WUNRN
KYRGYZSTAN - ETHNIC RIOTS -
UZBEKS TRY TO FLEE - WOMEN & CHILDREN
By SASHA MERKUSHEV and
LEILA SARALAYEVA, Associated Press Writers Sasha Merkushev And Leila Saralayeva,
Associated Press Writers – June 12,
2010
OSH,
Kyrgyzstan – Ethnic riots wracked southern
Kyrgyzstan,forcing thousands of Uzbeks to flee as their homes were torched by
roving mobs of Kyrgyz men.......Those driven from their homes rushed toward the
border with Uzbekistan, and an Associated Press reporter there saw the bodies of children trampled to death in the panicky
stampede. Crowds of frightened women and children made flimsy bridges out of
planks and ladders to cross the ditches marking the border........ Full
Article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100612/ap_on_re_as/as_kyrgyzstan_unrest
____________________________________________________________________________________
June 14, 2010
________________________________________________________________________________
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/06/12/world/main6575614.shtml
Ethnic Uzbeks gathered
near the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border in southern Kyrgyzstan, June 12, 2010, trying to
seek refuge.Kygryzstan's second-largest city, Osh, slid into chaos when gangs
of young Kyrgyz men armed with firearms and metal rods marched on Uzbek
neighborhoods and set their homes on fire.
_________________________________________________________________________
http://www.france24.com/en/20100614-uzbekistan-closes-border-kyrgyzstan-refugees-thousands-ethnic-violence-
Full Article
Uzbekistan Closes Border as Thousands Flee Kyrgyzstan Violence
June 14, 2010
Uzbekistan has closed its border as more than 45,000 ethnic Uzbeks
fled clashes in Kyrgyzstan amid reports that Kyrgyz soldiers were taking part
in the violence. The UN refugee agency has pledged to dispatch emergency aid to
Uzbekistan's border.......
________________________________________________________________
UN EXPERTS ALARMED BY ETHNIC VIOLENCE IN KYRGYZSTAN
GENEVA (15 June 2010)
– A group of UN human rights experts* today expressed their alarm and deep
concern about ethnic tensions that have erupted into violence in the south of
Kyrgyzstan, including the cities of Osh and Jalalabad. The violence has
reportedly claimed the lives of over one hundred and left many hundreds more
injured. A state of emergency has been declared in the region following the
outbreak of violence between ethnic Kyrgyz and ethnic Uzbeks. The situation has
dramatically deteriorated since 11 June with reports of continuing killings and
the burning of residences, shops and other properties.
“Putting
a stop to the current violence and preventing its further escalation or
spreading to other areas must be the first priority of the provisional
government. The security of those from all ethnic groups, including all
minorities in Kyrgyzstan, must be protected,” stated the UN experts. “The true
causes of the tensions should be fully analyzed and addressed to help ensure
that this appalling situation cannot happen again.”
“The
present situation remains extremely fragile and dangerous and it must be
confronted with swift and appropriate responses to calm the situation, restore
order and prevent further outbreaks of violence. This must be done in full
conformity with human rights obligations.”
“At
times of political uncertainty or significant change, history shows us that
tensions and issues that have perhaps simmered under the surface may boil over
into violence. It is essential to quickly establish the rule of law and to establish
long term measures to promote dialogue and improve relations between ethnic
groups. The Government has a responsibility to put in place measures to prevent
these violent crimes and to conduct investigations and ensure prosecution of
those responsible for the killings.”
The
experts also expressed concern at reports of a shoot-to-kill policy adopted by
the provisional Government noting that “such policies would undermine clear
legal standards on the use of force by security forces and endanger innocent
persons. Force should be used by law enforcement officials only when strictly
necessary, and that force must be in proportion to the legitimate objective to
be achieved.”
Tensions
have risen in Kyrgyzstan since the overthrow of former President Kurmanbek
Bakiev following mass protests and violence in April. In May 2010 violence
between ethnic Kyrgyz and minority Uzbeks also broke out in the southern city
of Jalalabad resulting in deaths and rising concerns over ethnic relations and
possible further incidents.
“Minority
rights, non-discrimination and the rule of law are all key components of
long-term stability and conflict prevention,” stated the UN experts.
*
Ms. Gay McDougall, Independent Expert on minority issues; Mr. Philip Alston,
Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Mr. Githu
Muigai, Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial
discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.
================================================================
To contact the list administrator, or to leave the list, send an email to:
wunrn_listserve-request@lists.wunrn.com. Thank you.