Archive for February, 2011

Libyan report to UN: We protect all rights and freedoms

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 28, 2011 in Libya. 0 Comments

More quotes below from the UN Human Rights Council’s report on Libya, scheduled for adoption in the current March session. See our previous post here.

_________

Summary

During the interactive dialogue, statements were made by 46 delegations. A number of delegations commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya for the preparation and presentation of its national report, noting the broad consultation process with stakeholders in the preparation phase.  Several delegations also noted with appreciation the country’s commitment to upholding human rights on the ground… Continue reading ‘Libyan report to UN: We protect all rights and freedoms’

Hall of Shame: UN Human Rights Council to adopt report praising Gaddafi regime

Published by
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- at February 28, 2011 in Libya. 2 Comments

GENEVA, Feb. 28 – UN Watch, which heads the Global NGO Campaign to Remove Libya from the UN Human Rights Council, today called on US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, EU foreign minister Catherine Ashton and UN rights chief Navi Pillay to urge the council president to cancel a planned resolution praising Libya’s human rights record, scheduled to be adopted in the current session.

Despite having just voted to suspend Libya from its ranks (to be finalized by the UNGA tomorrow), the UN Human Rights Council, according to the agenda of its current session, is planning to “consider and adopt the final outcome of the review of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.” According to the council’s timetable, the lengthy report hailing Libya’s human rights record will be presented on March 18, and then adopted by the council at the end of the month. The report, which the UN has published on the council website, is the outcome of a recent session that was meant to review Libya’s human rights record.

“Although the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism is often described by council defenders as its saving grace, the vast majority of council members used it to falsely praise the Gaddafi regime for its alleged promotion of human rights,” said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, a Geneva-based human rights monitoring organization. “The report is a fraud, an insult to Libya’s victims, and should be withdrawn immediately.”  (See numerous quotes of praise below.)

The report also includes praise of Libya’s record by the regime’s representatives (click here for quotes). “After Libya’s UN diplomats have defected and admitted that the Gaddafi regime is a gross violator of human rights, it would be nonsensical for the UN to now adopt this false report.”

“We call on the council president to acknowledge that the session on Libya was a fraud, withdraw the report, and schedule a new session in which council members would tell the truth about the Gaddafi regime’s heinous crimes, which were committed over four decades yet ignored by the UN,” said Neuer. “Libya’s long-suffering victims deserve no less.”

The UN report’s summary notes that delegations “commended the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,” and that they “noted with appreciation the country’s commitment to upholding human rights on the ground.”

Continue reading ‘Hall of Shame: UN Human Rights Council to adopt report praising Gaddafi regime’

How Qaddafi Used UN Human Rights Council to Project Own Crimes onto Israel

Published by
Hillel Neuer
- at February 27, 2011 in Libya. 0 Comments

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL HOLDS INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE ON REPORT OF FACT-FINDING MISSION ON ISRAEL’S ATTACK ON THE HUMANITARIAN FLOTILLA,  28 September 2010

IBRAHIM ALDREDI (Libya) extended its thanks to the members of the [Flotilla] Fact-Finding Mission and their report, despite the intransigence of the Israeli Government in cooperating with the Mission. Israel’s treatment of the aid flotilla was merely a reflection of its complete disregard for international law. This incident could not have happened without the support of certain States and the silence of others. The massacre took place in international waters and was a continuation of the policy of imprisonment committed against the people of Gaza. Until the Palestinian people were able to obtain their destiny, the international community had a duty to hold the perpetrators accountable and bring them to justice.

Council Holds General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and Other Occupied Arab Territories
27 September 2010

IBRAHIM A.E. ALDREDI (Libya) said that after six decades of tragedy inflicted on the Arabs in the Palestinian territories, Israel was still acting aggressively in the absence of a deterrent and with the silence of powerful countries. Libya wondered where was the United Nations, the Human Rights Council and Chapter VII vis-à-vis those acts. Libya condemned acts perpetuated by Zionist terrorists in the Syrian Golan and deplored violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territories against civilians. Libya requested the accountability of those responsible and said they must find themselves in front of the international justice. The checkpoints impeded the daily lives of Palestinian people and thus prevented them from living their lives in dignity. Libya full supported the resilience of Palestinian people and requested that this issue was transferred to the United Nations Security Council. Libya reaffirmed that the only solution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem was a democratic State of Palestine where all would be equal with no distinction on the basis of race or religion. Libya was looking forward to a solution based on the South African model, where everyone – black or white – lived side by side.

HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL TAKES UP HUMAN RIGHTS SITUATION IN PALESTINE AND OTHER OCCUPIED ARAB TERRITORIES
27 September 2010

IBRAHIM A.E. ALDREDI (Libya) thanked the [Goldstone Report Follow-Up] Committee of Experts for their report. That report showed that Israel had persisted in not cooperating with the Committee of Experts. In spite of that, the report loosely spoke of lack of cooperation instead of asserting that there had been no cooperation at all. Libya considered that the whole report could only lead to one conclusion: that Israel would never conduct independent investigations leading to the conviction of war criminals for crimes undertaken during Operation Cast Lead. As one could not expect that a criminal would put himself on trial, Libya considered that no progress could be achieved. What mattered was to enforce the resolutions and the international community must therefore put on trial Israeli war criminals who had committed crimes in Gaza and the other Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Text released: Draft UNGA resolution to suspend Libya from rights council

Published by
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- at February 27, 2011 in Libya. 0 Comments

UN Watch urges the UN General Assembly to immediately adopt the draft resolution below, which has been circulated by diplomats in New York.

The General Assembly,

Recalling its resolution 60/251 of 15 March 2006, in particular OP8 which states that the General Assembly may suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of a member of the Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights,

Noting Human Rights Council resolution XXXX of 25 February 2011,

Welcoming the statement issued by the League of Arab States on 22 February 2011 and the Communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on 23 February 2011,

Expresses deep concern with the human rights situation in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya,

1. Decides to suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya;

2. Decides to review the matter, as appropriate.

Defecting Libyan diplomat same who silenced UN testimony of victims

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 27, 2011 in Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and Libya. 1 Comment

Adel Shaltut, Second Secretary at the Libya U.N. mission in Geneva, defected before the U.N. Human Rights council yesterday and denounced the Qaddafi regime. Yet just months ago the same Adel Shaltut tried to silence Libya victims brought by UN Watch:

Chronology: The NGO Campaign to Remove Libya From the UN Human Rights Council

Published by
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- at February 25, 2011 in Libya. 0 Comments

 

  • May 2010: UN Watch leads 37 NGOs in a protest on the eve of Libya’s election to the UNHRC, with a widely covered media event at UN Headquarters in New York, and a mass email campaign. Countries are urged to oppose Qaddafi’s candidacy. Instead, in a secret ballot, the UN elects Libya by a landslide of 155 out of 192 UNGA votes. UN Watch warns on Swiss TV that Qaddafi’s government is a “murderous and racist regime.” Not a single country speaks out against Libya’s candidacy or election.

Continue reading ‘Chronology: The NGO Campaign to Remove Libya From the UN Human Rights Council’

NGO Campaign to Remove Libya welcomes new EU draft; but real action needed to stop killings

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 25, 2011 in Libya. 1 Comment
 

 

GENEVA, February 24, 2010 – UN Watch, which heads the Global NGO Campaign to Remove Libya from the UN Human Rights Council, welcomed a new EU draft for tomorrow’s meeting that calls for suspension of the Qaddafi regime from the world’s top human rights body. Click here for text of EU’s new draft resolution.

“The original draft ignored the fact that Libya’s council membership is a moral obscenity that must be rectified immediately,” said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, a Geneva-based human rights group, and an international lawyer who represents Libyan torture victims. “After our objections were widely published, the EU thankfully revised their draft. We’re also grateful that that our other demands were met — for a special session, an international inquiry, and required follow-up at the March and June sessions.”    Continue reading ‘NGO Campaign to Remove Libya welcomes new EU draft; but real action needed to stop killings’

UN’s “Middle East focus” on Israel only; erases Iran, Libya, Bahrain, Egypt, Syria…

Published by
Hillel Neuer
- at February 23, 2011 in Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 2 Comments

Click on the website of the UN News Center,  and you’ll find a “Middle East” regional focus link. Except that when you go to check out the news on the Middle East, all of the state killings, violent crackdowns and oppression in Libya, Iran, Egypt,  Bahrain, Yemen, Algeria, Syria, and so forth, are all erased. There’s nothing. Instead, it’s all about Israel. This is not a new scandal — just one that’s made more outrageous by the scale of recent events. UN Watch urges the UN to redress their gross neglect of the rights of 350 million Middle East citizens.  Continue reading ‘UN’s “Middle East focus” on Israel only; erases Iran, Libya, Bahrain, Egypt, Syria…’

EU’s Libya resolution should directly condemn Qaddafi

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 23, 2011 in Libya. 1 Comment

GENEVA, February 23, 2010 – UN Watch, which spearheaded this week’s successful appeal by 70 human rights groups for an urgent UN Human Rights Council session on Libya, expressed disappointment with a draft resolution circulated today by the EU (see draft text below) in advance of Friday’s meeting.

“We appreciate that the EU incorporated our requests for an international investigation and for keeping the issue on the council’s agenda in the upcoming March and June sessions. Yet the draft unacceptably falls short of condemning Moammar Qaddafi, and fails to call for Libya’s removal from the council,” said Hillel Neuer, executive director of UN Watch, a Geneva-based human rights group.

“We urge EU foreign minister Catherine Ashton, as well as the leaders of France, Germany and the UK, to exercise moral leadership and remedy these glaring omissions.”

“First, the moral outrage of Libya’s membership on the world’s top human rights body must end immediately. World public opinion will no longer tolerate this. Even the Arab League ejected Libya. The council must take action under Article 8 of its founding charter and issue a finding that Libya is committing gross and systematic violations of human rights, and call for the regime to be suspended by the General Assembly,” said Neuer. “With bodies piling up on the streets of Libya, the EU and the international community must not stay silent on this pernicious moral hypocrisy.”

“Second, the EU must explain why its draft — contrary to normal council practice on condemnatory resolutions –studiously avoids naming the Libyan government or its leader as the perpetrators of the ongoing atrocities. Make no mistake: this resolution makes no condemnation of Moammar Qaddafi. Instead, the EU offers deliberately vague condemations of violations committed ‘in Libya’, or calls for Libyan authorities to stop ‘any violations,’ falsely implying that someone other than Qaddafi’s regime may be responsible for the atrocities. Yet the helicopter gunships, soldiers and mercenaries firing on civilians are all under the command of the Qaddafi regime. Now is the time for moral clarity, not weasel words and diplomatic obfuscation.” Continue reading ‘EU’s Libya resolution should directly condemn Qaddafi’

Mother of all hypocrisies: Iran asks UN rights council to investigate Libya, Bahrain, Yemen for shooting protesters

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 23, 2011 in Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and Libya. 3 Comments

Mother of all hypocrisies: Iran tells UN rights council to condemn Libya, Bahrain, Yemen for shooting peaceful protesters. Have these Mullahs no shame?

“Iran called for the UN Human Rights Council to form a committee to examine [the] situation in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Libya,” reported the state-sponsored ISNA news agency today.

“The Head of Iranian Parliament Human Rights Committee Zohreh Elahian in a letter to the UN Human Rights Council President Sihasak Phuangketkeow urged formation of a committee to examine [the] situation in Bahrain, Bahrain, Yemen and Libya to find cases of human rights violations. She then demanded that criminals be introduced to the court to stand trial.”

“Fire is opened on people of the countries who are staging civil and peaceful anti-government protests only to revive their natural and lawful rights,” the letter read. “Iranian Parliament Human Rights Committee condemns violence against these people by their rulers and supports certain rights of protestors,” it read.

U.S. Sen. Menendez Unveils Resolution Condemning Qaddafi’s Brutality

Published by
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- at February 23, 2011 in Libya. 0 Comments

UN Watch salutes Senator Robert Menendez for once again standing up for human rights and taking on the crimes of Libya’s Qaddafi regime. His office’s press release follows below. Continue reading ‘U.S. Sen. Menendez Unveils Resolution Condemning Qaddafi’s Brutality’

Francis Fukuyama supports call for US and EU to convene UN Security Council on Libya

Published by
Hillel Neuer
- at February 21, 2011 in Libya. 0 Comments

The philosopher Francis Fukuyama has endorsed our appeal for the US and the EU to convene the UN Security Council to protect Libya’s victims, and to suspend Libya from the UN Human Rights Council.  Also supporting our call is Mohamed Eljahmi, the noted Libyan human rights defender and brother of slain dissident Fathi Eljahmi.

24 rights groups urge US and EU to confront Libyan massacres in UN Security Council and Human Rights Council

Published by
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- at February 21, 2011 in Libya. 2 Comments

NGOs demand Libya’s suspension from UNHRC; UN Watch calls for urgent dispatch of medical supplies to hospitals

GENEVA, February 20, 2010 – An international coalition of 24 rights groups urged world powers to convene the UN Security Council and the Human Rights Council to protect Libyan civilians from government killings, in a letter sent today to the U.S., the EU and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.  (See full text below)

Signatories include the U.S.-based National Endowment for Democracy and Physicians for Human Rights, the Geneva-based UN Watch, and 21 other groups from Switzerland, India, Liberia, Italy, Nigeria, Germany, Sudan, Venezuela, Somalia, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

The letter asserts that the widespread atrocities committed by Libya against its own people are “particularly odious” actions that amount to war crimes, requiring member states to take action through the Security Council under the responsibility to protect doctrine.

The appeal also calls for an emergency session of the Human Rights Council, in which Libya’s membership on that body would be suspended, and an international inquiry team dispatched to he country. Continue reading ’24 rights groups urge US and EU to confront Libyan massacres in UN Security Council and Human Rights Council’

Urgent NGO Appeal to World Leaders to Stop Atrocities in Libya

Published by
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- at February 20, 2011 in Libya. 6 Comments

Urgent Appeal to World Leaders to Stop Atrocities in Libya

We urge you to mobilize the United Nations and the international community to take immediate action to halt the mass atrocities now being perpetrated by the Libyan government against its own people. The inexcusable silence cannot continue.

As you know, in the past several days, Colonel Moammar Gadhafi’s forces are estimated to have deliberately killed hundreds of peaceful protesters and innocent bystanders across the country. In the city of Benghazi alone, one doctor reported seeing at least 200 dead bodies. Witnesses report that a mixture of special commandos, foreign mercenaries and regime loyalists have attacked demonstrators with knives, assault rifles and heavy-caliber weapons. 

Snipers are shooting peaceful protesters. Artillery and helicopter gunships have been used against crowds of demonstrators. Thugs armed with hammers and swords attacked families in their homes. Hospital officials report numerous victims shot in the head and chest, and one struck on the head by an anti-aircraft missile. Tanks are reported to be on the streets and crushing innocent bystanders. Witnesses report that mercenaries are shooting indiscriminately from helicopters and from the top of roofs. Women and children were seen jumping off Giuliana Bridge in Benghazi to escape. Many of them were killed by the impact of hitting the water, while others were drowned.  The Libyan regime is seeking to hide all of these crimes by shutting off contact with the outside world. Foreign journalists have been refused entry. Internet and phone lines have been cut or disrupted.

There is no question here about intent. The government media has published open threats, promising that demonstrators would meet a “violent and thunderous response.”

Accordingly, the government of Libya is committing gross and systematic violations of the right to life as guaranteed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Citizens seeking to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are being massacred by the government.

Moreover, the government of Libya is committing crimes against humanity, as defined by the Explanatory Memorandum to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The Libyan government’s mass killing of innocent civilians amount to particularly odious offences which constitute a serious attack on human dignity. As confirmed by numerous oral and video testimonies gathered by human rights organizations and news agencies, the Libyan government’s assault on its civilian population are not isolated or sporadic events. Rather, these actions constitute a widespread and systematic policy and practice of atrocities, intentionally committed, including murder, political persecution and other inhumane acts which reach the threshold of crimes against humanity.

Under the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, you have a clear and unambiguous responsibility to protect the people of Libya. The international community, through the United Nations, has the responsibility to use appropriate diplomatic, humanitarian and other peaceful means, in accordance with Chapters VI and VIII of the Charter, to help to protect the Libyan population. Because the Libyan national authorities are manifestly failing to protect their population from crimes against humanity, should peaceful means be inadequate, member states are obliged to take collective action, in a timely and decisive manner, through the Security Council, in accordance with the UN Charter, including Chapter VII.

In addition, we urge you to convene an emergency Special Session of the UN Human Rights Council, whose members have a duty, under UNGA Resolution 60/251, to address situations of gross and systematic violations of violations of human rights.  The session should: 

  1. Suspend Libya’s Council membership, pursuant to Article 8 of Resolution 60/251, due to its commission of gross and systematic violations of human rights.
  2. Strongly condemn, and demand immediate end to, Libya’s massacre of its own citizens.
  3. Dispatch immediately an international mission of independent experts to collect relevant facts and document violations of international human rights law and crimes against humanity, in order to end the impunity of the Libyan government. The mission should include an independent medical investigation into the deaths, and an investigation of the unlawful interference by the Libyan government with the access to and treatment of wounded.
  4. Call on the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights and all of the Council’s relevant Special Procedures to closely monitor the situation and take action as needed.
  5. Call on the Council to remain seized of the matter and address the Libyan situation at its upcoming 16th regular session in March.

Member states and high officials of the United Nations have a responsibility to protect the people of Libya from what are preventable crimes. We urge you to use all available measures and levers to end atrocities throughout the country. We urge you to send a clear message that collectively the international community, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council will not be bystanders to these mass atrocities. Both the credibility of the United Nations and many innocent lives are at stake.

Sincerely,

  1. Hillel Neuer, United Nations Watch, Switzerland
  2. Libyan League for Human Rights
  3. Bhawani Shanker Kusum, Gram Bharati Samiti, India
  4. Carl Gershman, President, The National Endowment for Democracy, USA
  5. G. Jasper Cummeh, III, Actions for Genuine Democratic Alternatives, Liberia
  6. A. Frank Donaghue, Physicians for Human Rights, USA
  7. Michel Monod, International Fellowship of Reconciliation, Switzerland
  8. Esohe Aghatise, Associazione Iroko Onlus, Italy
  9. Harris O. Schoenberg, UN Reform Advocates, USA
  10. Myrna Lachenal, World Federation for Mental Health, Switzerland
  11. Nguyên Lê Nhân Quyên, Vietnamese League for Human Rights, Switzerland
  12. Sylvia G. Iriondo, Mothers and Women against Repression (M.A.R. Por Cuba), USA
  13. David Littman, World Union for Progressive Judaism, Switzerland
  14. Barrister Festus Okoye, Executive Director, Human Rights Monitor, Nigeria
  15. Theodor Rathgeber, Forum Human Rights, Germany
  16. Derik Uya Alfred, Kwoto Cultural Center, Juba – Southern Sudan
  17. Carlos E Tinoco, Consorcio Desarrollo y Justicia, A.C., Venezuela
  18. Abdurashid Abdulle Abikar, Center for Youth and Democracy, Somalia
  19. Dr. Vanee Meisinger, Pan Pacific and South East Asia Women’s Association, Thailand
  20. Simone Abel, René Cassin
  21. Dr. Francois Ullmann, Ingenieurs du Monde, Switzerland
  22. Sr Catherine Waters, Catholic International Education Office, USA

Latest update on Libyan uprising and massacre

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 18, 2011 in Libya. 3 Comments

The following update was distributed by Libyan dissident Mohamed Eljahmi, who now lives in the US.

Appeal by Libyan journalist Abdalla Baarasi to journalists,  human rights organizations and all supporters of liberty and freedom:

I just listened to a call for help on Aljazeera from Libyan journalist Abdala Baarassi.  He is based in the city of Al-Baida.  His phone call with Aljazeera was cut off shortly after he issued an emotional appeal with his voice quivering.   Mr. Baraasi appealed for urgent help for the people of Baida and Cyrene. In his quivering voice, “Please help save our people in Baida and Cyrene.” He maintained that there are dozens of dead in Baida and that mercenaries and security forces have attacked the city. According to Mr. Baraasi the regime is imposing a blockade on Baida with helicopters flying over and the city’s hospitals have an acute shortage of medical supplies.

City of Benghazi:

1-The Egyptian scenario is being repeated, army has reportedly entered the city. Police and Security reportedly have disappeared from the streets.

2-Phone landlines have been cut off and mobile service was reportedly cut off two hours ago.

3-Rebellion in Al-Kiwaifia prison and prisoners escaped.  Al-Kiwaifia is a prison for violent crimes like murder and armed robberies.  There are also reports that Libyan Security has paid felons and escapees and promised to clean their records in exchange for committing violence against demonstrators.

4-Nearly 30 civilians have been reportedly killed yesterday by State Security. There was a mass funeral today attended by thousands for those who died. There are unknown number of injured and arrested.

5-Snipers were positioned on rooftops especially Tebisti hotel near downtown Benghazi.

6-Thousands, including lawyers demonstrated and camped in front of Northern Benghazi Court.  Demonstrators called for the creation of a constitution.

7-Major General El-Saadi Qadhafi, the dictator’s flaky third son arrived in Benghazi last night.  He went on radio with this announcement, “The Leader ordered me to come here and he is listening to me now.  Please give me support and resources.  I brought my clothes with me and have sent for more clothes to be brought.  I love Benghazi, its people and streets.  I am here with a mandate that is outside the authority of the General People’s Committee and if anyone comes close to Benghazi, I will punish him,  To the youth of Benghazi, I have lots of surprises.  Your demands are not even close to 20% of the goodies I have for you.  I ask you to go to sleep and we will talk seriously in the morning.”

8-Hundreds of mercenaries were transported to Benghazi.  Reports indicate they ultimately are under the control of Khamis Qadhafi.

9-Crowds in Benghazi are chanting for Qadhafi’s execution – “The Libyan people have had enough, time for Qadhafi to head to Jeddah”, “We don’t want Qadhafi or his sons, Benghazi has its own men.”, “Wake up Benghazi, Wake up Benghazi, your day has arrived”, “The people want the execution of the Colonel.”

10-There are widespread arrests and especially against people who spoke to Satellite stations.

11-Authorities have instructed hospitals to cease treating injured demonstrators.

City of Al-Baida:

It is located eastern of Benghazi and is now experiencing an extreme assault from air and the ground by State Security and mercenaries. 

1-At least 24 people were reportedly killed by mercenaries and State Security.

2-City hospitals have acute shortage of medical supplies to treat the injured.

3-Activists are calling upon human rights organization for help in pressuring the Libyan regime to stop its brutality against the people of Al-Baida.

4-There are reports that Labrak airport has been shut down and taken over by demonstrators.

City of Ijdabia:

It is located 165 KM west of Benghazi:

1-Demonstrations broke out and there are reports of 2 dead.

Cities of Zintan and Rijban:

Located in the Western Mountain region of Libya, State Security and Revolutionary Committees have reportedly fled the city and the regime has sent tribal representatives to bribe the elders of Zintan and Rijban.  Regime interlocutors offered to give large sums of money to every youth.  The interlocutors were reportedly rebuffed and told that the revolution will continue until Qadhafi’s fall.

City of Cyrene [Shahat]:

Located near Al-Baida, four people have been reportedly killed.

City of Tobruk:

Coastal eastern city, head quarter of the local Revolutionary Committee was burned down.

City of Derna:

Eastern coastal city.  There are reports of demonstrations and clashes.

Democratic Senator Criticizes Obama Admin’s Offer to Censure Israel

Published by
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- at February 18, 2011 in Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 0 Comments

(Following is a press release just issued by US Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey)

Menendez: US Must Veto Flawed UN Resolution that Fuels Anti-Israeli Sentiment, Threatens Israel-Palestine Negotiations from Moving Forward

U.S. must abide by role of facilitating negotiations, object to actions that hinder progress, and not contribute to Anti-Israeli sentiment

WASHINGTON – With news reports that UN Ambassador Susan Rice offered to support a draft statement affirming that the Security Council “does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlement activity” during UN negotiations today, US Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is urging the Obama administration to reconsider its offer and veto a resolution that would essentially fuel anti-Israeli sentiment by condemning Israel’s activities in the region:

“There are only two parties that are competent to address the issue of settlements and two parties that can move the negotiations forward. The U.S. role is in facilitating those negotiations, encouraging the parties, and using its voice and vote to object to any action that threatens to derail progress. Today, the U.S. lost sight of its role in this process and instead facilitated and encouraged anti-Israeli sentiment by conceding an argument that was not ours to concede. The United States must stand by its ally Israel and veto this flawed United Nations resolution. ”
“Moreover, the merits of any peace proposal between the Israelis and the Palestinians must always be weighed against the assurances Israel requires for its security, which is especially apparent given the current turmoil in the Middle East. Israel’s right to exist and defend itself is inalienable and must be explicitly recognized by its Arab neighbors and the United Nations.”

U.S. Senate calls for Special Rapporteur on Iran

Published by
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- at February 16, 2011 in Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 0 Comments

UN Watch today joined the call by 24 U.S. senators for the U.N. Human Rights Council to appoint an investigator on human rights violations in Iran.

Iran is one of world’s worst violator of human rights, yet has been given a free pass by the U.N. council. While the General Assembly in New York has condemned Iranian violations, the council in Geneva has been silent.

Recent events — the Ahmadinehad regime’s violent suppression of peaceful protesters, and the chilling calls from Iran’s parliament to execute opposition leaders — only undersocre the urgent need to monitor growing abuses in that country.

UN Watch has worked for many years with Iranian victims, dissidents and activists. The Geneva-based human rights organization has hosted them for interventions at the U.N., briefings, and conferences, and has facilitated their meetings with diplomats. It was the most vocal group calling for an emergency session on Iran following the bloody crackdown of peaceful protesters after the fraudulent June 2009 elections. Continue reading ‘U.S. Senate calls for Special Rapporteur on Iran’

Iowa University and Bank of the West Urged to Cancel Sponsorship of ’9/11 Truther’ Condemned by UN Chief & Obama Administration

Published by
UN Watch
- at February 4, 2011 in Richard Falk. 1 Comment

GENEVA, Feb. 4 – The University of Iowa, which receives $255 million a year from taxpayers, and Bank of the West, a major California bank, are being urged to withdraw sponsorship of a controversial speaker who was condemned last week by the United Nations and the Obama Administration for suggesting the 9/11 terrorist attacks were an “inside job” orchestrated by the U.S. government—a conspiracy theory he has promoted in numerous writings and interviews.

Richard Falk, who works for the controversial U.N. Human Rights Council as its investigator on “Israel’s violations of the principles of international law,” is scheduled to be the keynote speaker for a symposium next Thursday, February 10, entitled “Ten Years After 9/11: Rethinking Counterterrorism,” organized by the university’s law and human rights departments.

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UN Watch salutes UN for high-level visit to Auschwitz to combat Holocaust denial

Published by
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- at February 2, 2011 in Anti-Semitism and Human Rights Council (UNHRC). 1 Comment

Kudos to the UN for taking a determined stance against Holocaust denial and organizing this trip to Auschwitz. This is an instance where the UN’s moral authority could have a big impact. The UN News Service reports:

COMBATING HOLOCAUST DENIAL, UN LEADS DELEGATION TO AUSCHWITZ CAMP

Top United Nations officials led a visit by 150 eminent personalities and representatives of 40 Governments today to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest and most notorious of all the Nazi death camps, to combat denial of the Holocaust of millions of Jews and others during the Second World War.

“As the poet and philosopher George Santayana said, ‘those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’,” said UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Irina Bokova, who led the visit with Bertrand Delanoë, Mayor of Paris, and the Aladdin Project, which seeks to counter all forms of denial and promote a rapprochement of cultures, particularly between Jews and Muslims, based on mutual respect. Continue reading ‘UN Watch salutes UN for high-level visit to Auschwitz to combat Holocaust denial’