July 2020

July 2020 - Human Rights Courts and Committees Updates

By: Diana Sposito & Mohammed Nazeeruddin Khan, Junior Research Associates, PILPG-NL

This month, several updates happened throughout the Human Rights Mechanisms. This article summarizes and highlights the most relevant news from 16 different Human Rights Mechanisms around the world.

INTERNATIONAL

Human Rights Council | Resolutions of the HRC 

The HRC adopted six resolutions, which extended the mandates of the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus, and of the Working Group on the issue of Human Rights and Transnational Corporations and Other Business Enterprises. They also dealt with the responsibility to protect populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. The HRC supported the resolutions on the elimination of female genital mutilation, the elimination of discrimination against women, and the enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights. [July 17th, 2017]

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women | States Need to Take Actions to End the Pandemic of Gender-Based Violence 

The UN Women’s Rights Committee urged states to end gender-based violence and the discrimination against women The Committee reported that violence against women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the imposing of lockdowns. The Committee also said that restrictions on the provision of health and reproductive health services, increased domestic and unpaid care responsibilities, and the burden of providing for the basic needs of family life were creating an additional burden on both the physical and mental wellbeing of women everywhere. [July 14th, 2020]

Human Rights Council | Dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on Belarus

The HRC held a dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Belarus, Dr. Anais Marin, who presented her report to the Council. Dr. Marin alleged that Belarus continued to not recognize her mandate and did not cooperate in its implementation. She further alleged that there was no improvement in the situation of human rights in the state. Belarus denied her allegations and said the mandate was incorporated without the consent of the state. [July 10th, 2020]

 Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women | The Role of Women and Girls in Global Anti-Racism Protests 

The UN Women’s Rights Committee issued a statement supporting black women and girls, calling for a new era of human rights and gender justice, and stressing that the lives of black women and girls also matter. Moreover, the Committee claimed to stand in solidarity with the millions of women and girls who joined the protests after the killing of George Floyd, insisting that their voices calling for an end of racism be heard. [July 10th, 2020]

AFRICA

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | State’s Socio-Political Situation in Mali

The Country Rapporteur of the Republic of Mali to the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights expressed grave concern over the dire socio-political situation prevailing in Mali and, particularly, the violence and degradation following the meeting of 10 July, 2020 organized by the Mouvement du 5 Juin-Rassemblement des Forces Politiques  (M5-RFP). The Commissioner called on all parties to exercise restraint while urging the Security Forces to respect human life, physical integrity, freedom of assembly and demonstration, and the right to property as protected by the ACHPR.[July 14th, 2020]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Unrest in Ethiopia

 The Commission expressed concern over the inter ethnic violence ensuing in Ethiopia that allegedly saw the loss of 239 lives. The Commission reiterated that states must keep in mind that all persons have the right to life and the right to be free from torture and inhuman treatment.  In this regard, the Commission urged for the cessation of violence and called on the government of Ethiopia to take adequate measures to protect human rights. [July 10th, 2020]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Publications of the Guidelines on the Right to Water.

The Commission celebrated the publication of the Guidelines on the Right to Water adopted by it in 2019. The Working Group on Economic Social and Cultural Rights developed the guidelines which provide a soft law instrument to close the gap in the African human rights law on the right to water. The Commission urged states to endorse and implement the guidelines. [July 1st, 2020]

THE AMERICAS

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | Concern About Restrictions of the Rights of Migrants and Refugees in the United States During COVID-19 Pandemic

The IAComHR urged the United States to adopt measures to ensure the protection of migrants during the pandemic. The Commission also called on the US to preserve effective access to procedures and proceedings to request protection in keeping with the standards applicable to the human rights of all migrant persons. This is due to the observation made by the Commission that, especially in the context of COVID-19, migrants, and other persons in the context of international mobility (refugees, asylum seekers, stateless persons, and others), in the state are allegedly facing serious restrictions on their rights and safeguards. [July 25th, 2020]

Inter-American Court of Human Rights | Nicaragua is Responsible to State Agents Violations

In the case Roche Azaña y otros Vs. Nicaragua, the IACtHR found that the state of Nicaragua is responsible for the death of Pedro Bacilio Roche Azaña and the wounds to his brother, Patricio Fernando Roche Azaña, that state agents caused. The Court also held Nicargaua responsible for the violation of the victims’ legal guarantees and right to legal protection. [July 24th, 2020]

Inter-American Court of Human Rights | Virtual Center for Information on COVID-19 and Human Rights

The IACtHR created a new virtual center on its website to provide information on COVID-19 and human rights. The center was created in accordance with the Declaration 1/2020 on “COVID-19 and Human Rights: Tackling Problems and Challenges with a Human Rights Approach and Respecting International Obligations”. The portal contains information concerning the actions of IACtHR and other international organs during the pandemic. [July 20th, 2020]

EUROPE

European Court of Human Rights | New Judgment Published

The state of The Netherlands lodged an application with the ECtHR against the Russian Federation related to the downing of flight MH17 over the territory of Eastern Ukraine, in July 2014. The government of the Netherlands alleged that the Russian government was responsible for the deaths, in breach of Articles 2 (right to life), 3 (prohibition of torture and inhuman or degrading treatment), and 13 (right to an effective remedy) of the European Convention on Human Rights. The state of Russia has repeatedly denied its involvement in the crash of MH17. [July 15th, 2020]

European Court of Human Rights | New Judgment Published

The Grand Chamber of the ECtHR decided on the Mugemangango v. Belgium case pertaining to the 2014 election dispute in Belgium. The judgement is centered around the rights to free elections and the right to an effective remedy. The Court decided in favour of the petitioner stating that the Walloon Parliament, which was the only domestic body to act upon the petitioners complaint, could not prove its impartiality and could not provide procedural safeguards to him. [July 10th, 2020]

July 2020

July 2020 - Domestic Prosecution of International Crimes Updates

By: Sophia Zademack, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

This month, several states have initiated or continued to prosecute international crimes in their domestic jurisdiction. This article summarizes and highlights some of them, relying on international and national sources. 

EUROPE

Germany | Ex Soldiers form The Gambia arrested           

The German Federal Prosecutor General is investigating several asylum seekers from The Gambia.  Officials of the Baden-Württemberg State Criminal Office (LKA) and the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) searched the homes of seven Gambian nationals.  The men are suspected of involvement in torturing, ill-treatment, and murder of opposition figures for the former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh.  The Federal Prosecutor General is investigating suspicion of crimes against humanity.  [July 9th, 2020]

France | Probe opened into Rwandan genocide suspect           

France opened a probe into alleged crimes against humanity by a top former Rwandan military official, Aloys Ntiwiragabo, during the Rwandan genocide in 1994.  Prosecutors said that a preliminary investigation was opened after Ntiwiragabo was found hiding in the suburbs of the city of Orleans, France.  The ICTR, Interpol, France, as well as Rwanda had dropped arrest warrants years ago., The former Rwandan spy chief was tracked down by an investigative newspaper.  [July 25th, 2020]

Germany | Argentinian crimes against humanity suspect hiding in Berlin            

Luis Esteban Kyburg, who is accused of crimes against humanity in Argentina, has been hiding in Berlin. Allegedly, he was involved in in torture and killings of political opponents of the Argentinian government between 1976 and 1983.  Despite the extradition request for Mr. Kyburg, the German authorities have refused to hand him over to Argentina.  German reasoning is based on Kyburg’s German citizenship, because of which he cannot be prosecuted elsewhere.  [July 17th, 2020]

AUSTRALIA

Australia |Australian Special Forces Chief admits that Special Forces committed war crimes in Afghanistan Australian Special Operations Commander Major-General Adam Findlay has admitted to criminal misconduct by the Australian Special Air Force (SAS) soldiers in Afghanistan. The comments by General Findlay on the war crimes committed in Afghanistan come in light of the ongoing Brereton Inquiry that investigates 55 cases of alleged misconduct by Australian special forces. According to Findley, the crimes are a result of ‘poor leadership’ in the Australian military. This statement has gained notice due to the fact that it is the first time a senior officer on active duty has admitted that these crimes took place.  [June 30th, 2020]

AFRICA

Libya | United Nations Human Rights Council decides to send Fact Finding Mission to Libya            

The United Nations Human Rights Council resolved to send a fact-finding mission to Libya to document alleged war crimes committed in the country since 2016.  Adopted unanimously by the UN Human Rights Council, it calls on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish and dispatch a fact-finding mission to Libya. The fact-finding mission is to document alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law by all parties in Libya since the beginning of 2016.  [July 1st, 2020]

UN /Syria | UN Investigations find possible evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity           

A UN investigation found that during the battle for the Idlib province, actors committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity.  The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria found that Assad’s military forces subjected the Syrian people to intense violence and suffering during their campaign in 2019. The Inquiry’s report listed 52 attacks by all parties that resulted in damage to civilian areas. The report also warns of a ‘ticking time bomb’  in Syria, where war crimes have allegedly been committed by Syrian, as well as Russian forces.  [July 7th, 2020]

Covid-19 and the Transgender experience

By: Shraddha Dubey, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

As the entire world struggled to sail through the tumultuous sea that is the outbreak of Covid-19, some were equipped with better boats for the journey than others. While governments all around the world have made their best efforts to prepare their citizens   to cope with the challenges of Covid-19, the measures undertaken often leave many individuals  asking for more. Some of these measures perhaps adopted with positive intentions have caused further hardships to certain sections of the society. This blog seeks to highlight some challenges faced by transgender individuals that have been created and further worsened by the Covid-19 outbreak.    

Gender Based Lockdown Measures

Many countries have adopted gender based measures to curtail the spread of Covid 19 which have given rise to numerous challenges. In Peru, gender based quarantine provisions were implemented. However, the provisions included a non-discriminatory clause and President Martin Viscarra gave statements declaring the measures to be trans-inclusive after incidents of harassment of on transgender individuals ensued. Eventually, these measures were removed for being ineffective. In Bogota, Colombia, gender based quarantine rules were in place from April 13th until May 11th, but they included trans-sensitive provisions and allow transgender people to comply with the rules according to their chosen gender identity. Following much criticism, the Mayor of Bogotá decided to instate measures based on the last digits of the ID number. 

Similarly, Panama implemented a gender-based quarantine schedule to curb the spread of Covid-19. This schedule requires men and women to remain quarantined on alternate days, disregarding the existence of transgender individuals. Numerous incidents of harassment of transgender individuals by police and security officers while accessing essential commodities have been reported. This discrimination was experienced irrespective of whether they adhered to the schedule based on the sex mentioned in their national identification cards or based on their chosen gender identity. These measures violate the human rights of transgender individuals including their right to identity and right to equal treatment. While governments are empowered to legally restrict some rights like that of freedom of movement in their response to the Covid-19 emergency, these restrictions must be consistent with fundamental principles of non-discrimination. After over a month of implementing the gender-based quarantine schedule, the Panama government expressed its commitment to prevent discrimination faced by transgender people. It gave instructions to security agencies to not discriminate against transgender people while enforcing Covid-19 restrictions. 

All the aforementioned policies of gender segregation disregard the existence of non-binary people who may experience hardships because they do not identify with either of the genders specified in the quarantine schedules. Above all, these gender based segregation rules inevitably reiterate biological determination of gender and sexuality and impose a binary notion of gender.

Use of Emergency Powers to Restrict Gender Recognition

Further away from Latin America, transgender individuals are facing other challenges in Hungary. The incumbent government in Hungary has successfully passed a law to end the legal recognition of transgender individuals by defining gender as ‘biological sex’. This makes it impossible for people to legally change their gender. Hungary’s action of adopting legislation that allows its Prime Minister to rule by decree indefinitely has been widely criticised. This is particularly so because the sitting Parliament is focusing on other issues like this new legislation instead of dealing with Covid-19. This law makes lives of transgender individuals prone to risk of discrimination, harassment and even violence during the time of the pandemic when they need to use identity documents on a regular basis to access essential services.

The bill stands in clear contravention to the European Convention of Human Rights. In its previous case laws, the European Court of Human Rights has held that gender identity is a basic element of self determination. It also declared that refusal to legally change an individual's gender identity could amount to discrimination and violate the right to respect for private lives’.

Exacerbation of Access to Healthcare Issues

Besides these unique experiences and challenges faced by transgender individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic in different parts of the world, a common struggle of the community is with regards to health care which has worsened during the pandemic.  Access to health care services by transgender individuals is often marred with legal obstacles, violence combined with social stigma and discrimination. This is often evidenced in reluctance of medical professional to engage with transgender individuals. This puts transgender individuals at a particularly higher risk of mortality due to difficulty in accessing treatment. The present circumstances have also resulted in poor rates of access to health care services related to HIV treatment.  The increased prevalence of HIV amongst transgender population with compromised access to healthcare, increases their vulnerability to the disease of Covid-19. Family rejection along with absence of employment and social protection further compounds the problem of their vulnerability to the disease. The lack of provisions to address these challenges violates the human rights of right to availability and accessibility to health care of transgender individuals.

In Egypt, this problem is likely to manifest itself by creating a situation where transgender individuals are too afraid to undertake treatment or seek HIV medication. In response to the spread of Covid-19, Egyption authorities designated the country’s fever hospitals as testing centres for Covid-19. These fever hospitals are the only centers where people living with HIV can get medication. Their designation as testing centres for Covid 19 may cause hardships to those in need for HIV medication, since they are afraid to go to hospitals for the fear of catching the disease. HIV patients have not been assigned alternate treatment centres. Additionally,  issues of gender identity may also cause difficulties for the transgender community in accessing Covid 19 relief measures due to the absence of official identity cards corresponding to the gender of their choice. 

Conclusion

As the world continues to cope with the unprecedented threats that Covid 19 brings, we are constantly reminded that the experience of the pandemic is not uniform for everyone. As demonstrated above, the experience is particularly difficult for transgender individuals who face increased discrimination and challenges to their existence due to the insufficiently designed measures adopted by government authorities. As the celebrations of the Pride month have come to an end amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be interesting to see whether measures adopted to curtail the pandemic will be more mindful of the transgender experience.

June 2020

June 2020- International Criminal Court Update

By: Shraddha Dubey, Junior Research Associate, PILPG-NL

In the past month, the International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) saw multiple developments. The most noteworthy of these was the surrender and appearance of Ali Kushayb before the ICC, and the partially virtual hearing before the Appeals Chamber in the Gbagbo and Blé Goudé case. The Prosecutor of the Court also issued statements regarding the situations in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Libya. Additionally, the Court released Guidelines for hearings during the Covid-19 pandemic and saw the declaration of sanctions against its officials by the United State of America. 

AFRICA

Sudan | Ali Kushayb surrenders and makes first appearance before the ICC

On 9 June, 2020, Ali Muhammad Ali Abd–Al-Rahman (Ali Kushyab) was transferred to the ICC’s custody after he surrendered himself voluntarily in the Central African Republic. The first arrest warrant against him was issued on 27 April 2007. Subsequently, a second warrant was published for the public on 11 June 2020 listing 53 counts of individual criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed in Darfur (Sudan). On 10 June, 2020, the Prosecutor informed the United Nations Security Council about the surrender of Ali Kushyab while presenting her Office’s thirty-first report on the Darfur situation, pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1593.

On 15 June, 2020, Ali Kushyab appeared before Pre-Trial Chamber II via video-link from the ICC Detention Centre. The Single Judge verified Ali Kushyab’s identity, and ensured that he was informed of his rights and the crimes he is alleged to have committed under the Rome Statute in a language he fully understands and speaks. The opening of the confirmation of charges hearing was scheduled provisionally for 7 December 2020. 

Côte d'Ivoire | Appeals hearing in the Gbagbo and Blé Goudé case

From 22 to 24 June 2020, the Appeals Chamber of the ICC held a partially virtual hearing in the case of The Prosecutor v. Laurent Gbagbo and Charles Blé Goudé. It heard the observations of Parties and Participants on the Prosecutor’s Appeal against the acquittal decision in this case on 15 January 2019. The Chamber will make its judgment on this appeal at a later stage.

The hearing took place with the participation of the Prosecutor, acquitted persons and their representatives, the Office of Public Counsel for Victims, judges and legal staff of the Appeals Chamber, and members of the Registry. Due to the current situation linked to Covid-19, they participated from the premises of the Court while distanced from each other as necessary, and subject to medical clearance from the Court as well as from separate locations outside the Court.

Democratic Republic of the Congo | Prosecutor of the ICC’s statement regarding the situation in Ituri

On 4 June 2020, the Prosecutor of the ICC, Fatou Bensouda issued a statement regarding the situation in Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo. She expressed concern over the numerous reports of escalation in serious violence in Ituri, particularly in the territories of Djugu and Mahagi stating that these acts could constitute crimes within the ICC’s jurisdiction. She called on all groups and parties involved to cease attacks without delay and urged the DRC to increase its efforts to investigate the incidents.   

Libya | Prosecutor of the ICC’s statement regarding the situation Libya

On 22 June, 2020, Prosecutor of the ICC, Fatou Bensouda issued a statement regarding the apparent discovery of mass graves found in the city of Tarhuna and its surroundings in Libya. She noted that these findings may constitute evidence of war crimes or crimes against humanity. She called upon the Libyan authorities to take all the necessary measures to protect and secure the mass grave sites and to ensure that all actions taken in this regard are conducted in a manner that will not prejudice future investigations. She also welcomed the decision of the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, offering support in this regard, through the statement of 12 June 2020.

ASIA

Palestine | State of Palestine submitted its response to the Pre-Trial Chamber’s Order requesting additional information

On 4 June 2020, the State of Palestine submitted its response to the Pre-Trial Chamber’s Order requesting additional information. Regarding the Pre-Trial Chamber’s request from 26 May 2020 for more information on the Palestine President’s statement, Palestine noted that it is not apparent from the Order, which issues raised in the statement are being referred to, and has responded to it based on its understanding of the scope of the Order.

ICC OPERATIONS

Measures against ICC | The United States of America announced sanctions against the ICC officials

On 11 June, 2020, President Donald Trump issued an executive order authorizing asset freezes and travel bans against officials of the ICC and potentially targeting others who assist ICC in its investigations. The ICC expressed regret over the measures. It declared that it stands firmly by its staff and continues to remain committed to achieving its objectives enshrined in the Rome Statute. The President of the Assembly of State Parties, Mr. O-Gon Kwon released a statement rejecting the measures taken against the ICC and called upon all States Parties and stakeholders of the Rome Statute to reinstate their support for the ICC. Multiple States parties to the Rome Statute have expressed their support for the ICC.

Release of Guidelines for the Judiciary

On 23 June, 2020, the Presidency of the ICC, in consultation with other Judges of the Court, released Guidelines for the Judiciary Concerning the Holding of Court Hearings during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Court has adopted these guidelines to ensure the physical safety of staff and users during the pandemic. These Guidelines are facilitative and non-binding, aiming to provide clarity on the Court's approach to holding hearings in Court proceedings during the pandemic.

Short-list of candidates for ICC’s next Prosecutor declared

On 30 June, 2020 the Committee on the Election of the Prosecutor submitted a short list of four candidates for the position of the Prosecutor at the ICC. Out of these candidates, if a consensus candidate is identified by the State Parties to the Rome Statute, she or he will be the only candidate nominated for election in the upcoming Assembly of State Parties. In the absence of a consensus, election will be conducted by a secret ballot amongst the four nominated candidates.

June 2020

June 2020 - Human Rights Courts and Committees Updates

By: Diana Sposito & Mohammed Nazeeruddin Khan, Junior Research Associates, PILPG-NL

This month, several updates happened throughout the Human Rights Mechanisms. This article summarizes and highlights the most relevant news, from 16 different Human Rights Mechanisms around the world.

INTERNATIONAL

Human Rights Council | Philippines: UN report details widespread human rights violations persistent impunity 

A stringent crackdown on national security threats and illegal drugs has caused serious human rights violations in the Philippines, including killings and arbitrary detentions, as well as the vilification of dissent, a new report by the UN Human Rights Office found. The report focuses on violations by the state as well as non-state actors, including the New People’s Army. [4 June 2020]

Human Rights Council | Resolutions of the HRC 

The Human Rights Council adopted 14 resolutions, including a resolution on the excessive use of force by law enforcement officers against Africans and people of African descent. In this regard, the HRC requested the High Commissioner for Human Rights, with the assistance of relevant Special Mandate Holders, to prepare a report on systemic racism and violations of international human rights law against Africans and people of African descent by law enforcement agencies. The HRC request took special regard to the incidents that resulted in the death of George Floyd and other Africans and people of African descent. Among other issues, the resolutions also concerned the right to work, the rights of indegenious persons, and the right to food. [19 June 2020]

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women | Failure to Criminalize Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Mali is a Human Right Violation 

The UN Women’s Rights Committee issued a report about the FGM situation in Mali. The Committee said that millions of women and girls that are subjected to this practice suffer grave and systematic violation of their rights, and condemned Mali’s failure to criminalize FGM. [24 June 2020]

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | UN Experts call for Reform and Justice Concerning Systemic Racism

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) called on the United States to address systemic racism and racial bias in American criminal justice system, as well as to investigate and ensure accountability in situations of excessive use of force by the police. The Committee also issued a statement concerning the protests against racial discrimination, which took place nationally. [5 June 2020]

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination | CERD calls the US to Comply with the State’s International Obligations

The CERD called the US to make urgent reforms to tackle racial injustice and to comply with the State’s international obligations under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, as well as provide training and education about the Covenant to law enforcement officials. [15 June 2020]

AFRICA

African Court on Human and People’s Rights | 57th Ordinary Session of the Court

The African Court on Human and People’s Rights conducted its 57th Ordinary session amid covid-19. This session became the first virtual session conducted by the Court through online media to keep access to justice open during the pandemic. The session, which began on the first of June, lasted four weeks and saw the delivery of eight judgements. [1-26 June 2020]

African Commission on Human and People’s Rights | Statement announcing the CPTA theme for 2020

In line with its usual practice, the Committee for the Prevention of Torture in Africa (the CPTA), a Special Mechanism of the the Commission, has identified its annual theme for 2020 as “the prohibition of the use, production and trade of equipment or substances designed to inflict torture or ill-treatment.” In furtherance, the CPTA called upon states to follow guidelines on prevention of torture and police custody (the Luanda Guidlines). [3 June 2020]

THE AMERICAS

Inter-American Court of Human Rights | 135 Ordinary Period of Sessions

The IACtHR celebrated the beginning of the 135 Ordinary Period of Sessions, which goes from June 1 to July 31, 2020. During this period, the Court will deliberate sentences, resolution, precautionary measures, among other activities. For the first time, it is being held virtually. [5 June 2020]

Inter-American Court of Human Rights | Translation of Decisions to English

The IACtHR announced the translation of several decisions from relevant Judgments and one Advisory Opinion to English, as an effort to allow accessibility from judges, lawyers, and all stakeholders worldwide to its judgments and human rights standards. The translation includes the case of Herzog et al. v. Brazil, a well-known case of a Yugoslavian-Brazilian journalist that allegedly committed suicide in 1975, while held as a prisoner in the Operation Center of Internal Defense (DOI-CODI) during the Brazilian military dictatorship. The Court found that Brazil violated several of Herzog’s fundamental human rights.[24 June 2020]

Inter-American Commission of Human Rights | Call for Democracy and Rule of Law Guarantees During COVID-19

The IAComHR called on states to strengthen democracy and rule of law institutions through a human rights approach and to comply with international obligations under the American Convention on Human Rights. The Commission noted that this is fundamental especially in times of the pandemic. [10 June 2020]

EUROPE

European Court of Human Rights | New Judgments Published

In the case of Association Innocence en Danger and Association Enfance et Partage v. France, the Court held that there had been a violation of the prohibition of torture. The case concerned the death of an eight-year-old girl as a result of abuse by her parents. The applications were lodged by two French child protection associations. The ECHR concluded that the measures taken by the authorities between the time of the “report of suspected ill-treatment” and the child’s death had not been sufficient to protect the girl from severe abuse by her parents. (4 June 2020]

 The ECtHR, while dismissing the petitioners claim in the case of Ghoumid and Others v France, held that when a person holds a dual nationality and is stripped of one nationality by the concerned state, it does not make the person stateless. The case pertained to two individuals who were convicted on terrorism charges. [25 June 2020]

 More judgements of the ECtHR can be viewed here : https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/eng-press#{%22sort%22:[%22kpdate%20Descending%22]}

ASIA

ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights | Meeting to Discuss the Five-Year Work Plan 2021-2025

The AICHR deliberated on its new Five-Year Work Plan 2021-2025, via video conference, and discussed measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 to the implementation of AICHR’s programs and activities in 2020. [11 June 2020]