Secretary-General Expresses Concern over Restrictions on Civil Liberties, Democratic Rights in Run-Up to Comoros Referendum

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General expresses his concern over persisting restrictions of civil liberties and democratic rights in the run-up to the 30 July constitutional referendum in the Comoros.  He urges the Government, political parties and all other relevant stakeholders to do their utmost to respect the rule of law and human rights.

The Secretary-General, echoing the recent decision of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government, calls on Comorian stakeholders to engage in a dialogue to ensure an inclusive consultation on constitutional reforms under the auspices of the African Union.