Observations on communications transmitted to Governments and replies received - 2022

Observations on communications transmitted to Governments and replies received - 2022

A/HRC/50/23/Add.1

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General Assembly

Distr.: General

28 June 2022

English/French/Spanish only

Human Rights Council

Fiftieth session

13 June–8 July 2022

Agenda item 3

Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, including the right to development

Observations on communications transmitted to Governments and replies received

Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association*

* The present document is being circulated in the languages of submission only, as it greatly exceeds the word limitations currently imposed by the relevant General Assembly resolutions.

I. Overview of communications sent in the period of 16 April 2021 – 15 April 2022

1. Between 16 April 2021 to 15 April 2022, the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association sent 181 communications individually or jointly with other mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, to 72 States and to 3 other actors, and 50 press releases. Of these communications, 12 were joint urgent appeals, 141 were joint allegation letters and 28 were other letters sent to different stakeholders.

2. 143 of these communications were issued during 2021 and 38 were issued during 2022.

3. The Special Rapporteur drew attention to the situation of over 107,078 persons. 87 cases consisted of follow-ups on persons, organisations and normative frameworks, which were previously subject of communications, including press releases.

4. Examined by regions, the figures show that 26 communications (14 percent of all communications) were sent to the African region, 34 (19 percent of all communications) to the Americas, 41 (23 percent of all communications) to the Asia-Pacific region, 31 (17 percent of all communications) to European and Central Asian region, 46 (25 percent of all communications) to Middle East and North African region and 3 to other actors (2 percent of all communications), including businesses.

5. The aforementioned communications were addressed to 15 countries in the African region (21 percent of all the countries which received communications); to 12 countries in the Americas (17 percent of all the countries which received communications); to 14 countries in the Asian-Pacific region (19 percent of all the countries which received communications); to 18 countries in the European and Central Asian region (25 percent of all the countries which received communications); and were addressed to 13 countries in the Middle Eastern and North African region (18 percent of all the countries which received communications).

6. Concerning the press releases, 5 concerned countries in the African region, 15 related to countries in the Asia-Pacific region, 5 were on countries from the Americas, 10 related to countries in the Middle Eastern and North African region, 7 concerned countries in Europe and Central Asia, and 8 were globally relevant.

Communications by region (16 Apr 2021-15 Apr 2022)

Press releases by region

Press releases by region (16 Apr 2021-15 Apr 2022)

7. The Special Rapporteur sent 14 communications concerning reprisals taken against groups or persons as a result of their cooperation with the United Nations, its mechanisms or representatives in the sphere of human rights, or international human rights organisations.

8. The Special Rapporteur sent 28 communications concerning draft or existing legislation deemed not in compliance with international human rights norms and standards that could potentially have a negative impact on people’s freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

II. Overview of communications sent in 2021

9. Between 1 January and 31 December 2021, the Special Rapporteur sent 195 communications individually or jointly with other mandate holders of the Human Rights Council, to 76 States and to 6 other actors, and 57 press releases. The defenders mandate led on 74 of these communications and on 5 of these press releases. Of these communications, 12 were urgent appeals, 154 were allegations letters and 29 were other letters sent to different stakeholders.

10. The Special Rapporteur drew the attention to the situation of over 109,365 persons. 101 cases consisted of follow-ups on persons, organisations and normative frameworks, which were previously the subject of communications, including press releases.

11. Examined by region, the figures show that 49 communications were addressed to 17 countries in the Asia-Pacific region (25 percent); 38 were addressed to 13 countries in the Americas region (19 percent); 37 to 19 countries in Europe and Central Asia (19 percent); 42 to 11 countries in the Middle East and North Africa (22 percent); 23 were addressed to 16 countries in Africa (12 percent) and 6 to other actors, including businesses and IIOOS (3 percent).

III. Overview of replies from State and non-State actors (16 April 2021 – 15 April 2022)

12. As of 15 April 2022, out of the 181 communications, a total of 128 replies to 110 communications (97 communications with substantive replies) were received, resulting in a

reply rate of 54% for the period12. The mandate’s rate is equal to that of the system-wide reply rate for special procedures communications during the same period.

13. Out of the abovementioned 128 replies, 127 were from State actors and 1 from a nonState actor

14. Of the responses received, the vast majority were fully or partially substantive (104 out of 128 responses). “Substantive response” denotes a reply that is fully or responsive to the allegations and/or that substantively clarifies the fact. It does not, however, imply that action taken, if any, necessarily complies with international human rights law. Only 10 Out of 24 acknowledgements of receipts were followed by a substantive reply.

Type of replies

15. The Special Rapporteur received substantive replies to 15 out of 28 communications sent, concerning draft or existing legislation deemed not in compliance with international human rights norms and standards.

16. TheSpecialRapporteurreceived repliesto9outof14communicationssent,regarding reprisals taken against groups or persons as a result of their cooperation with the United Nations, its mechanisms or representatives in the sphere of human rights, or international human rights organisations.

IV. Overview of replies from State and non-State actors (1 January – 31 December 2021)

17. As of 31 December 2021, out of the 195 communications, a total of 146 replies have been received to 127 communications (112 communications with substantive reply), which results in a response rate of 57%34. The mandate’s rate is higher than that of the system-wide reply rate for special procedures communication (54%) during the same period.

18. Out of the abovementioned 146 replies, 143 were from State actors and 3 from nonState actors. The response rate had been 46% in the previous reporting period.

1 The reply rate is only calculated against communications with substantive replies.

2 Indicative data, it (response rate) only reflects replies received until 15 April 2022 inclusive. Per Special Procedures' MoP, the State may reply until 60 days after a communication has been sent.

3 The reply rate is only calculated against communications with substantive replies.

4 Indicative data, it (response rate) only reflects replies received until 31 December 2021 inclusive. Per Special Procedures' MoP, the State may reply until 60 days after a communication has been sent. Substantive replies

19. The overview of these communications and replies can be found in the tabulation below and in form of an interactive map available at this link.

20. Of the responses received, the vast majority were fully or partially substantive (126 out of 146 responses). “Substantive response” denotes a reply that is fully or responsive to the allegations and/or that substantively clarifies the fact. It does not, however, imply that action taken, if any, necessarily complies with international human rights law. Only 11 Out of 26 acknowledgements of receipts were followed by a substantive reply.

V. Tabulation of cases transmitted, and replies received to communications sent

concerning a draft law on Seasonal and Other Occasional Employment in Specific Business Activities (“Draft Law”) proposed by your Excellency’s Government that if adopted, may impinge on the exercise of the right to freedom of association, including the right to form and join a trade union and

Information received concerning allegations of housing discrimination against Palestinians through the zoning and planning regime in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as well as allegations of excessive use of force, arbitrary detention, and collective punishment in response to protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Information received concerning survivors of the Lekki shooting of 20 October 2020, including witnesses in the JPI inquiry, Ms Ibeh Kamsyochukwu (‘Kamsi’), and Ms. Dabira Adeyinka. Ms. Kamsyochukwu and Ms. Adeyinka are human rights defenders and members of the #EndSARS movement, and Ms Adeyinka is also

Information received concerning alleged violations of fundamental freedoms in the Russian Federation in the context of the ongoing and nation-wide peaceful protests against the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces that have taken place on a daily basis since 24 February 2022. In particular, we call attention to various alleged human rights violations reportedly committed in response to these protests, including instances of excessive use of force against protesters and the mass arrests of participants in these rallies, as well as a broader pattern of heightened restrictions to fundamental freedoms in the build-up to these protests.The issue of the use of excessive force against peaceful protesters by members of the police force was previously the subject of several communications issued by United Nations special procedures, including RUS 2/2021 and RUS 6/2019. We appreciate the replies to RUS 6/2019, received on 28 November 2019, as well as to RUS 2/2021, received on 20 April 2021.

Information received concerning the violations of due process and fair trial standards in the sentencing of human rights lawyer, Mohamed El-Baqer by Egypt’s Emergency State Security Misdemeanours Court in December 2021; the continued inclusion of his name on the terrorist watch list despite lack of evidence; his continued pre-trial detention in connection with another case; and the threat of a long term prison sentence.

Information received concerning the alleged arrest and subsequent enforced disappearances of human rights defenders Mr. Wang Jianbing and Mr. Yang Maodong (pen-name Guo Feixiong), who are facing the charge of “inciting subversion of State power”, and concerning Mr. Tang Jitian, who has been reported as forcibly disappeared since 10 December 2021.

received concerning the arrest, detention, imprisonment as well as critical health condition while in state custody of Mr. Baktash Abtin (Mehdi Kazemi), a poet and human rights defender, following contracting COVID-19

recibida en relación con alegaciones de amenazas de muerte públicas contra el defensor de derechos humanos y miembro del CAJAR, el Señor Alirio Uribe Muñoz, y contra varios otros representantes del Comité del Paro, debido a su labor en la defensa de derechos humanos.

Information received received about the excessive and lethal use of force against protesters in the context of the large demonstrations held across many cities in Kazakhstan since the beginning of January 2022, as well as the widespread arrests and detention of protesters on charges related to counter-terrorism and the alleged enforced disappearances of trade unionists. We would like to bring further attention to information received on the targeted harassment of civil society activists, human rights defenders and journalists.

Información recibida en relación con las presuntas amenazas, hostigamientos, vigilancia e intimidación en contra del Señor Engels Wladimir Puertas Ochoa, de la Sra. Theresly Malavé Wadskier y de la Sra. Yasnaia Villalobos Montiel, todas personas defensoras de derechos humanos, quienes habrían sido objeto de las citadas violaciones por su labor de promoción y tutela de los derechos humanos, y en particular a raíz de la defensa legal que ejercen en juicios relativos a casos de alto impacto en el país.

recibida en relación con la posible utilización indebido del derecho penal en contra del defensor de derechos humanos Fabio Almendarez Pereira, en el contexto de reformas al Código Penal aprobadas el 7 de octubre de este año, que presuntamente estaría vinculada con su labor de defensa de la tierra y territorio en el departamento

Mykola Vychnovsky is a human rights defender, who currently works for the CHESNO Movement, a nongovernmental organization with expertise in the fields of parliamentary democracy, local government, political

et suggestions à propos de certains textes de loi en rapport avec le domaine sécuritaire et la lutte antiterroriste récemment approuvés, en particulier l’Ordonnance n° 21-08 modifiant et complétant l’Ordonnance n° 66-156 du 8 juin 1966 portant Code pénal et la loi n° 20-06 du 22 avril 2020 modifiant également le Code pénal.

Information received that Pegasus spyware developed by NSO Group Technologies (the NSO Group) was identified in at least six devices belonging to staff members of Palestinian non-governmental organizations only two weeks after the designation of these organizations as “terrorist associations by your Excellency’s Government.

Information received concerning the protests in the city of Esfahan and the authorities’ use of unlawful force against protesters resulting in severe injuries and arrest of individuals participating in the protests.

2021

reçues concernant les actes présumés de harcèlement, d’agression physique, de menaces et d’intimidation perpétrés par deux agents de l’État à l’encontre de Mr. Badr Baabou, directeur de l’Association Damj, Association Tunisienne pour la justice et l’égalité (ci-après “Association Damj”), en raison de son activité de défenseur des droits de l’homme des personnes LGBT.

received concerning the two draft amendments proposed by your Excellency’s Government that if adopted, may impinge on the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of association which are guaranteed under international human rights law, in particular under articles 19 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand acceded on 29 October 1996.

Comments on the “Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Bill, 2021” (hereinafter the “Amendment Bill”). If adopted into law in its current version, this bill will have grave consequences for the exercise of civil and political rights, including the right to freedom of association, of Private Voluntary Organisations (PVOs) in Zimbabwe.

reçues à propos de M. Abdoul Aziz Goma concernant des allégations de détention arbitraire et prolongée, et sans accès à un avocat depuis plus de deux ans, pendant laquelle sa santé s'est détériorée gravement.

Adilur Rahman Khan

Torture’s (OMCT) General Assembly, and Secretary-General of the International Federation for Human Rights ( FIDH).

recibida en relación con el asesinato de la defensora de derechos humanos Denisse Cortés, que estaría relacionado con su trabajo de observación y monitoreo durante la “Marcha por la resistencia mapuche y autonomía de los pueblos”, celebrada el 10 de octubre de 2021 en Santiago de Chile.

recibida en relación con alegaciones de amenazas de muerte contra la defensora de derechos humanos Adriana Lizarazo, su familia e integrantes de la seccional Santander del Comité de Solidaridad con los Presos Políticos (CSPP), debido a su labor en la defensa de derechos humanos.

Information recivida en relation con el proyecto de Ley de Agentes Extranjeros (en adelante “proyecto de Ley” o “proyecto”) que fue presentado ante la Asamblea Legislativa el 9 de noviembre de 2021 y discutido el pasado 16 de noviembre por la Comisión Legislativa de Relaciones Exteriores, Integración Centroamericana y Salvadoreños en el Exterior, la cual dictaminó favorablemente para su aprobación.

Information received concerning the alleged intimidation and reprisals against Mr. Ahmed Mefreh, in relation to his work and his cooperation with the UN in the field of human rights as the Executive Director of a Geneva-based human rights association.

recibida en relación con la implementación de un proyecto comercial (un supermercado) en el territorio de la comunidad Marta Cayulef de la comuna de Pucón (Provincia de Cautín, Región Araucanía) sin su consentimiento y alegaciones de agresiones de Carabineros a los miembros de la comunidad mapuche Marta Cayulef para disolver las protestas pacíficas contra este proyecto comercial que podría dañar irreparablemente sitios sagrados de los mapuches, entre los cuales un cementerio milenario de valor arqueológico nacional.

en relación con la criminalización y hostigamiento de la organización de derechos humanos ACOGUATE, la cual se enmarca en el contexto de deterioro y cierre de espacios democráticos para el trabajo y la defensa de los derechos humanos en Guatemala.

received concerning Mr. Salah AlHamouri, and Ms. Shatha Odeh, both of them were, among other human rights defenders, the subjects of an allegation letter sent to your Government on 3 August 2021.Another letter was also already sent on behalf of Mr. Al-Hamouri on 14 October 2020.

Information received concerning the continued renewal of the pretrial detention of a number of journalists and human rights defenders, which in all cases, this detention exceeds the legal limit for which an individual can be held in pretrial detention under Egyptian

reçues concernant la situation d'au moins 37 défenseur-e-s des droits humains et de l'environnement qui ont été déclarés coupables et condamnés à des peines d'emprisonnement allant jusqu'à 90 jours à la suite de leur occupation pacifique de la colline du Mormont, dans le

received regarding two pieces of pending European Union (“EU”) legislation: the counterterrorism agenda entitled “A Counter-Terrorism Agenda for the EU: Anticipate, Prevent, Protect, Respond” [hereinafter “Agenda”] and the Proposal for Amending Regulation

on the Bill to “Protect the Rights of Users in Cyberspace and Organize Social Media” which raises serious concerns regarding the rights to freedom of expression, of peaceful assembly and of association, and we respectfully request these comments to be shared with Parliament, its sub-committee and the Guardian Council.

Information received concerning the alleged judicial harassment of woman human rights defender Ms. Fatia Maulidiyanti and human rights defender Mr. Haris Azhar, in relation to two cease and desist letters and a defamation complaint filed against them for the expression of their opinions regarding the alleged involvement of Indonesian military officials in the gold mining business and exploitation of Blok Wabu in Intan Jaya, Papua.

Comentarios preliminares sobre el “Decreto de Ley No. 35 sobre las telecomunicaciones, las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación y el uso del espectro radioeléctrico”, aprobada por el Consejo de Estado el 13 de abril de 2021, al igual que su reglamento establecido en el Decreto No. 42 y la Resolución 105/2021, publicados en la Gaceta Oficial el 17 de agosto de 2021, que podrían socavar los derechos a la libertad de opinión y de expresión, la libertad de reunión pacífica y de asociación y las actividades de las personas defensoras de los derechos humanos y de la sociedad civil en general.

las presuntas

hostigamientos, vigilancia e intimidación en contra de la defensora de derechos humanos Ligia del Carmen Ramos Zúñiga lo cual estaría vinculado con su trabajo de denuncia sobre presuntos actos de corrupción asociados con el sistema de salud hondureño.

Informations reçues concernant des allégations lies a l’ impact négatif que la législation et les régulations adoptées en Algérie depuis la fin de la guerre civile ont eu sur la réalisation des droits des victimes à un recours effectif, à la justice, et à la vérité en relation aux graves violations des droits humains commises pendant cette période, ainsi que des allégations lies au restrictions excessives aux droits à la liberté d'expression, de réunion pacifique et d'association contenu dans le cadre juridique algérienne qui porteraient atteinte aux activités des victimes et leurs association et qui auraient abouti à la criminalisation de leurs manifestations pacifiques demandant justice pour les violations susmentionnées.

Information received concerning the suspension and closure of 54 national civil society organizations, including the African Institute for Energy Governance (AFIEGO),

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Sep 2021

Information received concerning the arrest and detention of barrister, woman human rights defender and pro-democracy activist Ms. Chow Hang-Tung, who was arrested on 8 September, along with other pro-democracy activists, and charged with breaching the implementation rules under article 43 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“National Security Law”) which allows the police to demand information during national security probes. Ms. Chow Hang-Tung was reportedly later charged with incitement to subversion pursuant articles 22 and 23 of the National Security Law in connection with her activities with the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (the “Hong Kong Alliance”) between 1 July 2020 and 8 September 2021 in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

reçues concernant des allégations faisant état de détention arbitraire des défenseurs des droits de l'homme, Messieurs Elisée Lwatumba, Eric Muhindo, et Parfait Muhani.

Information received concerning the 28 June 2021 Thai Cabinet Resolution, which requires the Council of State to incorporate eight principles on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism into the forthcoming Draft Act on the Operation of Not-for-Profit Organizations, in potential contravention of Thailand’s international and human rights law obligations.

the abduction of human rights defender Mr. Nitin Verghese in Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh; police violence against and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders Mr. Ravinder Singh and Ms. Rajveer Kaur in Faridabad, Haryana; and the process of externment against human rights defenders Mr. Ramjanam Kushwaha and Mr. Santosh Mane.

Aug 2021

Information received concerning the erosion of the right to freedom of speech, education and academic freedom in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) since the enactment of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, also known as the National Security Law (NSL), on 30 June 2020. Issues of concern include the disciplining of educators for their social activism and for exploring political issues in class, particularly in the university context, textbook censorship, the removal of educational components aimed at fostering critical thinking from a core secondary school curriculum, and an announced plan to insert national security components into almost all subjects in primary and secondary curricula. Also of concern is the possible chilling effect of the NSL on the freedom of expression of journalists and teachers due to increased self-censorship.

the alleged harassment and criminal prosecution of human rights defender Mr. Semyon Simonov, which appear to be related to his legitimate human rights activities.

Informations reçues à propos de l’avant-projet de loi relatif à la liberté d’association au Togo (ci-après : l’avant-projet) adopté le 7 avril 2016 et qui prévoit de remplacer la loi de 1901 en vigueur. L’avant-projet a par la suite été retiré pour être amélioré avec l’implication des organisations de la société civile (CCPR/C/TGO/5), et relancé en 2020. Lors de la 132e session du Comité des droits de l’Homme le 1er juillet 2021, la délégation togolaise a indiqué que 16 associations seraient invitées pour participer à l’élaboration du nouveau projet de loi (CCPR/C/SR.3783).

Information received concerning the tabling of a bill entitled “Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021” before the Parliament of Ghana. According to information at our disposal, the first reading of the bill took place on 2 August. The consideration of the bill is expected to resume in October, after Parliamentary recess and public engagement.

Commentaires et suggestions à propos du Décret portant sur la création, l’organisation et le fonctionnement de l’agence nationale de renseignements et du Décret pour le renforcement de la sécurité publique, adoptés le 25 novembre 2020 et révisés le 31 décembre 2020, ainsi que la révision du Code Pénal adoptée par décret le 24 juin 2020.

concernant des allégations faisant état d’agressions sexuelles, de tortures et de mauvais traitements commis à l’encontre de Messieurs Ayoub Chahetou, Nabil Bousekkine, Sami Dernouni et d'un mineur, qui auraient été arrêtés suite à leur participation alléguée à des manifestations pacifiques organisées par le mouvement du Hirak.

Información recibida sobre los ataques en contra del señor Wilson Bautista Sánchez por parte de autoridades estatales y personas no identificadas por su labor en defensa del Área de Conservación Privada Chaparrí, así como la falta de implementación efectiva de medidas de protección a su favor.

y militares

manifestantes, periodistas y personas defensoras de derechos humanos en el contexto de protestas pacíficas que se iniciaron el 11 de julio de 2021, así como reportes de suspensión del servicio de internet y telecomunicaciones durante las manifestaciones.

en relación con la presunta detención arbitraria de 21 personas defensoras de derechos humanos de la comunidad Maya Qéqchi de Chicoyogüito, así como el uso excesivo de la fuerza en su contra por su participación en una protesta pacífica en

parte de los autoridades en perjuicio de los miembros de la entonces Fundación Violeta Barrios de Chamorros, supuestamente por la actividad política que desempeña su ex directora; el periódico Confidencial por la presión a los medios periodísticos durante el proceso electoral; así como a Juan Sebastián Chamorro García, por

tomadas

Gobierno para restringir el acceso de personas migrantes por vía terrestre al territorio mexicano y la obstaculización del trabajo de acompañamiento que realiza el COMDHSE en el puente fronterizo Rodolfo Robles. Así como los presuntos actos de hostigamiento perpetrados por autoridades de orden federal y distintos cuerpos de seguridad y militares en contra de las defensoras y defensores de derechos humanos y las personas migrantes.

received concerning an alleged pattern of wire-tapping and surveillance by public prosecutors in 2017 of several journalists, as well as staff members of humanitarian relief organisations and human rights defenders, who appear to have been covering or working on the central Mediterranean migration crisis at that time.

Information received concerning the reportedly imminent execution of 12 individuals following a mass trial, which failed to meet due process and fair trial standards, marred by allegations of enforced disappearances, torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and arbitrary detention.

con los asesinatos del señor Javier Barajas Piña y la señora Rosario Zavala Aguilar y las amenazas en contra de las señoras Norma Patricia Barrón Núñez y Angélica Zamudio Almanza en el marco del aumento de agresiones en contra de familiares y colectivos en búsqueda de personas desaparecidas en Guanajuato.

Information received concerning the alleged surveillance and attempts to break into the office of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Kyrgyz Indigo and the alleged privacy violations against its employees, who appear to be targeted for their legitimate human rights activity, as well as the alleged widespread privacy violations against people in Kyrgyzstan based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, and the alleged marginalisation of LGBTI people and human rights defenders working to protect and promote the rights of the LGBTI people in Kyrgyzstan.

We express our serious concern with the amendment and expansion of anti-terrorism laws to be implemented by Your Excellency’s Government and their compatibility with Brazil’s international and human rights law obligations. In particular, we express serious concern with Senate Bill No. 272/2016, which seeks to reinstate provisions in Brazil’s Anti-Terrorism Law (Law No. 13.260/2016, approved on 16 March 2016) and Draft Bill No. 1595/2019, which also amends prior legislation (Laws No. 10,257, of July 10, 2001, and No. 9,807, of July 13, 1999). The amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Law proposed in Senate Bill No. 272/2016 (“Bill 272/2016”) by Your Excellency’s Government includes measures that could significantly expand the definition of terrorism under domestic law. This change may lead to limitations on the exercise of fundamental freedoms, including those of opinion, expression, and association and remove protection for civil society actors and human rights defenders. Furthermore, we express our serious concern with the process of expanding the list of acts considered terrorist acts, and the enhanced sentencing for broadly or ill-defined terms like “reward or praise,” and “incite”, all of which when coupled with the broad use of “terrorism” makes it easier to classify many acts as “terrorist acts” but undermine the principles of legality and legal certainty in contravention of your Excellency’s government international law obligations.

Información recibida en relación con los hostigamientos, allanamientos, robos y amenazas de muerte en contra de la señora Francia Nelly Henao Agudelo relacionados con la búsqueda de justicia, verdad y reparación en el caso de su hijo, que ha traído como consecuencia un deterioro en su salud, vivienda, alimentación y situación de pobreza extrema.

received concerning the recent “Security for All Danes” bill, submitted by your Excellency’s Government to the Danish Parliament on 8 October 2020. If adopted into law in its current version, this bill may have a grave impact on the civic space and fundamental in particular with the right to freedom of peaceful assembly.

recent reports of violence, discrimination and incitement to racial hatred against Palestinian citizens of Israel, as well as the lack of bomb shelters and protection from the recent missiles fired in the Bedouin villages of the Naqab.

Information received concerning the alleged arbitrary arrest, harassment and criminalisation of woman human rights defender Ms. Renalyn Tejero, and the raid on the homes and subsequent arrest of human rights defenders Ms. Maria Jesusa “Sasah” Sta. Rosa and Mr. Dan Balucio.

lesquelles M. Walid Nekiche aurait été détenu au secret et torturé. Ces allégations font également état de la lenteur des procédures juridiques destinées à enquêter indépendamment sur ces allégations, et si elles étaient avérées, de poursuivre les tortionnaires et garantir réparation à la victime. Elles font aussi état de pressions exercées sur M. Nekiche pour qu’il retire sa plainte de torture.

Information received concerning the dispersal by law enforcement authorities and members of the ruling party Awami League of a series of peaceful demonstrations organized by different political and civil society groups during and after Indian Prime Minister Modi’s visit to attend the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of the country's independence and the birth centenary of 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the alleged related excessive use of force against demonstrators which led to at least 17 people being killed and several injured.

Information received concerning a fire at the Immigration, Passports and Naturalisation Authority (IPNA) compound in Sana'a, controlled by Ansar Allah, which has led to the deaths of at least 44 migrants held in the detention facility and injured over 200 others.

Información recibida en relación a alegaciones sobre el uso excesivo de la fuerza y armas de fuego por parte de policías y miembros del Escuadrón Móvil Antidisturbios (ESMAD) empleadas contra manifestantes y personas defensoras de derechos humanos que protestaban de forma pacífica desde el 28 de abril de 2021 en contra de las reformas fiscales en Colombia, así como en relación a las alegaciones recibidas sobre posibles detenciones arbitrarias y desapariciones forzadas de estas personas. Tomamos nota del anuncio del pasado 2 de mayo por parte del Presidente de la República que retiraría el proyecto de ley sobre la reforma fiscal.

Information received concerning the detention of seventeen human rights defenders in the Islamic Republic of Iran for alleged crimes against the State in connection with their work in the promotion and protection of human rights. In particular, we wish to highlight those detentions, which carry penalties of ten years or more in prison, constituting a long-term detention, as well as where detainees are ill-treated or have access to medical facilities restricted. This letter is a follow up to previous communications sent on human rights defenders: Ms. Nasrin Sotoudeh, Mr. Esmail Abdi, Mr. Soheil Arabi, Ms. Farangis Mazloum, Ms. Atena Daemi, Ms. Saba Kord Afshari, Ms. Raheleh Ahmadi, Ms. Narges Mohammadi, Ms. Sepideh Gholian, Ms. Yasaman Aryani, Ms. Monireh Arabshahi, Mr. Farhad Meysami, Ms. Golrokh Iraee, Ms. Hoda Amid and Ms. Najmeh Vahedi. It also addresses for the first time allegations concerning human rights defenders Mr. Amirsalah Davoudi and Mohammad Najafi.

Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

VEN 4/2021

Apr 2021

la confirmación

última instancia de la sentencia a 10 años de prisión del Sr. César Estrada Chuquilín y los nuevos actos de hostigamiento en contra de su esposa la Sra. Elita Yopla Herrera. Por otra parte, la información recibida sobre las sentencias a 12 años y 4 meses y 7 años y 4 meses; respectivamente de los señores Jaime Trinidad de la Cruz Gallegos y Jesús Mariano Cornejo Reynoso.

Información recibida en relación con lo que parecen ser crecientes restricciones a los medios de comunicación independientes en la República Bolivariana de Venezuela (Venezuela), desde finales de 2020 y principios de 2021.

Informations reçues concernant des allégations de détentions arbitraires à l’encontre de nombreuses personnes, y compris des opposants politiques, suite aux manifestations qui ont eu lieu en février 2021, et des interdictions d’exercer le droit de réunion pacifique en relation avec la manifestation prévue pour

mars 2021.