|
|
UNITED NATIONS Press Release |
|
xxxxxxxxxx |
COUNCIL TAKES UP VARIOUS ISSUES
INCLUDING CHILDREN IN ARMED CONFLICT, SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND VIOLATIONS IN
CERTAIN COUNTRIES |
xxxxxxxxxx |
| Human Rights Council AFTERNOON 1 December 2006
Concludes Debate on Follow-Up to its Decisions The Human Rights Council this afternoon concluded its discussion of follow-up to decisions by the Council, and took up "other issues" related to the protection and promotion of human rights, under which is discussed the situation of children involved in armed conflict, human rights violations linked to sexual orientation and gender identity, and the situation of human rights in various countries of the world. It was vital to protect children in all circumstances, and this was especially important during armed conflict where children often were victims of grave human rights violations, speakers said. Children were involved in armed conflicts in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka. The situation of children under foreign occupation was also raised. The recent report by the Secretary-General on children in armed conflict was welcomed. There was deep concern at ongoing human rights violations around the world based on sexual orientation and gender identity, speakers said. The principles of universality and non-discrimination required that these be addressed. All Special Procedures and treaty bodies should continue to integrate consideration of human rights violations based on sexual orientation within their relevant mandates, as too often in the past these human rights abuses had passed in silence. Tackling stigma and discrimination was about political and moral leadership: from politicians, religious figures, communities, the media, campaigning organizations, and from individuals, including how each behaved. Among other issues raised were the situation of human rights in a number of countries, including Darfur, Sudan. Speakers welcomed the calling of the special session on Darfur, and urged each other to hold a comprehensive and constructive dialogue on the situation, as this would give a clear signal that the Council would take action everywhere gross violations of human rights occurred. Speaking this afternoon were the representatives of Guatemala, Norway, Finland for the European Union, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, Canada, Algeria, Australia, New Zealand, Iran, and Sweden who also spoke on behalf of the Netherlands. The International Organization of the Francophonie also spoke. Speaking in right of reply were Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Canada, Sri Lanka, Sudan, and Iran. Also speaking were representatives of International Indian Treaty Council (in a joint statement with International Organization of Indigenous Resources Development); International Service for Human Rights; Amnesty International; United Nations Watch; International Commission of Jurists; United Nations Watch; Human Rights Watch; Canadian HIV/Aids Legal Network; Indian Council of South America; Amnesty International; Interfaith International; World Blind Union; International Federation of Human Rights Leagues; International Association of Democratic Lawyers; Action Against Hunger; and Indian Movement "Tupaj Amaru". The next meeting of the Council will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, 4 December, when it will take up progress reports and further discussion of decisions of the Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review. |