Joint NGO letter on Renewing the Mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Eritrea (05.06.2017)

Geneva, 5 June 2017

RE: Renewing the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea

Your Excellencies,

We, the undersigned civil society organisations, write to urge your delegation to co-sponsor a resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea at the forthcoming 35th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. In view of the ongoing crimes under international law, including torture, enslavement and enforced disappearances, and violations of fundamental freedoms committed in Eritrea, the Special Rapporteur’s mandate remains an indispensable mechanism to advance the protection and promotion of human rights in Eritrea.

The mandate of the Special Rapporteur was established at the 20th UN Human Rights Council Session in 2012 to monitor the human rights situation in Eritrea. From June 2014-June 2016, the mandate was also represented on the Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea (CoI). The mandate of the Special Rapporteur was extended in July 2016 to follow-up on the recommendations of the CoI. It has been instrumental in monitoring the dire situation on the ground, highlighting on-going violations and the failure to implement the recommendations of the CoI and in providing a crucial platform to help amplify the voices and concerns of victims.

The findings of the CoI and UN Special Rapporteur reveal that the Eritrean authorities have continued to impose a broad range of unwarranted restrictions on fundamental human rights, precipitating mass migration, including of unaccompanied children. Despite commitments by the State to reduce national service to 18 months, indefinite national service and forced labor persist throughout the country. [1] Persons who attempt to avoid military conscription, take refuge abroad, practice an unsanctioned religion, or who criticise government officials continue to be arrested and imprisoned for lengthy periods. [2]

The absence of an independent judiciary means that victims of these human rights violations have no recourse to justice at home. As a result, in Eritrea impunity persists and those who have been subjected to enforced disappearances remain unaccounted for.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request your delegation to co-sponsor a resolution during the 35th UN HRC session that renews the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea, provides the mandate holder with all necessary support, and urges the Government of Eritrea to cooperate with the mandate holder including allowing unencumbered access to the country.

Sincerely,

Africa Monitors
Amnesty International
ARTICLE 19
Citizens for Democratic Rights in Eritrea
CIVICUS
Connection e.V
DefendDefenders (East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project)
Eritrean Diaspora in East Africa
Eritrean Lowland League
Eritrean Law Society
Eritrea Focus
Eritrean Movement for Democracy and Human Rights
Eritreans for Human and Democratic Rights – UK
FIDH (International Federation for Human Rights)
Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Human Rights Concern – Eritrea
Human Rights Watch
Information Forum For Eritrea
International Fellowship of Reconciliation
International Service for Human Rights
Network of Eritrean Women
PEN Eritrea
People for Peace in Africa
Release Eritrea
Reporters Without Borders
Stop Slavery in Eritrea Campaign
War Resisters International

South Sudan: The Leaked Points to be Discussed in Addis Ababa at the 12th June 2017 IGAD Summit (05.06.2017)

1. August 2015 Peace Agreement has fundamentally failed and there is no government in Juba Implementing it. What has to be done?

2. Roadmap to the new political process is needed and must be inclusive. What steps needed to be taken?

3. Returning of SPLM/A-IO leader Dr. Machar to South Sudan as a signatory to peace agreement has to be considered.

4. National Dialogue has to be used as a supplementary to August Peace Agreement not a replacement to a signed peace agreement.

5. Humanitarian crisis in South Sudan becomes worsening ever in African Continent. It needs urgent responses.

6. Government’s National Dialogue and unilateral ceasefire did not yield any improvement to the conflict so far. IGAD-backed by international community has a mandatory to take urgent action before genocide takes shape in South Sudan.

6. Taban Deng Gai’s break away group has to choose either SPLM-IO led by Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon or SPLM-IG led by Salva Kiir Mayardit in order to avoid a vacuum for confusions during the implementation of peace agreement.

IGAD-backed by international community pledged to lead and create a lasting peace ever witness in South Sudan.

South Sudan: SPLM IO MPs of Eastern Jikany in South Sudan Parliament- Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on the incident that happened at various places in Maiwut state (05.06.2017)

South Sudan: The SPLM(G10) position paper from Nairobi, Kenya (02.06.2017)

#QatarCrisis: the Sudden fallout between neighbors and allies in the Middle-East!

There are a diplomatic spat of epic proportions happening in the Middle East, these is Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya and Maldives has all broke of their diplomatic ties with Qatar, because of the supposed support of terrorism. This has happen as the UAE diplomatic e-mail leaks has hit the ally of Saudi Arabia, which an intercept report stated this:

In another email exchange in late April of this year, Hannah complains to Otaiba that Qatar — a rival Gulf government that has clashed with the UAE in recent months over various issues — is hosting a meeting of Hamas at an Emirati-owned hotel. Otaiba responds that it’s not the Emirati government’s fault, and that the real issue is the U.S. military base in Qatar, “How’s this, you move the base then we’ll move the hotel :-).” (…) “The agenda includes extensive discussion between the two on Qatar. They are scheduled to discuss, for instance, “Al Jazeera as an instrument of regional instability.” (Al Jazeera is based in Qatar.)” (Jilani & Grim, 2017). So there seems to be a hunt between other gulf partners of the United States, that they are having ticks towards the Qatar leadership that has led to today’s reaction from the rest of the middle-east.

These countries has all started to land, sea and trade embargo with Qatar. Therefore, the Qatar state and it’s imports will be hit by this, as their neighbors trucks and freight-ships cannot come to Doha. This as a spat of epic size.

Egypt Reason for pulling diplomatic ties:

Egypt said it was cutting ties with Qatar due to its insistence on “supporting terrorist organizations” and meddling in Egypt’s internal affairs” (…) “Egypt said it took the decision “in light of the continued insistence of the Qatari government to take a stance against Egypt.”Qatar slammed the decision, saying the Arab states were “unjustified” in their criticisms and were seeking to place Doha under political “guardianship” (Ahram Online, 2017).

Maldives reasons for pulling diplomatic ties:

The Government of Maldives has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Qatar effective from today, 5 June 2017. The Maldives took the decision because of its firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism. The Maldives has always pursued a policy of promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. The Maldives reiterates its commitment to work with countries that promote peace, stability, and show solidarity in the fight against terrorism. The Maldives established diplomatic relations with Qatar on 26 May 1984” (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Republic of the Maldives, 05.06.2017).

US advice to Citizens in Qatar:

On June 5, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt announced the cessation of diplomatic and consular ties with the State of Qatar. Qatar Airways and other airlines in the region have announced the suspension of certain flights to and from Qatar. The U.S. Embassy takes this opportunity to remind all U.S. citizens residing in or visiting Qatar to check directly with your travel providers for any potential impact on your personal travel arrangements and remain alert to additional developments. The embassy is monitoring the situation closely and is working with the Government of Qatar to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens in the country” (U.S. Embassy in Qatar, 05.06.2017).

We are living in interesting times, when a spat of this proportions gets this traction. As the Airlines are not going to Qatar and suspending flying there, these are Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Saudia and Gulf Air.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs answers to the international dispute:

What we can certainly know that is this is not the final nail in coffin, as the spat and diplomatic dispute will lead to more leads and more stories to be told. There might be more economic sanctions and reasons,as there always something underneath. Why the Saudi Arabia sparked this problems for Qatar and what is the real reason for the sudden change of tone between the neighbors. We will know it soon, but how quick is not easy to know.

Reference:

Ahram Online – ‘Egypt gives Qatari ambassador 48 hours to leave following severing of diplomatic ties’ (05.06.2017) link: http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/270281.aspx

Jilani, Zaid & Grim, Ryan – ‘HACKED EMAILS SHOW TOP UAE DIPLOMAT COORDINATING WITH PRO-ISRAEL THINK TANK AGAINST IRAN’ (03.06.2017) link:https://theintercept.com/2017/06/03/hacked-emails-show-top-uae-diplomat-coordinating-with-pro-israel-neocon-think-tank-against-iran/

London attack: How it unfolded – BBC News (Youtube-Clip)

London Attacks aftermath: Mayor Khan acts responsible, while President Trump is a disgrace!

Terrorism and deception are weapons not of the strong, but of the weak.”Mahatma Gandhi

President Donald Trump should be told he is totally wrong and doesn’t have the intelligence to understand or comprehend the ramifications of his acts. As the Lord Mayor Sadiq Khan was responsible and making sure with the proper authorities that the terror-attacks in London Bridge and at the Borough Market. It is insane that he slammed the mayor for his statement and his response to the attacks in his own city. It shows that the President of United States are underestimating his acts and his own judgment of the situation. Surely, he is busy watching Fox News or Infowars to get the daily American propaganda. While the authorities in the land of the terror are working heavily on the investigations into the terrorist and their associates. Therefore, read first the mayors statement, before you the Metropolitan Police statement, before the tweet of President Trump, which shows what state of affairs it is at the White House for the moment!

Lord Mayor of Sadiq Khan statement on the terror attacks in London Bridge and Borough Market:

“There are no words to describe the grief and anger that our city is feeling this morning. Tragically, seven people have been killed in this sickening attack, and more than 40 injured, some of them critically. I am appalled and furious that these twisted and cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Londoners and visitors to our city who were just enjoying their Saturday night. I condemn these terrorists in the strongest possible terms. They are barbaric cowards and there is absolutely no justification for their evil and unforgivable actions. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims and everyone caught up in this horrific attack. I’d like to thank our emergency services who bravely tackled the terrorists and helped the injured. I’ve been in close contact with the Met Police Commissioner and senior officers throughout the night and will be attending the government’s COBRA security meeting. I’d urge all Londoners to remain calm and vigilant today and over the days ahead. We are all shocked and angry today but this is our city – we will never let these cowards win and we will never be cowed by terrorism.” (Mayor Sadiq Khan, 04.06.2017).

Statement by Assistance Commissioner Mark Rowley on the attacks in London Bridge and Borough Market:

You will understand that our knowledge of the incident is still growing but what we understand at the present time is: At 22:08hrs yesterday evening we began to receive reports that a vehicle had struck pedestrians on London Bridge. The vehicle continued to drive from London Bridge to Borough Market. The suspects then left the vehicle and a number of people were stabbed, including an on-duty British Transport Police officer who was responding to the incident at London Bridge. He received serious but not life-threatening injuries. His family has been informed. Armed officers responded very quickly and bravely, confronting three male suspects who were shot and killed in Borough Market. The suspects had been confronted and shot by the police within eight minutes of the first call. The suspects were wearing what looked like explosive vests but these were later established to be hoaxes” (…) “The ongoing operation is led by the Met, working closely with British Transport Police, City of London Police, the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade. At this stage, we believe that six people have died in addition to the three attackers shot dead by police. And at least 20 casualties have been taken to six hospitals across London. I’d like to repeat our request for the public to avoid the following areas: London Bridge and Borough Market. This is to allow emergency services to deal with this incident” (Metropolitan Police Assistance Commissioner Mark Rowley, 04.06.2017).

President Trump statement on the attacks:

At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is “no reason to be alarmed!” – President Donald J. Trump (on Twitter 04.06.2017).

So President Trump has an issue with authorities that are capable to react within 8 minutes of the incident at London Bridge. That is a disgrace of a man who leads the Republic of United States. That he cannot see the greatness of reactions to the Metropolitan Police and the other Security Organizations that the United Kingdom posses. That each single victim is one to many and the innocent who lost both their lives and the ones got hurt by the terrorist is just worth condemning the men who did this. That someone are going in and attacking innocent civilians having a fun-time out during the weekend in London.

With this in mind that Mayor Khan says: I am appalled and furious that these twisted and cowardly terrorists deliberately targeted innocent Londoners and visitors to our city who were just enjoying their Saturday night. I condemn these terrorists in the strongest possible terms. They are barbaric cowards and there is absolutely no justification for their evil and unforgivable actions. My thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims and everyone caught up in this horrific attack”. That is a reasonable way to react to the terrorist attack, as he address it as it is, while saying there is “no justification”. Therefore, with just this quote he shows decency in the midst of the aftermath of the attack. While President Trump uses the same violent attack on innocent civilians saying “no reason to be alarmed”. Well, Mr. President, the authorities used 8 minutes to stop it!

I know someone should educate President Trump, but that train is long far gone. Since he has no-heart and no common sense. We should pray for London and continue to live like before. Not let the terrorist stop our daily lives. Than we are letting them win and spread there fear. Like the fear that President Trump wants to earn points on. But on this one, he should get some education as he is wrong and he should spread the message of hope and give props to the authorities who acted swift and continues to investigate the attacks and their associates. So the Police and other authorities can continue their good work. Peace.

Security Council Press Statement on Attack against UNAMID Peacekeepers in Darfur (01.06.2017)

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Sacha Sergio Llorentty Solíz (Bolivia):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the attack on African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) peacekeepers by an unidentified group in a carjacking incident in Nyala, South Darfur State on 31 May 2017. One Nigerian peacekeeper was killed in the attack.

The members of the Security Council expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the family of the victim, as well as to the people and Government of Nigeria and to UNAMID.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Sudan to swiftly conduct a full investigation into the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. They underlined that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their full support for UNAMID and called on all parties in Darfur to cooperate fully with the mission.

RDC: UN Calls for an end to the Violence in the Kasai Provinces (02.06.2017)

SPLM-IO: Talking Notes in the Teleconference with the UN Security Council on the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (31.05.2017)