Palais des Nations, Geneva
Mr. Chairman,
Franciscans International in collaboration with Dominicans wishes to raise the
grave human rights situations in Mexico, Colombia, Burundi and Rwanda.
Concerning Mexico, the most recent reports of Amnesty International and Human
Rights Watch largely documented disappearances, extra judicial killings, the
widespread use of torture and other acts of violence by the Mexican army as
well as by paramilitary groups throughout the whole country. More than one hundred
people have been killed in the last three months and more than twelve human
rights observers have been expelled from Chiapas in the last six months.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture Nigel Rodley in his report on Mexico tabled
at this Session gave documented examples of widespread torture. His report concluded
that torture is systemic in many parts of the county. Last year, the UN Committee
against Torture examining Mexico’s period report concluded that the cases
of torture and other inhuman or degrading treatments are systemic in the country.
The tragic massacre of 45 civilians which occurred December 22, 1997 in Acteal
in the Chiapas municipality of Chenahló was another signal to the international
community of the deteriorating situation. Human rights groups had forewarned
the government of an impending war against the people in the region. The massacre
which was committed by paramilitary groups affiliated with the ruling Institutional
Revolutionary Party (PRI) was not an isolated incident and is a growing phenomenon
in Mexico.
In Mexico, human rights defenders’ lives are at great risk. Many who speak
out against human rights violations receive death threats and are persecuted
or expelled from the country. These acts are carried by the military and government
supported para-military groups.
On November 4, 1997 members of the paramilitary group Paz y Justicia
(Peace and Justice) carried out an assassination attempt on the lives of Bishop
Samuel Ruiz, president of the National Mediation Commission (CONAI), and Bishop
Raul Vera, OP in the Northern Area of Chiapas. The following day, they tried
to murder Bishop Ruiz’ sister.
The military continues its policy of intimidating, harassing and terrorizing
the local populations. According to the CONAI (National Mediation Commission)
there are presently 70,000 Mexican Army troops in Chiapas. There is justifiable
concern that the government may be planning a large-scale military offensive
in Chiapas.
One of the major causes of the ongoing conflict in Chiapas is the government’s
refusal to honor the San Andrés Larrainzar Agreements by circumventing
them by every means possible. The
Agreements were signed in good faith by the EZLN (Zapatista Army of National
Liberation) and the Mexican authorities on February 16, 1996. The San Andrés
Agreements were intended to redress five hundred years of violation of indigenous
rights and culture and brutal repression.
Franciscans International and Dominicans urge:
- the Commission on Human Rights to seriously consider appointing a Special
Rapporteur to examine all aspects of the human rights situation in Mexico;
- the Mexican government to conclude its investigations into the violent massacre
in Acteal and bring to justice the perpetrators including federal authorities;
- the Mexican government to disarm all paramilitary groups operating in Chiapas
and to hold them accountable for their violent campaigns against indigenous
peoples;
- the Mexican government to fulfill the San Andres Agreements signed in February
1996 in view of restoring peace negotiations and guaranteeing the indigenous
populations the full enjoyment of their rights.
In terms of Colombia, we have referred to the human rights situation in that
country a number of times. We wish to express our concern over the inclusion
in the Commission Chairman’s statement on Colombia of a reference to the
Vigilante and private security services known as Convivir. A number of
UN bodies have recommended that the government of Colombia withdraw recognition
and authorization of these groups which have been identified as having links
with paramilitary groups and having been involved in serious human rights violations.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights reported that the Convivir groups
are responsible for the enforced internal displacement of approximately 2,000
persons and the execution of numerous farmers. The effect of the reference in
the Chairman’s statement to the Convivir is therefore to accept
the legalization of groups which constantly violate human rights, rather than
requesting the government to disband them. This creates a precedent which other
countries could use to maintain such groups as in Mexico. Further, the Chairman’s
statement is obviously in contradiction with the report of the High Commissioner.
Franciscans International and Dominicans request the Commission
- To appoint a Special Rapporteur to closely monitor the implementation of
the various recommendations concerning Colombia.
- To ask the High Commissioner for Human Rights to report to the General Assembly
on the situation of human rights in Colombia.
In Burundi, the human rights situation has clearly deteriorated since the 53rd
Session of the Commission. It is imperative that the mandate of the Special
Rapporteur, Mr. Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, be maintained to ensure that the Commission
and the General Assembly reamain fully informed of the situation of human rights
in the country. There is an urgent need for the UN and the international community
to take an evne more active interest in the grave human rights situation in
Burundi and to carry out their responsibilities.
In Rwanda, there appears to have been some steps taken to improve the human
rights situation, according to the report of the Special Representative, Mr.
Michel Mussalli. However, due to the limits of his mandate, we consider that
the Commission is not sufficiently informed on the human rights situation in
Rwanda. Previously, this had been well documented in the reports of the Special
Rapporteur, Mr. René Degni-Ségui whose mandate was unfortunately
rescinded at the last Session of the Commission. Further, it is more difficult
for neutral and independent observers to visit the countries to assess the situation.
We therefore consider that the Commission should reinstate the mandate of the
Special Rapporteur on Rwanda.
Franciscans International and Dominicans urge the Commission:
- To renew the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Burundi, Mr. Paulo Sergio
Pinheiro.
- To reinstate the mandate of a Special Rapporteur on Rwanda.
