International Commission of Jurists
Thailand: enforced disappearances

Thailand: enforced disappearances

Sep 16, 2014 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions

ICJ affiliate the Colombian Commission of Jurists today delivered an oral statement at the UN Human Rights Council, concerning enforced disappearances in Thailand.

The statement noted that of the 81 cases transmitted by the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances to the Royal Thai Government between 1980 and 2014, the Government has clarified only two (A/HRC/27/49, 5 August 2014).

The statement highlighted the case of Somchai Neelapaijit, a lawyer and human rights defender, who was subjected to enforced disappearance more than 10 years ago but whose case remains unresolved. I also described the recent disappearance of Pholachi “Billy” Rakchongcharoen, a Karen minority human rights activist, who has not been seen since April 2014, when he was last seen in the custody of certain public officials with whom he and his community were engaged in an ongoing legal dispute.

The statement emphasised that Thailand must effectively investigate all cases and provide victims, including family members, withfull remedies and reparation. Enforced disappearance should be a distinct crime in domestic law, with penalties reflecting its extreme seriousness. Thailand should also accept the 30 June 2011 visit request of the Working Group and ratify the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which it signed on 9 January 2012.

Thailand exercised its right of reply to respond to the oral statement.

The statement can be downloaded in PDF format here: Thailand-EnforcedDisappearance-Advocacy-non legal submission-2014-ENG

The statement and reply can be viewed in the UN video archive, here.

A written version of the reply by Thailand (unofficial, the official reply is as delivered in the video above) can be downloaded in PDF format here: Thailand_R of Reply_GD_18

UN investigation offers hope to victims in Sri Lanka

UN investigation offers hope to victims in Sri Lanka

Mar 27, 2014 | News

The UN Human Rights Council resolution to establish an international investigation into allegations of human rights violations and abuses committed by both sides in Sri Lanka’s civil war gives hope to tens of thousands of victims who continue to be denied truth and justice.

Israel/OPT: UPR recommendations by the Human Rights Council

Israel/OPT: UPR recommendations by the Human Rights Council

Mar 27, 2014 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions

The ICJ made an oral statement on the recommendations made to Israel by the UN Human Rights Council, following Israel’s Universal Periodic Review.

The ICJ statement focussed on recommendations related to:

  • compliance with international humanitarian and international human rights law , including particularly for thorough and impartial investigations into all allegations of human rights and humanitarian law violations committed in the context of the prolonged occupation of the OPT, and accountability of individuals responsible for such violations;
  • Israel’s unlawful settlement policy;
  • the separation wall; and
  • administrative detention.

The full statement can be downloaded in PDF: Advocacy-UN-HRC25-IsraelUPR-20032014

Video of the discussion, including the ICJ statement, may be viewed here.

Sri Lanka: the need for an international inquiry

Sri Lanka: the need for an international inquiry

Mar 26, 2014 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions

The ICJ emphasised the need for an international inquiry to monitor and investigate human rights violations in Sri Lanka, during discussion at the UN Human Rights Council.

The ICJ stated that an international investigation mechanism such as a Commission of Inquiry is needed in part because the Sri Lankan justice system today simply cannot be relied upon to function as an independent and impartial institution.

  • The judicial appointment process is subject to political interference.
  • Judges and lawyers are subjected to threats and intimidation.
  • Security of tenure for the judiciary is not protected by an independent, impartial and fair procedure for the removal or discipline of judges.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has repeatedly expressed concern about “the continuing high levels of harassment and intimidation meted out to human rights defenders, lawyers and journalists”. Further incidents against human rights defenders occurred during the Human Rights Council session itself.

The ICJ urged the Council to establish an international independent and impartial investigation mechanism to give a glimmer of hope to victims and families, that their rights under international law to truth, justice and reparation will ultimately be upheld.

A number of delegations have jointly presented a draft resolution that would establish an international investigation with the backing of the Human Rights Council. A vote on the resolution is expected later in the week.

The full statement can be downloaded in PDF: Advocacy-UN-HRC25-SriLanka-OralStatement-26032014-rev

Video of the discussion of the report, including the ICJ oral statement, is available in the UN webcast archive.

See also:

Briefing note on independence of judges and lawyers in Sri Lanka

 

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