in Papua Province, Indonesia. According to the information received,
between November 2015 and 5 January 2016, 51 children and three adults died of
Pertussis in the Nduga Regency, a remote area in the highlands of Papua Province
that is mainly inhabited by indigenous Papuans. The spread of the epidemic was
reportedly facilitated by food and clean water shortages, chronic malnutrition and
poor availability of and lack of access to adequate medical services. Information
received indicated that preventive immunizations had not been provided to the
indigenous Papuans. Both national and local government institutions reportedly
failed to adequately prevent, treat and control the Pertussis epidemic. It is therefore
alleged that the 54 deaths were preventable and the result of government neglect.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
22/04/2016
JUA
IRN 7/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Health; Iran;
Allegations concerning the continued detention of two political prisoners despite
reported serious health concerns. According to the information received, Mr.
Hossein Ronaghi Maleki was arrested on 13 December 2009 and sentenced to 15
years in prison (reduced to 13 years on appeal) for, inter alia, “insulting the
Supreme Leader”. While on hunger strike, he has been denied adequate access to
health facilities for treatment of his health problems, including kidney disease. In
another case, the Appeal Court in Tehran has recently upheld the sentence of Mr.
Mohammad Hossein Rafiee Fanood to six years imprisonment and a two-year ban
on political activities. Mr. Rafiee allegedly suffers from serious health issues,
including a heart condition, high blood pressure and severe allergies. He was also
allegedly subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment while in detention. Mr.
Rafiee was the subject of a previous communication sent on 1 February 2016, see
A/HRC/32/53, case no. IRN 2/2016.
13/06/2016
22/04/2016
JAL
KWT 1/2016
Kuwait
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
religion; Human
rights defenders;
Allegations of intimidation of a woman human rights defender. According to the
information received, on 8 March 2016, Ms. Shaikha Binjasim, an advocate for
freedom of conscience and speech, stated in an interview on a Kuwaiti television
channel that “anyone who believes that the Quran, or sharia, or the interpretations
of these religious texts are above the Constitution is betraying the State of Kuwait.”
On 14 March 2016, she was called for questioning by the public prosecutor,
accused of contempt of religion, and released the same day. Concern is expressed
at the alleged intimidation of Ms. Binjasim for her exercise of the right to freedom
of opinion and expression in Kuwait.
27/04/2016
09/06/2016
A /H
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
26/04/2016
JUA
IRN 9/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Arbitrary
detention; Health;
Iran; Torture;
Alleged arbitrary detention of an Iranian national involving denial of due process
and of the right to a fair trial, as well as of medical treatment in detention.
According to the information received, Mr. Omid Kokabee, an Iranian
experimental laser physicist, was sentenced by Iran’s Revolutionary Court to ten
years’ imprisonment for having “connections with a hostile Government” in
relation to his studies in the United States of America. Reportedly, the failure to
properly diagnose and treat kidney problems during imprisonment have led to Mr.
Kokabee developing kidney cancer as a result of which, very recently, his kidney
was surgically removed. Mr. Kokabee’s continued detention is reportedly
preventing him from receiving adequate medical treatment for his cancer and other
serious medical problems.
28/04/2016
JUA
BGD 2/2016
Bangladesh
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alleged excessive use of force by police during a demonstration resulting in the
death of four protestors. According to the information received, on 4 April 2016, a
demonstration was taking place in Chittagong with the participation of some
15.000 protestors to oppose the seizure of land for two proposed coal plants. Police
reportedly responded with excessive force, including by opening fire on the crowd,
which resulted in the death of four protestors and severe injuries to others.
Reportedly, no independent investigation has been initiated into these events. It is
further reported that criminal investigations have been launched against 3,200 of
the protestors. Grave concern is expressed at the alleged excessive use of force by
the police against peaceful protestors, resulting in severe injuries and the deaths of
four persons, for the exercise of their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful
assembly.
02/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
6 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
28/04/2016
JAL
IND 1/2016
India
Discrimination
against women;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Indigenous
peoples; Violence
against women;
Alleged harassment, attacks and threats against five women human rights
defenders. According to the information received, on 3 October 2015, a resolution
was passed by the Bastar Bar Association, prohibiting Ms. Shalini Gera and Ms.
Isha Khandelwal, two human rights lawyers, from representing their clients,
indigenous Adivasis, in Jagdalpur. Following a complaint by the lawyers, an
interim order allowed them to practice again. On 18 February 2016, the landlord of
Ms. Gera and Ms. Khandelwal was pressured by police to evict the lawyers from
their offices. In January 2016, after Ms. Bela Bhatia had assisted several Adivasi
women who had allegedly been raped by police officers, she faced intimidation
from a police organisation. Police visited her home numerous times and her mobile
phone was tracked. On 20 February 2016, the landlady of Ms. Bhatia was called to
the police station in Jagdalpur and pressured to ask Ms. Bhatia to leave her home.
On 7 February 2016, the home of Ms. Malini Subramanium, a journalist, was
targeted by a group of 20 persons shouting abusive slogans at her. On 18 February,
Ms. Subramanium’s landlord was forced by the police to evict Ms. Subramanium
from her residence. On 1 August 2015, Ms. Soni Sori, an indigenous rights
defender, held a press conference on the murder of a villager, and subsequently
became the object of a slander campaign. On 20 February 2016, she was attacked
by three unidentified men throwing chemical substance near Jawbanga,
Chhattisgarh, resulting in her hospitalisation.
28/04/2016
JUA
IRN 10/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders; Iran;
Alleged arbitrary arrest, detention and prosecution of a trade unionist. According to
the information received, in April 2015, Mr. Ismail Abdi was arrested and detained
in solitary confinement for his work as a trade unionist. In April 2016, he was
sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for “gathering and colluding to commit
crimes against national security”. It is reported that he is yet to appeal his sentence
and has expressed his intention to go on hunger strike. Serious concern is
expressed about the sentencing of Mr. Abdi, allegedly for his work as a trade
unionist and the exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and freedom of
association. Mr. Abdi was the subject of a previous communication sent on 3
December 2015, see A/HRC/32/53, case no. IRN 23/2015.
A /H
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
29/04/2016
JUA
DZA 1/2016
Algérie
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allégations d’arrestation et de détention arbitraires de huit individus, dont deux
activistes défenseurs des droits de l’homme. Selon les informations reçues,
plusieurs personnes, membres du Comité National de Défense des Droits des
Chômeurs ainsi que d’un groupe de militants locaux appelé Ma Frat, auraient été
arrêtées à la suite de réunions pacifiques qui se seraient déroulées à Tamanrasset en
décembre 2015. M. Abdelali Ghellam aurait été arrêté le 2 mars 2016, et le 7 mars
2016, le Tribunal de Tamanrasset l’aurait condamné à un an d’emprisonnement. Il
est rapporté qu’il aurait finalement été acquitté le 19 avril 2016 par le Tribunal de
Tamanrasset. Les sept autres personnes, dont l’activiste M. Dahmane Kerami,
auraient également été arrêtées en décembre 2015 pour avoir participé aux mêmes
manifestations. Le 6 janvier 2016, le Tribunal de Tamanrasset les aurait
condamnées à un an d’emprisonnement ainsi qu’à une amende et une
compensation financière. Cinq de ces personnes, dont M. Kerami, seraient toujours
en détention. Des préoccupations sont exprimées au sujet de la détention de ces
individus qui serait liée à leur participation à une manifestation pacifique ainsi qu’à
leurs activités de défenseurs des droits de l’homme dans le pays.
17/06/2016
A /H
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/3 3
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6 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
02/05/2016
JUA
COL 5/2016
Colombia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Presuntos actos de intimidación y amenazas de muerte contra dos organizaciones
de defensa de derechos humanos y un sindicato. Según la información recibida, el
11 de abril de 2016, tres notas conteniendo amenazas de muerte fueron dejadas
bajo las puertas de las oficinas de dos organizaciones de derechos humanos y de un
sindicato en la ciudad de Cali, en el departamento del Valle del Cauca: la Central
Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) el Comité de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos
(CSPP) y el Movimiento de Víctimas de Crímenes de Estado (MOVICE). Las
amenazas de muerte habrían sido dirigidas contra la Sra. Martha Giraldo del
MOVICE, el Sr. José Milciades Sánchez del sindicato SINTRAUNICOL
(Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores y Empleados Universitarios de Colombia), el
Sr. Walter Agredo del CSPP y el Sr. Wilson Sáenz de CUT-Valle del Cauca,
además de otras once personas, integrantes del CSPP, CUT, MOVICE,
SINTRAUNICOL, SINTRAEMCALI (Sindicato por la Rama de la actividad
económica de los servicios públicos), SINTRAMUNICIPIO, así como el Comité
Permanente para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (CPDH) y el Congreso de
los Pueblos. Los asuntos destacados en esta comunicación también han sido
abordados en otras comunicaciones: el 21 de abril de 2008, caso COL 10/2008, el
17 de octubre de 2008, caso COL 28/2008, COL 33/2008, el 9 de diciembre de
2008, caso COL 2/2009, el 16 de noviembre de 2009, COL 21/2009, el 1 de marzo
de 2010, caso COL 2/2010, el 26 de mayo de 2010, caso COL 7/2010, el 23 de
noviembre de 2010, caso COL 17/2010, el 22 de diciembre de 2010, caso COL
20/2010, el 5 de abril de 2011, referencia A/HRC/18/51, caso COL 2/2011, el 29
de abril de 2011, referencia A/HRC/18/51, caso COL 4/2011, el 24 de junio de
2011, referencia A/HRC/19/44, caso COL 6/2011, el 31 de enero de 2012,
referencia A/HRC/20/30, caso COL 1/2012, el 27 de marzo de 2012, referencia
A/HRC/21/49, caso COL 3/2012, el 30 de mayo de 2012, referencia A/HRC/21/49,
caso COL 6/2012, el 1 de mayo de 2013, referencia A/HRC/24/21, caso COL
5/2013, el 2 de agosto de 2013, referencia A/HRC/25/74, caso COL 8/2013, COL
3/2014, el 11 de agosto de 2014, referencia A/HRC/28/85, caso COL 6/2014, el 12
de diciembre de 2014, referencia A/HRC/29/50, caso COL 11/2014, el 18 de mayo
de 2015, referencia A/HRC/30/27, caso COL 1/2015, el 3 de febrero de 2015,
referencia A/HRC/30/27, caso COL 5/2015.
A /H
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Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
02/05/2016
JAL
IDN 4/2016
Indonesia
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Indigenous
peoples;
Alleged excessive use of force, degrading treatment and arbitrary arrest of 20 West
Papuan activists in Papua Provinces of Indonesia. According to the information
received, on 12 and 13 April 2016, 20 West Papuan activists ? Mr. Yupi Sobolim,
Mr. Unyil Kobak, Mr. Erson Suhun, Mr. Lendeng Omu, Mr. Leni Busup, Mr. Natu
Dapla, Ms. Panggrasia Yeem, Mr. Petrus Katem, Mr. Idelfonsius Katop, Mr.
Yohakim Gebze, Mr. Gento Emerikus Dop, Mr. Charles Sraun, Mr. Emilianus
Nemop, Mr. Rikardo Pisakai, Mr. Oktovianus Warip, Mr. Petrus P. Koweng, Mr.
Lukas Arawok, Mr. Simon Taulemi, Mr. Paustinus K. Metemko, and Mr. Moses
Pasim ? were arrested in two different locations in the Papua Province of
Indonesia. The arrested persons are comprised of members of and activists
supporting the West Papua National Committee, as well as members of People’s
Regional Parliament. The arrests were reportedly in reaction to their support of the
candidacy of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua to be a full member
of the Melanesian Spearhead Group. They were reportedly subjected to a series of
degrading treatment, including forced to eat dirt, strip and beaten with a hammer.
Concern is expressed at the alleged excessive use of force, degrading treatment,
arrest and arbitrary detention against individuals for the legitimate exercise of their
rights to freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
02/05/2016
JAL
POL 1/2016
Poland
Discrimination
against women;
Health; Torture;
Violence against
women;
Alleged detrimental human rights impact of a draft law proposed by a civic
committee, aiming at prohibiting and criminalizing abortion under all
circumstances. According to the information received, in April 2016, the “Stop
abortion” civic committee presented a draft law revising the Family Planning,
Human Embryo Protection and Conditions of Permissibility of Abortion Act of 7
January 1993 and the Penal Code of 1997. The proposed revisions include
replacing the term “human foetus” by “the conceived child” or “the unborn child”,
prohibiting abortion under all circumstances and criminalizing all persons
intentionally causing the death or the severe impairment/injury of the foetus,
including the woman herself. Under current legislation abortion is authorised in
cases of threat to the life and health of the woman, when the foetus suffers from a
“severe and irreversible foetal defect or incurable illness [threatening] the foetus’
life” and when the pregnancy results from rape and incest.
30/06/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
6 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
02/05/2016
JUA
TGO 1/2016
Togo
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Torture;
Allégations relatives à l’usage excessif de force par la police togolaise contre des
manifestants qui aurait entrainé la mort de plusieurs d’entre eux, ainsi qu’à
l’arrestation et la détention arbitraires de neuf personnes. Selon les informations
reçues, des manifestations pacifiques se déroulant à Mango, dans le nord du Togo,
en novembre 2015, auraient été violemment réprimées par les forces de l’ordre.
Sept personnes auraient trouvé la mort et 117 auraient été blessées. Suite à cette
manifestation, cinq individus auraient été arbitrairement arrêtés et détenus - M.
Ousmane Naba, M. Mama Kakarafou, M. Rabiou Souleymane, M. Ablaye
Cheregneme et M. Alimiyaou Abdou. Ces personnes auraient subi des actes de
torture et de mauvais traitement en détention. Le 1er avril 2016, M. Adamou
Moussa et M. Zékeria Namoro auraient été arrêtés et placés en détention pour avoir
remis en cause la commémoration de la Journée de l’Indépendance du Togo ainsi
qu’en raison de leur demande de justice vis-à-vis des allégations d’exactions
produites dans le contexte des manifestations de novembre 2015. Leur arrestation
et détention seraient elles-mêmes à l’origine de manifestations spontanées à Mango
le 1er avril qui auraient également été réprimées dans la violence par les forces de
l’ordre. Ce même jour, suite à ces manifestations, M. Issa Issaka et M. Baba Awali
auraient été arrêtés, placés en détention et accusés de troubler l’ordre public.
22/07/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
6 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
02/05/2016
JUA
ARE 2/2016
United Arab
Emirates
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Torture;
Alleged arbitrary and incommunicado detention, and denial of due process and fair
trial of a human rights defender. According to the information received, on 18
August 2015, Mr. Nasser bin Ghaith was arrested by State Security officers at his
house. It is alleged that the arrest was made in connection with posts he had made
on social media about the Egyptian Government; however the legal basis was not
provided. On 4 April 2016, after eight months of being detained incommunicado,
during which time he was allegedly tortured and ill-treated, Mr. Bin Ghaith was
brought to the State Security Chamber of the Federal Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi.
It is reported that the hearing failed to meet guarantees of due process and fair trial.
The next hearing was subsequently scheduled for 2 May 2016. Mr. Bin Ghaith was
the subject of six previous communications sent on 26 April 2011, see
A/HRC/18/51, case ARE 4/2011; 27 September 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case
ARE 6/2011; 25 November 2011, see A/HRC/19/44, case ARE 8/2011; 7
November 2012, see A/HRC/24/21 and A/HRC/22/67, case ARE 7/2012; 20 June
2013, see A/HRC/25/74, case ARE 3/2013; and on 27 August 2015, see
A/HRC/31/79, case ARE 3/2015.
31/05/2016
03/05/2016
JUA
AFG 1/2016
Afghanistan
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged imminent execution of 22 death row prisoners in Afghanistan in retaliation
for a terrorist attack in Kabul. According to the information received, on 19 April
2016, the Taliban carried out an armed attack against a Government compound in
Kabul, which resulted in 58 persons killed and 352 injured. Following the attack,
several Government officials, including President Ashraf Ghani, made public
statements calling for the execution of persons convicted of national security
offences and awaiting execution, many of whom have been sentenced to death
following judicial proceedings that did not respect fair trial guarantees. Orders for
the execution of 22 convicted prisoners have reportedly been placed before the
President for signature, and may have already been signed. The identity of the
individuals has not been made available. Serious concern is expressed that the
death penalty may be carried out against persons following judicial procedures that
may not fulfil the most stringent guarantees of fair trial and due process,
particularly in connection to access to legal counselling and the prohibition of
torture.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
7 0
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
03/05/2016
JUA
SOM 2/2016
Somalia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Somalia;
Alleged acts of reprisal against the Secretary General of two Somali trade unions
for his cooperation with the International Labour Organization (ILO). According to
the information received, on 23 April 2016, Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, Secretary
General of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) and the National
Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), was informed by the Office of the Attorney
General that criminal charges had been brought against him in relation to a letter
sent by ILO to the Somali authorities. The letter was reportedly based on a
complaint submitted by the two trade unions to the ILO. Grave concern is
expressed regarding this alleged reprisal against Mr. Osman in relation to his
cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the
field of human rights. A previous communication on this case was sent on 13 April
2016, see above, case no. SOM 1/2016.
03/05/2016
JUA
SDN 3/2016
Sudan
Disability; Sudan;
Summary
executions;
Terrorism;
Torture;
Alleged imposition of the death penalty against 22 South Sudanese nationals on
charges not meeting the threshold of most serious crimes, and sentencing to life
imprisonment of three others by the Sudanese Anti-Terrorism Court, after judicial
proceedings that did not fulfil the most stringent guarantees of fair trial and due
process. According to the information received, on 6 April 2016, a judge of the
Sudanese Anti-Terrorist Court in Khartoum sentenced 22 South Sudanese men,
allegedly all former members of Justice and Equality Movement-Debajo Wing
(JEM-Debajo), a Darfuri armed group, to death by hanging on charges of
terrorism, fighting the State, bearing arms against the State and undermining the
constitutional order. Three of the 22 men sentenced to death were underage at the
time of the commission of the alleged crimes, and one of them has a psychosocial
disability. Three others were sentenced to life imprisonment, allegedly after
admitting to having served as cooks and mechanics within JEM-Debajo. The trial
of all 25 men was reportedly conducted entirely in Arabic, a language which the
accused do not understand, and without the provision of interpreters they were not
able to understand the proceedings.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
03/05/2016
JAL
TJK 2/2016
Tajikistan
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations concerning provisions of the Law on Public Associations that unduly
restrict the rights to freedom of association and expression in Tajikistan and are not
in compliance with international human rights law and standards. According to the
information received, the Law on Public Associations contains numerous
provisions requiring public associations to register and report to various
Government bodies, which disproportionately restrict the exercise of the rights to
freedom of association and expression. Serious concern is expressed about these
restrictions and the impact they may have on civil society, in particular human
rights defenders and organizations, especially those expressing dissenting opinions.
The draft Law on Public Associations was the subject of a previous communication
sent on 3 December 2014, see A/HRC/29/50, case no. TJK 6/2014.
23/06/2016
04/05/2016
JUA
EGY 6/2016
Egypt
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged disproportionate restrictions on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly
and of expression, as well as the excessive use of force, and the continued targeting
of civil society, in particular of human rights defenders and organizations.
According to the information received, on 15 and 25 April 2016, protests took
place across Egypt that were met with excessive use of force, tear gas,
intimidation, arrests and criminal charges. It is reported that over 380 people were
arrested. In addition, civil society, including human rights defenders Ms. Mozn
Hassan. Ms. Sanaa Seif, Mr. Bahey el-Din Hassan, Mr. Mostafa al-Hassan, Mr.
Abdel Hafez Tayel, Mr. Haythem Mohammedein, Mr. Ahmed Abdullah, Mr.
Malek Adly, Mr. Hossam Bahgat, Mr. Gamal Eid and Mr. Amr Badr, reportedly
continues to be targeted with undue asset freezes, arrests and criminal charges. Mr.
Bahey el-Din Hassan was the subject of a previous communication sent on 12 June
2015, see A/HRC/31/79, case no. EGY 10/2015; Mr. Mostafa al-Hassan and Mr.
Malek Adly were the subject of a previous communication sent on 4 February
2011, see A/HRC/18/51, case no. EGY 5/2011; Mr. Hossam Bahgat was the
subject of a previous communication sent on 10 November 2015, see
A/HRC/31/79, case no. EGY 16/2015; and Ms. Sana Seif was the subject of a
previous communication sent on 2 July 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. EGY
10/2014.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
04/05/2016
UA
KEN 2/2016
Kenya
Indigenous
peoples;
Allegations of land grabber violence against the indigenous Ogiek in the
Ngongongeri area in Nakuru county. According to the information received, this
violence included the burning and demolition of homes, intimidation of indigenous
peoples, the forced eviction of 500 people and the killing of a community elder.
The alleged violations occurred notwithstanding an Order of Provisional Measures
issued on 15 March 2013 by the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights on
the case (application no. 6/2012), which in view of the risk of irreparable harm to
the Ogiek ordered the Kenyan Government to refrain from any act or thing that
would or might irreparably prejudice the main application before the Court.
Concerns have been expressed over the failure of the police to protect members of
the Ogiek community, despite that members of the police force were allegedly
present during the forced evictions and killing. The persistent patterns of forced
evictions of the Ogiek have been the subject of previous communications sent on
15 October 2009 and 1 April 2010, see A/HRC/15/37/Add.1, paras. 240-271.
04/05/2016
JAL
MEX 4/2016
México
Discrimination
against women;
Health; Torture;
Alegaciones sobre la adopción de un proyecto de Decreto de reforma
constitucional al artículo 4° propuesto en el Estado de Veracruz. Según la
información recibida, el 13 de enero de 2016, el Gobernador del Estado de
Veracruz presentó al Congreso un proyecto de Decreto que adiciona un segundo
párrafo al Artículo 4 de la Constitución Política del Estado de Veracruz, que
garantiza el derecho a la vida desde la concepción y que prevalece sobre otros
derechos humanos. El 21 de enero de 2016, el Congreso aprobó en primera
votación el Decreto. A partir del 2 de mayo, el Congreso se reunirá en sesiones
durante las cuales se podría presentar de nuevo el Decreto para una segunda
aprobación. Se expresa preocupación respecto al proyecto de Decreto de reforma
constitucional en el Estado de Veracruz, que podría limitar el acceso de las mujeres
y de las niñas a servicios esenciales de salud sexual y reproductiva, entre los que se
encuentra la terminación de un embarazo.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
7 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
06/05/2016
JUA
IRN 11/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Iran; Summary
executions;
Allegations concerning the imposition of the death penalty on a minor. According
to information received, in October 2013, the death penalty was handed down by
Branch Three of the Criminal Court in Gilan Province to a, at that time, 16-year-
old for the fatal stabbing of a man during a group fight which took place earlier
that year. The Court allegedly neglected to take into account his age during
sentencing despite Iranian juvenile sentencing guidelines, which allow courts to
substitute the death penalty with alternatives. The death sentence was upheld by
Branch 24 of the Supreme Court in June 2014 and further applications for retrial
have been rejected. It is reported that the minor was subjected to torture and ill-
treatment while in police custody and denied due process and fair trial rights
during his trial proceedings. The execution of the now 19-year-old, which was
scheduled for 16 April 2016, has reportedly recently been postponed to allow the
families to mediate a settlement.
06/05/2016
JAL
LAO 2/2016
Lao People's
Democratic
Republic
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged restrictions on the right to freedom of expression related to the new decree
on the Press Activities of Foreign Media Agencies, Diplomatic Missions, and
International Organizations in Lao. According to the information received, the new
decree, which entered into force on 15 January 2016, includes provisions on prior
censorship, approval and registering requirements, and could seriously impact the
work of international entities, organizations, diplomatic missions and foreign
media. Concern is expressed that the decree significantly limits the right to
freedom of expression in the country.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
06/05/2016
JAL
MAR 2/2016
Maroc
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allégation d’expulsion du Maroc d’une délégation de juristes européens effectuant
une mission dans le pays. Selon les informations reçues, le 6 avril 2016, les neuf
membres d’une délégation de juristes européens, M. Eric David, juriste et
professeur de droit international de nationalité belge, Mme. Ingrid Metton, juriste
et avocate de nationalité française, M. Jesus Maria Martin Morillo, magistrat de
nationalité espagnole, Mme. Maria Nieves Cubas Arma, M. Francisco Serrano
Ramirez, M. Juan Carlos Gomez Juste et Mme. Altamira Guelbenzu, avocats de
nationalité espagnole, et Mme. Joëlle Toutain, de nationalité française, ont été
appréhendés par les forces de l’ordre marocaines et retenus pendant 3 heures. Le 7
avril 2016, ils auraient été expulsés sous le motif de présenter des « menaces
graves et imminentes à la sûreté du Maroc » pour avoir rencontré les avocats de
prisonniers sahraouis de Gdeim Izik, qui depuis le 1er mars observent une grève de
la faim. Des préoccupations sont exprimées quant à l’expulsion de ces neuf
personnes du territoire marocain qui serait liée à leurs activités de défense des
droits de l’homme et l’exercice de leur droit à la liberté d’expression et à la
restriction imposée à leur droit à la liberté de mouvement.
06/05/2016
JUA
USA 5/2016
United States of
America
Arbitrary
detention; Health;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Terrorism;
Torture;
Allegations concerning the denial of access to adequate medical care of a detainee
held in United States of America custody at the Guantanamo Bay detention
facilities, as well as obstacles to the work of his legal team. According to the
information received, Mr. Mustafa al-Hawsawi suffers from a number of serious
medical conditions, potentially as a result of the treatment suffered, including so-
called enhanced interrogation techniques, while in the custody of the Central
Intelligence Agency between 2003 and 2006, and is in chronic physical pain.
Serious concern is expressed regarding the alleged denial of adequate medical care
to Mr. Al-Hawsawi that is leading to the deterioration of his state of health and to
inhuman detention conditions, as well as the impediments faced by Mr. Al-
Hawsawi’s legal team in his legal representation. Mr. Al-Hawsawi was the subject
of a previous communication sent on 30 November 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case
no. USA 31/2012.
20/07/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
06/05/2016
JUA
VEN 5/2016
Venezuela
Arbitrary
detention; Health;
Torture;
Alegaciones sobre la detención arbitraria y la situación carcelaria, así como
denegación de asistencia médica adecuada, de tres activistas. Según la información
recibida, los Sres. Lorent Saleh, Gabriel Valles y Gerardo Carrero llevan detenidos
desde 2014 en una prisión en las Instalaciones del Servicio Bolivariano de
Inteligencia (SEBIN) en Caracas conocida como “La Tumba”. Esta prisión se
encuentra cinco pisos bajo tierra, no hay entradas de aire natural o luz natural, se
encontrarían a bajas temperatura en celdas individuales sin contacto con los otros.
Se manifiesta seria preocupación por el estado de salud y la falta de atención
médica especializada de los Sres. Lorent Saleh, Gabriel Valles y Gerardo Carrero,
a pesar de que fuera trasladado a otro centro de reclusión presenta también una
situación de salud delicada y las condiciones de detención de los Sres. Lorent Saleh
y Gabriel Valles en particular el grado de aislamiento.
09/05/2016
JUA
KAZ 2/2016
Kazakhstan
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged arbitrary arrest, detention and criminal charges brought against protesters,
human rights defenders and journalists for exercising their rights to freedom of
peaceful assembly and of expression. According to the information received, from
24 April to 1 May 2016, several protests took place across the country against
amendments to the Land Code, which governs the rental of agricultural land to
foreigners, increasing the maximum rental period from 10 to 25 years and
permitting transactions by auction. In response to these protests, approximately 90
individuals have been arrested, interrogated, detained and criminally charged for
their activities and legitimate exercise of rights to freedom of assembly and
association and freedom of expression. Serious concern is expressed at the alleged
retaliation against protestors, human rights defenders and journalists, and at the
impact this may have on civil society more broadly.
18/05/2016
19/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
09/05/2016
JAL
ESP 3/2016
Spain
Adequate housing;
Education;
Extreme poverty;
Food; Health;
Minority issues;
Water and
Sanitation;
Presuntas violaciones de los derechos humanos a la vivienda, al agua y al
saneamiento, a la salud, a la educación y a la alimentación de miembros de una
comunidad romaní. Según la información recibida, desde 2005, unas 435 personas,
habitantes de un asentamiento informal conocido como “El Gallinero” en Madrid,
viven en condiciones precarias y de insalubridad. Las viviendas tendrían un acceso
limitado a la electricidad y al agua potable; y carecerían de servicios de
saneamiento y de recolección de basura adecuados. Los riesgos graves de salud y
contaminación ambiental podrían ser la causa de varios casos de diarreas y
deshidratación en niños pequeños. Debido a razones administrativas relacionadas
con el empadronamiento o la situación irregular de las familias, los habitantes
también tendrían un acceso limitado a medicamentos o servicios de salud, a
servicios educativos y a ayudas económicas para la alimentación.
19/07/2016
09/05/2016
JAL
SDN 4/2016
Sudan
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of travel bans issued against four human rights defenders in reprisal for
their cooperation with the United Nations human rights mechanisms and in relation
to the exercise of their right to freedom of opinion and expression. According to
the information received, on 28 March 2016, an officer from the National
Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) prevented Ms. Sawsan Hassan
Elshowaya, and Dr. Muawia Shaddad, from traveling from Sudan to Geneva,
where they were due to participate in meetings related to the second Universal
Periodic Review of Sudan. On 25 March 2016, Mr. Faisal Mohamed Salih was
prevented from traveling from Khartoum International Airport to London by NISS
and his passport subsequently confiscated. On 23 March 2016, Mr. Sidig Yousif
was prevented from travelling from Khartoum International Airport to Geneva by
NISS. All four human rights defenders had their passports confiscated and were
informed that travel bans had been issued against them. Their passports were
returned to them in April 2016. Mr. Yousif was the subject of a previous
communication sent on 17 October 2013, see A/HRC/25/74, case no. SDN 7/2013.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
7 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
10/05/2016
JUA
ETH 1/2016
Ethiopia
Sale of children;
Summary
executions;
Allegations concerning several attacks and inter-ethnic clashes in the Gambella
region of Ethiopia and South Sudan since the beginning of the year with the latest
having led to 208 deaths and the abduction of 137 children. According to the
information received, between January and April 2016, 26 children from the
Anywa ethnic minority were abducted by armed men from the Murle ethnic group
in Jor and Gog districts, Gambella region. In the context of these abductions, 19
villagers were also reportedly killed in Gog district, Gambella region. Moreover,
on 15 April 2016, raids and abductions by men from the Murle ethnic group were
committed against thirteen Nuer villages in the Jikaw and Lare districts, Gambella
region, leading to the killing of 208 people and the abduction of 137 children.
Eighty people were also reportedly wounded and over 2,000 cattle stolen. It is
reported that these abducted children risk being sold, including for the purpose of
labour exploitation and sexual exploitation. A communication with similar contents
was transmitted to the Government of South Sudan on 10 May 2016, see below,
case no. SSD 1/2016.
10/05/2016
JUA
SSD 1/2016
South Sudan
Sale of children;
Summary
executions;
Allegations concerning several attacks and inter-ethnic clashes in the Gambella
region of Ethiopia and South Sudan since the beginning of the year with the latest
having led to 208 deaths and the abduction of 137children. According to the
information received, in January 2016, 26 children from the Anywa ethnic
minority were reportedly abducted by armed men from the Murle ethnic group in
Jor and Gog districts, Gambella region. In the context of these abductions 19
villagers were also reportedly killed in Gog district, Gambella region. Moreover,
on 15 April 2016, raids and abductions by men from the Murle ethnic group were
conducted against thirteen Nuer villages in the Jikaw and Lare districts, Gambella
region, leading to the killing of 208 people and the abduction of 137 children.
Eighty people were also reportedly wounded and over 2,000 cattle stolen. It is
reported that these abducted children risk being sold, including for the purpose of
labour exploitation and sexual exploitation. A communication with similar contents
was transmitted to the Government of Ethiopia on 10 May 2016, see above, case
no. ETH 1/2016.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 8
Date
Type
Case No
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10/05/2016
JAL
YEM 2/2016
Yemen
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Allegations of harassment and arbitrary arrest of a human rights defender, as well
as of a smear campaign on the Internet against him and a non-governmental
organisation. According to the information received, Mr. Abdulrasheed al-Faqih,
the Director of Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights, was interrogated by
Houthi militia in Sana’a International Airport as he was returning from Jordan,
where he had participated in an international conference on the protection of
journalists. He was released after his passport had been confiscated. Previously, in
August and September 2015, he was arrested and beaten by Houthi authorities and
Houthi women. Furthermore, Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights has
reportedly been subjected to an online smear campaign by the Houthi militia.
Concern is expressed at the repeated harassment and arbitrary arrests, as well as
physical abuse, of Mr. Al-Faqih that seem to be measures of intimidation and
retaliation against him for his legitimate and peaceful human rights work at the
Mwatana Organisation for Human Rights. Further concerns is expressed at the
smear campaign on the Internet directed at Mr. Al-Faqih and the Mwatana
Organisation for Human Rights and the deterrent effect it may have on the rights to
freedom of expression and association.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
7 9
Date
Type
Case No
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11/05/2016
JUA
KHM 3/2016
Cambodia
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged arbitrary arrest and detention of, as well as charges and court procedures
against several human rights defenders; Allegations of charges brought against a
United Nations staff member. According to the information received, on 25 April
2016, Ms. Lim Mony, Mr. Ny Sokha, Mr. Nay Vanda and Mr. Yi Soksan, all staff
members of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association
(ADHOC), Mr. Ny Chakrya, Deputy-Secretary General of National Election
Committee (NEC) and former ADHOC staff, and Mr. Sally Soen, staff member of
the Office of United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Cambodia,
were summoned for questioning by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the Government of
Cambodia. On 2 May 2016, Ms. Lim Mony, Mr. Ny Sokha, Mr. Nay Vanda and
Mr. Yi Soksan were charged with bribery of a witness to lie to the Cambodian
authorities. Mr. Ny Chakrya and Mr. Sally Soen were charged as accomplices to
bribery of a witness. The four members of ADHOC and Mr. Ny Chakrya are
awaiting trial in a prison in Phnom Penh. On 12 May 2016, Mr. Ou Virak, a
prominent political analyst and former President of the Cambodian Centre for
Human Rights, was summoned to appear before the Phnom Penh Court in relation
with a criminal defamation complaint filed against him for comments he made
against the Cambodian People’s Party. On 9 May 2016 police confiscated banners,
assaulted protesters and arrested 8 human rights defenders during a peaceful
demonstration in Phnom Penh as part of the “Black Monday” campaign. ADHOC
was the subject of three previous communications sent on 10 August 2015, see
A/HRC/31/79, case no. KHM 3/2015; 13 August 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case no.
KHM 5/2012; and, 3 February 2011, see A/HRC/18/51, case no. KHM 1/2011.
11/05/2016
JAL
FRA 2/2016
France
Minority issues;
Racism;
Terrorism;
Analyse du projet de loi « renforçant la lutte contre le crime organisé, le terrorisme
et leur financement, et améliorant l’efficacité et les garanties de la procédure
pénale ». Selon les informations reçues, certaines dispositions de ce projet
accordent un large pouvoir discrétionnaire à la police, le qui pourrait faciliter les
pratiques de contrôle au faciès at avoir des répercussions violentes et
discriminatoires, en particulier pour les minorités. Des inquiétudes sont exprimées
concernant l’élargissement des possibilités de contrôle d’identité l’assouplissement
des conditions de responsabilité pénale pour les policiers.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 0
Date
Type
Case No
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11/05/2016
JAL
RUS 5/2016
Russian
Federation
Freedom of
religion; Minority
issues;
Allegations concerning the criminalization of a Hindu community and decision to
demolish Hindu temples in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. According to the
information received, on 17 September 2015, the district court of Vetluzhsky,
Nizhny Novgorod Region, ruled that three Hindu temples located in the district
were “unauthorized construction” and ordered their demolition. On 22 December
2015, the decision was confirmed by the Appeals Court. The demolition order
reportedly follows a series of attempts by the Government to put a halt to the
activities of the Hindu community in Vetluzhsky, including through the initiation
of criminal action against their members and the raiding of their premises based on
Article 239 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (‘Creating a religious
or public association, whose activities involve violence against citizens or
somehow harm their health, as well as managing such an association’). It is
reported that, as a result of the difficulties to exercise their religious freedom in the
Russian Federation, the monks have left the country and continue their religious
activities abroad.
20/07/2016
12/05/2016
JUA
COD 3/2016
Democratic
Republic of the
Congo
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Torture;
Allégations de détention arbitraire, de torture et de mauvais traitement d’un
défenseur des droits de l’homme en République démocratique du Congo. Selon les
informations reçues, le 15 décembre 2015, M. Jean-Marie Kalonji a été arrêté par
des membres de la Garde républicaine à Kinshasa après avoir participé à une
réunion avec des membres du mouvement dont il est président « quatrième voie, il
est temps ». Il aurait été détenu incommunicado au siège de la Garde républicaine
au Camp Tshatshi pendant quatre jours, durant lesquels il aurait subi des actes de
torture. Le 19 décembre 2015, il a été transféré au siège de l’Agence nationale de
renseignement où il a fait l’objet de mauvais traitements. Le 25 avril 2016, il a été
transféré devant le Procureur Général de la République, puis le procureur de
Kinshasa-Gombe et finalement présenté devant un magistrat. M. Kalonji serait
actuellement détenu dans les locaux du procureur de Kinshasa-Gombe. Une
décision au sujet de la demande de libération provisoire de M. Kalonji est attendue
le 15 mai 2016.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
13/05/2016
JUA
COG 1/2016
Congo
(Republic of
the)
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Allégations quant à l’arrestation et la détention arbitraire du Président du parti
politique d’opposition « Unis pour le Congo » (UPC). Selon les informations
reçues, le 30 Octobre 2015, la résidence de M. Paulin Makaya aurait été encerclée
et pillée par des inconnus et les forces de sécurité congolaises. Le 23 novembre
2015, M. Paulin Makaya aurait été arrêté alors qu’il s’était rendu au bureau du
Procureur général à Brazzaville. Depuis cette date, il serait toujours en détention
provisoire dans la prison de Brazzaville. Cette arrestation s’inscrit dans le cadre
d’une vague d’arrestations de personnalités politiques de l’opposition depuis la
réforme constitutionnelle du 6 novembre 2015. De vives inquiétudes sont émises
quant à l’arrestation arbitraire d’individus pour leur exercice légitime de leurs
droits à la liberté d’association, de réunion pacifique et à la liberté d’expression.
Des allégations similaires de violations des droits de l’homme ont déjà fait l’objet
d’une communication envoyée le 9 décembre 2015, voir A/HRC/32/53, cas
numéro COG 2/2015.
13/05/2016
JUA
IDN 5/2016
Indonesia
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged imminent execution of between 10 to 15 prisoners on death row in
Indonesia for offences that do not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes” as
required under international law. According to the information received, on 10
May 2016, the Attorney General of Indonesia confirmed that a new round of
executions would be carried out “in the near future”. The Government has not
released the names of those who are thought to be listed for execution or the dates;
however, reports indicate that between 10 and 15 death row prisoners have been
selected for execution. It is presumed that executions will target drug offenders,
and may include Mr. Humphrey Jefferson Ejike Eleweke (Nigerian), Mr. Agus
Hadi (Indonesian) and Mr. Pujo Lestari (Indonesian). Some prisoners have
reportedly been moved to Batu prison in Nusakambangan prison island, where 13
executions took place in 2015. Four urgent appeals were previously sent regarding
imminent executions of suspected drug offenders in Indonesia; on 10 December
2014 and 16 January 2015, see A/HRC/29/50, case nos. IDN 2/2014 and IDN
1/2015; and, on 6 March and 24 April 2015, see A/HRC/30/27, case nos. IDN
2/2015 and IDN 4/2015.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
13/05/2016
JUA
IRN 13/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Iran;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged imminent risk of execution of a juvenile offender. According to the
information received, Mr. X was handed the death penalty in April 2013, after a
criminal court convicted him of the alleged murder and rape of a friend. He was
fifteen years old when he was arrested in May 2012. Following his arrest, Mr. X
was allegedly placed in solitary confinement for 15 days and denied access to a
lawyer during the investigation phase. During this time he was allegedly subjected
to torture and other forms of ill-treatment, including beatings, floggings and
suspension from his arms and legs, and forced to confess to the killing and raping
of his friend. Mr. X’s execution is reportedly scheduled for 15 May 2016 in
Shiraz’s Adel Abad Prison. Grave concern is inter alia expressed that the death
penalty has been imposed against Mr. X who was less than 18 years old at the time
of the alleged crime, in contravention of international human rights law, and
following judicial proceedings that may not have fulfilled the most stringent
guarantees of fair trial and due process.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
13/05/2016
JUA
SDN 5/2016
Sudan
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Sudan;
Alleged arbitrary detention and killing of several students protesting against the
sale of university buildings in Sudan. According to the information received, from
11 to 14 April 2016, a wave of student demonstrations, beginning with protests at
the University of Khartoum, started over rumours that the main campus would be
moved following the sale of campus land to investors. On 19 April, the National
Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) reportedly killed Mr. Abubakar Hassan
by a gunshot wound to the head. In the following days, as students demonstrated at
universities across the country, five student activists were arrested by NISS agents:
Mr. Ahmed Al-Mujtaba, Mr. Ahmed Zuhair Dawd, Mr. Ibrahim Yahya Omer, Mr.
Mohamed Adam Shahtallah and Mr. Bader Al Deen Salah Mohamed. On 23 April,
while students staged a new protest, 19 of the protestors were arrested by NISS
agents. All those arrested were released without charge except for six of them: Mr.
Mohamed Farouk, Mr. Murtada Eltuhami, Mr. Ibrahim Abu Samara, Mr. Hassan
Mahmoud, Mr. Nazim Abdelrahim and Mr. Ammar Hassan. Those released
reported that they were subjected to torture and ill-treatment during their detention.
On 27 April, Mr. Mohamed al-Sadiq Wayo was killed by an NISS agent as he was
trying to cross the street to flee attacks carried out by NISS officers. On 5 May,
NISS agents reportedly raided the office of Mr. Nabil Adib, a human rights lawyer,
and arrested eight more students in relation to the protests: Mr. Bader Aldeen Salah
Mohamed, Mrs. Wifag Mohamed Altayeeb Gorashi, Mr. Hussein Yahia Haran,
Mr. Mudathir Tayseer Mudathir, Mr. Hamid Omer Hamid Digno, Mrs. Mai Adil
Ibrahim Karar, Mr. Mohamed Mahjoub Otaiba, and Mr. Hassan Aldai Mohamed
Abdalla.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 4
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
17/05/2016
JUA
IRN 12/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders; Iran;
Alleged detention and sentencing of four Iranian journalists for exercising their
right to freedom of expression. According to the information received, Ms. Afarine
Chitsaz, a journalist of the daily newspaper “Iran”, Mr. Ehssan Mazandarani, the
editor of the daily newspaper “Farhikhteghan” and Mr. Saman Safarzai, a
journalist of the monthly publication “Andisheh Pouya”, were all arrested in
November 2015 by the Revolutionary Guard and, in March 2016, received
sentences of up to ten years in prison on charges including “assembly and collusion
against national security”. Mr. Issa Saharkhiz, an independent journalist, was also
arrested at this time and remains detained in hospital on hunger strike with further
complications caused by a recent heart attack. Mr. Mazandarani was the subject of
a previous communication sent on 31 January 2013, see A/HRC/23/51, case no
IRN 6/2013. Mr. Saharkhiz was the subject of four previous communications sent
on 10 July 2009, 11 February 2010, 1 April 2010 and 7 October 2010 (case nos.
IRN 18/2009, IRN 7/2010, IRN 10/2010 and IRN 30/2010).
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
18/05/2016
JAL
GMB 1/2016
Gambia
Arbitrary
detention;
Disappearances;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Allegations of excessive use of force by Police Intervention Unit officers, as well
as disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, in at least one case resulting in death,
by National Intelligence agents against peaceful protesters. According to the
information received, on 14 April 2016, during a peaceful anti-government
demonstration at the Westfield junction, in Serrekunda, the Gambia, Mr. Solo
Sandeng, a senior figure and the National Organizing Secretary of the United
Democratic Party, Gambia’s main opposition party, together with other protesters,
including other senior members of the United Democratic Party, were subjected to
excessive use of force as well as arbitrary arrest and detention by Police
Intervention Unit officers, in an effort of the latter to disperse the crowd. The total
number of arrested people, their whereabouts and their health conditions remain
unknown. Mr. Sandeng, who led the demonstrations, is said to have died in police
custody as a result of torture by National Intelligence agents. On 16 April, in
response to the rumours of Mr. Sandeng’s death, another demonstration was held
demanding justice. It is reported that at least 50 persons were arrested during the
two demonstrations. During interrogations, National Intelligence agents allegedly
inflicted injuries on several protesters; including rape of female members of the
United Democratic Party. After the latter demonstration, members of Mr.
Sandeng’s family have reportedly been subjected to threats and intimidation and
fled the country.
18/05/2016
JUA
SGP 3/2016
Singapore
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Allegations concerning the imminent execution of a Malaysian national for alleged
unintentional homicide in Singapore. According to the information received, on 5
April 2016, the Court of Appeal of Singapore rejected the appeal of Mr. Kho
Jabing and confirmed his death sentence for unintentional homicide. The
Government has informed his family that his execution is scheduled for 20 May
2016. Mr. Kho Jabing’s charges do not meet the requirement that the death
sentence should only be imposed for “the most serious crimes”.
27/06/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
19/05/2016
JAL
COD 2/2016
Democratic
Republic of the
Congo
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Allégation d’exécution extrajudiciaire d’un défenseur des droits de l’homme par
des membres de la Police Nationale Congolaise. Selon les informations reçues, le
17 mars 2016, des hommes armés et en uniforme de la Police Nationale Congolaise
(PNC) auraient froidement exécuté M. Evariste Kasali, coordonnateur de
l’Organisation Populaire pour la Paix (OPP), dans sa résidence située à Kavumu.
La victime était connue pour sa lutte contre l’impunité dans des cas d’enlèvements
et de viols d’enfants dans la région de Bughore. Des préoccupations sont
exprimées quant aux circonstances de la mort de M Kasili pouvant être liée à son
activité de défenseur des droits de l’homme.
20/05/2016
AL
OTH 16/2016
Other
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Alleged blocking of consultative status of a non-governmental organization
working on caste-based discrimination by a member of the ECOSOC Committee
on NGOs. According to the information received, since 2008, the International
Dalit Solidarity Network (IDSN) has been seeking to obtain ECOSOC consultative
status with the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs. In response to its application,
IDSN has received 75 questions, posed by India, to which it has responded in
detail. IDSN has not received a credible explanation for its questioning and
deferral, and many of the questions received are reportedly repetitive and appear to
be beyond the scope of what is relevant to the Committee’s decision. Concern is
expressed about the current working methods of the Committee on NGOs and the
continued deferral of IDSN’s application for accreditation, which appears to be a
targeted act of reprisal against the organization for its human rights work and
cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the
field of human rights for the past 13 years.
23/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
23/05/2016
JAL
JPN 3/2016
Japan
Health; Torture. Alleged abusive restrictions and discriminatory effects of certain provision
contained in the Law No. 111 of 2003 regulating legal gender recognition in Japan.
According to the information received, the Law contains provisions about
mandatory medical evaluations and coercive medical procedures that may amount
to torture or ill-treatment and also includes restrictions based on age, marital and
parental status. It is therefore alleged that the Law, in its current form,
discriminates against transgender adults and children seeking legal recognition of
their gender identity in Japan and unduly restricts their human rights, including the
rights to health, physical integrity, equality before the law, respect for private and
family life, and education.
25/07/2016
24/05/2016
JAL
PHL 1/2016
Philippines
Arbitrary
detention; Food;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Indigenous
peoples; Summary
executions;
Torture;
Allegations of excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest and detention of farmers and
their supporters who were calling for food assistance. According to information
received, on 1 April 2016 police forces in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato,
violently dispersed farmers and their supporters who demanded food assistance, in
the context of a severe drought attributed to the El Niño phenomenon. It is alleged
that two individuals died as a result of gunshot wounds. There are reports of
excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests and detentions by the police. It is
further alleged that the Government failed to ensure a comprehensive and equitable
famine relief response in view of the ongoing dry spell, which is particularly
affecting landless and marginal farmers, tenants and farm workers, many of whom
belong to the indigenous Lumad peoples.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 8
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
25/05/2016
AL
BRA 3/2016
Brazil
Indigenous peoples Alleged risks to the protection and promotion of indigenous peoples’ rights
following political uncertainty and imminent changes to the composition of the
Government. According to information received, the Government has failed to
demarcate indigenous lands prior to planned changes, and a proposed revision of
the structure of the Government could weaken indigenous rights protections.
Concerns are expressed about unmet needs, particularly in the southern region of
Brazil, to complete the demarcation of indigenous lands in accordance with the
Brazilian Federal Constitution. Concern is further expressed with respect to the
imminent changes to the Government’s composition following the impeachment
process of former President Dilma Roussef. Concern is also expressed that the
disarticulation of the Ministry of Human Rights and the Ministry of Culture will
further endanger and weaken in particular the rights of indigenous peoples who are
among the most vulnerable to human rights abuses. Concern is last expressed with
respect to the future of the Brazilian National Human Rights Council (Plataforma
de Direitos Humanos) and the uncertain state of the newly established National
Council for Indigenous Policy.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
8 9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
25/05/2016
JAL
ECU 2/2016
Ecuador
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Presuntas restricciones al derecho a la libertad de asociación de la Fundación
Ciudadanía y Desarrollo. Según la información recibida, el Ministerio del Interior,
en aplicación del Decreto Ejecutivo No. 16, obligaría a la Fundación Ciudadanía y
Desarrollo revisar sus estatutos, cambiando la naturaleza de sus acciones y
objetivos, lo cual podría llevar a la posible disolución de la Fundación. Estas
alegaciones se enmarcarían en un espacio cada vez más restringido para las
asociaciones, medios de prensa y defensores de los derechos humanos en Ecuador.
En efecto, se reporta un entorno crecientemente restrictivo en Ecuador para el libre
ejercicio de las libertades de expresión y asociación por motivo del Decreto
Ejecutivo No. 16, así como de la Ley de Comunicación. El presunto entorno
crecientemente restrictivo para las organizaciones de la sociedad civil, incluido en
el marco normativo, fue, objeto de varias comunicaciones por parte de los
Procedimientos Especiales desde 2011, en particular, desde la adopción de una
legislación restrictiva en este respecto: el 30 de noviembre de 2011, referencia
A/HRC/19/44, caso ECU 3/2011, el 19 de julio de 2012, referencia A/HRC/22/67,
caso ECU 1/2012, el 16 de septiembre de 2013, referencia A/HRC/25/74, caso
ECU 1/2013, el 4 de octubre de 2013, referencia A/HRC/25/74, caso ECU 2/2013,
el 31 de diciembre de 2013, referencia A/HRC/26/21, caso ECU 4/2013, el 5 de
septiembre de 2014, referencia A/HRC/28/85, caso ECU 2/2014, el 9 de julio de
2015, caso ECU 4/2015.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
9 0
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
25/05/2016
JAL
GUY 1/2016
Guyana
African descent;
Minority issues;
Racism;
Alleged failure of the Government to publish the “Detailed Census Analysis” for
the 2012 census, which would provide important data disaggregated by ethnicity
and other characteristics, about participation and outcomes for minorities in
Guyana in different areas of economic and social life. According to the information
received, there are reports of discrimination, in particular of Afro-Guyanese
regarding the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, including in the
fields of employment, housing, healthcare and education. However, without
verifiable data, it is difficult for civil society organizations to draw conclusions or
to advance these claims or to effectively advocate around these issues. There is
also an alleged lack of investigation of allegations of cases and patterns of
discrimination affecting ethnic minorities in Guyana, and lack of responsive
mechanisms to respond to such cases.
26/05/2016
JUA
KEN 3/2016
Kenya
Arbitrary
Detention;
Executions;
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Alleged violent repression of peaceful protests in different cities in Kenya.
According to the information received, several peaceful demonstrations have been
organized in different cities in Kenya by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy
(CORD), a coalition of different political parties, seeking removal of
commissioners of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The police have allegedly used excessive force and repressed what were peaceful
demonstrations, using tear gas and water cannons to break up protests since early
2016, escalating on 25 April, 9 May, 16 May and 23 May 2016. Concerns are
raised at the excessive use of force during the protests.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
9 1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
26/05/2016
JAL
MDV 1/2016
Maldives
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged restrictions on the right to freedom of expression related to the draft
legislation “Protection of Reputation and Good Name and Freedom of Expression
Bill” in the Maldives. According to the information received, the draft legislation,
which will soon be voted on by the Parliament, aims at defining the limits of
speech that is protected and includes provisions that limit the right to freedom of
expression in ways that are incompatible with article 19 of the ICCPR. Concern is
expressed that the draft legislation, if adopted, would significantly limit the right to
freedom of expression in Maldives, as well as the rights to freedom of peaceful
assembly and association, freedom of religion and the work of human rights
defenders.
26/05/2016
JAL
RUS 6/2016
Russian
Federation
Business;
Environment;
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Alleged unwarranted charges filed against and sentencing of a human rights
defender. According to the information received, on 29 September 2015, Mr.
Sergey Nikiforov was sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 16 million
roubles (USD 246,600) for “bribery and fraud” by a court in Blagoveshchensk,
Amur oblast of the Russian Federation. Following an appeal, on 8 December 2015,
the sentence was reduced to four years and the fine of 3 million roubles (USD
46,200). Mr. Nikiforov is serving his sentence in colony No.3 in Srednebelaya
village, Amur oblast, a strict-regimen correctional facility. Concern is expressed at
the alleged unwarranted charges and disputed sentencing of Mr. Nikiforov, which
appear to be directly related to his activities in defence of human rights, including
land and environmental rights. Further concern is expressed at the alleged relation
of the sentencing to the peaceful opposition of the Ivanovskoye village under the
leadership of Mr. Nikiforov against the mining by Petropavlovsk mining company,
as well as irregularities in the discharging of the trial.
27/05/2016
JAL
EST 1/2016
Estonia
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged stigmatisation of a human rights defender advocating for the rights of
linguistic minorities. According to the information received, on 12 April 2016, the
Estonian Internal Security Service published its 2015 annual review, in which it
mentioned Ms. Blintsova in the context of posing threat to the constitutional order
of the Estonian state.
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
9 2
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
27/05/2016
JAL
HND 4/2016
Honduras
Discrimination
against women;
Environment;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Indigenous
peoples; Violence
against women;
Alegaciones relativas a agresiones físicas y amenazas, y a la falta de protección
adecuada de manifestantes y defensores de derechos humanos por parte de las
fuerzas de seguridad en el marco de una manifestación pacífica. Según la
información recibida, el 15 de abril de 2016, se desplazaba un grupo de personas
para participar en una manifestación del Encuentro Internacional de los Pueblos
“Berta Cáceres Vive”. En este contexto, se habrían producido graves incidentes,
incluyendo agresiones físicas, contra varios centenares de personas que habrían
sido parte de esta caravana. Asimismo, varias personas habrían proferido amenazas
directas contra varios manifestantes, incluyendo los Sres. Tomás Gómez y Sotero
Chavarría, integrantes de la Coordinación General del Consejo Cívico de
Organizaciones Populares e Indígenas de Honduras (COPINH). Además, el 9 de
mayo, se reportaron represiones violentas de otra manifestación pacífica por parte
de miembros del COPINH, cuyos miembros habrían llegado desde las
comunidades indígenas lencas hasta las inmediaciones de la Casa Presidencia en
Tegucigalpa para exigir la instauración de una Comisión Internacional e
Independiente para investigar el asesinato de Berta Cáceres. Después de la
movilización, miembros del COPINH habrían sido objeto de detenciones así como
de seguimientos y hostigamientos por parte de agentes de la policía. En particular,
desde el 10 de mayo de 2016, se habrían producido diversos pronunciamientos e
intimidaciones directas relacionadas con el trabajo realizado por la defensora de
derechos humanos Giulia Fellin. Similares asuntos destacados en esta
comunicación han sido abordados en comunicaciones anteriores: el 8 de junio de
2004, caso HND 3/2004, el 12 de agosto de 2004, caso HND 6/2004, el 7 de abril
de 2006, caso HND 1/2006, el 6 de julio de 2009, caso HND 5/2009, el 27 de
agosto de 2013, referencia A/HRC/25/74, caso HND 4/2013, el 2 de abril de 2014,
referencia A/HRC/27/72, caso HND 2/2014, el 9 de abril de 2014, referencia
A/HRC/27/72, caso HND 3/2014, el 8 de marzo de 2016, caso HND 2/2016, el 18
de marzo de 2016, caso HND 3/2016.
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
9 3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
27/05/2016
JAL
THA 3/2016
Thailand
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Alleged restrictions on the right to freedom of expression related to the upcoming
constitutional referendum of 7 August 2016 in Thailand. According to the
information received, the Referendum Act, adopted on 7 April 2016, contains
wide-ranging restrictions on expression about the draft constitution, including
punishment of up to ten years’ imprisonment and fines up to 200,000 Baht. Since
the Referendum Act entered into force on 22 April 2016, over 25 people have been
arrested on the basis of it. The Referendum Act is one among a series of legislative
restrictions to the right to freedom of expression.
03/06/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
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Date
Type
Case No
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27/05/2016
JUA
THA 4/2016
Thailand
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Allegations concerning a series of laws, orders and announcements that unduly
interfere with the rights to freedom of opinion and expression and the right to
freedom of peaceful assembly and association, and have been used to target civil
society. According to the information received, on 29 March 2016, the National
Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) adopted Order 13/2016, the latest in a series
of orders which confers sweeping powers on the armed forces. Serious concern is
expressed that the orders and announcements provide for overly broad exceptions
to the rights to freedom of association and freedom of expression, lacking
sufficiently clear definitions and without independent oversight. Order 13/2016
follows the adoption of Order 3/2015 which was revised by Order 5/2015 on 16
April 2015. Together with Computer Crime Act and lèse majesté provisions in the
Criminal Code, the orders constitute wide-ranging limitations to the right to
freedom of expression that is incompatible with international human rights law.
Lèse majesté provisions and their enforcement were the subject of two previous
communications sent on 25 February 2016, see A/HRC/32/53, case no. THA
9/2015, and 8 December 2014, see A/HRC/29/50, case no. THA 13/2014. In
addition, nine previous communications concerning allegations similar to those
presented in this communication have been sent; on 8 December 2014, see
A/HRC/29/50, case no. THA 13/2014); 12 September 2014, see A/HRC/28/85,
case no. THA 10/2014; 19 August 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. THA 8/2014;
30 April 2014, see A/HRC/27/72, case no. THA 3/2014; 25 March 2014, see
A/HRC/27/72, case no. THA 1/2014; 14 December 2012, see A/HRC/23/51, case
no. THA 13/2012; 6 January 2012 (see A/HRC/23/51, case no. THA 10/2011; 20
December 2011, see A/HRC/20/30, case no. THA 9/2011; 10 June 2011, see
A/HRC/19/44, case no. THA 5/2011.
03/06/2016
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
27/05/2016
JUA
VNM 3/2016
Viet Nam
Arbitrary
Detention;
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders; Religion
or belief; Torture;
Violence against
women
Alleged arbitrary detention of a Lutheran pastor and harassment and torture of his
wife, in Gia Lai province, Vietnam. According to the information received, Pastor
Nguyen Cong Chinh was arrested on 28 April 2011, repeatedly tortured and
sentenced to 11 years in prison for “undermining national unity policy”. He
remains in prison. On 14 April 2016, Mrs. Tran Thi Hong, his wife, was arrested
for several hours and tortured by the police, who tried to force her to provide
information on a meeting she had held on 30 April 2016 with the Ambassador-at-
Large for International Religious Freedom of the United States of America. She is
regularly subjected to surveillance and harassment by the police. Despite Mr.
Nguyen Cong Chinh’s attempts to have the Lutheran American-Vietnamese
Protestant Church registered according to Vietnamese law, its application was
rejected in 2010.
27/05/2016
JUA
VNM 4/2016
Viet Nam
Arbitrary
Detention;
Freedom of
opinion and
expression; Human
rights defenders;
Torture
Allegations of persecution, ill-treatment and forced transfer of a Vietnamese
national who is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence for "attempting to
overthrow the People's administration". According to the information received, on
5 May 2016, Mr. Tran Huynh Duy Thuc was handcuffed for 24 hours and his
mouth covered, while he was forcibly transferred to Nghe An prison camp, which
is reportedly notorious for its ill-treatment and harassment of detainees. It is
reported that, on 14 May 2016, Mr. Tran Huynh Duy Thuc appeared to have lost
weight, with ‘big dark circles’ under his eyes, and that, on 24 May 2016, he
commenced a hunger strike in protest of being deprived of family contact,
experiencing harassment in prison, and in order to demand the Vietnamese
Government to respect the rule of law and human rights, and let the people vote on
the form of government they want.
A /H
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9 6
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
30/05/2016
JAL
IRN 14/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Cultural rights;
Islamic Republic of
Iran; Religion or
belief
Alleged patterns of continuous discrimination against the Bahá’í community in
Iran, inter alia, through the destruction of historical and religious sites. According
to the information received, the Bahá’í population of Iran has experienced a long
history of discrimination, which is undermining their human rights in the area of
religion and culture. Since 1979, numerous sites of historical, cultural and religious
significance, including cemeteries, have been seized, desecrated and destroyed.
Despite the importance of these sites, no consultation process about the closure of
some of these cemeteries involved the affected families and co-religionists. Efforts
of the Bahá’ís to redress the destruction of their cultural heritage and bring the
perpetrators to justice have been unsuccessful to date. The desecration of the
Bahá’í cemetery in Shiraz was subject of two previous communications sent on 8
May 2014, see A/HRC/27/72, case no. IRN 8/2014; and on 20 August 2014, see
A/HRC/28/85.
30/05/2016
JUA
JPN 4/2016
Japan
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Allegations on acts of intimidation and reprisal against a human rights defender for
facilitating the contacts of the Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of
opinion and expression with civil society during his visit to Japan from 12 to 19
April, 2016. According to the information received, the Deputy Chief Cabinet
Secretary ordered the surveillance of Ms. Kazuko Ito, secretary-general of Human
Rights Now, ahead of the country visit to Japan by the Special Rapporteur on the
right to freedom of opinion and expression. Concern is expressed at the allegations
of surveillance of Ms. Ito for facilitating the organization of meetings of the
Special Rapporteur with civil society, which would amount to an act of
intimidation and reprisal for her cooperation with the United Nations, its
representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights.
16/06/2016
A /H
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9 7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
30/05/2016
JAL
KGZ 1/2016
Kyrgyzstan
freedom of opinion
and expression;
freedom of peaceful
assembly and of
association; human
rights defenders;
independence of
judges and lawyers
Alleged threats made to a human rights lawyer in connection to his litigation and
legal assistance focused on combating torture and arbitrary detention. According to
the information received, on 26 January 2016, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Mr.
Sardorbek Abdukhalilov received a phone call from the Head of the Temporary
Detention Facility in Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, during which the latter threatened to
cause physical harm to Mr. Abdukhalilov. Concern is expressed at the threats
addressed to the person of Mr. Abdukhalilov in what appears to be retaliation for
his exercise of the right to freedom of expression and of association, as well as for
his legitimate human rights work, in particular litigation and legal assistance
towards combating torture and arbitrary detention.
30/05/2016
JAL
UGA 3/2016
Uganda
freedom of opinion
and expression;
freedom of peaceful
assembly and of
association; human
rights defenders
Alleged arbitrary arrest and charging of a presidential candidate and a human rights
defender in connection with political activities and activities in defence of human
rights. According to the information received, on 11 May 2016, Mr. Kizze
Besigye, member of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), the opposition
party, and presidential candidate in the presidential election, was arrested for
having contested the outcome of the presidential elections and for having held his
own swearing in ceremony. On 13 May 2016, Mr. Besigye was charged with
treason. He is currently detained awaiting the third hearing of his case before the
court, which is to take place on 1 June 2016. On 5 May 2016, Mr. Solomon
Akugizibwe, human rights defender, was arrested while monitoring a
demonstration by FDC in Fort Portal, Uganda. Mr. Akugizibwe was released the
following day awaiting trial on 1 June 2016 on charges of “disobeying lawful
orders”. Concern is expressed at the judicial proceedings against Mr. Akugizibwe
and Mr. Besigye which appear to be in retaliation for legitimate and peaceful
human rights work and legitimate political activities.
A /H
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/05/2016
JAL BGD 3/2016
Bangladesh
Executions;
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Alleged assassination of two Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender and Intersex
(LGBTI) rights defenders in Dhaka, Bangladesh. According to the information
received, in April 2016, Mr. Xulhaz Mannan and Mr. Nahbub Tonroy, two LGBTI
activists, received threats of physical attacks through social media. On 25 April
2016, a group of six armed men entered the apartment of Mr. Mannan and Mr.
Tonoy in Kalabagan and stabbed them numerous times in the head and neck
resulting in their deaths. Grave concern is expressed at the assassination of Mr.
Mannan and Mr. Tonoy, which seems to be directly related to their legitimate
human rights work in the promotion of the rights of LGBTI persons, the exercise
of their rights to freedom of expression and assembly, and their own sexual
orientation and gender identity.
A /H
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Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/05/2016
JUA
FRA 1/2016
France
Arbitrary
detention;
Freedom of
expression;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Torture;
Allégations concernant la possible extradition imminente d’un opposant politique
kazakh de la France vers un pays où il risquerait d’être ensuite extradé vers le
Kazakhstan, un pays où il risque d’être soumis à de la torture et/ou à des mauvais
traitements et d’être persécuté et détenu arbitrairement pour son engagement
politique et l’exercice de son droit à la liberté d’opinion et d’expression. Selon les
informations reçues, M. Mukhtar Ablyazov, ancien prisonnier politique au
Kazakhstan où il a été victime de torture et autres mauvais traitements ayant
obtenu l’asile politique au Royaume-Uni, a été arrêté le 31 juillet 2013 à Mouans-
Sartoux par la police française. Le Premier Ministre a signé le décret d’extradition
de M. Ablyazov vers la Russie le 17 septembre 2015, après des procédures
judiciaires qui auraient été entachées par des allégations sérieuses de partialité et
d’erreurs de procédure commises par les autorités judiciaires françaises,
d’interférences de tiers dans les procédures d’extradition, et d’obstacles imposés à
M. Ablyazov et à ses avocats dans la préparation et la présentation adéquates de sa
défense. Une décision finale du Conseil d’Etat est attendue très prochainement.
Bien que M. Ablyazov n’ait pas lui-même directement fait l’objet de
communications antérieures émanant des procédures spéciales, des proches de M.
Ablyazov ont fait l’objet de communications précédentes envoyées par plusieurs
titulaires de mandat : Mme Alma Shalabayeva, épouse de M. Ablyazov, et leur fille
alors âgée de six ans, ont fait l’objet de deux appels urgents envoyés les 7 juin et
17 juillet 2013 (voire les cas ITA 1/2013 et KAZ 3/2013 dans le rapport
A/HRC/25/74); M. Alexandr Pavlov, ancien garde du corps et chef de la sécurité
de M. Ablyazov, a fait l’objet de deux appels urgents envoyés les 24 juillet et 22
novembre 2013 (voire les cas ESP 2/2013 et ESP 6/2013 dans le rapport
A/HRC/25/74).
30/06/2016
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0 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/05/2016
JAL
GTM 5/2016
Guatemala
Arbitrary
Detention;
Business; Freedom
of opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Indigenous peoples
Alegaciones de acoso judicial y criminalización contra seis defensores de derechos
humanos, medioambientales y de los derechos de los pueblos indígenas en el
departamento de Huehuetenango. Algunos de ellos son autoridades de los pueblos
indígenas maya q’anjob’ales en la región. Según las informaciones recibidas, el 26 de febrero de 2015, los Sres. Sotero Adalberto Villatoro, Francisco Juan Pedro y
Arturo Pablo Juan habrían sido detenidos por los cargos de amenazas, instigación a
delinquir, reunión y manifestación ilícita plagio y secuestro. El 24 de marzo de
2015, los Sres. Rigoberto Juárez y Domingo Baltazar habrían sido detenidos por
los cargos de coacción, amenazas, atentado, instigación a delinquir,
obstaculización de la acción penal, plagio o secuestro. El 2 de junio de 2015, el Sr.
Bernardo Ermitaño López Reyes habría sido detenido por los cargos de amenazas,
coacción, obstaculización de la acción penal, instigación a delinquir, atentado, y
plagio o secuestro. Las personas arriba citadas se encontrarían en detención
preventiva. Todas habrían sido acusadas de formar parte de una red criminal. Se
reporta sin embargo que la detención y procesos judiciales contra las personas
arriba citadas no tendrían fundamento y representarían una forma de acoso judicial
en respuesta al ejercicio legítimo de sus derechos y su trabajo de promoción y
protección de los derechos humanos.
31/05/2016
JAL
OTH 17/2016
Other actors
Business;
environment;
executions;
Freedom of
opinion and
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders
Allegations concerning the assassination of an environmental human rights
defender. According to the information received, on 22 March 2016, Mr.
Sikhosiphi Rhadebe, a human rights defender and member of Amadiba Crisis
Committee (ACC), was shot and killed outside his home by two unidentified men.
Earlier in March 2016, Mr. Rhadebe had been informed that his name, together
with other members of the ACC were on a “hit list” of strong opponents to mining operations in Xolobeni. The ACC had previously been subject to violence by
mining companies due to protests against licences in the area.
A /H
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1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
31/05/2016
AL
SAU 3/2016
Saudi Arabia
Cultural rights Alleged destruction of numerous sites of historical, religious and cultural
importance in Yemen. According to the information received, the military coalition
of countries led by Saudi Arabia has destroyed many sites across the country,
through what appears to be indiscriminate airstrikes on civilian targets or
systematic targeting and destruction of cultural heritage in Yemen. These
destructions cause grave and lasting violations of the human rights of people to
access and enjoy cultural heritage, and the strikes which produced them may have
failed to meet the principles of distinction, proportionality and military necessity,
in violation of international human rights and humanitarian law.
25/08/2016
31/05/2016
JAL
ZAF 1/2016
South Africa
Business
enterprises;
Environment;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful assembly
and of association;
Human rights
defenders;
Summary
executions;
Alleged assassination of an environmental human rights defender. According to the
information received, in March 2016, Mr. Sikhosiphi Rhadebe, an environmental
defender and founder of Amadiba Crisis Committee, was informed that his name
was on a “hit list” of opponents to mining operations in Xolobeni. On 22 March
2016, two unidentified men arrived at the home of Mr. Rhadebe, shot him eight
times. Mr. Rhadebe died as a result. An investigation into the murder of Mr.
Rhadebe has reportedly been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime
Investigation. Concern is expressed at the assassination of Mr. Rhadebe and that it
may be related to his activities in the defence of human rights and the environment
in South Africa.
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2 B. Replies received between 1 May and 31 July 2016 relating to communications sent before 1 March 2016
11. The table below lists, in chronological order, communications dating before 1 March 2016 to which a reply or an additional
reply has been received in the period between 1 May and 31 July 2016. Copies of the full text of the communications sent and the
reply received during the reporting period can be accessed from the electronic version of this report available on the OHCHR
website. Some names of individuals or other information have been rendered anonymous or otherwise unidentifiable.
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
17/06/2015
JUA
ESP 7/2015
Spain
Human rights
defenders;
Torture;
Presuntos actos de represalia contra un preso, en forma de denegación de beneficios
penitenciarios, así como contra miembros de un observatorio catalán de derechos
humanos, en forma de obstrucción a su trabajo de supervisión. Según la información
recibida, el señor José Antúnez Becerra, preso en el Centro Penitenciario de Quatre
Camins desde hace más de 10 años, sufriría represalias por haber denunciado actos de
tortura, por parte de funcionarios del centro penitenciario de Quatre Camins, sufridos
durante un motín que tuvo lugar en ese mismo lugar el 30 de abril de 2004 y en días
posteriores. A su vez, miembros del Observatorio del Sistema Penal y Derechos
Humanos de la Universidad de Barcelona, – que se ocupa de la supervisión de centros de
privación de la libertad y que habría participado en una demanda contra nueve
funcionarios a la luz de tal motín – y en particular su Director, el señor Iñaki Rivera
Beiras, habrían sufrido actos de obstrucción a su trabajo de control y seguimiento de la
situación de derechos humanos en los centros de privación de libertad en Cataluña por
parte de autoridades del Gobierno catalán. El Señor Antúnez Becerra se encontraría en el
módulo 4 del centro penitenciario de Brians 2, y su estado de salud habría deteriorado
seriamente.
02/11/2015
24/05/2016
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3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
19/08/2015
JAL
EGY 9/2015
Egypt
Cultural Rights;
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful
assembly and of
association;
Alleged undue restrictions to the right of everyone to freedom of artistic expression
under Egyptian legislation. According to the information received, Law 430/1955 on
censorship of artistic works, as well as Minister of Culture Decrees 162/1993 on
implementing regulations of the censorship of artistic works and 220/1976 on the criteria
to be considered for censorship, as well as several provisions of the Criminal Code (Law
58/1937), establish undue restrictions to the right to freedom of expression, especially in
the form of art. It is reported that these provisions establish a regime of prior and post-
censorship of the arts that is not in compliance with international human rights standards.
Furthermore, Law 35/1978 on the Federation of Artistic Syndicates imposes affiliation to
a unique syndicate, raising issues about the rights to freedom of artistic expression and
association, as recognized under international human rights law. The regime of sanctions
provided for in these laws, as well as in the Penal Code, includes severe criminal
sanctions and liberty-depriving penalties. The Government is urged to take measures to
ensure compliance of the national legislation and its implementation with international
human rights law and standards.
31/05/2016
17/09/2015
JUA
MEX 11/2015
México
Arbitrary
detention;
Human rights
defenders;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Indigenous
peoples;
Alegaciones sobre la detención de un abogado, representante legal de comunidades
indígenas en la defensa de sus derechos. Según las informaciones recibidas, el 22 de
julio de 2015, el abogado Sr. Eduardo Arturo Mosqueda Sánchez habría acompañado en
su calidad de abogado, a miembros de la comunidad indígena de Ayotitlán en la
municipalidad de Cuautitlán, estado de Jalisco, quienes se habrían acercado a las
instalaciones de la compañía minera Consorcio Minero Benito Juárez Pena Colorada
S.A. Una decisión judicial de cesación habría sido otorgada en 2013 en respuesta a un
amparo presentado por el Sr. Mosqueda Sánchez. El Sr. Mosqueda Sánchez y miembros
de la comunidad se habrían apersonado y habrían presentado copia del amparo. En
respuesta, habrían sido hostigados y golpeados por la policía del Estado de Jalisco. El Sr.
Mosqueda Sánchez había sido detenido en ese momento y el 30 de julio de 2015 habría
sido formalmente acusado de la comisión de delitos graves.
06/05/2016
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4 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
25/09/2015
JAL
IRL 2/2015
Ireland
Adequate
housing; Water
and Sanitation;
Alleged increase of homelessness and lack of access of those who are homeless to
emergency shelters and to safe drinking water and sanitation in the city of Cork.
According to the information received, the number of homeless persons has been rising
in the past few years in the city of Cork, Ireland, and it is currently estimated to be at 600
people due to lack of affordable housing, the impact of austerity measures and the global
financial crisis. This exceeds the capacity of emergency shelters available in the city. In
addition, there have not been any free public water and sanitation services for at least ten
years. The water and sanitation services available to homeless persons through the
emergency establishments are reportedly inadequate.
01/06/2016
30/09/2015
JUA
SAU 5/2015
Saudi Arabia
Arbitrary
detention;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged violations of the rights to life, liberty and security of the person, and fair trial, as
well as the right to be free from torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
of a Jordanian national. According to the information received, in May 2014, Mr. Husain
Abu al Khair, a Jordanian national, was arrested for drug trafficking while crossing the
border between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. During his arrest and subsequent detention, he
was reportedly subjected to torture. In May 2015, he was sentenced to death by the
Tabouk criminal court following a trial which did not respect basic fair trial and due
process guarantees, in particular the right to have access to a lawyer. Concern is raised
that the death penalty may be carried out against Mr. Al Khair following an unfair trial
and for an offense which does not meet the threshold of “most serious crimes”; further
concern is raised that the victim may have been subjected to torture for the purpose of
extracting a confession.
04/05/2016
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5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
11/11/2015
JUA
IRN 21/2015
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Freedom of
religion;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers; Iran;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged imminent executions of two men who were under the age of 18 at the time of
the alleged offences and of one political activist in Iran, following repeated torture
during detention and the extraction of confessions under torture and after trials that did
not comply with due process and fair trial guarantees. According to the information
received, Mr. Mohammad Ali Zehi is currently imprisoned in Adelabad Prison, where he
is to be executed for his alleged involvement in drug trafficking for activities that
occurred when he was under the age of 18. Mr. Milad Azimi was convicted for allegedly
causing death by stabbing in a fight that the court has acknowledged occurred when he
was 17 years old. Mr. Shahram Ahmadi was convicted of “waging war against God”
through “links to Salafi groups” and “propaganda against the system, through
participating in ideological and political classes and possessing, selling, and buying
books and CDs of speeches related to Sunni beliefs.” He is being held in Raja’i Shahr
Prison. All three men are at risk of imminent execution.
18/04/2016
04/05/2016
16/11/2015
JUA
OTH 9/2015
Other
Disability;
Health;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Somalia;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Alleged imminent execution of a man with a psychosocial disability who is reportedly at
risk of imminent execution in the autonomous region of Somaliland, in Somalia.
According to the information received, Mr. Abdullahi Ali, aged 38, has a long history of
serious psychosocial disability and had been institutionalized in Daryeel Mental Health
Hospital between 2012 and 2014. Two months after his release from hospital, he shot
dead a man following an altercation. Mr. Ali was charged with manslaughter and
detained for approximately one year before his trial. He had no legal representation
during the proceedings. Despite his history of serious psychosocial disability, no
psychiatric or psychological evaluation was carried out nor was his disability taken into
consideration by the court. In August 2015, the Regional Court of Somaliland sentenced
Mr. Ali to death. Mr. Ali’s family attempted to submit his mental health records to the
Appellate Court for its consideration but the Court refused to accept the evidence and
upheld the death sentence. Mr. Ali is at imminent risk of execution by firing squad.
10/05/2016
16/06/2016
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6 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
20/11/2015
JAL
KOR 3/2015
Republic of
Korea
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful
assembly and of
association;
Human rights
defenders;
Denial of entry into and deportation of a human rights defender from the Republic of
Korea, which impeded his attendance at an international civil society event. According
to the information received, Mr. Vital Nshimirimana, a member of several associations
as well as of an ongoing political campaign, was denied entry to, and removed from, the
Republic of Korea, notwithstanding possession of a valid entry visa for the country for
his attendance at the 8th Assembly of the World Movement for Democracy (WMD) in
Seoul. Mr. Nshimirimana was told that his passport was reported as stolen by Interpol
and subsequently denied contact with the organizers of WMD or the right to appeal the
denial of entry. Concern is expressed that the reported deportation of Mr. Nshimirimana
may be connected to his work as a human rights defender and the legitimate exercise of
his rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of opinion and expression. A
communication concerning the case of Mr. Nshimirimana is also being addressed to the
Government of Burundi, see above, case no. BDI 6/2015.
20/05/2016
01/12/2015
AL
USA 20/2015
United States
of America
Summary
executions;
Alleged large number of killings as a result of gun violence in the United States of
America. According to the information received, 49 school shootings were reported so
far in the country in 2015. Reports also indicate that in 2015 alone there were 41,909
incidents of gun violence leading to 10,577 deaths, and 21,499 persons injured. 274 mass
shootings were also reported in this period, as well as 1,500 accidental shootings.
Concern is expressed that the legal framework in place for the use and possession of
firearms in the country may not provide an environment conducive to the protection of
the right to life and may therefore be in breach of the State’s duty to exercise due
diligence to prevent violations of this right.
13/05/2016
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7
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
03/12/2015
JAL
VEN 15/2015
Venezuela
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful
assembly and of
association;
Alegaciones sobre restricciones a la libertad de expresión y asociación en el marco del
proceso electoral legislativo el 6 de Diciembre de 2015. Según la información recibida,
el activista político Luis Díaz habría muerto de un disparo durante un evento de campaña
electoral. Se reportan otros actos de intimidación y violencia durante eventos de esa
naturaleza. Adicionalmente, se alega que la detención arbitraria de líderes políticos de la
oposición tendría como efecto de restringir el debate democrático y las libertades
públicas de sectores de la sociedad. Asimismo, se reporta la inhabilitación política de
líderes de oposición, impedidos de postularse como candidatos, la cual no se basaría
sobre decisión judicial o administrativa. Se reportan otros obstáculos que pondrían en
duda la independencia e imparcialidad del Consejo Nacional Electoral, órgano rector y
ejecutor de las elecciones. Se expresa preocupación por un ambiente pre electoral que
parece no contar con las garantías necesarias en la satisfacción de las y libertades
públicas de las víctimas. (Comunicaciones previas, ver: A/HRC/24/21, caso VEN 4/2013
del 16 de mayo 2013; A/HRC/27/72, caso VEN 1/2014 del 3 de marzo 2014;
A/HRC/28/85, caso 5/2014 del 27 de junio 2014; A/HRC/28/85, caso VEN 6/2014 del 6
de agosto 2014; A/HRC/29/50, caso VEN 8/2014 del 22 de diciembre 2014;
A/HRC/29/50, caso VEN 3/2015 del 23 de febrero 2015; A/HRC/30/27, caso VEN
6/2015 del 28 de mayo 2015 y caso VEN 13/2015 del 8 de noviembre 2015.
23/12/2015
10/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 0
8 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
13/01/2016
JAL
USA 21/2015
United States
of America
Business
enterprises;
Extreme
poverty;
Somalia;
Terrorism;
Allegations concerning the negative impact of termination of accounts of Somali money
transfer operators (MTOs) by commercial banks in the United States on the human rights
of Somali-Americans and people living in Somalia who are dependent on remittances
from the United States. According to the information received, the implementation and
enforcement of domestic and international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism
(AML/CFT) legislation and regulations resulted in increasing and widespread closure of
bank accounts of Somali MTOs in the United States. There are concerns that the closing
of bank accounts of Somali MTOs and the accompanying reduction in the level of
remittances to Somalia may have a direct and significant impact on the enjoyment of a
wide range of human rights of Somali-Americans as well as people living in Somalia,
including the rights to equality, culture, food, education, health and life. Related
communications were sent to the Governments of Australia, Somalia and the Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on 13 January 2016, see above, case nos. AUS
9/2015, SOM 2/2015 and GBR 5/2015.
13/05/2016
08/02/2016
JUA
GRC 1/2016
Greece
Arbitrary
detention;
Disability;
Health;
Torture;
Allegations of extremely alarming living and care conditions of the internees of the
Disability Branch of the Centre of Social Welfare of Western Greece, formerly known as
the Children’s Care Centre of Lechaina. According to the information received, this
institution, which hosts approximately 55 to 60 persons with intellectual disabilities,
including five children, lacks adequate medical and health care professionals. Due to
shortage of staff, most internees are allegedly sedated, spend their days in isolation and
are confined in cage beds or cells with wooden bars up to the ceiling. Several internees,
including young children, have their limbs reportedly strapped to their beds, some in
unnatural forced positions. Such conditions could seriously undermine the right of
persons with disabilities to liberty and security, to physical and mental integrity, to
freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, to freedom from all forms of
exploitation, violence and abuse, and to the highest attainable standard of physical and
mental health.
23/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 0
9
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
12/02/2016
JAL
OTH 4/2016
Other
Business
enterprises;
Hazardous
substances and
wastes; Health;
Alleged violations of the rights of at least 530 individuals who suffered from adverse
health impacts due to the exposure to hazardous chemicals found in humidifier
sterilizers, including over 140 deaths. According to the information received, since 2011,
several individuals have suffered from respiratory failure, acute pneumonia and other
unknown lung diseases as a result of using humidifiers sterilizers manufactured and sold
by several business entities, namely, Aekyung Co. Ltd., Costco Wholesale Korea, E-
mart Co. Ltd., GS Retail Co. Ltd., Hanvit Chemical Co. Ltd., Home Plus Co. Ltd., Lotte
Shopping Co. Ltd., Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, and SK Chemicals. It is alleged that two
investigations carried out by the Government to identify victims were based on a
classification scheme which resulted in identifying a limited number of victims and
potentially excluding other victims eligible for financial support, health monitoring and
any other elements of remedy. In addition to the current communication sent to Oxy
Reckitt Benckiser, related communications were sent to the above-mentioned companies
and the Governments of Republic of Korea on 12 February 2016. See below, case nos.
OTH 2/2016, OTH 3/2016, OTH 5/2016, OTH 6/2016, OTH 7/2016, OTH 8/2016, OTH
9/2016, OTH 10/2016, and KOR 1/2016.
12/04/2016
03/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
1 1
0 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
16/02/2016
JAL
LAO 1/2016
Lao People's
Democratic
Republic
Adequate
housing;
Business
enterprises;
Cultural Rights;
Environment;
Food; Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
Alleged human rights violations associated with the Don Sahong dam development
project of the lower Mekong River in the territory of Lao People’s Democratic Republic,
2 kilometres from the Laos-Cambodia border. According to the information received, the
dam construction, operated by a Malaysian developer, Mega First, is likely to adversely
affect approximately 29.7 million people residing both upstream and downstream from
the Mekong dam in Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Despite the anticipated
risks, it is alleged that the project is proceeding without adequate environmental and
human rights impact assessment and in the absence of meaningful consultations with the
concerned population while posing a considerable threat to the livelihoods of people
living in the area, particularly in relation to their right to an adequate standard of living,
including the rights to adequate food and housing, the right to the highest standard of
physical and mental health, cultural rights, the rights to information and participation, as
well as the rights of indigenous peoples. A related communication was sent to the
Government of Malaysia on 29 February 2016, see below, case no. MYS 1/2016, as well
as to Mega First Corporation Berhad and the Mekong River Commission on 29 February
2016, see below, case nos. OTH 12/2016 and OTH 13/2016.
10/05/2016
18/02/2016
JUA
IRN 4/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Cultural Rights;
Freedom of
expression;
Iran; Torture;
Allegations concerning the arrest, detention and sentencing of two musicians and a
filmmaker for producing and distributing underground music. According to the
information received, on 5 October 2013, Mr. Mehdi Rajabian, Mr. Yousef Emadi and
Mr. Hossein Rajabian were arrested by the intelligence unit of the Revolutionary Guard
and detained in the northern city of Sari, including in solitary confinement and without
access to a lawyer. After 18 days, all three men appeared before the 3rd Branch of the
Revolutionary Court and were sent to Evin Prison, Tehran, before being released after a
period ranging between 40 days and two months, upon payment of a bail of 200 million
Tomans (approximately 6.625 USD). In May 2015, the three individuals appeared at
their trial before Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court, who sentenced them to six years
in prison and fined them 200 million Tomans for “insulting the sacred” and “propaganda
against the state” through the production and promotion of underground music. On 22
December 2015, the three men appeared before Branch 54 of the Tehran Appeals Court,
whose decision is expected shortly.
17/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
1 1
1
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
19/02/2016
JAL
GTM 1/2016
Guatemala
Extreme
poverty; Food;
Carta enviada a las autoridades de Guatemala con el fin de alentar a las nuevas
autoridades cumplir con cuarto sentencias del Juzgado de Niñez y Adolescencia del
Departamento de Zacapa del 2013, centrales al derecho a la alimentación en Guatemala.
Se alienta concluir a la brevedad posible los avances en la elaboración y aprobación del
Protocolo de actuación para el ejercicio del derecho humano a la alimentación, en el
marco del cumplimiento de estas sentencias.
10/05/2016
19/02/2016
JUA
IRN 5/2016
Iran (Islamic
Republic of)
Freedom of
religion; Iran;
Alleged mass conviction of Baha’is for peaceful exercise of their right to freedom of
religion, expression and association. According to the information received, on 5 January
2016, Branch 2 of the Revolutionary Court in the city of Gorgan, Golestan Province of
Iran, sentenced 24 Iranian Baha’is (Shahnam Jazbani, 48 years old; Sheida Ghoddousi,
47 years old; Farahnaz Tebyanian, 48 years old; Pouneh Sanaie, 43 years old; Parisa
Shahidi, 46 years old; Mona Amri, 32 years old; Mojdeh Zohouri Golkenari, 43 years
old; Behnam Hasani, 42 years old; Hona Aghighian, 53 years old; Hona Koushk-Baghi,
37 years old; Bita Hedayati, 45 years old; Vesagh Sanaie, 39 years old; Shohreh Samimi,
41 years old; Tina Mowhebati, 21 years old; Parivash Shojaie, 37 years old; Roufia
Pakzadan, 27 years old; Nazi Tahghighi Hesari, 50 years old; Soudabeh Mehdinejad
Behnamiri, 42 years old; Mitra Nouri, 55 years old; Shiva Rowhani, 45 years old; Navid
Moallem, 47 years old; Houshmand Dehghan, 46 years old; Karmilia Bidelian, 42 years
old; Maryam Dehghan, 60 years old) to lengthy prison sentences, ranging from 6 to 11
years. The Revolutionary Court reportedly convicted them for violating the country’s
national security laws, especially articles 498, 499, 500 and 508 of the Islamic Penal
Code. Concern is expressed that the arrest, detention and sentencing of the 24
aforementioned Baha’is may be solely related to the peaceful exercise of their right to
freedom of religion, expression and association.
26/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
1 1
2 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
19/02/2016
JAL
TJK 1/2016
Tajikistan
Health;
Privacy;
Torture;
Alleged restrictions to the right to be free from degrading treatment, and the rights to
health and privacy in connection with amendments to the “Family Code of the Republic
of Tajikistan” and the “Law on State Registration of Acts of Civil Status”. According to
the information received, the amendments will require couples to undergo a mandatory
medical examination, including HIV testing, prior to registering their marriage. The test
results will reportedly be disclosed to both partners. Concern is expressed that the
amendments, if applied without respecting consent, confidentiality and necessity
requirements, may amount to degrading treatment. Such amendments could also
seriously infringe upon the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental
health and the right to privacy as they undermine informed consent and confidentiality,
and could potentially lead to the discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS based
on their health status.
14/04/2016
25/02/2016
AL
DEU 1/2016
Germany
Hazardous
substances and
wastes;
Letter in follow-up to the official country visit of the Special Rapporteur on the
implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of
hazardous substances and wastes to Germany from 30 November to 7 December 2015.
The letter contains a submission to the process of developing the German National
Action Plan on Business and Human Rights currently being drafted under the auspices of
the Federal Foreign Office. Concern is raised that on-going challenges exist in relation to
chemicals management. German businesses are encouraged to emerge as leaders in the
transition to safer chemicals and the Government is encouraged to enable this shift by
creating incentives and frameworks for businesses to foster a positive human rights
record.
29/02/2016
12/04/2016
27/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
1 1
3
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
25/02/2016
JAL
OTH 15/2016
Other
Freedom of
expression;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged arbitrary withdrawal of journalistic accreditation of a journalist covering United
Nations affairs in New York. According to the information received, on 19 February
2016, Mr. Matthew Lee received a letter in which the United Nations Under Secretary-
General for Communications and Public Information informed him of the Department of
Public Information’s (DPI) decision to withdraw his Resident Correspondent
accreditation at the United Nations Office in New York in favour of non-Resident
Correspondent. Later that day, Mr. Lee was escorted from the United Nations premises
after his current credential was annulled. The annulment of Mr. Lee’s accreditation was,
according to the letter received, based on an incident that occurred on 29 January 2016,
during the United Nations Correspondents Association Annual General Meeting, which
DPI allegedly determined was in violation of the United Nations Media Guidelines. On
that date, Mr. Lee’s allegedly tried to cover a meeting in the United Nations Press
Briefing Room, which he left after being informed by United Nations security of its
restricted nature. Allegedly, no information was requested from Mr. Lee nor was any
other written communication sent to him on this incident, until the receipt of the letter on
19 February.
25/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 1
4 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
25/02/2016
JAL
RUS 2/2016
Russian
Federation
Freedom of
expression;
Freedom of
peaceful
assembly and of
association;
Human rights
defenders;
Alleged liquidation of a human rights non-governmental organization. According to the
information received, on 10 February 2016, the Supreme Court of the Republic of
Tatarstan approved the Ministry of Justice’s request for the liquidation of Agora, a
prominent non-governmental organization, following a series of investigations in 2015
in relation to the work of the organization. The Ministry accused Agora of, inter alia,
conducting political actions with a view to “influencing public opinion”, of publishing
critical documents without indicating that their author had been labelled a “foreign
agent” organization, and of undertaking efforts to be excluded from the registry of
“foreign agents”. The adoption and application of the Law on Introducing Amendments
to Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation in Part Regulating Activities of Non-
commercial Organizations which Carry Functions of Foreign Agents was the subject of
six previous communications sent on 11 July 2012, see A/HRC/22/67, case no. RUS
5/2012; 13 June 2013, see A/HRC/25/74, case no. RUS 3/2013; 18 December 2013, see
A/HRC/26/21, case no. RUS 13/2013; 20 June 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. RUS
5/2014; 14 November 2014, see A/HRC/28/85, case no. RUS 9/2014; and 7 August
2015, see A/HRC/31/79, case no. RUS 4/2015.
23/05/2016
A /H
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/3 3
/3 2
1 1
5
Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
26/02/2016
JAL
GTM 2/2016
Guatemala
Disappearances;
Discrimination
against women;
Human rights
defenders;
Independence of
judges and
lawyers;
Indigenous
peoples;
Slavery;
Summary
executions;
Torture; Truth,
justice,
reparation &
guarantees on
non-rec;
Violence against
women;
Comunicación relativa al desarrollo de tres procesos judiciales sobre violaciones
manifiestas de las normas internacionales de derechos humanos y violaciones graves del
derecho internacional humanitario, ocurridas durante el período del conflicto armado
interno en Guatemala. Según las informaciones recibidas, procedimientos judiciales
habrían iniciado en tres causas conocidas por los nombres de CREOMPAZ; Molina
Theissen; y Sepur Zarco. Dieciocho militares en situación de retiro habrían sido objeto
de órdenes de captura y habrían sido acusados de varios delitos incluyendo delitos de
lesa humanidad, masacres, desaparición forzada, incluso en el caso de un niño, Marco
Antonio Molina Theissen, así como la esclavitud sexual y laboral de mujeres q’eqchíes
que vivían en la comunidad de Sepur Zarco, donde estaba ubicada una base militar
durante la época del conflicto armado interno. En el contexto de estos procesos
judiciales, se reportan un creciente número de mensajes y actos intimidatorios,
incluyendo de grupos ligados a los militares acusados, que buscarían desacreditar y
presionar a las víctimas y a quienes les apoyan en este proceso. Esta comunicación se
refiere a comunicaciones anteriores enviadas el 22 de diciembre de 2014, ver
A/HRC/29/50, caso no. GTM 8/2014; 18 de agosto de 2014, ver A/HRC/28/85, caso no.
GTM 5/2014; el 2 de mayo 2014, ver A/HRC/27/72, caso no. GTM 4/2014; el 30 de
octubre 2013, ver A/HRC/25/74, caso no. GTM 9/2013; el 17 de mayo 2013, ver
A/HRC/24/21, caso, no. GTM 5/2013; y el 15 de marzo 2013, ver A/HRC/24/21, caso
no. GTM 2/2013.
06/04/2016
24/05/2016
A /H
R C
/3 3
/3 2
1 1
6 Date
Type
Case No
Country Mandate(s) Summary of the allegation transmitted Reply
29/02/2016
JAL
OTH 13/2016
Other
Adequate
housing;
Business
enterprises;
Cultural Rights;
Environment;
Food; Health;
Indigenous
peoples;
Alleged human rights violations associated with the Don Sahong dam development
project of the lower Mekong River in the territory of Lao People’s Democratic Republic,
2 kilometres from the Laos-Cambodia border. According to the information received, the
dam construction, operated by a Malaysian developer, Mega First, is likely to adversely
affect approximately 29.7 million people residing both upstream and downstream from
the Mekong dam in Lao PDR, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Despite the anticipated
risks, it is alleged that the project is proceeding without adequate environmental and
human rights impact assessment and in the absence of meaningful consultation with the
concerned population while posing a considerable threat to the livelihoods of people
living in the area, particularly in relation to their right to an adequate standard of living,
including the rights to adequate food and housing, the right to the highest standard of
physical and mental health, cultural rights, the rights to information and participation, as
well as the rights of indigenous peoples. Related communications were sent to the
Governments of Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Malaysia on 16 and 29 February
2016, respectively, see above, case nos. LAO 1/2016 and MYS 1/2016, as well as to
Mega First Corporation Berhad, see above, case no. OTH 12/2016.
09/05/2016
117
Appendix
Mandates of special procedures (until 31 May 2016)
Mandate title
Human Rights
Council
resolution
Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and on the right to non-discrimination in this context
25/17
Working Group of Experts on people of African descent 27/25
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights of persons with albinism 28/6
Working Group on Arbitrary Detention 24/7
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus 32/26
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia 24/29
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Central African Republic 24/34
Independent Expert on capacity-building and technical cooperation with Côte d’Ivoire 26/32
Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights 28/9
Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order 27/9
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
25/25
Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities 26/20
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea 32/24
Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances 27/1
Independent expert on the effects of foreign debt and other related international financial obligations of States on the full enjoyment of human rights, particularly economic, social and cultural rights
25/16
Special Rapporteur on the right to education 26/17
Special Rapporteur on the issue of human rights obligations relating to the enjoyment of a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment
28/11
Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights 26/3
Special Rapporteur on the right to food 32/8
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression
25/2
Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 32/32
Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief 31/16
118
Mandate title
Human Rights
Council
resolution
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Haiti PRST 25/1
Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health
26/21
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders 25/18
Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers 26/7
Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples 24/9
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons 32/11
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran 25/24
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali 25/36
Working Group on the use of mercenaries 24/13
Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants 26/19
Special Rapporteur on minority issues 25/5
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar 25/26
Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons 24/20
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967
5/1
Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy 28/16
Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation & guarantees of non- recurrence
27/3
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
25/32
Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography 25/6
Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery 24/3
Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity 26/6
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan 24/28
Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia 24/30
Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions 26/12
Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Syrian Arab Republic S-18/1
Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism
31/3
119
Mandate title
Human Rights
Council
resolution
Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
25/13
Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes
27/23
Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and children 26/8
Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises
26/22
Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights
27/21
Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences 32/19
Working Group on the issue of discrimination against women in law and in practice 32/4
Special Rapporteur on the human right to safe drinking water and sanitation 24/18