Statement at the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council
General Debate Item 2
Delivered by Sigrid Lipott
Thank you Mr President,
CIVICUS is convinced that the Council should play a more assertive role in preventing rather than reacting to human rights crises, and the rapid deterioration of civic space is the first early warning sign on which the Council should act.
Civic freedoms in Kyrgyzstan are deteriorating rapidly, with two concerning laws being debated in Parliament: a so-called ‘foreign agent’ law targeting foreign-funded civil society organisations and a restrictive new media law. They threaten to further undermine free expression in the country, where independent media has recently come under attack. Following police raids on two prominent outlets, eleven journalists have been held in custody on spurious charges.
In Pakistan, in the aftermath of the general elections, authorities warned of crackdown on any protest. In recent months, there have been severe restrictions and arrests of the opposition ahead of the elections, in particular of the PTI party, amid a total blackout of PTI on national media and internet disruption around their online activities. Crackdown on protesters including on Baloch and Pashtun activists seeking justice and accountability is an alarming trend, while activists and journalists have continued to face judicial harassment.
In Sri Lanka, civic space continues to be under severe attack. In recent months there have been continued reports of excessive force, intimidation and restrictions against protesters. In violation of international guidelines, Sri Lankan security forces continue to use tear gas to suppress peaceful protests. The new version of the Anti-Terrorism Bill falls short of international law standards as it continues to use an overbroad definition of terrorism. There are also concerns around new Online Safety law that could be used to stifle freedom of expression.
We call on the Council to address these worsening situations and prevent further deterioration and crisis.
We thank you.
