UN Human Rights Council continues to discuss changes in Special Procedure institution’s activities. The possible result of this review could be the liquidation or limitation of Special procedure institution’s abilities. The Belarusian authorities are among those who propose special measures to weaken the Special Procedures by limiting their independence. 17 international human rights NGOs start a campaign to support Special procedures. (21-MAR-07)

Based on www.spring9.org Illustrated by www.amnesty.ca

Special Procedures  institutions are effective mouthpieces promoting and protecting Human Rights. Some states propose measures to bring changes which actually could deprive Special Rapporteurs and independent experts of the possibility to advocate and promote human rights, without taking into consideration the fact that this institution’s actions have been directed at urgent aiding for thousands of people, whose life or physical security were under the risk, and their recommendations play essential role to the improvement of human rights in the world.

Many NGOs and the people of good will express their support of Special procedures institutions and started a campaign – Act for Special Procedures: A Global Petition. Belarusian human rights organizations support this campaign and call others to joint it. 

Situation of human rights in Belarus
The Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus Adrian Severin has represented his new report on 20 March. He regrets that the Government of Belarus, in 2006 as in 2004 and 2005, has not responded favorably to his request to visit the country and has in general not cooperated with him in the fulfillment of his mandate. Mr. Severin describes the situation of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights in Belarus, which has steadily deteriorated in 2006 and firmly believes that the first responsibility for this Belarus lies with the country’s authorities.

Among other things, the Special Rapporteur calls once again on the international
community to support civil society and democratic forces in Belarus; asks the Human Rights Council to request the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to immediately establish a group of legal experts to investigate the disappearance and murders of several politicians and journalists; and calls for the establishment of an international fund for the promotion of human rights in Belarus.

Special Rapporteur Belarusian mandate
The Special Rapporteur reiterates his recommendation to the Human Rights Council to extend the Belarus mandate not only in time, but also in scope and means, and calls for enhanced cooperation between regional organizations and the United Nations, and in particular between the Human Rights Council and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Official Minsk announced the intendment to raise a question, within the framework of UN system, on expediency and legality of application of Special Rapporteur appointment’s procedure for Belarus. Permanent Representative of Belarus to International Organizations in Geneva Sergey Aleinik has called Special Rapporteur’s activity as the «attempt to soil and defame Belarus”.
Belarusian delegation position was supported by the representatives of Indonesia, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Algeria, Ghana, Syria, |Malaysia, India, the People´s Republic of China, Bangladesh, Morocco, Tunis and Cuba.