Human Rights Council – 11th Session
Agenda Item 2: General Debate- High Commissioners update
4 June, 2009
Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS)
Delivered by Dina Mansour
Thank you Mr. President.
Thank you Madame High Commissioner
The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies would once again like to commend you and your office for the important work you carry out.
CIHRS strongly endorses your comments on the Durban Review Outcome document, and that of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression delivered on Wednesday. CIHRS sees the Durban outcome as an important tool to combat discrimination a highly positive development concerning the issue of Freedom of Expression and Defamation of Religions. We strongly urge all states who have not yet given their full support to the Durban Outcome document to do so immediately and without reservations. CIHRS recognizes the special importance that the Durban Process has for the African regions, and strongly urges African delegations who are members of this Council to ensure that the resolutions and decisions of this body promote and uphold the consensus and outcome of the Durban Review process.
CIHRS would also like to commend the OHCHR on their continued attention and efforts to ensure human rights are promoted and protected within conflict situations throughout the world. We especially welcome your continued attention on the situation in Sudan and Palestine.
CIHRS expresses its deep concern with the Human Rights Council’s progressive disengagement on the issue of Sudan and, in particular, the humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur. The recent expulsion of humanitarian organizations from Darfur, severe and unprecedented repression of human rights defenders throughout the country and the growing chaos between armed groups in Darfur and in Southern Sudan, pose a growing threat to the basic rights of all Sudanese civilians. Fundamental rights and human security in Sudan will continue to deteriorate until the government begins genuine efforts to provide accountability within its legal and judicial systems.
The report recently released by the office of the UN Secretary General that documents Israeli attacks on UN installations and personnel during the Gaza offensive earlier this year concluded that war crimes had been committed by Israeli forces against UN targets, yet the Secretary General himself has stated that he does not intend any further inquiries on this issue. CIHRS believes it to be an important task of the OHCHR to act as a coordinating body for the human rights activities of the entire UN system. As such, CIHRS would like to ask if the OHCHR has communicated and recommended the findings of the Secretary General’s report to Mr. Robert Goldstone, the head of the Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza offensive currently being carried out under the auspices of this Council?
Thank you Mr. President.
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