Dec 7, 2012
In a submission to the Human Rights Committee concerning Indonesia, the ICJ has called for attention to issues of accountability and access to justice, religious tolerance and the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association.
During its session in July 2013, the Human Rights Committee (HRC) will undertake an examination of Indonesia’s initial report under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Ahead of this, during its session in March 2013, the HRC will prepare and adopt a list of issues. The ICJ’s submission brings to the attention of the Committee issues related to articles 2, 18, 21 and 22 of the ICCPR.
The ICJ’s submission refers to the need for more effective investigation of abuses that impair the ICCPR, including accountability for such abuses, especially as this affects oversight and accountability of intelligence services. The submission also suggests that questions be raised with the Government of Indonesia concerning religious tolerance and the freedoms of assembly and of association as it affects lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and organisations.
Indonesia-HRCttee107-LOI-legal submission (2012) (download PDF in English)
Oct 31, 2012
The ICJ has brought to the attention of the UPR mechanism issues concerning Colombia’s responsibility to combat the persistent impunity of perpetrators of gross human rights violations, as well as other key issues to be addressed in the review of Colombia’s compliance with international human rights.
From 22 April to 3 May 2013, the Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the UPR will consider the situation of human rights in Colombia. Ahead of the Working Group’s review, the ICJ has made a submission in which it has made suggested recommendations concerning:
- Combating impunity;
- Reforms affecting access to justice for victims of human rights violations;
- Intimidation of human rights defenders; and
- Colombia’s engagement with international human rights instruments and mechanisms.
Colombia-UPR16-StakeholderSubmission-legal submission (2012) (download full submission in PDF)
Colombia-UPR16-AdvocacyNote-NonLegalSubmission-2013 (download advocacy note in PDF)
IColombia-UPR16-ComparisonChart-NonLegalSubmission-2013 (download comparison with first cycle UPR of Colombia)
Oct 31, 2012
The ICJ has brought to the attention of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism issues concerning the activity of the Canadian business sector and its implications for human rights, as well as other key issues to be addressed in the review of Canada’s compliance with international human rights.
From 22 April to 3 May 2013, the Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the UPR will consider the situation of human rights in Canada. Ahead of the Working Group’s review, the ICJ has made a submission in which it has made suggested recommendations concerning:
- Activities of the business sector and their implication for human rights as this relates to the mining sector and the recent Bill to impose guidelines on responsible and human rights compliant behaviour for Canadian mining, gas and oil companies operating overseas;
- Use and exportation of asbestos to other States; and
- Canada’s engagement with international human rights instruments and mechanisms.
Canada-UPR16-StakeholderSubmission-legal submission (2012) (download full submission in PDF)
Canada-UPR16-AdvocacyNote-NonLegalSubmission-2013 (download advocacy note in PDF)
Canada-UPR16-ComparisonChart-NonLegalSubmission-2013 (download comparison with first cycle UPR of Canada)
Oct 31, 2012
The ICJ has brought to the attention of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism issues concerning the independence and impartiality of the judiciary in Bangladesh, as well as other key issues to be addressed in the review of Bangladesh’s compliance with international human rights.
From 22 April to 3 May 2013, the Human Rights Council’s Working Group on the UPR will consider the situation of human rights in Bangladesh. Ahead of the Working Group’s review of Bangladesh, the ICJ has made a submission in which it has made suggested recommendations concerning:
- Independence and impartiality of the judiciary;
- Lack of transparent appointment procedures for public prosecutors;
- Use of the Presidential pardon in cases concerning allegations of gross human rights violations; and
- Bangladesh’s engagement with international human rights instruments and mechanisms.
Bangladesh-UPR16-StakeholderSubmission-legal submission (2012) (download full submission in PDF)
Bangladesh-UPR16-AdvocacyNote-NonLegalSubmission-2013 (download advocacy note in PDF)
Bangladesh-UPR16-ComparisonChart-NonLegalSubmission-2013 (download comparison with first cycle UPR of Bangladesh)
Oct 10, 2012
The ICJ presented its views on the Russian Federation’s compliance with the Convention against Torture, highlighting torture and ill-treatment in detention, impunity, and refoulement to face torture.
The International Commission of Jurists highlighted, in its submission, situations of widespread practice of torture and other ill-treatment in detention, especially in pre-trial detention facilities, and impunity for torture and ill-treatment, particularly in the North Caucasus. The ICJ also raised concerns about the transfer of suspects to member States of the Shanghai Co-operation Organisation, in violation of the principle of non-refoulement, and the failure of the Russian Federation to cooperate with the UN mechanisms, especially with regard to visits by the Special Procedures.
Russia-UNCAT-legal submission-2012 (download the ICJ submission)
