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Special Rapporteur Spotlights Continuing Human Rights, Humanitarian Crises in Afghanistan

Special Rapporteurs presenting reports on the human rights situations in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iran, Syria, Belarus and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea warned of Governments repressing their own people, as the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) continued its interactive dialogues on human rights today.

One of six mandate holders to present their findings, Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on the situation in Afghanistan, said that, despite the de facto authorities’ claims about “progress made”, the country continues to face a human rights and humanitarian crisis and the people of Afghanistan continue to suffer. Pointing to directives issued by the Taliban that have erased women from public life and removed their fundamental freedoms, including the right of girls to secondary school education, he stressed that “Afghanistan remains the worst country in the world to be a woman or a girl”.

Moreover, the situation of ethnic and religious minorities remains deeply troubling, he cautioned, drawing attention to the recent attack against the Kaaj Educational Centre on 30 September that claimed the lives of 54 individuals, including 51 Hazara women. Civilians considered by the Taliban to be associated with the National Resistance Front are subject to arbitrary arrests and detentions, extrajudicial killings and torture, he said, also voicing concern about the revenge killings of former Afghan National Defence and Security Forces, contrary to the amnesty declared in 2021.

Echoing the Special Rapporteur’s concerns about the multifaceted political and humanitarian crises that his country is facing due to the Taliban’s failure to meet its obligations, Afghanistan’s delegate called for the establishment of a fact-finding mission to investigate what is considered by many to be a genocide.

Other delegates warned about the shrinking space for civil society and restrictions on human rights, with Pakistan’s representative underscoring the need to prevent an economic collapse that would only exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Russian Federation attributed responsibility for the disastrous situation to Washington, D.C., criticizing its appropriation of Afghanistan’s financial resources. Along similar lines, China’s delegate urged the United States to return without delay frozen assets to the Afghan people and alleviate their humanitarian suffering.

In Myanmar, the military’s ongoing atrocities reflect the worst of humanity, said Thomas Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the situation in Myanmar. A lack of aid by Member States is exacerbating the situation on the ground, he stressed, adding that the people of Myanmar have waited 18 months for the United Nations to act, while it took four days to organize support for Ukraine. Moreover, while some countries continue to provide weapons to the military junta, neighbouring countries, such as Malaysia, have deported more than 100 Myanmar nationals back to their country, where they will likely be tortured and killed.

Expressing support for the Special Rapporteur, Myanmar’s delegate called for coordination to stop the junta’s reign of terror. Raising concern that political prisoners have been executed and their families abducted as hostages, while other civilians suffer from torture, sexual assault and brutal air and ground assaults, he called for emergency medical aid.

Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria, said that, 12 years into the conflict, an unprecedented 90 per cent of the population live in poverty, with 14.6 million Syrians depending on aid to survive. Voicing concern over the cholera outbreak in the country, he stressed that access to humanitarian aid remains inadequate and politicized. Moreover, 58,000 people, including 37,000 children, remain unlawfully deprived of their liberty in Al-Hawl and Rawj camps, he said, calling for faster repatriations.

Rejecting accusations raised against his Government, Syria’s delegate criticized the Commission for ignoring challenges posed by terrorism, foreign occupation and unilateral coercive measures imposed on his country by the United States.

In Iran, the death of Jina Mahsa Amini following her collapse in a detention centre three days after her arrest by the morality police for inappropriately wearing a hijab sparked a protest movement with women and youth at the centre, said Javaid Rehman, Special Rapporteur on the situation in Iran. The authorities responded with brutal oppression, he continued, noting that, five weeks after the start of protests, at least 215 people have died and thousands of people have been arrested, including human rights defenders, students, lawyers and journalists.

In response, Iran’s delegate rejected the report, noting that the Special Rapporteur’s overreliance on false information from biased media and terrorist groups has breached the code of conduct for his mandate. Further, his report failed to consider the detrimental impact of unilateral coercive measures imposed on Iran by the United States.

Anaïs Marin, Special Rapporteur on the situation in Belarus, said thousands of Belarusian nationals have been forced into exile due to the human rights situation in the country. The last contested presidential election in 2020 triggered a wave of peaceful protests, which were met with brutal repression, forcing Belarusians to leave their country en masse, she asserted, pointing to 1,300 people detained on politically motivated charges.

Source: UN General Assembly

Speakers Seek Advisory Opinion on States’ Rights, Obligations in Addressing Climate Crisis, Stress World Court’s Fundamental Role in Upholding Rule of Law
The General Assembly today adopted a resolution delivering $3.52 million to the Secretary-General to ease global food insecurity by facilitating the implementation of two key initiatives aimed at bringing agricultural commodities from Ukraine and the Russian Federation to world markets and countries in need. The Assembly also considered the International Court of Justice’s annual report.

By the terms of the resolution, titled “Revised estimates on United Nations activities to mitigate global food insecurity and its humanitarian impact” contained in a report by its Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) on the 2022 programme budget (document A/77/535), the Assembly approved additional resource requirements and authorized the Secretary-General to enter into commitments up to $3.52 million, noting that the use of this commitment authority will be included in the 2022 financial performance report.

In April, the Secretary-General established two United Nations task forces to negotiate the parallel implementation of the Trade Facilitation Initiative — for unimpeded access of Russian Federation food products and fertilizers to the world market — and the Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian Ports, known as the Black Sea Grain Initiative — for safely navigating exports of grains, related foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukraine. On 22 July, the United Nations Secretariat signed a memorandum of understanding with the Russian Federation to facilitate the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The same day, in Istanbul, with the Secretary-General as a witness, Türkiye, Russian Federation and Ukraine set up a maritime humanitarian corridor for the safe transportation of grain, foodstuffs and fertilizers from Ukrainian ports through the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

Also today, 50 speakers took the rostrum for the Assembly’s review of the International Court of Justice report (document A/77/4), which covers the period 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2022, with many delegations stressing the Court’s important role in the rule of law. Several speakers called on States to respect the Court’s jurisdiction and some urged for stronger cooperation between the Security Council and the Court. Several representatives also called for more funding for the Court as others expressed their support for the Trust Fund for its judicial fellowship programme.

Joan E. Donoghue, the Court’s President, said its docket remained full throughout the reporting period, with 16 cases on its list involving States from around the world and touching on a wide range of issues. Five new cases have been instituted since 1 August 2021. Two cases — one initiated by Armenia, the other by Azerbaijan — deal with alleged violations of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. One was submitted by Ukraine against the Russian Federation under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Germany withdrew its requests for the indication of provisional measures in its case against Italy on the latter’s alleged failure to respect its jurisdictional immunity, as did Equatorial Guinea in its case against France alleging violations of the latter’s obligations under the United Nations Convention against Corruption of 31 October 2003.

She briefed the Assembly on the Court’s decisions during the reporting period in cases involving Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda, Nicaragua v. Colombia, The Gambia v. Myanmar, Armenia v. Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan v. Armenia and Ukraine v. Russian Federation. In addition, she updated Member States on the Trust Fund for the Court’s Judicial Fellowship Programme and on the planned renovations of the Peace Palace.

Ukraine’s representative, in providing an overview of his country’s cases against the Russian Federation before the Court, said that the international community will move one step close towards peace, equality and a rules-based order once that country complies with that body’s orders.

Under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Court’s provisional measures are legally binding, the representative of Slovakia stressed while speaking on behalf of the Visegrád Group. The Russian Federation’s failure to comply is blatant proof of its disrespect for the law and for international institutions.

The Russian Federation’s war of aggression not only violated another Member State’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence, but also tested the very principles of the United Nations, the United States’ representative added, while his counterpart from Albania warned that the international community must successfully pass this serious test of the rules-based order for it to not drift into a lawless world.

Regarding climate change, the representative of Sierra Leone pointed out that the wide range of cases before the Court illustrates that body’s universality, jurisdiction and competence to provide authoritative views on legal questions on that topic.

As such, Vanuatu’s representative, speaking on behalf of a core group of States, said he will finalize a draft resolution requesting the Court to provide an advisory opinion on climate change. Humanity must “leave no stone unturned in its effort to address the climate crisis”, he emphasized. The Court can clarify the rights and obligations of States under international law and vis-à-vis small island developing States and other climate vulnerable States; due diligence requirements for emitters of greenhouse gases; and the implications on the human rights of present and future generations. “The world is at a crossroads and we, as world leaders, have an obligation to take action that preserves and protects the planet for future generations,” he stressed.

Echoing this concern and speaking on behalf of small island developing States, the representative of Samoa underscored that the financial burden for loss and damages falls almost entirely on the affected nations. Seeking clarifications under existing treaties is not an exercise of litigation, but rather “morally the right thing to do”, he emphasized.

Such a move, Viet Nam’s representative added, will help shed light on unresolved legal aspects, reinforce collective efforts to combat climate change and strengthen the role of the Court as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. An advisory opinion would furthermore have a decisive impact on the future of human life on this planet, the representative of Costa Rica commented. There can be no climate justice without a human-rights-based approach, she warned.

Numerous speakers also paid tribute to Antônio Augusto Cançado Trindade of Brazil, one of the Court’s 15 judges, who died on 29 May at the age of 74. The Security Council and General Assembly will meet independently but concurrently on 4 November to elect his successor. (See Press Release SC/14944.)

In addition to the Court’s annual report, the Assembly had before it a report by the Secretary-General titled “Secretary-General’s trust fund to assist States in the settlement of disputes through the International Court of Justice” (document A/77/204).

Also speaking today were the representatives of Lithuania (on behalf of the Baltic States), New Zealand (also on behalf of Canada and Australia), Sweden (on behalf of the Nordic countries), Azerbaijan (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement), Angola (on behalf of the Community of Portuguese‑Speaking Countries), Italy, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, China, Belgium, Honduras, Singapore, Romania, Mexico, Nicaragua, Germany, Paraguay, Cyprus, Republic of Korea, Cuba, Switzerland, France, Chile, Egypt, Malaysia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Argentina, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Ireland, Peru, Iran, Japan, Oman, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates and South Africa, as well as the European Union, in its capacity as an observer.

The General Assembly will reconvene at 10 a.m. on Monday, 31 October, to take up the annual report of the International Criminal Court and the Secretary-General’s related reports. The Assembly will continue its debate on the report of the International Court of Justice on Wednesday, 2 November in the afternoon following the debate on oceans and the law of the sea, and considerations on implementing a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse.

Source: United Nation

This document presents an analysis of interviews conducted with all individuals assisted in their voluntary return destination by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) between 2017 and June 2022 (148,681) to in one of the 23 countries covered by the West and Central Africa region (WCA). The analysis combines datasets from both Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) and Voluntary Humanitarian returns (VHR).

Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) : Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration is an indispensable part of a comprehensive approach to migration management.

AVRR programmes provide administrative, logistical and financial support, including reintegration assistance, to migrants unable or unwilling to remain in host/transit countries and who decide to return to their country of origin.

The successful implementation of AVRR programmes requires the cooperation and participation of a broad range of actors, including the migrants, civil society and the governments in both host and transit countries and countries of origin. The partnerships created by IOM and a diverse range of national and international stakeholders are essential to the effective implementation of AVRR – from the return preparation to the reintegration stage.

For migrants who need to return home but lack the means to do so, IOM’s AVRR programmes are often the only solution to their immediate difficulties and needs. Beneficiaries of IOM’s assistance include:

individuals whose application for asylum was rejected or withdrawn

stranded migrants

victims of trafficking, and

other vulnerable migrants, including unaccompanied migrant children, or those with health-related needs.

Voluntary Humanitarian returns (VHR) :. In February 2011, civil unrest in Libya rapidly evolved into an armed conflict which led to the crossing of Libyan borders by some 796,000 migrants in 2011. In the aftermath of the conflict, the socio-economic conflict which remained unstable was further fragilized by the Covid 19 pandemic. In fact, the loss of livelihood, the lack of financial resources and inadequate housing made the living conditions very difficult. Despite those difficulties, Libya remained among the top two host countries for migrants who were nationals of the WCA region from 2017 to June 2022. IOM’s Voluntary Humanitarians return program was thus necessary to assist the vulnerable migrants, and ensure them a safe and secure return.

Since the onset of the crisis, IOM’s strategy is to support Member States in protecting their nationals by providing evacuation assistance to stranded migrants in Libya through its “Voluntary Humanitarian Returns” programme. IOM deemed necessary to adopt a new terminology from AVR to VHR to stress the humanitarian nature of this operation.

The objective of this document is to provide an overview of the profile of those assisted by IOM to return to their country of origin through AVRR and VHR programmes between from January 2017 to June 2022.

Information about the questionnaire and the applied methodology and limitations can be found at the end of the report.

Source: International Organization for Migration

Following the conclusion of her 3-year diplomatic mission in Equatorial Guinea, the Chinese Ambassador, Qi Mei, said goodbye on Wednesday 26th October to the Vice-President of the Republic, H. E. Nguema Obiang Mangue. At the meeting at the Head of State’s Office, the Head of Defence and Security, in addition to congratulating her on her diplomatic endeavours, also thanked the Chinese government for the support it provides to Equatorial Guinea, with particular emphasis on the fight against the coronavirus.
During the meeting, the diplomat from the Asian giant went to bid farewell to the Equatoguinean government member, satisfied with having completed her diplomatic programme.

China and Equatorial Guinea have maintained excellent relations of friendship and cooperation in various fields such as education, health, defence and culture, among others, for more than 5 decades. For that reason, Qi Mei praised the good treatment she received during her time in Equatorial Guinea.

For his part, the Vice-President of the Republic, in addition to congratulating her on the re-election of H. E. Xi Jinping as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, also wished the ambassador success in her future career. Furthermore, he believes it is necessary to strengthen cooperation between China and Equatorial Guinea because Beijing has always been a good friend to Malabo, and has demonstrated this in both good times and in difficulties. This readiness makes the Asian country one of Equatorial Guinea’s foremost strategic allies.

Source: Official Web Page of the Government

The city of Banjul, Republic of the Gambia, is hosting the 73rd ordinary period of sessions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights from 21st October to 9th November. Manuel Mba Nchama, Director General for Human Rights of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, is taking part in this meeting on behalf of Equatorial Guinea.
Under the presidency of Commissioner Remy Ngoy Lumbu, accompanied by Commissioner Mudford Mwandenga, president of the African Commission’s Working Group on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, these working sessions are serving as a platform to analyse the actions implemented by the various governments of Africa Union member countries aimed at the promotion, protection and guarantee of human rights, within the framework of a series of duly ratified regional legal instruments.

These include the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of African Women, the Kampala Convention on the Protection and Assistance for Refugees or Internally Displaced Persons in Africa, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the African Child.

In an analysis of the particular situation in each country, the Republic of Equatorial Guinea has been removed from the list of countries that do not present periodic reports to this African commission, with a recommendation that our delegation continue to present its reports, in the same way as they do to the international treaty committees in Geneva.

In a parallel meeting with Maria Teresa Manuela, African Commission Charged with Human Rights in Mozambique, Sao Tomé, Guinea Bissau, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea, the Equatoguinean Director General for Human Rights, Manuel Mba Nchama, expressed the willingness of the Government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea to continue to submit these periodic reports on time, within the framework of commitments made at regional level, while requesting technical assistance from the Commission for the training of human resources in the drafting of Human Rights reports.

This period of ordinary sessions is attended by representatives of governments, national human rights institutions, NGOs, and members of civil society.

Source: Official Web Page of the Government

The President of the Republic, Head of State and of the Government, H. E. Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, spoke to Zainab Ali Kitoko, Executive Secretary of the Committee on Intelligence and Security in Africa (CISSA), on Tuesday 25th October in the Ambassadors’ Hall of the People’s Palace in Malabo.
The President of the Republic granted the CISSA Executive Secretary the audience to discuss matters related to the upcoming summit in Malabo on security issues in Africa.

The visit to the sponsor of the CISSA headquarters building served as a framework for establishing the summit’s work programme, based on the guidelines and recommendations of the Head of State, in order to combat transnational organised crime, terrorism and insecurity in the various areas of the African continent.

“I am here to visit my father and sponsor of the CISSA headquarters in Addis Ababa, and to receive guidance on our organisation’s annual summit, scheduled for the 28th to 30th of this month, here in Malabo,” Zainab Ali Kotoko told the press.

The audience was attended by the Minister to the Presidency Charged with External Security, Juan Antonio Bibang Nchuchuma, in addition to the Deputy Minister to the Presidency of the Republic in the Department for Missions, Job Obiang Esono.

Source: Official Web Page of the Government

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea, through the Minister for Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima, has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum for 2023, which was agreed at the 24th Meeting of Ministers of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) which took place on Tuesday 25th October 2022, in the city of Cairo (Egypt).
In accordance with the organisation’s statutes, Equatorial Guinea, in addition to chairing the GECF Ministerial Meeting, will organise the 25th Ordinary Meeting of GECF Ministers in Malabo in October 2023.

During the 24th Ministerial Meeting it was also agreed to hold the 7th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum in Algiers (Algeria) in 2023.

One of the main objectives of the 2023 presidency will be to attract new African gas producers to the GECF, to provide them with greater international visibility and access to the best markets and, at the same time, to promote greater consumption of natural gas for the economic development of the producing countries themselves.

Source: Official Web Page of the Government

During his stay in Cairo and in line with his work schedule, the Minister for Mines and Hydrocarbons, Gabriel Mbega Obiang Lima, held a meeting on Tuesday 25th October with a high-level Russian delegation, headed by its Minister for Energy, Nikolai Shulginov.
During the meeting, Mbega Obiang Lima and his interlocutor discussed issues related to evolving energy markets, current and future economic forecasts, the functioning of the GECF and OPEC, and future collaboration on projects in the hydrocarbons sector.

The meeting ended with mutual agreement in which both figures pledged to work together.

Source: Official Web Page of the Government