Sep 23, 2013
The ICJ today called on Nepal to take urgent steps to implement recommendations on ending impunity accepted by the country during its first cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2011.
In a General Debate under Item 6 of the Human Rights Council’s agenda (UPR), the ICJ pointed to Nepal’s failure to take concrete action to implement recommendations accepted by the country during its 2011 UPR as now visibly destabilising the country. It called on Nepal to take urgent measures to:
- Ensure that the truth and reconciliation commission, and a separate ‘disappearances’ commission to be established, conform fully with international standards including by precluding amnesty for gross human rights violations;
- Ensure that human rights violations constituting crimes under international law are recognised as distinct criminal offences under Nepali law; and
- Immediately commit to implement relevant Supreme Court rulings within a clearly stipulated time.
Nepal’s first cycle UPR took place in 2011. The Government of Nepal adopted a UPR implementation plan in 2012. The implementation plan failed, however, to set out timeframes for implementation or establish means to measure progress.
The General Debate took place during the 24th regular session of the Human Rights Council (9 to 27 September 2013).
Nepal-HRC24-Item6-OralStatementGD-LegalSubmission-2013 (download full statement in PDF)
Sep 20, 2013
The ICJ today called on the Russian Federation to reconsider its position on rejected UPR recommendations and take measures for effective implementation of accepted recommendations concerning human rights and the rule of law in the country.
In an Interactive Dialogue on the adoption of the second cycle Universal Periodic Review of the Russian Federation (Item 6 of the Human Rights Council’s agenda), the ICJ called on the Russian Government to:
- Establish, in legislation, clear and predictable grounds for disciplinary action against judges, and ensure impartial arbitration;
- Ensure the right of all detainees to prompt and regular access to a lawyer;
- Amend the law on NGO activities to protect against its arbitrary application; and
- Adopt comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that includes sexual orientation and gender identity as protected grounds.
The Interactive Dialogue took place during the 24th regular session of the Human Rights Council (9 to 27 September 2013).
Russia-HRC24-Item6-OralStatement-LegalSubmission-2013 (download full statement in English)
ICJ submission and advocacy on the Universal Periodic Review of the Russian Federation
Sep 19, 2013
The ICJ today called on Canada to enact an effective legal framework for accountability of Canadian extractive industries and to reconsider its rejection of other UPR recommendations.
In an Interactive Dialogue on the adoption of the second cycle Universal Periodic Review of Canada (Item 6 of the Human Rights Council’s agenda), the ICJ reiterated its concern regarding the human rights impacts of Canadian business enterprises, in particular mining, gas and oil companies, in countries where they operate. It also called on Canada to reconsider its position not to accept UPR recommendations to become party to several key international human rights instruments.
The Interactive Dialogue took place during the 24th regular session of the Human Rights Council (9 to 27 September 2013).
Canada-HRC24-Item6-OralStatement-LegalSubmission-2013 (download full statement in PDF)
ICJ submission and advocacy on the Universal Periodic Review of Canada
Sep 19, 2013
The ICJ today called on Colombia to ensure accountability at the national and international levels through effective implementation of UPR recommendations and by reconsidering its rejection of other UPR recommendations.
In an Interactive Dialogue on the adoption of the second cycle Universal Periodic Review of Colombia (Item 6 of the Human Rights Council’s agenda), the ICJ stressed the importance for Colombia to implement in an effective manner recommendations accepted by it and called on Colombia to reconsider its rejection of recommendations for the Government to ratify international human rights treaties key to ensuring accountability and access to justice.
The Interactive Dialogue took place during the 24th regular session of the Human Rights Council (9 to 27 September 2013).
Colombia-HRC24-Item6-OralStatement-LegalSubmission-2013 (download full statement in PDF)
ICJ submission and advocacy on the Universal Periodic Review of Colombia
Sep 18, 2013
The ICJ today called on the UN Human Rights Council to urge Venezuela to withdraw charges brought against Judge Maria Lourdes Afiuni (photo) for the legitimate exercise of her professional functions.
In a General Debate under Item 5 (human rights bodies and mechanisms), the ICJ made reference to Judge Afiuni’s case as one profiled in the report of the UN Secretary-General on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field. Judge Afiuni was arrested in December 2009 for ordering the release on bail of Mr Eligio Cedeno, reportedly in part on the basis that his detention had been declared arbitrary by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.
The General Debate took place during the 24th regular session of the Human Rights Council (9 to 27 September 2013).
Venezuela-HRC24-Item5-OralStatement-Afiuni-LegalSubmission-2013 (download full statement, in English)
A-HRC-24-29 (download Secretary-General’s report, in English)
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