UN It is crucial to guarantee the free participation of civil society actors, including human rights defenders and other national actors, in this process. The review will take place on 22 October 2013 in Geneva
Activists have allegedly been threatened, detained or banned from participating in demonstrations or prevented from leaving China in the run-up to this month's second review of its human rights record by the UN Human Rights Council through its universal periodic review mechanism (EPU).
GINEBRA (16 October 2013) – A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has expressed deep concern over reports that human rights defenders in China have suffered retaliation for trying to participate in a major UN human rights assessment of China..
Activists have allegedly been threatened, detained or banned from participating in demonstrations or prevented from leaving China in the run-up to this month's second review of its human rights record by the UN Human Rights Council through its universal periodic review mechanism (EPU). The Universal Periodic Review (EPU) is a unique process that involves a review of the human rights records of all UN Member States. With the support of the UN Human Rights Council, The UPR provides the opportunity for all States to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situation in their countries and to fulfill their human rights obligations.. It also provides the opportunity for civil society organizations to participate in the process., which aims to remind States of their responsibility to respect and fully implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms. Currently, there is no other universal mechanism of this type. The UPR was created by the UN General Assembly on 15 March 2006 for the resolution 60/251, which establishes the Human Rights Council of itself. It is a cooperative process that, In October of 2011, has reviewed the files of the 193 United Nations Member States on human rights. Currently, there is no other universal mechanism of this type. The UPR is one of the key elements of the Council, reminding States of their responsibility to respect and fully implement all human rights and fundamental freedoms. The ultimate goal of this mechanism is to improve the human rights situation in all countries and address human rights violations wherever they occur..
The review will take place on 22 October 2013 in Geneva.
"Los miembros de la sociedad civil intimidatorios que buscan contribuir a un importante diálogo internacional de este tipo es totalmente inaceptable", the experts said. "Garantizar la libre participación de los actores de la sociedad civil, including human rights defenders and other national actors, in this process is crucial."
The experts pointed out: "Estos casos parecen parte de un patrón de mayor acoso por parte de China de los que se pide una mayor responsabilidad de los funcionarios públicos, transparency and political and legal reforms."
Experts received information that right-wing defenders and Chen Cao Shunli Jianfang had been prevented from boarding flights to Geneva, where they were to participate in activities organized on the sidelines of the Human Rights Council session in September.
Apparently, Chen Jianfang told him that he was banned from traveling abroad for life, while Cao Shunli was detained by Chinese security authorities on 14 September. Cao Shunli's family has reportedly not received any formal notification of his arrest.
It was also reported that Chinese civil society activists, who have been demonstrating since June to defend their right to participate and receive information about China's report to the UPR, have been threatened by local authorities on several occasions.
"Estos informes sugieren que ha habido actos de represalias contra las personas que tratan de cooperar con las Naciones Unidas", said Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders Margaret Sekaggya. "Los defensores tienen un papel clave en la celebración de los Estados para dar cuenta del cumplimiento de sus obligaciones de derechos humanos, even at the international level. Su trabajo legítimo debe ser plenamente respetado".
China accepted the recommendations made during its first review in 2009 to reinforce its commitment to civil society to promote and protect human rights.
The Government of China informed the UN experts that non-governmental organizations were consulted before the UPR session and that the draft national report was available on its official website for comments..
Estas graves denuncias deben ser investigadas a fondo e imparcialmente por las autoridades chinas", experts conclude
The UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, Frank La Rue, said that although some organizations had participated in the preparation of the UPR, "nada puede justificar la exclusión de las voces legítimas a través de la intimidación".
"El acceso a la información y un espacio abierto para el libre intercambio de opiniones e ideas son esenciales para asegurar una adecuada revisión del registro de cualquier país de derechos humanos", stressed Mr.. The Street.
"Impedir la demanda de la gente para participar en el EPU de manifestarse pacíficamente constituye una violación de las obligaciones internacionales de China a respetar el derecho a la libertad de reunión pacífica, uno de los derechos fundamentales que se disfrutan en una democracia", new, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
"Como pone de manifiesto en el Consejo de Derechos Humanos en su última resolución sobre la promoción y protección de los derechos humanos en el contexto de las manifestaciones pacíficas, This obligation includes the facilitation of peaceful protests, providing protesters with access to public space and protection of them, if necessary, contra cualquier amenaza", explained.
When commenting on Cao Shunli's situation, el Grupo de Trabajo sobre desapariciones forzadas o involuntarias señaló que "la información exacta sobre la detención de cualquier persona, including the reasons and place of detention, no se hará sin demora a sus familiares y sus abogados".
The UN independent experts have asked the Chinese authorities for more information on these accusations. They have also called for the immediate release of all those detained after a peaceful protest, more participation of civil society in the UPR process and the defense of human rights and good governance..
"Estas graves denuncias deben ser investigadas a fondo e imparcialmente por las autoridades chinas", experts conclude.
For more information (EPU) enter
Human Rights Council – Resolution 22/10
UN and international scrutiny China's human rights activists shocked by reprisals
Informa: Andrés González Correspondent Andalusia.
