GENEVA (4 February 2021) – A group of UN experts welcomed the US decision to stop using privately run federal prisons and urged the Biden Administration to also end outsourcing of all detention centres, including those holding migrants and asylum seekers. “Ending the reliance on privately run prisons for federal prisoners is an encouraging step, but further action is needed,” said Jelena Aparac, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries.
“Given the magnitude of mass incarceration in the US, this decision will benefit only the very small percentage of federal prisoners who are held in private prisons and specifically excludes vulnerable people held in migrant and asylum centres who are at particular risk of serious human rights violations.”
Deep fears of violent crackdown in Myanmar, Bachelet warns February 03, 2021
File photo shows the skyline of Yangon, Myanmar. courtesy World Bank/Markus Kostner
GENEVA The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has voiced “deep fears” of a violent crackdown on dissenting voices in Myanmar, where the military assumed all powers and declared a state of emergency after overthrowing the civilian government and arresting top political leaders, on Monday.
“Given the security presence on the streets in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in other cities, there are deep fears of a violent crackdown on dissenting voices”, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday.
GENEVA (2 February 2021) –
The UN Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, Mr Obiora C. Okafor, made the following statement: The recent decision of the Human Rights Committee under article 5 (4) of the Optional Protocol (CCPR/C/130/D/3042/2017) adopted on 4 November 2020 reflects the need for State parties under the international law of the sea to take steps to protect the lives of all individuals who find themselves in a situation of distress at sea. Even if the sinking vessel is not located in a specific State search and rescue zone, States still have a duty to support the search and rescue mission to save the lives of the migrants and refugees.
Sudan: UN experts call for enhanced protection of civilians, including internally displaced, in Darfur
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GENEVA (1 February 2021) – UN experts said today Sudan must urgently implement strong measures to ensure the safety of civilians, including the internally displaced, and thoroughly investigate and bring to justice the perpetrators of recent deadly intercommunal violence and attacks in Darfur.
On 16 and 17 January, intercommunal violence leading to clashes between Arab nomads and the non-Arab ethnic Masalit in West Darfur affecting the Krinding and Abu Zar camps for internally displaced persons reportedly killed 163 people, injured 217 and displaced 50,000 people. Civilian property was damaged and looted.
On 18 January, clashes between the Rezigat and Falata communities in El Gereida locality, in South Darfur, reportedly resulted in the killing of 72 people. More than 70 were injured and about 100 families displaced.
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“Given the security presence on the streets in the capital, Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in other cities, there are deep fears of a violent crackdown on dissenting voices”, High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet said in a statement on Monday.
“I remind the military leadership that Myanmar is bound by international human rights law, including to respect the right to peaceful assembly, and to refrain from using unnecessary or excessive force”, she added.
High Comissioner Bachelet also called on the international community to “stand in solidarity with the people” of Myanmar at this time. She also urged all nations with influence to take steps “to prevent the crumbling of the fragile democratic and human rights gains made by Myanmar during its transition from military rule.”