THIRD COMMITTEE HEARS REPORTS ON INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

12 November 1997

Press Release
GA/SHC/3444

THIRD COMMITTEE HEARS REPORTS ON INTERNAL DISPLACEMENT RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE

19971112 Also Hears of Human Rights Situations In Afghanistan, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti

The global phenomenon of internal displacement was symptomatic of a serious crisis in nation-building which must be addressed, the Secretary- General's representative on internally displaced persons said this morning, as the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met to consider human rights questions, including reports on the human rights situation in a number of countries.

The development of an effective system of international protection and assistance for the internally displaced was more than solely a humanitarian and human rights concern, he told the Committee. It was also imperative for regional and international peace and security.

The Special Rapporteur on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance stressed the need for serious consideration of three fundamental issues. These were discrimination against women on the basis of religion, the need to determine the place of sects in society, and the question of religious extremism, which spared no society or religion.

Actions taken by the Taliban movement affecting the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan remained the most serious aspect of the human rights situation there, a representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said. Introducing the report of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, he said that women were now effectively excluded from all aspects of the country's economic, social and political life.

The Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar said the authorities there had been critical of his reports, but after two years in office, he had not yet been afforded the opportunity to visit the country. Commenting, the representative of Myanmar said the reports of the former Special Rapporteur, who visited the country five times, had been biased, inaccurate and politically motivated; it became necessary for his Government to be cautious in dealing with such matters, in order to safeguard national interests.

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It now appeared as if there was no future in sight for democracy and human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Special Rapporteur on that country told the Committee. The new regime had made a clean sweep of human rights, as in the worst days of the previous regime, he said. The independent expert on the human rights situation in Haiti said there had been improvements in civil rights, but a deterioration in conditions there had jeopardized the gains which were made particularly with respect to health and sanitation. Only a healthy, educated population could ensure the exercise of human rights. Adequate financial resources must be allocated.

Statements were also made by the representatives of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Venezuela, Haiti, Afghanistan, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. The representative of Greece spoke on a point of order.

The Third Committee will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, 13 November, to continue its consideration of human rights questions. It is expected to hear the introduction of the reports by the Special Rapporteurs on human rights in the former Yugoslavia, Sudan, Cuba and Rwanda.

Committee Work Programme

The Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) met this morning to continue its consideration of human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms, the reports of special rapporteur and representatives, the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action, and the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

(For background on alternative approaches, the Vienna Declaration and the High Commissioner's report, see Press Release GA/SHC/3443 of 12 November.)

The Committee had before it reports on the human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives on the following: Cambodia, Haiti, Kosovo, the former Yugoslavia, Myanmar, southern Lebanon and West Bekaa, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Cuba, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

A report by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in Cambodia (document A/52/489) conveys observations made by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Human Rights in Cambodia. It states that a crucial challenge in establishing the rule of law in Cambodia is the problem of impunity in both political and institutional contexts. Such impunity causes grave loss of faith in the system and administration of justice and undermines the moral authority of the courts, and thereby of the Government. The report also summarizes such developments as the continuing presence of landmines, the Government's delay in reporting to treaty bodies and its failure to implement their recommendations. It also outlines the cooperative measures being taken to remedy the situation.

A note by the Secretary-General (document A/52/499) transmits to the Assembly the report on the human rights in Haiti, prepared by Adama Dieng, an independent expert appointed in 1995 to assist the Government of Haiti in the area of human rights. It states that the human rights situation has improved considerably, to judge from the indicators of observance of civil and political rights. Although there is still some "political" violence and instances of violations, they are no longer massive in nature as in the past. As for the effective enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights, the obstacles are enormous but not insurmountable. They stem from the civilian and military dictatorships that for decades abused political and economic power.

Today's political actors must also bear their share of responsibility because of the confrontation in which they are engaged, which could plunge the country into an unprecedented political crisis, the report states. Laudable efforts have been made to improve the operation of the police force and conditions in the prisons, but much remains to be done. However, the progress

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made could be wiped out unless there is an in-depth reform of the outdated Haitian judicial system. The top priority must be to set up a competent and effective judicial system.

The report states that deteriorating political and socio-economic conditions resulting from the possible withdrawal of the United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti (UNTMIH) and the International Civilian Mission to Haiti (MICIVIH) could have tragic consequences for the future of Haiti and its move towards democratization. The police force is not yet in a position to maintain law and order by itself. Should the United Nations withdraw at the end of November, a formula should be devised for the provision of assistance, possibly through bilateral arrangements -- especially with France, the United States and Canada.

The report of the Secretary-General on human rights in Haiti (document A/52/515) supplements the report of the independent expert. It provides information on a technical cooperation programme aimed at strengthening institutional capacity with regard to human rights in the country.

A report of the Secretary-General on the human rights situation in Kosovo (document A/52/502) states that in view of continuing widespread violations of human rights reported by the Special Rapporteur in Kosovo, an office of the High Commissioner in Prishtina and an increased presence of other international organizations would be indispensable for monitoring human rights developments. While the Special Rapporteur generally receives good cooperation from all Governments within her mandate, reports of widespread human rights violations have continued. The Government has refused to let her open an office in Prishtina to monitor the human rights situation. The Secretary-General's recommendation to open an office in Kosovo underscores repeated requests by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to reinstate a monitoring mission that withdrew in 1993. Yugoslavia has consistently denied OSCE access to the region for monitoring purposes, although the Government did grant permission for an observer mission to monitor elections in Serbia on 21 September.

A note by the Secretary-General on human rights in the former Yugoslavia (document A/52/490) transmits the periodic report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It states that, during the period from January to September 1997, the Federal Government had been cooperative in providing access to officials. However, its lack of responsiveness regarding issues raised in implementing recommendations and in addressing charges of human rights violations was a matter of concern. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government review and implement her previous recommendations, particularly that it strengthen legal and other guarantees for the protection of human rights and that it ratify the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

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In Serbia, recommendations centre on creating independence within the media, particularly at the judiciary level, at removing from the draft media law the formulations used to inhibit legitimate scrutiny of public officials or to inhibit freedom of expression. Throughout the Federation, discrepancies between the International Covenant on human rights and the Republic's Constitutions should be removed. Procedural requirements in criminal and administrative law should be enforced, those responsible for torture or ill- treatment should be brought to justice, and immediate steps should be taken to end continuing police brutality -- especially in Kosovo, where ethnic Albanians are discriminated against. The Government is asked to take immediate steps to investigate acts of violence against the Muslim community and to create conditions for the free and safe return of refugees.

A report by the Secretary-General on rape and abuse of women in former Yugoslavia (document A/52/497) states that in contrast to the situation during the war years of the early 1990s, incidents of rape are no longer reported as a widespread phenomenon. However, the degree of the phenomenon is difficult to determine owing to the known reluctance of victims to describe such experiences. Since the situation in many parts of the former Yugoslavia remains unstable, there is a need to implement special protective measures for women and children. Programmes of protection and assistance for victims and witnesses are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, since the effects of rape and sexual violence traumatize victims well beyond the act itself.

Another note by the Secretary-General transmits the interim report on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (document A/52/484) prepared by Rajsoomer Lallah, Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights. In it, he states that there has been no change in the situation since his 1996 report to the Assembly and his 1997 report to the Commission; his recommendations have gone unheeded by the Government. Despite continuing efforts to obtain authorization to visit the country, he has not obtained a response. Nevertheless, he has taken great care in assessing the information gathered from all sources, and concludes that genuine and enduring improvements in the human rights situation there cannot be attained without respect for the rights pertaining to democratic governance. The Government has still not implemented its commitments to take all necessary steps towards the establishment of democracy in the light of the process initiated in Myanmar with the general elections of 27 May 1990 -- a process that was never concluded.

The Special Rapporteur recommends that steps should be taken to allow all citizens to participate freely in the political process and to accelerate the process of transition to democracy. Immediate measures should be taken to end harassment of the National League for Democracy and to ensure that its General Secretary is genuinely free and able to exercise her functions without fear of attack. All political detainees -- including elected political

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representatives, students, workers, peasants and others arrested or detained under martial law -- should be tried by a properly constituted and independent civilian court.

The Government should also take immediate steps to end the enforced displacement of persons and create appropriate conditions to prevent the flow of refugees to neighbouring States, the Special Rapporteur states. It should also refrain from actions that contribute to insecurity affecting the population, such as the use of military forces and bombardments against civilian targets along its border with Thailand. The country's laws should be brought in line with accepted international standards on the protection of physical integrity rights, including the right to life, protection against disappearance, and the prohibition of torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

A note by the Secretary-General (document A/52/527), states that he had addressed a note verbale to the Foreign Minister of Israel on 18 June in accordance with a resolution of Commission on Human Rights, on the human rights situation in southern Lebanon and West Bekaa. No reply had been received at the time of the preparation of the present report.

Another note by the Secretary-General (document A/52/476) transmits an interim report on human rights in Iraq, prepared by Max van der Stoel, Special Rapporteur. He says the Commission noted at its recent session that there has been no improvement in the human rights situation in Iraq. Its resolution 1997/60 strongly condemned the massive and extremely grave violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law by the Government of Iraq, resulting in all-pervasive repression and oppression. The Special Rapporteur states that the lack of respect for rights pertaining to democratic governance is at the root of all the major violations of human rights in Iraq. Of particular concern is that extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions, as well as the practice of torture, continue to occur in Iraq.

The Special Representative proposes that Iraqi law be brought into line with accepted international standards regarding protection of physical integrity rights. The Government should take steps to guarantee the enjoyment of the freedoms of opinion, expression and association; cease all discriminatory policies which interfere with the free and equal enjoyment of property, and compensate appropriately those who have been arbitrarily or unjustly deprived of their property; and take urgent steps to put an end to the enforced displacement of persons.

The Government should also continue to cooperate fully in the implementation of Security Council resolutions on the "oil for food" arrangements and ensure equitable distribution without discrimination to the Iraqi population of the humanitarian supplies purchased with the proceeds of Iraqi oil, he states.

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A note by the Secretary-General on human rights in Iran (document A/52/472) transmits the interim report of a Special Representative of the Commission. It states that the most significant development of the six-month period under review was the election of the new President, an event presenting the very real prospect of the Republic moving forward in matters concerning the freedom and dignity of its citizens. This change was long overdue, because improvements had been barely discernible and in some areas there had been backsliding, but the promises of the election were now being monitored.

Until the recent election of the new Government, the atmosphere with respect to freedom of expression in Iran in the country was repressive, the report states. The status of women and the sharp increase in use of the death penalty were dark spots, as was the situation regarding the fatwa against the British writer Salman Rushdie, the discrimination against religious Baha'is, and the murder of Iranian dissidents abroad. The election of the new Government is seen as a signal that the voters want a change and the human rights situation is expected to follow, as reflected in policy statements by the new Government.

A note by the Secretary-General on human rights in Afghanistan (document A/52/493) transmits an interim report by the Commission's Special Rapporteur, concerning the period from 20 February to 15 September. It states that the political and military situation remains extremely volatile, with a negative impact on human rights. Persistent affirmations from qualified sources indicate that the policies applied by the Taliban movement are not a correct interpretation of Shariah law and that the movement is losing the support of the population.

The human rights situation in Afghanistan, along with its other problems, would be resolved if countries with influence became more involved, the report states. Recommendations to the international community include deployment of a human rights resource person to advise the international community as well as Afghan actors, and close consideration of the Taliban human rights record in considering Taliban requests for recognition.

A note by the Secretary-General (document A/52/583) states that, on 16 October, the Commission appointed Soli Jehangir Sorabjee as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Nigeria. Mr. Sorabjee has a mandate to establish direct contacts with the Nigerian authorities and people, and to keep a gender perspective in mind when seeking and analysing information. In view of his recent appointment, he will not submit an interim report to the current session of the Assembly but intends to report to the Commission at its next session.

The fifth interim report on human rights in the Sudan (document A/52/510), prepared by Special Rapporteur Gaspar Biro, states that the Khartoum Agreement of 21 April and related constitutional decree explicitly

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recognized the right to self-determination in relation to southern Sudan. However, the two documents contain different wording, which might lead to differing interpretations. Nevertheless, the possibility of the peaceful secession of the southern states is provided by both documents.

While recognizing the efforts made by various government organs, the Special Rapporteur emphasizes that more efforts must be made to implement practical measures aimed at ending human rights violations and abuses. The Government should create conditions for the involvement of United Nations agencies and organs, as well as of national and international human rights and humanitarian organizations. Regarding the conflict zones, he calls for prompt implementation of the Commission's recommendation regarding the placement of human rights field officers to monitor the human rights situation in the country.

The report of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Cuba (document A/52/479) states that no significant change occurred in the evolution of the human rights situation there from January to October 1997. Security forces continue an intensive harassment campaign against those whose attitude differs from the official line. The harassment can lead to trials and prison sentences, but sentences are declining since 1996 -- even as lengthy sentences continue to be served by those convicted prior to 1995. Since no amendments have been made to the Criminal Code, contempt and enemy propaganda are frequent sources of convictions.

The ongoing United States embargo against Cuba contributes to the rigidity of the system, the report states. It serves as a ready pretext for keeping the population under strict control and for punishing or suppressing those who work for political change or individual social space. The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government remedy the human rights violations, allowing international non-governmental human rights organizers to enter the country for evaluations and to offer their competence to secure improvements.

The report of Special Representative Michel Moussalli on human rights in Rwanda (document A/52/522) states that, given the scale and severity of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and the current weak response of the international community, the Government is to be commended for its cooperation with the members of the international community active with respect to human rights matters in Rwanda.

The Special Rapporteur recommends that States and international donors provide adequate financial support for priority projects and for the effective functioning of the human rights field operation in Rwanda. Top priority should be accorded both to the conditions of detention and to the need to speed up the genocide trials, without sacrificing adherence to international

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human rights standards on the right to fair trial. The competent Rwandese authorities should also pursue their efforts to establish an independent and credible national human rights commission.

Another note by the Secretary-General transmits the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the human rights field operation in Rwanda (document A/52/486). Citing the mass influx of returnees entering the country at the end of 1996 and the rise of insurgency and counter-insurgency activities, it states that the human rights situation worsened at the beginning of 1997, particularly after May. Although there were notable improvements in the conditions of detention, the number of detainees exceeds 120,000. However, only a fraction of the number of persons accused of participating in the genocide have been brought to trial and the detention of persons without trial continues -- usually without a dossier to document the factual and legal grounds for their arrest and detention.

Numerous unarmed civilians have been documented as killed and Rwandese Patriotic Army soldiers have been reported as not following the most basic norms of international humanitarian law in carrying out cordon-and-search operations to flush out insurgents, the report states. The Government must show greater willingness to implement field observation recommendations. For example, investigations into serious incidents of massacres involving State agents were opened but were never concluded.

A note by the Secretary-General transmits an addendum to the report on the field operation in Rwanda (document A/52/486/Add.1), which describes the operation as the High Commissioner's largest field presence. It operates in particularly difficult and dangerous circumstances, in a sensitive relationship with a post-genocide government. Further discussions between them may yield a common view regarding the operation's usefulness in such areas as monitoring, agreeing on modalities of dialogue and reporting, and strategic capacity-building.

An interim report on human rights in Burundi (document A/52/505) by Special Rapporteur Paulo Sergio Pinheiro on the period from 15 April to 31 August recommends that investigations be held regarding specific crimes committed in the country. He urges implementation of his earlier recommendations on reconstruction of the country's judicial apparatus and the formulation of adequate strategies for putting an end to impunity; the reorganization of the functions of the army and security forces along quite separate lines; and unimpeded access by the majority of the people -- who are currently excluded -- to the major State institutions concerning education, justice and the army.

The Special Rapporteur urgently appeals to the Burundian authorities to suspend the opening of new regroupment camps and to act without delay to enable the population in those camps to return to their homes without

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hindrance. He also appealed to the authorities to protect the physical security of those regrouped and to protect them from enforced or involuntary disappearances, arbitrary detention, or extrajudicial or summary execution.

At the international level, he urges that the economic sanctions against Burundi should be eased as soon as the Government provides tangible proof that it is committed to effective negotiations to achieve peace and national reconciliation. The international community should clearly link humanitarian aid for the regrouped population to a specific plan by the Burundian authorities to introduce a policy for their proper reintegration. He requests an immediate embargo on the sale of arms to Burundi, whether to the existing Government or the rebel forces, as well as very strong measures against those who ordered the crimes or who benefited from the arms traffic.

The report of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Zaire -- now Democratic Republic of the Congo (document A/52/496) -- covers the situation there through 8 September. In it, he notes that a joint mission of the Commission was repeatedly denied entry into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In addition, there is a climate of fear about giving testimony, even outside the country, which was not evident between 1994 and 1996.

Based on the first few months of the new Government, none of the conditions of a democratic regime are being met, including respect for human rights, the report states. The regime has eliminated the civil rights to life, liberty and physical integrity, the rights of political participation have been suspended, and there are no measures to ensure the enjoyment of economic, social and cultural rights. Announcements of free elections are contradictory and no efforts are being made to put them into effect. The President exercises executive and legislative power, judges and magistrates are answerable to him, and all laws which contradict his new precepts have been repealed.

In addition, one ethnic group predominates over hundreds of others, often resulting in conflict, the report states. The new armed forces and police are at the service of the political and ethnic power group and commit abuses against opponents. The courts are subject to the executive branch and political parties are banned, except for one which is identified with the State. There is no freedom of information on radio and television, the most popular public media. Also, a mentality of victors and vanquished has taken hold, causing a strong sense of humiliation.

The Congolese people do not enjoy, and will not in the foreseeable future enjoy, the human right to democracy, the Special Rapporteur concludes.

A report by the Secretary-General's representative on internally displaced persons (document A/52/506) states that the phenomenon, which affects at least 25 million people, represents one of the most pressing

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challenges to the international community. The report indicates that the representative had undertaken a major research project on various dimensions of the problem, entitled "Masses in Flight: the Global Crisis of Internal Displacement", which provides a global and regional overview.

A companion volume of 10 case studies covers the situations in Burundi, Liberia, the Sudan, the Caucasus, the former Yugoslavia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Colombia and Peru, the report states. That volume examines in detail the causes and characteristics of internal displacement in some of the countries where the problem is most acute. A shorter more popularized version of the study has been commissioned for wider dissemination.

Statements

RAJSOOMER LALLAH, Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, introducing his report, said that two years after assuming office, he had not yet been afforded the opportunity to visit the country. The authorities of Myanmar had levelled criticisms at the reports, stating that information was received from outside Myanmar and did not reflect the actual situation. It would be in the interest of everyone, including the authorities, for a visit to take place.

The present report dealt with the situation in Myanmar at the end of August, he said. In mid-September, high officials of the State Law and Order Restoration Council took steps to initiate discussions with representatives of the National League for Democracy. However, the meeting did not take place, apparently through a difficulty concerning acceptance by the authorities of the Secretary-General of the League as part of its delegation. An environment of trust and seriousness of purpose, where each side was free to choose its own representatives, appeared to still be missing.

It was perhaps too early to gauge the nature and extent of change in the repressive policy of civil and political rights pursued by the regime since the people pronounced itself in 1990, he said. In the absence of a visit to Myanmar, as much assistance and information had been gathered as was possible. Disappointingly, the situation had not yet changed, the situation of human rights remained precarious, and a wide variety of human rights violations continued to occur.

PE THEIN TIN (Myanmar) said the report turned a blind eye to all achievements of the country. It gave priority and credence only to wide ranging accusations emanating from people inside and outside the country who had their own political motives. Furthermore, it incorporated political statements in the guise of legal arguments. It reflected the views of those opposing the Government, for reasons totally unconnected to human rights.

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Human rights included the right to peace and security in homes and streets, he said. The Government and the people were attempting to attain unity, peace, stability and the prevalence of law and order, while striving for socio-economic development. Myanmar had not accepted the appointment of a Special Rapporteur and had dissociated itself from the decision of the General Assembly and the Commission regarding its human rights situation. However, the Government had on occasion agreed to visits by the Commission's representatives. The former Special Rapporteur had visited the country five times. However, the reports were found to be biased, inaccurate and politically motivated and it had become necessary to be cautious in dealing with such matters and to exercise restraint, in order to safeguard national interests.

He said Myanmar would continue to promote and protect human rights in the country, even as it protected its sovereignty. His delegation would circulate a memorandum concerning the situation of human rights in Myanmar as an official document.

ABDEL FATTAH AMOR, Special Rapporteur on the elimination of all forms of religious intolerance, introducing his report, said that country visits were important for analysing the experiences of violations. They were a means to gather views as well as to verify the validity of allegations. Among the countries he had visited during the reporting period were Australia and Germany, on which he would submit reports to the Commission at the beginning of 1998. He would be visiting the United States in 1998, at the invitation of that Government. He was awaiting responses from Turkey and Viet Nam to his request for visits to those countries; both country situations required in-depth examination.

Certain fundamental issues required serious consideration, he said. The first was acts of discrimination against women on the basis of religion, such as the policy of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Also of concern were sects and the need to determine their place in society; that matter should be examined in-depth. The third important issue concerned religious extremism, which was an inadmissible violation of religious freedom and spared no society or religion. When it became the basis of terrorism or fanaticism, silence by the international community amounted to complicity.

DIONYSIOS KODELAS (Greece), speaking on a point of order, drew attention to a reference by the Special Rapporteur to "Macedonia". A Security Council resolution which had decided that the country in question would be admitted to the United Nations as "The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" until the issue of its name was resolved, he said.

ROBERTO GARRETON, Special Rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire), introducing his report, said a joint commission to investigate massacres and other violations of human rights

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beginning in 1994 had been denied entry into the country. Another team was then established, but it had not yet been able to visit the country, despite a month spent in Kinshasa. Thus, it might not be able to complete its report by 31 December, as mandated.

He said that rebel attacks were aimed at refugees and other vulnerable groups, and torture continued in the country. The new regime had made a clean sweep of human rights, as in the worst days of the previous regime. A town in the north had been attacked, and human rights were scorned through arbitrary detentions and violations of home and integrity.

At first there had been improvements, such as the containment of military irregularities, he said. However, it now appeared as if there was no future for democracy and human rights there. Ethnic differences would not end until there was reconciliation, and the first step was to be generous to others. No one was asking for elections tomorrow, but for a beginning of the process of democratization and respect for human rights. The international community had a responsibility to break the cycle of impunity which had afflicted the Great Lakes region.

MWABANGA KAPANGA (Democratic Republic of the Congo) said he was shocked to hear the Special Rapporteur, especially when there was a United Nations team going to his country to investigate the massacres of which the Government was accused. It was interesting to see the work of a person who had gone to a country for one day and written a report which aimed at sabotaging the situation. A detailed response would be given tomorrow, he said. It was important to look at what had been stated. For example, the massacre which had been described as occurring in a northern town actually referred to a situation concerning a village which was in the south. It was shocking to hear what had just been said at a time when agreement had been reached with the aim of gaining greater clarification on the situation.

JOHN PACE, of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, introduced the report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan. He said the situation there continued to be one of the most serious in the world and had deteriorated even further since the report was completed in mid-September. After almost two decades of war, Afghanistan was one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 170 out of 174 in the human development index of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Fighting had continued throughout the period covered by the report and there were an estimated 1.2 million internally displaced persons in the country.

The rights of women and girls remained the most serious aspect of the present human rights situation in Afghanistan, he said. Women were now effectively excluded from all aspects of the country's economic, social and political life. An even more preoccupying aspect of gender discrimination,

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which would have far-reaching negative consequences for Afghanistan's future, was the continued denial by the Taliban movement of the right to education to Afghan women and girls.

Since completion of the Special Rapporteur's report, it has been alleged that some 70 civilians belonging to the Hazara ethnic group -- mostly women, children and the elderly -- had been summarily killed on 14 September in the north of the country by Taliban forces. In another recent incident, the female staff of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) had been arrested by the Taliban religious police. The prevailing food crisis in the country had been caused by bad harvests and the blocking by the Taliban since August of food aid to areas held by the forces opposing them.

He also drew attention to the alarming findings of a recent study by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), conducted in Kabul among more than 300 children between the ages of 8 and 18 years. It revealed that 90 per cent of the children involved believed that they would die during the conflict. Between 1992 and 1997, 72 per cent had experienced a death in their family which, in 40 per cent of the cases, was a parent. Virtually all had witnessed acts of violence during the fighting. Both sides to the conflict in Afghanistan seemed to have chosen a military solution.

ADAMA DENG, independent expert on the human rights situation in Haiti, said he had noticed the improvements in civil rights during his last visit to the country, but an enormous amount of work remained to be done. However, deterioration in conditions in Haiti jeopardized the gains, which had been made particularly with respect to health and sanitation. Adequate financial resources must be allocated. Only a healthy, educated population could ensure the exercise of human rights and open the country to privatization. International financial institutions had to show more understanding. The situation was exacerbated by internal politics.

Democratization and the rule of law in Haiti were in trouble, he said. Ten days ago, the President had announced a series of reforms which would help democracy flourish. The acquisitions of adequate resources for employment- generating work required good government, which Haiti lacked.

The international community must support the judiciary system, he said. The population of Haiti was not satisfied, yet they must be satisfied if the demons were to be kept from returning after departure of the United Nations. Those demons accompanied hunger. Everyone had to play a role, including the Haitians themselves.

SAYED DURAN (Venezuela) said the report highlighted how much the international community had to support Haiti.

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NICOLE ROMULUS (Haiti) said the report of the independent expert on Haiti gave an accurate picture of the human rights situation there. The problems illustrated the situation when there was a lack of economic development assistance. The democratic Government, assisted by the international community, had made improvements. Undeniable advances in civil and political rights had been made. The Haitian State had implemented a health policy, redistributed resources and recognized the need for intervention in education.

The problems now were different than in the past, she said. The police had improved, despite the youth of the force, and there was political will to end impunity with regard to torture. However, the security crisis was worse because of the return of delinquents and criminals who had served out sentences in North America. In 1997, the number of repatriated criminals amounted to half the membership of the police force. Yet despite impediments, the country had not fallen into chaos. Her Government would send out the message that it would not tolerate human rights abuses.

FRANCIS M. DENG, representative of the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons, introduced his report. He said that while considerable progress had been made in responding to that crisis, the plight of the internally displaced remained a formidable challenge. In the overwhelming majority of affected countries, the States lacked the capacity to meet the monumental needs of their internally displaced populations. The internally displaced fell into a vacuum of political and moral responsibility and lacked the clout to hold their Government or controlling authorities accountable. To whom should they turn but the international community?

The existing institutional arrangements revealed serious gaps, with no single organization assuming full responsibility for the internally displaced, he said. There was need for a central point or mechanism at United Nations Headquarters that would allocate responsibility in emergency situations involving the internally displaced. The fact that the Standing Committee, under the leadership of the Emergency Relief Coordinator, would play that role was therefore welcome. As a new member of that body, he looked forward to working with it to ensure that internally displaced persons were given due attention.

International cooperation should be a means of complementing the capacity of Governments to provide protection and assistance to their own displaced populations, he said. The global phenomenon of internal displacement was symptomatic of a serious crisis in nation-building. Developing an effective system of international protection and assistance for the internally displaced was more than solely a humanitarian and human rights concern. It was also an imperative for regional and international peace and security.

Third Committee - 16 - Press Release GA/SHC/3444 33rd Meeting (AM) 12 November 1997

RAVAN A.G. FARHADI (Afghanistan) said the Taliban had failed to honour their promises to re-open the girls' schools, made two years ago to the Department of Humanitarian Affairs. The present report described a worsening human rights situation in Afghanistan because the Taliban had intensified their violations of those rights. Their military occupation of Kabul and parts of the northern provinces provided them with new opportunities for those outrageous violations.

Citing the massacre of 14 September, he said the atrocities committed by Taliban mercenaries represented flagrant violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The international community should seek ways to ensure that the perpetrators of such crimes as ethnic cleansing, genocide, "gender apartheid", and abuse of human rights committed by the Taliban were brought to justice.

He said the Taliban had a "highly idiosyncratic vision of Islam that had been disputed by numerous Sunni Islamic scholars as representing a tribal rural code of behaviour". As a Muslim and as representative of an Islamic country, he welcomed the Special Rapporteur's precise references to the real teaching of Islam. Measures taken by the Taliban aimed at controlling the population and international agencies demonstrated that approval for their policies had further diminished as had their power base.

MARIAM ALAWIDHI (Kuwait) said the report on the elimination of religious intolerance included allegations of violations in her country which must be addressed. It stated that citizenship was limited to Muslims, yet Kuwait's Ambassador to Tokyo was Christian. Further, it stated that Muslims were not permitted to convert to another religion and that doing so was punishable by death, but that was incorrect. It was also stated incorrectly that publication of anything not Muslim was forbidden. The report stated that the Government did not give permits for the renovation of non-Muslim places of worship. That, too was incorrect. In fact, a church was currently being renovated.

In order to be more objective, the Special Rapporteur should get information from better sources, she said. Kuwait would provide a written response to the report.

ABDUL AZIZ AL-SHAMSI (United Arab Emirates) said certain allegations in the report were not correct. A reply would be presented through the Human Rights Commission in Geneva.

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