Mar 30, 2012 | Advocacy
During the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, the ICJ made an oral statement during the Council’s consideration and adoption of the outcome document in the Universal Periodic Review of Zimbabwe.
The statement focussed on the lack of human rights protection and respect for the rule of law in the country, particularly as this affects lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders more broadly, and called on the Government of Zimbabwe to halt the repression of legitimate peaceful protests and undertake reforms necessary for the conduct of independent and effective investigations into gross human rights violations and crimes under international law.
Zimbabwe-oral intervention UPR-advocacy-2012 (full text in English, PDF)
Mar 30, 2012 | Advocacy
During the 19th session of the Human Rights Council, the ICJ made an oral statement during the Council’s consideration and adoption of the outcome document in the Universal Periodic Review of Syria.
The statement focussed on the lack of investigations into human rights abuses, including ongoing gross human rights violations, and called on UN bodies responsible for peace and security and human rights to take effective measures to allow regular access for humanitarian assistance, including essential supplies of food, water and medicines.
Syrian Arab Republic-oral intervention UPR-advocacy-2012 (full text in English, PDF)
Mar 29, 2012 | Advocacy, Non-legal submissions
The ICJ made a written statement on national commissions of inquiry in South Asia at the Human Rights Council’s 19th session.Although national commissions of inquiry can contribute towards States’ fulfilment of their international human rights obligations when established in line with international standards and best practices, they are all too often found wanting and frequently designed to continue a culture of impunity for serious human rights violations and to weaken the rule of law.
In a written statement to the Human Rights Council during its 19th session in Geneva, the ICJ raised the issue of the relationship between national commissions of inquiry in South Asia with the criminal justice system, and the question of political will and adherence to international standards.
Written statement ICJ-non-judicial submission-2012 (full text in English, PDF)
Mar 13, 2012 | News
The ICJ is concerned at the lack of transparency in the process, which could undermine universal human rights standards.
Dec 23, 2011 | News
The ICJ has concluded a fact finding mission concerning the prosecution and trial against human rights defender Azimjan Askarov. The mission was undertaken to respond to allegations of human rights violations surrounding the case, including breaches international fair trial standards during the investigation and trial. Particular concerns were raised about torture and ill-treatment of Mr Askarov, intimidation of lawyers and political pressure on judges.
Kyrgyzstan-mission case Askarov-web-2011 (full text in English, PDF)
Kyrgyzstan-mission case Askarov-web-2011 (full text in Russian, PDF)
