July 2021

Monthly News Updates: Human Rights Institutions - July 2021

By: Irene Aparicio García, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

The following post summarizes and highlights the work of regional and international human rights institutions around the world in the month of July.

EUROPE 

European Court of Human Rights | Russia lodges its first inter-state complaint before the ECtHR against Ukraine

The ECtHR has registered a Russian inter-state application against Ukraine.  This is Russia’s first inter-state application before the ECtHR.  The case concerns the alleged systematized oppression by Ukraine of Russian-speaking individuals in Ukrainian territory.  Russia also complained about Ukraine allegedly shutting down the water supply of the Northern Crimean Canal.  Furthermore, the complaint alleges that Ukraine bears responsibility for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, due to its failure to close its airspace.  The ECtHR rejected Russia’s request for interim measures to protect Russian-speaking individuals in Ukraine.  [July 23, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | The ECtHR finds a failure by Russia to provide a legal framework for the acknowledgment of same-sex couples

The ECtHR has issued its judgment on the Fedotova and Others v. Russia case.  The case concerned the lack of domestic law acknowledging the ability of same-sex couples to marry at Russian municipal registry offices.  The ECtHR found a violation of the applicants’ right to respect for private and family life.  [July 13, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | The ECtHR declares inadmissible an application on the alleged murder of Yasser Arafat

The ECtHR has declared the application for the case of El Kodwa Arafat v. France inadmissible.  The applicants are the widow and daughter of Yasser Arafat, the previous Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization.  The applicants claimed that the refusal of French authorities to admit an expert report on the circumstances of the death of Yasser Arafat as evidence amounted to a violation of their right to a fair trial.  The ECtHR held that French authorities acted diligently upon the complaint.  [July 1, 2021]

AFRICA 

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | The ACHPR expresses its concern over excessive use of force during protests in the Kingdom of eSwatini. 

The ACHPR has expressed its concern over eSwatini police’s excessive use of force and the human rights violations during pro-democracy protests.  These protests started after police forces killed a student on May 14.  Since this date, eSwatini has deployed further personnel to subdue the protests, resulting in more civilian deaths.  [July 17, 2021]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | The ACHPR and the UNHCR express their concern over the migratory crisis in Mozambique

The ACHPR and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have expressed their concern over the migratory crisis in Mozambique.  The number of internally displaced persons is consistently increasing due to the conflict in northern Mozambique, and the situation continues to deteriorate due to attacks by non-state armed groups.  Moreover, the ACHPR and the UNHCR have expressed their concern over the Tanzanian authorities’ pushbacks of Mozambican migrants who try to cross the border.  [July 16, 2021]

THE AMERICAS 

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IAHCR and the IACtHR condemn the murder of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse

The IACHR and the IACtHR have condemned the murder of the President of Haiti, Jovenel Moïse, by an armed group on June 7, 2021.  Both institutions have given their condolences to the family and have expressed their concern over the health status of the wife of the President, who was injured during the attack.  The IACHR has called on Haiti to continue to respect democratic principles and the human rights of its population.  [July 9, 2021]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IAHCR publishes its observations and recommendations on a working visit to Colombia

The IACHR has published its report on its working visit to Colombia, which it conducted between June 8 and June 10 of this year.  The IACHR carried out the state visit following the reports of the security forces’ excessive use of force and human rights violations during the civilian protests that started on April 28.  The report includes the IACHR’s observations and recommendations, such as the need for inclusive dialogue and the consideration of human rights leaders.  [July 7, 2021]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IAHCR refers the case of Fabio Gadea and Daniel Ortega to the IACtHR

The IACHR has referred the case of the Nicaraguan Fabio Gadea to the IACtHR.  The applicant was the political opponent of Daniel Ortega, current president of Nicaragua, in the 2011 presidential elections.  The case concerns the legality of the candidacy of Ortega in the elections since a decision by the Supreme Court of Justice determined that Ortega could participate again despite having already served two presidential terms.  [July 8, 2021]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IACHR condemns human rights violations during the peaceful protests in Cuba

The IACHR and one of its Special Rapporteurs have condemned the Cuban authorities’ excessive use of force and the arbitrary detentions since peaceful protests commenced on July 11.  The protests started in reaction to decreasing access to food and basic provisions in Cuba since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The IACHR has called on Cuba to join the international human rights mechanisms and to respect the protestors’ freedom of assembly.  [July 15, 2021]

The IACHR’s Office of the Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression has also expressed its concern over the human rights violations during the protests in Cuba.  The protests were followed by arbitrary arrests and improper safeguards ensuring due process and fair trial of the protestors.  The Office has called on Cuba to redirect its approach towards the protests and strengthen the respect for human rights.  [July 23, 2021]

UN MECHANISMS

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights | The High Commissioner for Human Rights expresses concern over the misuse of surveillance technology of the Pegasus software

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern over the widespread use of the Pegasus software for the surveillance of human rights advocates, journalists, and politicians.  The High Commissioner has stressed that the misuse of surveillance technology can lead to human rights violations and even murders of civil society actors.  The High Commissioner also stressed that it is the responsibility of surveillance technology companies to ensure that their software is not used for human rights violations.  [July 19, 2021]

Human Rights Council | Developments during the Human Rights Council 47th session

The Human Rights Council finalized its 47th session on July 14, 2021.  During the session, the Council created an independent expert mechanism on systemic racism in law enforcement.  The Council also extended the missions of the Special Rapporteurs on the ongoing human rights situations in Eritrea and Belarus.  [July 14, 2021]

Moreover, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967 presented his annual report during the Human Rights Council session.  The expert concluded that Israeli settlements in occupied territories amounted to war crimes under the Rome Statute of 1998 and the Fourth Geneva Convention.  The Palestinian representative complained that Israel did not send a delegate to attend the session.  [July 9, 2021]

Lastly, the chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic issued a statement during the Human Rights Council session on July 6.  The chair stressed the ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Syrian civilians amidst the ongoing conflict in the region.  The chair also stressed the need to design and implement a “mechanism on the missing” to register persons that cannot be found or who are detained, which could help in determining the number of deaths.  The Syrian representative complained of interventionism and alleged human rights violations by external actors, like the United States and Turkey. [July 6, 2021]

June 2021

Monthly News Updates: Human Rights Mechanisms - June 2021

By: Irene Aparicio García, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

The following post summarizes and highlights some of the updates on the work of regional and international human rights mechanisms around the world in the month of June.

EUROPE 

European Court of Human Rights | The ECtHR finds a violation of the right to freedom of expression of a Basque separatist politician 

The ECtHR has issued its judgment in the Erkizia Almandoz v. Spain case.  The case concerns a Basque separatist politician convicted in Spain for a “terrorism glorification offense”.  The Spanish National High Court convicted the applicant after he had made several statements during a ceremony to commemorate the murder of a member of the terrorist organization ETA.  The applicant allegedly supported the actions of the ETA member during his speech.  The ECtHR has found a violation of the applicant’s right to freedom of expression. [June 22, 2021].

European Court of Human Rights | The ECtHR finds no violation of the right to life in the domestic violence case of Kurt v. Austria

The ECtHR’s Grand Chamber has issued its judgment in the Kurt v. Austria case.  The case concerns a father who murdered his son after the mother consistently complained to Austrian authorities about the father’s domestic violence.  The applicant, the mother of the child, claimed that Austrian authorities had grounds to detain the father based on the multiple protection orders against him, which would have prevented the death of the child.  The Chamber found no violation of the right to life.  It is the Chamber’s first clarification of the interpretation of the right to life in cases of domestic violence. [June 17, 2021]

AFRICA 

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | The ACHPR launches the Commission of Inquiry on the Tigray Region in Ethiopia 

The ACHPR has announced the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry in the conflict in the Tigray Region in Ethiopia.  The Commission is based in the Gambia and tasked with conducting investigations into the human rights violations that took place in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region.  The Commission began its work on June 17. [June 15, 2021]

African Court on Human and People’s Rights | The AfCHPR appoints a new president and a new vice-president during its 61st session

During its 61st session, the AfCHPR appointed Justice Imani Daud Aboud as its new president.  Aboud is originally from Tanzania and will hold the position for two years.  The AfCHPR also appointed Justice Blaise Tchikaya, from the Republic of Congo, as its new vice president. [May 31, 2021] 

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | The ACHPR condemns the kidnapping of 200 children from an Islamic school in Nigeria

The ACHPR has condemned the kidnapping of 200 children from an Islamic school in Tagina, Nigeria, on May 30.  According to reports, the perpetrators entered the town, opened fire on the school, and kidnapped the children.  The ACHPR has called upon Nigeria to conduct a transparent investigation and reminded Nigeria of its duties under the African Charter, which includes the right to education.[May 31, 2021]

THE AMERICAS 

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IACHR requests provisional measures to protect several members of the political opposition in Nicaragua 

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has requested that the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) grants provisional measures to protect several members of the political opposition in Nicaragua.  These individuals are currently in detention, and the Nicaraguan authorities may be threatening their rights to life and personal integrity.  The IACHR had already granted precautionary measures regarding this situation twice.  However, the IACHR fears that this is no longer sufficient as Nicaragua has not provided information on the implementation of these initial measures, suggesting an increased risk for the opposition politicians concerned.  Therefore, the IACHR has decided to request the implementation of the more binding provisional measures by the IACtHR. [June 23, 2021]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IACHR adopts provisional measures to protect a journalist in Nicaragua 

The IACHR adopted precautionary measures to protect Kalua Salazar and her family.  Salazar is the director of the independent media La Costeñísima.  Nicaraguan authorities are surveilling her and her family because of her journalistic work.  The IACHR has requested Nicaragua to take the necessary steps to protect Salazar and her family’s life. [June 14, 2021] 

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | Colombia’s working visit to the IACHR took place from June 8 to June 10 

The IACHR’s working visit to Colombia took place from June 8 to June 10.  The IACHR requested the visit in the context of the human rights violations during the social protests that have been ongoing since April 28 of this year. The IACHR has recognized Colombia’s willingness and cooperation, and it met with different sectors of society to gather testimonies from different groups. [June 8-10, 2021] 

UN MECHANISMS

Human Rights Council (Several UN experts) | Several UN experts call on the Holy See to act against the cases of children’s sexual abuses

Several UN experts have called on the Holy See to take measures against cases of child sexual abuse occurring in Catholic institutions.  The experts have highlighted the obstructive role of Catholic institutions in investigations and called for an end to impunity and the provision of reparations for victims. [June 21, 2021]

Human Rights Council (Several UN human rights experts) | UN experts call on the G7 leaders to provide access to COVID-19 vaccines in the Global South

Several UN human rights experts have called on the G7 leaders to ensure access to COVID-19 vaccines in the Global South.  The experts also stressed that the lack of vaccines in the Global South will irredeemably prolong the pandemic and its social and economic impact on the world. [June 9, 2021] 

UN and OAS human rights experts | UN and OAS experts call on Mexico to investigate human rights abuses during the electoral process 

UN and OAS experts have advised Mexican authorities to investigate the human rights violations in the lead-up to the national elections on June 6.  The experts also called on the Mexican authorities to maintain peace during the post-election process.  More than 250 individuals have been killed during the electoral process, including politicians, candidates, journalists, and their relatives. [June 8, 2021] 

Human Rights Council (Several UN experts) | Several UN experts call on Canada and the Holy See to conduct an investigation on the finding of a mass grave with indigenous children in Canada 

Several UN experts have called on Canada and the Holy See to conduct an investigation into the discovery of a mass grave with 200 indigenous children in Canada.  The mass grave was found at the site of a former indigenous residential school, which was jointly run by the Canadian authorities and the Catholic Church.  The indigenous students that attended such institutions were often forcibly separated from their families and physically and sexually abused by school staff.  The UN experts have called for further investigations of Canada’s other residential schools. [June 4, 2021]

UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali | UN experts calls on Malian military authorities to release the president and prime minister being held under house arrest 

The UN Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in Mali has condemned the detention of the president and prime minister by military forces.  Contrary to what was reported, the military forces did not set free the president and prime minister on May 27, and they are still held under house arrest.  The UN expert has called on all Malian authorities to respect human rights and restore the rule of law. [June 2, 2021] 

May 2021

Monthly News Updates: Human Rights Mechanisms - May 2021

By: Irene Aparicio García, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

The following post summarizes and highlights some of the updates on the work of regional and international human rights mechanisms around the world in the month of May.

EUROPE

European Court of Human Rights | Adjudication of two cases concerning the governmental intelligence and surveillance of communications 

The ECtHR has adjudicated two cases concerning governmental intelligence programs and surveillance of communications.  The first case concerns several organizations and individuals who believe their private communications were intercepted by U.K. government officials after the Snowden revelations.  The ECtHR held that two of the three practices under consideration violated Articles 8 and 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.  The second case challenged the legality of Swedish legislation allowing for the interception of communications when the Foreign Intelligence Court grants a signals-intelligence permit.  The ECtHR found a violation of Article 8 of the ECHR. [May 25, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | The ECtHR finds a violation of two journalists’ right to liberty after publishing the emails of the Turkish Energy Minister

The ECtHR issued its judgment on a case concerning the arbitrary detention of two journalists who published several confidential emails authored by the Turkish Energy Minister.  The journalists obtained the emails from WikiLeaks, which inadvertently gained access to the Minister's emails and made them available online to the public.  The ECtHR found that Turkey  violated the applicants’ rights to liberty and security, their right to a fair trial, and their freedom of expression. [May 18, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | Armenia files a complaint against Turkey for its intervention in the Nagorno-Karabakh war

Armenia has filed an inter-state complaint to the ECtHR against Turkey regarding the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.  The case concerns Turkey’s involvement in the conflict by allegedly  providing support to Azerbaijan's armed forces.  This follows the ECtHR’s interim measures taken in October, which called on third states to not intervene in the conflict.  The ECtHR has notified Turkey of the application and will now consider the admissibility of the complaint. [May 18, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | The Grand Chamber will examine two inter-state complaints between Azerbaijan and Armenia

The Grand Chamber of the ECtHR will examine two cases concerning inter-state complaints between Azerbaijan and Armenia submitted to the Court in the fall of 2020.  The cases concern violations of the European Convention on Human Rights during the hostilities between the two states.  The Grand Chamber of the ECtHR will now consider the case. [May 12, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | The ECHR notifies Poland of five cases concerning its reform of the judicial system

The ECtHR gave notice to Poland of five applications concerning lack of independence in its newly reformed judicial system.  The Court will consider these applications with highest urgency (Category I under the prioritization scheme).  All applications concern violations of the right to a fair trial under Article 6(1) of the European Convention of Human Rights, among other alleged violations. [May 10, 2021]

AFRICA

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | The ACHPR condemns the military coup in Mali

The ACHPR has issued a statement condemning the military coup in Mali.  On May 24, members of the armed forces arrested the Malian interim president, prime minister, and minister of defense.  This is the second coup in Mali in nine months.  The ACHPR has warned against unconstitutional changes in government rulership and their impact on peace and security in the region. [May 26, 2021]

THE AMERICAS

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | The IACHR convenes three ex officio hearings regarding the human rights situation in Colombia, El Salvador, and Brazil

The IACHR will hold three public hearings on its own initiative regarding the human rights situation in Colombia, El Salvador, and Brazil.  In the case of Brazil, the hearing will regard the human rights situation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. [May 21, 2021]

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | The IACHR requests Colombia’s permission to conduct a working visit following the excessive use of force during the protests

The IACHR has requested Colombia’s authorization to conduct a state visit following the reports of the security forces’ excessive use of force and human rights violations during the civilian protests that started on April 28.  The request follows the IACHR’s receipt of thousands of requests from civil society groups and associations to conduct the working visit.  The armed forces allegedly conducted arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and torture towards the protesters. [May 14, 2021]

The UN and OAS human rights experts have also condemned the violence and called on the Colombian government for an exhaustive investigation. [May 14, 2021]

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | The IACHR condemns the illegal removal of five judges and the attorney general in El Salvador

The IACHR has called on El Salvador to respect constitutional processes and the American Convention following the removal of  the attorney general and five judges from the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice.  The IACHR reminded El Salvador of its commitments to due processes and the rule of law.  Moreover, the IACHR started a Rapid and Integrated Response Coordination Unit to monitor the human rights situation in the state. [May 3, 2021]

UN MECHANISMS

Human Rights Council (several UN experts) | UN experts welcome the ceasefire in Gaza and request an ICC investigation 

Several UN experts welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza.  The experts have also called for the ICC to investigate whether the parties’ acts during the recent escalation might amount to international crimes under the Rome Statute. [May 21, 2021] 

Moreover, the Human Rights Council announced the holding of a special session on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. [May 20, 2021]

During the session, the Council adopted a resolution that establishes an international commission of inquiry to investigate violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law since April 13 in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. [May 27, 2021]

Lastly, the High Commissioner for Human Rights published a statement regarding the escalating violence.  The High Commissioner called for both parties to stop the violence and respect international humanitarian and human rights law, particularly the principles of proportionality, distinction, and precaution. [May 15, 2021]

Human Rights Council (Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar et al.) | UN experts recognize the US, UK, and Canada’s sanctions against Myanmar

Several UN human rights experts have recognized the U.S., U.K., and Canada’s imposition of sanctions against Myanmar to stop the military junta’s human rights violations.  The experts have particularly welcomed the U.S. decision to sanction the State Administrative Council, which prohibits transactions in U.S. dollars even from non-American banks.  Such sanctions may significantly affect the finances of Myanmar’s military junta. [May 20, 2021]

UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances | The Committee issues its findings on Switzerland, Colombia, and Mongolia 

The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has published its findings on Switzerland, Colombia, and Mongolia regarding their compliance with the International Convention for the Protection of all Persons against Enforced Disappearance.  Regarding Switzerland, the Committee looked into the illegal adoption of Sri Lankan children during the 80s and 90s.  As for Colombia, the Committee highlighted the state’s efforts in creating a mechanism to search for disappeared individuals.  Nevertheless, it also reminded Colombia of the unconcluded investigations regarding more than 94,000 victims still missing.  Lastly, regarding Mongolia, the Committee highlighted the narrow definition of enforced disappearances in the state. [May 11, 2021]

April 2021

Monthly News Updates: Human Rights Mechanisms - April 2021

By: Irene Aparicio García, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

The following post summarizes and highlights some of the updates on the work of regional and international human rights mechanisms around the world in the month of April.

EUROPE

European Court of Human Rights | Protocol No. 15 to the European Convention on Human Rights will enter into force following Italy’s ratification

Protocol No. 15 to the European Convention on Human Rights will enter into force on August 1, 2021, following Italy’s ratification.  The Protocol includes amendments to the Convention, such as the reduction of the time period during which applicants may submit complaints to the Court, which will change from six months to four. [April 22, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | The ECHR notifies Russia of Aleksey Navalnyy’s application regarding ill-treatment during his imprisonment

The ECHR has notified Russia of the submission of an application by Aleksey Navalny against the Russian state.  In January, Navalny, a well-known member of the Russian political opposition, complained that the ill-treatment he is suffering during his imprisonment threatens his right to life.  The notification includes several questions from the ECHR to Russia. [April 19, 2021]

European Court of Human Rights | Final judgment on the case of the unvaccinated children of the Czech Republic

The Court decided there was no violation of the right to respect for private life in a case concerning Czech children who were refused admission to nursery schools because they missed certain vaccinations.  The Court considered the request for medical reports proving that the applicants’ children were vaccinated as a valid measure aimed at protecting the health of the population.  The victims alleged that the Czech state violated their right to privacy after they were rejected from the schools. [April 8, 2021]

ASIA

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights | AICHR suggests that ASEAN members take in refugees from Myanmar

The AICHR claimed that ASEAN members may take in refugees from Myanmar who are fleeing from the current political situation.  The representative of Malaysia to the AICHR first suggested this during a UN webinar on Myanmar’s crisis.  

The chief of the military junta, Min Aung Hlaing, attended the ASEAN Leaders Meeting on the crisis in Myanmar held in Jakarta on April 24.  Following the meeting, ASEAN has published a statement calling for the violence to stop and for a peaceful negotiation process. [April 24, 2021]

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights | The AICHR discusses the situation in Myanmar and COVID-19 during its Annual Meeting  

The AICHR held its annual meeting between April 6 and 8.  The Representatives discussed the human rights situation in Myanmar and called on all parties to stop the violence.  The Representative of the Philippines called on Myanmar to respect the principles of the ASEAN Charter and the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration.  During the meeting, the Representatives also discussed the implementation of the ASEAN strategy to mitigate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. [April 9, 2021]

AFRICA 

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Human Rights Watch urges the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights to protect human rights advocates in Chad 

Human Rights Watch calls on the African Union and on the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights to monitor the situation in Chad after the death of President Idriss Déby on April 20.  The death of the President followed the detention of protesters and members of the opposition before the April 19 national elections, allegedly won by Déby.  Human Rights Watch addressed the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights to prevent escalation of the situation. [April 20, 2021]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Biannual meeting with the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held on April 14

The Registry Staff of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Inter-American Court for Human Rights held their biannual meeting on April 14.  Both parties discussed the progress and challenges in the compliance of their decisions given and the monitoring of their implementations. [April 14, 2021]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Concern of the ACHPR over attacks by armed rebels in Mozambique

The ACHPR expressed concern over the violent attacks by armed rebels that took place in Palma, northern Mozambique, on March 24.  The ACHPR reminded Mozambique of its obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and has urged the state to respect the rights of the victims. [March 30, 2021]

THE AMERICAS

 Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IACH welcomes the entry into force of the Escazú Agreement

The IACH welcomed the Escazú Agreement and its entry into force on April 22, the International Mother Earth Day.  The agreement, properly named the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean, aims at protecting the human rights of environmentalist activists, including advocates of territory and land property rights. [April 21, 2021]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | The IACHR and the IACtHR publish their 2020 Annual Reports 

The IACHR has published its 2020 Annual Report.  The report includes the results and recommendations given throughout the past year and monitors the compliance with human rights and with the IACHR’s decisions in the Americas.  The report recognizes the challenge to the protection of human rights caused by the  COVID-19 pandemic, and also the progress made in prosecution processes.  Moreover, the IACtHR has also published its 2020 Annual Report, which includes a summary of the sessions held in 2021 and monitors compliance with its judgments. [April 16, 2021]

Inter-American Commission on Human Rights | IACHR issues a resolution on COVID-19 vaccines 

The IACHR has published a resolution calling for the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the Americas.  The resolution includes recommendations and calls for respecting human rights in the distribution and administration of the vaccine. [April 7, 2021]

UN MECHANISM

Human Rights Council (Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons) | UN experts welcomes the Iraqi’s Law on Yazidi [Female] Survivors

The Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons has welcomed the adoption of Iraq’s Law on Yazidi Female Survivors.  The law recognizes ISIS crimes against several minorities in Iraq, including Yazidis and Christians, as genocide and crimes against humanity.  Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur also expressed concern over the children of Yazidi women who were conceived from rape by ISIS members.  As such, the women are frequently forced to abandon them and the law continues to not encompass this. [April 21, 2021]

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights | Statement on the conviction of Derek Chauvin in George Floyd’s case 

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a statement on the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd.  The High Commissioner stressed the significance of the verdict and also highlighted the long journey ahead in ending impunity for racial crimes.  She also called for continuing efforts to mitigate structural discrimination and encouraging equality even after the media coverage of this case fades. [April 21, 2021]

Human Rights Committee | Publication of the findings on Finland and Kenya

The UN Human Rights Committee has published its findings on Kenya and Finland regarding their compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.  The Committee recalled Finland of women’s inequality following the COVID-19 pandemic, while Kenya was reminded to address the electoral violence in the state. [April 14, 2021]

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights | Continued violence in Myanmar risks to amount to a humanitarian disaster similar to that of Syria in 2011

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urges all states to take effective measures against the human rights violations committed by Myanmar’s military, following yet another violent week.  The Commissioner has compared the Myanmar situation to that of Syria and has alerted the international community of the increasing possibility that the conflict may turn into a civil war.  As such, the Commissioner recalled the international community of their responsibility to not repeat the mistakes they made in Syria. [April 13, 2021]

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women | Decision against Libya regarding the detention of a women’s rights activist 

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women published its decision on an individual complaint against Lybia.  The case concerns the illegal detention and torture of a woman that advocated for women’s rights in Lybia.  The woman was detained by members of a militia, and the Lybian state failed to investigate and punish the crime.  This is the first time that the CEDAW issues a decision on an individual complaint against a North African state. [April 7, 2021]

Human Rights Council (UN experts from Working Groups and Special Rapporteurs) | Concern over police abuses against protesters and journalists in Belarus

Following detentions during the protests surrounding Freedom Day in Belarus, several UN experts expressed their concern over arbitrary detentions and excessive force used by the police.   The experts call for an end to the abuses towards protesters and journalists. [April 1, 2021]

March 2021

Monthly News Updates: Human Rights Mechanisms - March 2021

By: Irene Aparicio García, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

The following post summarizes and highlights some of the updates on the work of regional and international human rights mechanisms around the world in the month of March.

EUROPE

European Court of Human Rights | Changes in the case processing of the Court

The ECtHR has a new system to deal with the large number of complaints received every year.  The ECtHR will follow a prioritization approach to classify the impact of complaints in seven categories, following established criteria that include the repercussion that a judgment could have in interpreting international legislation.  Complaints falling under the three first categories will be dealt with by the Grand Chamber or Chambers of seven judges, and the rest by Committees formed by three judges. [March 17, 2021] 

European Court of Human Rights | Interim measures in Armenia-Azerbaijan’s conflict and notification to the Committee of Ministers

The ECtHR has notified the Committee of Ministers of the interim measures established following the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.  Such measures include a general call to both states to cease military attacks against civilians and civilians’ objects and individual decisions concerning deportation cases of prisoners of war.  The ECtHR urged both countries to provide information about the detainees and has now notified the Committee of Ministers because Azerbaijan has not provided the required information in the established time period. [March 16, 2021]

AFRICA 

African Court on Human and People’s Rights | Letter from the President of the AfCHPR to the President of Tanzania following the death of Magufuli 

The President of the AfCHPR, Hon. Justice Sylvan Ore, has sent a condolence letter to the new President of Tanzania, Samia Suhulu, following the death of President Magufuli on March 17.  In the letter, Magufuli is praised for his dedication to Africa’s development. [March 26, 2021]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Concern over protests in Senegal after Ousman Sonko’s detention 

The African Commission on Human and People’s Rights has expressed its concern regarding the violent protests in Dakar that left 3 people dead after the arrest of Ousman Sonko, the opposition leader.  Of particular concern was the impediment in the transmission signals of some journalistic platforms.  The Commission has reminded Senegal of its obligations under several legal instruments, including the African Charter of Human and Peoples’ Rights. [March 9, 2021]

THE AMERICAS

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | IACHR praises law abolishing the death penalty in the State of Virginia in the U.S.

The IACHR has welcomed the law abolishing the death penalty in the State of Virginia, signed by its governor on March 24.  The Commission considers detaining prisoners on death row, awaiting execution,  as inhumane treatment and recalls the recommendation made in its report on the death penalty in 2011. [March 24, 2021]

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | Claims of violation of due process by the detainees of the 2019 political crisis in Bolivia

The IACHR has urged Bolivia to respect the rights to due process of those arrested for involvement in the interim government during the 2019 political crisis.  This includes the arrest of Jeanine Añez, interim president of Bolivia, who is currently on a hunger strike in protest against the conditions of her imprisonment.  The arrested individuals are accused of sedition and terrorism, and the Bolivian state, its Ombudsman, and the Attorney General have provided information that aims to contravene the claims of the detainees.  The IACHR also expressed its concern over the definitions of the crimes of terrorism and sedition in the  Bolivian constitution, considering the definitions as too broad and ambiguous. [March 16, 2021]

UN MECHANISM

Human Rights Council (Special Rapporteur on violence against women) | Turkey withdrawal from Istanbul Convention is worrying for women’s rights

The President of Turkey, Erdoğan, has decided to withdraw from the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence of the Council of Europe, commonly known as the Istanbul Convention.  As such, The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women, the Chair of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, and other UN and regional human rights experts have condemned the decision and have urged  Turkey to reconsider. [March 23, 2021] 

Human Rights Council | Abuse of human rights defenders in Belarus

The UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders has expressed her concern over increasing brutality against human rights defenders in Belarus following last August’s elections.  The concern extends to the ill-treatment by the police of two advocates of the human rights of persons with disabilities that collaborated with the UN. [March 19, 2021]

Human Rights Council | UN experts suggest issuing claims over universal jurisdiction against Myanmar’s military perpetrators 

Multiple UN Special Rapporteurs have expressed their concern over the human rights situation in Myanmar following the military coup d’etat of last February.  During the past weeks, protests have led to several deaths, detentions, and disappearances that could amount to crimes against humanity.  As such, the Rapporteurs call on other states to investigate Myanmar’s military commanders or perpetrators under universal jurisdiction if necessary. [March 18, 2021]