Opinion: Theresa May is wrong, no need to suspend Human Rights Laws, there are provisions for the State to keep their citizens safe!

I’m clear: if human rights laws get in the way of tackling extremism and terrorism, we will change those laws to keep British people safe. After the London Bridge attack, I said “enough is enough”, and that things need to change to tackle the threat we face. And tonight I set out what that means: longer prison sentences for people convicted of terrorist offences; deporting foreign terror suspects back to their own countries; restricting the freedom and movements of terrorist suspects when we have evidence to know they present a threat, but not enough to prosecute them in court” – Theresa May (06.06.2017 – at a rally at Slough, United Kingdom).

That Prime Minister Theresa May are obliged to amend her laws and ask for provisions to change them through Parliament. She is fine to do so and follow the procedures of the state, to make the most draconian laws able. As the Tories already before the grand-elections started to unleash laws of old, that we’re in the fashion of King Henry IV. These laws was amend and gives more powers to the government over the Parliament. So the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom has already shown force and will of taking the powers in their hands.

Theresa May isn’t the first to use terrorism to control and to suspend laws to gain more power. That is usually a sign of oppressive behavior and of the Orwellian society. Clearly, a human being like May should consider her words. If not she really wants to show that she can act so much, that she wants to take away freedom and liberties from her own citizens. Instead of believing in the set freedoms and provisions done by the United Nations Charter and ratified legal framework that the United Kingdom must have.

Still, there are enough signs that she doesn’t need to do so, as the provisions that are in place has not and will not overpower a sovereign, neither will it create interference of state control in troubling time. That is if she really cares about the liberties and the just societies the United Nations legal framework put in place.

OHCHR own Fact Sheet on Human Rights and Terrorism:

International and regional human rights law makes clear that States have both a right and a duty to protect individuals under their jurisdiction from terrorist attacks. This stems from the general duty of States to protect individuals under their jurisdiction against interference in the enjoyment of human rights. More specifically, this duty is recognized as part of States’ obligations to ensure respect for the right to life and the right to security” OHCHR, P: 8, 2008).

These challenges are not insurmountable. States can effectively meet their obligations under international law by using the flexibilities built into the international human rights law framework. Human rights law allows for limitations on certain rights and, in a very limited set of exceptional circumstances, for derogations from certain human rights provisions. These two types of restrictions are specifically conceived to provide States with the necessary flexibility to deal with exceptional circumstances, while at the same time—provided a number of conditions are fulfilled—complying with their obligations under international human rights law” (OHCHR, P: 23, 2008).

Than it is the United Nation Security Council own definition:

Security Council Resolution 1963 (2010) reiterates that effective counter-terrorism measures and respect for human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing, and are an essential part of a successful counter-terrorism effort, and it notes the importance of respect for the rule of law so as to effectively combat terrorism. Resolution 1963 (2010) “thus encourages CTED to further develop its activities in this area, to ensure that all human rights issues relevant to the implementation of resolutions 1373 (2001) and 1624 (2005) are addressed consistently and even-handedly including, as appropriate, on country visits that are organized with the consent of the visited member State”.

(UNSC, 2015)

It is really serious when the United Nations and the OHCHR are saying there no issues between respecting the Human Rights Law legal framework and countering terrorism. Even if the resolutions and legal framework are critical and makes the state more bound to respect the terrorists. This still, doesn’t stop them from having provisions and having strict security in the Member States. The Member State themselves are putting forward rule of law and also has to incriminate inside their territory. However, the security is for the reason of the liberty and freedom of all citizens and all rights to all human beings. It is strange that Prime Minister Theresa May wants to suspend it, while the UNSC and OHCHR are saying it is possible.

That she has to go this far to gain support. Seems more like she could join Nigel Farage and Paul Nuttal, than following the Conservative leadership of the past. These words would not have come from David Cameron or anyone of his kind. This shows how fragile and how hell-bent is on winning this election by any means. That she has to promise on the final leap to suspend rule of law and take away basic human rigths. As the Police Service and Security Organization in our time cannot be able fight terrorism by the means and the values, that most of Europe see as natural. That the Police and Army get stronger laws and more draconian ones to make sure the United Kingdom can oppress and silence freedoms. Instead of fighting it through the means of strengthening the Police and the Intelligence, as the UK has one of the most sophisticated Security Organization in the world. It should have the capacity and if the Conservative had been serious about it, they would have fixed the issue during the last 8 years. Peace.

Reference:

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) – ‘Human Rights, Terrorism and Counter-terrorism – Fact Sheet No. 32’ (July 2008)

link: http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/Publications/Factsheet32EN.pdf

United Nation Security Council – ‘PROTECTING HUMAN RIGHTS WHILE COUNTERING TERRORISM’ (10.09.2015) link: http://www.un.org/en/sc/ctc/rights.html

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

Opinion: PM May’s Plymouth Herald Interview graced with blissful ignorance towards the marginal constituency!

If I was to really get at the burr in my saddle, it’s not politics — and this is, I think, probably a horrible analogy — but I look at politicians as, they are doing what inherently they need to do to retain power. Their job is to consolidate power. When you go to the zoo and you see a monkey throwing poop, you go, ‘That’s what monkeys do, what are you gonna do?’ But what I wish the media would do more frequently is say, ‘Bad monkey’.”Jon Stewart

This week’s interview with the Plymouth Herald as she was campaigning in the South West of England. As the General Election of the United Kingdom runs closer. I feel it is important to show grace and tact to the local constituencies. Plymouth is a marginal seat and with the dwindling polls of the Conservative and less of a percentage between the Conservative Party and the Labour Party.

Therefore the coalition of chaos is getting closer, than the strengthening the Tories for the Brexit negotiations. Instead of showing class and policy as the Tories could have had a better campaign, as their manifesto was a sensation of tax-breaks for the rich and cuts on welfare. In the margin’s of error is that the Labour Party has a social-caring manifesto and where they are putting forward meaningful policies. Even if Jeremy Corbyn are seen as Marxist, but he is more consistent, than what the Prime Minister Theresa May. We can see how she lacks campaigning and being honest with the pledges. Prime Minster May are again nonsensical in her interview.

In Plymouth, Theresa May botched an interview, it is horrific how little she answered and how little she answered. As the Plymouth problems didn’t matter or if she even had been briefed about the situation. This is as if she didn’t want to mind it and thought it would be easy to answer the local press. Because with just looking into two of the four questions asked by the Plymouth Herald to Prime Minister May, she didn’t really answer with anything. It is not like the Conservative Party head honcho had any answers or thought true the implications of Brexit to the constituency of Plymouth. Take a look!

Q: “Prime Minister, welcome to Plymouth. We’re in one of the most marginal seats in the country here. Are you getting nervous, and do you see Plymouth as a ‘must win’ next week?” (…) A: “No, I’m very clear that this is a crucial election for this country” (…) “We stand at an important moment, we need to make sure we get the Brexit negotiations right, but also have a plan to take this country forward, to build a stronger, more prosperous future for Plymouth, for families here and across the whole of the United Kingdom” (…) “So I’m going out and about around the whole country, talking to people with that very clear message that they face a choice on June 8.” (Blackledge, 2017).

Q: “A lot of people in Plymouth voted for Brexit because they saw a better future ahead. How will your Brexit plan make Plymouth people better off?” (…) A: “I think there is a better future ahead for Plymouth and for the whole of the UK” (…) “There are opportunities when we leave the European Union. But we need to have the right government in place, the right plan to grasp those opportunities” (…) “We need to get Brexit right, just 11 days after the GE we will start those Brexit negotiations. I’m the Prime Minister, I’m the party leader with the plan for those negotiations” (…) “But it’s about more than this. it’s about building that prosperous future for families in Plymouth and around the whole of the country” (…) “I’m confident we can do that, I’ve got a plan for a stronger Britain, I’m confident we can build that stronger economy with better opportunities for young people, better opportunities for families, and I’m optimistic about that because I believe in Britain and I believe in the British people.” (Blackledge, 2017).

This here is a proof of the lacking policies and guidelines for the future with the Tories. If you believe the Brexiteers and the Tories after this one, than your blind. The blindness will be eating you and you would be walking in total uncertainty. Since PM May isn’t answer the questions. She is just bringing a word-salad instead of actually coming with wisdom of how she will deliver the promises. Like Plymouth doesn’t get any consideration or concern.

The constituency of Plymouth and the problems there are not worth her time. Instead more important to say the whole United Kingdom will be prosperous without the European Union. Even if there isn’t anything in the near future proving that the Brexit will be positive. If it will be so, it isn’t because the Tories have been prepared or had a well-figured out polices to become independent from the European Union. The Tories here is on the limb. Tories isn’t proving that they care about Plymouth and doubt that is the only constituency that May has no current plan to help. Peace.

Reference:

Blackledge, Sam – ‘The four key questions put to Theresa May that Plymouth wanted answered’ (31.05.2017) link: http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/here-is-what-the-prime-minister-had-to-say-to-the-herald-this-morning/story-30363776-detail/story.html#QxRrRf1Fj11MiaRm.99

Ethiopia: State of Emergency update with a newly issued Internet shutdown!

The State of Emergency that was issued last year October 2016 is still in effect in Ethiopia. Today isn’t the first day of this. This effort from the state has lasted for 7 months and 22 days. Total days by count is 234 days. So the State has really hold control for long.

The stat has used the Agazi squad, which is a part of the army in the regions of Amhara and Oromia provinces. Ethiopia People Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the Ruling regime of the Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn have put harsh rules and regulations during the ‘State of Emergency’. It is not like the EPRDF are honorable, they are detaining opposition for treason and harsh charges in kangaroo courts. They are monitoring all opposition and have put thousands into jail during the recent months. Even killed in the provinces mentioned. As they are trying to silence the oppressed in Amhara and Oromia.

Sources in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa told Quartz the internet was reinstutted on Wednesday morning after more than a 12-hour shutdown. Others, however, said that the connection was still being interrupted, and was going on and off. “No connection at all. Everything was blocked,” Biniam Alemayehu said. Alemayehu told Quartz that his 4G phone connection didn’t start working until 9.30 am” (Quartz, 01.06.2017).

Therefore, the total Internet Ban released today isn’t shocking, it is the continuation of violations of human right’s, liberty and freedom of expression. There are only allowed to say and do as the Central Government orders. The rest is silenced or blocked. Just like radio-channel and TV-Stations has been either blocked or censored by the government. Not like the government in Ethiopia now are caring about expression or even other views to their rule. Therefore, are bloggers, human-rights activists and others are behind bars.

Just like the sentence on 24th May:

Today, 4th bench of Federal High Court, has passed “guilty” verdict against journalist Getachew Shiferaw, editor in chief of Negere Ethiopia, according to criminal code article 257/A and 257/D. He was primarily charged with article 7/1 of ATP but downgraded to criminal code, which is “inciting violence”. While reading the verdict, the judges underlined that Getachew, in his private Facebook conversation, said «‘Abebeism’ [to intervene while authorities are publicly speaking] is a good strategy. Every authority who oppresses citizens must know that their honor can be undermined similarly.» This, said the judges, is endorsing what journalist Abebe Gellaw – who was convicted in absentia of violating the infamous ‘ATP’ – has done against the late PM Meles. Even though Getachew has not done ‘this endorsement’ in public nor has tried to do it himself, the judges believed he might do the same “if he gets the chance” and said this might interrupt officials to do their regular jobs.”

In Amhara State an armed opposition group named Patriotic Ginbot 7 are gaining traction in Southern Gondar areas, where the armed rebel group is reacting to the massacres from the state. In Oromia there are still horror stories of the oppressive state. The ones believing that the Ethiopian state are stopping the Internet connectivity because of Exams are naive. They are so naive that they would celebrate the State of Emergency, as the states of Ethiopia where having peaceful demonstrations, but the EPRDF or TPLF couldn’t handle the people’s uprising.

Like the Story of Denebo Wario:

It was exactly a year toady that obbo Dekeba Wario, my father was abducted by heavily armed soldiers of the terrorist regime in the Horn of Africa. My mother, my siblings, and extended family members and friends wouldn’t know for a few weeks where he was kept. Little sister of mine who was worried and painfully missing her dad took it to her facebook account to breath her feelings of frustration saying ” I love you, dad”. This caused the regime’s soldiers (more than 40 armed men and women in uniform) to raid my parents’ home in Shashemene district of the South Central Oromia. My sister (under 18 years of age) and my mother who had already been in pain of not knowing dad’s whereabouts ended up receiving the notoriously known brutal and inhumane treatments from the solicitors who had arrived with the usual motive of terrorising the entire town- to teach every one in the village a lesson. By God’s grace, both my sister and mum have survived but with severe mental and physical injuries, experiences reflective of millions of Oromo parents and children. Weeks later dad was found to have been kept at the MAIKELAWI jail, facility used by the terrorist regime to torture people allegedly linked with opposition parties, civil societies, and human rights. The soldiers charged dad with involvement in the Oromo Liberation Front, an opposition political organisation that every Oromo, according to Meles Zenawi( leader of the Ethiopia’s terrorist regime deceased few years ago) identifies with. He was brought to the “Federal Supreme Court” whose judge ruled out (unusually) that dad should be released on bail, a kangaroo court’s decision unsurprisingly ignored by the soldiers. Ever since, dad has been languishing in jail alongside, of course, with hundreds of thousands of other Oromo men and women of similar background. In spite of all these, my mother, siblings, and all family members have remained resilient, by the grace of God. My father who has spent most of his life going into and out of prison because of his believe in democracy, human rights as well as the rule of law, and escaped death with narrow gaps on several occasions is miraculously still alive. He may even stay alive long enough to see prevalence of freedom over repression in Oromia, the nation he dearly loves. Thanks to our Waaqa, the almighty God” (Denebo Wario, 31.05.2017).

This is enough for now, as the story itself is dire. The situation in Ethiopia isn’t what it should be, instead it is oppression of the citizens. The State of Emergency has now lasted for over 7 months and more people are detained. The critics are getting arrested, harassed or killed. The State doesn’t care about the citizens, therefore they can easily use the army and the police to oppress. They tries to control it, but are instead creating more violent demonstrations and more violent groups working against the government. As they have to react to the oppressive behavior. Therefore, the strengthening of the Patriotic Ginabot 7 in Amhara. This wouldn’t be there if they listed to the demonstrations from Oromia and Amhara in 2016 that was peaceful, but the state silenced with merciless force. Peace.

Zimbabwe: Evan Mawarire – “Zimbabwe has let her down but she’s finding strength everyday to get up and face life” (Footage)

“On a road in Harare today i met Beula. This 23 year old young lady is tough and full of hope. Zimbabwe has let her down but she’s finding strength everyday to get up and face life. We MUST UNITE and change this nation. Register to vote when the time comes” (Evan Mawarire, 30.05.2017)

Ethiopia: Food insecurity intensifies despite late Gu and Belg season rainfall (24.05.2017)

Key Messages

  • Despite enhanced rainfall at the end of April into early May over many areas of Ethiopia, food security outcomes are still expected to deteriorate, particularly in southern and southeastern pastoral areas due to the late start, erratic, and below-average Gu/Genna rains. In portions of Somali Region, the accelerated loss of livestock has significantly expanded food consumption gaps, and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes are likely in the absence of sustained assistance during June to September. In lowland areas of SNNPR along the Rift Valley and in East and West Hararghe, southern Tigray, and portions of northern Amhara, projected outcomes are expected to move from Stressed (IPC Phase 2) to Crisis (IPC Phase 3), beginning in June, due to low household purchasing power and a lack of confirmed humanitarian assistance.
  • Late Gu/Genna season rainfall has partially rejuvenated water points for both livestock and human consumption across some woredas of Somali Region, and improved water availability has been reported in Borena and Guji zones of Oromia and South Omo in southern SNNPR. However, the rainfall has not continued into mid-May, and the short-term forecast indicates only moderate rainfall as the season concludes. The current marginal improvements in pasture and water are likely to be depleted by early June, which will mean rangeland resources will rapidly decline, and subsequently livestock body conditions and productivity, until the Deyr/Hageya season in October.
  • Over most Belg-producing areas of the country, extended dry spells through much of April suppressed the growth of Belg crops as well as Meher long-cycle crops. As a result, even if the Belg rains continue through the end of May, lower yields are likely for maize crops in particular, especially in lowland areas of SNNPR along the Rift Valley. Due to late planting, the green and dry Belg maize harvest in SNNPR is likely to be delayed by more than two months. Poor households are already experiencing constrained food access as they are highly market dependent during the peak of the lean season. Staple food prices, especially for maize, remain atypically higher.
  • The 2017 HRD initially estimated that 5.6 million people needed humanitarian assistance through June 2017, but the National Disaster Risk Management Commission (NDRMC) has revised higher the number to 7.81 million. In addition, the NDRMC has projected that in Belg-dependent areas, additional PSNP beneficiaries past the traditional six-month period of transfers will need extended support. The NDRMC, JEOP, and WFP completed the first two distribution rounds, and the third round is underway. However, there are logistical constraints that might impede timely distributions.

Zimbabwe: I’m not putting #ThisFlag down (Youtube-Clip)

“It is not illegal to carry the national flag. We must not allow the criminalisation of patriotism” (Evan Mawarire, 20.05.2017).

President Mugabe is sleeping abroad because he is tired, yet another reason for him to step-down!

Some people talk in their sleep. Lecturers talk while other people sleep”Albert Camus

President Robert Mugabe really have loyal cadres and a ZANU-PF elite who deny the real fact about their leader. That President are old and weaker now is expected, Robert Mugabe is 93 years old. He has ruled the Republic for decades upon end without any relief or any plans for successor. Someone has said in recent times that he will gain the votes, even when he is dead. Another fellow ZANU-PF did say that he was biblical and his reign was written in bible. So the despotic and belief in the old-man has gone to far. As today’s defense of his sleeping in international conference and when visiting dignitaries abroad. Just read the statement!

Speaking on Zimpapers’ Capitalk radio Charamba said:

It has to do with his eyes and often I have felt very, very pained. In fact, I feel like a failure when there is this reading that the President is sleeping in conferences, NO. At 93, there is something that happens to the eyes and the President cannot suffer bright lights. If you look at his poise, he looks down, avoids direct lighting. In the case of Mandela, if you remember, you were not allowed to even use flashes whenever he was in the room. That is what happens at 93 and Mandela, I do not think lived as long as the President did. Let us disabuse ourselves” (Maveriq, 2017).

We all know that President Mugabe doesn’t care about anyone’s opinions, since he has his own ideas, where he defends his records and supposed achievements. Because it now overshadow that falls asleep during Press Conference with Shinzo Abe, at a conference in Kenya reported falling asleep 11 times, at the 60th Independence Parade in Ghana, at the inauguration of President Buhari in Nigeria and latest in South Africa at the World Economic Forum there. So there are many times he has fallen asleep. The old tyrant, who has grabbed power and never let go. He is tired of the international gatherings and public appearances, his aging body cannot cope with it. Even if he is biblical and will get votes after death, he apparently, can fall asleep.

He should bow down to the sleep, rest and give the helm to someone else. Who actually is awake and caring about the Republic. Not only eating the state resources, emptying the state reserves and spending on the ZANU-PF. There is a need of good governance and someone that actually feel they need deliver public services and safe government institutions. So that the state can deliver public goods and the welfare they need. Not the sleeping beauty!

Sleeping is for tired and weak, President Mugabe has done his deal and done his part, long time ago! Therefore, the fatigue and sleep is needed. Someone else should represent the great republic of Zimbabwe. A man or woman who will fight for the people and their plights. Not the ones who eats of the state reserves and state resources for their own gain. That is what the ZANU-PF has done and will be their legacy. Not that President Mugabe falls asleep abroad and makes a bad figure.

That shouldn’t worry the world, what should worry us all, is the efforts and the plans of what comes next. What is the steps ahead and what will be left behind after the sleeping executive leaves the scene. President Mugabe is 93 years old, all of draconian laws, the fragile institutions and the misuse of power, all stems to his reign. The sleeping abroad at conferences and press briefings are only proof, that he should retire and give in. But the ZANU-PF will not let that happen, nor his elite. Peace.

Reference:

Maveriq – ‘President Mugabe does not sleep at conferences, he will be avoiding bright lights says Charamba’ (11.05.2017) link: http://www.pindula.co.zw/news/2017/05/11/president-mugabe-does-not-sleep-at-conferences-he-will-be-avoiding-bright-lights-says-charamba/#.WRRws9KGPIU

Ethiopia: Translated Criminal Charges during the State of Emergency!

The Church of England: The General Election, June 8th 2017 (06.05.2017)