MALI'S TIMBUKTU AND TOMB OF ASKIA SITES ADDED TO LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE IN DANGER
New York, Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
The World Heritage Committee today accepted a request from the Government of Mali to place Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
"The decision aims to raise cooperation and support for the sites threatened by the armed conflict in the region," according to a <"http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/heritage_sites_in_northern_mali_placed_on_list_of_world_heritage_in_danger/">news release from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The Committee, meeting in St Petersburg until 6 July, also asked Mali's neighbours to do all in their power to prevent the trafficking in cultural objects from the sites.
"There is concern that such objects, notably important ancient manuscripts, be looted and smuggled abroad by unscrupulous dealers," UNESCO added.
The 21 members of the World Heritage Committee urged the African Union and the international community to do everything possible to help protect Timbuktu, inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage in 1988, and the Tomb of Askia, inscribed in 2004.
According to UNESCO, Timbuktu was an intellectual and spiritual capital and a centre for the propagation of Islam throughout Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. The 17 metre high pyramidal structure of the Tomb of Askia was built by the Emperor of Songhai in 1495, and bears testimony to the power and riches of the empire that flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries through its control of the trans-Saharan trade.
Northern Mali has experienced upheaval, with thousands of people forced to leave their homes due to fighting between Government troops and Tuareg rebels, which resumed in January. In addition, Mali is also dealing with the impact of a coup by rebel Malian soldiers who took control of the country earlier this year.
The World Heritage Committee meets once a year, and is responsible for the implementation of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention, which defines the kind of natural or cultural sites which can be considered for inscription on the World Heritage List. The Committee's other responsibilities include the inscription or deletion of properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, has repeatedly urged international cooperation to protect the sites in Mali.
In April, following reports that rebels had over-run and looted centres containing thousands of ancient books and documents in Timbuktu, Ms. Bokova voiced concern about the risks posed by the fighting.
In May, following reports of wilful damage to mausoleums at the site, she sent a mission to the country to advance ways to work with the authorities on the preservation of the two sites. During the mission, UNESCO and the Government of Mali defined measures to safeguard World Heritage Properties in the country's north – including Timbuktu.
The agreed-on steps to preserve the country's cultural heritage include Mali finalizing its accession to the 1999 <i>Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict</i>, as well requesting the inscription of Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Mali will also draft a report on priority measures for its World Heritage sites, in line with international heritage conventions, and it will request technical and financial assistance from UNESCO and the international community.
The List of World Heritage in Danger is designed to inform the international community of threats to the outstanding universal values for which a property has been inscribed on the World Heritage List, and to encourage corrective action.
Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
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Thursday, June 28, 2012
UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL JAILS SERB LEADER FOR THIRD TIME OVER CONTEMPT OF COURT
UN WAR CRIMES TRIBUNAL JAILS SERB LEADER FOR THIRD TIME OVER CONTEMPT OF COURT
New York, Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations war crimes tribunal set up in the wake of the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today sentenced a leader of the Serb Radical Party – already facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity – to two years imprisonment for failure to remove confidential information from his website, in violation of the court's orders.
Vojislav Šešelj is on trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 1991 and 1994, against the non-Serb population from large parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Vojvodina, Serbia.
On his website, Mr. Šešelj published four of his books and six confidential filings which reveal confidential information about a number of protected witnesses who testified in his main trial before the Tribunal for alleged war crimes.
"Non-compliance with such orders is a serious matter, which not only interferes with the administration of justice but risks undermining public confidence in the Tribunal and, thereby, the effectiveness of its judicial function, including its ability to grant effective protective measures where necessary," said the presiding judge, Stefan Trechsel, said in a news release.
According to the ICTY, Mr. Šešelj was in position to remove the information from his website, but failed to so despite repeated orders, and had explicitly stated that he did not intend to comply with the order to remove on of his books in particular.
This was the ICTY's third contempt trial against Mr. Šešelj. He was first convicted to 15 months of imprisonment on 19 May 2010 for disclosing the personal details of protected witnesses in a book he authored, and subsequently to 18 additional months for the same reason in a different book. Both books were among those at issue in the third contempt case.
"The repetitious nature of his conduct is demonstrated by his continuing refusal to obey the orders requiring him to remove confidential material which he has disclosed on many occasions over the course of several years," the Tribunal said. "This flagrant disregard for Chambers orders amounts to a direct attack upon the judicial authority of the Tribunal."
The ICTY – which sits in The Hague in the Netherlands – also dismissed today Radovan Karadžic's oral motion for acquittal on 10 counts of the indictment against him, but granted his motion in relation to count one of the indictment, in which he was charged with genocide for crimes committed between March and December 1992 in several municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mr. Karadžic, a former Bosnian Serb leader, was charged by the prosecution with 11 counts of genocide and crimes against humanity including murder, extermination, persecution, deportation and hostage taking, related to actions against Bosnian Muslims, Bosnian Croats and other non-Serb civilians in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995.
He was indicted in July 1995 and was transferred into the Tribunal's custody in July 2008, after more than 13 years spent evading arrest. The trial began in October 2009, and his defence team is scheduled to present its case on 16 October this year.
Since its establishment, the Tribunal has indicted 161 persons for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 2001. Proceedings against 126 have been concluded and proceedings are currently ongoing for 35 accused.
Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
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New York, Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations war crimes tribunal set up in the wake of the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s today sentenced a leader of the Serb Radical Party – already facing trial on charges of crimes against humanity – to two years imprisonment for failure to remove confidential information from his website, in violation of the court's orders.
Vojislav Šešelj is on trial before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between 1991 and 1994, against the non-Serb population from large parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Vojvodina, Serbia.
On his website, Mr. Šešelj published four of his books and six confidential filings which reveal confidential information about a number of protected witnesses who testified in his main trial before the Tribunal for alleged war crimes.
"Non-compliance with such orders is a serious matter, which not only interferes with the administration of justice but risks undermining public confidence in the Tribunal and, thereby, the effectiveness of its judicial function, including its ability to grant effective protective measures where necessary," said the presiding judge, Stefan Trechsel, said in a news release.
According to the ICTY, Mr. Šešelj was in position to remove the information from his website, but failed to so despite repeated orders, and had explicitly stated that he did not intend to comply with the order to remove on of his books in particular.
This was the ICTY's third contempt trial against Mr. Šešelj. He was first convicted to 15 months of imprisonment on 19 May 2010 for disclosing the personal details of protected witnesses in a book he authored, and subsequently to 18 additional months for the same reason in a different book. Both books were among those at issue in the third contempt case.
"The repetitious nature of his conduct is demonstrated by his continuing refusal to obey the orders requiring him to remove confidential material which he has disclosed on many occasions over the course of several years," the Tribunal said. "This flagrant disregard for Chambers orders amounts to a direct attack upon the judicial authority of the Tribunal."
The ICTY – which sits in The Hague in the Netherlands – also dismissed today Radovan Karadžic's oral motion for acquittal on 10 counts of the indictment against him, but granted his motion in relation to count one of the indictment, in which he was charged with genocide for crimes committed between March and December 1992 in several municipalities of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Mr. Karadžic, a former Bosnian Serb leader, was charged by the prosecution with 11 counts of genocide and crimes against humanity including murder, extermination, persecution, deportation and hostage taking, related to actions against Bosnian Muslims, Bosnian Croats and other non-Serb civilians in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992 and 1995.
He was indicted in July 1995 and was transferred into the Tribunal's custody in July 2008, after more than 13 years spent evading arrest. The trial began in October 2009, and his defence team is scheduled to present its case on 16 October this year.
Since its establishment, the Tribunal has indicted 161 persons for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed on the territory of the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 2001. Proceedings against 126 have been concluded and proceedings are currently ongoing for 35 accused.
Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
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UN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES RESTRAINT BY SUDANESE AUTHORITIES DURING PLANNED PROTESTS
UN RIGHTS CHIEF URGES RESTRAINT BY SUDANESE AUTHORITIES DURING PLANNED PROTESTS
New York, Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations human rights chief today called on the Sudanese authorities to ensure that protests planned for Friday are allowed to proceed peacefully, without security forces resorting to violent measures and mass arrests as was seen in recent weeks.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, noted that dozens of individuals, including human rights defenders, journalists, students and political opponents, have been arrested since the protests began in the capital, Khartoum, on 17 June.
"I urge the Government to immediately and unconditionally release those who have been detained for merely exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression. Reports of ill treatment in detention are very worrying and must be investigated promptly," she added in a <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12300&LangID=E">news release.
"Tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition and other heavy-handed suppression will not resolve the frustrations and grievances of the people regarding shortcomings in their enjoyment of economic, social, civil and political rights," Ms. Pillay said. "Genuine dialogue with Government critics is far more effective than arbitrary detention and violence if the Government wishes to create a stable and successful society."
Some of those who were arrested were released reportedly after being made to sign an undertaking that they would not participate in any further "riots," according to the news release. In addition, injured protestors have reportedly been removed from hospitals by the authorities and detained.
The High Commissioner stressed the Government's obligation under international human rights law to respect the fundamental human rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
She urged restraint by the Government and also called on protestors to ensure, on their part, that no violence or damage to property takes place during the demonstrations.
Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
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New York, Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
The United Nations human rights chief today called on the Sudanese authorities to ensure that protests planned for Friday are allowed to proceed peacefully, without security forces resorting to violent measures and mass arrests as was seen in recent weeks.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, noted that dozens of individuals, including human rights defenders, journalists, students and political opponents, have been arrested since the protests began in the capital, Khartoum, on 17 June.
"I urge the Government to immediately and unconditionally release those who have been detained for merely exercising their rights to freedom of assembly and expression. Reports of ill treatment in detention are very worrying and must be investigated promptly," she added in a <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12300&LangID=E">news release.
"Tear gas, rubber bullets, live ammunition and other heavy-handed suppression will not resolve the frustrations and grievances of the people regarding shortcomings in their enjoyment of economic, social, civil and political rights," Ms. Pillay said. "Genuine dialogue with Government critics is far more effective than arbitrary detention and violence if the Government wishes to create a stable and successful society."
Some of those who were arrested were released reportedly after being made to sign an undertaking that they would not participate in any further "riots," according to the news release. In addition, injured protestors have reportedly been removed from hospitals by the authorities and detained.
The High Commissioner stressed the Government's obligation under international human rights law to respect the fundamental human rights of freedom of assembly and freedom of expression.
She urged restraint by the Government and also called on protestors to ensure, on their part, that no violence or damage to property takes place during the demonstrations.
Jun 28 2012 1:10PM
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UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS CONDEMN RECENT EXECUTION IN IRAN
UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS CONDEMN RECENT EXECUTION IN IRAN
New York, Jun 28 2012 11:10AM
Three independent United Nations human rights experts have condemned the recent execution of four members of the Ahwazi Arab minority in Iran after a reportedly unfair trial, and called on the Government to halt the use of the death penalty.
Abdul Rahman Heidarian, Abbas Heidarian, Taha Heidarian – who are brothers – and Ali Sharif were reportedly arrested in April 2011 during a protest in the province of Khuzestan and convicted of Moharebeh (enmity against God) and Fasad-fil Arz (corruption on earth), according to a news release issued by the experts.
They were sentenced to death and executed on or around 19 June in Karoun Prison, in the province's capital, Ahwaz.
"Given the lack of transparency in court proceedings, major concerns remain about due process and fairness of trials in cases involving the death penalty in Iran," said the three UN Special Rapporteurs – Ahmed Shaheed, Christof Heyns and Juan E. Méndez – who deal with Iran, summary executions and torture, respectively.
"Under international law, the death penalty is the most extreme form of punishment, which, if it is used at all, should be imposed only for the most serious crimes," they said. "Defendants in death penalty cases should also receive fair trial guarantees stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Iran in 1975."
"Any death sentence undertaken in contravention of those international obligations is tantamount to an arbitrary execution," stressed the three experts.
The rights experts noted with concern the high numbers of executions carried out in public – at least 25 this year alone – despite a circular issued in January 2008 by the Iranian Chief Justice banning the practice.
"Executions in public add to the already cruel, inhuman and degrading nature of the death penalty and can only have a dehumanizing effect on the victim and a brutalizing effect on those who witness the execution," the experts underscored.
They voiced regret that the authorities continue to apply the death penalty with alarming frequency, despite numerous calls to the Government to establish a moratorium on executions.
At least 140 executions are known to have been carried out since the beginning of 2012, with some sources indicating the figure to be as high as 220. The majority of these are for drug-related offences, which the experts do not believe constitute the "most serious crimes" as required by international law.
The experts urged the Iranian authorities "to halt immediately the imposition of the death penalty for crimes which do not constitute the most serious crimes, as well as ensure stringent respect for fair trial guarantees."
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Mr. Shaheed; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Mr. Heyns; and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Mr. Méndez all serve in an independent and unpaid capacity.
They report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which appoints experts to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme.
Jun 28 2012 11:10AM
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New York, Jun 28 2012 11:10AM
Three independent United Nations human rights experts have condemned the recent execution of four members of the Ahwazi Arab minority in Iran after a reportedly unfair trial, and called on the Government to halt the use of the death penalty.
Abdul Rahman Heidarian, Abbas Heidarian, Taha Heidarian – who are brothers – and Ali Sharif were reportedly arrested in April 2011 during a protest in the province of Khuzestan and convicted of Moharebeh (enmity against God) and Fasad-fil Arz (corruption on earth), according to a news release issued by the experts.
They were sentenced to death and executed on or around 19 June in Karoun Prison, in the province's capital, Ahwaz.
"Given the lack of transparency in court proceedings, major concerns remain about due process and fairness of trials in cases involving the death penalty in Iran," said the three UN Special Rapporteurs – Ahmed Shaheed, Christof Heyns and Juan E. Méndez – who deal with Iran, summary executions and torture, respectively.
"Under international law, the death penalty is the most extreme form of punishment, which, if it is used at all, should be imposed only for the most serious crimes," they said. "Defendants in death penalty cases should also receive fair trial guarantees stipulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, ratified by Iran in 1975."
"Any death sentence undertaken in contravention of those international obligations is tantamount to an arbitrary execution," stressed the three experts.
The rights experts noted with concern the high numbers of executions carried out in public – at least 25 this year alone – despite a circular issued in January 2008 by the Iranian Chief Justice banning the practice.
"Executions in public add to the already cruel, inhuman and degrading nature of the death penalty and can only have a dehumanizing effect on the victim and a brutalizing effect on those who witness the execution," the experts underscored.
They voiced regret that the authorities continue to apply the death penalty with alarming frequency, despite numerous calls to the Government to establish a moratorium on executions.
At least 140 executions are known to have been carried out since the beginning of 2012, with some sources indicating the figure to be as high as 220. The majority of these are for drug-related offences, which the experts do not believe constitute the "most serious crimes" as required by international law.
The experts urged the Iranian authorities "to halt immediately the imposition of the death penalty for crimes which do not constitute the most serious crimes, as well as ensure stringent respect for fair trial guarantees."
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, Mr. Shaheed; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Mr. Heyns; and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, Mr. Méndez all serve in an independent and unpaid capacity.
They report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which appoints experts to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme.
Jun 28 2012 11:10AM
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Academy and Learning Center for AISECT - IGNOU call - 2311376, 9823569169, 9422453450
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UN OFFICIALS UNDERSCORE NEED FOR LONG-TERM SUPPORT FOR AFGHANISTAN’S DEVELOPMENT
UN OFFICIALS UNDERSCORE NEED FOR LONG-TERM SUPPORT FOR AFGHANISTAN'S DEVELOPMENT
New York, Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
Long-term support for Afghanistan's socio-economic development is vital as the country proceeds on its path towards assuming full responsibility for its security, governance and development, top United Nations officials told the Security Council today.
The Council's meeting comes ahead of the international conference on Afghanistan to be held in Tokyo on 8 July which is intended to engage on long-term and predictable international economic, development and governance assistance, as well as regional economic cooperation.
Presenting the Secretary-General's latest report on Afghanistan to the Council, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, said that significant progress affecting Afghanistan had been made during two international conferences in Kabul and Chicago, and the same is expected next month in Tokyo.
"This progress is beginning to define and shape the future of Afghanistan as it makes its way towards self-reliance," he said, adding that security alone will not bring lasting stability and peace to Afghanistan.
"Just as we have seen progress in defining long-term support to the security side, it is equally important to see the same level of commitment to the socio-economic development sector," he stated. He added that he looked forward to the Tokyo conference as an important step in this direction.
In his report on Afghanistan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states that the Tokyo conference "must deliver a clear message that Afghanistan will not be abandoned in its development and social needs," adding that tangible commitments are required regarding long-term support to Afghanistan, its self-reliance strategy and its national priority programmes.
Mr. Ladsous highlighted in particular that the production and trafficking of narcotics from Afghanistan undermines the stability of the region and affects the whole world.
Addressing the same Council meeting, and focussing on the narcotics aspect, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov, said that Afghanistan produces around 90 per cent of the world's opiates, and the southern part of the country is the world's largest opium-producing region.
At the same time, Afghanistan also suffers from the highest rates of opiate prevalence in the world, as well as HIV/AIDS, he added.
"There are many challenges in Afghanistan, but I would encourage Member States to do everything possible to communicate the message that illicit drugs and crime are capable of undermining attempts to promote economic and social development in the country," he stated.
Mr. Fedotov said his recent visit to the poppy fields in the province of Badakshan showed that eradication efforts must be more vigorously supported by alternative development programmes. And while Afghan authorities dealing with counter-narcotics are demonstrating their own commitment to combating poppy cultivation, much more needs to be done.
He highlighted a number of initiatives underway, including the $117 million country programme for Afghanistan that UNODC launched in May. The initiative, which is linked to the regional programme for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, as part of the Office's overall strategy to provide a coherent field response to drug trafficking and ensure closer cooperation among regional and international actors.
In his remarks to the Council meeting, Mr. Ladsous also emphasized that all parties, particularly Afghan security forces, must continue to prioritize the protection of civilians.
Referring to the Secretary-General's report, he noted that the recent "dramatic" decline in security incidents was marred by continued targeting of civilians by anti-Government elements, and 2011 marked the fifth consecutive year that civilian casualties increased overall.
"This is simply not acceptable," he said. "We must continue to urge all parties to the conflict to increase their efforts to protect civilians and call for individuals responsible to be held accountable."
Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
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New York, Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
Long-term support for Afghanistan's socio-economic development is vital as the country proceeds on its path towards assuming full responsibility for its security, governance and development, top United Nations officials told the Security Council today.
The Council's meeting comes ahead of the international conference on Afghanistan to be held in Tokyo on 8 July which is intended to engage on long-term and predictable international economic, development and governance assistance, as well as regional economic cooperation.
Presenting the Secretary-General's latest report on Afghanistan to the Council, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, said that significant progress affecting Afghanistan had been made during two international conferences in Kabul and Chicago, and the same is expected next month in Tokyo.
"This progress is beginning to define and shape the future of Afghanistan as it makes its way towards self-reliance," he said, adding that security alone will not bring lasting stability and peace to Afghanistan.
"Just as we have seen progress in defining long-term support to the security side, it is equally important to see the same level of commitment to the socio-economic development sector," he stated. He added that he looked forward to the Tokyo conference as an important step in this direction.
In his report on Afghanistan, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon states that the Tokyo conference "must deliver a clear message that Afghanistan will not be abandoned in its development and social needs," adding that tangible commitments are required regarding long-term support to Afghanistan, its self-reliance strategy and its national priority programmes.
Mr. Ladsous highlighted in particular that the production and trafficking of narcotics from Afghanistan undermines the stability of the region and affects the whole world.
Addressing the same Council meeting, and focussing on the narcotics aspect, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Yury Fedotov, said that Afghanistan produces around 90 per cent of the world's opiates, and the southern part of the country is the world's largest opium-producing region.
At the same time, Afghanistan also suffers from the highest rates of opiate prevalence in the world, as well as HIV/AIDS, he added.
"There are many challenges in Afghanistan, but I would encourage Member States to do everything possible to communicate the message that illicit drugs and crime are capable of undermining attempts to promote economic and social development in the country," he stated.
Mr. Fedotov said his recent visit to the poppy fields in the province of Badakshan showed that eradication efforts must be more vigorously supported by alternative development programmes. And while Afghan authorities dealing with counter-narcotics are demonstrating their own commitment to combating poppy cultivation, much more needs to be done.
He highlighted a number of initiatives underway, including the $117 million country programme for Afghanistan that UNODC launched in May. The initiative, which is linked to the regional programme for Afghanistan and neighbouring countries, as part of the Office's overall strategy to provide a coherent field response to drug trafficking and ensure closer cooperation among regional and international actors.
In his remarks to the Council meeting, Mr. Ladsous also emphasized that all parties, particularly Afghan security forces, must continue to prioritize the protection of civilians.
Referring to the Secretary-General's report, he noted that the recent "dramatic" decline in security incidents was marred by continued targeting of civilians by anti-Government elements, and 2011 marked the fifth consecutive year that civilian casualties increased overall.
"This is simply not acceptable," he said. "We must continue to urge all parties to the conflict to increase their efforts to protect civilians and call for individuals responsible to be held accountable."
Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
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UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT DEMANDS ISRAEL HALT DEMOLITION OF PALESTINIAN HOMES
UN HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERT DEMANDS ISRAEL HALT DEMOLITION OF PALESTINIAN HOMES
New York, Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
An independent United Nations human rights expert today demanded that Israel immediately stop tearing down Palestinian homes, noting that the number of people affected by the demolition of Palestinian buildings has risen by 87 per cent compared to last year.
"Already this year, Israeli authorities have demolished over 330 Palestinian structures, including homes, animal shelters, water cisterns and roads," the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Richard Falk, said in a <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12296&LangID=E">news release.
He stressed that half of the 536 Palestinians who have been displaced in 2012 are children, noting that "such demolitions amount to violations against 2,100 Palestinians."
Mr. Falk described as "deeply troubling" the situation in the West Bank community of Susiya, where over 160 Palestinians, including 120 children, will be forcibly displaced if the demolition orders are executed by Israel.
"Israelis expand their illegal outposts near Susiya, without any effort by the Government of Israel to hinder them. At the same time, the Israeli High Court of Justice facilitates the demolition of Palestinians' homes nearby," Mr. Falk said.
He recalled that an appeal from an Israeli settler organization Regavim to the High Court had led to demolition orders against Palestinians in Susiya.
"Such discrimination is part and parcel of Israel's occupation of Palestine," the expert said, adding that if Israeli authorities want to respect their international legal obligations, they will freeze the demolition orders in Susiya.
Senior UN officials have repeatedly called for an end to Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied territories, particularly the West Bank, stressing that, as the occupying Power, Israel has a fundamental responsibility to protect the Palestinian civilian population under its control and to ensure their dignity and well-being.
Mr. Falk, who has served in his post since 2008, is scheduled to present his report to the current session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next Monday.
Special rapporteurs, or independent experts, are appointed by the Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. They work in an independent and unpaid capacity.
Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
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New York, Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
An independent United Nations human rights expert today demanded that Israel immediately stop tearing down Palestinian homes, noting that the number of people affected by the demolition of Palestinian buildings has risen by 87 per cent compared to last year.
"Already this year, Israeli authorities have demolished over 330 Palestinian structures, including homes, animal shelters, water cisterns and roads," the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, Richard Falk, said in a <"http://www.ohchr.org/en/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=12296&LangID=E">news release.
He stressed that half of the 536 Palestinians who have been displaced in 2012 are children, noting that "such demolitions amount to violations against 2,100 Palestinians."
Mr. Falk described as "deeply troubling" the situation in the West Bank community of Susiya, where over 160 Palestinians, including 120 children, will be forcibly displaced if the demolition orders are executed by Israel.
"Israelis expand their illegal outposts near Susiya, without any effort by the Government of Israel to hinder them. At the same time, the Israeli High Court of Justice facilitates the demolition of Palestinians' homes nearby," Mr. Falk said.
He recalled that an appeal from an Israeli settler organization Regavim to the High Court had led to demolition orders against Palestinians in Susiya.
"Such discrimination is part and parcel of Israel's occupation of Palestine," the expert said, adding that if Israeli authorities want to respect their international legal obligations, they will freeze the demolition orders in Susiya.
Senior UN officials have repeatedly called for an end to Israel's demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied territories, particularly the West Bank, stressing that, as the occupying Power, Israel has a fundamental responsibility to protect the Palestinian civilian population under its control and to ensure their dignity and well-being.
Mr. Falk, who has served in his post since 2008, is scheduled to present his report to the current session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva next Monday.
Special rapporteurs, or independent experts, are appointed by the Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. They work in an independent and unpaid capacity.
Jun 27 2012 7:10PM
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