[FREE IRAN Project] In The Spirit Of Cyrus The Great

[Oppenheimer]

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 203 (05)
November 2, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




Statement by Ambassador Sichan Siv, Alternate U.S. Representative to the General Assembly, on Agenda Item 71 (c): Human Rights Questions, in the Third Committee, November 2, 2005


Mr. Chairman,



Our leaders pledged in September to build a more peaceful, prosperous and just world. They recognized that freedom, equality, tolerance and respect for human rights are indispensable in international relations. America believes that these conditions are critical -- indeed, essential -- within each nation.



Around the world, people understand that they should have the power to decide their own destinies, within their own homelands, by exercising free choice in how and by whom they will be governed. They would choose freedom over oppression -- the consent of the governed, not the coercion of the state. They would fulfill their democratic aspirations by holding free, fair and transparent elections.



This past year the world has been impressed by the transformational elections held in Iraq, Afghanistan and in the West Bank and Gaza. In Indonesia, 2004 was a landmark year in the transition from authoritarian rule to democracy as it held its first-ever direct presidential election.

But elsewhere, the struggle for freedom encountered roadblocks. The Iranian government continued to deprive its people of the freedom they seek and deserve, through summary executions, disappearances, torture, and restricted freedoms of speech, assembly and religion. Iranian activist Akbar Ganji’s imprisonment solely for his peaceful advocacy of a representative and accountable government is a serious violation of fundamental human rights and is symbolic of the regime’s repressive policies. Women and minorities, including non-Muslims such as the Baha'i, continued to face cruel discrimination. Its June 2005 presidential election -- in which the un-elected Guardian Council of Clerics decided who could run, disqualifying over 1,000 candidates, including all women -- failed to meet international standards. America stands with the Iranian people as they stand for their own liberty, and we urge this Committee to pass a strong resolution on the deplorable situation in Iran.
The DPRK’s regime remains one of the most oppressive in the world, denying its citizens the most basic freedoms of religion, conscience, speech, assembly and association. Prisoners are tortured, starved, forced into hard labor, compelled to have abortions or watch the infanticide of their newborns, and, ultimately, executed. People are totally barred from changing their government through elections. Hence, many in the country vote with their feet or in desperation flee as refugees. This committee should pass a resolution addressing “the human rights situation in the DPRK”.

In Turkmenistan, freedom of assembly, speech, and the press are non-existent. Political opposition is strictly prohibited, and families of those overseas engaged in opposition activities are routinely harassed and prevented from traveling abroad. The President, with a cult of personality, rules by decree. None of other government bodies, such as the rubber stamp parliament and People's Council, have any real authority. The United States seeks the support of Committee members for our resolution on the human rights situation in Turkmenistan.

In Uzbekistan, the world was appalled by reported shootings in Andijan. There must be an independent, international investigation of that tragedy. The accused must be tried openly, transparently, and fairly. We urge this Committee to adopt a resolution expressing concern about Andijan. We call on the government to stop harassing and restricting journalists and non-governmental groups (NGO’s). We urge Tashkent to encourage freedom for all religious groups, as the free expression of faith is a fundamental right.

Meanwhile, the very poor human rights record of the Rangoon regime has worsened. Its junta has become one of the world’s greatest human rights violators. Over 1,000 political and religious prisoners remain in detention. Arrests of pro-democracy supporters continue, and Aung San Suu Kyi remains cut off from the rest of the world. All people in this country, its democratic opposition and minority groups included, should be permitted to hold a meaningful, inclusive and credible dialogue about national reconciliation and democracy. If unaddressed, this repression could have implications for regional stability. This Committee can help express the concern of the international community by passing a strong resolution on what will be called in this forum “the situation of human rights in Myanmar”

There is another country that is the subject of a proposed resolution where the United States is nevertheless pleased to note progress. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Constitutional referendum scheduled for December 18th and the general elections planned for next year could be watershed moments for democracy in a country that historically has been plagued by serious abuses. This Committee should support efforts to bring effective governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law to all residents of the DRC. It is our sincere hope that these upcoming events will make a 2006 resolution on DRC unnecessary.

We are all appalled by the continued violence in Darfur, Sudan, and the grave humanitarian needs of over 2 million people displaced as a result of genocide and on going conflict. Khartoum’s overall human rights record is extremely poor. Government security forces are responsible for extrajudicial killings, disappearances, arbitrary arrest, torture and rape and often act with impunity. The January 9 signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement for Sudan was an historic accomplishment that ended twenty-two years of civil war. We urge the Government of National Unity to build upon this and improve its human rights record throughout the country, by establishing accountability for atrocities, especially those committed against women in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). We urge all parties to end the violence in Darfur and reach a political settlement that will enable IDPs and refugees to return safely, with dignity, to build a better future.

Other troubling situations deserve this Committee’s continued attention although they are not the subject of resolutions here.

In Belarus, the government denies its citizens their human rights and freedom, and its repression continues to deepen. New legal measures silence independent voices, monopolize information, and obstruct political opposition and democratization. The October 2004 referendum that allowed President Lukashenko to seek a third term did not meet international standards. The United States calls on Belarus to reverse its current course.

Despite the best efforts of the international community to engage Cuba on its human rights situation, Havana has failed to take steps that would guarantee its own people human rights. Instead, it has persisted in imposing a repressive and totalitarian state that deprives the Cuban people of the right to express dissent without risk of incurring a decades-long prison sentence, and moreover deprives them of a voice in any kind of possible political and economic reform.

While the United States values our discussions with China on a range of issues, and notes some progress in improving human rights there, China’s human rights record remained poor. The Government continues to harass Chinese citizens who seek to pursue freely their religious beliefs, and remains intolerant of those seeking to express independent political and social views. Chinese authorities continued to target and restrict the media and the Internet, severely limiting the free flow of information. The use of counterterrorism measures to repress minorities seeking peacefully to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as Muslim Uighurs, is also a source of deep concern. My government seeks to engage with China to improve this record.

Syria’s human rights record is far worse than last year due to the increasing number of arbitrary arrests and detentions. Some of the "Damascus Spring" reformers arrested in 2001, remain in detention despite their expected release in June 2005 after serving three-quarters of their sentences. Security forces continue to torture, arbitrarily arrest and detain dissidents.

Zimbabwe continues to violate the most basic rights of its citizens, most recently uprooting hundreds of thousands of lives with their bulldozing of the homes of the country’s poorest residents. The Secretary General’s special envoy, the head of UN-HABITAT, Mrs. Anna Tibaijuka, documented that clearly. In addition, Zimbabwe continues to undermine any democratic reform by the severe repression of opposition parties in view of March elections.

To support democratic aspirations around the world, we must not only condemn abuses, but also support young democracies by helping strengthen transparency accountability to enforce the rule of law, and to build foundations of good governance -- from a thriving economy and a vibrant civil society, to a free media and educational opportunities for their people. We must make the best possible use of UN human rights mechanisms; make more and larger contributions to the new UN Democracy Fund; and never stop our vigilance on behalf of freedom.

Although freedom is threatened in some parts of the world, it has a way of asserting itself, as we saw in the extraordinary developments in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan. This Committee has the power to help those who wish to help themselves. With the resolutions we pass, the statements we make, we can provide a voice to the voiceless, and hope to those who face oppression.



Thank you.

[Oppenheimer]

USUN PRESS RELEASE # 194 (05)
October 31, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE




Statement by Ambassador Sichan Siv, U.S. Alternate Representative to the General Assembly, on Agenda Items 71 (b) (c) and (e), in the Third Committee, October 31, 2005

Mr. Chairman, The United States approaches this UN General Assembly Third Committee with a renewed sense of mission, based on the guidance adopted by our leaders last month. Universal human rights standards recognize the intrinsic and inalienable dignity of the human person, and the rights and freedoms that stem from that dignity. It is the responsibility of governments to respect and safeguard those rights for their citizens. It is the responsibility of UN Member States to promote the protection of these rights and freedoms.

As Secretary of State Rice said to the Community of Democracies, "we must usher in an era of democracy that thinks of tyranny as we think of slavery today: a moral abomination that could not withstand the natural desire of every human being for a life of liberty and dignity." We see that freedom’s call is resonating with more and more people around the world. Even a cursory glance at the global headlines of the past two years shows that these principles have moved from dream to reality for many citizens. From Georgia to Ukraine to Iraq to Lebanon to Afghanistan, the cynicism of skeptics and the oppression of autocrats have been answered by peaceful protests, ballot boxes, and constitution drafts. Though we are optimistic about the human yearning for liberty, we are realistic about the challenges and obstacles. Freedom’s appeal is resilient, yet freedom itself can be fragile. We see the promotion of freedom as the calling of our time, and of this Committee. The survival of liberty in our land is dependent on the growth of liberty in other lands. We have come here with ideas and initiatives in-hand to help implement our collective pledges in the Outcome Document. It is “to support democracy by strengthening countries’ capacities to implement the principles and practices of democracy and resolve to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to assist Member States.”

Towards this end, the United States will introduce a resolution on “The Incompatibility Between Corruption and the Full Enjoyment of Human Rights.”

Corruption is a tremendous challenge to democracy. Its impact on the enjoyment of human rights is profound.

Corruption in elections and among politicians reduces accountability and representation in the political system.

Corruption in the judiciary undermines the principles of the rule of law and the rights and safety of the individual citizen.

Corruption in the public sector creates unequal access to public benefits.

The role and capacity of public administration is undermined because procedures are disregarded, resources are diverted, and appointments are skewed. As a result, confidence in politicians and public authorities and their reputation and legitimacy is impaired in the minds of their own population and internationally.

Furthermore, corruption hits the poorest and weakest the hardest of all. The poorest cannot afford to pay bribes or offer other forms of remuneration in order to safeguard their rights. This can mean that they do not get into schools or receive fair treatment in the judicial system and that they are excluded from political influence. The poorest are also hardest hit by the impact corruption has on the economy, employment, crime and the environment. Social disparities are cemented and marginalization of the poor is reinforced. Democracy and respect for human rights are essential in the fight against corruption; its elimination helps people enjoy human rights and strengthen democratic governance. Independent media and an active civil society are vital if the fight is to be effective. Corruption is more easily detected in a transparent society and transparency can have a preventive effect.

Elections are the first step to ensuring the democratic process and accountability of a government to its citizenry. The United States will also introduce a biennial resolution on elections to commend the work of the UN in monitoring and encourage Member States to continue contributing to this vital effort.

In other forums, the United States is actively participating in the informal and formal process to develop the Human Rights Council. We are seeking the creation of a UN mechanism that can more effectively assist countries in meeting their human rights commitments and obligations. We seek a body that can better offer immediate attention to human rights by quickly addressing urgent or continuing human rights violations; including “gross and systematic violations” as cited in the Outcome Document. We seek a body that also offers technical assistance and capacity-building resources for countries seeking to strengthen their domestic human rights protections. These activities should be the main focus of the Council and the essential component of its mandate.

The United States looks forward to the opportunity to work together with our partners to ensure that this body is both representative and effective, with the capacity for decision-making by a strong, committed, and smaller membership. The latter should believe that one of the UN’s fundamental purposes is to assist states in meeting their human rights obligations. We can best do so through a course of both dialogue and cooperative assistance. Ultimately, UN Member states should not make room on the Council for countries that seek to undermine the effectiveness of the UN’s human rights machinery– much less governments under Security Council sanctions or investigation for human rights reasons.

The Outcome Document’s call to “reaffirm the solemn commitment of our States to fulfil their obligations to promote universal respect for, and observance and protection of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for all…” will remain as our guide for this Third Committee, as well as for the subsequent negotiations on the Human Rights Council. We look forward to productive sessions in both areas and wish all delegations well in their endeavours in the upcoming months.

Thank you.

[cyrus]

[Oppenheimer]

My pleasure Cyrus,

Here's a little more on the human rights issues:


Daily Press Briefing
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 3, 2005

(excerpts)


MR. MCCORMACK: Good afternoon. I have a couple of opening statements for you, then we can get right into questions.
.................

And one final statement that we will be putting out after the briefing in written form, concerns the imprisoned Iranian journalist Akbar Ganji. Over the past week the United States has received reports that jailed Iranian activist, Akbar Ganji's health is at serious risk. This is consistent with his wife's charge in late October that Iranian authorities are continuing to beat Ganji, and similar nongovernmental organizations report that he was abused, even while hospitalized, following his August 2005 hunger strike. Mr. Ganji has spent more than five years in prison due to his peaceful advocacy for free speech and democracy. His imprisonment and any inhumane treatment are serious violations of fundamental human rights.


The United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Akbar Ganji as well as his immediate access to medical assistance and legal representation. Ganji is one of many courageous Iranians like Ahmed Batebi, Hoda Saber, Taghi Rahmani and Reza Alijani who have challenged the clerical regime's repressive policies and who have suffered dire consequences for their efforts to advance the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people. The United States calls on the international community to continue to press for the release of all political prisoners in Iran.


And with that, I'd be pleased to take your questions.
.................

QUESTION: Can we do Ganji?


MR. MCCORMACK: Sure.


QUESTION: I just want to be clear what accusation you're making against the Iranian authorities. His health is at risk, serious risk you say. And you say his wife has claimed that there have been - he's been beaten. Are you saying that his health deterioration, his bad health at the moment is because of beatings or is it unrelated, he just happened to get a lung infection or something?


MR. MCCORMACK: What we are saying, based on the reports from his wife and other sources that we cite, similar nongovernmental organization reports that his maltreatment at the hands of his captors has led him to the point where his health is at serious risk.


QUESTION: And do you know what the health risk is? Is it that he's got breathing problems or (inaudible)?


MR. MCCORMACK: I don't -- I'll check to see if we have any more information on that for you, Saul. I don't right here.


QUESTION: Is his life in danger?


MR. MCCORMACK: At this point, I would characterize it as his health is at serious risk. If we have any updates on his condition or information on his condition, I'd be pleased to share that with you.
...................

QUESTION: Thank you. Tomorrow early will be November 4th in Washington time when Iranian student for Khomeini attacked the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and hold the diplomat -- American diplomat hostage. You said and White House said that the Ahmadi-Nejad, the President of the Iranian Government, is -- was at the time a leader of the student organization organized that attack. My question is do you continue the investigation regarding this matter, or the investigation has been closed by the U.S. Government?


MR. MCCORMACK: I think we got to the point where there were still unanswered questions and the only way to completely resolve those unanswered questions was -- were from definitive statements from President Ahmadi-Nejad as well as the Iranian Government. To this point, we have not heard from them. We have heard from them sort of in only the most general terms. There are certainly different memories of his potential participation, I think, that in terms -- in the interview process that's the conclusion we arrived at. We in no way want to discount the recollections of those who say that he was -- he was involved in some fashion in the questioning and the holding of the hostages. So we have arrived at a point where really it is only -- it is -- the ball is in the Iranians' court in order to answer these unresolved questions.


Certainly we have not forgotten the events of that date and the subsequent 444 days. The act of taking that embassy was a criminal act. And certainly we think that it is incumbent upon President Ahmadi-Nejad and the Iranian Government to answer these unanswered questions.

------------end State Dept. briefing excerpts----------

[Oppenheimer]

Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
November 3, 2005



Imprisoned Iranian Journalist Akbar Ganji



Over the past week, the United States has received reports that jailed Iranian activist Akbar Ganji’s health is at serious risk. This is consistent with his wife’s charge in late October that Iranian authorities are continuing to beat Ganji, and similar non-governmental-organization reports that he was abused, even while hospitalized, following his August 2005 hunger strike.

Mr. Ganji has spent more than five years in prison due to his peaceful advocacy for free speech and democracy. His imprisonment and any inhumane treatment are serious violations of fundamental human rights.


The United States calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Akbar Ganji, as well as his immediate access to medical assistance and legal representation. Ganji is one of many courageous Iranians, like Ahmad Batebi, Hoda Saber, Taqi Rahmani, and Reza Alijani, who have challenged the clerical regime’s repressive policies and who have suffered dire consequences for their efforts to advance the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people. The United States calls on the international community to continue to press for the release of all political prisoners in Iran.


2005/1014


Released on November 3, 2005