AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/008/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on internally displaced persons
Amnesty International welcomes the report of the Special Rapporteur on Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Africa and would like to thank him for the important work he is carrying out and encourage him to continue to do so.
We would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of our recent findings pertinent to the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
Chad
According to recent United Nations estimates, 170,000 Chadians have been forcibly displaced within their own country due to the ongoing armed conflict. In addition, over 30,000 Chadians have sought refuge in Sudan. The internal displacement in Chad has occurred within the context of an existing humanitarian emergency created by the influxes since 2003 of more than 240, 000 Sudanese refugees into the eastern region of Chad .
Women and girls who are able to flee often lose everything -- their homes, crops and sometimes even their husbands, older relatives and children. Living for the most part in IDP sites they are depending, for their survival, on the humanitarian aid they receive. Their precarious new environment offers them little security -- indeed many are at risk of rape and similar such assaults, specifically outside the IDP sites when they go out to find firewood and other resources for their families. The alleged perpetrators of these abuses include all the armed elements operating in eastern Chad, namely Chadian and Sudanese armed opposition movements, the Sudanese militia known as the Janjawid from Darfur, and members of the Chadian national army.
In June 2007, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that in IDP sites the mortality rate was double the emergency threshold and that almost one child in five was suffering from acute malnutrition. At around the same time, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that, given the poor quality of shelter and lack of access to clean water, there was a serious risk of malaria and diarrhea epidemics.
Central African Republic (CAR)
There has been mass displacement of the population in northern Central African Republic (CAR). Tens of thousands of northern CAR citizens have fled to neighboring countries, and several hundred thousand others have been internally displaced as a result of the insecurity prevailing in the region. The people are fleeing from the armed conflict between government forces and armed political groups, as well as from armed bandits who abduct mainly children for ransom.
More than 50,000 people have fled to southern Chad and over 26,000 have crossed to Cameroon, while several thousand have fled from north-eastern CAR to Sudan. The refugees in southern Chad have limited access to healthcare and other humanitarian assistance. During their visit to refugee camps in southern Chad in May 2007, Amnesty International delegates learned that refugees were receiving only 8.4kg of maize meal flour, a few hundred grams of salt and a cupful of oil per month per person from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). In many cases, refugees had to sell some of their meager supply of maize meal flour to buy vegetables to eat with the maize meal. By the start of August 2007, CAR refugees in Cameroon had no access to humanitarian assistance and were largely surviving on assistance provided by the local Cameroonian population and by selling the animals they had been able to flee with.
Over 200,000 people are internally displaced in northern CAR. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) have had to abandon their homes, food reserves and other property, which are often looted or destroyed by government soldiers, armed groups or armed bandits. The displaced people have limited access to humanitarian assistance, and succumb to exposure and lack of medical care when they try to survive in the wild.
Sudan
IDPs
In Darfur the number of IDPs continues to increase -- from the beginning of the year till the end of August 250,000 people were displaced, some for a second, third or fourth time. The Sudanese Armed Forces continues to bomb and attack civilian areas. In May and June 2007 more than 2,500 people made a 10-day trek to the Central African Republic after the government and Janjawid attacked Daffaq in South Darfur. Civilians are also displaced in attacks by the fragmented armed opposition groups on each other and also in those caused by internal fighting between different ethnic groups. Some of the worst ethnic fighting has been between Arab groups, such as the northern Rizeigat and the Tarjem, who have joined the Janjawid and been heavily armed and incorporated into paramilitary forces by the government. Darfur has become awash with arms from government and other sources and with the fragmentation of armed opposition groups, often into factions based on ethnic groups, the IDP camps are becoming militarized and divided and increasingly dangerous.
Refugees
Hundreds of Ethiopian refugees, some with refugee status confirmed by UNHCR, were rounded up in Sudan during June and July. Some had lived as refugees in Sudan since the 1970s; others arrived more recently, during the 1990s. In Ethiopia they were in danger of detention and torture; nevertheless, at least 15 of those detained in Sudan were forcibly returned to Ethiopia in September. Those forcibly returned were reportedly handed into the custody of Ethiopian security personnel and their present whereabouts are unknown.
One of those who was handed to Ethiopian security forces was Atanaw Wasie, aged 74, who suffers from chronic asthma. Atanaw Wasie was a political opponent of the Dergue who has lived in Sudan for more than 20 years. He was arrested in July in the town of Gedaref in Sudan, and forcibly returned from Sudan on 27 September. His family has searched for him and requested information on his whereabouts from the Ethiopian authorities without success. On 11 October UNHCR condemned the deportation of 15 Ethiopian refugees, and said that Khartoum had not responded to its requests for information.
The above highlighted cases require a strong and effective legal framework and implementation mechanism to ensure that governments and other members of the international community take seriously their obligations towards refugees and IDPs. Amnesty international therefore urges the African Commission to support the adoption of a new regional legal framework focusing on the rights of IDPs, based on the Guiding Principles of Internal Displacement which have already been endorsed by the African Commission.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL-Public Statement
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/007/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on human rights defenders
Amnesty International is concerned about the continuing harassment, intimidation, torture and even extra-judicial killings of human rights defenders across Africa.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has become increasingly difficult over the past months, in particular in the East of the country, for human rights defenders to carry out their legitimate work due to threats and harassment from local authorities and from armed groups.
In Egypt, human rights organisations have been operating under the restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations. Many of them have been refused registration by the Ministry of Social Solidarity citing "security reasons" and lodged sometimes successfully legal proceedings before the administrative court to appeal such decision. Those whose applications are rejected and who continue to operate live in constant threat of prosecution and closure. Such restrictive measures led to the closure of the Centre for Trade Union and Workers' Services in April 2007 and the Association for Human Rights and Legal Aid in September 2007. The attack against these two leading organisations appears to be linked to their work in support of workers' rights and of victims of torture and their families. Such worrying developments happen at a time when Egyptian human rights organisations await amendments to the already restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations amongst fears that the authorities are seeking to further restrict and control their activities through increased administrative measures, purportedly for security reasons.
In Ethiopia, Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are the two remaining defendants in the trial of the opposition political leaders, journalists and human rights defenders that followed the 2005 elections. They were arrested by police on 1 November 2005 and charged with "outrages against the Constitution". Both Daniel Bekele, policy manager of ActionAid in Ethiopia, and Netsanet Demissie, founder and director of the Organization of Social Justice, are human rights defenders and legal professionals who have been active in Ethiopian civil society. They have denied the charges against them, and said they had no connection with the political opposition. Amnesty International regards them as prisoners of conscience -- people who have not used or advocated violence. The verdict in their trial is due to be announced before the end of November and Amnesty International has called for their immediate and unconditional release.
In the Gambia, two Amnesty International staff members and Gambian journalist Yahya Dampha were arrested on 6 October 2007. They were released from police detention on 8 October with passports held and on the condition that they report back to the police each day until they were unconditionally released on 12 October. Amnesty International has received a formal apology from the Attorney General of The Gambia. However, soon after the Amnesty International staff left the country reports that Gambia's National Intelligence Agency were looking for Yahya Dampha forced him into hiding. Although Yahya Dampha is for the moment safe it is impossible for him to do his work and he fears for himself and his family. The arbitrary nature of the arrest highlights the challenges human rights defenders face in the Gambia and that result is a situation where human rights defenders live in fear for their life, security and freedom.
In Rwanda, long-standing human rights defender Francois-Xavier Byuma was sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment on 27 May 2007, after an unfair trial by the gacaca community court in the Bilyogo sector of Kigali. Turengere Abana, the organisation François-Xavier Byuma chairs, had looked into allegations that the judge presiding over the trial had raped a young girl. The judge therefore had a clear conflict of interest in the trial. The Appeal court decided on 18 August 2007 that the first instance verdict should stand, and the sentence of 19 years' imprisonment would remain. The court did not motivate its verdict, and gave no explanation on whether it had considered the question of impartiality of the judge in first instance. This failure by the court amounts to a gross miscarriage of justice. Amnesty International has called for a review of this case in line with international standards of fair trial.
In Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Ali "Kiimiko" and Zakaria Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, respectively the Chairperson and Legal Advisor of the Somali Human Rights Defenders Network (SOHRIDEN), have been investigating, documenting and reporting human rights violations and using advocacy to achieve change and respect for human rights. In recent months, both have received concrete and repeated death threats from opposition armed groups and unknown individuals, and threats and harassment from security forces of the Transitional Federal Government. These threats and attacks on their colleagues forced them to flee their country in October 2007. Amnesty International has urged all parties in the Somali conflict to end the attacks on human rights defenders and respect their work to uphold human rights.
In Zimbabwe, women human rights defenders are suffering increasing repression as they mobilise to confront the government in the face of a spiralling economic and social rights crisis. Many of these women reported being subjected to beatings and other ill-treatment while in police custody, in some cases amounting to torture. Much of the abuse has included sexist verbal abuse and derogatory accusations aimed at discrediting their character and work. Some have been detained with their children or while pregnant in deplorable conditions falling far below international human rights standards. Amnesty International has stressed that the international community must publicly condemn violations of human rights by the government of Zimbabwe, including organised violence by state actors, torture and ill-treatment, and more broadly the denial of human rights of women human rights defenders.
The above highlighted cases are but a few examples of the continuing violations of the human rights of human rights defenders in many parts of Africa. Attacks against human rights defenders violate the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and international human rights standards guaranteeing the rights to freedom of association and assembly and the rights to freedom of expression among others. According to the Kigali Declaration adopted by the African Union (AU) Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in May 2003, African governments must "take appropriate steps to implement the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa."
Amnesty International calls on the African Commission to request its Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to investigate the cases mentioned above and to report back to the Commission at its 43rd ordinary session on the steps the governments are taking to stop the abuses and on effective remedies provided to the victims.
We also call on the African Commission to adopt a resolution condemning attacks against human rights defenders in Africa and calling for the domestication and full implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
Public Statement
AI Index: AFR 01/007/2007 (Public)
News Service No: 221
14 November 2007
The African Commission: Amnesty International's oral statement on human rights defenders
Amnesty International is concerned about the continuing harassment, intimidation, torture and even extra-judicial killings of human rights defenders across Africa.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, it has become increasingly difficult over the past months, in particular in the East of the country, for human rights defenders to carry out their legitimate work due to threats and harassment from local authorities and from armed groups.
In Egypt, human rights organisations have been operating under the restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations. Many of them have been refused registration by the Ministry of Social Solidarity citing "security reasons" and lodged sometimes successfully legal proceedings before the administrative court to appeal such decision. Those whose applications are rejected and who continue to operate live in constant threat of prosecution and closure. Such restrictive measures led to the closure of the Centre for Trade Union and Workers' Services in April 2007 and the Association for Human Rights and Legal Aid in September 2007. The attack against these two leading organisations appears to be linked to their work in support of workers' rights and of victims of torture and their families. Such worrying developments happen at a time when Egyptian human rights organisations await amendments to the already restrictive Law 84 of 2002 on associations amongst fears that the authorities are seeking to further restrict and control their activities through increased administrative measures, purportedly for security reasons.
In Ethiopia, Daniel Bekele and Netsanet Demissie are the two remaining defendants in the trial of the opposition political leaders, journalists and human rights defenders that followed the 2005 elections. They were arrested by police on 1 November 2005 and charged with "outrages against the Constitution". Both Daniel Bekele, policy manager of ActionAid in Ethiopia, and Netsanet Demissie, founder and director of the Organization of Social Justice, are human rights defenders and legal professionals who have been active in Ethiopian civil society. They have denied the charges against them, and said they had no connection with the political opposition. Amnesty International regards them as prisoners of conscience -- people who have not used or advocated violence. The verdict in their trial is due to be announced before the end of November and Amnesty International has called for their immediate and unconditional release.
In the Gambia, two Amnesty International staff members and Gambian journalist Yahya Dampha were arrested on 6 October 2007. They were released from police detention on 8 October with passports held and on the condition that they report back to the police each day until they were unconditionally released on 12 October. Amnesty International has received a formal apology from the Attorney General of The Gambia. However, soon after the Amnesty International staff left the country reports that Gambia's National Intelligence Agency were looking for Yahya Dampha forced him into hiding. Although Yahya Dampha is for the moment safe it is impossible for him to do his work and he fears for himself and his family. The arbitrary nature of the arrest highlights the challenges human rights defenders face in the Gambia and that result is a situation where human rights defenders live in fear for their life, security and freedom.
In Rwanda, long-standing human rights defender Francois-Xavier Byuma was sentenced to 19 years' imprisonment on 27 May 2007, after an unfair trial by the gacaca community court in the Bilyogo sector of Kigali. Turengere Abana, the organisation François-Xavier Byuma chairs, had looked into allegations that the judge presiding over the trial had raped a young girl. The judge therefore had a clear conflict of interest in the trial. The Appeal court decided on 18 August 2007 that the first instance verdict should stand, and the sentence of 19 years' imprisonment would remain. The court did not motivate its verdict, and gave no explanation on whether it had considered the question of impartiality of the judge in first instance. This failure by the court amounts to a gross miscarriage of justice. Amnesty International has called for a review of this case in line with international standards of fair trial.
In Somalia, Ahmed Mohamed Ali "Kiimiko" and Zakaria Mohammed Sheikh Yusuf, respectively the Chairperson and Legal Advisor of the Somali Human Rights Defenders Network (SOHRIDEN), have been investigating, documenting and reporting human rights violations and using advocacy to achieve change and respect for human rights. In recent months, both have received concrete and repeated death threats from opposition armed groups and unknown individuals, and threats and harassment from security forces of the Transitional Federal Government. These threats and attacks on their colleagues forced them to flee their country in October 2007. Amnesty International has urged all parties in the Somali conflict to end the attacks on human rights defenders and respect their work to uphold human rights.
In Zimbabwe, women human rights defenders are suffering increasing repression as they mobilise to confront the government in the face of a spiralling economic and social rights crisis. Many of these women reported being subjected to beatings and other ill-treatment while in police custody, in some cases amounting to torture. Much of the abuse has included sexist verbal abuse and derogatory accusations aimed at discrediting their character and work. Some have been detained with their children or while pregnant in deplorable conditions falling far below international human rights standards. Amnesty International has stressed that the international community must publicly condemn violations of human rights by the government of Zimbabwe, including organised violence by state actors, torture and ill-treatment, and more broadly the denial of human rights of women human rights defenders.
The above highlighted cases are but a few examples of the continuing violations of the human rights of human rights defenders in many parts of Africa. Attacks against human rights defenders violate the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and international human rights standards guaranteeing the rights to freedom of association and assembly and the rights to freedom of expression among others. According to the Kigali Declaration adopted by the African Union (AU) Ministerial Conference on Human Rights in May 2003, African governments must "take appropriate steps to implement the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa."
Amnesty International calls on the African Commission to request its Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders to investigate the cases mentioned above and to report back to the Commission at its 43rd ordinary session on the steps the governments are taking to stop the abuses and on effective remedies provided to the victims.
We also call on the African Commission to adopt a resolution condemning attacks against human rights defenders in Africa and calling for the domestication and full implementation of the UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders in Africa.
Friday, November 2, 2007
"Human Rights Watch International Film Festival"
Deepa Mehta's Oscar Nominated Masterpiece ‘Water’(HRWIFF 2007) Released on DVD
From the courageous and provocative filmmaker Deepa Mehta (‘Fire’, ‘Earth’), comes 'Water' a profoundly moving and beautifully vibrant story of India’s ‘widow houses’, where women of all ages are taken to live (even today), and isolated from society following the deaths of their husbands.
Sprinkled with humour, rife with universal emotions and alive with visual excitement, the story of 'Water' follows three widows who dared to stand up for themselves in the liberating time of Mahatma Gandhi.
'Water' was released on a 2-disc special edition DVD on Monday October 22nd
Find out more about the film and where you can purchase the DVD here: www.waterthefilm.co.uk
From the courageous and provocative filmmaker Deepa Mehta (‘Fire’, ‘Earth’), comes 'Water' a profoundly moving and beautifully vibrant story of India’s ‘widow houses’, where women of all ages are taken to live (even today), and isolated from society following the deaths of their husbands.
Sprinkled with humour, rife with universal emotions and alive with visual excitement, the story of 'Water' follows three widows who dared to stand up for themselves in the liberating time of Mahatma Gandhi.
'Water' was released on a 2-disc special edition DVD on Monday October 22nd
Find out more about the film and where you can purchase the DVD here: www.waterthefilm.co.uk
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
My Own Fight for Justice
EXERTS FROM A LETTER TO THE INDEPENDENT POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMISSION- UNITED KINGDOM
Dear Tim Ashton
I have gone from here to the end of every legal avenue in your country to rectify this matter. If you are not to hold this corruption accountable then who is? The police officer were found by your findings to be culpable of oppressive and harassing treatment of me last year warranting the complaint against them, which
they have once again slipped thought the cracks of justice. They have yet to be ever held accountable as per their flogging me off annually leading up to last years finding by the IPCC.
You confirmed that my complaint against the Met for having not expunged my record was not included in the complaint filed against them last year and therefore making this obviously a new complaint now. Especially, as the criminal record held against me is tarnishing my very namesake and ever criminal background check conducted there and in that of my own home country of the United States.
This is in spite of the fact that my record was to due be expunge of a dubiously brought against me charges and even more flimsy conviction TWO YEARS ago.
Charges they attempted to punish me with under further malicious arrest in 2003 after I made complaints which led to formal complaint charges brought against them in 2002 are still stood on my record as active. I happened to be found not guilty so why oh why are the two charges moronically brought against me charges by the police officers named in last years formal complaint against not expunged. They should have those charges I was found not guilty of FOUR YEARS later removed from active status and removed all together!
Do I have to physical entered into the police records department to personally expunge my record myself? I will happily do so. However, I just might bring along with a film or camera crew to document the occasion just in case the police wished to try another malicious fast one on me.
Meanwhile, I am writing a book about my horrendous ordeal with a view of publication over the next few months. I do not intend to change the names of any malicious or corruptly involved police officer or Metropolitan Official who has allowed this to happen to me.
I will not be denied justice in this matter no matter how many doors the London Met think they have the power to block or close on my effort to vindicate myself. I will speak with a voice that will be heard loudly against their deliberate attempts to be held accountable to everyone person upon this earth living or decease knows my story and witness the true power of courage in the face of such horrendous abuse of power.
I trust that it is not your commission’s intention to not hold those responsible for what has happened to me accountable in some form or another. As no one on their side has been prosecuted, not even the false witnesses against me, no one has been demoted quite the opposite from what I understand, I have not received compensation, an out of court settlement, nor the expunging of my police record. I do not think it is out my own human rights to demand an apology from the police officers themselves and the London Met Police on a whole. For they all should be ashamed, they have grossly gone after me and to their shock I have withstood it all and still stand against them.
I want to get on with my life and forget them, the UK, the past ten years of my life which ironically the only one thing worth remembering is in fact the very man whom this sorry situation was spurred on because of. That man is Alastair Burlingham. He I will never forget and cherish always. The rest can all go to hell as it were!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kesha Coggins
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The names of the MAIN police officers at the heart of the abuse of power I suffered for eight years are the following
DC Driss Hayoukane-Kensington and Chelsea Police Station, London UK
DC Asheworth-Collingdale Police Station, London UK
DC Fryer-Marylebone Police Station, London UK
DC Pagne-Marylebone Police Station, London UK
Dear Tim Ashton
I have gone from here to the end of every legal avenue in your country to rectify this matter. If you are not to hold this corruption accountable then who is? The police officer were found by your findings to be culpable of oppressive and harassing treatment of me last year warranting the complaint against them, which
they have once again slipped thought the cracks of justice. They have yet to be ever held accountable as per their flogging me off annually leading up to last years finding by the IPCC.
You confirmed that my complaint against the Met for having not expunged my record was not included in the complaint filed against them last year and therefore making this obviously a new complaint now. Especially, as the criminal record held against me is tarnishing my very namesake and ever criminal background check conducted there and in that of my own home country of the United States.
This is in spite of the fact that my record was to due be expunge of a dubiously brought against me charges and even more flimsy conviction TWO YEARS ago.
Charges they attempted to punish me with under further malicious arrest in 2003 after I made complaints which led to formal complaint charges brought against them in 2002 are still stood on my record as active. I happened to be found not guilty so why oh why are the two charges moronically brought against me charges by the police officers named in last years formal complaint against not expunged. They should have those charges I was found not guilty of FOUR YEARS later removed from active status and removed all together!
Do I have to physical entered into the police records department to personally expunge my record myself? I will happily do so. However, I just might bring along with a film or camera crew to document the occasion just in case the police wished to try another malicious fast one on me.
Meanwhile, I am writing a book about my horrendous ordeal with a view of publication over the next few months. I do not intend to change the names of any malicious or corruptly involved police officer or Metropolitan Official who has allowed this to happen to me.
I will not be denied justice in this matter no matter how many doors the London Met think they have the power to block or close on my effort to vindicate myself. I will speak with a voice that will be heard loudly against their deliberate attempts to be held accountable to everyone person upon this earth living or decease knows my story and witness the true power of courage in the face of such horrendous abuse of power.
I trust that it is not your commission’s intention to not hold those responsible for what has happened to me accountable in some form or another. As no one on their side has been prosecuted, not even the false witnesses against me, no one has been demoted quite the opposite from what I understand, I have not received compensation, an out of court settlement, nor the expunging of my police record. I do not think it is out my own human rights to demand an apology from the police officers themselves and the London Met Police on a whole. For they all should be ashamed, they have grossly gone after me and to their shock I have withstood it all and still stand against them.
I want to get on with my life and forget them, the UK, the past ten years of my life which ironically the only one thing worth remembering is in fact the very man whom this sorry situation was spurred on because of. That man is Alastair Burlingham. He I will never forget and cherish always. The rest can all go to hell as it were!
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Kesha Coggins
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The names of the MAIN police officers at the heart of the abuse of power I suffered for eight years are the following
DC Driss Hayoukane-Kensington and Chelsea Police Station, London UK
DC Asheworth-Collingdale Police Station, London UK
DC Fryer-Marylebone Police Station, London UK
DC Pagne-Marylebone Police Station, London UK
Sunday, October 28, 2007
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL-EU PRESS RELEASE
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
EU PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: EUR 46/046/2007 (Public)
Date: 26 October 2007
EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT:
HUMAN RIGHTS REQUIRE A COHERENT MESSAGE WITH ONE EU VOICE
(Brussels, 26 October) The EU should use today's Summit with the Russian Federation to press for progress on a number of key human rights issues, says Amnesty International.
One year since the killing of journalist and human rights defender Anna Politkovskaya, civil society activists and media continue to suffer pressure and intimidation, particularly those working on the North Caucasus. At least one journalist has reportedly had to flee the country in order to protect herself and her family.
This is only one side of the difficulties experienced by those who dare to speak out. In the North Caucasus, especially Ingushetia, the security situation has seriously deteriorated and there are accusations that the Federal Security Service has been involved in arbitrary detentions, torture, disappearances and extra-judicial executions.
The way racist crimes have been addressed by Russian authorities is another serious concern. Despite some progress, violent racist attacks continue to occur in Russia with alarming regularity and there is an apparent reluctance from authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.
"These are just some examples of the grave violations of human rights that occur in Russia today and undermine the country's credibility as a key actor and partner of the international community," said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International's EU Office.
"At the last Summit, in May in Samara, the EU was able to speak with one voice and firmly address the human rights problems in Russia. It is necessary to maintain that as an important signal to ordinary Russian citizens who want to live in a society that respects their rights", he added.
In a briefing (available at www.amnesty-eu.org) the human rights organization lists the key concerns which it asks the EU to address, namely:
Ø On-going human rights violations by state officials in the North Caucasus, particularly Ingushetia;
Ø The deterioration of freedom of expression and assembly in Russia, which has especially targeted civil society organizations;
Ø Cases of racist violence and apparent police inaction when faced with these crimes.
********
EU PRESS RELEASE
AI Index: EUR 46/046/2007 (Public)
Date: 26 October 2007
EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT:
HUMAN RIGHTS REQUIRE A COHERENT MESSAGE WITH ONE EU VOICE
(Brussels, 26 October) The EU should use today's Summit with the Russian Federation to press for progress on a number of key human rights issues, says Amnesty International.
One year since the killing of journalist and human rights defender Anna Politkovskaya, civil society activists and media continue to suffer pressure and intimidation, particularly those working on the North Caucasus. At least one journalist has reportedly had to flee the country in order to protect herself and her family.
This is only one side of the difficulties experienced by those who dare to speak out. In the North Caucasus, especially Ingushetia, the security situation has seriously deteriorated and there are accusations that the Federal Security Service has been involved in arbitrary detentions, torture, disappearances and extra-judicial executions.
The way racist crimes have been addressed by Russian authorities is another serious concern. Despite some progress, violent racist attacks continue to occur in Russia with alarming regularity and there is an apparent reluctance from authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators.
"These are just some examples of the grave violations of human rights that occur in Russia today and undermine the country's credibility as a key actor and partner of the international community," said Dick Oosting, Director of Amnesty International's EU Office.
"At the last Summit, in May in Samara, the EU was able to speak with one voice and firmly address the human rights problems in Russia. It is necessary to maintain that as an important signal to ordinary Russian citizens who want to live in a society that respects their rights", he added.
In a briefing (available at www.amnesty-eu.org) the human rights organization lists the key concerns which it asks the EU to address, namely:
Ø On-going human rights violations by state officials in the North Caucasus, particularly Ingushetia;
Ø The deterioration of freedom of expression and assembly in Russia, which has especially targeted civil society organizations;
Ø Cases of racist violence and apparent police inaction when faced with these crimes.
********
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA-Press Release
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, 2007
Amnesty International Calls for Probe in Killings of Somali Journalists
Situation for Journalists is Worst Since 1991 State Collapse, with Eight Killed this Year
(Washington) -- In the wake of the Oct. 19 murder of journalist Bashir Nur Gedi, Amnesty International has said that attacks on Somali journalists are higher this year than in any other year since the overthrow of the Siad Barre government in 1991. The organization called on Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to begin an immediate investigation into the killings of eight journalists and bring those responsible to justice.
Since Ethiopian forces captured Mogadishu from the Union of Islamic Courts in December 2006, the situation for journalists and other civilians has continued to deteriorate; eight journalists have been killed this year and others threatened with violence. No arrests have been made. The most recent killing was of Bashir Nur Gedi, acting manager of the Shabelle Media Network, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his house on Friday, Oct. 19.
"Intimidating and harming journalists has apparently become a tool of war for armed parties in the Somali conflict," said Lynn Fredriksson, AIUSA advocacy director for Africa. "Attacks on journalists violate their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and press, as recognized in international human rights laws and treaties. The U.S. government must press the TFG to take concrete actions to stop these violations immediately."
In addition to journalists, humanitarian workers have also been subjected to attacks. The extraordinary raid on the U.N. compound in Mogadishu by more than 50 officers of the TFG's National Security Service on Oct. 17 and the arbitrary detention of Idris Osman, the local director of the U.N. World Food Program from Oct. 17-23, demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the rights of humanitarian workers acting to provide for the essential needs of vulnerable populations.
Amnesty International calls on the TFG to conduct prompt, effective and impartial investigations into the killings and threats of violence against journalists, humanitarian workers and other civilians and to bring those responsible to justice through fair trials and without the application of the death penalty.
The TFG must also end its repeated closings of media organizations and the arrests of journalists by its security forces, the organization said. These actions have created an environment where attacks against journalists assumed to be in reprisal for their reporting have become commonplace.
Since Amnesty International's last statement on the dangers faced by journalists in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu (Urgent need for protection of journalists, Sept. 7, 2007), attacks on journalists have continued and include the following:
The attempted shooting of Radio Shabelle's acting manager Jafar Mohammed "Kukay" in Mogadishu on Sept. 24 and the siege of Radio Shabelle's building on Sept. 18, during which TFG security forces fired automatic weapons at windows, injuring a security guard. The U.N. Special Envoy to Somalia later reported that TFG leaders had stated this was an accident and gave assurance that it would not happen again.
The temporary closure of Radio Garowe in the Puntland capital of Garowe on Oct. 19 and the arrest of three members of its staff by Puntland security forces. All were released on Oct. 20 and the station has resumed broadcasting.
The closure for 24 hours of Radio Simba, a Mogadishu-based radio station and the arrest of two Radio Simba journalists by TFG security forces on Oct. 11. Abdullahi Ali Farah and Mohammed Farah were released the next day.
The arbitrary detention of Mr. Mohamed Hussein Jimale, a Mogadishu-based journalist from the news website www.puntlandpost.com, who was detained by TFG police in the prison adjacent to the President's Office in Villa Somalia Sept. 12-16.
Numerous other incidents in recent weeks of journalists being harassed, intimidated and arrested for short periods of time in Mogadishu by TFG security forces.
Amnesty International has also called on the TFG Minister for Information, Madobe Numow Mohamed, to respect the legitimate role of journalists. Amnesty International is concerned to note that the minister, in a letter dated Oct. 3, 2007, declared that the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was not recognized by the TFG and had no right to represent and organize journalists. The NUSOJ has been a strong and impartial advocate for the rights of Somali journalists, documenting attacks on journalists and calling for action.
Amnesty International urges the international community to press the TFG to prioritize the protection of journalists. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and the African Union have all invested considerable energy and resources in the development of the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia. It is essential that they use their resulting influence to uphold press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia, and the right to physical integrity for all journalists in Somalia.
# # #
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, Oct. 26, 2007, 2007
Amnesty International Calls for Probe in Killings of Somali Journalists
Situation for Journalists is Worst Since 1991 State Collapse, with Eight Killed this Year
(Washington) -- In the wake of the Oct. 19 murder of journalist Bashir Nur Gedi, Amnesty International has said that attacks on Somali journalists are higher this year than in any other year since the overthrow of the Siad Barre government in 1991. The organization called on Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) to begin an immediate investigation into the killings of eight journalists and bring those responsible to justice.
Since Ethiopian forces captured Mogadishu from the Union of Islamic Courts in December 2006, the situation for journalists and other civilians has continued to deteriorate; eight journalists have been killed this year and others threatened with violence. No arrests have been made. The most recent killing was of Bashir Nur Gedi, acting manager of the Shabelle Media Network, who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen at his house on Friday, Oct. 19.
"Intimidating and harming journalists has apparently become a tool of war for armed parties in the Somali conflict," said Lynn Fredriksson, AIUSA advocacy director for Africa. "Attacks on journalists violate their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and press, as recognized in international human rights laws and treaties. The U.S. government must press the TFG to take concrete actions to stop these violations immediately."
In addition to journalists, humanitarian workers have also been subjected to attacks. The extraordinary raid on the U.N. compound in Mogadishu by more than 50 officers of the TFG's National Security Service on Oct. 17 and the arbitrary detention of Idris Osman, the local director of the U.N. World Food Program from Oct. 17-23, demonstrate a flagrant disregard for the rights of humanitarian workers acting to provide for the essential needs of vulnerable populations.
Amnesty International calls on the TFG to conduct prompt, effective and impartial investigations into the killings and threats of violence against journalists, humanitarian workers and other civilians and to bring those responsible to justice through fair trials and without the application of the death penalty.
The TFG must also end its repeated closings of media organizations and the arrests of journalists by its security forces, the organization said. These actions have created an environment where attacks against journalists assumed to be in reprisal for their reporting have become commonplace.
Since Amnesty International's last statement on the dangers faced by journalists in Somalia, particularly in Mogadishu (Urgent need for protection of journalists, Sept. 7, 2007), attacks on journalists have continued and include the following:
The attempted shooting of Radio Shabelle's acting manager Jafar Mohammed "Kukay" in Mogadishu on Sept. 24 and the siege of Radio Shabelle's building on Sept. 18, during which TFG security forces fired automatic weapons at windows, injuring a security guard. The U.N. Special Envoy to Somalia later reported that TFG leaders had stated this was an accident and gave assurance that it would not happen again.
The temporary closure of Radio Garowe in the Puntland capital of Garowe on Oct. 19 and the arrest of three members of its staff by Puntland security forces. All were released on Oct. 20 and the station has resumed broadcasting.
The closure for 24 hours of Radio Simba, a Mogadishu-based radio station and the arrest of two Radio Simba journalists by TFG security forces on Oct. 11. Abdullahi Ali Farah and Mohammed Farah were released the next day.
The arbitrary detention of Mr. Mohamed Hussein Jimale, a Mogadishu-based journalist from the news website www.puntlandpost.com, who was detained by TFG police in the prison adjacent to the President's Office in Villa Somalia Sept. 12-16.
Numerous other incidents in recent weeks of journalists being harassed, intimidated and arrested for short periods of time in Mogadishu by TFG security forces.
Amnesty International has also called on the TFG Minister for Information, Madobe Numow Mohamed, to respect the legitimate role of journalists. Amnesty International is concerned to note that the minister, in a letter dated Oct. 3, 2007, declared that the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) was not recognized by the TFG and had no right to represent and organize journalists. The NUSOJ has been a strong and impartial advocate for the rights of Somali journalists, documenting attacks on journalists and calling for action.
Amnesty International urges the international community to press the TFG to prioritize the protection of journalists. The United Nations, the United States, the European Union and the African Union have all invested considerable energy and resources in the development of the Transitional Federal Institutions of Somalia. It is essential that they use their resulting influence to uphold press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia, and the right to physical integrity for all journalists in Somalia.
# # #
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA-Press Release
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until October 25, 2007 00:01 GMT
Amnesty International Calls on Russian Federation to Adhere to the Rule of Law in Ingushetia and Avoid Repeating Mistakes Made in Chechnya
(Washington, DC)--Amnesty International warned that Russian and Ingush government authorities must not repeat mistakes made in Chechnya. There are an increasing number of enforced "disappearances," abductions and other human rights violations as the situation in Ingushetia, Chechnya's neighbor in the Russian Federation, rapidly deteriorates.
"After their blunders in Chechnya, the Russian authorities cannot afford to defy the law in dealing with the explosive situation in Ingushetia," said Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA executive director. "The Russian Federation government must ensure that any detention of Ingush detainees is performed in accord with Russian law and international human rights standards.
"Russian forces frequently disregarded the law during the Chechnya conflict and conducted 'disappearances' and torture of civilians. These shameful actions have damaged the lives and psyche of the civilians and also undercut the Federation's global credibility. The rule of law must be the center of any response to the security crisis in Ingushetia. Anything less is not only illegal but immoral," said Cox.
On the eve of the forthcoming European Union-Russia summit in Portugal on October 26, Amnesty International urges the Russian Federation to abide by international treaties to which it has agreed. Russian and Ingush authorities must ensure that their security forces' actions are carried out according to international standards and Russian law.
Law enforcement officials are reportedly conducting document checks and detentions in Ingushetia without identifying themselves, and in some cases wearing masks. In an apparently punitive raid on the village of Ali Yurt in July 2007, villagers were reportedly rounded up and beaten, while seven men were detained and taken to the building of the Federal Security Services in Magas where some were reportedly ill-treated. At least three men have been shot dead in the town of Nazran by law enforcement officers over the course of the year. While the authorities have stated that these men had put up armed resistance, witnesses to the killings claim that the men were summarily executed. Similar incidents have been reported in the towns of Malgobek and Karabulak.
Three men are still missing after being abducted by Russian security forces in Ingushetia this year. A fourth man's whereabouts remain unknown, after he went missing in March 2007. Other men have been released after having been abducted. Some of these detainees have been ill-treated or held in secret detention, including in pits dug in the ground. A number of other ethnic Ingush men are reported to have gone missing in neighboring North Ossetia. Their relatives believe they may have been detained by law enforcement officials and subsequently disappeared.
Ibragim Gazdiev, an ethnic Ingush, was, according to witnesses, seized by armed men in camouflage, at 12:54 pm on August 8, 2007, in Karabulak, in the Russian Republic of Ingushetia. He has not been seen or heard from since and according to unofficial information, may be held in incommunicado detention in Ingushetia or in a neighboring North Caucasus republic. The authorities however have officially denied that Gazdiev is being held in detention, and Amnesty International has grave concerns for his safety. The prosecutor's office is reported to have opened a criminal investigation into Gazdiev's abduction.
"U.S. government policy must not overlook the harmful results of Russia's violations related to the armed conflict in Chechnya," said Maureen Greenwood-Basken, Amnesty International USA advocacy director for Europe and Central Asia. "The lack of accountability for Russian security forces and armed groups appears to be spreading from Chechnya to Ingushetia. The U.S. government should address this impunity with Russian authorities and continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered North Caucasus and support for the human rights defenders in the region."
Amnesty International is also concerned about human rights abuses reportedly committed by armed groups against civilians, including abductions. The organization has also received information that unknown gunmen are committing numerous attacks against members of ethnic Russian families and then detonating a bomb at the funeral of one of the victims. In addition, members of a Roma family, two Korean men and a Dagestani family have also been killed during such attacks. At the same time, armed groups have launched attacks, often fatal, against members of law enforcement agencies in Ingushetia.
Contact: Sharon Singh, 202-544-0200x302
PRESS RELEASE
Embargoed until October 25, 2007 00:01 GMT
Amnesty International Calls on Russian Federation to Adhere to the Rule of Law in Ingushetia and Avoid Repeating Mistakes Made in Chechnya
(Washington, DC)--Amnesty International warned that Russian and Ingush government authorities must not repeat mistakes made in Chechnya. There are an increasing number of enforced "disappearances," abductions and other human rights violations as the situation in Ingushetia, Chechnya's neighbor in the Russian Federation, rapidly deteriorates.
"After their blunders in Chechnya, the Russian authorities cannot afford to defy the law in dealing with the explosive situation in Ingushetia," said Larry Cox, Amnesty International USA executive director. "The Russian Federation government must ensure that any detention of Ingush detainees is performed in accord with Russian law and international human rights standards.
"Russian forces frequently disregarded the law during the Chechnya conflict and conducted 'disappearances' and torture of civilians. These shameful actions have damaged the lives and psyche of the civilians and also undercut the Federation's global credibility. The rule of law must be the center of any response to the security crisis in Ingushetia. Anything less is not only illegal but immoral," said Cox.
On the eve of the forthcoming European Union-Russia summit in Portugal on October 26, Amnesty International urges the Russian Federation to abide by international treaties to which it has agreed. Russian and Ingush authorities must ensure that their security forces' actions are carried out according to international standards and Russian law.
Law enforcement officials are reportedly conducting document checks and detentions in Ingushetia without identifying themselves, and in some cases wearing masks. In an apparently punitive raid on the village of Ali Yurt in July 2007, villagers were reportedly rounded up and beaten, while seven men were detained and taken to the building of the Federal Security Services in Magas where some were reportedly ill-treated. At least three men have been shot dead in the town of Nazran by law enforcement officers over the course of the year. While the authorities have stated that these men had put up armed resistance, witnesses to the killings claim that the men were summarily executed. Similar incidents have been reported in the towns of Malgobek and Karabulak.
Three men are still missing after being abducted by Russian security forces in Ingushetia this year. A fourth man's whereabouts remain unknown, after he went missing in March 2007. Other men have been released after having been abducted. Some of these detainees have been ill-treated or held in secret detention, including in pits dug in the ground. A number of other ethnic Ingush men are reported to have gone missing in neighboring North Ossetia. Their relatives believe they may have been detained by law enforcement officials and subsequently disappeared.
Ibragim Gazdiev, an ethnic Ingush, was, according to witnesses, seized by armed men in camouflage, at 12:54 pm on August 8, 2007, in Karabulak, in the Russian Republic of Ingushetia. He has not been seen or heard from since and according to unofficial information, may be held in incommunicado detention in Ingushetia or in a neighboring North Caucasus republic. The authorities however have officially denied that Gazdiev is being held in detention, and Amnesty International has grave concerns for his safety. The prosecutor's office is reported to have opened a criminal investigation into Gazdiev's abduction.
"U.S. government policy must not overlook the harmful results of Russia's violations related to the armed conflict in Chechnya," said Maureen Greenwood-Basken, Amnesty International USA advocacy director for Europe and Central Asia. "The lack of accountability for Russian security forces and armed groups appears to be spreading from Chechnya to Ingushetia. The U.S. government should address this impunity with Russian authorities and continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered North Caucasus and support for the human rights defenders in the region."
Amnesty International is also concerned about human rights abuses reportedly committed by armed groups against civilians, including abductions. The organization has also received information that unknown gunmen are committing numerous attacks against members of ethnic Russian families and then detonating a bomb at the funeral of one of the victims. In addition, members of a Roma family, two Korean men and a Dagestani family have also been killed during such attacks. At the same time, armed groups have launched attacks, often fatal, against members of law enforcement agencies in Ingushetia.
Contact: Sharon Singh, 202-544-0200x302
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