Item 9: Violation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms in Any Part of the World

The past year a number of countries have taken important steps to improve the human rights conditions facing their own citizens. Such steps are not always easy to take, nor sufficiently appreciated by the international community, so I would like to begin my remarks today by commenting on a few of the more notable achievements.

The first is Mexico, our close neighbor, friend, and trading partner. In December, the first opposition candidate in recent Mexican history took office as the freely elected president of his country. Mexico’s commitment to democracy and political pluralism has made significant gains over the past decade, and we view the election of President Vicente Fox as a major opportunity for the Mexican people. There is much our two nations have in common, yet much we need to work on, too. President George W. Bush made these points very clearly when he visited President Fox last month.

Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castanada’s remarks to the Commission on March 20 made a very strong and positive impression, as did the commitment he expressed on behalf of "a new Mexico" to "ensuring respect for human rights throughout the world." The human rights agenda he outlined is broad, ambitious, and well conceived; and his country is sure to benefit from it. So, too, is this Commission.

The election of a new president in Yugoslavia in September demonstrated clearly that time had finally run out on Slobodan Milosevic’s regime. Many challenges lie ahead as Yugoslavia seeks to rebuild and integrate itself into a Europe that is fully committed to implementing universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. The United States stands ready to work with the democratically elected government led by President Kostunica. We are looking forward to his appearance here at the Commission today and hope that the people of Yugoslavia will continue to pursue freedom, democracy, and accountability for past crimes and respect for human rights as a national goal.

In Peru, domestic and international criticism of last year’s flawed elections led to the creation of a national dialogue that produced sweeping democratic reforms. Following the resignation of Alberto Fujimori in November, the Paniagua administration has accelerated the reform process and committed itself to preparing for new, free, and fair national elections on April 8, 2001. The United States welcomes these steps which have put the country back on the path to fully democratic government and an increased respect for human rights. We look forward to working with the future democratic leadership in Peru, and we hope to see further promotion human rights, the rule of law, and fundamental freedoms within the country.

Croatia continued to improve its human rights record during the past year, as respect for freedom of speech and press improved significantly, although some problems remain. At the same time, the country’s presidential and parliamentary elections were conducted in a calm and orderly fashion, and the government’s record of cooperation with international human rights and monitoring organizations continued to improve somewhat.

While some problems remain, the fact that Ethiopia and Eritrea ended their border war has clearly improved the human rights conditions for people in both countries. Free and fair presidential elections in Ghana and Senegal last year permitted opposition candidates to take power in orderly fashion in both countries. Under the leadership of King Mohamed VI, Morocco continued to make human rights an important part of its policies. Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to consolidate its return to democracy, while South Africa’s commitment to democracy, racial reconciliation, and universal human rights remains a testimony to that country’s resilience and inner strength.

At the same time, Mr. Chairman, there are a number of countries where universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are neither enjoyed nor respected. The United States is sometimes criticized for speaking frankly here about these cases, as if the Commission on Human Rights were an improper place to speak of human rights and the countries that abuse them. But if not here, where? If not now, when? We are here to promote human rights, and we cannot do that unless we first critically assess genuine problems.

And the truth is that while we all may speak the language of human rights here in Geneva, there are vast differences in the way countries deal at home with individuals who seek their universal human rights. As members of the Commission, therefore, we see it as our duty to help give voice to the voiceless and hope to the hopeless. In doing so, we recognize those who have risked their lives and fortunes for the cause of human rights, individuals like:

-- Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet, as he languishes in a Cuban jail for peacefully advocating human rights;

-- Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Peace Prize winner, who remains under house arrest in Burma;

-- Rebiya Kadeer, the Uighur businesswoman convicted in a secret trial in China, apparently for sending newspaper articles overseas to her husband; Ngawang Choephel, the ethno-musicologist Chinese authorities convicted in another secret trial 5 years ago for filming traditional Tibetan music; --

-- Shageldi Atakov, the Baptist whose real crime appears to be practicing his religion in Turkmenistan.

These are but a few of the people, who are suffering for their beliefs today, victims of governments that refuse to abide by their international human rights obligations. Sadly, there are millions more like them, men and women whose names we may not know so well, but who suffer torture, jail and even death for simply speaking out in public, advocating free elections, publishing a newspaper, practicing religion, or organizing trade unions, or civic associations.

We all recognize that China has substantially liberalized important sectors of its economy in recent years, and that this has resulted in dramatic improvements in people’s daily lives. We welcome the country’s increasing prosperity and the atmosphere of greater personal freedom enjoyed by the Chinese people as a whole. But the truth of the matter is that China has numerous human rights problems and that its already poor human rights record worsened the last year, particularly with respect to religious minorities, and the Tibetan people. The government also continues to suppress any person or group it perceives as a threat. We seek no blanket condemnation of China. But we must address human rights abuses that contradict international norms. By speaking out the Commission can best serve the cause of human rights and fundamental freedoms. It should not be silent when the Chinese authorities demolish Christian churches and Buddhist temples and brutally repress Falun Gong practitioners exercising rights to freedom of belief and expression. It should not be silent when those who call for democratic government or more cultural preservation and religious freedom in Tibet and elsewhere in China are suppressed or when advocates of labor rights are thrown in jail.

The Chinese Government continues to detain up to 1,000 people for "counter-revolution," a crime which was taken off the books in 1997. Hundreds of others remain imprisoned under the State Security Law, while thousands are sentenced, without trial, in reform-through-labor camps. And what are their crimes, Mr. Chairman? None save a desire to experience the human rights that belong to everybody, everywhere: freedom of association, expression, assembly, religion, conscience, and belief.

Another country that this Commission must study closely is Cuba, for the government there systematically violates the fundamental civil and political rights of its citizens. Between 200 and 300 political prisoners remain in prison, many under deplorable conditions. Hundreds are regularly, if temporarily, detained. Indeed, over 200 Cubans were detained in the month of December alone, in an effort to stop peaceful celebrations of Human Rights Day. Throughout the year, Cuban authorities regularly harass, threaten, arbitrarily arrest, detain, imprison and defame human rights advocates. Members of independent professional associations, including journalists, economists, doctors, and lawyers, as well as members of their families often suffer the same fate. The government uses both internal and external exile against its citizens. There are harsh government restrictions on freedom of speech, press, assembly, and association. Foreign news and publications are restricted to only the party faithful; there is strict censorship of news and public information.

Cuba allows some religious freedom but strictly limits church activities and expansion. The government also keeps tight restrictions on freedom of movement, including foreign travel. It denies the right of emigration to many members of the medical profession who have applied for and received foreign visas. For all their high-flown rhetoric here at the Commission on Human Rights, the Cuban Government remains hostile to all who question its human rights practices. A case in point was the two Czech citizens, one of whom was a member of the Czech Parliament, that the authorities detained for 3 weeks this January for meeting with two Cuban activists. How these activities accord with the "transparent and humane" human rights record that Cuban Foreign Minister Perez Roque so glowingly described the other day is hard indeed to fathom.

Mr. Chairman, the extraordinary scale of human rights violations perpetrated by the Government of Sudan demand this Commission’s vigorous condemnation. As Secretary of State Colin Powell recently said: "There is perhaps no greater tragedy on the face of the earth today than the tragedy that is unfolding in Sudan."

How will history judge the 57^th Commission should it fail to acknowledge the heinous practice of slavery of people of southern Sudan? A long series of reports by UN special rapporteurs and many others have it made amply clear that the Sudanese Government continues to tolerate, if not encourage slavery. Many of the women taken north by the government-backed militias have been raped, sexually abused, or forced into becoming sex slaves. Others are forced to work as field hands or domestic laborers. In his interim report last fall, then-Special Rapporteur Leonardo Franco, described the conditions these enslaved people face as "extremely harsh: abuse, torture, rape, and, at times, killing being the norm."

At the same time, the Government in Khartoum continues its severe religious persecution of non-Muslims and Muslims who deviate from the government’s interpretation of Islam. Various NGOs have reported the residents of displaced-persons camps are sometimes pressured to convert to Islam. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, an independent panel created by the U.S. Congress, has closely studied the situation in Sudan and concluded that the government is, in fact, "the world’s most violent abuser of the right to freedom of religion and belief."

In addition, Khartoum has intensified the aerial bombardment of civilian hospitals, schools, feeding centers and other targets over the past year. More than 100 such bombing incidents were recorded during the past year by aid groups, a number of which were cited in the Special Rapporteur’s interim report. The Rapporteur noted that on some occasions, "civilians were deliberately targeted as they gathered for food distribution."

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo war and uncertainty have further aggravated an already very troubling human rights situation. We are pleased that all concerned with the conflict have agreed to a process, which hopefully will end the regional violence. It is now even more important, therefore, that we renew our efforts to ensure that these commitments are met. Meanwhile, we feel it vital that human rights abuses in the country -- wherever they occur and whoever is responsible for them - must cease.

North Korea remains another of the world’s most serious human rights violators. The people have no right to change their government, voice their opinions, worship as they please, assemble freely, or enjoy due process. The government continues to perceive most international human rights norms as illegitimate, alien, and subversive. The Penal Code is draconian. It stipulates capital punishment and confiscation of all assets for a wide variety of so-called "crimes against the revolution," including writing "reactionary" letters, and possessing unauthorized printed matter. All forms of cultural and media activity are under the strict control of the party.

The United States is also deeply concerned about the continuing human rights violations in Chechnya. One year ago, this Commission adopted a resolution, calling on the Government of the Russian Federation to take actions that would strengthen human rights protections in Chechnya and hold those responsible for human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law accountable. As the High Commissioner concludes in her report on Chechnya, however, Russian efforts to do so have not nearly corresponded to the scope of the violations their forces have committed.

Over the past year, we have seen numerous credible reports of torture, arbitrary detentions, summary executions, beatings, and kidnappings. Added to these is the discovery of a mass grave outside Grozny. In its report, "The Dirty War in Chechnya," Human Rights Watch describes in detail the disappearances of Chechens taken into custody by Russian forces.

Chechen separatists have also reportedly committed human rights violations. We call on them to hold their forces accountable for their actions and renounce the use of tactics such as the kidnappings as well as the terrorist bombings that took place last weekend in southern Russia.

The United States calls on the Russian Federation to meet its international commitments and obligations to promote universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including protection of non-combatants in armed conflict not of an international character. Further efforts to comply with last year’s resolution are necessary. Specifically, the Russian Federation should initiate a dialogue leading to a political settlement, establish a National Commission of Inquiry, and facilitate the visits of the UN the Russian Federation’s cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and with the Council of Europe. The work of President Putin’s Special Representative for Human and Civil Rights and Freedoms in Chechnya, Mr. Kalamanov, has shown promise within the limits of his mandate. The international community, through the Office of the High Commissioner and elsewhere, stands ready to assist Russia in taking these necessary steps and in working toward a peaceful and long-term resolution to this tragic conflict.

Over the past several years, the Iranian people have made clear their demands that fundamental civil and political rights be respected in their country. However, increasingly those demands are being met with arbitrary arrests, newspaper closures, and the use of the judiciary to harass political opponents. The Government of Iran remains a house divided against itself, with hard-line elements continuing to oppose the fundamental desire for freedom. Against this backdrop, systematic human rights abuse persists: extrajudicial killings and summary executions, disappearances, the widespread use of torture, arbitrary arrest, and detention. Judicial proceedings were instituted against some officials, but much of their abuse was perpetrated with impunity. The treatment of those who are Bahai’s or belong to other religious and ethnic minorities fails to meet international standards.

The Iraqi Government remains one of the most repressive in the world. People who voice dissent face torture, repression and often death. The regime of Saddam Hussein has no qualms about executing its political opponents, including prominent Shi’a leaders. Security forces routinely torture, beat, rape, and otherwise abuse detainees. There is increasing evidence that rape is a part of state policy. Arbitrary arrest and detention are frequent, and freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, religion, and movement are virtually non-existent.

Violence, ethnic tension, and armed insurrections in several regions of the country have all challenged to the utmost the Indonesian Government’s ability to provide security to its citizens. The government, however, cannot use these problems as an excuse to commit human rights violations of its own, and we urge it to resolve these issues through dialogue. The government must also step up its efforts to keep warring factions and ethnic groups from committing violence against each other. The United States is concerned at the continued culture of impunity, as illustrated by the relatively minor charges brought against those on trial for the murder of the three UNHCR workers in West Timor last year

Mr. Chairman, we have consistently and vigorously opposed Taliban policies which have crushed the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans. The Taliban’s pursuit of a military solution to Afghanistan’s long-term problems has brought destitution and destruction to large areas of the country. The Taliban’s military forces continue to command much of Afghanistan and appear to be unable or unwilling to provide even the most rudimentary governance. The result being a humanitarian disaster with hundreds of thousands of displaced persons. The treatment of women and girls has been particularly abominable.

The United States has vigorously and consistently opposed the Taliban’s cruel and misguided treatment of women and girls. Keeping women from earning a living outside the home is reducing many families to utter destitution. Keeping girls from attending schools is ensuring that this destitution will continue in future generations. At the same time, the United States is deeply concerned about the desperate condition of the Afghan people living in refugee and displaced persons camps. We strongly believe that humanitarian aid should have no political strings, for fear that its primary mission -- saving lives -- would be jeopardized. As the largest donor to the World Food Programme, we call on other nations to act quickly to avert a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation. Finally, the Taliban’s wanton destruction of Afghanistan’s ancient Buddhist statues earlier this month has been deplored by religious and secular groups from around the world. The United States strongly condemns this act of senseless cultural violence.

The Government of Belarus continues to resist the democratic tide of human rights and fundamental freedoms that swept across Central and Eastern Europe more than a dozen years ago. The parliamentary elections of this past October were neither free nor fair. The opposition was denied access to the media and most independent opposition candidates were denied registration on trivial technicalities. Former President Lukashenko, whose term ended in 1999, still refuses to leave his office and continues to quash protest and intimidate peaceful demonstrators. As recently as March 25^th, for example, riot police commanded personally by the Minister of Internal Affairs attacked a demonstration in Minsk, beating numerous participants. In addition, a number of prominent opposition figures and journalists have disappeared -- amid strong indications of government involvement -- while others have been jailed. This is an outrage. We call upon Belarus to uphold its commitments, permit freedom of association and media coverage, and create a climate that will facilitate free and fair elections with full participation of all opposition parties.

Mr. Chairman, Americans speak from over 200 years of experience when we express our concern whenever fundamental liberties are suppressed. The United States has fought the battle for human rights and the dignity of humankind both at home and abroad, in war and in peace. In closing, I am proud to say that ours is a country with global interests and a deep and abiding concern for the promotion of universal human rights in every country of the world, including our own. We look forward, therefore, to speaking out on these concerns and other country situations later in this session.

Thank you.

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