Aadel Collection

Report by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Bacre Waly Ndiaye, submitted pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 1994/82

          
          UNITED
          NATIONS
          E
          Economic and Social
          Distr.
          GENERAL
          Council
          E/CN.4/1995/61
          14 December 1994
          Original: ENGLISH
          COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS
          Fifty-first session
          Item 12 of the provisional agenda
          QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS,
          IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO COLONIAL AND
          OTHER DEPENDENT COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES
          Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
          Report by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Bacre Waly Ndiaye, submitted
          pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 1994/82
          CONTENTS
          Paragraphs Page
          Introduction 1 - 3 5
          Chapter
          I. THE MANDATE
          II. METHODS OF WORK .
          III. ACTIVITIES . . . .
          A. Consultations
          B. Communications
          4- 8 6
          9 - 12 9
          13 - 40 11
          14 - 15 11
          16 - 25 11
          C. Visits . . 26 - 31
          D. Cooperation with other United Nations procedures 32 - 37
          E. Other activities to promote the mandate . .
          13
          14
          38 - 40 15
          GE.94-75049 (E)
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 2
          CONTENTS ( continued)
          Paragraphs Page
          Chapter
          IV. SITUATIONS . . . 41 - 351 17
          A. General . 41 - 43 17
          B. Country situations 44 - 351 17
          Afghanistan 44 17
          Algeria 45 - 49 18
          Angola 50 - 53 19
          Argentina 54 - 57 20
          Azerbaijan 58 - 59 21
          Bangladesh 60 - 65 22
          Bolivia 66 24
          Bosnia and Herzegovina 67 24
          Brazil 68 - 75 24
          Burundi 76 - 80 26
          Cambodia 81 - 83 28
          Cameroon 84 - 85 29
          Central African Republic 86 - 87 29
          Chad 88 - 90 30
          Chile 91 - 93 31
          China 94 - 99 31
          Colombia 100 - 111 33
          Costa Rica 112 39
          Cuba 113 - 115 39
          Djibouti 116 - 117 40
          Ecuador 118 40
          Egypt 119 - 127 41
          El Salvador 128 - 132 43
          Ethiopia 133 - 137 45
          Gabon 138 - 140 46
          Guatemala 141 - 150 47
          Haiti 151 - 153 52
          Honduras 154 - 156 52
          India 157 - 172 53
          Indonesia 173 - 176 58
          Iran (Islamic Republic of) 177 - 182 59
          Iraq 183 - 189 60
          Israel 190 - 195 62
          Italy 196 - 197 64
          Japan 198 - 199 65
          Kazakhistan 200 - 201 65
        
          
          Chapter
          CONTENTS ( continued )
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 3
          Paragraphs
          Page
          B. Country situations
          Kuwait . . .
          Kyrgyzstan .
          Lebanon . .
          Liberia . .
          Malaysia . .
          Mali . . . .
          Mexico . . .
          Morocco . .
          Myanmar . .
          Nepal . . .
          Nicaragua .
          Niger . . .
          Nigeria . .
          Pakistan . .
          Peru . . . .
          Philippines
          Portugal . .
          Rwanda . . .
          Saudi Arabia
          Sierra Leone
          Singapore .
          Somalia . .
          South Africa
          Sri Lanka .
          Sudan . . .
          Syrian Arab
          Tajikistan .
          Togo . . . .
          Trinidad and
          Turkey . . .
          Ukraine . .
          ( continued )
          202 - 205
          206
          207 - 208
          209
          210 - 212
          213 - 215
          216 - 225
          226
          227 - 230
          231 - 233
          234
          235
          236 - 242
          243 - 249
          250 - 262
          263 - 268
          269
          270 - 276
          277 - 278
          279
          280
          281 - 283
          284 - 287
          288 - 294
          295 - 296
          297
          298 - 300
          301 - 305
          306 - 307
          308 - 315
          316 - 317
          318
          319 - 324
          325 - 331
          332
          333 - 334
          335 - 343
          344 - 345
          346 - 351
          Republic
          Tobago
          Britain and
          66
          67
          67
          68
          68
          69
          70
          73
          73
          75
          75
          75
          75
          78
          79
          84
          85
          85
          87
          87
          88
          88
          89
          90
          92
          92
          93
          93
          95
          96
          98
          99
          99
          101
          102
          102
          103
          105
          106
          United Arab Emirates . .
          United Kingdom of Great
          Northern Ireland . . .
          United States of America
          Uruguay
          Uzbekistan
          Venezuela
          Yemen
          Zaire
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 4
          CONTENTS ( continued)
          Paragraphs Page
          Chapter
          V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 352 - 438 108
          A. Activities - procedural matters 355 - 371 108
          B. Violations of the right to life - allegations
          received and acted upon 372 - 410 115
          C. Issues of special concern to the Special
          Rapporteur 411 - 438 125
          JIInex: Introductory statement of the Special Rapporteur to the
          Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session . . . . . 135
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 5
          Introduction
          1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Commission on Human Rights
          resolution 1994/82 of 9 March 1994, entitled “Extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions” . This report is the third presented to the Commission
          on Human Rights by Mr. Bacre Waly Ndiaye. It is the twelfth since the mandate
          was established by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 1982/35
          of 7 May 1982.
          2. Chapter I of the present report contains the terms of reference for the
          discharge of the mandate in conformity with the aforementioned resolution and
          for requests, made to the Special Rapporteur by the Commission on Human Rights
          in other resolutions, to pay particular attention to a number of issues
          related to violations of the right to life, as well as an overview of the
          types of violations that fall within the mandate. Chapter II briefly refers
          to the methods of work applied by the Special Rapporteur in the discharge of
          his mandate. In chapter III, the Special Rapporteur presents an account of
          the activities he has undertaken during the past years. More details on the
          Special Rapporteur's work with regard to specific countries can be found in
          chapter IV, which contains an analysis of the information received concerning
          violations of the right to life, a summary of the allegations transmitted to
          Governments and received from them as well as follow-up with authorities and
          sources, and, where appropriate, specific comments, conclusions and
          observations. Finally, in chapter V, the Special Rapporteur sets forth his
          conclusions and closes his report with recommendations designed to improve
          respect for the international instruments and standards to which his mandate
          refers. The Special Rapporteur's introductory statement in which he presented
          his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session is
          included as annex to the present report.
          3. The findings and concerns of the Special Rapporteur with regard to the
          situation of the right to life in East Timor on the basis of an on-site visit
          there in July 1994 are contained in an addendum to the present report
          (E/cN.4/1995/61/Add.1). The report on the Special Rapporteur's mission to
          Colombia, carried out in October 1994 jointly with the Special Rapporteur on
          the question of torture, is contained in a second addendum E/CN.4/1995/111) .
          These mission reports also contain observations, conclusions and
          recommendations.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 6
          I. THE MANDATE
          4. As in former years, the Commission on Human Rights, in
          resolution 1994/82, requested the Special Rapporteur to continue to examine
          situations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions (para. 5) and to
          pay special attention to extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions of
          children and women and to violations of the right to life in the context of
          violence against participants in demonstrations and other peaceful
          manifestations or against persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious
          and linguistic minorities (para. 8) . In the same resolution, the Commission
          also requested the Special Rapporteur to continue monitoring the
          implementation of existing standards on safeguards and restrictions relating
          to the imposition of capital punishment (para. 10) .
          5. Several other resolutions of the Commission on Human Rights also have a
          bearing on the Special Rapporteur's mandate, as they set forth requests to
          special rapporteurs to pay particular attention to a number of issues within
          the framework of their mandates:
          (a) In resolution 1994/22, entitled “Rights of persons belonging to
          national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities”, the Special
          Rapporteur is urged to continue to give due regard to the Declaration on the
          Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic
          Minorities;
          (b) In resolution 1994/33, entitled “Right to freedom of opinion and
          expression”, the Special Rapporteur is invited to pay attention, in the
          framework of his mandate, to the situation of persons detained, subjected to
          violence, ill-treated or discriminated against for having exercised the right
          to freedom of opinion and expression;
          (c) In resolution 1994/34, entitled “Human rights in the administration
          of justice”, the Special Rapporteur is called upon to continue to provide,
          wherever appropriate, specific recommendations concerning effective protection
          of human rights in the administration of justice, including proposals for
          concrete measures under the United Nations programme of advisory services and
          technical assistance in the field of human rights;
          (d) In resolution 1994/42, entitled “Staff members of the
          United Nations and of the specialized agencies in detention”, the Special
          Rapporteur is requested to examine, as appropriate, the cases involving the
          human rights of staff members of the United Nations system and their families,
          as well as experts, special rapporteurs and consultants, and to transmit the
          relevant part of his report to the Secretary-General for inclusion in his
          report to the Commission on Human Rights;
          (e) In resolution 1994/45, entitled “Question of integrating the rights
          of women into the human rights mechanisms of the United Nations and the
          elimination of violence against women”, the Special Rapporteur is requested to
          include regularly and systematically in his report available information on
          human rights violations against women;
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 7
          (f) In resolution 1994/46, entitled “Human rights and terrorism”, the
          Special Rapporteur is urged to address, as appropriate, the consequences of
          acts, methods and practices of terrorist groups in his report to the
          Commission on Human Rights;
          (g) In resolution 1994/53, entitled “Human rights and thematic
          procedures”, the Special Rapporteur is requested, inter alia , to include in
          his report gender-disaggregated data and to address the characteristics and
          practice of violations of the right to life that are specifically or primarily
          directed against women, or to which women are particularly vulnerable;
          (h) In resolution 1994/66, entitled “Human rights and mass exoduses”,
          the Special Rapporteur is called upon to seek information, where appropriate,
          on problems resulting in mass exoduses of populations or impeding their
          voluntary return home and, where appropriate, to include such information,
          together with recommendations thereon, in his report to the Commission on
          Human Rights;
          (i) In resolution 1994/67, entitled “Civil defence forces”, the Special
          Rapporteur is invited to continue to pay due attention to the matter of civil
          defence forces in relation to the protection of human rights and fundamental
          freedoms;
          (j) In resolution 1994/69, entitled “Advisory services and the
          Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation in the Field of Human Rights”, the
          Special Rapporteur is invited to continue to include in his recommendations,
          whenever appropriate, proposals for specific projects to be realized under the
          programme of advisory services;
          (k) In resolution 1994/70, entitled “Cooperation with representatives
          of United Nations human rights bodies”, the Special Rapporteur is requested to
          continue to take urgent steps to help prevent the occurrence of intimidation
          and reprisals against persons who seek to cooperate, or have cooperated with,
          United Nations human rights procedures, as well as relatives of victims of
          human rights violations, and to continue to include in his report to the
          Commission on Human Rights a reference to allegations of intimidation or
          reprisal, or of hampering access to United Nations human rights procedures, as
          well as an account of action he has taken in this regard;
          (1) In resolution 1994/93, entitled “The plight of street children”,
          the Special Rapporteur is called upon to pay particular attention to the
          plight of street children;
          (m) In resolution 1994/95, entitled “World Conference on Human Rights”,
          the Special Rapporteur is requested to include in his report, where
          appropriate, a section on the implementation of the recommendations contained
          in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action.
          6. In examining and analysing the information brought to his attention,
          the Special Rapporteur has taken into consideration these requests by the
          Commission on Human Rights. Reference to the issues concerned will be made in
          chapter V, within the analysis of the Special Rapporteur's activities and the
          procedures applied in the framework of his mandate.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 8
          7. The “situations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions” which
          the Special Rapporteur is requested to examine comprise a variety of cases.
          All acts and omissions of State representatives that constitute a violation
          of the general recognition of the right to life embodied in the Universal
          Declaration of Human Rights (art. 3) and the International Covenant on Civil
          and Political Rights (art. 6 and also arts. 2, 4 (2), 26 and, particularly
          with regard to the death penalty, also arts. 14 and 15), as well as a number
          of other treaties, resolutions, conventions and declarations adopted by
          competent United Nations bodies, fall within his mandate. They may be grouped
          according to the following categories:
          (a) Violations of the right to life in connection with the death
          penalty;
          (b) Deaths in custody;
          (c) Deaths due to the use of force by law enforcement officials;
          (d) Violations of the right to life during armed conflicts;
          (e) Expulsion of persons to a country where their lives are in danger;
          (f) Genocide;
          (g) Breach of the obligation to investigate violations of the right to
          life;
          (h) Breach of the obligation to provide compensation to victims of
          violations of the right to life.
          8. A detailed analysis of these categories, together with a summary of the
          provisions contained in international instruments specifically relating to
          them, can be found in chapter II of the Special Rapporteur's report to the
          Commission on Human Rights at its forty-ninth session (E/cN.4/1993/46,
          paras. 42-68) . A list of the most important international instruments which
          constitute the legal framework for the work of the Special Rapporteur is
          contained in his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth
          session (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 10) .
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 9
          II. METHODS OF WORK
          9. In resolution 1994/82, the Commission on Human Rights requested the
          Special Rapporteur “to respond effectively to information which comes before
          him, in particular when an extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution is
          imminent or threatened, or when such an execution has occurred” (para. 6) .
          By the same resolution, the Commission commended the Special Rapporteur “for
          his methods of following up on communications with Governments and sources
          of information”, and encouraged him “to enhance further his dialogue with
          Governments as well as to follow up on recommendations made in reports after
          visits to particular countries” (para. 7) . Furthermore, the Commission
          welcomed “the cooperation established between the Special Rapporteur and other
          United Nations mechanisms and procedures in the field of human rights, as well
          as with medical and forensic experts”, and [ encouraged him] to continue
          efforts in this regard (para. 11) .
          10. Resolution 1994/53 of the Commission contains a number of provisions
          regarding visits and follow-up visits by thematic special rapporteurs:
          follow-up on recommendations made by them as well as on progress made by
          Governments with regard to their specific mandates; cooperation between
          thematic procedures and non-governmental organizations as well as between
          thematic special rapporteurs and working groups, relevant treaty monitoring
          bodies and country rapporteurs.
          11. On the basis of these provisions, the Special Rapporteur has continued to
          transmit allegations of violations of the right to life received from credible
          sources to the Governments concerned. As in former years, such communications
          took the form of urgent appeals where violations of the right to life were
          said to be imminent or threatened. In such cases, the Special Rapporteur
          called on the authorities to adopt the necessary measures for the protection
          of the right to life and physical integrity of the persons at risk. Where it
          was reported to the Special Rapporteur that extrajudicial, summary
          or arbitrary executions had already taken place, these allegations were
          transmitted to the Governments in summarized form, and the Special Rapporteur
          asked to be provided with detailed information concerning the investigations
          carried out by the competent authorities to clarify the facts and identify
          those responsible, as well as steps taken to bring the authors of such
          violations to justice and sanction them, grant adequate compensation to the
          victims or their families and prevent the future recurrence of violations of
          the right to life. To the extent possible, the Special Rapporteur followed
          up on these allegations and the replies received from Governments which could
          not be considered as final. Visits, consultations with a number of other
          United Nations mechanisms for the protection of human rights, as well as
          activities to promote the mandate, also continued to form part of the Special
          Rapporteur's methods of work, a detailed account of which can be found in
          chapter III below.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 10
          12. In his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session,
          the Special Rapporteur described in detail the procedures established within
          the framework of the mandate on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions, efforts undertaken to refine these procedures and increase their
          effectiveness, as well as difficulties encountered in the practice of their
          application (E/cN.4/1994/7, paras. 17-67) . Issues concerning procedural
          matters will be discussed in chapter V which contains, inter alia , the Special
          Rapporteur's analysis of the developments of the working of his mandate during
          the past year.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 11
          III. ACTIVITIES
          13. The following sections give an account of the activities carried out by
          the Special Rapporteur in the implementation of the mandate entrusted to him
          by the Commission on Human Rights.
          A. Consultations
          14. The Special Rapporteur visited Geneva from 23 February to 1 March 1994.
          On 2 March 1994, he presented his report to the Commission on Human Rights.
          The Special Rapporteur also visited Geneva from 24 May to 3 June 1994,
          18 to 21 June 1994, 20 to 22 July 1994, 14 to 23 September 1994 and 21 to
          25 November 1994 for consultations with the Secretariat. During his visits to
          Geneva, he met with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, a number of other
          special rapporteurs, representatives and members of working groups of the
          Commission on Human Rights. He also held meetings with representatives of
          Governments and non-governmental organizations, as well as with individuals
          who have themselves been victims of, or witnesses to, violations of the right
          to life. During 24 and 25 May 1994, the Special Rapporteur participated in
          the third special session of the Commission on Human Rights, dedicated to the
          situation in Rwanda.
          15. Furthermore, from 30 May to 1 June 1994, the Special Rapporteur
          participated in the meeting of special rapporteurs/representatives/experts and
          chairpersons of working groups of the special procedures of the Commission on
          Human Rights and of the advisory services programme of the Centre for Human
          Rights in Geneva, convened by the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights
          and chaired by the Chairman of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary
          Disappearances, with the participation of the High Commissioner for Human
          Rights.
          B. Communications
          16. The Special Rapporteur continued to receive numerous reports and
          allegations concerning his mandate. As in the past, some of them referred to
          the phenomenon of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in general;
          others contained particular cases of alleged extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions. This information was processed and allegations sent to
          the Governments concerned in accordance with the methods of work established
          within the framework of the mandate. The efforts made during 1993 to enhance
          follow-up with Governments and sources of information translated into an
          increased number of follow-up communications received during 1994. The
          Special Rapporteur continued his endeavour to follow up on the cases
          transmitted to Governments since he assumed his functions in June 1992.
          17. In total, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Governments concerned
          allegations he had received concerning violations of the right to life of more
          than 3,000 persons in 65 countries. A total of 152 cases concerned alleged
          extrajudicial executions or death threats where the victims were minors, 9 of
          whom were said to be under 10 years of age, 10 street children; 118 cases
          concerned alleged violations of the right to life of women. 1/ More than
          520 persons were said to have been killed or threatened with death for
          exercising their right to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 12
          and association. In 19 countries, members of indigenous groups or other
          ethnic, national, religious or linguistic minorities were said to have been
          victims of violations of the right to life.
          Urgent appeals
          18. Since 23 November 1993, the date of the finalization of his report to
          the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session, the Special Rapporteur
          has sent 203 urgent appeals concerning more than 2,300 persons to the
          following 53 countries: Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bosnia and
          Herzegovina, Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic,
          Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia,
          Gabon, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of) , Iraq,
          Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal,
          Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone,
          Singapore, South Africa, Tajikistan, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey,
          Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern
          Ireland, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Yemen and Zaire.
          19. Pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 1994/70, the
          Special Rapporteur sent urgent appeals to the Governments of Argentina,
          Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru and Rwanda on behalf of persons
          or organizations which had allegedly received death threats after availing
          themselves of United Nations procedures for the protection of human rights.
          Other allegations
          20. Allegations concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          execution of over 700 persons were transmitted to the following 45 countries:
          Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia,
          Cameroon, Chile, China, Colombia, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia,
          Guatemala, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of) , Israel,
          Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Mali, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria,
          Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka,
          Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
          Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela and Zaire.
          21. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank all those who provided him
          with information. He wishes to express his particular appreciation and
          admiration for those individuals or organizations which carry out their
          activities for the defence of human rights and, in particular, the right to
          life, under difficult circumstances and often at great personal risk.
          Communications received from Governments and follow-up
          22. Since the finalization of his report to the Commission on Human Rights
          at its fiftieth session, the Special Rapporteur has received a large number
          of replies. The following Governments provided such replies concerning
          allegations transmitted to them:
          (a) In 1994: Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Burundi, Colombia,
          Costa Rica, Egypt, Gabon, Guatemala, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq,
          Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mali, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru,
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 13
          Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine,
          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uzbekistan, Venezuela
          and Zaire;
          (b) In 1993: Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, China,
          Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, India,
          Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Sri Lanka,
          Sudan, Turkey and Venezuela;
          (c) In 1992: Angola, Bangladesh, Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, India,
          Peru and Venezuela.
          23. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank these Governments for the
          information provided. Their willingness to cooperate with his mandate is much
          appreciated, and the Special Rapporteur hopes that the dialogue thus initiated
          will continue, in the common interest of the protection of the right to life.
          24. In accordance with the procedures established, the contents of the
          replies received were sent to the sources of the allegations, some of which
          provided the Special Rapporteur with their comments and observations thereon.
          The Special Rapporteur also sent follow-up letters to a number of Governments
          from which he had received replies that could not be considered as final.
          25. A number of Governments have not replied to allegations of extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions brought to their attention. For a detailed
          analysis of the responses of Governments to the allegations transmitted to
          them and the effectiveness of the follow-up procedures established within his
          mandate, the Special Rapporteur refers to chapter V below.
          C. Visits
          26. From 3 to 13 July 1994, the Special Rapporteur visited Indonesia and
          East Timor, after the Government of Indonesia extended an invitation to him
          to do so, pursuant to Commission on Human Rights resolution 1993/97. The
          Special Rapporteur's report on this visit, which includes his findings,
          conclusions and recommendations, was published in November 1994
          (E/cN.4/1995/61/Add.1) .
          27. From 17 to 26 October 1994, the Special Rapporteur undertook a visit
          to Colombia with a view to examining the current situation of violations of
          the right to life and, particularly, to following up on the recommendations
          made by his predecessor as Special Rapporteur on Summary or arbitrary
          executions, Mr. S. Amos Wako, after his visit to Colombia in October 1989
          (E/cN.4/1990/22 and Add.1) . Given the affinity between problems relating
          to the right to life and the right to physical integrity, as well as the fact
          that both Special Rapporteurs had received invitations from the Government of
          Colombia to visit the country, the mission was carried out jointly with the
          Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, Mr. Nigel S. Rodley. Their
          joint report is presented to the Commission on Human Rights in a separate
          document (E/cN.4/1995/111) .
          28. At present, the Special Rapporteur is in possession of open
          invitations from the Governments of Algeria, Azerbaijan, Burundi, Gabon
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 14
          and Sri Lanka. Both the visit to Burundi, scheduled for April 1994 and the
          visit to Azerbaijan, planned for the second half of August 1994, had to be
          postponed to a later date in view of the urgent situation in Rwanda, which
          forced the Special Rapporteur to review his mission schedule for 1994. For
          the visits to Algeria and Sri Lanka, the Special Rapporteur has not yet been
          in a position to suggest dates for a possible visit to the Governments
          concerned. With regard to a possible visit to Gabon, reference is made to
          paragraph 139 of the present report.
          29. Consultations with the Government of India concerning a possible visit
          have not advanced since 1993. The Government of Bangladesh refused to extend
          an invitation to the Special Rapporteur, while the Government of Turkey, in
          1992, agreed to the principle of a visit but has since eschewed all attempts
          by the Special Rapporteur to set concrete dates for such a visit.
          30. No replies have as yet been received from the following Governments,
          which the Special Rapporteur had approached regarding the possibility of
          conducting a visit: China, Tajikistan and the United States of America.
          31. For further details, reference is made to the corresponding country
          sections contained in the present report.
          D. Cooperation with other United Nations procedures
          32. The year 1994 saw a marked increase in cooperation and coordination
          between the different experts of the Commission on Human Rights. One of
          the major events in this regard was the meeting of special rapporteurs/
          representatives/experts and chairpersons of working groups of the special
          procedures of the Commission on Human Rights and of the advisory services
          programme of the Centre for Human Rights held from 30 May to 1 June 1994 in
          Geneva. The Special Rapporteur very much welcomed this opportunity to meet
          his colleagues and discuss issues of common concern. The results of these
          consultations are contained in a report prepared by the Special Rapporteur
          on the question of torture, who acted as rapporteur of the meeting
          (E/cN.4/1995/5, annex).
          33. The practice of joint missions, first instituted under the mandate of the
          Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the former Yugoslavia
          in 1992, was continued in 1994. Unfortunately, the first such initiative
          planned for the month of April - a joint visit to Burundi and Rwanda with the
          Representative of the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons - had
          to be abandoned due to the outbreak of the armed conflict in Rwanda on
          6 April 1994. However, two joint missions could take place during 1994.
          34. From 10 to 20 June 1994, at the invitation of the Special Rapporteur
          on the situation of human rights in Rwanda, Mr. Rena Degni-S gui, the
          Special Rapporteur participated in the first mission of this newly established
          mandate to Rwanda and neighbouring countries. The Special Rapporteur on the
          question of torture also took part in this visit. Due to the difficult
          situation then prevailing in Rwanda and the resulting logistical constraints
          affecting transport to, and accommodation in, Kigali, the mission was obliged
          to split. Thus, the Special Rapporteur accompanied Mr. Degni-S gui to
          Bujumbura (Burundi) and Nairobi (Kenya), and then visited the refugee camp of
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 15
          Benaco (United Republic of Tanzania) on behalf of the Special Rapporteur on
          the situation of human rights in Rwanda. The conclusions and recommendations
          resulting from this joint mission are contained in Mr. Degni-S gui's first
          report to the Commission on Human Rights, presented on 29 July 1994
          (E/cN. 4/1995/7) .
          35. From 17 to 26 October 1994, the Special Rapporteur visited Colombia,
          together with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture. It should
          be noted that this was the first joint mission of two thematic special
          rapporteurs. The Special Rapporteur feels that in a context such as the
          situation in Colombia, where violations of the right to life and the right to
          physical integrity are very much linked, the combined experience and expertise
          of the two mandates were most beneficial to the success of the mission.
          36. Furthermore, during his visits to Geneva, the Special Rapporteur had the
          opportunity to exchange views with the High Commissioner for Human Rights,
          particularly on the situation in Rwanda and Burundi. As in former years, he
          held informal consultations with several other special rapporteurs and members
          of working groups of the Commission on Human Rights. Exchange of information
          also continued with the Committee on the Rights of the Child and other treaty
          bodies, particularly the Human Rights Committee, and with the United Nations
          High Commissioner for Refugees, concerning some specific cases of common
          interest. During his missions, the Special Rapporteur also benefited from the
          support and cooperation of the UNDP resident representatives in Bujumbura,
          Jakarta and Bogota as well as the United Nations Rwanda Emergency Office
          (tJNREO) in Nairobi.
          37. The Special Rapporteur notes with regret that no reply was received to
          his inquiries about steps taken by those responsible for the United Nations
          peace-keeping operation in Somalia to investigate allegations of involvement
          of their personnel in extrajudicial killings of civilians. His attempts
          to establish contacts with the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch
          of the United Nations Centre for Social Development in Vienna were also
          unsuccessful. The Special Rapporteur will again approach these institutions
          and hopes that contacts may be made in the near future.
          E. Other activities to promote the mandate
          38. From 28 to 31 March 1994, the Special Rapporteur delivered a speech on
          human rights in Africa at a conference organized by the African-American
          Institute in Accra. On 24 May 1994, the Special Rapporteur participated in a
          special meeting on the situation in the countries of the Grands Lacs region
          (Rwanda, Burundi, Zaire) , organized by the World Organization against Torture
          in Geneva. From 27 to 30 June 1994, the Special Rapporteur participated in a
          meeting on human rights and structural adjustment programmes in Ouagadougou.
          Following his mission to East Timor, on 15 July 1994 the Special Rapporteur
          visited Australia at the invitation of the Australian section of Amnesty
          International. Finally, on 1 November 1994, he gave a lecture on his mandate
          at Hunter College, City University of New York.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 16
          39. In September 1994, the Special Rapporteur was awarded the Human Rights
          Prize 1994 by the International Service for Human Rights in Geneva. In his
          address at the ceremony, the Special Rapporteur referred to a number of
          questions related to his work, in particular the serious limitations caused by
          the scarcity of human and material resources at his disposal.
          40. The Special Rapporteur also contributed an article to a publication
          of the French section of Amnesty International, aimed at raising public
          awareness of the problem of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
          In addition, the Special Rapporteur tried to explain the purpose and working
          of his mandate to a broader public in a number of press interviews.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 17
          IV. SITUATIONS
          A. General
          41. The following sections contain an overview of country-specific
          situations. They present a short summary of allegations of violations of
          the right to life as well as general information pertinent to his mandate
          received by the Special Rapporteur during the past year and an account of the
          communications sent, in response to these allegations, to the Governments
          concerned, as well as of replies received from Governments. As concerns the
          replies received from Governments, those referring to allegations transmitted
          by the Special Rapporteur in 1992 and 1993 are included under the heading
          “Follow-up”, together with communications in which he asked the Governments
          concerned to provide details in addition to those contained in the replies
          received. Finally, where appropriate, the Special Rapporteur concludes the
          country sections with observations that contain specific comments, conclusions
          and recommendations.
          42. The present report contains an account of all communications sent and
          government replies received by the Special Rapporteur between 23 November 1993
          and 25 November 1994, with the exception of a reply from China which was
          received on 19 November 1993 but could not be translated before the closing
          date for the preparation of the Special Rapporteur's report to the Commission
          on Human Rights at its fiftieth session. It should be noted that, unless
          otherwise specified in the text, the dates of urgent appeals sent and
          communications received from Governments are given in parenthesis. During
          1994, the Special Rapporteur sent letters containing allegations on two
          occasions, namely on 3 June and on 23 September 1994. Unless otherwise
          stated, follow-up letters were also sent on 23 September 1994.
          43. Due to severe limitations on the length of the present report, the
          Special Rapporteur was compelled to shorten considerably this overview of
          information received and activities carried out for each specific country.
          In most cases, he could no longer present a summary of the cases he dealt
          with, but had to limit himself to listing the names of those on whose behalf
          he intervened. While he regrets this limitation, which inevitably entails a
          reduction of the information contained in the present report, the Special
          Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that full details on each of these cases can be
          obtained from the Secretariat.
          B. Country situations
          Afghanistan
          44. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received reports indicating that
          the armed conflict between different factions continued unabated, causing
          the death of more than 3,000 civilians during the first half of the year.
          However, he received only one case containing enough information to enable it
          to be transmitted to the Government. These allegations concerned the death of
          Mir Wais Jalil, EEC World Service journalist, after having been abducted in
          Kabul on 29 July 1994. By the time the present report was finalized, no reply
          had been received from the Government. With regard to an analysis of the
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 18
          situation prevailing in Afghanistan, reference is made to the report of
          the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the country,
          Mr. Felix Ermacora (E/CN.4/1995/64) .
          Algeria
          Information received and communications sent
          45. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received reports indicating that
          violations of the right to life continued on an alarming scale. Security
          forces were said to counter acts of violence by Islamist groups through
          repressive measures throughout the country. According to press reports, the
          number of death sentences handed down by Special Courts had reached 489 by
          mid-May. Six death sentences were said to have been carried out by that date.
          The Special Rapporteur has not received any allegations containing specific
          cases during the past year.
          Follow-up
          46. Further to his urgent appeal of 1 July 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 107), the Special Rapporteur, on 3 December 1993, sent a letter to the
          Government of Algeria expressing concern at a number of provisions contained
          in Decree No. 92-30 of 30 September 1992, in particular, an extension of the
          death penalty to off ences previously punishable with life imprisonment; the
          Decree also contained a number of limitations with regard to defendants'
          rights, resulting in a lower standard of procedural rights for defendants in
          Special Court by comparison with ordinary courts. The Special Rapporteur also
          expressed concern with regard to restrictions on the full exercise of right to
          appeal in proceedings before Special Courts and the possibility that, under
          Decree No. 92-30, death sentences might be imposed on persons between 16
          and 18 years of age.
          47. On 8 February 1994, the Government replied to this letter, explaining
          that the exceptional limit of 12 days for garde-&-vue detention corresponded
          to the degree of gravity, amplitude and complexity inherent in terrorism
          cases. The Government pointed out that the right to appeal was fully
          guaranteed through the review by cassation, by which the Supreme Court could
          decide to refer the case to the same Special Court, but with a different
          composition, or to another Special Court. In such cases, new proceedings were
          started, allowing for the review of the facts by a different jurisdiction.
          The provision enabling Special Courts to sentence minors between 16 and
          18 years of age to death has never been applied. It was pointed out that this
          provision had a deterrent character and was meant to warn young people.
          It should make them reflect thoroughly before joining the Islamic Salvation
          Front (FIS) and alert parents to exercise their authority to prevent their
          children from engaging in terrorism and subversion. Furthermore, the
          Government pointed out that death sentences handed down in absentia were
          subject to appeal, once the defendants were apprehended, and should therefore
          not be included in the number of death sentences handed down. Thus, as
          at 31 December 1993, 5,752 persons had been tried by Special Courts; the
          number of definitive death sentences handed down, i.e. with the defendants
          present, was 22.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 19
          Observations
          48. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the information
          provided and their willingness to cooperate. However, his concerns regarding
          procedural shortcomings before the Special Courts persist, even if the number
          of executions actually carried out appears to be small. Similarly, the fact
          that the possibility of sentencing to death, and executing, minors exists
          under the law constitutes a breach of the prohibition of capital punishment
          for crimes committed by minors contained in article 6, paragraph 2, of the
          International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and article 37 (a) of the
          Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his
          appeal to the authorities to revise its legislation so as to make it conform
          to the pertinent international standards.
          49. The Special Rapporteur is also deeply concerned at the continuing
          conflict and the large numbers of victims on both sides, in particular
          civilians. Reports of killings of numerous persons who expressed criticism at
          the ongoing violence, including teachers, journalists, lawyers and judges, are
          particularly disturbing. The Special Rapporteur wishes to emphasize that,
          even when confronting an armed opposition whose members very often show total
          disrespect for the right to life and the physical integrity of security forces
          and civilians, law enforcement personnel are bound by international law to
          respect fully the restrictions on the use of force and firearms as contained
          in a number of international instruments. The Special Rapporteur appeals to
          the Government to ensure this respect in practice. He also urges the
          authorities to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all cases
          of excessive or arbitrary use of force, to bring those responsible to justice
          and punish them, and to grant adequate compensation to the families of the
          victims. Finally, the Special Rapporteur calls on the Government and the
          leaders of the FIS to continue efforts towards negotiations with a view to
          ending the armed confrontation and violations of human rights resulting
          therefrom.
          Angola
          Information received and communications sent
          50. According to the information received, the armed conflict between the
          Government and the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (tINITA)
          continued in 1994. However, the reports received contained only very few
          specific cases of alleged extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. All
          of these cases were said to have occurred in 1993 in the city of Benguela and
          concerned the following seven persons: Pedro Katenguenha, Constantino Chitue,
          Pastor Agostinho Canjila, Joao Batista, Batista Limila, Dr. Belchior Rodrigues
          and Dr. Elias Chipindula. In addition, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent
          appeal to the Government after receiving reports of an attack, allegedly by
          members of the police and the military, against Mfulumpinga N'Landu Victor,
          President of the Democratic Party for the Progress of the National Alliance of
          JIIgola, (6 July 1994) .
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 20
          Communications received
          51. On 19 October 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that judicial inquiries had revealed that internal tensions within his own
          political party were a possible motive for the attack against
          Mfulumpinga N'Landu Victor.
          Follow-up
          52. On 24 October 1994, the Government provided a reply to allegations
          transmitted by the Special Rapporteur in 1992, 1993 and on 3 June 1994,
          informing him that in most of the cases it was not possible to carry out any
          investigations due to the situation of armed conflict which had affected,
          inter alia , the archives of the police and the courts. With regard to the
          allegations concerning the death of Dr. Elias Chipindula, the Government
          pointed out that he was alive and working at the Provincial Tribunal of
          Benguela.
          Observations
          53. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information
          provided. Reports about large-scale and widespread violations of human rights
          and humanitarian law entailing the death of large numbers of civilians,
          through deprivation of food or indiscriminate attacks, continued to be most
          worrying. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his hope that the accord
          signed recently between the Government and UNITA will constitute a new
          beginning in the process towards peace and reconciliation in Angola, and calls
          on both parties to make every effort to ensure respect for the right to life
          and physical integrity.
          Argentina
          Communications sent
          54. Three urgent appeals were sent to the Government after the Special
          Rapporteur had received reports of death threats against the following
          persons: Elena Mendoza, a lawyer working with the organization Abuelas de
          la Plaza de Mayo (Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo) (25 September 1994) ;
          Hebe de Bonafini, President of the organization Madres de la Plaza
          de Mayo (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo) (13 October 1994) ; and
          Dr. Federico Alfredo Huber, a lawyer representing the family of a young
          engineer, Diego Rodriguez Laguens, allegedly killed by police officers while
          in custody in San Pedro, Jujuy, on 20 February 1994 (20 October 1994) .
          Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government the case of
          Omar Octavio Carrasco, who reportedly disappeared and was found dead shortly
          after his induction into military service on 6 March 1994.
          Communications received
          55. The Government informed the Special Rapporteur that penal proceedings
          had been initiated with several charges including murder brought against
          13 police officers in the case of Diego Rodriguez Laguens (8 June 1994) . In a
          second reply dated 25 November 1994, the Government further reported that
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 21
          judicial investigations were continuing. In the same letter, the Government
          stated that a court order was issued to the police to protect the home of
          Dr. Federico Huber, who was also given protection during his stay in the
          province of Jujuy, and that Elena Mendoza had not followed up an invitation by
          the Ministry of the Interior to bring complaints; she had also declined an
          offer of police protection. With regard to alleged threats against
          Hebe de Bonafini and other members of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, the
          Government reported that no steps could be taken as no complaint had been made
          before any competent jurisdiction. Finally, the Government pointed out that
          judicial proceedings had been opened against two members of the military and
          two civilians in the case of the killing of Omar Octavio Carrasco.
          Follow-up
          56. The Government provided a reply to an urgent appeal sent by the Special
          Rapporteur on behalf of Hebe de Bonafini in August 1993, stating that no
          investigation into the case had been started as the alleged death threats had
          not been reported to the judicial authorities by Mrs. de Bonafini or her
          organization (4 February 1994) . The Special Rapporteur transmitted the
          contents of both replies to the sources of the information. With regard to
          the case of Diego Rodriguez Laguens, he asked the Government in a letter dated
          23 September 1994 for further information on the progress of the judicial
          proceedings and, in particular, the exact rank of the police officers involved
          and whether disciplinary sanctions had been imposed on any of them.
          Observations
          57. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Argentina for information
          provided in reply to all the cases transmitted in 1994. The willingness of
          the authorities to cooperate with his mandate thus shown is much appreciated.
          However, he notes with concern the reports of death threats against human
          rights activists and lawyers seeking to clarify the circumstances of alleged
          human rights violations, in particular as concerns cases of disappearances
          during the years of military rule. The recurrent reports of death threats
          against Hebe de Bonafini and other members of the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo
          are most disturbing. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities once again
          to adopt all measures necessary for the protection of those whose life and
          physical integrity are at risk. He also recalls the obligation of all
          Governments under international law to carry out impartial and exhaustive
          investigations into all allegations of violations of the right to life,
          whether they be brought to the attention of the authorities by the victims
          themselves, their families or lawyers, or by a competent international organ
          such as the Special Rapporteur.
          Azerbaij an
          58. The Special Rapporteur was informed that the armed conflict between the
          armed forces of Azerbaijan and forces composed of Armenians fighting for
          self-determination in Nagorno Karabakh continued throughout 1994, despite
          attempts at negotiating an end to the fighting through cease-fire agreements.
          The Special Rapporteur also received reports of deaths in custody of persons
          held in prisons in Azerbaijan, allegedly as a consequence of ill-treatment.
          Some of them were said to have been sentenced to death earlier in trial
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 22
          proceedings allegedly falling short of internationally recognized fair trial
          standards, particularly as regards the right to appeal and to seek clemency.
          The Special Rapporteur had transmitted two of these cases to the Government in
          1992 and 1993, respectively. However, the information received in 1994 did
          not include detailed information on further cases to be brought to the
          attention of the authorities of Azerbaijan.
          59. Concerned at the persistence and gravity of the allegations received, the
          Special Rapporteur inquired, on 31 January 1994, whether the Government would
          consider inviting him to carry out a visit to Azerbaijan. On 11 March 1994,
          the Government responded positively to this request and the visit was planned
          for the second half of August 1994. However, due to the developments of the
          situation in Rwanda, the Special Rapporteur had to revise his schedule of
          visits and was obliged to postpone his visit to Azerbaijan to a later date.
          He wishes to thank the Government for the invitation extended and hopes to be
          in a position to visit Azerbaijan in the near future.
          Bangladesh
          Information received and communications sent
          60. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur continued to receive numerous
          reports indicating that human rights violations, including extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, by members of the security forces of
          Bangladesh continued to occur in the Chittagong Hill Tracts despite
          negotiations between a government commission and the Jana Shanghati Samiti
          (People's Solidarity Association), a political organization representing the
          Jumma people, the indigenous inhabitants of the area. These negotiations
          started in November 1992, and the unilateral cease-fire declared in
          August 1992 by the Shanti Bahini , the armed wing of the JSS, was turned into a
          mutual cease-fire agreement which was extended at each round of negotiations.
          By S May 1994, seven rounds of dialogue had taken place. The Special
          Rapporteur was informed, however, that one of the central problems remained to
          be resolved: the attribution of land in the Chittagong Hill Tracts now
          occupied by Bengali settlers but traditionally occupied and claimed by the
          Jumma people.
          61. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government the case of
          Chandu Moni Chakma and 12 other Jumma people, reportedly killed on
          17 November 1993 when soldiers and Bengali settlers attacked a student
          demonstration at Naniachar Thana, Rangamati. According to information
          received later, up to 100 persons were killed during this attack. An
          investigation into the case was reportedly carried out by a Government-
          appointed judge, but by September 1994 its results had not yet been made
          public.
          62. The Special Rapporteur also sent an urgent appeal to the Government,
          calling on the authorities to provide the necessary protection to writer and
          journalist Taslima Nasreen, who had been forced into hiding by death threats
          from fundamentalist Islamic groups (6 July 1994) .
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 23
          Communications received
          63. On 19 October 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur
          with information concerning 6 of the 13 Jumma people killed at Naniachar,
          informing him that complaints had been filed on behalf of each of them and
          investigations were under way. The Government further informed the Special
          Rapporteur that each victim's family had been allotted an amount of money,
          warm clothes and food items. With regard to the remaining persons referred to
          in the Special Rapporteur's letter, the Government stated that three of the
          names did not appear to be correct and the remaining four had in fact not been
          involved in the killings at Naniachar.
          Follow-up
          64. In a letter to the Government dated 23 September 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur sought additional information with regard to a number of cases
          transmitted to the authorities in 1992 and 1993 to which replies had been
          provided but which did not elucidate all questions (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 140-143) . In particular, the Special Rapporteur asked to receive more
          detailed information about investigations carried out and reports published as
          a result thereof. In the same letter, the Special Rapporteur reiterated his
          interest in carrying out a visit to Bangladesh, first expressed in a letter to
          the Government on 29 July 1992. The Special Rapporteur pointed out that the
          replies provided by the Government had been contested by the source of the
          allegations, which reiterated its earlier allegations and claimed that the
          information supplied by the Government did not provide an accurate account of
          the circumstances. In addition, the authorities had not replied to the
          Special Rapporteur's very detailed follow-up questions formulated in his
          letter of 22 September 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 144). In this
          situation, an on-site visit would be the only possibility for the Special
          Rapporteur to find out which one of the contradicting versions presented
          corresponds to reality.
          Observations
          65. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information
          provided in its replies and hopes that the authorities may reconsider their
          refusal to invite him to visit Bangladesh. However, he notes with concern the
          continuing allegations of violations of the right to life and of the
          obligation to carry out full, independent investigations and render their
          results public. With regard to the killing of a large number of people
          reported to have taken place at Naniachar in November 1993, the pattern
          observed is similar to what happened after the massacre at Logang cluster
          village in 1992 (see E/CN.4/1993/46, paras. 116-117) : an inquiry, headed by a
          Government-appointed judge, was initiated, but its results have not been made
          public nor is anyone known to have been held responsible for the killings.
          The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to fulfil its obligation under
          international law to clarify the circumstances of each alleged violation of
          the right to life with a view to identifying those responsible and bringing
          them to justice, and to take the appropriate measures to prevent similar acts
          from happening again in the future. This obligation also requires that the
          results of investigations be made public. Finally, the Special Rapporteur
          also calls on the parties to the negotiations concerning the settlement of
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 24
          problems in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to make every effort so that these
          negotiations may progress and lead to a peaceful solution of the crisis.
          Bolivia
          66. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the authorities the case of
          a Spanish citizen, Manuel Ram6n Puchol Pastor, allegedly killed on
          9 February 1994 while in custody of the Bolivian army at San Matias,
          department of Santa Cruz. An investigation commission was said to have been
          established and some of the soldiers involved were reportedly arrested. By
          the time the present report was finalized, no reply had been received from the
          Government of Bolivia.
          Bosnia and Herzegovina
          67. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed that Sretko Damjanovic and Borislav Herak were sentenced to
          death by a military court in Sarajevo, after being convicted of genocide and
          war crimes against civilians. During pre-trial detention and during the
          proceedings before the court, they were said to have suffered restrictions
          of access to their lawyers and of their right to prepare an adequate
          defence. They were also said to have been tortured during interrogations
          (10 March 1994) . By the time the present report was finalized, no reply had
          been received from the Government. For an analysis of the human rights
          situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, reference is made to the reports of the
          Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the territory of the
          former Yugoslavia, Mr. Tadeusz Mazowiecki (E/cN.4/1995/4, 10 and 57) .
          Brazil
          Information received and communications sent
          68. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur continued to receive reports of
          violence directed against street children. Several sources expressed concern
          that the number of abuses, including extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions, by members of the security forces, particularly the military
          police, has not decreased. Only very few of those responsible for human
          rights violations are brought to justice and held responsible. Killings in
          the context of land conflicts in rural areas were also reported to continue
          during the past year. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur was also informed
          of a study indicating that acts of violence against indigenous people had
          doubled in 1993 as compared with 1992, including the killing of 16 Yanomami at
          Haximu (see E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 154 and 158 (d)) .
          69. Four urgent appeals were sent to the Government. The Special Rapporteur
          called on the authorities to adopt all necessary measures to guarantee the
          protection of F bio de Oliveira (Barao, 13) and 53 other street children who,
          together with two adults, had witnessed the extrajudicial execution of
          7 street children by military police near the Candelaria church in
          Rio de Janeiro in July 1993 (2 June 1994) . He also expressed concern at
          reports of death threats against journalist Cesar Gomes Gama and other staff
          of the newspaper Clasificados e informacioes (CINFORM) and Adelmo Peixoto
          Hora Nunes, a military policeman, reportedly after they had published
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 25
          information about the involvement of military police and other State
          authorities in the activities of a “death squad” in Aracaju, Sergipe
          (26 September and 13 October 1994) . Fears were also expressed for the lives
          of a group of 500 landless rural workers and their families camped outside the
          Fazenda Mocambo (Mocambo Estate) in Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia, after an
          attack on 29 October 1994 in which two people, Manoel Bonfim Bastos and
          Zilda de Jesus Silva, died and six others were seriously wounded by a group
          of gunmen in which police officers were said to have participated
          (14 November 1994) .
          70. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the authorities the
          cases of street children Marcos Jose do Espirito Santo (17) and Hemisferio
          Peres Ferreira (16), reportedly killed by two military police agents on
          29 November 1993 in Varzea Grande, Mato Grosso, and of Democlides Albuquerque
          Carneiro, member of the Maxcui indigenous group, allegedly killed while in
          police custody in Alto Alegria, Roraima, on 6 November 1993.
          Communications received
          71. In reply to the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 26 September 1994
          concerning alleged death threats against staff of the newspaper CINFORM, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur about the steps taken to ensure the
          lives and safety of the threatened persons (18 October 1994) .
          Follow-up
          72. The Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a series of replies
          to allegations transmitted in 1992 and 1993, informing him that investigations
          had been opened into the killings of street children Ademir Silveira
          dos Santos et al . , (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 153 (a)) (26 November 1993 and
          3 June 1994) ; street children Erivan Jose da Silva and Jose Fernando Almeida
          (E/cN.4/1993/46, para. 131) (30 November 1993); agricultural cooperative
          leader Joaci Rodrigues da Silva (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 155 (b))
          (5 January 1994); and trade union leader Arnaldo Dalcidio Ferreira
          (E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 155 (b)) (23 March 1994). In the case of Paulo Henrique
          da Silva (E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 155 (b)), the Government informed the Special
          Rapporteur that the inquiries had not yielded sufficient elements so as to
          indict any policeman for the crimes of homicide or bodily injuries followed by
          death (24 March 1994) .
          73. The competent institutions were reportedly ordered to provide protection
          to Archbishop Pedro Casaldaliga and Sister Cecilia Petrina da Carvalho
          (E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 153 (c) ) (29 November 1993 and 3 January 1994) . In
          addition, several communications from the Government concerned progress in
          the proceedings concerning the killing of seven street children near the
          Candelaria church in Rio de Janeiro in July 1993. JII indictment was returned
          on 28 June 1994 against four persons, one of them a lieutenant in the
          gendarmerie/military police and two other military policemen, who will be
          tried by the Tribunal of the Grand Jury (3 January 1994, 27 June 1994,
          18 October 1994) .
          74. On 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur addressed a follow-up letter
          to the Government in which he sought information in addition to the elements
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 26
          provided by the authorities in the aforementioned replies, as well as in
          communications received by the Special Rapporteur during the second half
          of 1993, on the current status of investigations opened and the measures
          adopted in practice to protect persons said to be under threat, as
          appropriate. In reply to this letter, the Government informed the Special
          Rapporteur in a communication of 8 November 1994 that the latest information
          available on the cases in question had been transmitted to the Special
          Rapporteur in the corresponding replies during 1993 and 1994.
          Observations
          75. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the authorities for their
          willingness to cooperate with his mandate, shown repeatedly over the past
          years. Their endeavours to provide information on the cases transmitted are
          much appreciated. Nevertheless, concerns persist at the allegations received
          and the Special Rapporteur encourages the Government to continue efforts
          towards more effective protection of street children and those participating
          in judicial proceedings as witnesses or in any other capacity. Initiatives
          aiming at subjecting the military police to civilian courts are most useful
          and should be pursued with vigour. In this context, the Special Rapporteur
          wishes to recall once again the importance of fulfilling the obligation under
          international law to investigate all allegations of violations of the right to
          life, with a view to clarifying them, identifying those responsible and
          bringing them to justice, preventing similar acts from happening again in the
          future and granting adequate compensation to the victims or their families.
          Burundi
          Information received and communications sent
          76. The Special Rapporteur was informed of the results of inquiries into
          the violence following the attempted coup d'etat by the armed forces
          on 21 October 1993, carried out by a commission of inquiry composed of several
          international human rights organizations. This investigation concluded that
          the majority of the military hierarchy of Burundi was involved in, or had
          not opposed, the assassination of President Melchior Ndadaye and other
          high-ranking government officials. The ensuing violence led to the death of
          approximately 50,000 persons. Although the massacres had reportedly
          abated by the end of 1993, the killing of several hundred persons was said to
          have taken place in 1994, both in Bujumbura and in the countryside. After
          President Cyprien Ntyamira, elected in January 1994 to succeed
          President Ndadaye, died in the attack against the plane of Rwandan
          President Juv nal Habyarimana on 6 April 1994, it was feared that the
          situation would explode again. However, according to the reports received,
          relative calm could be maintained. With regard to a detailed analysis of the
          human rights situation in Burundi, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer to
          the report by the Secretary-General on the situation of human rights in the
          country (E/CN.4/1995/66) and the report by the Representative of the
          Secretary-General on internally displaced persons who visited Burundi in
          September 1994 (E/cN.4/1995/50/Add.2).
          77. Three urgent appeals were sent to the Government in 1994: the Special
          Rapporteur expressed concern at the killing of some 50 civilians during the
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 27
          months of January and February 1994 and more than 200 unarmed civilians,
          allegedly by members of the army, in the Kamenge area of Bujumbura on
          6 March 1994 (10 March 1994) . He urged the authorities once again to adopt
          all necessary measures to prevent acts of violence, allegedly due to
          disproportionate use of force, after receiving reports of further killings of
          civilians in Kamenge as well as two other districts of Bujumbura, Cibitoke and
          Kinama (25 March 1994) . In addition, the Special Rapporteur sent an urgent
          appeal after being informed that a group of refugees from Rwanda, including
          Alphonse-Marie Nkubito, former Procurator General at the Appeals Court, were
          being held at Bujumbura airport to be sent to Bukavu, Zaire, where their lives
          were feared to be at risk due to the presence of elements of the Rwandan
          government forces (13 April 1994) .
          Communications received
          78. On 11 May 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's urgent
          appeal of 13 April 1994, informing him that Alphonse-Marie Nkubito had left
          Burundi for Brussels, while the remaining 186 refugees had been transported to
          Bukavu at their own request. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur thanked the authorities for the information provided.
          Observations
          79. In view of the scale and gravity of violations of the right to life
          reported to have occurred in Burundi throughout 1993, particularly during the
          months of October and November, the Special Rapporteur had intended to carry
          out a visit to Burundi during the first half of 1994, together with the
          Representative of the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons.
          A request to this effect had been made to the Government on 17 December 1993
          and an invitation to visit Burundi was extended by the authorities on
          17 January 1994. On 24 January 1994, the two experts proposed that the visit
          should take place at the end of April. However, shortly thereafter, the
          Special Rapporteur was informed that a commission of inquiry had been
          established under the responsibility of the Special Representative of the
          Secretary-General on Burundi, with a mandate that overlapped to a large extent
          the one entrusted to the Special Rapporteur. Thus, the Special Rapporteur
          decided to await the results of the investigation carried out by the
          commission of inquiry and to postpone his visit to a later date. It should be
          noted, however, that, despite an attempt by the Special Rapporteur to
          establish contacts with the commission, he has not been informed of the
          outcome of their activities.
          80. The Special Rapporteur continued to observe events in Burundi with
          concern. Indeed, information confirming the persistence of such violations
          could be obtained by the Special Rapporteur during the short visit to
          Bujumbura undertaken in June 1994 within the framework of the mandate of
          the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Rwanda,
          Mr. Degni-S gui. The situation remains volatile despite the agreement between
          the Government and the opposition to share political power equally. The
          United Nations mechanisms in place in Burundi, such as the Special
          Representative of the Secretary-General or the staff members of the Centre for
          Human Rights providing advisory services and technical assistance, do not
          monitor, on a day-to-day basis, the human rights violations that occur in the
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 28
          country. The Special Rapporteur believes that the situation in Burundi does
          warrant such monitoring and he has brought this concern to the attention of
          the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
          Cambodia
          81. Reports and allegations received by the Special Rapporteur indicate that
          human rights violations, including extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions, continue to occur in Cambodia. Such reports include extrajudicial
          executions by members of the security forces of persons suspected of having
          links with the Party of Democratic Kampuchea (PDK or Khmer Rouge) , or traders
          allegedly abducted by military personnel, deprived of their belongings and
          then killed. Threats and harassment by government officials against the staff
          of newspapers that had published articles critical of the authorities were
          also reported. Furthermore, several sources have expressed concern at
          continuing acts of violence against ethnic Vietnamese Cambodians. According
          to the information received, the new Constitution of Cambodia restricts human
          rights guarantees to people of Khmer origin, thus excluding the ethnic
          Vietnamese minority. The Special Rapporteur received several reports of
          attacks against ethnic Vietnamese by members of the PDK. The authorities were
          said not to have taken any action to halt such attacks and protect those at
          risk.
          82. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government calling on
          the authorities to adopt the necessary measures to protect ethnic Vietnamese
          after he had received reports of the killing of 13 persons, among them nine
          minors, in the province of Kandal on 9 April 1994. Two days later, soldiers
          of the Cambodian Armed Forces were said to have killed three inhabitants of
          Ban Teay village: Thi Phorn, Hen Mao and seven-year-old Thoeun Nab
          (26 April 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government
          allegations he had received concerning the existence of two clandestine
          detention centres in the province of Battambang, where, during 1993, members
          of the military allegedly killed 35 persons whom they had deprived of their
          belongings and detained. Another case transmitted to the authorities
          concerned the killing by military police of Hun Sokea in the context of a
          violent confrontation between security forces and squatters occupying an area
          of land in the region known as “Broken Jar Stream”. To date, no reply has
          been received from the Government of Cambodia.
          Observations
          83. The Special Rapporteur notes with concern that the Government of Cambodia
          has not replied to any of his communications since he assumed his functions in
          June 1992. The Special Rapporteur regrets this lack of willingness to
          cooperate with his mandate and invites the authorities to review their
          position. He also calls on the Government to take the necessary steps so as
          to ensure full respect for the human rights of all people living in Cambodia,
          and particularly those belonging to minorities. In this context, he urges the
          authorities to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all
          allegations of violations of the right to life, including those directed
          against members of the ethnic Vietnamese minority, identify those responsible
          and bring them to justice, grant adequate compensation to the victims or their
          families, and prevent the recurrence of such acts of violence. For an
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 29
          in-depth analysis of the human rights situation in Cambodia, reference is made
          to the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for
          Cambodia, Justice Michael Kirby (E/CN.4/1995/87) .
          Cameroon
          84. Reports and allegations that have come before the Special Rapporteur
          indicate that human rights violations, including extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, continue to occur in Cameroon. During the past year,
          opponents of President Paul Biya were said to have been subjected to
          imprisonment and beatings, as a consequence of which some were reported to
          have died. Allegedly, no one has been held responsible for these killings.
          Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur was informed of extrajudicial killings, in
          June 1993, of members of the Shua Arab community during military operations in
          the northern departments of Logone and Shari. Allegedly, the security forces
          were supporting the Kotoko community in a long-standing conflict with the Shua
          Arabs. After a peace agreement between the two communities in September 1993,
          renewed acts of violence against Shua Arabs were reported in early 1994.
          85. The Special Rapporteur sent two urgent appeals to the Government. After
          the death in military custody, allegedly after torture, of four Shua Arabs
          (Malloum Eli, Harouna Djidda, Allakhou Mahmat and Issa Mahmat), fears had been
          expressed for the lives of at least 15 others arrested by the security forces
          in late January 1994 (16 February 1994) . The Special Rapporteur urged the
          authorities once again to adopt effective measures for the protection of Shua
          Arabs after an attack by soldiers of the Cameroonian army against the village
          of Karena in which at least 55 persons, including 9 women and 35 children, had
          been killed (7 March 1994) . In addition, the Special Rapporteur transmitted
          to the Government the case of Cyprian Tanwie Ndifor, reportedly tortured and
          killed while in the custody of the Gendarmerie at Bamenda on 15 December 1993.
          To date, the Government has not replied to any of these cases.
          Central African Republic
          86. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed that four gendarmes, Dieudonn Kalanga Belly, Antoine Metende,
          Alain-Isaac Gbalele and Boris Barnab Wili Bona, were sentenced to death for
          murder by the Permanent Military Court of the Central African Republic.
          According to the information received, there is no appeal against verdicts of
          this court. Reportedly, those convicted may only seek review by cassation by
          the Supreme Court (17 November 1994) .
          Follow-up
          87. The gendarmes Kalanga Belly, Metende and Gbalele were reportedly
          sentenced to death for having killed Dr. Claude Konjugo in 1993, the fourth,
          gendarme Wili Bona, for the murder of Hemine Yakite. Both cases had been
          transmitted to the authorities by the Special Rapporteur in 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 187-188) . No reply had been received from the
          Government to these allegations.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 30
          Chad
          88. The Special Rapporteur continued to receive alarming reports of
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions of civilians by members of
          the Chadian army. According to the information received, the authorities did
          not take any steps to prevent such acts. On 26 August 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after receiving reports of
          the extrajudicial execution of more than 25 villagers in the Kaga district
          between 12 and 14 August 1994. The victims were said to have included at
          least two minors, Justin Helkom (15) and Raymond Ekoudjewa (16) . According to
          the reports received, the killings were reprisal actions by the army after the
          death of five soldiers during armed confrontations between the security forces
          and the rebel Forces Arm es pour la R publigue F d rale (Armed Forces for the
          Federal Republic, FARF) . Fears were also expressed that the violence might
          spill over into the district of Logone. At the time the present report was
          finalized, no reply had been received from the Government.
          Follow-up
          89. In 1993, the Government had provided the Special Rapporteur with replies
          concerning some of the cases transmitted in 1992 and 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 197-200) . In accordance with the follow-up procedure established in
          the framework of his mandate, the Special Rapporteur submitted the contents
          of these replies to the sources of the allegations for comments. The latter
          forwarded further details regarding the cases in question and informed the
          Special Rapporteur that, contrary to what the Government had stated, no
          independent investigation was known to have been carried out in any of the
          cases. The Special Rapporteur addressed a second follow-up letter to the
          Government, expressing concern at this apparent contradiction in the
          information received, and requested the authorities to forward further,
          specific details concerning both the cases in question and the allegations he
          had transmitted to the Government in a letter on 24 September 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 196), and for which no replies had been received.
          Observations
          90. The reports and allegations received by the Special Rapporteur during
          the past years do not only give rise to deep concern at the persistence of
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in Chad, but suggest the
          existence of a pattern of violations of the right to life by the security
          forces which appear to operate in virtually total impunity. The Special
          Rapporteur is particularly concerned at continuing reports of killings of
          members of ethnic minorities. He calls on the Government to ensure that
          security forces personnel fully respect the limitations and restrictions on
          the use of force and firearms contained in pertinent international instruments
          and to fulfil its obligation under international law to conduct exhaustive and
          impartial investigations into all allegations of violations of the right to
          life. Those responsible for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
          must be brought to justice and sanctioned. The Special Rapporteur also urges
          the Government to grant adequate compensation to the victims or the families.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 31
          Chile
          91. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government reports he had
          received according to which investigations into the killing, in 1976, by
          members of the military, of Carmelo Soria Espinosa, Spanish citizen and staff
          member of the United Nations Centre for Demography in Latin America, had been
          closed when the Supreme Court confirmed an amnesty granted to eight military
          officials by the military judiciary in late 1992. At the time the present
          report was finalized, no reply had been received from the Government.
          Follow-up
          92. On 4 January 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a
          reply to his urgent appeal of 29 September 1993 concerning the killing of two
          persons during a demonstration in Santiago de Chile, informing him that
          investigations had been opened to clarify the circumstances and determine
          responsibilities. In reply to the Special Rapporteur's request for updated
          information on the progress of proceedings in cases transmitted to the
          Government during 1993 (see E/cN.4/1994/7, paras. 206-207), the Government
          informed him on 23 November 1994 that investigations into the death of three
          prisoners during an attempted escape continued to be in the preliminary phase.
          In another case concerning the killing of two persons during a demonstration
          by carabineros , the Supreme Court had decided a conflict of competence in
          favour of the military jurisdiction. In its sentence, the Supreme Court held
          that the three carabineros were carrying out acts in connection with their
          duties at the moment when they committed “common acts” which were offences
          falling within military jurisdiction.
          Observations
          93. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his appreciation for the
          information provided by the Government and hopes to continue the dialogue
          initiated with the Chilean authorities. He would note, however, that “duty”
          should never be used as a justification for violations of human rights
          committed by the military; military personnel receiving orders the carrying
          out of which would entail such violations have the right to disobey. Military
          tribunals, particularly when composed of military officers within the command
          structure of the security forces, very often lack the independence and
          impartiality required under international law. Military jurisdiction over
          human rights violations committed by members of the security forces very often
          results in impunity. In this context, reports of an amnesty granted by the
          Chilean military judiciary to army officers accused of an extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary execution are particularly disturbing. The Special
          Rapporteur wishes to express deep concern and calls on the authorities to
          enact legislative reforms allowing for such cases to be treated by civilian
          tribunals.
          China
          Information received and communications sent
          94. As in former years, the Special Rapporteur received reports and
          allegations referring to the extensive use of the death penalty, imposed
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 32
          after proceedings which were said to fall short of internationally recognized
          fair trial standards. One source recorded at least 2,564 death sentences
          during 1993. In at least 1,419 of these cases the death sentence was said to
          have been carried out. The highest number of capital sentences was registered
          during the month of September 1993: at least 570 people were reported to have
          been sentenced to death and more than 373 executed. According to the
          information received, this may have been due partly to an anti-corruption
          campaign launched by the authorities on a nation-wide basis during the second
          half of August. The concerns expressed by several observers remain the same
          as in the past: inter alia , the wide scope of capital offences and increase
          in the number of crimes punishable by death under recent legislation, the
          possibility of imposing death sentences on persons between 16 and 18 years of
          age, restrictions in the right to an adequate defence and the right to appeal.
          Reference is made to a more detailed description of these allegations in the
          Special Rapporteur's report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth
          session (E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 209-215).
          95. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations he had
          received concerning the killing of 24 Taiwanese tourists and 8 Chinese
          nationals during a boat ride on Qiandao Lake in Chunan, Zheijan province,
          on 31 March 1994, allegedly with the involvement of Chinese authorities.
          Three unidentified men were reportedly sentenced to death and executed shortly
          afterwards, convicted in a trial which lasted only 48 hours. The Special
          Rapporteur also transmitted to the authorities the case of Phuntsong Yangki,
          who was said to have died on 4 February 1994 at the police hospital in Lhasa,
          allegedly after having been denied proper medical treatment at Drapchi prison.
          At the time the present report was finalized, no reply had been received from
          the Government.
          Follow-up
          96. On 19 November 1993, the Government forwarded a reply concerning one case
          of alleged extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution transmitted by the
          Special Rapporteur in 1993, informing him that one person, Lai Manping, had
          died of a pneumonia-related heart disease, and the other was beaten to death
          by at least three persons who had been brought to justice and sentenced to
          prison terms, in accordance with the law.
          97. On 26 January 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with
          information concerning the cases of death sentences transmitted to the
          authorities in 1993 (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 216) . All but one of the
          persons concerned were executed shortly after having been sentenced to death
          for theft and/or robbery. The Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          specific concerns with regard to the legislation and practice of capital
          punishment in China, assuring him that the pertinent provisions in the Chinese
          criminal law, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Organic Law of the
          People's Courts contained strict controls on the application of the death
          penalty, safeguarded the defendants' right to defence and appeal and were
          consistent with article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
          Rights. The Government stated that China's most recent penal legislation had
          actually reduced the number of clauses and offences liable to the death
          penalty and that the death penalty was used less and less often. As regards
          the imposition of death sentences on minors, the Special Rapporteur was
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 33
          informed that, in judicial practice, the overwhelming majority of offenders
          sentenced to death with a two-year suspension had their sentences reduced at
          the end of the two years, and that the people's courts were especially
          cautious about sentencing minors between 16 and 18 years of age to death with
          a two-year suspension. It was further stated that, in judicial practice,
          lawyers were always given ample time to prepare their case. Defending lawyers
          were granted access to all materials related to the case, and the accused's
          right to defence was fully granted. The right to appeal, too, was guaranteed.
          98. On 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur addressed a follow-up letter
          to the Government, thanking the authorities for the information provided as
          summarized above and informing them that, in accordance with the procedure
          established within the framework of his mandate, the contents of the reply
          had been transmitted to the sources of the allegations for comments and
          observations. In the same letter, the Special Rapporteur asked the
          authorities to provide him with additional details on the two cases mentioned
          above in paragraph 95.
          Observations
          99. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the information
          provided in response to his inquiries regarding the legislation and practice
          of capital punishment in the People's Republic of China. The willingness of
          the authorities to cooperate with his mandate is much appreciated. However,
          the Special Rapporteur remains concerned at the recurrence of reports of
          violations of the right to life. In view of the persistent contradiction
          between the numerous allegations received from credible sources and the
          information provided by the authorities, the Special Rapporteur would like to
          reiterate his interest in visiting China to study in situ questions relating
          to capital punishment in China. The Government has not yet replied to the
          Special Rapporteur's inquiry, first forwarded to them in November 1992 and
          repeated in September 1993 and September 1994.
          Colombia
          100. From 17 to 26 October 1994, the Special Rapporteur visited Colombia,
          together with the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, to examine
          violations of the right to life and physical integrity in that country.
          The findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Special Rapporteurs
          are contained in their joint report to the Commission on Human Rights
          (E/cN.4/1995/111) . The following paragraphs contain an account of the cases
          transmitted to the Government in 1994 as well as follow-up correspondence
          concerning earlier allegations.
          Communications sent
          101. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the authorities a large number of
          allegations he had received concerning violations of the right to life in
          Colombia. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur sent 40 urgent appeals to the
          Government. This is the highest number sent to a single Government in the
          framework of the mandate on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
          during one year.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 34
          102. The Special Rapporteur urged the authorities to adopt all necessary
          measures to protect the lives and physical integrity of the following persons
          said to be under death threat from, unless stated otherwise, members of the
          security forces:
          (a) Gilberto Vieira and nine other leading members of the political
          opposition parties Uni6n Patri6tica (Patriotic Union, UP) and Partido
          Comunista de Colombia (Communist Party of Colombia, PCC) , after the
          extrajudicial killing of J 05 Miller Chac6n Penna, Secretary of the PCC
          (14 January 1994) ; UP activists Josu Giraldo Cardona, Pedro Malag6n,
          Nelson Viloria and Jamis Ricardo Barrera of Villavicencio, after the
          extrajudicial killing of Evaristo Amaya Morales, former personero municipal
          and candidate for the position of mayor of Villavicencio, on 24 February 1994,
          and an attack against Pedro Malag6n on 1 March 1994 (21 March 1994) ;
          UP counsellor Oscar Salazar, whose name was said to be included in a list held
          by the paramilitary group “Los Masetos”, after another person included in this
          list, Ubesio G6mez, was reportedly found hanging from a tree near Turbio
          (14 April 1994) ; Aida Abella, leading member of UP, after the assassination of
          PCC senator Manuel Cepeda Vargas (12 August 1994); 28 persons including
          Hern n Motta Motta, Aida Abella and other leading members of UP and PCC,
          threatened by the paramilitary group Muerte a Comunistas y Guerrilleros
          (Death to Communists and Guerrilleros, MACOGUER) (1 September 1994); the
          family Garcia-Mallorca Villareal, after the killing of UP activists
          Gabriel Rib6n and Eli cer Avila, as well as Luis P&ez and Amantine Villareal
          (16 September 1994);
          (b) Trade unionists Wilson Monsalvo Navarro and Elmer Charris Alvarez,
          after the assassination of trade unionist Eudaldo Sierra Caballero
          (7 February 1994) ; Urbano Barreto Arenas and eight other members of the
          executive committee of the Teacher's Union of Arauca (ASEDAR) , after the
          killing of teacher Juan Carlos Parales and attacks against Elbano Antonio
          Rojas and Luis Ernesto Goyaneche (19 April 1994) ; trade unionists
          Hector Enrique Herrera, after the assassination of Eli cer Ojeda Jaime, trade
          union leader in Ocaffia, and an attack against another trade union leader,
          Crist6bal Navarro (2 June 1994); members of trade unions in Medellin, after
          the killing of trade unionists Luis Efr n Correa, Jairo de Le6n Agudelo and
          Guillermo Mann (15 August 1994) ; 18 leading members of different trade unions
          allegedly threatened by the paramilitary group Colombia sin guerrillas
          (Colombia without guerrillas, COLSINGUE) (1 September 1994) ; trade union
          leader Luis Hern n Cobo (1 September 1994) ; trade union leader
          Belisario Restrepo, after the killing of trade unionist Hugo Zapata
          (4 October 1994); trade unionist and community activist Luis David
          Rodriguez P&ez, of Saravena (13 October 1994); trade unionists Olga Matilde
          Ortiz Solano, Ruth Rueda and Luis Carlos Acero (31 October 1994); trade
          unionists and political activists Edgar Riaflo and others, after the
          assassination of trade union leader Hernando Cuadros (31 October 1994);
          (c) Human rights lawyer Dr. Rafael Barrios Mendivil (18 March 1994) ;
          staff and residents of the Albergue campesino of Barrancabermeja
          (25 March 1994) ; priest and human rights activist Ricardo Mateus Duarte
          (21 April 1994) ; human rights lawyer Carlos Alberto Ruiz (8 August 1994) ;
          Hernando Valencia Villa, Procurador Delegado para los Derechos Humanos ,
          accused by a member of the Senate of being a supporter of the guerrillas
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 35
          (29 September 1994); Jeanette Bautista and Gloria Herney Galindez, President
          and Secretary-General of the Asociaci6n de Familiares de Detenidos-
          Desaparecidos (Association of Relatives of Detainees-Disappeared, ASFADDES)
          (29 September 1994); Padre Gustavo Su rez, of Sogamoso, threatened by
          COLSINGUE (31 October 1994) ;
          (d) Community activists including Sixto Pacheco, after the killing
          of Erminio Sepi lveda Sarabia, member of the Community Action Movement of
          Aguachica (7 February 1994) ; municipal counsellor Paulino Velandia Bar6n of
          Sogamoso and his family, as well as Fanny and William Correa, after the
          extrajudicial execution of Edgar Suesci n and his daughter Sandra Correa in
          their presence (23 February 1994) ; community activist James Pic6n Torres,
          after the killing of David Reyes Castro in Pailitas (6 July 1994) ; community
          leader Julio Ram6n Olivera Gracia of Sampu s and his secretary Marina Salas,
          after an attack against the former and the assassination of community activist
          Tom s Vega (8 August 1994) ;
          (e) The inhabitants of Minas, San Martin, after indiscriminate
          killings, allegedly by paramilitary groups, of Jose del Carmen Ruiz and five
          other villagers, and the people living in Norean, Aguachica, after the killing
          of civilians Adriano Portillo, Javier Contreras Bar6n and Alvaro Botello
          during an armed confrontation between guerrilla and security forces, who
          subsequently threatened the population (10 August 1994); the inhabitants of
          the municipality of Betulia, Santander, threatened by paramilitary groups with
          death if they did not leave their homes in areas needed for the construction
          of a paramilitary base (18 August 1994) ; Maria Magdalena Rodriguez and her
          small children as well as six other residents of Puerto Nuevo Ite, Yond6
          (23 August 1994); residents of the region around La Magdalena, Buga, after the
          assassination by COLSINGUE of Marcos Tautiva, Omar Valbuena and Miguel Ospina
          (23 August 1994); inhabitants of El Paramo, after the assassination, allegedly
          by paramilitary groups, of Lorgio Antonio Garcia (31 October 1994) ;
          JIIa Ilba Donado and Pedro Caldera, after the killing of community leader
          Lucas Sepifiveda, Jose Cayetano Sepi lveda and Luis Antonio Villegas, allegedly
          by members of the Mobile Brigades and paramilitary forces (17 November 1994);
          (f) Severo Rubiano Cruz, after filing complaints against members of the
          armed forces for killing his son Jose Severo Rubiano Cruz (1 February 1994) ;
          Adelaida Sierra Avil s and her four young children, after her husband had been
          detained and accused of rebellion in Puerto Inirida, Arauca (21 March 1994) ;
          Luz Myriam Iglesias and Leonardo Marroquin Vargas, who had reportedly
          witnessed the killing of their eight-year-old son Gustavo Humberto
          Marroquin Iglesias by military in Ibagu , and journalist Alvaro Martinez
          Pinz6n who had broadcast information about the killing in a press communique
          (19 April 1994) ; Isabel Cristina Rinc6n Bravo, for attempting to clarify the
          assassination, allegedly by police, of her husband Henry Humberto Molina in
          1992 (13 June 1994); Luis Alirio Rodriguez and his wife Celina Franco,
          allegedly threatened by members of the Unidad Especial Anti-Secuestros
          (Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, UNASE) (15 August 1994) ; members of the family
          Ardila Piffia, after the killing of Edwin Castillo Piffia, his uncle Argelio Piffia
          and his aunt Custodia Ardelia de Piffia, allegedly accused of being
          collaborators of the guerrilla (30 September 1994) ;
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 36
          (g) Te6fila Roja, President of the Regional Indigenous Council
          of Tolima, and her family, after the assassination of her colleague
          Yesid Bocanegra Martinez and the attempted killing of Omar Mendoza,
          Vice-President of the Council (2 June 1994); members of the Regional
          Indigenous Council of Tolima, after the killing of Council member Julio Cadena
          Ducuara (26 September 1994) .
          The Special Rapporteur asked to be provided with information on the measures
          taken with a view to the protection of these persons, as well as on
          investigations carried out to clarify the circumstances of those said to be
          killed, identify those responsible, bring them to justice and grant
          compensation to the families of the victims.
          103. In addition, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the authorities
          allegations he had received concerning the extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary execution of the following 36 persons: Marco Tulio Farigua;
          Luis Antonio Enciso, Luz Amelia Enciso and Manuel Guillermo Enciso;
          Gilberto Claro Lozano; Zenu indigenous leaders Porfirio Ayala Mendoza,
          Hector Aquiles Malo Vergara, Luis Arturo Lucas Polo and their driver
          C sar Mendoza Cruz; Laureano Restrepo Rodriguez; Nicol s Eli cer
          Barrios Chavez; street children Javier GonIIlez (16), Jairo Murcia (14) and
          “Asprilla” (12) ; Alfonso Cardona, Favio Cardona, Carlos Cardona and a
          non-identified person employed in the Cardona household; Rafael Quintero,
          Diana Argote, Bertilda Mena and two unidentified persons; Nelson Dur n
          Chinchilla, Manuel Galarcio and Rafael Rojas; Benjamin Dur n; Alba In s
          Flores Cardozo; Julio Edgar Galves Quimbay and Enan Rafael Lora Mendoza;
          Zoraida Camargo C ceres; Ramiro Guzm n Martinez (17) ; Laureano Iffiampu ;
          Benjamin Santos; Isidro Mercado Jim nez; and Manuel Serafin Guerrero.
          104. The following allegations transmitted by the Special Rapporteur
          during the past year concerned two particularly grave instances of violations
          of the right to life: the massacre at Riofrio, where the security forces,
          together with paramilitary groups, were said to have killed Miguel Ladino
          and 12 other residents in October 1993; and the massacre at Puerto Lleras, in
          which 10 fishermen were said to have been killed by members of the Colombian
          army. Both instances are referred to in the report on the Special
          Rapporteur's visit to Colombia in October 1994. For all cases transmitted,
          the Special Rapporteur asked to be provided with information concerning the
          investigations into these killings.
          Communications received
          105. The Government of Colombia provided the Special Rapporteur with replies
          to a number of these cases. Consultations took place between different State
          institutions and leaders of the opposition parties UP and PCC with a view to
          providing them with protection (26 January 1994) . The Government further
          informed the Special Rapporteur that Aida Abella had refused to file a
          complaint concerning the death threats against her and rejected protection
          from the Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS), while other UP and
          PCC leaders had been provided with personal security (17 February 1994) . In a
          communique of 11 August 1994, the Government expressed its deep concern at the
          killing, on 9 August 1994, of PCC senator Manuel Cepeda Vargas and pointed out
          that he and other leading members of the UP and PCC had rejected escorts from
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 37
          DAS and the National Police and had not reported any death threats against
          them to the competent authorities. Due to this lack of cooperation, a special
          investigative team, which the Government had offered to investigate the
          threats, could not be set up. The Government further informed the Special
          Rapporteur that UP and PCC had not provided any evidence to sustain the
          allegations that a plan to eliminate them existed within the military. In the
          framework of a special protection programme, seven persons trusted by the
          leaders of UP and PCC were provided to them by DAS to act as personal guards.
          The Government further stated that investigations were under way to identify
          those responsible for the killing of Manuel Cepeda Vargas. On 24 August 1994,
          the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that five persons suspected
          of being involved in the killing of the senator had been arrested on
          23 August 1994. Different protection measures were reported to have been
          taken to provide for the security of eight leading members of the UP and PCC
          (29 September 1994) .
          106. The Government also told the Special Rapporteur that information had been
          sought from the competent organs concerning investigations and/or measures of
          protection solicited with regard to the following cases: the killing of
          Jose Severo Rubiano Cruz, whose case was transferred to the military courts
          for preliminary investigations against army personnel, and threats against his
          father Jose Rubiano Cruz (3 February 1994 and 9 March 1994) ; the killing of
          trade unionists Wilson Monsalvo Navarro, Elmer Charris Alvarez, Eudaldo
          Sierra Caballero and community activist Erminso Sepifiveda Saravia, as well as
          death threats against Sixto Pacheco (1 March 1994) ; threats against human
          rights lawyer Rafael Barrios Mendivil and other members of his organization,
          the Colectivo de Abogados “Jose Alvear Restrepo” (16 June 1994) ; the killing
          of Gustavo Humberto Marroquin Iglesias and measures solicited from the
          competent organs for the protection of his parents Leonardo Marroquin Vargas
          and Luz Myriam Iglesias, as well as journalist Alvaro Martinez Pinz6n
          (6 September 1994) ; the death of Eli cer Ojeda Jaime and death threats against
          Hector Enrique Herrera and Crist6bal Navarro (6 September 1994) ; the killing
          of Tom s Vega and death threats against Julio Ram6n Olivera Gracia,
          Marina Salas and Carlos Alberto Ruiz (25 October 1994) ; threats against
          Hernando Valencia Villa (18 and 25 October 1994) . In the case of Ubencio (not
          Ubesio) G6mez, the military courts were investigating his disappearance and
          killing, as it had been established that he died during a confrontation
          between the guerrillas and the National Army (15 November 1994) . With regard
          to attacks and threats against teachers belonging to ASEDAR, proceedings were
          under way against a guerrilla commander for the killing of Juan Carlos
          Parales, as well as into the alleged attack against Elbano Antonio Rojas and
          threats against Urbano Barreto Arenas. After the attack, Elbano Antonio Rojas
          was granted the status of a person under threat by the Comit Especial de
          Amenazas (Special Threats Committee) of the Department of Arauca. The same
          status had been conferred upon Luis Ernesto Goyeneche, who nevertheless
          decided to stay in Saravena, where he later received death threats
          (15 November 1994) .
          107. In addition, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that 18 members of the Pedro Nel Ospina Batallion of the Colombian army
          received sentences of between 6 and 20 years' imprisonment for the killing
          of five civilians from the municipalities of Yarumal and Taraza, who had been
          taken into custody for minor offences in early 1992 (11 July 1994) .
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 38
          On 8 November 1994, the Government transmitted information concerning a rocket
          attack carried out by guerrillas against a convoy of police vehicles. Eleven
          policemen were killed, as well as two high school students travelling on a
          school bus that was passing by at the time of the attack.
          Follow-up
          108. The replies received from the Government were transmitted to the sources
          of information. During his visit to Colombia, the Special Rapporteur had the
          opportunity to meet with several persons reportedly under death threats,
          including representatives of human rights organizations, trade unions and
          political opposition parties, as well as witnesses to violations of the right
          to life and family members of victims. He will follow up on these cases with
          the Government during the coming months.
          109. As regards cases transmitted to the Government in 1992 and 1993, only one
          reply was received from the authorities, who informed the Special Rapporteur
          that the Sala Penal del Tribunal Superior de Distrito Judicial de Santaf de
          Bogota had denied the acci6n de tutela requested to prevent the dissemination,
          by the television station Q.A.P. , of a list established by the security forces
          allegedly containing the names of some 150 people said to be collaborators of
          the guerrillas, on the grounds that no evidence as to the existence of this
          list could be obtained (18 October 1994) . No reply was received to a letter
          of 22 September 1993 in which the Special Rapporteur had sought clarifications
          and further details on some of these cases.
          Observations
          110. The Special Rapporteur highly appreciates the willingness to cooperate
          shown by the Government on repeated occasions during the past year, and most
          clearly during his visit to Colombia in October 1994. The Special Rapporteur
          was impressed by the frankness of the representatives of the Government he
          met during the mission. He has noted with satisfaction the various projects
          and initiatives planned by the new administration under President Ernesto
          Samper Pizano aimed at increased protection of human rights in Colombia, and
          encourages the Government to continue its efforts in this regard.
          Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur remains concerned at the level of
          violence and the scale of human rights violations, including extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, that continue to occur in Colombia. Human
          rights violations in the context of counter-insurgency activities, violent
          repression of political dissent and social protest, and urban violence
          directed mainly against marginalized sectors of the population are some of the
          principal problems. They are perpetuated by the lack of functioning of the
          administration of justice and its consequence, almost absolute impunity for
          violators of human rights. The high rate of common crime, drug trafficking
          and widespread poverty are factors that also contribute to the climate of
          violence prevailing in Colombia. A detailed analysis of these problems,
          together with a number of recommendations for possible improvement, can be
          found in the report on the visit to Colombia.
          111. As in former years, Colombia has been among the countries where the
          Special Rapporteur had to intervene most frequently in response to allegations
          of death threats. Forty urgent appeals have been sent since the end of
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 39
          November 1994, the most for any single country. It should be noted that the
          vast majority of reports of death threats refer to human rights activists,
          lawyers, trade unionists and members of political opposition parties. The
          Special Rapporteur feels that unequivocal public recognition of the legitimacy
          of political dissent and social protest, and of activities aimed at the
          protection of human rights, as well as the elucidation of human rights
          violations, on the part of the Government would be a signal to those persons
          who continue to regard protesters as collaborators or auxiliaries of the
          guerrillas, and thus as “internal enemy”. In view of the fact that very often
          the victims of threats and attacks perceive members of the security forces or
          the DAS as the authors, it is not surprising that they are reluctant to avail
          themselves of protection offered by these institutions. Efforts to solve this
          apparent deadlock by establishing funds from which protection by persons
          enjoying the full confidence of those they are supposed to protect could be
          financed, are greatly encouraged.
          Costa Rica
          112. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government
          expressing concern at allegations of the indiscriminate use of force against
          demonstrators after receiving reports according to which members of the
          Guardia Civil y Rural had opened fire indiscriminately against participants in
          a demonstration at Sarapiqui on 13 May 1994 (2 June 1994) . The Government
          replied on 8 July 1994, informing the Special Rapporteur that the events
          of 13 May followed several days of confrontation reportedly in the context of
          a labour conflict, during which armed individuals erected road barricades in
          front of the administrative offices of a banana company. When the security
          forces attempted to implement a court order to remove the barricades, they
          were attacked with stones, machetes, molotov cocktails, knives, etc. and had
          to resort to the use of force to defend themselves.
          Cuba
          113. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government on behalf
          of human rights activist Francisco Chaviano Gonzalez, whose life was feared to
          be in danger after an attack against his residence (18 March 1994) . At the
          time the present report was finalized, no reply had been received from the
          Government.
          Follow-up
          114. A reply was received from the Government on 7 February 1994, providing
          information on five of the cases transmitted by the Special Rapporteur
          in 1993 (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 243) . The Government informed the
          Special Rapporteur that the person responsible for the killing of
          Orelvis Martinez Limonta was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment. With regard
          to the remaining cases, the allegations were said to be unfounded: two
          persons reportedly died of natural causes; one was alive and serving his
          prison sentence; one could not be identified at all, while the two remaining
          cases were still under investigation. The Government also pointed out that
          the exhaustion of internal remedies to clarify cases of alleged extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions should be a condition for the admissibility of
          such allegations by the Special Rapporteur.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 40
          115. In a follow-up letter to the Government on 23 September 1994, the
          Special Rapporteur thanked the authorities for the information provided and
          inquired whether the investigations into the two outstanding cases had yielded
          any results. The Special Rapporteur also explained his position that the
          exhaustion of internal remedies was not a prerequisite for him to take action
          in a particular case (see also E/cN.4/1993/46, paras. 20-25) . For a more
          detailed analysis of the human rights situation in Cuba, reference is made to
          the report of Special Rapporteur, Mr. Johan C. Groth (E/CN.4/1995/52) .
          Dj ibouti
          116. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur continued to receive reports and
          allegations of human rights violations, including extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, in the context of the armed conflict between government
          forces and the Front pour la restauration de l'unit et de la d mocratie
          (Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy, FRUD) since July 1991.
          Human rights violations, whose principal victims were said to be members of
          the Afar ethnic group regarded by the security forces as supporters of the
          FRUD, are said to have increased during periods of intensified fighting in
          August and September 1993 and during March 1994, when the Government
          reportedly launched an offensive against the FRUD in the north of the country.
          Acts of violence by members of the Force d'Action Rapide (Quick Action Force)
          of the armed forces were also reported against displaced people, most of them
          members of the Afar community, in the Ariba suburb of the capital Djibouti
          during the month of June 1994.
          117. The Special Rapporteur sent two urgent appeals to the Government. He
          expressed concern at the alleged extrajudicial execution on 31 December 1993,
          by soldiers of the Djibouti army, of Ali Balla Youssouf and six other
          villagers in the Day district and the killing of Mohamed Adoyta Ewad and his
          family at Tadjourah on 8 January 1994, and urged the authorities to adopt all
          necessary measures to protect Hamadou Hebano Hamadou and six other persons
          from the Day district whose lives were said to be in danger due to torture at
          the police stations at Randa and Tadjourah (17 January 1994) . The Special
          Rapporteur again called on the Government to take effective steps to prevent
          further acts of violence after reports were received of the extrajudicial
          execution of Ahmed Nouho Ban and at least 19 other Afar civilians of the
          Malba and Oueima regions in northern Djibouti by members of the security
          forces between 3 and 10 March 1994 (18 March 1994) . In addition, the Special
          Rapporteur transmitted to the Government the cases of Fatouma Mohamed Ali and
          Nasser Mohammed Youssouf, who were said to have been killed, together with at
          least two other, unidentified persons, during demonstrations at Ariba in early
          June 1994. To date, no reply has been received from the Government.
          Ecuador
          Follow-up
          118. On 14 January 1994, the Government of Ecuador provided the Special
          Rapporteur with information concerning the cases of Luis Olmedo Aguilera L6pez
          and three brothers Caffiola, transmitted to the authorities in 1993, informing
          him that investigations had revealed that the former had died of natural
          causes, while the case of the latter three was the subject of judicial
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 41
          proceedings before the Second Criminal Court. On 23 September 1994, the
          Special Rapporteur sent a follow-up letter to the Government, thanking the
          authorities for the information provided and asking for more details regarding
          the autopsy report of Luis Olmedo Aguilera L6pez, which had indicated that the
          body showed marks of traumatic injuries, and the progress of the judicial
          proceedings in the case of the Caffiola brothers.
          Egypt
          Information received and communications sent
          119. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur continued to receive reports of
          death sentences imposed by military courts. Since Law No. 97 of 1992, which
          provided for the trial of those accused of “terrorism” before military courts,
          came into force in October 1992, 56 death sentences were said to have been
          handed down, 40 of which were reportedly carried out by August 1994. The main
          concerns with regard to the trials before military courts were expressed
          repeatedly by several sources: lack of independence and impartiality on the
          part of the judges; restrictions in the time available for the preparation of
          the defence and in the right to appeal. Extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions as a result of excessive use of force by the security forces were
          also reported. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur was informed of deaths in
          custody, allegedly as a result of torture, at premises of the police and the
          State Security Investigations Department (SSI) . Concern was also expressed at
          increasing repression directed against lawyers, including raids at their
          offices and homes and confiscation of documents. Following the death in
          custody of one lawyer, several others were reportedly detained and charged
          with the offence of planning to assemble, demonstrate, resist the authorities
          and disturb public order. This was allegedly related to their defending
          Islamist prisoners in trials before military courts.
          120. The Special Rapporteur also received alarming reports of killings by
          Islamist groups. The victims of such attacks included members of the security
          forces and civilians, including members of the Coptic minority. The state of
          emergency, in force since 1984, was reportedly extended for another three
          years in April 1994 by the People's Assembly.
          121. The Special Rapporteur sent nine urgent appeals to the Government, all
          of which concerned death penalty cases. The following persons were said to be
          at risk after being sentenced to death by military courts: Mahmoud Salah and
          Mostaf a ‘Awni Zaki (26 November 1993); Medhat Tahhawi, Mohammad Ahmed
          Sa'id Salih and Hammada Mohammad Lutfi (23 February 1994); Salah al-Sayyid
          Sulayman and seven others (22 March 1994 and 8 April 1994); Mohammad Rashad
          ‘Abd al-Hamid Higazy and four others (19 and 29 July 1994); Ahmed Muhammad
          Gumu'a and Sharif Mohammad Hassan (26 September 1994 and 20 October 1994) .
          One urgent appeal concerned the death sentence handed down on 30 December 1993
          by the (Emergency) Supreme State Security Court against ‘Abd al-Shafi
          Ahmed Ibrahim, convicted of having murdered a well-known writer in June 1992.
          According to the information received, defendants before the (Emergency)
          Supreme State Security Court do not have the right to appeal before a higher
          tribunal, as, according to the State of Emergency Act No. 162 of 1958,
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 42
          verdicts or sentences passed by this court can only be reviewed by the
          executive, i.e. the President or a person mandated by the President to do so
          (17 January 1994) .
          122. In addition, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the authorities the
          cases of Tarek el-Qurashi (17) , together with six unidentified persons,
          reportedly killed by the security forces during an operation directed against
          suspected terrorists; Tharwat Hagag and two unidentified persons, allegedly
          killed by plainclothes policemen, who suspected them of being terrorists; and
          JIIdel-Harith Madani, lawyer and member of the Egyptian Human Rights
          Organization, who died reportedly as a result of torture during detention by
          the SSI.
          Communications received
          123. The Government provided replies to the Special Rapporteur's urgent
          appeals of 17 January, 23 February, 19 and 29 July as well as
          26 November 1994, stating that trials before military courts were conducted
          in accordance with proper legal procedures and passed through all the stages
          prescribed in the national laws and legislation. The Government pointed out
          that military courts were permanent standing courts composed of three judges
          presided over by the most senior. The judges were independent and subject to
          no authority other than that of the law and their consciences. Guarantees and
          safeguards for defendants included compulsory presence of at least one lawyer
          to defend any person accused of a felony before the military courts; the right
          to seek review of the judgement in felony cases; appeals against judgements
          within 15 days of notification; and automatic consideration of pardon.
          The competence of military courts to try civilians simply meant that the
          procedural articles of the Code of Military Justice applied, whereas the
          applicable definitions of crime and punishment were those set forth in the
          Penal Code to which all persons, whether civilian or military, were subject
          and which was applied by all the criminal courts in Egypt (12 April 1994) .
          Such trials were held in secret if so decided on grounds of public order and
          public morals. Penalties were prescribed by law and could be imposed only by
          a court of law. A legally prescribed appeal procedure existed, which had to
          be followed by all defendants (15 March 1994) . Mohammad Rashad ‘Abd
          al-Hamid Higazy et al. , were sentenced to death by the Supreme Military Court
          for a number of offences including membership of a group established to
          advocate action to render the provisions of the Constitution inoperable,
          participation in a criminal conspiracy and attempted murder of the Minister of
          the Interior. On the last day of the legally specified 15-day time-limit for
          the lodging of appeals, the five defendants contacted the Judge Advocate
          General and requested a review of their sentences (29 August 1994) .
          124. A reply was also received to the allegations concerning the death of
          JIIdel-Harith Madani, whose case had also been transmitted to the authorities
          by the Special Rapporteur on the independence and impartiality of the
          judiciary. The Government informed that Mr. Madani was arrested for being a
          member of a terrorist organization and accompanied by the unit that arrested
          him to his principal residence, which was searched. On the way to his
          secondary residence, he complained about difficulties of breathing and was
          taken to a hospital, where he remained for treatment. During the afternoon
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 43
          of the following day, he died at the hospital. JII autopsy was performed.
          Investigations are being carried out by the Department of Public Prosecutions
          (18 October 1994) .
          Follow-up
          125. The reply received from the Government on 12 April 1994 also referred to
          the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeals of 25 October and 12 November 1993
          (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 261 (f) and (g) ) . On 23 September 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur addressed a letter to the Government following up on replies
          provided by the authorities in 1993 and 1994. The Special Rapporteur thanked
          the Government for its willingness to cooperate with his mandate but
          reiterated his concern at continuing allegations that defendants in trials
          before military tribunals in Egypt did not benefit from all the guarantees and
          safeguards contained in the pertinent international instruments.
          Observations
          126. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the information
          provided in reply to several of his communications. However, he remains
          concerned at the persistent allegations according to which, in practice,
          defendants before military courts do not benefit from all the safeguards and
          guarantees contained in the pertinent international instruments. The
          Special Rapporteur is also concerned that, in proceedings before ordinary
          courts, there is no provision for appeal in cases of felonies. The
          Special Rapporteur finds himself in a situation where, with growing concern,
          he continues to receive allegations of grave procedural shortcomings from
          credible sources. The Government, in turn, regularly denies the veracity of
          these allegations.
          127. Furthermore, the reports and allegations received concerning the death
          while in the custody of the security forces of a lawyer, as well as threats
          and harassment reported against other lawyers, are most disturbing. The
          Special Rapporteur calls on the authorities to ensure that members of the
          legal profession may exercise their activities without harassment or
          persecution, according to the Basic Principle on the Role of Lawyers, adopted
          by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the
          Treatment of Offenders held at Havana from 27 August to 7 September 1990.
          El Salvador
          128. The Special Rapporteur continued to receive reports of human rights
          violations, including extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and death
          threats, in El Salvador. A number of these reports referred to activities of
          “death squads”, allegedly closely related to State structures, directed mainly
          against members of the Frente Farabundo Marti para la Liberaci6n Nacional
          (Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, FMLN) and other opposition
          parties. During the weeks and months leading up to parliamentary elections in
          March 1994 and presidential elections in April 1994, “death squad” activities
          were reported to have increased. In December 1993, the Government was said
          to have set up a commission known as the Grupo Coni unto (Joint Group) to
          investigate “illegal armed groups”. The findings of their investigation were
          made public in mid-July 1994. However, concerns were expressed that the
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 44
          recommendation of the Truth Commission, contained in its March 1993 report, to
          put an end to the phenomenon of “death squads” still threatening the society,
          was not implemented, and that they continued to operate with virtually total
          impunity. For a detailed analysis of the human rights situation in
          El Salvador, reference is made to the report of the Independent Expert on
          El Salvador, Mr. Pedro Nikken (E/cN.4/1995/88).
          129. The Special Rapporteur sent five urgent appeals to the Government. He
          urged the authorities to adopt all necessary measures to protect the life and
          physical integrity of Nidia Diaz, candidate for the FMLN in the March 1994
          parliamentary elections, after an attack against her and her personal guard
          Elmer Cruz Zepeda in which both were injured (15 March 1994) . He also
          called upon the Government to ensure protection of members of the political
          opposition after the assassination of Heriberto Galicia, candidate for the
          Movimiento Nacional Revolucionario (National Revolutionary Movement, MNR) for
          the parliamentary elections in March (31 March 1994) . Another urgent appeal
          was sent after the Special Rapporteur received information of death
          threats against Carlos Molina Fonseca, Procurator for Human Rights,
          Juan Jer6nimo Castillo, Attorney General, both members of the Grupo Coni unto ,
          Eduardo Tomasino, President of the National Council of the Judiciary, and
          priests teaching at the Universidad Centroamericana (13 June 1994) . The
          Special Rapporteur repeated his call for protection of members of the
          political opposition after the assassination of FMLN activist
          Luis Antonio M ndez and death threats against Archbishop Arturo Rivera y Damas
          and Bishop Gregorio Rosa Chavez (6 July 1994) , and again after the killing,
          allegedly by members of a “death squad”, of David Faustino Merino Ramirez,
          member of the executive committee of the Fuerzas Populares de Liberaci6n
          (Popular Liberation Forces, FPL) and death threats against Carlos C6rtez
          Hern ndez and FPL coordinator Pablo Parada Andina (18 November 1994) .
          130. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government the case of
          Jose Isaias Calzada Mejia, member of the FMLN; Miguel de Jesi s Garcia
          Hern ndez, former FMLN combatant; Marta Alicia Mejia Herrera, candidate of the
          FMLN in the parliamentary elections of March 1994, as well as Oscar Fernando
          Pacheco Argueta, Francisco Antonio V squez Diaz and Luis Francisco Gaytan
          Velasquez, all four threatened with death by a “death squad”; and two persons
          reportedly killed by members of the security forces: Jose Dolores
          Rodriguez Amaya and Jaime Isabel Menjivar Chilin. At the time the present
          report was finalized, no replies had been received from the Government.
          Follow-up
          131. On 13 December 1993 and 4 January 1994, the Government provided the
          Special Rapporteur with information according to which investigations were
          carried out into the killings of two FMLN members, Mario L6pez Alvarenga and
          Eleno Castro, the latter case being investigated by a joint commission
          composed of representatives of the Government and the United Nations Observer
          Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL). On 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur
          sent a letter to the Government asking for information concerning the progress
          of these investigations.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 45
          Observations
          132. The Special Rapporteur remains concerned at the persistent reports and
          allegations of politically motivated violations of the right to life in
          El Salvador. Information according to which “death squad” activities continue
          are most disturbing. In this context, the Special Rapporteur refers to the
          report made public in mid-July 1994 by the Grupo Conjunto , which concluded
          that groups with political motive continued to operate in El Salvador,
          reminiscent of the “death squads” . The Special Rapporteur reiterates his call
          on the authorities to implement the recommendations made in 1993 by the Truth
          Commission to thoroughly investigate the “death squads” and eradicate this
          threat to society. The Special Rapporteur also urges the Government to make
          all efforts to guarantee the safety of the members of those former guerrilla
          organizations that have incorporated themselves into civilian life and
          participate in the democratic process.
          Ethiopia
          133. The Special Rapporteur received several communications expressing
          concern at the occurrence of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
          in Ethiopia. The Special Rapporteur transmitted one urgent appeal to the
          Government after receiving information on the alleged extrajudicial killing by
          government soldiers of five members of the political party Ogaden National
          Liberation Front (ONLF) . Fears had been expressed for several hundred other
          members or supporters of the ONLF said to have been arrested in early 1994,
          some of whom were reported to have been tortured in detention (4 March 1994) .
          The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he had
          received concerning the killing of at least 10 civilians when security forces
          opened fire against demonstrators in Gondar in September 1993, and of at
          least 50 participants by government soldiers who indiscriminately fired on a
          demonstration organized by the OLNF in Wardheer in February 1994. Three of
          the victims were identified as Ahmed Ibrahim Nur, Abshir Ali Dhuh and
          Hakin Hersi. At the time the present report was finalized, no reply had been
          received from the Government.
          134. On 27 October 1994, the Transitional Government of Ethiopia issued a
          press release stating that the Chief Special Prosecutor had submitted, on
          25 October 1994, the first charges against the leaders of the former
          Provisional Military Administrative Council - also known as the Dergue - to
          the Central High Court in Addis Ababa. Seventy-three Dergue members,
          including former head of State Mengistu Haile Mariam, who was to be tried
          in absentia , pending his extradition from Zimbabwe, requested in
          February 1994, were charged with genocide and crimes against humanity. These
          charges were only the first indictments concerning persons suspected to have
          committed or ordered to be committed atrocities under the ousted regime.
          Further charges would be filed subsequently regarding war crimes and related
          offences. The Transitional Government declared it its duty to bring to
          justice those persons with respect to whom there were serious reasons for
          considering that they were responsible for serious violations both of
          internatinal and domestic law.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 46
          Follow-up
          135. On 9 December 1993, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a
          reply to the case of Tesfahun Worku, transmitted in 1993, informing him that
          an inquiry committee headed by the President of the Supreme Court had been set
          up to clarify the events surrounding the student demonstration in Addis Ababa
          during which the victim had been killed. On 23 September 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur addressed a letter to the Government requesting further details
          on the progress of these investigations as well as the legal basis and
          attributions of an inquiry committee such as the one established in the case
          in question.
          Observations
          136. The Special Rapporteur has followed with interest the work of the Office
          of the Special Prosecutor. The beginning of judicial proceedings is certainly
          an important step towards clarification of past human rights violations.
          While welcoming this initiative, the Special Rapporteur wishes to remind the
          authorities of the rights and guarantees contained in a number international
          instruments relating to due process of law and the need to ensure the highest
          possible standards of fair trial, particularly in view of the gravity of the
          accusations. In this context, the Special Rapporteur would like to remark
          that, in its resolutions establishing international criminal jurisdictions for
          the trial of those responsible for genocide and crimes against humanity
          committed in the former Yugoslavia and in Rwanda, the Security Council
          excluded capital punishment and limited the penalties to imprisonment (see
          also below paras. 374 and 406) . The Special Rapporteur also wishes to point
          out that, in the case of Ethiopia, the information brought to the attention of
          the Special Rapporteur is not sufficient so as to constitute prima facie
          evidence of genocide.
          137. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur calls on the Transitional Government
          to ensure, with the same degree of determination as shown in the efforts to
          bring to justice those responsible for past abuses, that allegations of human
          rights violations under the current authorities are subjected to exhaustive
          and impartial investigations, with a view to establishing the facts,
          determining those responsible and bringing them to justice, granting adequate
          compensation to the victims or their families, and to prevent the recurrence
          of such violations.
          Gabon
          138. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          receiving information about the death in a gendarmerie camp at Libreville,
          during the night of 2 to 3 February 1994, of 71 clandestine immigrants,
          reportedly due to the extreme overcrowding of the detention facility
          (15 February 1994) . The Government replied on 21 February 1994, informing
          the Special Rapporteur that the deaths had occurred in the context of a
          confrontation between immigrants of different nationalities who were being
          held in a hall and three rooms in acceptable conditions. The deaths were
          discovered on the morning of 3 February and, after a meeting with the
          diplomatic representatives of the States whose nationals had died, it was
          agreed that the victims should be buried, as it was not possible to carry out
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 47
          autopsies on such a large number of bodies. The Government also stated that
          it planned to establish a centre for clandestine immigrants intercepted by the
          security forces so as to be able to identify them and send them back, and to
          avoid similar tragedies in the future. On 18 May 1994, the Government invited
          the Special Rapporteur to visit Gabon.
          Observations
          139. As stated in a letter to the Government of 26 May 1994, the
          Special Rapporteur is grateful to the authorities for their invitation to
          visit Gabon and their willingness to cooperate with his mandate. Due to the
          emergency situation in Rwanda, it was not possible for the Special Rapporteur
          to follow up on the invitation during the summer. He did, however, ask the
          Government to provide him with information on all steps taken to investigate
          the events of February 1994. In this context, the Special Rapporteur would
          like to point out that the responsibility for carrying out investigations into
          alleged violations of the right to life, with a view to identifying those
          responsible, bringing them to justice, granting adequate compensation to the
          families of the victims and taking all necessary steps to prevent the
          recurrence of such violations, lies with the State authorities. The Special
          Rapporteur cannot, and does not wish to, replace them in this task, as his
          role consists in observing how Governments comply with their obligations under
          international law and assisting them through recommendations, where
          appropriate.
          140. The Special Rapporteur would also like to express his preoccupation at
          the conditions of detention for clandestine immigrants intercepted by the
          security forces. He is concerned at information indicating that security
          personnel may have been implicated in the events leading to the deaths in the
          camp. The Special Rapporteur calls on the authorities to fulfil their
          obligation to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into the
          killings with a view to clarifying facts, bringing those found responsible to
          justice and punishing them, providing adequate compensation to the families of
          the victims and adopting measures so as to prevent the recurrence of similar
          incidents. The Special Rapporteur also wishes to point out that the number of
          victims and the need to bury them quickly for hygienic reasons should not be
          an excuse for not undertaking forensic examinations of their remains. Such
          examinations should be carried out by experts, if necessary from abroad.
          Guatemala
          Information received and communications sent
          141. The reports and allegations that have come before the Special Rapporteur
          indicate that human rights violations, including extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, continue to occur in Guatemala on an alarming scale,
          despite the peace process initiated between the Government and the Unidad
          Revolucionaria Nacional de Guatemala (National Revolutionary Unit of
          Guatemala, URNG). Negotiations had led to the signing, on 29 March 1994, of a
          human rights accord, and an agreement, in June 1994, on the formation of a
          Commission for the Clarification of Violations of Human Rights and Acts of
          Violence which Caused Suffering to the Guatemalan People during the Armed
          Conflict.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 48
          142. The Special Rapporteur continued to receive numerous reports of
          violations of the right to life. According to a report published by the
          Archbishop's Human Rights Office of Guatemala in July 1994, more than
          160 people had been victims of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
          during the first six months of the year. In addition, an increasing number of
          acts of harassment and death threats were reported. Concern was expressed
          that those responsible for human rights violations enjoyed, as in former
          years, virtually complete impunity. Trade unionists, human rights activists,
          members of popular organizations, journalists, persons linked with the church
          engaged in activities in favour of marginalized sectors, as well as Guatemalan
          refugees who had returned from Mexico and people working with them, continued
          to be particularly targeted. The Special Rapporteur is also concerned at
          persistent allegations of violence against street children and individuals and
          organizations trying to improve their situation. As in the past, members of
          the security forces and of Patrullas de Autodefensa Civil (Civilian
          Self-Defence Patrols, PAC) , were said to be responsible for extrajudicial
          killings and death threats. With regard to the PAC, the Special Rapporteur
          continued to receive reports of acts of violence against persons opposing
          forced recruitment into the ostensibly voluntary PAC. For a comprehensive
          analysis of the human rights situation in Guatemala, the Special Rapporteur
          refers to the report presented to the Commission on Human Rights by the
          Independent Expert on Guatemala, Ms. M6nica Pinto (E/CN.4/1995/15) .
          143. The Special Rapporteur sent 30 urgent appeals to the Government. In most
          of them, he urged the authorities to adopt all necessary measures to protect
          the lives and physical integrity of the following persons whose lives were
          said to be at risk:
          (a) Graciela Esther Barrios Marroquin, a Caritas worker in El Quiche
          (14 January 1994) ; Francisco Le6n Guarcas and Manuela Nas, as well as
          Josefa Macaria Calel, after the killing of their son and husband,
          respectively, Felipe Le6n Nas, allegedly for his involvement in various
          development projects in the community of Chich , El Quiche (7 February 1994);
          Father Axel Mencos and Father Felipe Neri Quintanilla, priests of
          Chichicastenango, El Quiche (2 March 1994) ; Bishop Rodolfo Quezada Toruflo,
          President of the Asamblea de Sociedad Civil (ASC), who had acted as a mediator
          between the Government and the URNG (6 July 1994);
          (b) Estela Nimajuan and her four children between 4 and 12 years of
          age, after the assassination of her husband Juan Cob Pichol, collaborator of
          the Auxiliar de Derechos Humanos of Chimaltenango, and human rights activists
          Mario Cob Martinez and Manuel Chavez Zuni n (2 February 1994); Axel Mejia,
          Coralia Perez and other collaborators of “Casa Alianza” (2 March 1994); human
          rights activist Nineth de Montenegro of GAM ( Grupode Apoyo Mutuo por el
          Apareciemento con Vida de Nuestros Famillaries - Mutual Support Group for the
          Appearance of our Relatives Alive) and trade unionists Byron Morales,
          Nery Barrios, Armando Sanchez, Perci M ndez, Ernesto Bob and Carlos Enrique
          Lobos, as well as journalist Adolfo Hector Ortiz Barrera (21 March 1994) ;
          human rights activists Nineth de Montenegro and her husband Mario Pobanco
          (24 March 1994) as well as the latter's brother Carlos Pobanco and
          Geovany Monroy (31 March 1994); Gustavo Eduardo Lapoba and Victor Hugo Gudieb,
          members of the Executive Committee of the Students' Association
          (24 March 1994) ; trade unionists Nery Barrios, Arm ndo Sanchez, Dick Fletcher,
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 49
          Humberto Sanchez, Dante Monterroso, Jose Pinz6n, Conrado Alberto Solis,
          Tr nsito de Jesi s L6pez, Carlos Enrique Soils Ramos and Felix Hern ndez, after
          the killing of trade unionist German Alfredo de Le6n Paraj6n (13 June 1994) ;
          trade unionists Diego Lux Tun, Blanca Santos, Luis Arturo Yantuche Morales,
          Manuel Cortez Perez, Florencia de Jesi s Telm n Garcia, No Figueroa,
          Francisco Roberto Peffia, Ricardo Wilson, No Peffia and Juana Peffia, after the
          killing of Adler Giovanni Wilson, son of Sonia Victoria Wilson, the
          Secretary-General of the Sindicato de Trabal adores de Mantenimiento y dents
          Dependencias del Ministerio de Finanzas PiOElicas (6 July 1994) ; trade unionist
          Rena Cabrera Estrada, after the killing of Efrain Recinos G6mez,
          Basilio Guzm n and Diego Orozco (15 September 1994) ; members of the AEU, after
          the killing of Mario L6pez Sanchez during a demonstration on university
          premises (17 November 1994) ;
          (c) Juan Enrique Quiffiones Schwank, Technical Director of the Asociaci6n
          para el Desarrollo para Am&ica Central (Association for the Development of
          Central America, ADEPAC) (2 February 1994 and again on 29 April 1994) ;
          Pedro Asturiaz Ruiz, technical counsellor of the Comisiones Permanentes de
          Representantes para el Retorno de los Refugiados Guatemaltecos en Mexico
          (Permanent Commissions of Representatives for the Return of Guatemalan
          Refugees in Mexico) (19 April 1994) ; former refugees and persons working with
          them, after the killing of returnee Manuel L6pez (14 November 1994);
          (d) Otto Moran, director of the journal “Tinamit”, journalist
          Marco Vinicio Mejia, and other staff of “Tinamit”, after the assassination of
          journalist Victor Cruz and his daughter Maria Mejia (14) (5 February 1994)
          (e) Judge Yolanda Perez Ruiz, allegedly for her investigations into
          alleged human rights violations by members of the military (16 March 1994) ;
          Mario Salvador Jim nez, Hector Rail Orellana and Maria Eugenia Villaseffior,
          judges at the Appeals Court of Guatemala, allegedly in relation with their
          work on several cases involving members of the security forces
          (6 September 1994) as well as their bodyguard Miguel Manuel Pacheco C rdenas
          (20 October 1994) ; witnesses in the judicial proceedings concerning the
          killing of Jorge Carpio Nicolle (31 October 1994);
          (f) Street children Luis JIItonio Rold n Izeppi (17) , Myriam Eugenia
          Fuentes (14) and Francisco Tziac, as well as Luis Aroldo V zquez
          (18 March 1994) ; Victor Manuel Alex (16), after having witnessed the killing,
          allegedly by police, of fellow street child Sergio Manuel Chavez, alias
          “El Chupado” (14 September 1994) ; Rigoberto Sol6rzano, Julio C sar
          Chavez Orozco, Victor Manuel Garcia and other street children, after the
          killing of fellow street children Ruben Garcia Gonzalez, Daniel Rosales,
          Fidel Sol6rzano, Juan Humberto Ramos Cifuentes and Cecilio Jax
          (4 October 1994);
          (g) Pedro de Le6n Corio, collaborator of the Human Rights Commission
          of Guatemala, Pedro Bop del Barrio (17) , Camilo Bernal Morales and
          Pedro Bop Caba, by members of the PAC of Chel, El Quiche (21 April 1994) ; the
          inhabitants of Panabajal, Chimaltenango, after the assassination of
          Pascual Serech, member of the Cakchikel indigenous group, reportedly for
          having opposed forced recruitment into the local PAC (16 August 1994) .
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 50
          144. In addition, the Special Rapporteur urged the Government to carry out
          exhaustive and independent investigations into human remains found in a
          clandestine cemetery at Cuarto Pueblo Ixc n which may belong to victims of
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. The Special Rapporteur
          recommended that internationally renowned forensic specialists be invited to
          participate in the excavations and analysis of the remains (20 October 1994) .
          145. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government the cases
          of trade unionist Santiago Ram6n Morales Escobar, reportedly killed in
          November 1993 by gunmen linked to the security forces; Juan Carlos
          Ruiz Ramirez (15) , allegedly shot by a policeman for no apparent reason;
          Mariano Perez, reportedly shot by soldiers who accused him of being a
          guerrilla collaborator; trade unionist Gerntn Alfredo de Le6n Parej6n,
          allegedly killed by security forces after being tortured. In addition, the
          Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government his concern at alleged
          irregularities in the investigation into the killing of Jorge Carpio Nicolle.
          Communications received
          146. The Government provided the Special Rapporteur with replies concerning
          a number of the cases transmitted in 1994, informing him that judicial
          investigations had been opened into the killing of Felipe Le6n Nas
          (27 April 1994) ; the killing of Maria Eugenia Muffioz Talom de Mejia and
          her daughter Maria Alejandra Palomo Muffioz (14), wife and step-daughter,
          respectively, of journalist Marco Vinicio Mejia (1 June 1994); the killing of
          Efrain Recinos G6mez (29 September 1994); and the killing of several persons
          in the village of Chel (7 October 1994) . At the time of the replies, the
          proceedings were at different stages. In some of the cases, charges had been
          brought against those presumed to be responsible for the killings or threats.
          In the case of death threats against the judges Salvador Jim nez Barillas,
          Maria Eugenia Villaseffior and Rai l Orellana, the Government also informed the
          Special Rapporteur that judicial investigations had been initiated. In
          October 1994, upon return from a trip abroad, Maria Eugenia Villaseffior had
          stated that she no longer needed the protection provided by the State security
          forces, as the threats against her had ceased (29 September and
          16 November 1994) .
          147. In the case of Graciela Esther Barrios Marroquin, the Government
          pointed out that she had not filed a complaint before any court, as required
          by law for an investigation to be carried out (18 April 1994) . In a later
          communication, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that, after a
          request made by the Human Rights Procurator's Office, police protection was
          granted to Esther Barrios Marroquin. The Government further reported that, in
          accordance with the penal law in force, no information could be provided from
          the files of proceedings that were under investigation (24 August and
          22 November 1994) . In the case of the killing of trade unionist
          German Alf redo de Le6n Paraj6n, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that investigations had been initiated and that a private dispute might be at
          the root of the killing (19 October 1994) . The Government also provided a
          reply to the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 6 July 1994, informing him
          that an arrest warrant had been issued as a result of investigations into the
          killing of Adler Geovani Wilson but the wanted person could not be detained,
          as his whereabouts had not yet been established (25 November 1994) .
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 51
          Follow-up
          148. The Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a number of replies
          to allegations transmitted in 1993, informing him that judicial proceedings
          had been opened and were under way at the time of the replies in the cases of
          the killing of Henry Yubani Alvarez Benitez (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 310)
          (24 March 1994) . In the case of 2IIdr s Godinez Diaz and Maria Perez Sanchez
          (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 309 (b)), no evidence for the involvement of the PAC
          could be found. As the investigations were continuing, no further details
          could be provided (27 April and 25 November 1994). The Government also
          informed the Special Rapporteur that no torture or ill-treatment had occurred
          during the detention of Marco Choco Damas, as the latter confirmed himself in
          a statement signed by him (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 308 (c)) (24 March and
          25 November 1994) . In the case of Pablo Itzep Hern ndez, Cruz Luz Hern ndez
          and Manuel Bat n Hern ndez (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 308 (c)), the Government
          told the Special Rapporteur that a captain of the Guatemalan army had been
          sentenced to four years' imprisonment and payment of an indemnity to the
          victims (24 August 1994) . As concerns allegations of death threats against
          Jer6nimo Morales Tiriquiz and Tom s Suy Canil, investigations had been opened.
          After their return to the family home, they no longer complained of any acts
          of intimidation against them (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 308 (c)) (18 March and
          25 November 1994) . Finally, medical doctor Brenda M&ida (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 308 (c)), had not responded to repeated invitations to collaborate in
          the investigations initiated by the competent tribunal (25 November 1994) .
          149. On 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur addressed a letter to the
          Government in which he thanked the authorities for the information provided in
          the aforementioned communications and asked for additional details as to the
          progress of the investigations and, where appropriate, their results. He also
          reiterated his request for additional details contained in his follow-up
          letter of 22 September 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 312), for which no reply
          had been received from the Government.
          Observations
          150. In his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its last session,
          the Special Rapporteur expressed deep concern at the persistent and grave
          allegations of violations of the right to life that had come before him during
          1993 (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 313) . The reports and allegations brought to
          his attention during 1994 continue to be most disturbing. The Special
          Rapporteur calls on the Government to take firm action with a view to putting
          an end to impunity by conducting exhaustive and impartial investigations into
          all allegations of violations of the right to life, to identify those
          responsible and bring them to justice, whatever their occupation, rank or
          position, grant adequate compensation to the victims or their families and
          take all necessary steps to prevent further human rights violations. The
          Special Rapporteur also calls on the authorities to adopt measures to
          eradicate violations of the right to life in the context of the PAC system.
          In addition, those lawfully engaged in trade unions and activities aiming at
          the defence of human rights should benefit from adequate protection measures
          as a matter of priority. The Special Rapporteur hopes that the implementation
          of the human rights agreement and the accord on the Clarification Commission
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 52
          may lead to an improvement in the respect for human rights, and calls on the
          Government and the URNG to make every effort to comply with the agreements and
          continue the process towards peace and reconciliation in Guatemala.
          Haiti
          151. According to the reports and allegations received during 1994, the human
          rights situation in Haiti continued to be precarious. Violations of the
          right to life, attributed to members of the army or the police, paramilitary
          groups and armed civilians cooperating with them ( attaches ) , included
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and death threats, directed
          principally against supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Hopes
          have been expressed that, with the return of President Aristide to Haiti,
          respect for human rights may improve. With regard to an in-depth analysis of
          the human rights situation in Haiti, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer to
          the report of the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation there,
          Mr. Marco Tulio Bruni Celli (E/CN.4/1995/59) .
          152. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur addressed six urgent appeals to the
          de facto authorities in Haiti, expressing concern at the alarming scale of
          violations of the right to life in the country and urging them to take steps
          to prosecute those responsible for such violations and prevent further acts of
          violence. In particular, the Special Rapporteur acted upon allegations of
          the killing of Saurel Guerrier (17) (9 February 1994) ; the killing of
          Ronald Pierre, Jance Pierre and Henri Eliassin, as well as fear for the lives
          of Saintil Alcidor, Jean-Pierre Josu and Fernand Hachette, all members of the
          Projet Association d'Education des Pasteurs pour le D veloppement (PAEPD)
          (15 February 1994) ; the torture and killing of Harold Fontaine and fears for
          the life of Dumez Schneider, allegedly abducted together with Harold Fontaine
          (29 April 1994) ; fears for the lives of Reynolds Georges, his wife
          Marie H l ne Georges and Gesn re Hubert, employee at their household
          (16 August 1994); the killing of 20 to 50 persons, including “Ti Claude”
          (29 April 1994) ; and the killing of Father Jean-Marie Vincent
          (1 September 1994) .
          Observations
          153. The reports and allegations received during 1994 warrant deep concern.
          The Special Rapporteur hopes that the return of President Aristide may mark
          the beginning of a new era in Haiti, in which the human rights situation
          improves. He also hopes that the United Nations mission to Haiti may resume
          its activities in the near future and contribute to respect for human rights.
          However, the Special Rapporteur notes with regret that General C dras and
          other military leaders responsible for the numerous extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions and other human rights violations in Haiti imputed to
          them enjoy impunity. To the Special Rapporteur's knowledge, there are no
          attempts to hold the former de facto authorities responsible for human rights
          violations committed under their responsibility.
          Honduras
          154. The Special Rapporteur received reports according to which, in late
          December 1993, Leo Valladares Lanza, the National Commissioner for the
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 53
          Protection of Human Rights, published a preliminary report on disappearances
          in Honduras between 1980 and 1993, recommending that former and current
          military and civilian officials responsible for these disappearances be
          brought to justice. The National Commissioner also recommended reforms of the
          judicial system and the military. The new Government of President Carlos
          Roberto Reina, which took office in January 1994, reportedly pledged to
          implement these recommendations.
          155. However, the Special Rapporteur received with concern reports of death
          threats and intimidation against Leo Valladares Lanza as well as Berta Oliva
          de Nativi, General Coordinator of the Comit Nacional de Familiares de los
          Desaparecidos en Honduras (National Committee of Relatives of Disappeared in
          Honduras, COFADEH) and COFADEH collaborator Dma Meetabel Meza Elvir (urgent
          appeal sent on 24 March 1994) and of further threats against COFADEH and
          Jorge Valladares Valladares, assistant to the National Commissioner (urgent
          appeal sent on 6 July 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also sent urgent appeals
          to the Government on behalf of Carlos Roberto Ventura, allegedly under death
          threats by members of the security forces after having witnessed the
          extrajudicial execution of Juan Pablo Laguna Cruz (5 February 1994); and after
          receiving reports of an attempt against the life of Jorge Alberto Sierra
          Moncada, member of the Comit para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos en
          Honduras (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights in Honduras, CODEH)
          (16 March 1994) . In addition, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the
          authorities the case of Rutilio Matute, member of the Xicaque indigenous
          community, reportedly abducted and later found dead in May 1994. Members of
          the security forces were said to have been involved in his killing. To date,
          no reply has been received from the Government to any of these communications.
          Observations
          156. The Special Rapporteur noted with satisfaction the announcement by the
          Government of its intention to clarify cases of disappearances and bring to
          justice those responsible. Reports of threats and attacks against the
          National Commissioner for Human Rights and his assistant as well as members of
          human rights organizations, some of which have cooperated with United Nations
          mechanisms for the protection of human rights for many years, are most
          disturbing. The Special Rapporteur encourages the authorities to make every
          effort to implement the recommendations made by the National Commissioner.
          India
          Information received and communications sent
          157. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received a number of reports and
          allegations of human rights violations, including extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, in India. Most of these reports referred to deaths in
          the custody of the security forces as a result of torture. Concern was
          expressed that legal safeguards currently in force in India were not
          sufficient to protect detainees, and those that exist are often disregarded.
          The Special Rapporteur was informed that legislative proposals were brought
          before Parliament by the Government in May 1994 with a view to strengthening
          legal safeguards to protect police detainees from torture. The National Human
          Rights Commission, established in September 1993, reportedly started
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 54
          investigations into deaths in custody. However, several sources informed the
          Special Rapporteur that the vast majority of those responsible for deaths in
          custody, whether police or army personnel, have not yet been brought to
          justice.
          158. The Special Rapporteur sent three urgent appeals to the Government after
          being informed of fears for the lives and physical integrity of Kanwar Singh
          Dhami, his wife Kuldip Kaur and their six-year-old son (8 April 1994) ;
          detainees in Rajasthan, after the deaths in police custody, allegedly as a
          result of torture, of Shankarlal Soni, Mahiman Kaushik, Rajendra Singh,
          Mahesh Jam and Chhitarlal between April and July 1994 (22 August 1994) . The
          Special Rapporteur sent another urgent appeal calling on the authorities to
          ensure protection of the right to life and physical integrity of detainees
          after receiving reports of the deaths in police custody, allegedly after
          torture, of Rajesh Singhal and Tejaram Bill (1 September 1994) .
          159. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations
          he had received concerning the deaths in police custody in the State of
          JIIdhra Pradesh during the month of September 1993 of P. Ashalu, Khader Babu,
          Pochamma and a five-month-old child; the killing, allegedly after torture,
          by army personnel, of Sara Begum; and the deaths of Udayan, Madan Lal,
          Gyuani Ram, Babu alias “Iqbal”, Dilbagh Singh, Raju Bhujel, Sarabit Singh,
          Wilson, Ram Singh and Ganesh Bauri, allegedly due to torture while in custody
          in police premises in various parts of the country.
          Communications received
          160. In a letter dated 25 November 1994, the Government provided replies to
          most of the allegations transmitted in 1994. Thus, the Special Rapporteur was
          informed that a police constable and the cook at the police station at Narwana
          faced trial for poisoning Ram Gyani (not Guyani) ; the arrest and suspension,
          pending preparation of their criminal prosecution, of police personnel who had
          killed Wilson by beating him with sticks and iron pipes had been requested.
          In the case of Ram Singh, investigations showed that he had been tortured
          during police detention, but it could not be determined whether he had died or
          not. Proceedings against six police officers had been initiated. Proceedings
          were also under way to inquire into the circumstances of the deaths of
          P. Ashalu, Khader Baba and S. Pochamma, who had died during detention due to
          health problems. Furthermore, as regards the killing of Iqbal Babu, the
          matter was sub judice . Dilbagh Singh died accidentally when he fell off the
          railway compartment while accompanying police to apprehend a terrorist known
          to him. Inquiries were still under way.
          161. In the same letter, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that
          the five-month-old baby Rama had died from a respiratory tract infection,
          owing to lack of proper medical treatment, and not as a result of
          ill-treatment. Sara Begum had been found dead, and it was not possible to
          determine the cause or circumstances of her death. No information could be
          obtained as to the killing of a person called Sarbjit (not Sarabit) Singh.
          162. With regard to the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 8 April 1994,
          the Government reported that Kanwar Singh Dhami and his wife Kaur Kuldip had
          been arrested for their involvement in terrorism and violence. Both are
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 55
          currently being tried and remained in Chandigarh jail at their own request,
          as they felt threatened by another terrorist group. Their son Kanbar Ranbir
          Singh was with his parents at the time of their arrest, but was released
          immediately (25 November 1994) .
          Follow-up
          163. The Government also provided the Special Rapporteur with information in
          reply to numerous cases transmitted in 1993, informing him that investigations
          had been carried out which established that Hamida Mattoo (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 333 (b)) was caught in a cross-fire between government forces and armed
          militants; criminal procedures were under way against security forces
          personnel suspected of being involved in the death of Manzoor Ahmed Ganai
          (ibid., para. 333 (d)), who died of renal failure one week after being
          released from custody; a joint investigation by military and police personnel
          was under way into the killing of Riyaz Ahmed (ibid., para. 333 (d)), a police
          agent who was killed wearing plain clothes during a military operation in
          Srinagar; investigations were also under way into the killing of
          Abdul Ahad Guru (ibid., para. 333 (c)), who was killed by unidentified
          kidnappers; and Bilal Ahmed and his parents (ibid., para. 333 (b)), who were
          caught in a cross-fire between security forces and militants. During the days
          following their death, security forces were compelled to open fire against
          unruly mobs, causing the deaths of Mohammed Shadi, Aijaz Ahmed Khan and
          Noor Mohammed Sofi (29 November 1993) . In a number of these cases, families
          of the victims were granted relief payments.
          164. In a further communication the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          about investigations which established that H.N. Wanchoo (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 333 (c)), had been killed by members of a particular militant group,
          some of whom had been arrested, without any involvement by security forces
          personnel; criminal investigations were under way in the case of Nandgopal
          (ibid., para. 333 (d)), who died of asphyxia due to hanging while in police
          custody; Vidyadharan (ibid.), who had banged his head against the grills of
          the lock-room while in detention and died as a result of the injuries
          sustained; Abdul Ahad Magrey and Imtiaz Ahmed (ibid., para. 333 (b)), who
          were killed when they were in an exchange of fire between security forces
          and militants; Farooq Ahmed Ashai (ibid., para. 333 (c)), who died of
          cardio-respiratory arrest due to a bullet wound, after being caught in an
          exchange of fire between security forces and militants; three police officers
          were brought to trial in connection with the death in custody of Satyavan
          (ibid., para. 333 (d)); two police officers were held liable for negligence
          while on duty after Vikal Kumar Adhana (ibid.) committed suicide while in
          their custody; Hussain Ashiq (ibid., para. 333 (c) , caught by a bullet fired
          by security forces to disperse an unruly crowd during the funeral of his
          brother-in-law Abdul Ahad Guru (28 February 1994) . In the same reply, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur of investigations into the
          incidents in Sopore and Ayodhya (ibid., para. 333 (a)) . With regard to the
          killing of 42 persons in Sopore, 10 border security force personnel and their
          commanding officer were suspended pending inquiries by a special commission of
          inquiry. After communal riots in Ayodhya security forces restored order and
          special relief and rehabilitation measures were taken by the Maharashtra
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 56
          government. A judicial inquiry was ordered which was to submit its report
          by 24 July 1994. In a number of these cases, families of the victims were
          granted relief payments.
          165. The Government also informed the Special Rapporteur that the lives of
          Mohinder Singh Grewal and Nazir Ahmed Misri (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 332)
          were not in danger and that they had not been ill-treated while being detained
          (18 January 1994) . Umrao Singh (ibid.) escaped from detention, and a
          magisterial inquiry had been ordered to determine the circumstances under
          which he managed to escape (7 July 1994).
          166. In a letter on 25 November 1994, the Government reported that two
          magistrates had concluded that Satyavan (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 333 (d))
          had died as a result of torture while in police detention. A request by the
          police department to accord sanction or launch prosecution against seven
          officers was under way. In the same letter, the Government stated that
          investigations were under way to determine if police officers had been
          negligent in the death due to self-inflicted injuries of Vidyadharan and the
          suicide of Vikal Kumar Adhana while in detention (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 333 (d)).
          167. With regard to allegations transmitted by the Special Rapporteur in 1992,
          the Government reported that investigations were carried out with regard to
          the following cases: Khursheed Ahmed Bhat, who could not be traced and
          therefore could not be confirmed as having died; Afjal Mohd, whose whereabouts
          were unknown since he was arrested by border security force personnel in
          December 1990; Puma Rabha, who committed suicide by hanging while in police
          detention and whose body bore no traces of atrocities or injuries; Susil Bag,
          allegedly beaten to death while in police detention, whose case police
          authorities had been asked to investigate expeditiously (28 February 1994) .
          In the case of Satnam Singh, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that he had never been arrested or picked up by the police in any district of
          Punjab (7 July 1994) .
          168. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          Government for the information provided and asked for additional details with
          regard to, inter alia , the progress of the investigations, the nature of the
          disciplinary sanctions imposed, the amount of the compensation payments
          ordered and whether these payments had actually been made, as well as the
          nature, legal basis and attributions of the special commissions of inquiry.
          Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur reiterated his request for additional
          details concerning a large number of other allegations of 1992 and 1993,
          for which the Government had provided information (see E/cN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 336-337) , made in a follow-up letter dated 22 September 1994, to which
          no reply had been received. The Government replied to this letter and
          provided additional information concerning the nature of investigation
          commissions such as those established in the cases of Nandgopal or the
          killings at Sopore and Ayodhya. The investigations into the latter two had
          not yet been concluded, while the report of the inquiry into Nandgopal's death
          had been submitted to the Government and would be made public after being
          tabled in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly (25 November 1994) .
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 57
          169. Also on 25 November 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur
          with comments on some of the observations contained in his report to the
          Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session (E/cN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 340-342) . The Government stressed the disregard for human rights and
          the rule of law shown by terrorists and armed groups in the States of Jammu
          and Kashmir and Punjab. The Government pointed out, inter alia , that attacks
          by these armed groups were directed mainly against the civilian population,
          and that the authorities were determined to protect the human rights of Indian
          citizens. Rigorous measures were taken to punish security forces personnel
          for excesses committed.
          Observations
          170. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the information
          provided concerning a large number of the cases transmitted since 1992. The
          efforts and willingness of the authorities to cooperate with his mandate thus
          expressed are highly appreciated. Nevertheless, the Special Rapporteur
          remains concerned about persistent allegations of violations of the right to
          life, particularly of deaths in custody as a consequence of torture or
          killings which, according to the authorities, occur in armed encounters. Such
          reports, which have been received consistently over the past three years,
          suggest the existence of patterns of violations of the right to life in
          certain areas of the country, without, however, there being any indication of
          systematic investigations into these patterns with a view to identifying their
          causes and adopting the necessary steps to bring them to a halt. The
          Special Rapporteur notes with concern that, while in most cases investigations
          are said to be initiated, reports brought to his attention suggest that such
          proceedings virtually never appear to conclude with a judgement convicting
          the security forces personnel involved. The length of the investigative
          procedures is also worrying: in a number of cases, inquiries opened more than
          two years ago are still said to be in progress.
          171. Reports of legislative initiatives to strengthen the legal safeguards
          for detainees in police custody are most welcome and the Special Rapporteur
          encourages the Government to continue efforts in this regard. However, he
          wishes to insist on the importance of holding the authors of violations of
          the right to life accountable and complying with the obligation to conduct
          exhaustive and impartial investigations into all alleged extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, to identify and bring to justice those
          responsible, to grant adequate compensation to the victims or their families,
          and to adopt all necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such
          executions.
          172. In this respect, the Special Rapporteur would like to express concern
          at the apparent contradiction between the information received from the
          Government regarding allegations transmitted to the authorities in 1992
          and 1993, and comments and observations provided by the sources of these
          allegations with regard to this information. As he pointed out in his
          22 September 1994 letter to the Government, the Special Rapporteur finds
          himself in a position where it is virtually impossible for him to determine
          which of the contradicting versions corresponds to reality. In 1993, the
          Special Rapporteur had inquired whether the Government would consider inviting
          him to visit India. In November 1993, and again in February 1994, he met with
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 58
          representatives of the Government to discuss the possibility of such a visit.
          He was informed then that the authorities preferred to await the first results
          of the work of the newly established National Human Rights Commission before
          considering a visit by the Special Rapporteur. However, in view of the
          dilemma outlined above, the Special Rapporteur reiterated his interest in
          visiting India so as to be in a position to assess the situation on the basis
          of first-hand information. The Special Rapporteur also feels that a visit
          could provide a welcome opportunity to meet the members of the Human Rights
          Commission for a mutually beneficial exchange of views on issues of common
          concern: the Special Rapporteur may be in a position to formulate
          recommendations which could benefit the work of the Commission and to obtain a
          better understanding of its functioning in practice as well as of the problems
          and difficulties it encounters.
          Indonesia
          173. From 3 to 13 July 1994, the Special Rapporteur visited Indonesia and
          East Timor, on the basis of an invitation extended to him by the Government
          pursuant to resolution 1993/97 of the Commission on Human Rights. The
          findings, conclusions and recommendations that resulted from this visit can be
          found in the first addendum to the present report, published in November 1994
          (E/cN.4/1995/61/Add.1). The following paragraphs contain an account of the
          cases transmitted to the Government in 1994 as well as follow-up activities.
          174. Most of the reports and allegations received during 1994 concerned
          violations of the right to life in East Timor. However, the Special
          Rapporteur was also informed of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions
          by members of the security forces in other parts of the country. Thus, the
          Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations he had received
          concerning the killing of four persons called Mutirah, Nindin (14), Simoki and
          Muhammad, when security forces opened fire, allegedly without any warning or
          provocation, on a crowd of demonstrators; Jery Manafe, reportedly beaten to
          death by police officers in West Timor; Shukri T. Nun, allegedly shot by
          soldiers in Aceh; Tilario Rodriguez (15), Tito Teles, Domingo dos Santos,
          JIIilio Sarmento, Jong Kim Jong, all of them reportedly killed by military
          personnel in East Timor during the first half of 1994; Joana Soares,
          Antonio Amaral, Thomas Gomes, Manuel Amaral, Joao Soares and Jose Soares,
          reportedly tortured and killed by military personnel in Onu Laran, Burcoli.
          At the time the present report was finalized, no replies had been received
          from the Government.
          Information received
          175. On 26 October 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with
          information concerning the decision taken by the Military Court of East Timor
          on 17 October 1994, in which two privates of the Indonesian armed forces were
          sentenced to 2 and 2Y years of imprisonment, respectively, for having
          desecrated Remexio Church, made public disturbances and disobeyed orders.
          They were also discharged from the armed forces.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 59
          Observations
          176. For a detailed analysis of the situation with regard to violations of
          the right to life in East Timor and, particularly, as concerns the killings
          in Dili and subsequent developments, the Special Rapporteur refers to the
          above-mentioned report on his mission to Indonesia and East Timor.
          Iran (Islamic Republic of)
          Information received and communications sent
          177. The reports and allegations received by the Special Rapporteur indicate
          that violations of the right to life continue to occur in the Islamic Republic
          of Iran. As in former years, it was alleged that death sentences were
          imposed, and carried out, after trials before Islamic Revolutionary Courts
          which were alleged to fall far short of internationally recognized fair trial
          guarantees. The Special Rapporteur also received disturbing reports of
          persecution of leaders of different Christian churches in the Islamic Republic
          of Iran, including the imposition of the death sentence for apostasy on
          Reverend Mehdi Dibaj , a church leader who had converted from Islam to
          Christianity 45 years ago. The Reverend was released on 16 January 1994, and
          his dead body was found in July 1994. For an in-depth analysis of the human
          rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Special Rapporteur
          refers to the report presented to the Commission by the Special Rapporteur on
          the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Reynaldo
          Galindo Pohl (E/CN.4/1995/55) .
          178. The Special Rapporteur sent six urgent appeals to the Government.
          Concern was expressed after the Special Rapporteur received reports of
          death sentences handed down by Islamic Revolutionary Courts against
          Ahmed Bakhtari (7 December 1994) ; 15-year-old Mitra Zahraei (11 January 1994) ;
          Reverend Mehdi Dibaj (11 January 1994) ; Ali Akbar Saidi-Sirjani, essayist and
          novel writer, and Said Niazi-Kermani, publisher and poet (29 April 1994) ; and
          Parviz Sason-Yashar (26 May 1994) . In another urgent appeal, the Special
          Rapporteur urged the authorities to take all necessary steps to protect the
          lives and physical integrity of Hassan Shahjamali, reportedly abducted
          together with two other church leaders, including Beni Paul, after the dead
          bodies of Reverend Mehdi Dibaj and Reverend Mikhailian, Chairman of the
          Council of Protestant Churches in Iran, had been found (11 July 1994) .
          The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government the cases of
          Bishop Haik Hovsepian-Mehr, General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God
          Church in the Islamic Republic of Iran, reportedly abducted and later found
          dead after leading a campaign for the release of Reverend Mehdi Dibaj; and of
          75-year-old Feizollah Meikhoubad, reportedly tortured to death while on death
          row in Evin prison.
          Communications received
          179. On 15 August 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a
          reply informing him that on the basis of documents and the declarations of a
          captured member of the Mojaheddin Khalgh Organization of Iran (MKO), it was
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 60
          established that Reverend Mehdi Dibaj and Reverend Mikhailian had been killed
          by agents of that organization. The Government further reported that
          Hassan Shahjamali and Beni Paul had been freed by their abductors.
          Follow-up
          180. In a follow-up letter to the Government on 23 September 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur thanked the authorities for the information provided and asked for
          additional details concerning the investigations carried out in the cases of
          the religious leaders. He also requested further information with regard to
          several cases transmitted in 1993, for which the Government had provided
          replies (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 363), in particular with regard to the
          specific questions of procedural guarantees, such as the right to an adequate
          defence and the right to appeal.
          Observations
          181. The Special Rapporteur notes with deep concern the persistent allegations
          of violations of the right to life in the Islamic Republic of Iran. The
          Special Rapporteur appreciates the information provided to him by the
          Government in 1993 and 1994 in reply to some of the cases transmitted by him.
          However, none of these replies addresses the specific issues of fair trial
          guarantees in proceedings before the Islamic Revolutionary Courts. The
          Special Rapporteur reiterates his call, expressed in numerous urgent appeals,
          to respect the rights of those facing the death penalty, as contained in the
          pertinent international instruments.
          182. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur would like to express profound dismay
          at the reports he received concerning the case of Feizoullah Meikhoubad. It
          may be recalled that he first sent an urgent appeal to the authorities in
          June 1993, after being informed that Mr. Meikhoubad had been sentenced to
          death and might face imminent execution. On 22 September 1993, the Government
          had informed the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Meikhoubad was waiting for the
          final sentence to be issued and that he was in normal condition, regularly
          visited by his family. In March 1994, the Special Rapporteur was informed
          that Mr. Meikhoubad had died on 25 February 1994 in Evin prison after severe
          torture. Requests to the Government to provide clarifying information have
          not been answered to date. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned at the
          persistence of reports of deaths in custody under suspicious circumstances.
          To his knowledge, no efforts have been made to investigate these deaths with a
          view to identifying those responsible and bringing them to justice.
          Iraq
          Information received and communications sent
          183. Reports and allegations brought to the attention of the Special
          Rapporteur in 1994 indicate that during trials leading to the imposition
          of capital punishment in Iraq, defendants do not fully benefit from
          internationally recognized fair trial guarantees. Grave shortcomings were
          reported, in particular with regard to an adequate defence, as access to
          Government-appointed lawyers was said to be severely restricted and in some
          instances limited to the day before the trial, and with regard to the right to
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 61
          appeal if the death sentence has been handed down by a “special court”.
          Furthermore, defendants charged with capital offences were allegedly often
          denied the right to call witnesses on their behalf or to submit evidence
          refuting the charges. Concerns were also expressed that the majority of
          trials before “special courts” as well as permanent military courts which hand
          down death sentences were held in camera . Moreover, confessions used as a
          basis for the death sentences are frequently said to be extracted under
          torture. The Special Rapporteur also continued to receive reports of
          indiscriminate attacks against civilian settlements in the southern Marshes,
          by the Iraqi military, allegedly using artillery and mortars as well as napalm
          and fire bombs. For an in-depth analysis of the human rights situation in
          Iraq, the Special Rapporteur refers to the report presented to the Commission
          on Human Rights by the Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in
          Iraq, Mr. Max van der Stoel (E/CN.4/1995/56) .
          184. The Special Rapporteur transmitted two urgent appeals to the Government
          of Iraq. He expressed concern at death sentences reportedly imposed on
          ‘Ali ‘Issa and three other persons in December 1993, on Jordanian national
          Kabed Sabri Sa'id Shahada on 5 February 1994, reportedly for drug-related
          offences, and on Dhafer Zuhair Nahi and seven other persons said to be known
          as opponents of the Government, reportedly for being “members of a gang”
          (15 March 1994) . In a second urgent appeal, sent in response to reports of
          indiscriminate attacks in the southern Marshes on several occasions in
          March 1994, causing the death of at least 13 villagers, the Special Rapporteur
          called on the authorities to prevent the recurrence of such attacks and to
          ensure respect for the provisions contained in international instruments
          regarding the use of force by law enforcement agencies (2 June 1994) .
          Communications received
          185. On 19 April 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a
          reply concerning his urgent appeal of 15 March 1994, informing him that the
          death sentences against ‘Ali ‘Issa et al. had been handed down by a competent
          court, in accordance with Iraqi anti-narcotics legislation, after they had
          been found guilty of having committed the most serious drug-related offences.
          The Government expressed its view that article 6 of the International Covenant
          on Civil and Political Rights was fully applicable to the perpetrators of this
          crime. The authorities further informed the Special Rapporteur that they had
          no information on Kabed Sabri Sa'id Shahada, and that the eight persons
          mentioned in the urgent appeal had confessed to having carried out a number of
          crimes in various governorates, including the murder of a policeman, several
          armed attacks and thefts. With regard to the allegations of shortcomings in
          fair trial guarantees, the Government pointed out that Iraqi legislation
          provided for the right to appeal, for an automatic review of judgements
          involving the death penalty by the Court of Cassation in plenary session, and
          the possibility for the President to grant special pardons except in cases of
          sodomy, adultery and drug trafficking.
          186. On 19 September 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 2 June 1994, stating that no houses had been destroyed or
          burnt in any military operation carried out by Iraqi military units. The
          allegation concerning the use of artillery and napalm bombs was totally
          unfounded. The Government further pointed out that two of the persons
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 62
          mentioned in the Special Rapporteur's appeal had been killed in inter-tribal
          clashes. Following these clashes, two others were detained but released after
          it was established that they had not been involved in the killing. A third
          person was also released after investigations owing to a lack of evidence
          against him. With regard to six other persons, the Government did not have
          any information.
          Follow-up
          187. On 7 January 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a
          reply to his follow-up letter of 22 September 1993, in which he had requested
          additional information concerning the alleged killing of civilians during an
          armed attack on the village of Uweina (see E/cN.4/1994/7, paras. 372, 375 (a)
          and 377-378) and the death sentences imposed on a group of 40 merchants (see
          E/CN.4/1993/46, para. 375 and E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 376-377) . In a letter to
          the Government on 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          authorities for the information provided but pointed out that the very
          specific follow-up questions regarding, inter alia , the investigations carried
          out into the case of Uweina and the names of those killed and wounded in the
          attack, as well as the names of four merchants who were said to have been
          released after the court had found the evidence against them insufficient.
          It should also be noted that the source of the alleged violations of the right
          to life in Uweina replied to the Special Rapporteur's request for further
          information, reiterating the concerns expressed earlier.
          188. In the same letter, the Special Rapporteur asked the Government to
          provide him with details additional to the information provided in its reply
          of 19 April 1994, concerning the legal basis and attributions of the courts
          before which the defendants had been tried, as well as details concerning the
          offences committed and the trial proceedings.
          Observations
          189. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the willingness to cooperate with his
          mandate shown by the Government in its replies. However, he remains concerned
          at the persistent reports of military force against civilians in the southern
          Marshes and reiterates his call on the authorities to prevent the recurrence
          of acts causing the death of civilians and the destruction of their villages.
          With regard to capital punishment, the Special Rapporteur notes that, while
          Iraqi legislation provides for procedural safeguards, the replies received
          from the Government do not contain any information about how defendants
          benefit from their rights in practice. Specific questions to that effect have
          remained unanswered.
          Israel
          190. The Special Rapporteur received numerous reports of violations of
          the right to life by members of the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) against
          Palestinian civilians, including numerous minors, in the occupied Gaza Strip
          throughout 1993. Concern was expressed that extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions continued despite the peace process initiated by the
          signing of an accord between the Government and the Palestine Liberation
          Organization (PLO) in 1993. The Special Rapporteur also received disturbing
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 63
          reports of killings of members of the Israeli security forces and civilians
          carried out by members of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) , including
          bomb attacks in Afalu in April 1994, and in Tel Aviv in October 1994.
          Reference is made to the report presented to the Commission on Human Rights
          by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied
          Arab territories including Palestine, Mr. Rena Felber (E/cN.4/1995/19) .
          191. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed of the killing of Nidal Said Amead Bayoud Al-Tamimi, allegedly
          while lying on the floor surrounded by soldiers at a check-point. The Special
          Rapporteur called on the authorities to ensure that IDF personnel respect the
          restrictions on the use of force and firearms, as contained in pertinent
          international instruments (17 November 1994) .
          192. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government 55 cases of alleged
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, reported to have occurred
          between April 1993 and March 1994 in the occupied territories. In most cases,
          the victims were said to have been shot dead by snipers of the IDF, often
          stationed on roof-tops and firing from close range. The following 18 cases
          concerned minors, reportedly shot dead by members of the security forces:
          (a) Raeda Omar Abed Rabbah Qarrah (13); Mohammad Mahmoud Mohammad
          Abu Shawish (12); Ahead Nathmi Suboh Hamdan (12); Khaled Ibrahim Ali
          Hilayel (17); Rami Hamed Mohammad Abu (13); Ibrahim Khaled Ibrahim Deek (14);
          Ramzi Najib Diab Mansour (15) ; Ala' Saleh Salman Abu Hindi (10) ;
          Mohammad Salem Isma'il Abu T'eimeh (12); Ra'fat Zaki Abdul Hadi Aqal (16);
          Fares Mohammad Rasmi Ramadan Kurdi (1); Mohammad Mohammad Hussein Ghoul (13)
          and Ahead Hassan Ali Kurdi (10); Muayyad Faleh Saleh Mahmoud (17) ;
          Isma'il Hamdan Barka Obeid (16); Amin Mohammad Abdul Karim Ammar (12);
          Ahmed Abdullah Ahmed El Zalameh (17); and Hazim Mohammed Mohammed Migdad (15);
          (b) Further cases transmitted by the Special Rapporteur concerned the
          following persons: Bilal Mohammad Suleiman Khuzamymiyeh; Najah Abu Dallal;
          Hani Mohammad Hasan Mu'ammar, Ahead Hamad Salameh Abu Aa'alik, Mohammad Mahmud
          Mohammad Bahader and Ayed Salim Deeb Habet; Jum'a Farhan Obeid Abu Muheisen
          and Yusef Farhan Obeid Abu Muheisen; Fuad Isma'il Yusef Timraz; Awni Nayef
          Mohammad Mqous; Kamal Yusef Darwish Aslan; Ya'qub Yusef Mohammad Hussein
          Mutawe; Hatem Yaqin Yacoub Othman Muhtaseb and Raed Yuesf Abdul Qader Zu'rob;
          Ragheb Ziad Ragheb; Yusef Ibrahim Mohammad Abu Rahmeh; Mahmoud Abdul Raouf
          Mahmoud Ghandour; Ibrahim Mohammad Abdul Razzaq; Raed Yahya Deeb Qosa;
          Hassan Mohammed Jmi'an El Soufi; Mo'mar Saleh Hussain Al Mubayed; Ali Mohammed
          Ahmed El Farra; Nidal Ramadan Mohammed Awaad; Ahmed Khalid Serhan Abu El Reesh
          and Fared Yousef Ibrahim Imtear; Ashraf Mohammed Ahmed Khaleel; Fadil Abedalla
          Mahomud Rihan; Abass Khader Said El-Saedi; Fareed Mohamed Mohamed El-Chair;
          and lyad Abed El-Karem Abed El-Fattah El-Hinwi;
          (c) Six Fatah members, Ahmed Abu Ibteihan, Jamal Abdel Nabi,
          Nahedh Uda, JIIwar Maqoussi, Majdi Ubeid and Abdel Hakim Shamali, were
          allegedly killed by Israeli undercover units in an operation allegedly aimed
          at their elimination. According to the reports received, no attempts were
          made to arrest the men. One case referred to the death of Ayman Nassar,
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 64
          reportedly due to the consequences of a smoke bomb used by military personnel
          to force him out of a hide-out, for which he had not received adequate
          treatment while in custody.
          193. At the time the present report was finalized, no replies had been
          received from the Government.
          Observations
          194. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express deep concern at the persistent
          reports of violence in Israel and the occupied territories. Information
          regarding excessive and arbitrary use of force, which has been received by the
          Special Rapporteur on a continuous basis during the past three years, suggests
          the existence of a pattern of abuse of force. Despite moves towards a peace
          settlement, this shoot-to-kill policy appears to continue unabated. To the
          Special Rapporteur's knowledge, there have been no attempts at systematic
          investigations or prevention of violations of the right to life on the part of
          the security forces. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to conduct
          exhaustive and impartial investigations into all alleged violations of the
          right to life, with a view to identifying those responsible and punishing
          them, and to grant adequate compensation to the victims.
          195. Reports of killings of members of the Israeli security forces and
          indiscriminate attacks causing the deaths of numerous civilians by members of
          Palestinian organizations, particularly 1-lamas, are also most disturbing. The
          Special Rapporteur appeals to the Palestinian authorities to do their utmost
          to prevent such killings. Finally, the Special Rapporteur calls on both sides
          to continue their efforts towards peace and protection of human rights, and to
          take decisive action against all those responsible for actions which can only
          be detrimental to the peace process.
          Ital y
          196. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government the case of
          Antonio Morabito, who was reported to have died in the custody of Turin
          police on 18 December 1993, allegedly as a consequence of torture. On
          14 November 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that
          Antonio Morabito, who was HIV-positive and in a poor state of health, had died
          while being transferred to hospital one hour after his arrest by the police on
          suspicion of theft. After due investigation of the case, the Public
          Prosecutor requested the committal for trial of two police officers belonging
          to the squad that arrested Antonio Morabito on charges of manslaughter. The
          Government also stated its view that whenever the death of a person in custody
          could be attributed to public officials, police officers, penitentiary guards
          or the like, and the State takes appropriate action to submit to trial any
          such official, the death cannot be qualified as extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary execution.
          Observations
          197. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information provided
          in reply to his communication. With regard to the Government's concern about
          the qualification of a case as extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution,
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 65
          he wishes to point out the following: the mandate entrusted to him by the
          Commission on Human Rights includes all violations of the right to life.
          When he receives allegations from credible sources that such violations are
          imminent, the role of the Special Rapporteur is to alert the authorities and
          call on them to provide the necessary protection. Where such violations have
          already taken place, it is incumbent on the Special Rapporteur to monitor how
          Governments comply with their obligation under international law to conduct
          exhaustive and impartial investigations with a view to clarifying the facts
          and identifying those responsible, to bring them to justice and punish them,
          to provide adequate compensation to the victims or their families and to
          prevent the recurrence of such violations. If a Government fulfils this
          obligation in a satisfactory way, the Special Rapporteur will report thereon
          to the Commission on Human Rights and consider the case as closed.
          Japan
          198. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the authorities the case of
          Kawanaka Tetsuo, reportedly executed in Osaka in March 1993 after spending
          13 years on death row. According to the information received, he was mentally
          ill and his condition had deteriorated in the months preceding his execution.
          On 16 November 1994, the Government provided a general explanation of Japanese
          law and practice in reply to these allegations, while pointing out that no
          information on specific cases was disclosed, inter alia in order to protect
          the rights, honour and privacy of the persons concerned. The Government
          informed the Special Rapporteur that the death sentence, like all sentences,
          is the result of a judicial decision reached in accordance with the procedures
          of Japan's adversarial three-tiered legal system. For death penalty cases, an
          additional review of the final court decision by the Minister of Justice was
          provided for under the Japanese Code of Criminal Procedure, which also
          stipulates that the execution of a person in state of insanity shall be stayed
          by order of the Minister of Justice. The Government concluded that, as a
          consequence, there was no possibility whatsoever that an extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary execution could take place in Japan.
          Observations
          199. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the information
          provided. He would like to point out, however, that the existence of
          legislation providing for full fair trial guarantees and safeguards, while
          certainly to be welcomed, does not in itself exclude the possibility of the
          occurrence of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in any given
          country. Rather, it is the compliance with the rights and guarantees of due
          process, as contained in the pertinent international instruments, which is to
          be verified in each case where a breach of these standards is alleged.
          Kazakhstan
          200. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government
          expressing concern at death sentences reportedly imposed on Mr. Shtyrkhunov
          and Mr. Puchkov. Both men were said to have appealed to the President for
          clemency. However, as the carrying out of death sentences was allegedly not
          automatically suspended for the duration of the clemency procedures, it was
          feared that their execution was imminent (24 March 1994) . On 11 April 1994,
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 66
          the Government replied to the urgent appeal, informing the Special Rapporteur
          that the death sentences would be carried out only after the adoption of a
          decision by the President of the Republic. The Government further pointed out
          that, in accordance with the Decision of the President of the Republic of
          Kazakhstan of 25 January 1992 “On clemency procedure in the Republic of
          Kazakhstan”, the granting of clemency was considered by the President
          irrespective of whether the individual sentenced to death had or had not
          petitioned for clemency.
          Follow-up
          201. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          Government for the information provided and asked about the further evolution
          of the two cases.
          Kuwait
          Information received and communications sent
          202. As in the past, the Special Rapporteur received a number of reports
          expressing concern at violations of internationally recognized fair trial
          standards in proceedings leading to the imposition of capital punishment.
          Such allegations referred to restrictions in access to lawyers and limited
          appeal procedures. It was also reported that complaints of torture, allegedly
          used in order to extract confessions, were not properly investigated. In an
          urgent appeal sent on 7 July 1994, the Special Rapporteur expressed concern
          at reports of a death sentence imposed on Ra'ad ‘Abd al-Amir ‘Abbud al-Asadi
          and five others, convicted by the State Security Court of participating in
          an alleged assassination attempt against the former President of the
          United States of America, George Bush. According to the information received,
          during their trial, the defendants were denied the right to be represented by
          a lawyer at all stages of the proceedings, and that their right to be presumed
          innocent had been jeopardized by public statements allegedly made by the
          Public Prosecutor during a press conference.
          Communications received
          203. On 14 October 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 7 July 1994, providing him with information on the procedural
          guarantees and safeguards for defendants in criminal proceedings contained in
          the Kuwaiti Constitution and Code of Criminal and Trial Procedure, as well
          as special safeguards contained in Kuwaiti legislation in cases of death
          sentences and their enforcement, including an automatic appeal procedure, in
          case no appeal has been lodged by the convicted persons. In cases of death
          sentences, the Court of Cassation must consider all aspects of the form and
          content of the judgement. Death sentences cannot be carried out before
          ratification by the Amir, who is empowered to grant pardons or declare
          amnesty. In the case in question, the Government informed the Special
          Rapporteur that five barristers were appointed by court, while one person
          chose a defence counsel. All six defendants were thus able to avail
          themselves of the services of defence counsels. At the time of the reply, the
          judgement was being considered by the Court of Cassation. Fears that they
          might face summary execution were therefore unfounded.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 67
          Follow-up
          204. On 3 December 1993, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with
          information complementing an earlier reply and giving additional details
          concerning the acquittal of Ghaleb Abd al-Majid al-Turki, who had been
          reported to be at risk of execution (see E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 402-403) .
          Observations
          205. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the detailed information
          provided. He encourages the authorities to ensure full implementation of the
          safeguards and guarantees contained in the law. He also calls on them to
          carry out investigations into all cases where a breach of fair trial
          standards, as contained in the pertinent international instruments, is
          alleged. In accordance with the procedure established for his mandate, the
          contents of the reply were transmitted to the source of the allegations for
          comments and observations.
          Kyrqyzstan
          206. The Special Rapporteur sent two urgent appeals to the Government. In the
          first such appeal, he expressed concern in response to allegations according
          to which Bakir Tanikulov was sentenced to death after trial proceedings in
          which he may not have been granted adequate time to prepare his appeal. In
          the cases of Andrei Arazov and Sultan Kaibzhanov, it was alleged that the only
          evidence used against them for convicting them of murder and sentencing them
          to death were confessions made by them to law enforcement officials during
          interrogations. During the trial hearings, both reportedly retracted these
          confessions, claiming that their interrogators had forced them to confess by
          means of threats and physical violence (29 April 1994) . Further to these
          allegations, the Special Rapporteur addressed the authorities after being
          informed that the Clemency Commission had upheld Andrei Arazov's petition
          for clemency and that his death sentence had been commuted by the President
          of the Republic to 20 years' imprisonment. The Clemency Commission, however,
          was believed not to have granted clemency to Sultan Karibzhanov, and it
          was unclear whether the President had signed the execution order
          (28 September 1994) . By the time the present report was finalized, no replies
          had been received from the Government.
          Lebanon
          207. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed of death sentences handed down by the Court of Justice on
          ‘Abd al-Karim Hujayj, Mohammad Za'tar and Nehmeh Hammadi, in the case of the
          latter allegedly in absentia . According to the information received, the
          Court of Justice tries certain cases referred to its jurisdiction by
          presidential decree, usually if matters affecting the security of the State
          are involved. Allegedly, defendants before this court do not have a right to
          appeal against its verdicts (19 April 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also
          transmitted the case of Fawzi al-Rasi, a member of the Lebanese armed forces,
          reportedly tortured and killed during interrogations on the premises of the
          Ministry for Defence in Yarzeh. To date, no reply has been received from the
          authorities.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 68
          Observations
          208. The Special Rapporteur is concerned at the apparent restrictions on
          the right to appeal of defendants before the Court of Justice. Even though,
          according to the information received, no death sentence can be carried out
          before the Commission des gr&ces has been consulted and approval given by the
          President, the right to appeal before a higher tribunal against conviction and
          sentence must be safeguarded. The Special Rapporteur calls on the Government
          to review the procedures for trials before the Court of Justice accordingly.
          Liberia
          209. As in former years, the case of Liberia may serve as an example for a
          situation where it is known that numerous violations of the right to life
          take place without there being any mechanisms in place for victims or their
          families to seek redress and protection, but where the Special Rapporteur does
          not receive reports or allegations that would permit him to act within the
          framework of his mandate. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur is not aware
          of any follow-up to the investigation carried out by a panel of experts
          mandated by the Secretary-General to investigate one particularly serious
          case of violations of the right to life in Liberia, the massacre of nearly
          600 displaced persons at a camp at Harbel. Similarly, he has not received any
          information as to the evolution of attempts to create a human rights component
          within the United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia (tJNOMIL) . In early
          1994, the Special Rapporteur had expressed his interest in conducting a visit
          to Liberia and assisting in evaluating the possibilities for human rights
          monitoring. There has been no reaction to date.
          Malaysia
          Communications received
          210. On 27 January 1994, the Government replied to concerns transmitted by
          the Special Rapporteur in 1993 regarding the alleged presumption of guilt
          contained in Malaysia's Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952 (see E/cN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 425-426 and 428) . The Government refuted these allegations and pointed
          out that, like under any other law in Malaysia, persons accused under the
          Dangerous Drugs Act were presumed innocent until proven otherwise. The
          Government also informed the Special Rapporteur that cash rewards to informers
          and agents provocateurs were provided for in article 42A of the Act, their
          payment being decided upon by the Director General of the Department of
          Customs and Excise, as deemed necessary, for the cooperation and assistance
          given in the detection or investigation of cases under the Act or in relation
          to any raid carried out under the Act. The Government further stated that the
          death penalty, too, was provided for by the Act. It was confined to
          traffickers in dangerous drugs and was applied uniformly in all cases.
          Follow-up
          211. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked
          the Government for the information provided. In the same letter, however,
          he expressed concern at provisions contained in the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952,
          which clearly lay the burden of proof upon the defendants. Thus,
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 69
          article 37 (a) stipulates that any person who is found to be in possession of
          a certain amount of different types of dangerous drugs, as defined in the
          First Schedule of the Act, otherwise than in accordance with the authority of
          the Act or any other written law, “shall be presumed, until the contrary is
          proved, to be trafficking in the said drug”. According to article 39B,
          persons who, on their own behalf or on behalf of any other person, traffic in
          a dangerous drug; offer to traffic in a dangerous drug; or do or offer to do
          an act preparatory to or for the purpose of trafficking in a dangerous drug,
          “shall be guilty of an offence against this Act and shall be punished on
          conviction with death”. The fact that under the Act evidence provided by
          agents provocateurs , who are often police or customs officers, is admissible
          (art. 40A (2)), and that rewards are authorized to be paid for such evidence
          (art. 42A), increased the Special Rapporteur's preoccupation. He asked the
          authorities to provide him with additional information, particularly about the
          safeguards in place to guarantee that, as stated by the Government in its
          letter, persons charged under the Act were presumed innocent until proven
          otherwise.
          Observations
          212. As stated in his letter to the Government, the Special Rapporteur remains
          concerned that defendants accused under the Dangerous Drugs Act, 1952 (revised
          in 1980) , and particularly those who, upon conviction, face the death penalty,
          do not fully benefit from fair trial guarantees as contained in the pertinent
          international instruments. The articles cited above are of particular
          relevance in this regard. The Special Rapporteur therefore reiterates his
          call on the Government to review its anti-drug-trafficking legislation so as
          to avoid any doubts as to the presumption of innocence for those tried under
          the Act. He would also recommend the revision of the provisions regarding
          cash rewards for agents provocateurs , and the exclusion of the testimony of
          any person who has received, or is eligible to receive, a reward for having
          provided information in relation to the proceedings in which he or she
          testifies.
          Mali
          213. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations he had
          received according to which Hamma Ag Mohammed, Erless Ag Koti, Al Hassan
          Ag Taghalit and nine unidentified persons, all civilians and members of the
          Tuareg ethnic group, were killed in April 1994 by members of the Malian armed
          forces, reportedly in reprisal for the killing on the previous day of two
          soldiers by former Tuareg fighters who had joined the army.
          214. On 4 August 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that
          despite a number of steps taken to pacify the northern regions of the country,
          where armed confrontations between government forces and the coalition of
          Tuareg forces Mouvements et Fronts Unifies de l'Azawad (Unified Fronts and
          Movements of Azawad, MFUA) , had taken place for the past three years, the
          security situation continued to suffer under attacks from Tuareg rebels. As
          a consequence, the Government was obliged to reinforce the presence of the
          armed forces in the area. Some of the former MFUA combatants, who had been
          integrated into the army in 1991, reportedly deserted and committed acts of
          violence against their former colleagues and civilians.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 70
          Observations
          215. The Special Rapporteur calls on the Government to continue efforts
          towards better protection of the right to life. In this regard, he underlines
          the importance of ensuring that security forces personnel act within the
          restrictions and constraints imposed upon the use of force and firearms by the
          pertinent international instruments. The Special Rapporteur urges the
          authorities to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all
          allegations of excessive or arbitrary use of force and punish those
          responsible. The Special Rapporteur also recommends that the distribution of
          arms among the civilian population be restricted and kept under tight control.
          Finally, the Special Rapporteur appeals to the Government and the MFUA to
          continue efforts towards peace and reconciliation and to do their utmost to
          prevent any acts that might be detrimental to this endeavour.
          Mexico
          Information received and communications sent
          216. Most of the reports and allegations received in 1994 referred to violence
          in the context of the armed uprising of the Ej&cito Zapatista de Liberaci6n
          Nacional (Zapatista National Liberation Army, EZLN) and its repression by
          security forces in the State of Chiapas at the beginning of the year. Some
          2,500 members of the EZLN reportedly took up arms on 31 December 1993 in
          protest against extreme poverty, underdevelopment and discrimination against
          the indigenous population of the area. The EZLN gained control of several
          towns in the State of Chiapas. After several days of heavy fighting between
          the EZLN and government troops, a cease-fire was declared on 12 January 1994.
          However, attacks were said to continue during the days following the
          cease-fire. During the period of armed confrontations and in its aftermath,
          civilians suspected of being members or supporters of the EZLN were said to be
          extrajudicially executed by the security forces. Medical personnel and
          persons linked with the Church were said to have been targets of harassment
          and death threats for treating people injured during armed confrontations.
          Death threats were also reported against representatives of indigenous
          organizations and human rights associations, as well as trade unionists,
          apparently for their role in the negotiations between the EZLN and the
          Government.
          217. The Special Rapporteur also received reports of violations of the right
          to life in the context of the general elections of 21 August 1994, as well as
          allegations of violence directed against members of indigenous communities.
          Several sources expressed concern that members of the security forces
          responsible for human rights violations continue to enjoy virtually total
          impunity.
          218. The Special Rapporteur sent six urgent appeals to the Government. Three
          urgent appeals concerned allegations relating to the events in Chiapas:
          (a) The Special Rapporteur expressed concern at reports of a large
          number of extrajudicial executions, according to some sources more than one
          hundred. Fears had also been expressed for the lives of persons detained by
          the security forces for their membership, or suspected membership, in the EZLN
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 71
          (17 January 1994) . The Special Rapporteur sent another urgent appeal after
          receiving reports of the killing of Mariano Perez Diaz, leading member of the
          Consejo Estatal de Organizaciones Indigenas y Campesinas de Chiapas (State
          Council of Indigenous and Peasant Organizations of Chiapas, CEOIC) , and
          allegations of death threats against other indigenous leaders and members of
          human rights organizations, including Antonio Hern ndez, Margarito Ruiz and
          the bishop of San Crist6bal de las Casas, Samuel Ruiz, as well as death
          threats against nuns working at the hospital of Altamirano (16 March 1994) .
          A third urgent appeal concerned alleged death threats against Andre Aubry,
          coordinator of the Instituto de Asesoria Antropol6gica para la Regi6n Maya
          (Institute for JIIthropological Advice in the Maya Region, INAREMAC) based in
          San Crist6bal de las Casas, his wife Ang lica Sara Inda and two secretaries of
          the institute, Rafaela L6pez Morales and Matilde Moreno (13 June 1994);
          (b) The Special Rapporteur sent another urgent appeal after being
          informed of fears for the lives and physical integrity of members of the
          Jesuit order in Mexico, after death threats had appeared on posters in Mexico
          City. Jesuits were also said to have received threatening phone calls after
          they had been accused in newspapers of being involved in guerrilla activities
          (16 August 1994) . Fears had been expressed for the lives of members of the
          political party Partido de la Revoluci6n Democr tica (Democratic Revolution
          Party, PRD) , after the killing of Roberto Hern ndez Paniagua and the detention
          of Enrique Murias, both municipal party officials (14 September 1994) ;
          (c) Finally, the Special Rapporteur urged the authorities to take all
          necessary measures to protect the lives and physical integrity of members of
          the Nahua and Otomi indigenous communities, after two of their leaders,
          Rolando Hern ndez Hern ndez (17) and Atonio Hern ndez Hern ndez, were abducted
          by members of the security forces and later found dead (26 September 1994) .
          219. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations
          related to the violent events in Chiapas in early January: the killing of
          George Solis and Eduardo G6mez, reportedly found dead after having been
          detained by police in Las Margaritas; Severiano, Sebastian and Hermelindo
          Santiz G6mez, reportedly detained and abducted in a military ambulance in
          early January in Morelia, Altamirano, and feared to have been executed. A
          further case transmitted by the Special Rapporteur concerned the alleged
          extrajudicial execution of Luis Martinez Rivera in Morelos, in August 1994.
          Communications received
          220. On 26 January 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 17 January 1994, informing him that the National Human Rights
          Commission had established offices in different cities in Chiapas. More than
          170 complaints had been received and were being investigated. Some of these
          complaints concerned alleged extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions at
          the hands of security forces personnel. On 24 March 1994, the Government
          forwarded a copy of the report presented by the Chairman of the NHRC in
          February 1994, containing an account of the investigations carried out.
          According to this report, 218 complaints had been received, 76 of which were
          directed against the Mexican army and 20 against the EZLN; 56 complaints
          concerned homicides, 80 torture and 427 requests to find the whereabouts of
          persons thought to have disappeared. The NHRC had established that air
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 72
          attacks had been carried out in areas inhabited by civilians. It had also
          established that the army had been responsible for the killing of 11 civilians
          at hospital facilities in Ocosingo. On S May 1994, the Government provided a
          reply to the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 16 March 1994 and informed
          him that the NHRC had initiated investigations into the killing of
          Mariano Perez Diaz, although no complaint had been received concerning the
          case.
          221. On 24 August 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 13 June 1994, informing him that the NHRC had opened
          inquiries into the death threats against Andre Aubry, his wife and two
          secretaries of INAMERAC. The Public Ministry was also investigating the death
          threats, the authors of which had not yet been identified. With regard to
          reports of death threats against members of the Jesuit order in Mexico, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur that, during a meeting with Jesuit
          representatives, President Carlos Salinas de Gortari had announced thorough
          investigations into acts of harassment reported by the Jesuits and condemned
          the campaign of calumny against the order. He also assured them that no
          official institution was behind this campaign, and that no official document
          linked them in any way with the guerrillas. On 6 September 1994, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur that George Mariano Solis L6pez and
          Eduardo G6mez Hern ndez were arrested by police on 16 January 1994 and then
          detained by members of the military. Investigations had been opened. The
          Government pointed out that the NHRC did not have enough evidence to prove
          human rights violations in this case, as both police and military commanders
          denied having arrested or detained any civilians, and residents of the area
          refused to give testimony for fear of reprisals. In the same reply, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur that forensic examinations could
          not determine whether the human remains found in February 1994 belonged to
          Severiano, Sebastian and Hermelindo Santis G6mez, despite the participation in
          such examinations of experts from the NGO Physicians for Human Rights. The
          NHRC had received a complaint concerning the case and was continuing its
          investigations. In both cases, the families of the victims were granted
          indemnification by the Fondo de Apoyo para Viudas y Hu rfanos en Areas de
          Conflicto (Support Fund for Widows and Orphans in Conflict Areas, FAPIAC) .
          222. In reply to the allegations concerning the killing of Luis Rivera
          Martinez, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur in a letter of
          25 November 1994 that the NHRC had not received any complaint about the case.
          The Government also pointed out that the military officer under whose command
          the killing was said to have been committed, had been imprisoned in a high
          security prison in another part of Mexico since 1993, after having been
          convicted of murder and other crimes.
          Follow-up
          223. On 24 November 1993, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur
          with information in reply to the latter's follow-up letter of
          22 September 1993, in which he had asked for specific additional details
          concerning investigations into cases transmitted in 1992 (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 439) . On 1 December 1993, the Government provided the Special
          Rapporteur with information on a number of cases transmitted in 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 436 (b)) . Investigations into these cases had been
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 73
          opened by the NHRC. At the time of the reply, the authors of the killings of
          Mateo Vargas Nava, Isidro Vargas Nava and Bulmaro Vargas Najera had not yet
          been identified. Penal proceedings were opened in the case of Sabino Diaz
          Osorio and Rodrigo Javier G6mez Zamorano, and the arrest of two persons
          presumed responsible for their killings was requested. The NHRC had not found
          any information concerning the killing of Jose Ramos Muffioz.
          224. On 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the Government for
          the information provided. He requested additional details with regard to the
          planned legislative reform concerning reparation payments in cases of human
          rights violations. According to the information received, this reform was to
          have been debated in Parliament in December 1993. The Special Rapporteur also
          asked to be informed of the progress of the investigations initiated by the
          NHRC. With regard to the violent events in Chiapas and the investigations
          conducted in their aftermath, the Special Rapporteur inquired whether any
          judicial or disciplinary proceedings had been opened with regard to the
          members of the security forces found to be responsible for human rights
          violations by the NHRC. He also asked to be informed of steps taken to
          prevent the recurrence of similar outbreaks of violence.
          Observations
          225. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for its willingness
          to cooperate with his mandate, expressed in numerous replies. However, he
          remains concerned at persistent reports of violations of the right to life in
          the country, particularly in connection with excessive and arbitrary use of
          force by law enforcement officials during military operations or directed
          against persons in detention, and at the fact that recommendations by the NHRC
          often appear not to be followed. The Special Rapporteur calls on the
          authorities to ensure that such recommendations are implemented. The fact
          that possible witnesses continue to refuse to collaborate with the NHRC out of
          fear for their safety is most worrying. The Special Rapporteur urges the
          Government to take all necessary measures for the protection of witnesses.
          He also encourages the Government to ensure that those responsible for
          human rights violations be brought to justice and to pursue the necessary
          legislative reforms so that victims of such violations or their families may
          receive adequate compensation.
          Morocco
          226. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government the case of
          Mounir Azaage, who died while in police custody in Tangier on 11 October 1993.
          Allegedly, injuries on his forehead suggested that his death may have been
          caused by violent treatment. At the time the present report was finalized, no
          reply had been received from the Government.
          Myanmar
          227. The Special Rapporteur received reports and allegations of violations of
          the right to life in Myanmar. Most of these reports referred to extrajudicial
          executions of civilians by members of the Myanmar army. Thus, the Special
          Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he had received
          concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution by personnel of
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 74
          the Myanmar army, of the following persons: Na Chit Khin and Nai Gyo,
          reportedly killed in July 1993; an unidentified villager, reportedly killed
          by an identified army major in Aleywa in August 1993; Saw Doh Raw and his
          daughter Naw Pu Pu, reportedly shot dead near Ler Hbaw Kler Ber in
          August 1993; Khun Thi Ha and an unidentified person, reportedly shot dead at
          Lu Paw market in February 1994. The Special Rapporteur also addressed an
          urgent appeal to the Government after being informed of a death sentence
          imposed on Kin Maung Oo, alias “Let Kut”, allegedly after a trial in which the
          defendants did not fully benefit from the guarantees and safeguards provided
          for in pertinent international instruments (27 January 1994) . With regard to
          an in-depth analysis of the human rights situation in Myanmar, reference is
          made to the report presented to the Commission on Human Rights by the Special
          Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, Mr. Yozo Yokota
          (E/cN.4/1995/65) .
          228. On 23 February 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 27 January 1994, informing him that Kin Maung Oo was part of
          a group of four pickpockets who stole a wallet from a passenger on a bus trip
          and killed the passenger when he protested and asked for the wallet to be
          returned. The four pickpockets were caught in the act and tried for murder by
          the Yangon Division Law Court. They were provided defence counsel and were
          given a fair trial. They also exercised their right to appeal.
          Follow-up
          229. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          Government for the information provided in the above-mentioned letter and
          asked for some further clarifications, inter alia , with regard to the nature
          and composition of the court before which the defendants had been tried; the
          court before which they had filed appeals; whether they had the possibility to
          seek pardon, clemency or commutation of sentence; and whether the death
          sentence had actually been carried out. With regard to information provided
          by the Government in reply to allegations transmitted earlier (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 452), the Special Rapporteur asked to be informed of the
          steps and procedures to investigate into deaths of detainees and prisoners
          while in detention, as prescribed by the law.
          Observations
          230. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government of Myanmar for the
          information provided and the willingness to cooperate with his mandate thus
          shown. He remains, nevertheless, concerned at persistent reports of arbitrary
          and excessive use of force by members of the security forces, who seem to
          enjoy virtual impunity. As concerns the death penalty, the Special Rapporteur
          would like to emphasize once again the importance of full fair trial
          guarantees in proceedings leading to the imposition of capital punishment and
          the need to verify the respect for these guarantees in each case where a
          breach of internationally recognized fair trial standards is alleged. The
          Special Rapporteur also calls on the Government to carry out exhaustive and
          impartial investigations into all allegations of extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, identify those responsible and bring them to justice,
          grant adequate compensation to the victims or their families and take the
          necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of violations of the right to life.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 75
          Nepal
          231. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          receiving reports of death threats against Gopal Siwakoti and Gopal Krishna
          Siwakoti, both officers of the International Institute for Human Rights,
          Environment and Development (INHURED International), reportedly after having
          filed a petition with the Supreme Court against a controversial hydroelectric
          project (25 January 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the
          Government the case of journalist Lokendra Kumar Burathoki, reportedly killed
          by police for having written articles critical of certain politicians.
          232. On 21 February 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 25 January 1994 and informed him that the concerned
          authorities had been instructed to arrange for the necessary protection and
          that the necessary protective measures had been taken.
          Follow-up
          233. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          Government for the information provided and asked for some additional details
          concerning the type of measures adopted to provide security to Gopal Siwakoti
          and Gopal Krishna Siwakoti.
          Nicaragua
          Follow-up
          234. On 23 March 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with
          information concerning allegations transmitted in 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 461-462) . The events at the Ingenio San Antonio sugar company were
          described as an illegal strike, in which some of the strikers resorted to the
          use of force against members of the national police who were trying to restore
          order. The strikers also set fire to some sugar cane plantations. The
          calcinated body of one of them was found after the fire. The exact cause of
          his death could not be determined. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the
          Special Rapporteur thanked the Government for the information provided and
          asked about the progress of the investigations.
          Niger
          235. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations he had
          received concerning the killing, by members of the security forces, of two
          Tuareg civilians, Warghiss Founta and Karbey Moussa, in December 1993 near
          Agades. At the time the present report was finalized, no reply had been
          received from the Government.
          Nigeria
          Information received and communications sent
          236. The reports and allegations brought to the attention of the Special
          Rapporteur indicate that human rights violations, including extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, continue to occur in Nigeria. Most of these
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 76
          reports referred to acts of violence directed against members of the Ogoni
          ethnic community in the context of land conflicts between different ethnic
          groups and protests by the Ogoni people against environmental damage and
          inadequate compensation for destruction of land and crops by international oil
          companies operating in Ogoniland. In April 1994, the River State authorities
          reportedly called hundreds of police and military personnel into Ogoniland to
          restore law and order. The Special Rapporteur was also informed that in
          April 1994 a special court, the Civil Disturbances Tribunal, was set up
          pursuant to the Special Tribunal Edict of 1994 (Off ences Relating to Civil
          Disturbances) . This special court was said to have been empowered to hand
          down death sentences, not only for offences related to the unrest in Ogoniland
          but also for crimes previously not punishable by death such as attempted
          murder.
          237. The Special Rapporteur sent two urgent appeals to the Government. He
          expressed concern at reports of the killing of about 20 persons in clashes
          between members of the Ogoni and Ndoki ethnic groups, the latter allegedly
          being supported by the security forces, in early April 1994. In the same
          urgent appeal, the Special Rapporteur referred to information he had received
          concerning the above-mentioned special court, and, in particular, fears that
          the broad powers given to this court might be used to impose the death penalty
          on Ogoni detainees after hasty and unfair trials (17 May 1994) . Renewed
          military attacks against Ogoni villages were reported to have occurred during
          the first two weeks of June 1994, leading to the killing of at least
          40 civilians. Fears were expressed for the lives of a large number of others
          who were reported to have been detained, among them Ameh Ebute, Polycarp Nwite
          and O.A. Okoroafor, former members of the Senate and House of Representatives,
          who were said to have been charged with conspiring to remove the Government
          and treason, offences punishable by death (16 June 1994) .
          238. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations
          he had received concerning the killing of Legbosi Afugbara, Legbara Setok,
          Lebari, Soko Gbinue and 52 other persons whose identities are not known, all
          of them said to belong to the Ogoni ethnic community, by soldiers of the
          “internal security unit” set up by the military authorities of River State
          during an operation in a number of Ogoni villages in June 1994.
          Communications received
          239. On 18 July 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 16 June 1994, informing him that those detained had been
          arrested on the basis of warrants and had since appeared before the competent
          jurisdictions. Efforts were being made to hold those detained in the best
          available detention conditions and that there was no arbitrariness in their
          treatment. With regard to the Ogoni issue, the Government pointed out that
          Ogoniland had been the scene of intense violence and destruction of lives and
          property during the past months. In view of the seriousness of the situation,
          the Government had embarked on a thorough investigation of the developments in
          the area. On 4 October 1994, the Government acknowledged receipt of the
          Special Rapporteur's letter containing the allegations mentioned in
          paragraph 238 above.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 77
          Follow-up
          240. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          Government for information provided and requested some additional details with
          regard to the investigations into violence in Ogoniland. In reply to his
          request for additional details about the investigations and other measures
          implemented by the authorities to improve the situation in Ogoniland and
          prevent further acts of violence, the Government informed the Special
          Rapporteur in a letter dated 18 November 1994 that the investigations were
          being carried out by the Federal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (FIlE) ,
          whose report would be referred to the Director of Public Prosecution for
          vetting prior to prosecution in public trials. Other measures to improve the
          situation in Ogoniland included the deployment of adequate law enforcement
          agencies; the presence of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and an
          Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission; a visit to the area by a
          ministerial fact-finding team; and the convening of a National Constitutional
          Conference to address all grievances held by the different ethnic and social
          groups in the country.
          241. In addition, in a letter of 10 November 1994, the Government informed
          the Special Rapporteur that fears for the life of Ken Saro Wiwa (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 468) were unfounded as he was given the necessary medical
          attention and free access to his family and attorney during detention for his
          involvement in the killing of four Ogoni leaders.
          Observations
          242. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the willingness to cooperate shown by
          the Government. However, the persistent reports and allegations of violations
          of the right to life of members of the Ogoni ethnic group are most worrying.
          The Special Rapporteur is particularly concerned at the establishment of a
          special court to curb unrest and insecurity in the area. The extending of the
          scope of the death penalty to off ences previously not punishable by death is
          clearly contrary to the tendency, expressed by the General Assembly and the
          Human Rights Committee on repeated occasions, towards a gradual reduction and
          eventual abolition of capital punishment. In addition, special jurisdictions,
          especially when set up to deal speedily with situations of unrest, very often
          entail serious restrictions of the safeguards and guarantees for defendants,
          particularly when they face the death penalty. The Special Rapporteur
          therefore calls upon the authorities of Nigeria to ensure that proceedings
          before the special tribunal conform to the standards for fair trial procedures
          as contained in pertinent international instruments. He also urges the
          authorities to take the necessary steps to assure that security forces, in
          operations aimed at restoring peace and order, fully abide by the norms and
          regulations governing the use of force by law enforcement officials, and that
          those employing excessive use of force be brought to justice, in conformity
          with international law.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 78
          Pakistan
          Information received and communications sent
          243. The reports and allegations brought to the attention of the Special
          Rapporteur indicate that violations of the right to life continue to occur in
          Pakistan. Most of these reports refer to deaths of detainees while in the
          custody of the police, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. In
          many cases, the victims of such killings were reported by the police to have
          died during “armed encounters” between the security forces and dangerous
          criminals. According to the information received, however, most of those
          killed showed signs of torture. Concern was expressed that the authors of the
          killings had not been brought to justice.
          244. The Special Rapporteur transmitted three urgent appeals to the
          Government. Fears were expressed for the life and physical integrity of
          Bashir Qureshi, reportedly in a precarious state of health after being
          arrested, and allegedly tortured, by members of the military in January 1994
          (4 February 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also expressed concern at reports
          of armed attacks against the Ahmadiyya community in Lahore in early
          February 1994, during which two persons, Rana Riaz Ahmad and Ahmad Nasrullah,
          were said to have been shot by members of an armed Islamic group. The police
          reportedly failed to provide protection to the members of the community or
          adequately investigate the attacks and, allegedly, refused to register
          complaints by the victim's families and witnesses to the attacks
          (15 March 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also urged the authorities to take
          adequate steps to protect the lives and physical integrity of inmates at
          Karachi Central Jail, where prisoners were said to be held in life-threatening
          conditions due to overcrowding, lack of medical facilities and unhygienic
          conditions (29 September 1994) .
          245. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he
          had received concerning the killing of Manzoor Masih, a Christian, who was
          reportedly shot by members of an Islamist party as he left Lahore High Court
          in April 1994. The following cases concern deaths of detainees while in
          custody at different police stations: Mujib Aijaz Jatoi; Noor Muhammad
          Qureshi; Gulioo Machhi; Mohammad Irshad; Niaz Hussain Pathan; Yusuf Jakhrani;
          Qamruddin, Khadim and Subho Indhar; Nazir Masih; Mazhar Iqbal Ehatti, alias
          “Safdar Jamil Ehatti”, and six other young men. In addition, Bebal Khatton
          Shirazi was reportedly killed during a joint operation by police and army
          personnel in December 1992.
          Communications received
          246. On 4 October 1994, the Government acknowledged receipt of the Special
          Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 29 September 1994.
          Follow-up
          247. On 4 February 1994, the Government provided information in reply to an
          urgent appeal transmitted by the Special Rapporteur in September 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 472), concerning three persons sentenced to death for
          blasphemy. The Government pointed out that blasphemy laws were not directed
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 79
          against any religious minority. The three accused had been seen writing
          blasphemous inscriptions on the wall of a mosque. They were arrested and
          their case referred to the Additional District and Session Judge of Gujranwala
          for trial. One of the accused, a 13-year-old boy, was granted bail and
          released from jail in November 1993.
          Observations
          248. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information
          provided as mentioned above. However, he wishes to express his deep concern
          at the reports received concerning the killing of one of the three accused,
          Manzoor Masih. In his urgent appeal of 7 September 1993, the Special
          Rapporteur had called upon the authorities to ensure the protection of the
          right to life and physical integrity of the three persons accused of
          blasphemy. He continues to be concerned, too, at the fact that under the
          blasphemy legislation in force in Pakistan a 13-year-old could face the death
          sentence. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his call upon the authorities to
          revise this legislation so as to make it conform to the international
          instruments prohibiting the imposition of capital punishment on minors.
          249. Moreover, the reports and allegations received concerning deaths in
          police custody are most disturbing. The Special Rapporteur urges the
          Government to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all
          allegations of violations of the right to life and bring those responsible to
          justice. He also calls on the authorities to see to it that the conditions of
          detention conform to the standards contained in the pertinent international
          instruments and do not, in themselves, constitute a threat to the lives and
          physical integrity of the inmates.
          Peru
          Information received and communications sent
          250. The reports and allegations received by the Special Rapporteur
          during 1994 indicate that violations of the right to life continue to occur in
          Peru. As in former years, such reports refer to killings due to abuse of
          force by law enforcement personnel and members of the rondas campesinas ,
          peasant self-defence groups cooperating with the security forces. In a large
          number of these cases, the victims are peasants suspected of being members or
          sympathizers of the armed insurgency. Particularly disturbing reports in this
          regard were received concerning the Huallaga valley in the Peruvian selva ,
          where military counter-insurgency operations were said to have caused the
          death of more than 60 civilians, some of them allegedly after torture, in
          early 1994. Although the number of attacks by armed insurgents has decreased
          considerably since the capture of the founder and leader of the Partido
          Comunista del Peri “Sendero Luminoso” (Communist Party of Peru “Shining Path”,
          PCP-SL), 2IIima l Guzm n, in September 1992, attacks against and killings of
          security forces personnel and civilians by its members, as well as by members
          of the Movimiento Revolucionario Tupac Amaru (Tupac Amaru Revolutionary
          Movement, MRTA) continue to be reported, particularly in the central selva .
          251. As in the past, concern was expressed that in many cases those
          responsible for human rights violations were not brought to justice, or that
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 80
          competence to deal with cases involving violations of the right to life by
          military or police personnel was claimed, and obtained, by the military
          courts. In this context, the Special Rapporteur was informed that, on
          7 February 1994, the Congreso Constituyente Democr tico (Democratic
          Constituent Congress, CCD) approved a law amending the procedure for the
          decision of conflicts of competence between the military and the civilian
          justice systems to the effect that a simple majority of votes in the deciding
          Chamber of the Supreme Court suffices to determine the competence of either
          jurisdiction. The new law applied automatically to all proceedings under way
          at the time of its approval, which included the conflict of competence in the
          case of the abduction and subsequent killing by military personnel of a
          professor and nine students of the Universidad Nacional de Educaci6n Enrigue
          Guzm n y Valle , known as La Cantuta , in July 1992 (see in detail
          E/CN.4/1994/7/Add.2, paras. 55-73).
          252. The Special Rapporteur sent seven urgent appeals to the Government:
          (a) He called on the authorities to adopt all necessary measures to
          protect the life and physical integrity of the following persons whose lives
          were said to be at risk after death threats or attacks, allegedly by members
          of the security forces: Augusto Z1 ffiiga Paz, a human rights lawyer who had
          left Peru after a letter bomb attack and series of death threats in 1991
          and was returning to the country for several months (13 December 1993);
          Emma Vigueras, a lawyer employed at La Cantuta and her family (8 April 1994);
          Mariano Paliza Mendoza, journalist and collaborator of the Asociaci6n Pro
          Derechos Humanos (APRODEH) , reportedly in relation to a radio programme on
          human rights directed and presented by him (8 April 1994) ; Ulises Espinoza
          Sanchez, Governor of Chavin de Pariarca, and parish priest Father Fidelius,
          allegedly for having filed complaints concerning human rights violations by
          the military (29 April 1994); Amalia Tolentino Hipolo and her young children,
          after she witnessed, and denounced, the killing by soldiers of Jesi s Vera
          Vigilio (2 June 1994) ; Henry Halanoca Hauyta, journalist, reportedly
          threatened by civilian authorities of Lampa for having dealt with corruption
          in the municipality in a radio programme (31 August 1994) ;
          (b) In addition, the Special Rapporteur expressed concern after being
          informed of the new law referred to above governing the decision of conflicts
          of competence between the military and civilian justice systems. The Special
          Rapporteur recalled to the Government its obligation under international law
          to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations with a view to identifying
          all those responsible and bringing them to justice. He also reminded the
          authorities of the conclusions and recommendations dealing with the problem of
          impunity contained in the report on his visit to Peru in May/June 1993
          (15 March 1994) .
          253. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he
          had received concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution of
          the following persons: Juan Ascuy and nine other peasants including minors
          Mario Vargas Alejo (12) , Hern n L6pez Antenaza (14) and Javier L6pez
          Aritenaza (16) , by members of a ronda campesina , for not participating in the
          self-defence group; Luis Alberto Bonifacio Aimituma, by members of the
          Peruvian army in Lima; Hugo Zapata Guti rrez, by military and members of a
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 81
          ronda campesina ; Jessica Rosa Chavez Ruiz (17) , Pedro Javier Cruz Guzntn and
          Hector Rodriguez Rodriguez, by members of the national police; Pedro Herminio
          Yauri Bustamante; and Victor Ramirez Arias.
          Communications received
          254. On 20 April 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that
          lawyer Augusto Z1 ffiiga Paz had been provided due protection during his stay
          in Peru and could carry out a number of public and private activities.
          On 20 October 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's urgent
          appeal of 31 August 1994 and informed him that no complaints had been received
          by the military based in Lampa of the alleged death threats against
          Henry Halanoca Hauyta, and that he should make use of the internal remedies
          available to him for the protection of his physical integrity. On
          24 October 1994, the Government provided a reply to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 29 April 1994, informing him that charges of disobedience,
          abuse of authority and exacci6n had been brought against the military
          personnel responsible for the attacks in the district of Chavin de Pariarca.
          255. In a communication of 14 July 1994, the Government expressed its view
          that the decrease of allegations during the first six months of 1994 - six
          cases, in one of which proceedings before the civilian justice system had been
          initiated - showed a positive and consistent tendency and confirmed the
          results obtained by the Government's efforts towards pacification of the
          country in 1993.
          256. Finally, on 25 November 1994, the Government informed the Special
          Rapporteur that, on 31 October 1994, Congress restored the Fiscalias
          Especiales de Defensoria del Pueblo until the Defensoria del Pueblo is in
          place and functioning, in conformity with the Political Constitution of Peru.
          Follow-up
          257. The following replies received from the Government concern allegations
          transmitted by the Special Rapporteur in 1992 and 1993: on 10 May 1994, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur that Jose Barletti Pascuales, on
          whose behalf an urgent appeal had been sent on 7 September 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 489), had been released from detention. On 20 July 1994,
          the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that judicial proceedings had
          been opened against police officials for the killing of Zacarias Huamani Pasca
          and Marcelino Valencia Alvarado (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 492 (d)). On
          15 September 1994, the Government provided the Special Rapporteur with a copy
          of a declaration by Juan Luna Rojas (see E/CN.4/1993/46, para. 472 and
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 494 (a)), according to which he was no longer a victim
          of harassment and therefore did not need any personal protection. On
          20 October 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that the
          killing of seven persons in Angasmarca (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 492 (c)) had
          been committed by three suspected terrorists. On 24 October 1994, the
          Government informed the Special Rapporteur that charges had been brought
          against several persons for the killing of Juan Silva C spedes (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 492 (c)).
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 82
          258. The investigations and subsequent judicial proceedings into the case
          of the abduction and subsequent extrajudicial execution of a professor and
          nine students of La Cantuta were the subject of an exchange of follow-up
          correspondence between the Special Rapporteur, the Government and the sources
          of the allegations:
          (a) On 30 November 1993, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that the investigations of the remains found in the graves at Cieneguilla
          were being carried out. On 21 January 1994, the Government provided a reply
          to an urgent appeal transmitted by the Special Rapporteur on 26 July 1993,
          informing him that measures had been taken to protect the life of lawyer
          Humberto Benitez Rivas who represented the families of the victims of the
          La Cantuta killings (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 489), and that the threats
          against him had ceased. On 11 April 1994, the Government informed the
          Special Rapporteur that the Supreme Council of Military Justice had pronounced
          the following prison sentences against nine members of the Peruvian army:
          General Juan Rivera Lazo (4 years) ; Colonel Federico Navarro Perez (4 years) ;
          Major Santiago Martin Rivas (20 years) ; Major Carlos Pichilingi e (20 years) ;
          Captain Jose Adolfo Velarde (1 year) ; Suboficial Julio Chuqui Aguirre
          (15 years); Suboficial Jesi s Sosa Saavedra (15 years) ; Suboficial Nelson
          Carbajal Garcia (15 years) ; and Suboficial Pedro Suppo Sanchez (15 years) .
          All nine were also sentenced to pay reparation payments to the families of the
          victims;
          (b) In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur
          transmitted to the Government additional information he had received,
          according to which not all the military officers involved in the case of
          La Cantuta had been brought to justice. In particular, several high-ranking
          officers, who were named by numerous sources as responsible for the planning
          of the abduction and killing of the 10 victims, have not been subjected to any
          judicial proceedings. These included several generals of the Peruvian army
          and personnel of the National Intelligence Service. In this context, it was
          pointed out that one of the arguments forwarded by the military prosecutor to
          justify the competence of the military judiciary to hear the case was the fact
          that the nine officers accused had acted in obedience of orders given to them
          by superiors. Furthermore, the Special Rapporteur had been informed that the
          families of the victims had not yet received the reparation payments. The
          Special Rapporteur solicited additional information from the Government on
          these issues.
          259. In the same letter, the Special Rapporteur also requested additional
          details with regard to several other replies provided by the Government
          during 1993 and 1994, in particular as concerns the judicial proceedings
          opened into several cases of alleged extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions.
          260. The planned reinstitution of capital punishment under the new
          Constitution of 1993 was the subject of an urgent communication by the
          Special Rapporteur to the authorities in September 1994 (see E/cN.4/1994/7,
          para. 491) . The two main areas of concern to the Special Rapporteur were the
          extension of the scope of the death penalty to cases of terrorism and treason
          and shortcomings in the rights and guarantees of defendants facing the death
          penalty in such cases. On 30 November 1993, the Government informed the
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 83
          Special Rapporteur of certain changes in the anti-terrorism legislation,
          including the introduction of a second stage of appeal before the Supreme
          Council of Military Justice; the restoration of the writ of habeas corpus in
          cases of terrorism and treason; the applicability of unconditional release of
          persons accused of terrorism during preliminary investigations; and the
          lifting of the prohibition against lawyers defending more than one person
          accused of terrorism at any one time. On 6 December 1993, the Government
          provided the Special Rapporteur with a reply to his communication of
          22 September 1994, pointing out that the extension of the scope of the death
          penalty to the crimes of terrorism and treason was justified on account of the
          gravity of the phenomenon of terrorism in the country, the need for general
          prevention and legitimate social defence. The Government also explained its
          view that this was not in breach of international law, as terrorism in Peru
          constitutes a fundamental change of circumstances, as provided for in
          article 4.2 of the American Convention on Human Rights. Furthermore, the
          Government pointed out that defendants' rights and guarantees were fully
          safeguarded under the trial procedures in force.
          Observations
          261. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government for the
          information provided in reply to his communications. The repeated willingness
          to cooperate with his mandate thus shown is much appreciated. Nevertheless,
          the Special Rapporteur remains concerned at persistent allegations of
          violations of the right to life in Peru. Reports about death threats and acts
          of harassment against lawyers representing the victims of human rights
          violations or their families are particularly disturbing. The Special
          Rapporteur calls on the authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure
          that lawyers may exercise their functions freely, without being subjected to
          any form of intimidation, in accordance with the guarantees contained in the
          Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, adopted by the Eighth United Nations
          Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders held at
          Havana from 27 August to 7 September 1990. The Special Rapporteur is also
          concerned at death threats against journalists for dealing with human rights
          issues and statements made by members of Congress to the effect that persons
          who denounce human rights violations before international organs should be
          brought to justice for treason.
          262. As a result of his visit to Peru in 1993, the Special Rapporteur had
          identified several areas of concern with regard to violations of the right to
          life. The reports and allegations received during 1994 indicate that the
          problems relating to these areas persist. Cases of human rights violations by
          security forces continue to be dealt with by the military courts. The Special
          Rapporteur is not aware of any reform initiative to strengthen the civilian
          justice system and provide it with the necessary resources for proper
          functioning. The scope of the death penalty has been extended, contrary to
          the spirit of article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
          Rights which tends towards its gradual reduction and eventual abolition, as
          expressed by the General Assembly and the Human Rights Committee on repeated
          occasions. While some of the procedural shortcomings have been rectified by
          a reform of the anti-terrorism legislation in force, a number of limitations
          on the rights of defendants in cases of terrorism and treason remain (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7/Add.2, paras. 75-78). Violations of the right to life continue
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 84
          in the context of peasant self-defence in rondas campesinas . Large parts
          of the country continue to be under states of emergency, with resulting
          difficulties of access for those wishing to investigate allegations of
          human rights violations. The Special Rapporteur wishes to reiterate his
          recommendations to the Government as contained in his mission report of 1993.
          Philippines
          263. The reports and allegations brought to the attention of the
          Special Rapporteur in 1994 indicate that violations of the right to life
          continued to occur in the Philippines. As in former years, abuse of force
          by members of the military or police and of the Citizen's Armed Forces
          Geographical Units (CAFGU5) were said to be the cause of most extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions reported. As in former years, it was alleged
          that those responsible for violations of the right to life are brought to
          justice only very exceptionally.
          264. The Special Rapporteur sent two urgent appeals to the Government,
          calling upon the authorities to take all necessary steps to protect the lives
          and physical integrity of human rights activists Sonia Soto, allegedly under
          threat by men linked to the Philippine National Police (7 March 1994) and
          Avelino F. Javier, reportedly threatened with death by government agents
          (14 March 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government
          allegations he had received concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          execution of William Rom, Jovito Tuldog, Ernesto Saribay and Antonio and
          Lolita Pacis.
          265. On 3 March 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 7 March 1994 and informed him that the Philippine Human
          Rights Commission had received allegations of the same tenor and had opened
          investigations into the threats.
          Follow-up
          266. The Government provided replies to some of the cases transmitted by
          the Special Rapporteur in 1993. According to the information received,
          Exequito Lasquite (see E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 507-508 (c)) was killed by two
          members of the Philippine army in self-defence (17 December 1993) ; the
          shooting of Lolita Haz by a CAFGU member (see E/cN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 507-508 (b)) was purely accidental, and the absence of the mother and
          husband of the victim at the second and third hearings of the case indicated
          their interest in an amicable settlement (17 December 1993) ; investigations
          into the alleged death threats against Clovis Nazareno (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 506 and 508 (a)) continued (4 January 1994); in the case of the killing
          of Chris Batan (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 507), two members of the CAFGUs were
          arrested and judicial proceedings were under way (14 April 1994 and
          21 June 1994) .
          267. In a letter of 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur asked for
          additional details on the progress of the investigations under way. The
          Special Rapporteur also requested information concerning measures taken by the
          competent authorities to prevent the recurrence of acts of violence by members
          of the CAFGUs.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 85
          Observations
          268. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his appreciation of the
          willingness to cooperate with his mandate shown by the Government. However,
          he remains concerned at the persistent reports of human rights violations,
          including extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, committed by members
          of the CAFGUs. The Special Rapporteur is not aware of any steps taken to
          effectively prevent such acts of violence. Furthermore, as pointed out in the
          Special Rapporteur's letter to the Government of 23 September 1994, even if
          relatives appear not to show any interest in the prosecution and punishment
          of the perpetrator, it is the obligation of the Government under several
          international instruments to carry out independent and impartial
          investigations to clarify the facts and determine responsibilities, bring
          those identified as responsible to justice and punish them, provide indemnity
          to the victims or their families and adopt all such measures as necessary to
          prevent the recurrence of human rights violations. An amicable settlement of
          a murder case would be in breach of this obligation under international law.
          Further, the Special Rapporteur is concerned that investigations undertaken by
          the Human Rights Commission appear to be ineffectual. He recommends that
          steps be taken to increase the resources available to it, notably with respect
          to the protection of potential witnesses.
          Portugal
          269. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          receiving information according to which the High Court of Macau had endorsed
          a decision by the Governor of Macau to extradite Antonio Ti Luo, a Bolivian
          national, to China where he was said to face the death penalty on charges of
          grave economic off ences (15 February 1994) . The Special Rapporteur repeated
          his call on the Portuguese authorities to halt the extradition after the
          Supreme Court of Macau upheld the earlier decision (19 April 1994) . At the
          time the present report was finalized, no reply had been received from the
          Government.
          Rwanda
          270. After his visit to Rwanda in April 1993, the Special Rapporteur
          continued to receive allegations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions as well as death threats and attacks, directed mainly against
          persons regarded as opponents of the Government of President Juv nal
          Habyarimana. Such violations were said to have intensified during the last
          months of 1993 and early 1994. At the same time, the security forces were
          said to have continued the distribution of arms among the civilian population.
          To the Special Rapporteur's knowledge, none of the recommendations contained
          in the report on his visit, which was made public in August 1993
          (E/cN.4/1994/7/Add.1) had been followed by the authorities.
          271. The Special Rapporteur sent three urgent appeals to the Government,
          calling upon the authorities to protect the lives and physical integrity of
          Alphonse-Marie Nkubito, then Procurator General at the Appeals Court of Kigali
          and President of the Association Rwandaise pour les Droits de l'Homme
          (Rwandese Association for Human Rights, ARDHHO) (3 December 1993 and
          11 March 1994) ; and to take urgent steps to prevent further violence, after
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 86
          reports had been received of the killing of more than 300 civilians by
          soldiers of the Rwandese armed forces, and to protect the life of
          Aridr Katabarwa, member of the human rights organization Association des
          Volontaires pour la Paix (Association of Volunteers for Peace, AVP) , after a
          grenade attack against his home (17 January 1994) . When presenting his report
          before the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session in March 1994,
          the Special Rapporteur drew the attention of the members of the Commission to
          the escalating political violence in Rwanda and the lack of attention given to
          the conclusions and recommendations resulting from his visit.
          272. A planned visit to Rwanda, together with the Representative of the
          Secretary-General on internally displaced persons, scheduled for April 1994,
          had to be cancelled after the outbreak of violence on the night of
          6 to 7 April 1994.
          273. On 19 April 1994, the Special Rapporteur deeply shocked by the mass
          killings that took place in Rwanda since the death of the Presidents of Rwanda
          and Burundi in the evening of 6 April 1994, issued a press release. The
          Special Rapporteur reminded the parties to the conflict of their obligation
          under every and any code of law to honour the right to life. He called for
          full respect for international humanitarian law and urged the armed forces and
          the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) immediately to stop acts of violence
          against civilians and to use their influence over militias and other groups of
          armed civilians to this effect. The Special Rapporteur also reminded States
          which may receive asylum seekers from Rwanda fleeing for their lives of their
          obligations under international law. Finally, the Special Rapporteur called
          upon the international community to urgently take measures to stop the
          slaughter.
          274. On 25 May 1994, the Commission on Human Rights established the mandate of
          a special rapporteur on the situation on human rights in Rwanda and requested
          the High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a permanent presence of
          human rights officers in the country. In accordance with a request made to
          him by the Commission on Human Rights to that effect, the Special Rapporteur
          accepted an invitation extended to him by the Special Rapporteur on the
          situation of human rights in Rwanda, Mr. Rena Degni-S gui, to accompany him on
          his first visit to Rwanda in June 1994. The Special Rapporteur refers to the
          reports presented to the Commission on Human Rights by the High Commissioner
          for Human Rights (E/CN.4/S-3/3) and the Special Rapporteur on the situation of
          human rights in Rwanda (E/CN.4/1995/7, E/CN.4/1995/12, E/cN.4/1995/70 and
          E/CN.4/1995/71) .
          Observations
          275. The case of Rwanda illustrates the limits to the effectiveness of the
          action of a Special Rapporteur: the conclusions and recommendations contained
          in the report prepared after his visit to Rwanda in April 1993 did not receive
          any attention from the Government, despite a request for comments and
          observations as well as information on steps taken by the Special Rapporteur
          in a letter to the Government on 24 September 1993. Neither the report nor
          the concerns expressed by the Special Rapporteur in his introductory statement
          before the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session received any
          attention from the members of the Commission. Neither the escalating
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 87
          political violence in Rwanda nor the fact that the Rwandese Government had not
          shown any willingness to cooperate with the Special Rapporteur after his visit
          appeared to preoccupy the members of the Commission in February 1994.
          276. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his deep concern at this
          situation. He urges the Commission on Human Rights to give thought to
          possible ways of ensuring the follow-up of recommendations made by its
          emissaries. The ad hoc appointment of a special rapporteur to monitor the
          human rights situation in countries that refuse to cooperate in the follow-up
          of recommendations or the establishment of a formal mechanism to do so could
          be considered. The Special Rapporteur also calls on the Commission on Human
          Rights at the same time to intensify efforts to establish an early-warning
          mechanism that could be activated when the signs of an imminent crisis become
          apparent, as was the case in Rwanda. In the present situation, the Special
          Rapporteur fears that with the Commission showing little or no interest in the
          reports of its special rapporteurs, representatives, independent experts or
          working groups, whatever impact these procedures may have with regard to early
          warning and prevention of imminent human rights and humanitarian crises is
          simply lost.
          Saudi Arabia
          277. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government the case of
          Jabbar Muhammad Karim al-Etaym, reportedly killed by an armed guard in Rafha
          refugee camp after an argument. On 23 November 1994, the Government replied
          to the allegation and requested the Special Rapporteur to ascertain the facts
          through the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees in Riyadh before
          making such an accusation.
          Observations
          278. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the reply
          provided. He will follow up on this letter in accordance with the procedures
          established in the framework of his mandate. However, the Special Rapporteur
          wishes to remind the Government of Saudi Arabia of its obligation under
          international law to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all
          allegations of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions committed under
          their jurisdiction, aiming at the identification, prosecution and punishment
          of those found responsible, adequate compensation for the victims or their
          families as well as prevention of further violations of the right to life.
          Sierra Leone
          279. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed that Amara Conteh was sentenced to death by a court martial in
          Freetown for having collaborated with rebel forces. Fears were expressed that
          he might face execution without having had the right to appeal against the
          sentence (15 September 1994) . At the time the present report was finalized,
          no reply had been received from the Government.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 88
          Singapore
          280. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed of death sentences imposed on Abdullah A. Rahman, a Malaysian
          national, and Lim Choon Chye, both reportedly for drug trafficking. In both
          cases, witnesses were said to have given testimony indicating that the two men
          were not involved in the crimes for which they had been convicted, but the
          Court of Appeal allegedly refused to reopen the cases on the grounds of this
          new evidence (21 July 1994) . At the time the present report was finalized, no
          reply had been received from the Government.
          Somalia
          281. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received information indicating that
          the armed conflict in Somalia continued, entailing further loss of life and
          suffering for the civilian population. However, none of these replies
          contained specific details which would have enabled the Special Rapporteur to
          act within his mandate.
          282. On 26 October 1994, the Special Rapporteur had sent a communication to
          the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia and head of
          the United Nations Operation in Somalia (tJNOSOM) . In this letter, the
          Special Rapporteur expressed concern at reports of involvement of
          United Nations personnel in the killing of civilians and asked for information
          on investigations carried out to clarify the circumstances of these incidents,
          in particular whether the United Nations forces resorted to excessive use of
          force, establish responsibilities and impose appropriate sanctions on those
          who might have been found responsible for human rights violations. The
          Special Rapporteur also asked to be informed of measures that might have been
          adopted to avoid excessive use of force by members of the international
          peace-keeping operation in particular whether they had received any
          specialized instruction with regard to internationally recognized standards
          and the obligation to abide by them even during armed conflicts. The Special
          Rapporteur notes with regret that no information has been received from the
          Special Representative in reply to his inquiries. Similarly, the Special
          Rapporteur has not been informed of the outcome of a United Nations
          investigation into the conduct of peace-keeping personnel in connection with
          the killing of civilians, allegedly in reprisal for the death of more than
          20 Pakistani members of UNOSOM in June 1993. He had learnt about this
          initiative through media reports.
          Observations
          283. The Special Rapporteur would like to reiterate his concerns, as
          expressed in his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth
          session (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 534), concerning the need to ensure that
          all members of United Nations peace-keeping and observer missions fully
          respect the rights and guarantees contained in international human rights
          instruments. Training of mission personnel, both military and civilian, is
          essential in this regard and should form an integral part of the deployment
          process of each such operation. The Special Rapporteur is aware of a number
          of initiatives taken in this regard, such as a human rights training programme
          for the police personnel who form the civil police component of the
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 89
          United Nations Operation in Mozambique (tJNOMOZ) . The Special Rapporteur also
          feels that when determining the composition of peace-keeping and observer
          operations, the need for personnel specialized in human rights issues should
          be taken into consideration. The strengthening of civil police contingents
          could be a possible way of ensuring that such operations possess the
          experience and expertise necessary to follow up on allegations of human rights
          violations and prepare case files which could then be transferred to the
          competent bodies and mechanisms within the United Nations. The Special
          Rapporteur feels that this would be particularly useful where such information
          could be used to prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations.
          South Africa
          284. During the first half of 1994, the Special Rapporteur continued to
          receive reports and allegations of violations of the right to life, including
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and death threats against
          members of the African National Congress (ANC) and trade unionists, for which
          members of the South African Police (SAP) and groups allegedly cooperating
          with them were said to be responsible. For a more detailed analysis of the
          human rights situation in South Africa, reference is made to the final report
          of the Ad Hoc Working Group of Experts on Southern Africa (E/CN.4/1995/23) .
          285. The Special Rapporteur sent four urgent appeals to the Government.
          He intervened twice, on behalf of trade union leader Enoch Nzuza, his brother
          Mandla and their family, after being informed of renewed death threats and
          attacks against their family home (15 March and 17 November 1994) . The
          Special Rapporteur also urged the authorities to protect the lives and
          physical integrity of Sam Nxumalo, ANC chairman of the Eshowa area, as well as
          35 other ANC members and residents of Eshowa town, whose names were
          reportedly found on a list. Some of those named, including ANC official
          Timonthy Yeka Sibiya, were said to have been subjected to attacks and threats
          by members of the SAP and KwaZulu police (8 April 1994) . In another urgent
          appeal, he called on the authorities to protect the lives and physical
          integrity of the family members of Blessing Vusumuzi Ntuli, killed outside his
          house in circumstances suggesting that he was extrajudicially executed.
          During the days following his killing, members of the SAP reportedly raided
          the family's house and arrested some of the family members (7 July 1994) . The
          Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he had
          received concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution of
          Clare Stewart, an agricultural development worker and ANC activist in northern
          Natal, whose remains were found in November 1993 some days after she was
          abducted, allegedly by persons linked to the SAP. At the time the present
          report was finalized, no replies had been received from the Government.
          Follow-up
          286. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur asked the
          Government to provide him with additional information on the progress of
          investigations into the case of Sipho and Lucky Mthiyane, as stated in a reply
          received in November 1993 (see E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 544) and, in particular,
          whether the suspect had been arrested in the meantime.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 90
          Observations
          287. The Special Rapporteur expresses concern at the continuing reports of
          violence in South Africa. He hopes, however, that the inauguration of the
          new, democratically elected Government under President Mandela may mark the
          beginning of a new era in South Africa, and calls on the authorities and the
          civilian population to continue efforts towards peace, reconciliation and
          respect for human rights.
          Sri Lanka
          Information received and communications sent
          288. The reports and allegations brought to the attention of the Special
          Rapporteur indicated that violations of the right to life continued to occur
          in the context of military operations directed against the Liberation Tigers
          of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) . As in former years, civilians were said to have been
          killed during indiscriminate air attacks and naval strafing of areas inhabited
          by civilians.
          289. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations
          he had received concerning the killing, during army attacks, of the
          following persons: Thavamalar Aiyathurai, Selvarasa Pachiyarajah,
          Sathasivam Balasubramaniam, Visvalingam Sellathurai and Sellaiah Subramiam,
          Uthayakumar Urithirapathy, Sivarasa Visagamoorthy, and Piraba Thavendran (14) .
          In addition, R.D. Wimaladasa and four other prisoners were allegedly killed by
          security forces at Mahara prison. At the time the present report was
          finalized, no reports had been received from the Government.
          290. The Special Rapporteur also addressed a letter to the Government after
          being informed of the discovery of a series of mass graves containing up to
          300 bodies at the summit of the Suriyakanda mountain at Kolonne, Ratnapura
          district. The remains found in those graves were said to belong to people
          killed during Government counter-insurgency operations against the
          Janatha Vimukthi Permamuna (People's Liberation Front, JVP) in 1989.
          Thirty-one schoolchildren who had disappeared in 1989 while in military
          custody may also have been buried in the mass graves. The Special Rapporteur
          reminded the authorities of their obligation under international law to
          conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the graves, applying the
          highest standards of forensic expertise. He drew the Government's attention
          to the Model Protocol for Disinterment and Analysis of Skeletal Remains,
          included in the Manual for the Effective Prevention and Investigation of
          Extra-legal, Arbitrary and Summary Executions (ST/CSDHA/12 and Corr.1), a
          document elaborated in 1991 by the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
          Branch of the United Nations Centre for Social Development and Humanitarian
          Affairs. The Special Rapporteur also suggested that the Government consider
          inviting foreign forensic experts to participate in the excavations and
          referred to a list of specialists contained in the report of the
          Secretary-General on human rights and forensic sciences, presented to the
          Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session (E/cN.4/1994/24)
          (3 March 1994) .
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 91
          Follow-up
          291. On 30 and 31 December 1993, the Government provided the Special
          Rapporteur with information in reply to his letter of 22 September 1993, in
          which he had sought additional information concerning the killing of 130
          villagers in Alanchipothana, Karapola and Muthugal in April 1992 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 555). The Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that a three-person committee, appointed by the Ministry of Defence to
          investigate the incidents, had presented a confidential report containing
          conclusions and recommendations. The committee had found that the killings at
          Karapola and Muthugal were carried out by villagers and some home guards of
          Alanchipothana, in reprisal for the earlier killings by LTTE at their village.
          Reportedly, the Karapola police post did not attempt to prevent the violence.
          The committee also stated that there had apparently been no control of the
          issue of arms and ammunition, particularly to home guards, and recommended,
          inter alia , a Disciplinary Code of Conduct for the home guards who should be
          placed under a defined authority such as the army or the police; the creation
          and training of a paramilitary force to supplement home guards in the defence
          of border areas against the LTTE; investigations into all complaints and
          action, if necessary, against any member of the group.
          292. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur requested
          further details on the investigation carried out by the committee,
          particularly with regard to the date on which the report was submitted and
          the follow-up given to the recommendations. The Special Rapporteur also
          inquired whether anyone had been brought to justice in connection with the
          killings at Alanchipothana, Karapola and Muthugal, and whether any judicial or
          disciplinary measures had been taken with regard to those based at the
          Karapola police post.
          Observations
          293. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information
          provided. However, he remains concerned at persistent allegations of deaths
          of civilians in military counter-insurgency operations. The Special
          Rapporteur reiterates his call on the authorities to take all necessary
          measures to ensure full respect for the restrictions on the use of force and
          firearms contained in the pertinent international instruments. In connection
          with the recommendation formulated by the committee investigating the killings
          at Alanchipothana, Karapola and Muthugal, in particular the recommendation to
          establish a paramilitary anti-insurgency force, the Special Rapporteur wishes
          to stress the need for strict control of any such auxiliary force by the
          security forces. In view of the experience of other countries, where
          paramilitary groups are responsible for numerous and grave human rights
          violations, the Government may wish to consider as a preferable solution
          strengthening regular security forces in areas with armed conflict, rather
          than creating a paramilitary body. With a view to preventing human rights
          abuses by either security forces or paramilitary groups, the Special
          Rapporteur once again emphasizes the importance of investigating all
          allegations of such abuses, with a view to identifying those responsible and
          bringing them to justice, as well as granting adequate compensation to the
          victims or their families.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 92
          294. In its letter of 31 December 1993, the Government reiterated its
          invitation to the Special Rapporteur to carry out a visit to Sri Lanka at a
          mutually agreeable date after March 1994. The Special Rapporteur wishes to
          thank the Government for this invitation. He hopes to be in a position to
          visit the country during 1995, in order to gather first-hand information on
          the situation with regard to the right to life in Sri Lanka and formulate, as
          appropriate, recommendations for improvements. While the reports and
          allegations received during the year continue to give rise to concern, the
          Special Rapporteur hopes that the cease-fire declared on the occasion of the
          inauguration of the newly elected President Chandrika Kumaratunga may
          constitute a lasting cessation of hostilities and thus increase the security
          of the civilian population in areas of armed confrontations and
          counter-insurgency operations. In this context, the Special Rapporteur also
          wishes to stress the importance of carrying out exhaustive and impartial
          investigations into all allegations of human rights violations, with a view to
          clarifying the facts, identifying those responsible and bringing them to
          justice, granting adequate compensation to the victims or their families. As
          experience gained in other countries has shown, establishing the truth about
          the past is essential for prevention of renewed human rights violations in the
          future.
          Sudan
          Follow-up
          295. On 25 October 1994, the Government provided information in reply to an
          urgent appeal transmitted by the Special Rapporteur on 30 April 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 561 and 564), informing him that Dr. Jaffar Yassin
          Ahmed, El Tarafi El Taher Fadul and Osman Mahmoud Ali Gumma had been sentenced
          to five years' imprisonment after having been found guilty of plotting to
          overthrow the Government and carrying out attacks on some essential public
          institutions.
          Observations
          296. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the information
          provided in the aforementioned communication. With regard to an analysis of
          the human rights situation in Sudan, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer to
          the report presented to the Commission on Human Rights by the Special
          Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Sudan, Mr. G spar Biro
          (E/cN.4/1995/58) .
          Syrian Arab Republic
          297. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations he had
          received according to which Dani Mansourati, a Lebanese national, died while
          in custody of the military intelligence services in Damascus in early 1994,
          reportedly after being subjected to torture. On 14 July 1994, the Government
          replied to this communication informing the Special Rapporteur that
          Dani Mansourati had been arrested in 1992 on suspicion of engagement in acts
          of espionage for Israel, and was sent for trial and sentenced to death, in
          accordance with the legal procedures in force.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 93
          Taj ikistan
          298. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed of extrajudicial executions by paramilitary forces operating
          unofficial prison camps in the central and southern regions of the country.
          According to the information received, these camps were being run with
          the knowledge of the authorities. Two detainees held in such camps,
          Mirzonazar Imomnazarov and Kurbonbek Nazarshoyev, had reportedly been killed
          (23 February 1994) . At the time the present report was finalized, no reply
          had been received from the Government.
          Follow-up
          299. On 31 January 1994, the Special Rapporteur addressed a letter to the
          Government in which he expressed deep concern at the reports and allegations
          received according to which up to 20,000 people, many of them unarmed
          civilians not taking part in hostilities, had lost their lives since the
          outbreak of armed conflict between forces loyal to the Government and armed
          opposition groups in May 1992. The Special Rapporteur inquired whether the
          Government would consider inviting him to visit Tajikistan. On 15 March 1994,
          the Special Rapporteur reiterated this request. At the time the present
          report was finalized, no reply had been received from the Government.
          Observations
          300. The Special Rapporteur notes with regret that no replies have been
          received from the Government, either with regard to the cases and allegations
          transmitted or concerning his request for a visit to the country. The Special
          Rapporteur has also learnt with deep concern that the death sentence imposed
          on Adzhik Aliyev, on whose behalf he had sent two urgent appeals in 1993 after
          receiving reports about shortcomings in the trial proceedings leading to his
          being sentenced to death for terrorism, treason and conspiring to overthrow
          the Government (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 578), was carried out on
          15 September 1994, while representatives of the Government and the opposition
          were meeting in Tehran to sign an agreement on the release of all opposition
          supporters who were in prison. The Special Rapporteur reiterates his urgent
          call on the authorities to ensure that defendants facing the death penalty
          benefit from all the safeguards and guarantees contained in the pertinent
          international instruments. The Special Rapporteur also urges the Government
          to take urgent steps to prevent further loss of life in detention facilities.
          Unofficial detention camps should be closed. Those responsible for having
          committed or condoned human rights violations should be brought to justice, in
          accordance with the Government's obligations under international law.
          Togo
          Information received and communications sent
          301. The Special Rapporteur sent three urgent appeals to the Government of
          Togo. Fears for the safety of Jean Yaovi Degli, President of the Ligue
          Togolaise des Droits de l'Homme (Togolese League for Human Rights, LTDH), and
          Akp dje Degli were expressed after a military raid at the latter's home and
          repeated death threats. The lives of two young people called Agossou and
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 94
          Avami were also said to be at risk after they were arrested by security forces
          personnel (13 December 1993) . In another urgent appeal, the Special
          Rapporteur expressed concern at reports of the extrajudicial execution
          of 36 persons by members of the national gendarmerie after an attack against
          the barracks of the R&jiment Interarmes Togolais (Togolese Combined Regiments,
          RIT) . A number of others detained in connection with the attack were also
          feared to face execution (17 January 1994) . Various incidents in which
          members of the security forces employed force in an arbitrary manner, causing
          the death of at least 10 persons, were reported to have taken place during
          January and February 1994. Six others were said to be under death threats
          (25 February 1994) .
          302. In addition, the Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government
          allegations he had received concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          execution by security forces during early 1993 of the following persons:
          Kodjo Puafa and Ms. Adokpa, reportedly killed during the violent incidents
          of January 1994; Nicolas Coquil (12) and S others; Isaac Gbiki-Benissan;
          Koffi Doulou, as well as Donne Lawson Late and 15 others, reportedly killed
          when security forces opened fire indiscriminately on participants in a
          peaceful demonstration; C sar Kpodar; Akara; and Bichakine.
          Communications received
          303. On 24 December 1993, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 13 December 1993, informing him that the security forces had
          proceeded on the basis of information provided to them and, as they had not
          found anything in the houses searched, they had retreated. Allegations of
          death threats were baseless. On 21 January 1994, the Government replied to
          the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 17 January 1994 and informed him
          that no extrajudicial executions had ever taken place in Togo and that no one
          had been extrajudicially killed during the recent events. A group of
          terrorists had attacked Lom on S and 6 January 1994. The persons mentioned
          in the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal had been arrested for their
          involvement in the attack. They had recovered their weapons and killed three
          soldiers and were killed during the ensuing clash. Nine others detained in
          connection with the events of S and 6 January were in detention, while
          investigations had been opened.
          Follow-up
          304. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur asked
          for further clarifications with regard to the above-mentioned replies, as
          well as two replies received from the Government in 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 590-591) . In particular, the Special Rapporteur asked whether
          investigations had been carried out to evaluate the conduct of the law
          enforcement officials involved, and what measures had been taken by the
          authorities to ensure that the provisions contained in international
          instruments limiting the use of force and firearms were fully respected during
          operations aimed at restoring public order.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 95
          Observations
          305. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information provided
          in reply to his communications. However, he remains concerned at persistent
          reports and allegations of arbitrary and abusive use of force by law
          enforcement officials acting with total impunity. The Special Rapporteur
          calls upon the authorities to adopt all necessary measures to ensure respect
          for the right to life during operations carried out by law enforcement
          officials, to prosecute and punish all those responsible for extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, grant adequate compensation to the victims
          and adopt measures to prevent the recurrence of violations of the right to
          life.
          Trinidad and Tobago
          306. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government in which
          he called upon the authorities to ensure full respect for the rights and
          guarantees of those facing the death penalty after being informed that
          Lincoln Anthony Guerra and Brian Walden were scheduled for execution on
          25 March 1994 although appeal proceedings were still pending (25 March 1994) .
          Another communication was sent to the Government after the Special Rapporteur
          received reports of the execution of Glen Ashby, sentenced to death in
          July 1989. At the time of his execution, two proceedings were said to be
          pending: on 6 July 1994, Glen Ashby had made a complaint to the
          United Nations Human Rights Committee, and on 13 July 1994, he had brought a
          constitutional motion in Trinidad. It was further reported that the
          Government had given an assurance to the Privy Council in London, the highest
          court for Trinidad and Tobago, that he would not be executed before all
          avenues of relief were exhausted (15 August 1994) . To date, no reply has been
          received from the Government.
          Observations
          307. The reports received by the Special Rapporteur, in particular those
          referring to the execution of Glen Ashby while legal proceedings were still
          pending, are most disturbing. Further information received subsequent to the
          Special Rapporteur's letter to the Government stated that there had been
          irregularities in the appeal procedures. The Special Rapporteur urges the
          Government to ensure that the guarantees and safeguards of those facing the
          death penalty, as contained in a number of pertinent international
          instruments, be fully respected. The Special Rapporteur is particularly
          concerned that Glen Ashby was executed 4 years and 11 months after having been
          sentenced to death. In his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its
          fiftieth session, the Special Rapporteur had expressed concern that the 1993
          judgement of the Privy Council, which held that awaiting execution for five
          years constituted in itself cruel and inhuman punishment, might incite
          Governments to speed up the carrying out of death sentences, to the detriment
          of respect for the defendants' fair trial guarantees (see also below
          para. 382).
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 96
          Turkey
          Information received and communications sent
          308. The reports and allegations received by the Special Rapporteur indicate
          that violations of the right to life continued to occur during 1994 in the
          context of the armed conflict between government security forces and
          guerrillas of the Partiya Karkeren Kurdistan (Kurdish Workers' Party, PKK) in
          the south-eastern parts of Turkey. As in former years, most of these reports
          referred to death threats against or extrajudicial executions of civilians
          during operations carried out by the security forces in villages suspected of
          harbouring members of the PKK. According to the reports received, members of
          the political opposition, journalists and human rights activists continued to
          be targets of acts of violence. The security forces and paramilitary groups
          cooperating with them, particularly the “village guards” and, in some
          instances, the “Kontrgerilla”, were said to be responsible for violations of
          the right to life. A renewed wave of military operations was said to have
          started on a large scale during the month of April 1994, leading to a massive
          influx of Turkish Kurds into northern Iraq.
          309. The Special Rapporteur sent four urgent appeals to the Government.
          Fearshad been expressed for the lives of the following persons: Ahmet Aslan
          and 12 other villagers from Payamli, Siirt, who were said to have been
          detained during a raid by the security forces at their village, allegedly in
          reprisal for the refusal of the villagers to participate in the village guard
          system for fear of reprisal attacks from the PKK (17 January 1994) ; Nebahat
          Akkoc, after threatening telephone calls, reportedly in relation to complaints
          of human rights violations lodged by Nebahat Akkoc with the European
          Commission of Human Rights (31 October 1994) . The Special Rapporteur also
          expressed concern for the lives and physical integrity of members of the
          People's Labour Party (HADEP) , after the killings of HADEP officials,
          Mehmet Salih Sabukettin, Rebih Cabuk and Sever Cerf and attacks against
          several others, allegedly by members of the police (13 October 1994) .
          310. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he
          had received concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution of
          the following persons:
          (a) During operations by security forces: Nasir Gi t, his wife and
          six children, in Altinova, Mus; Besir Baskak, Abdullah Gler, Sait Sen and
          Ahmet Gler; Ahmet Zetin; Hi seyin Ergen; Eyi p Donat; Mehmet Emin Bing6l,
          Yakup Tetik, Mehmet Acal and Ali Can Oner; Sehmuz Celik; Mahmut Cakmak;
          11-year-old OEncer Gi ler. In addition, Besir Dogan and Yeker Gler were
          reportedly killed with explosives dropped from helicopters;
          (b) Necati Aydin, Mehmet Ay and a third person, reportedly killed after
          being detained by the anti-terror branch of the Diyarbakir police; Zeki Aksoy,
          reportedly killed for having filed a complaint against the Government of
          Turkey for torture with the European Commission on Human Rights, after
          receiving threats that he would be killed unless he dropped the charges;
          Serif Avsar, reportedly detained without a warrant by village guards and
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 97
          plain-clothes men allegedly linked with Diyarbakir gendarmerie and
          subsequently found dead; and Halil Alpsoy, member of HADEP, reportedly
          abducted and subsequently killed by police.
          Communications received
          311. On 29 March 1994, the Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's
          urgent appeal of 17 January 1994, informing him that shots had been fired from
          within the village of Payamli against gendarmes performing a field operation
          in the vicinity of the village. Eight of the villagers named in the appeal,
          who were involved in the incident, were taken into custody and three of them
          released by the court, while the other five were arrested. Five have never
          been detained. All persons taken into custody were thus accounted for. In a
          letter dated 24 November 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur
          that a preparatory inquiry had been opened into the killing of Halil Alpsoy
          who, contrary to the allegations, had not been detained by police in the
          Ki ki kcekmeke district.
          Follow-up
          312. The Government provided the Special Rapporteur with information on a
          number of cases transmitted in 1993 as follows: Tahir Saday had died of a
          coronary illness from which he was suffering; Mustafa Dogan was killed by an
          unidentified person while sleeping at his house; AbdiIIselam Orak, in custody
          of the security forces, had fallen and hit his head when trying to escape,
          which caused his death; the killing of Yusuf Cakar may have been linked to a
          blood feud between two families of the same region; preliminary investigations
          were under way in all cases (26 November 1993); Aysel Malkac's whereabout
          remained unknown despite investigations still under way (30 November 1993) ;
          the development of the kidnapping of Ferhat Tepe and his past involvement with
          the PKK pointed towards an intra-PKK feud as the reason for his killing;
          Ibrahim Dilek (Delek), who may have been kidnapped by terrorists, was tortured
          but eventually died of respiratory and circulatory deficiency; Seydo, Bahriye,
          Ahmet and Yusuf Ceviren, Mehmet Necat Aras (Arizi) and one unidentified person
          were killed during an armed confrontation with security forces; Hazim (Asim)
          and Ahmet (Mehmet) Bulut (Both), both PKK members, died during an armed
          confrontation with the security forces; the PKK had attacked the village of
          Ormanici, but no unidentified three-year-old girl had been killed during the
          attack (3 January 1994) ; members of the Hizbullah organization, which claimed
          responsibility for the murder of Mehmet Sincar, Metin Ozdemir and Habib Kilic,
          were arrested and had pleaded guilty (10 January 1994) ; enforcement officials
          had arrested 10 persons for their suspected involvement in the murder of
          several persons, including Kemal Kili 9 , journalist for Ozgi r GiIIdem
          (26 November 1993, 31 January 1994); a member of a fundamentalist organization
          was arrested while in possession of a weapon used in the attack against
          Burhan Karadeniz, who has gone to Germany, thus making it impossible to
          identify a number of persons taken into custody in relation to the attempt
          against his life (21 March 1994) .
          313. In addition, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur of operations
          carried out by law enforcement officials during which a number of persons
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 98
          were arrested and arms recovered which had been used in several killings
          (28 January 1994) , as well as of the termination of military courts martial
          on 30 December 1993 (27 January 1994).
          314. In a letter of 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur asked to be
          provided with some additional information concerning the progress of the
          investigations initiated, as stated by the Government in its aforementioned
          replies as well as in other communications received during 1993 (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 604-605).
          Observations
          315. The Special Rapporteur wishes to thank the Government for the replies
          provided to some of his communications. However, he remains concerned at the
          persistent and grave allegations of violations of the right to life in Turkey,
          particularly in the south-east of the country. For more than two years, the
          Special Rapporteur has found himself in a position where numerous allegations
          from a variety of credible sources and the replies provided by the Government,
          which invariably states that the killings are not of an extrajudicial, summary
          or arbitrary character, contradict each other. The Special Rapporteur has
          stated on repeated occasions that an on-site visit would be the only way for
          him to seek independent information with a view to evaluating accurately both
          the allegations and the replies received. With regard to Turkey, he first
          sought an invitation to carry out a visit there in August 1992. He has since
          then manifested his interest in visiting Turkey on various occasions. During
          a meeting in Geneva with the Permanent Representative of Turkey to the
          United Nations Office at Geneva, the Special Rapporteur was informed that the
          Turkish authorities were in agreement with the principle of a visit. This
          position was reiterated in subsequent contacts, in particular during a meeting
          on 19 November 1993. However, as indicated in the Special Rapporteur's report
          to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session (E/CN.4/1994/7,
          para. 612), the consultations concerning his visit to Turkey have not yielded
          any result. Indeed, the Special Rapporteur finds the fact that the visit has
          not materialized, despite repeated assurances from the Government over a
          period of more than two years that a visit by the Special Rapporteur would
          meet with their agreement, gives rise to the question whether the Government
          is genuinely willing to invite him.
          Ukraine
          316. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed that Vasily Mikhaylovich Krivonos had been sentenced to death
          for murder in November 1993. Allegedly, his confession had been obtained
          under duress, and he was granted access to his lawyer only after the
          prosecution had completed its investigation and compiled the indictment.
          After the Supreme Court had rejected his appeal, the case was being considered
          for clemency by the President of Ukraine. It was feared that the execution
          might be imminent (13 April 1994) . On 31 May 1994, the Government informed
          the Special Rapporteur that the President of Ukraine was considering the
          petition for clemency, and that there were no grounds to believe that the
          execution would be carried out while the clemency procedures were pending.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 99
          Follow-up
          317. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked the
          Government for the aforementioned reply and asked to be informed about the
          evolution of the case. On 26 October 1994, a further communication was
          received from the Government in which it informed the Special Rapporteur that
          the petition for clemency had not yet been examined.
          United Arab Emirates
          318. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed that the Supreme Court had upheld the death sentence passed by
          a court at Abu Dhabi upon Mashal Badr al-Hamati, a Yemeni national convicted
          of murder. According to the information received, he was 17 years old at the
          time of the crime. Fears were expressed that he might face imminent execution
          (19 January 1994) . At the time the present report was finalized, no reply had
          been received from the Government.
          United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
          Information received and communications sent
          319. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received a number of reports and
          allegations referring to violations of the right to life in the context of the
          conflict in Northern Ireland. In several cases, concerns were expressed that
          the use of lethal force by members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC),
          the police force operating in Northern Ireland, against persons was
          disproportionate, and that the investigations into such killings, carried out
          internally, lacked the necessary independence and impartiality, as supervision
          by the Independent Commission for Police Complaints (ICPC) was not sufficient.
          The findings of these investigations were submitted to the Director of Public
          Prosecutions (DPP) which decided whether to prosecute. If it was decided not
          to prosecute, a coroner's inquest would establish when, where and how the
          death occurred; however, this would not determine whether the killing was
          lawful or unlawful.
          320. The Special Rapporteur was also informed of killings by loyalist
          paramilitary groups such as the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) , also known
          as the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF) , and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) ,
          and of allegations of collusion, including the leaking of confidential
          intelligence information from security forces to loyalist paramilitary
          formations. Indications of links between the security forces and the UDA,
          which emerged during the trial of a double agent as a result of an official
          investigation, were reportedly not followed up by the authorities.
          321. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed of fears for the life and physical integrity of Brian Austin,
          relative of a Sinn Fein representative to Belfast City Council, who was said
          to have received death threats by loyalists on several occasions since
          December 1993. Despite these threats, the authorities were said to have
          failed to provide him with any means of protection (2 June 1994) . The Special
          Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he had received
          concerning the cases of Pearse Jordan and Gerald Maginn (17) , both reportedly
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 100
          killed by RUC officers, and Patrick Finucane, reportedly killed by a loyalist
          paramilitary group, who was said to have received death threats from members
          of the RUC on repeated occasions, allegedly in relation with his work as a
          lawyer representing persons accused of terrorism. In all three cases, it was
          alleged that the killings were not properly investigated, resulting in
          impunity for those responsible.
          Communications received
          322. On 3 August 1994, the Government replied to the urgent appeal
          of 2 June 1994 and informed the Special Rapporteur that Brian Austin, who had
          indeed been informed by the security forces of threats against him from
          loyalists, had not taken the most basic security precaution of ensuring that
          his name, address and telephone number were no longer listed in the official
          telephone directory. Furthermore, his applications for a firearm licence and
          for funds to install physical protection measures at his home were carefully
          considered but refused by the competent officials who judged that not all
          criteria were satisfied.
          323. On 20 October 1994, the Government provided another reply and informed
          the Special Rapporteur that the ICPC's role was to ensure that complaints
          against the RUC were thoroughly investigated and that disciplinary action was
          taken where appropriate. Its members were fully independent of the Government
          and the police. Once completed, a report of the investigations was made to
          the independent DPP for a decision whether or not prosecution was warranted.
          If the DPP decides to prosecute, the courts are to decide innocence or guilt.
          It also reported on the following cases:
          (a) In the case of Pearse Jordan, the DPP, on the basis of the
          investigation report, decided not to prosecute the officer involved. At the
          time of the reply, the coroner's inquest had not yet taken place. The
          Government stated that there was no provision for legal aid for representation
          for the families, as the coroner was not permitted to express an opinion on
          any question of civil or criminal liability;
          (b) A full investigation took place into the killing of Gerald Maginn,
          on the basis of which the DPP decided that no officer should be prosecuted;
          (c) Despite extensive and ongoing inquiries, the RUC were unable to
          secure a basis on which to prosecute anyone in connection with the murder of
          Patrick Finucane. Three people had been charged and convicted in connection
          with the possession of weapons used in the murder. On the basis of a full
          investigative report on the circumstances of Patrick Finucane's killing
          submitted in connection with an inquiry into allegations of collusion, the DPP
          decided that no officer should be prosecuted in connection with Mr. Finucane's
          death.
          Follow-up
          324. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the replies provided to
          his communications. According to the procedures established for the follow-up
          on allegations, the contents of these replies have been transmitted to the
          sources of the allegations for comments and observations.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 101
          United States of America
          325. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur continued to receive reports
          indicating that legislation and practice relating to capital punishment in
          the United States of America did not conform to internationally recognized
          standards for fair trials. As in former years, it was alleged that
          defendants facing the death penalty did not benefit fully from their right
          to an adequate defence. The Special Rapporteur also continued to receive
          reports of death sentences imposed for offences committed when the defendants
          were below 18 years of age, or where they were said to be mentally retarded.
          It was repeatedly reported that the practice of capital punishment was
          discriminatory, death sentences being applied disproportionately on the poor,
          on members of minorities, on the mentally ill or retarded, and on those
          without adequate legal counsel, and in cases where the defendants were black.
          326. The Special Rapporteur received reports concerning two legislative
          initiatives which extended the scope of the death penalty during 1994.
          In April 1994, a bill reinstating the death penalty in the State of Kansas
          entered into force, providing for the possibility of imposing death sentences
          for specific types of intentional murder. A new Federal Crime Bill was signed
          into law by the President during the summer which expanded the federal death
          penalty to cover some 60 crimes, most of which had not been punishable by
          death under federal law before. Under the new law, capital offences range
          from the murder of federal officials to non-homicidal offences, including the
          attempted assassination of the President and major drug-related crimes.
          327. The Special Rapporteur sent seven urgent appeals to the Government
          calling on the authorities to ensure full respect for the right to life of
          the following persons, all reportedly sentenced to death in trial procedures
          falling short of internationally recognized standards: Christopher Burger,
          who was 17 years old at the time of the crime for which he was convicted
          and sentenced to death (2 December 1993); Johnny Watkins (2 March 1994);
          Roy Stewart and Larry Anderson (14 April 1994); Robert Nelson Drew
          (25 July 1994); Benjamin Terry (3 August 1994); C sar Fierro (5 August 1994);
          and Harold “Wili” Otey (10 August 1994) . At the time the present report was
          finalized, no reply had been received from the Government. The Special
          Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he had received
          according to which William Henry Hance was executed in March 1994 after being
          sentenced to death by a court in Chattahoochee, Florida, in proceedings
          tainted with racial discrimination.
          Follow-up
          328. On 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur sent a letter to the
          Government. With reference to concerns expressed earlier regarding a number
          of questions relating to the legislation and practice concerning capital
          punishment in the United States of America (see E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 628-632) , the Special Rapporteur expressed concern at reports of the
          reinstatement of the death penalty in the State of Kansas and at the new
          Federal Crime Bill.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 102
          329. The Special Rapporteur learned with deep regret from the sources of
          the allegations that the death sentences of Roy Stewart, Larry Anderson,
          Robert Nelson Drew and Harold “Wili” Otey were carried out as scheduled.
          Observations
          330. In his follow-up letter of 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur
          expressed his deep concern at the persistent allegations of violations of
          the right to life in the context of capital punishment in the United States
          of America. The reports received concerning the extension of the scope of the
          death penalty in Kansas and on the federal level are most disturbing. The
          Special Rapporteur emphasizes once again the desirability of the abolition of
          the death penalty, repeatedly expressed by the Human Rights Committee in its
          comments on article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
          Rights, the General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the
          Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The expansion of the range of
          capital off ences is all the more preoccupying in the light of recurring
          reports according to which the guarantees and safeguards set forth in
          international instruments relating to fair trial procedures and specific
          restrictions on capital punishment are not fully respected.
          331. The Special Rapporteur pointed out to the authorities that his concerns,
          expressed in this and earlier communications, persisted. He therefore
          inquired whether the Government could consider inviting him to carry out a
          visit to the United States of America to discuss the issue of capital
          punishment with authorities, both at federal and at the state level, as well
          as with interested organizations and individuals. At the time the present
          report was finalized, no reply had been received from the Government.
          Uruguay
          332. The Special Rapporteur transmitted to the Government allegations he
          had received according to which Jose Roberto Facal and Fernando Alvaro Morroni
          were killed when security forces employed excessive force against the
          participants in a demonstration to protest against the extradition of
          three persons of Basque origin to Spain, which took place in Montevideo
          on 24 August 1994. At the time the present report was finalized, no
          communications had been received from the Government.
          Uzbekistan
          333. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government
          after being informed of a bomb attack against the home in Tashkent of
          Khamidulla Nurmukhamedou, a leading member of the outlawed opposition party
          Erk (Freedom) . It was alleged that the security forces might have been
          involved in the attack (13 June 1994). On 15 August 1994, the Government
          replied to the urgent appeal, informing the Special Rapporteur that the crime
          had not been connected with any political motives but was considered as
          hooliganism and intentional damage of private property, according to the
          Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 103
          Follow-up
          334. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur thanked
          the Government for the information provided and asked for some further
          clarifications concerning the investigations into the bomb attack, in
          particular, whether the authors had been identified and on what grounds
          political reasons had been excluded as motive for the attack.
          Venezuela
          Information received and communications sent
          335. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received reports and allegations
          indicating that human rights violations, including extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions, continued to occur in Venezuela. Several such reports
          referred to violence in detention facilities. Prisons were said to be
          overcrowded and security personnel reportedly resorted to excessive use of
          force when attempting to control mutinies or prevent the escape of inmates.
          The Special Rapporteur also received reports of violence against members of
          indigenous communities in the context of land conflicts in the region of
          Perij , State of Zulia. Hired gunmen at the services of large landowners and
          members of the security forces were said to be responsible for killings of
          peasants who claimed right to the disputed land. According to the information
          received, the local chief of police had been dismissed and investigations into
          these killings were ordered by the Governor of Zulia.
          336. The Special Rapporteur sent three urgent appeals to the Government. He
          expressed concern after being informed that more than 150 prisoners had died
          during a mutiny at the National Prison at Maracaibo, known as “Sabaneta” . A
          further nine prisoners were reported to have died when security forces impeded
          their attempts to escape from “Tocor6n” prison in Aragua (17 January 1994) .
          The Special Rapporteur sent a second urgent appeal in which he called on the
          authorities to ensure exhaustive and impartial investigations of clandestine
          mass graves at Perij , where human remains had been found which were said to
          belong to persons who may have been extrajudicially executed (29 April 1994) .
          The Special Rapporteur also called on the authorities to protect the lives and
          physical integrity of the members of the Red de Apoyo por la Justicia y Paz
          (Support Network for Justice and Peace) , who were said to have received death
          threats after having participated in a radio programme during which they
          accused the police of torture and extrajudicial executions in Caracas
          (17 August 1994) .
          337. The Special Rapporteur also transmitted to the authorities allegations
          he had received concerning the extrajudicial execution by members of the
          Venezuelan army of three members of the Yucpa indigenous community,
          Felipe Ram6n and Vicente and Carmen Romero, in February 1994; and of
          Ildefonso Carmona, who was said to have received death threats from members
          of the military previous to his murder in November 1993. Both cases were said
          to have taken place in the area of Perij .
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 104
          Communications received
          338. On 15 August 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur about
          investigations carried out by four fiscales and a civilian judge into the
          killing of Luis Felipe Romero, Vicente Ramos and Carmen Romero. The bodies of
          the victims were exhumed and autopsies performed. Testimony was gathered from
          an eye-witness. Information was solicited from the military garrison of Exile
          concerning the names and ranks of personnel participating in an operation
          which took place on the day of the killing of the three indigenous people.
          The first instance military tribunal gave an order to follow up this request.
          At the time of the reply, a conflict of competence was pending before the
          Supreme Court of Justice to decide whether the military or the civilian
          jurisdiction was to consider the case. Relatives of the victims had already
          received initial compensation payments and a further payment was being
          considered.
          339. On 10 May 1994, the Government informed the Special Rapporteur that
          investigations into the mass graves found in the Perij hills had been
          initiated. On 7 September 1994, the Government further reported that forensic
          anthropologists and anatomo-pathologists had examined the human remains found
          and concluded that they belonged to two men. Several fiscales were also
          participating in the investigations with a view to determining whether there
          was a relationship between cases of disappearances since 1991 and the case
          under examination.
          Follow-up
          340. In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur asked the
          Government to provide him with additional information on the progress of
          investigations under way, as stated by the authorities in several replies
          received during 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 642-644) and, in particular,
          whether the strike of the tribunals referred to in these communications had
          ended.
          341. On 3 October 1994, the Government provided a reply to the Special
          Rapporteur's follow-up communication of 22 September 1993, which contained
          some of the information requested by the Special Rapporteur in his follow-up
          letter of 23 September 1994. Thus, the Government informed him about the
          progress of investigations into allegations transmitted by the Special
          Rapporteur in 1992 and 1993. In the case of Ver6nica Tecsari (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 641 (b)), five civil servants had been charged with
          murder and the appropriate proceedings were under way before a civilian court.
          Investigations were being carried out by a military court in Caracas into the
          killing of Virgilio Fernandez (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 641 (b)). In the case
          of Romer Figueroa Lizardi (see E/cN.4/1993/46, para. 640 and E/cN.4/1994/7,
          para. 643 (a)), in May 1993 the Supreme Court of Justice decided that the
          military judiciary was competent to deal with the case. The Government
          further informed the Special Rapporteur that investigations were continuing
          into the alleged death threats against Ivo Rodriguez Escudero (see
          E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 640 and 642 (a)), but that he had not followed up an
          invitation to present his declaration to the Fiscalia . Antonio Rios (see
          E/CN.4/1993/46, para. 641 and E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 644) had been released
          from prison.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 105
          Observations
          342. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for its willingness to
          cooperate with his mandate and the information provided in reply to a number
          of his communications. He remains, nevertheless, concerned at the reports and
          allegations brought to his attention. In this context, he would like to call
          on the authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure that conditions
          of detention in prison facilities conform to internationally recognized
          standards, and to ensure that security personnel in prisons fully respect the
          restrictions on the use of force and firearms, as contained in the pertinent
          international instruments. The Special Rapporteur calls on the authorities
          to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all incidents of
          violence, with a view to evaluating the conduct of the security personnel
          involved, and to ensure that those found to have committed crimes are
          punished.
          343. The Special Rapporteur is also concerned at reports of decisions in which
          the Supreme Court of Justice found that competence in cases involving human
          rights violations by security forces personnel belonged to the military
          courts. Experience in other countries has shown that this almost always
          results in impunity. The Special Rapporteur therefore urges the Government to
          ensure that judges participating in military tribunals hearing cases of
          security forces personnel accused of human rights violations are independent,
          impartial and competent, and that the rights of victims and witnesses to
          participate in the proceedings are fully respected.
          Yemen
          344. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government after
          being informed that death sentences imposed on Hussein Muhammad ‘Abdullah
          al-Ajrab and 13 other persons in the Yemen Arab Republic prior to its
          unification with the former People's Democratic Republic of Yemen were upheld
          by the ruling Presidential Council. Fears were expressed that their trials
          had not been in conformity with internationally recognized fair trial
          standards. Five of those sentenced to death were said to have been executed,
          while the remaining nine were said to face imminent execution (8 August 1994) .
          At the time the present report was finalized, no reply had been received from
          the Government.
          Observations
          345. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express concern at these allegations
          and regrets the lack of response from the Government. He also fears that a
          large number of deaths, including extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions, have occurred during the armed conflict between the northern and
          southern parts of Yemen during the course of the year. No mechanism has been
          put into place by the international community to monitor respect for human
          rights during the hostilities and in their aftermath.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 106
          Zaire
          Information received and communications sent
          346. As in former years, the Special Rapporteur received reports and
          allegations indicating that human rights violations, including extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions, continue to occur in Zaire. Most of these
          violations were said to have been committed by members of the security forces
          and, in particular, the Division sp ciale pr sidentielle (Special Presidential
          Division, DSP) . The victims were reported to have included members of the
          political opposition, as well as civilians who were killed when security
          forces resorted to indiscriminate use of lethal force in the context of public
          demonstrations, or simply at random. For an in-depth analysis of the human
          rights situation in Zaire, the Special Rapporteur refers to the report
          presented to the Commission on Human Rights by the Special Rapporteur on the
          situation of human rights in Zaire, Mr. Roberto Garret6n (E/cN.4/1995/67).
          347. The Special Rapporteur sent an urgent appeal to the Government of
          Zaire after being informed of several attempts against the life of
          Etienne Tshisekedi and the arrest of his assistant, Leon Kadima Muntuntu,
          allegedly by members of the security forces (27 July 1994) . The Special
          Rapporteur also transmitted to the Government allegations he had received
          concerning the extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution, by members of
          the security forces between early 1993 and April 1994, of the following
          persons: Salumu Didier Tumuche at Kabondo; Madimba Kapia in Kinshasa;
          2IIb Mukoma at Kananga; 52 unidentified civilians in the Kimbanseke area of
          Kinshasa; five unidentified civilians at the Grand Stadium of Kinshasa;
          Muvingi Nyamwisi, at Cite de Butembo; Fr d ric Imbamba, in front of the Palais
          de Peuple at Kinshasa; Nkunku Mbala, at Kinshasa; tJmba Popa, Christine and
          Elisabeth Bado, at Kingasani; Papy Thambo, at Lemba; Tshibaka, at Gomb ;
          Alain Lianga Nkoy, Claude Pemba Mvubu, Lutete Longo, Kapiemba Kanyindu and
          Albert Kabamba, in Kinshasa; Martin Matuisi, at Kingasani; Yumbu and
          16 others, including four-year-old Ntumba Gary, at Kingasani and Masina;
          Patrice Wami Risasi, at Kisangani; Lucien Dinganga Fongo, in Kinshasa;
          Makungo, at the Collectivit Mungindu; in the North-Kivu region;
          Willy Munkulazadi Kweti, in the Mat t area of Kinshasa; Kibangi Mandala and
          an unidentified person in Kinshasa.
          Communications received
          348. The Government replied to the Special Rapporteur's urgent appeal
          of 27 July 1994 and informed him that Etienne Tshisekedi had not been the
          victim of attacks. His bodyguards had illegally closed the street in front of
          his residence and had beaten to death, without any reason, three civil guards
          ( gardiens de paix ) who happened to pass by. Gendarmes were subsequently
          deployed to restore public order and, when shot at by the bodyguards, returned
          fire in self-defence. No one was killed during the exchange of fire
          (21 September 1994) .
          Follow-up
          349. On 17 December 1993, the Government acknowledged receipt of the Special
          Rapporteur's urgent appeal of 19 October 1993 (see E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 658).
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 107
          In a letter dated 23 September 1994, the Special Rapporteur asked the
          Government whether any progress had been made in the investigations into this
          case.
          Observations
          350. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned at the disturbing reports
          of violations of the right to life brought to his attention almost regularly
          during the past three years, including excessive and arbitrary use of force
          with virtually complete impunity, extrajudicial killings in the context of
          ethnic violence, particularly in the areas of Kasai, Shaba and the Kivu
          region, and threats against members of the political opposition. Repeated
          calls on the authorities to take decisive action to investigate such
          violations and punish those responsible have not been heard.
          351. Violence in the refugee camps in the Kivu region during the past year
          also gives rise to concern. Many thousands of Rwandese refugees are under
          constant threat from the Zairean security forces as well as members of the
          militias supporting the former Rwandese Government. A pledge made by the
          Government of Zaire to disarm members of the former Rwandese Government
          Forces and the militias has not been fulfilled. UNHCR and non-governmental
          organizations providing humanitarian aid also face serious security risks and
          are not in a position to protect the refugees. Steps to protect the lives of
          people living in camps in Goma and elsewhere along the border with Rwanda are
          urgently needed.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 108
          V. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
          352. For the third time in three years of activities, the Special Rapporteur
          is compelled to conclude, at the end of his cycle of activities and reporting,
          that extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions have not ceased and that
          there are no indications to the effect that the number of violations of the
          right to life has decreased. The Special Rapporteur continued to receive
          numerous allegations comprising all the different manifestations of violations
          of the right to life that fall within his mandate. In some countries or
          situations, changes in legislation or practice concerning capital punishment,
          the signing of peace agreements, or increased awareness of human rights issues
          and the willingness to improve respect for human rights, are encouraging and
          give rise to hope. In others, laws extending the scope of capital punishment
          or reinforcing impunity, armed conflicts flaring up in areas hitherto calm as
          well as old ones that resume, continue or take new turns, entail new, or
          renewed, violations of the right to life.
          353. Against this backdrop, the Special Rapporteur has continued his efforts
          to exercise his mandate as effectively as possible by responding to the
          information that has come before him, following up on allegations transmitted
          to Governments, enhancing contacts with Governments and sources of such
          allegations as well as cooperation with other United Nations mechanisms
          dealing with human rights issues, carrying out on-site visits and following up
          on them. In doing so, he also took into consideration the requests to pay
          special attention to a number of issues made to him in various resolutions of
          the Commission on Human Rights.
          354. The present report is the third presented by the Special Rapporteur since
          he assumed his functions in June 1992, following Mr. S. Amos Wako who had
          served as Special Rapporteur during the first 10 years of the existence of a
          mandate examining questions related to the right to life. It also marks the
          end of the three-year mandate extended to him by the Commission on Human
          Rights in resolution 1992/72 of 5 March 1992. During this period, the Special
          Rapporteur continued to develop and refine the procedures to implement the
          mandate and the methods of work applied, as described in detail in his report
          to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session (E/CN.4/1994/7,
          paras. 17-67) . In the following sections, the Special Rapporteur presents an
          overview of his activities together with an analysis of their effectiveness
          and tendencies observed since 1992, followed by conclusions and
          recommendations concerning the different aspects of his mandate.
          A. Activities - procedural matters
          Communications sent
          355. In 1994, the Special Rapporteur transmitted allegations concerning
          violations of the right to life of more than 3,000 persons to 65 Governments.
          On 203 occasions, the Special Rapporteur sent urgent appeals on behalf of more
          than 2,300 persons. Allegations concerning more than 700 persons were
          transmitted to the Governments concerned by letter. Table 1 gives an overview
          of the communications sent by the Special Rapporteur since he assumed his
          functions in June 1992.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 109
          Table 1
          Communications sent by the Special Rapporteur since 1992
          Year
          1.
          2.
          3.
          4.
          5.
          6.
          7.
          8.
          1992
          1993
          1994
          143
          217
          203
          +1,500
          +1,300
          +2,300
          42
          52
          53
          +1,900
          +2,300
          +700
          40
          51
          45
          +3,400
          +3,600
          +3,000
          54
          69
          65
          - -
          30
          35
          1. Urgent appeals sent by the Special Rapporteur.
          2. Number of persons on whose behalf urgent appeals were sent.
          3. Number of Governments to which urgent appeals were sent.
          4. Number of persons whose cases were transmitted by letter.
          5. Number of Governments to which letters were sent.
          6. Total number of persons on whose behalf the Special Rapporteur
          acted (total cases) .
          7. Total number of Governments to which the Special Rapporteur
          addressed allegations.
          8. Number of Governments to which the Special Rapporteur sent
          follow-up communications.
          356. As can be seen from table 1, the number of urgent appeals has decreased
          slightly from 1993 to 1994, while the number of persons on whose behalf such
          appeals were sent has risen dramatically. This is, in part, due to the fact
          that some of the urgent appeals transmitted referred to large groups of people
          not identified by name. Seven urgent appeals were sent on behalf of groups
          composed of more than 100 persons whose lives were said to be at risk or who
          had allegedly died in particularly grave incidents of excessive or arbitrary
          use of force. 2/ A total of 171 urgent appeals expressed concern for
          alleged violations of the right to life of identified individuals. A
          considerable number of these appeals were sent for groups: 18 urgent appeals
          concerned more than 10 identified persons, a further 27 were sent on behalf of
          groups between S and 10 identified persons. In 66 cases, the subject of
          urgent appeals was only one person.
          357. At the same time, a sharp decrease in allegations transmitted by letter
          can be observed when comparing the figures for 1994 and 1993. This may find
          an explanation partly in the fact that, during 1994, the Special Rapporteur
          transmitted only those allegations concerning groups of unidentified persons
          transmitted by credible sources where the particular gravity of the case
          warranted such urgent action and where sufficient details were provided so as
          to allow for meaningful follow-up. However, another, preoccupying reason is
          that due to severe limitations on the availability of staff assisting the
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 110
          Special Rapporteur in the discharge of his mandate during the past year, some
          of the documents received which contained allegations of violations of the
          right to life simply could not be processed (see also below paras. 369-370) .
          358. The experience of the past years has clearly shown that the allegations
          received by the Special Rapporteur are only approximately indicative of the
          occurrence of violations of the right to life in different parts of the world.
          Much depends on the availability of information and the degree to which human
          rights activists may carry out their activities, as well as their level of
          organization. As a consequence, the Special Rapporteur continues to find
          himself in a situation where for some countries the information brought to his
          attention is very complete, and longstanding contacts with the sources permit
          the Special Rapporteur to obtain the details needed to transmit allegations to
          the Governments, while other countries simply do not figure in his report
          because no information at all has been received, or the communications are not
          sufficiently specific to allow them to be processed within the framework of
          his mandate. Again, the shortage of staff to assist the Special Rapporteur is
          detrimental as it hampers such information being actively sought and possible
          sources of information contacted in cases where, for example, violations of
          the right to life are reported in the media but no allegations are submitted
          to the Special Rapporteur.
          359. Nevertheless, it is interesting to observe that, for the first time
          since 1992, more cases have been transmitted in urgent appeals with the aim of
          preventing violations of the right to life which were feared to be imminent,
          than by letter, that is, when the alleged extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          execution had already occurred. While, for the reasons referred to in the
          preceding paragraph, the figures contained in table 1 should be taken with
          caution, they do suggest an overall tendency towards preventive action. This
          is most welcome, and the Special Rapporteur hopes that it may be accompanied
          by an increase in the protection of those whose lives are under threat.
          Replies received from Governments and follow-up
          360. Tables 2 and 3 contain information regarding the responsiveness of
          Governments to allegations transmitted to them by the Special Rapporteur:
          Table 2
          Replies received from Governments to allegations transmitted since 1992
          Year
          1.
          2.
          3.
          4.
          5.
          6.
          7.
          8.
          9.
          1992
          1993
          1994
          54
          69
          65
          26
          38
          33
          26
          18
          8
          --
          36
          27
          --
          --
          33
          --
          30
          35
          28
          22
          20
          --
          33
          24
          28
          25
          29
          1. Total number of Governments to which the Special Rapporteur
          transmitted allegations.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 111
          2. Total number of Governments that provided replies.
          3. Number of Governments that provided replies to allegations
          transmitted in 1992.
          4. Number of Governments that provided replies to allegations
          transmitted in 1993.
          S. Number of Governments that provided replies to allegations
          transmitted in 1994.
          6. Number of Governments to which the Special Rapporteur sent
          follow-up communications.
          7. Number of Governments that had not provided replies to allegations
          transmitted in 1992.
          8. Number of Governments that had not provided replies to allegations
          transmitted in 1993.
          9. Number of Governments that have not provided any replies to
          allegations transmitted to them.
          Table 3
          Responsiveness of Governments
          Year
          1.
          2.
          3.
          4.
          5.
          6.
          7.
          1992
          1993
          1994
          54
          69
          65
          48.1%
          52.2%
          50.8%
          62.9%
          65.2%
          50.8%
          +3,400
          +3,600
          +3,000
          +1,500
          +1,000
          +800
          44.1%
          27.8%
          26.7%
          --
          30
          35
          1. Total number of Governments to which the Special Rapporteur
          transmitted allegations.
          2. Percentage of Governments that provided replies during the year in
          which the allegations were transmitted to them.
          3. Percentage of Governments that, by 25 November 1994, had provided
          replies to the allegations transmitted to them during the year
          indicated.
          4. Total number of persons on whose behalf the Special Rapporteur
          transmitted allegations (total cases) .
          S. Number of cases to which replies were received from Governments by
          25 November 1994.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 112
          6. Percentage of cases to which replies were received from Governments
          by 25 November 1994.
          7. Number of Governments to which the Special Rapporteur addressed
          follow-up communications.
          361. A comparison of replies received from the Governments concerned to the
          Special Rapporteur's urgent appeals and letters shows that the ratio of the
          number of Governments which received allegations from the Special Rapporteur
          to those which provided replies during the same year has not changed
          substantially since 1992. The overall level of responsiveness rose from
          48.1 per cent in 1992 to 52.2 per cent in 1993. By 25 November 1994,
          62.9 per cent of all Governments that received allegations in 1992 had
          provided replies concerning 1,500 persons, 44.1 per cent of the total of
          3,400 persons on whose behalf the Special Rapporteur had acted in 1992. With
          regard to the allegations transmitted by the Special Rapporteur in 1993,
          65.2 per cent of all Governments had provided replies by 25 November 1994.
          Their replies concerned 1,000 persons, which represents only 27.8 per cent of
          the total of 3,600 persons who were said to have suffered violations of their
          right to life during 1993.
          362. For 1994, the percentage of Governments that have replied during the
          year in which the allegations were received is slightly lower than in 1993
          (50.8 per cent) . At the time the present report was finalized, replies had
          been provided concerning the cases of 800 persons, that is, 26.7 per cent of
          the total of 3,000. However, some of these Governments received the
          allegations as recently as in October or November 1994.
          363. While one has to account for the fact that replies to cases transmitted
          in 1992 have now been received over a period of more than two years, the
          figures for 1993 and 1994 suggest a tendency rather towards a reduction of the
          responsiveness of Governments than an increase. This appears to be so despite
          the efforts made by the Special Rapporteur to follow up on allegations sent
          during previous years, and to give Governments better guidance as to the
          information needed by providing them with a reply form. The Special
          Rapporteur is concerned that the Governments of the following countries 3/,
          as of 25 November 1994, had not replied to specific allegations transmitted to
          them during:
          (a) 1992: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Burundi*, Cambodia, Chile*,
          Dominican Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Indonesia*, Iran (Islamic
          Republic of)*, Malaysia, Mali, Paraguay, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia*, Togo*,
          tJkraine*, Yemen*, Zaire*;
          (b) 1993: Azerbaijan, Burundi*, Cambodia, Central African Republic,
          Comoros, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Honduras, Jamaica, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon,
          Malawi*, Myanmar*, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Rwanda, Sierra Leone,
          Tajikistan, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkmenistan,
          Uzbekistan*, Yugoslavia, Zaire* and Zimbabwe*;
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 113
          (c) 1994: Afghanistan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cambodia,
          Central African Republic, Djibouti, Honduras, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon,
          Niger, Portugal, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Tajikistan, Trinidad and
          Tobago, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay.
          364. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that some of these countries have
          not replied to any of the communications transmitted to them since 1992. He
          reiterates his appeal to all Governments to cooperate with his mandate, in the
          common interest of a better protection of the right to life.
          365. In a number of cases where Governments did reply and the contents of
          their replies were sent to the sources of the allegations, according to the
          procedures established, the latter provided the Special Rapporteur with
          comments and observations. While in some instances the sources confirmed the
          information received from the Government or stated that they did not possess
          of any further details on certain cases, the majority of replies were
          contested by the sources which on a number of occasions provided additional
          elements to reinforce their earlier allegations. Due to the lack of human
          resources, it was impossible to take initiatives with a view to clarifying
          contradictions in the information received from Governments and sources.
          Under the present circumstances, it is not possible for the Special Rapporteur
          to monitor in a comprehensive and systematic manner the way Governments comply
          with their obligations under international law to protect the right to life
          and to ensure exhaustive and impartial investigations in cases where this
          right appears to have been violated.
          Follow-up on recommendations
          366. The apparent lack of attention given by the members of the Commission
          on Human Rights to the conclusions and recommendations presented by special
          rapporteurs mandated by them is another point of concern to the Special
          Rapporteur. This lack of interest was sadly illustrated by the case of
          Rwanda, where decisive action on the part of the international community early
          in the year might have rendered the situation in this country less susceptible
          to the disastrous events there after 6 April 1994. In his report on the visit
          to Rwanda in April 1993 (E/cN.4/1994/7/Add.1) and in his introductory
          statement before the Commission on Human Rights in March 1994, the Special
          Rapporteur had presented his concern at the alarming level of violations of
          the right to life in that country, without effect. Moreover, in the
          conclusions of his annual report, the Special Rapporteur had warned of the
          possible consequences of communal violence and, citing Burundi, Rwanda and
          Zaire among the countries where violent confrontations between members of
          different ethnic groups had been reported, wrote: “Such conflicts, if allowed
          to continue, may degenerate into genocide” (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 709) .
          367. However, Rwanda is not the only example where the international
          community chose to ignore recommendations made by one of its emissaries after
          an on-site visit. In fact, the Special Rapporteur has not received any
          concrete information concerning the implementation of the recommendations
          formulated after the publication of the report on his visit to Peru.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 114
          368. In this context, the Special Rapporteur wishes to note that, while
          invitations to undertake on-site visits are most welcome, this should not be
          the end of the cooperation with the Government concerned. In other words, it
          is not enough to invite the Special Rapporteur and show cooperativeness during
          the mission if the recommendations made as a result thereof are ignored. The
          Special Rapporteur has repeatedly stressed that he views visits as the
          beginning of a dialogue aimed at strengthening respect for the right to life.
          His conclusions, even though they may refer to violations of the right to
          life, are not put forward in an accusatory spirit. Rather, the Special
          Rapporteur believes that recognizing the problems encountered, and naming
          them, constitutes the precondition for attempts to solve them. On the basis
          of his experience and expertise in the matter, the Special Rapporteur offers
          once again his assistance.
          Resources
          369. The Special Rapporteur has repeatedly expressed concern at the scarce
          resources, both human and material, put at his disposal for the implementation
          of the mandate entrusted to him. In his report to the Commission on Human
          Rights at its fiftieth session, he called for an increase of the resources
          of the Secretariat so as to be able to carry out the day-to-day work involved
          in the assessment of incoming information, the preparation of urgent appeals
          and case summaries to be transmitted to the Governments concerned, the
          organization of missions, etc., which would require at least three
          Professional staff members and one secretary working exclusively on the
          mandate (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 727). During the past year, staff assistance
          for the Special Rapporteur has not only not increased but, on the contrary,
          diminished, as the number of mandates to be serviced by the Secretariat and
          the work related to them has risen considerably, particularly after the
          establishment of a human rights field operation in Rwanda.
          370. An enormous effort was made to continue, nevertheless, the work of the
          mandate. However, the Special Rapporteur notes with regret that this could
          not be done as thoroughly as hoped, and indeed envisaged. Priorities had
          to be set. While the Special Rapporteur is satisfied that in all cases
          where information received from credible sources indicated the need for
          his immediate intervention, urgent appeals were sent to the Governments
          concerned, it was not possible to process all the reports and allegations of
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions that have come before him
          which, according to the procedures established for the mandate, should have
          been transmitted by letter. Furthermore, as stated above, no active research
          on information or additional details on allegations received could be
          conducted. The number of entries in the database which was established
          in 1992 has reached 4,000, referring to alleged violations of the right to
          life of more than 10,000 persons in almost 100 countries. With this in mind,
          it comes as no surprise that the follow-up of allegations transmitted since
          1992 which had remained without reply, or where the replies received from
          Governments could not be considered as final, also suffered from the lack of
          human resources available to service the mandate of the Special Rapporteur.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 115
          371. The Special Rapporteur appeals to the international community to see to
          it that the mandate on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions be
          allotted sufficient human and material resources so that he may carry out his
          tasks effectively.
          B. Violations of the right to life - allegations received and acted upon
          372. Little appears to have changed with regard to the different types of
          violations of the right to life on which the Special Rapporteur has taken
          action during 1994. The different countries where such violations are said to
          have taken place may have varied to some extent, but the analysis of the
          problems shows that the causes for their continuing existence have remained
          very much the same. As in the past, impunity is the key to the perpetuation
          of violations of the right to life in most countries. While this continuity
          in the problems observed, with regard to both causes and manifestations, may
          give rise to feelings of impotence or even resignation, it should, on the
          other hand, permit the identification of measures that would need to be taken
          to redress these problems, and to concentrate on the implementation of such
          measures. The Special Rapporteur encourages Governments, intergovernmental
          organizations and non-governmental organizations to continue efforts in this
          direction and build on progress made in some areas. He hopes that his
          suggestions and recommendations, as expressed in earlier reports and contained
          in the present one, may be of use in this regard.
          1. Capital punishment
          373. In his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session,
          the Special Rapporteur presented a detailed analysis of his concerns with
          regard to the death penalty (E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 673-687) . His action in
          response to allegations of violations of the right to life in connection with
          capital punishment continued to be guided by:
          (a) The desirability of abolition of the death penalty, as expressed on
          numerous occasions by the General Assembly, the Human Rights Committee and the
          Economic and Social Council;
          (b) The need to ensure the highest possible standards of independence,
          competence, objectivity and impartiality of judges and juries and full respect
          of guarantees for a fair trial in proceedings which may lead to the imposition
          of the death penalty, including full respect for the right to an adequate
          defence, the right to appeal and to seek pardon, commutation of the sentence
          or clemency; and
          (c) Full observation of special restrictions on the application of the
          death penalty for crimes committed by persons below 18 years of age; mentally
          retarded or insane persons; pregnant women and young mothers.
          374. The desirability of the abolition of capital punishment was reaffirmed
          strongly by the Security Council, which, in its resolutions 808 (1993)
          of 22 February 1993 and 955 (1994) of 8 November 1994 on the establishment
          of international criminal jurisdictions for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda,
          respectively, has excluded the death penalty, establishing that imprisonment
          is the sole penalty to be imposed by these tribunals for crimes as abominable
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 116
          as genocide and crimes against humanity. The Special Rapporteur welcomes this
          endorsement by the Security Council of a tendency favourable to the protection
          of the right to life even in circumstances where those who may benefit from
          this protection have themselves not shown respect for the right to life.
          375. In this context, reports of an expansion of the scope of the death
          penalty, in the recent past, in the national legislations of a number of
          countries are most disappointing. In 1993, the Special Rapporteur expressed
          concern at such tendencies, clearly contrary to the trend observed at the
          international level, in Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
          He had also approached the Governments of Peru and of the United States of
          America after being informed of proposals to widen the scope of capital
          punishment in a new constitution and a new federal crime bill, respectively.
          During 1994, the Special Rapporteur was disturbed to learn that the
          legislative initiatives had been carried out in both countries, in the case
          of the latter both on the federal level and in the State of Kansas. The
          Government of Peru provided a reply explaining its points of view. Even
          though the Special Rapporteur's concerns in the matter persist (see above
          para. 262), the willingness of the Peruvian authorities to enter into a
          dialogue on the issue is much appreciated. The Special Rapporteur notes with
          regret that the Government of the United States of America did not respond to
          any of the communications transmitted by him during the year. An expansion of
          the scope of the death penalty during 1994 was also reported in Nigeria. The
          Special Rapporteur emphasized once again that the scope of the death penalty
          should never be extended and invites those States which have done so to
          reconsider.
          376. Reports were also received concerning death sentences imposed after
          proceedings in which the defendants did not fully benefit from the rights and
          guarantees for a fair trial contained in the international instruments. Such
          reports concerned the following countries: Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina,
          Central African Republic, China, Egypt, Iran (Islamic Republic of) ,
          Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
          Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States
          of America and Yemen.
          377. Proceedings leading to the imposition of capital punishment must conform
          to the highest standards of independence, competence, objectivity and
          impartiality of judges and juries. All defendants in capital cases must
          benefit from the full guarantees for an adequate defence at all stages of the
          proceedings, including adequate provision for State-funded legal aid by
          competent defence lawyers. Defendants must be presumed innocent until their
          guilt has been proven without leaving any room for reasonable doubt, in
          application of the highest standards for the gathering and assessment of
          evidence. All mitigating factors must be taken into account. A procedure
          must be guaranteed in which both factual and legal aspects of the case may be
          reviewed by a higher tribunal, composed of judges other than those who dealt
          with the case at the first instance. In addition, the defendants' right to
          seek pardon, commutation of sentence or clemency must be ensured.
          378. While in many countries the law in force takes account of the standards
          for fair trials as contained in the pertinent international instruments, this
          alone does not exclude that a death sentence may constitute an extrajudicial,
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 117
          summary or arbitrary execution. It is the application of these standards to
          each and every case that needs to be ensured and, in case of indications to
          the contrary, verified, in accordance with the obligation under international
          law to conduct exhaustive and impartial investigations into all allegations of
          violations of the right to life.
          379. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur reiterates his concern that special
          jurisdictions to speed up proceedings, often set up as a response to acts of
          violence committed by armed opposition groups or situations of civil unrest,
          do not offer these guarantees as the standards of due process and respect for
          the right to life of proceedings before them are almost always lower than in
          ordinary criminal proceedings. This is particularly worrying, as these
          special jurisdictions are generally used in situations which, in themselves,
          usually entail an increase in human rights violations. Reference is made to
          the sections of this report on Algeria, Egypt or Nigeria.
          380. As concerns death sentences handed down on persons convicted for crimes
          committed when they were under 18 years of age, or legislation allowing for
          the imposition of capital punishment on minors, whether or not this
          legislation is applied in practice, the Special Rapporteur expresses concern
          at the allegations and reports received concerning Algeria, Pakistan and the
          United States of America. As regards the United States of America, the
          Special Rapporteur also continued to receive allegations of death sentences
          imposed, and carried out, in cases where the defendants were said to suffer
          from mental retardation. In addition, allegations were received concerning
          one such case in Japan.
          381. The Special Rapporteur calls on all Governments concerned to revise
          legislation, where appropriate, and to ensure that in both their legislation
          and practice the guarantees, safeguards and restrictions on the application of
          capital punishment, as contained in the pertinent international instruments,
          are fully respected.
          382. Among the many preoccupying cases that have come before the Special
          Rapporteur during the past year, one warrants special mention: the execution
          of Glen Ashby in Trinidad and Tobago on 14 July 1994, while appeal procedures
          were still pending. The Special Rapporteur wishes to express his most
          profound concern at this clear violation of the right to life. He recalls,
          in this context, the 1993 judgement of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom
          of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the supreme judicial instance for the
          member States of the Commonwealth, in which it held that awaiting the
          execution of a death sentence for five years after it had been handed down
          constituted in itself cruel and inhuman punishment. Glen Ashby was executed
          four years and eleven months after having been sentenced to death in
          June 1989. In his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth
          session, the Special Rapporteur had expressed his concern that the decision of
          the Privy Council might encourage Governments to carry out executions of death
          sentences more speedily, which, in turn, was likely to affect defendants'
          rights to full appeal procedures (E/cN.4/1994/7, para. 682) . The Special
          Rapporteur reiterates his view that the judgement should rather be interpreted
          in the light of the desirability of the abolition of capital punishment: the
          risk that the imprisonment of a person on death row becomes cruel and inhuman
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 118
          punishment could easily be avoided by not imposing the death sentence in the
          first place. To solve the problem by killing the person is simply
          unacceptable.
          383. The Special Rapporteur is also deeply concerned at the reports of the
          execution of Adzhik Aliyev in Tajikistan, one day before the signing of an
          agreement under which he may have been eligible for release from prison.
          384. In this context, the Special Rapporteur would like to express his view
          that, although the death penalty is not prohibited under international law,
          there is no such thing as a right to capital punishment, restricted only by
          some limitations contained in the pertinent international instruments. In
          view of the irreparability of loss of life, the impossibility of remedying
          judicial errors and, indeed, the well-founded doubts expressed by a wide range
          of experts in criminology, sociology, psychology, etc. as to the deterrent
          effect of capital punishment, the Special Rapporteur once again calls on the
          Governments of all countries where the death penalty still exists to review
          this situation and make every effort towards its abolition.
          385. Finally, the Special Rapporteur has received encouraging reports
          concerning a project currently under consideration by the Council of Europe
          with a view to a protocol additional to the European Convention on Human
          Rights aiming at the abolition of capital punishment under any circumstances
          and a moratorium on the execution of death sentences. The Special Rapporteur
          welcomes this initiative and encourages Governments to follow the example,
          either unilaterally or within other regional human rights institutions. As to
          activities undertaken by other United Nations organs, the Special Rapporteur
          would like to mention a worldwide survey carried out by the Crime Prevention
          and Criminal Justice Branch of the United Nations Secretariat on developments
          with regard to capital punishment. 4/
          2. Death threats
          386. Reports and allegations alerting the Special Rapporteur to situations
          where the lives and physical integrity of persons are feared to be at risk
          continue to account for a large part of the information brought to his
          attention. In the past year, he has transmitted urgent appeals with the aim
          of preventing loss of lives to the Governments of: Angola, Argentina,
          Bangladesh, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,
          India, Iran (Islamic Republic of) , Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda,
          South Africa, Togo, Turkey and Venezuela. As in the past, numerous human
          rights activists, trade unionists, community workers, members of political
          opposition parties and movements, writers and journalists, lawyers and persons
          working in the administration of justice were among those reported to be at
          serious risk. The Special Rapporteur noted with profound concern that the
          following persons on whose behalf he had sent urgent appeals, in 1994 or
          earlier, were reported to have been killed: Manuel Cepeda Vargas (Colombia);
          as well as Feizollah Meikhoubad and the Reverends Mehdi Dibaj and Mikhailian
          (Islamic Republic of Iran) . Moreover, patterns of intimidation and threats,
          often followed by extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, seem to
          persist in a number of countries such as Brazil, Colombia, El Salvador,
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 119
          Guatemala, South Africa and Turkey, despite numerous urgent appeals in which
          the Special Rapporteur had called on the authorities to ensure effective
          protection of the right to life.
          387. The Special Rapporteur urges all Governments to adopt effective measures,
          in accordance with the requirements of each particular case, to ensure full
          protection of those who are at risk of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          execution. The Special Rapporteur calls on the authorities to conduct
          investigations into all instances of death threats or attempts against lives
          which are brought to their attention, regardless of whether or not any
          judicial or other procedures have been activated by those under threat. The
          Special Rapporteur also feels that, in circumstances where political dissent,
          social protest or the defence of human rights are viewed, and reacted to, as
          a threat by certain State authorities or sectors of the civil society,
          statements by the Governments concerned recognizing unequivocally their
          legitimacy could help create a climate more favourable for their exercise and
          thus reduce the risk of violations of the right to life. With a view to
          effective protection in cases of death threats, the authorities might consider
          establishing funds for the training and employment of security personnel
          selected by the persons at risk. This might be particularly helpful where
          there is fear that the threats emanate from State security forces. Steps
          taken in this respect by the Government of Colombia are most welcome.
          3. Deaths in custody
          388. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur received numerous reports concerning
          deaths in custody. Such deaths were said to be the result of torture in:
          Argentina, Bolivia, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Egypt, Haiti, India,
          Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Israel, Italy, Mexico, Morocco,
          Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan and Turkey.
          In some instances, lack of medical attention after torture was said to have
          contributed to the death of the detainees. In other cases, it was reported
          that the prison conditions were such as to cause the death of persons
          detained or spark violence leading to the death of inmates. In Gabon, more
          than 70 clandestine immigrants were said to have died as a result of serious
          overcrowding. Particularly preoccupying reports of deaths in custody as a
          result of violence in overcrowded prison facilities, both between inmates and
          as a consequence of excessive and arbitrary use of force by security personnel
          in response to riots and attempts to escape, were received concerning
          Venezuela.
          389. The Special Rapporteur is concerned at the persistence of allegations
          of deaths in custody suggesting patterns of violence against detainees, very
          often with a lethal outcome, in countries such as Cameroon, Colombia, India,
          Pakistan or Venezuela, without there being any indication of systematic
          investigations to determine causes and responsibilities, and to identify
          possible ways of redressing the situation. It is also disturbing that not
          only in countries where such patterns appear to exist, but as a general rule,
          there is very little indication of effective action to bring those responsible
          for extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions in custody to justice.
          390. The Special Rapporteur appeals once again to all Governments to see to
          it that conditions of detention in their countries conform to the Standard
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 120
          Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and other pertinent international
          instruments. He also urges them to adopt adequate measures to ensure full
          respect for the international norms and principles prohibiting any form of
          torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Prison guards and
          other law enforcement personnel should receive training so as to be familiar
          with these norms as well as the rules and regulations concerning the use of
          force and firearms to prevent escape or control disturbances. The Special
          Rapporteur also calls on the competent authorities to prosecute and punish all
          those who, through action or omission, are found responsible for the death of
          any person held in custody, in breach of the aforementioned international
          instruments; to grant adequate compensation to the families of the victims;
          and to prevent the recurrence of violence against detainees. Furthermore, the
          Special Rapporteur appeals to all Governments to cooperate fully with the
          International Committee of the Red Cross.
          4. Deaths due to abuse of force by law enforcement officials
          391. The Special Rapporteur received a considerable number of allegations
          concerning violations of the right to life as a consequence of excessive or
          arbitrary use of force. Cases in this category were reported in Bangladesh,
          Brazil, Burundi, Cambodia, Chad, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic
          Republic of) , Iraq, Israel, Mali, Mexico, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, Peru,
          Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and
          Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela and Zaire. In Costa Rica,
          Djibouti, Guatemala, Indonesia, Togo and Zaire, numerous people were
          reportedly killed by security forces using excessive force against
          participants in demonstrations or other public manifestations of dissent.
          As in the past, the Special Rapporteur received alarming reports of deliberate
          use of firearms against minors: street children were reportedly killed by
          Brazilian military police, security forces personnel participating in “social
          cleansing” activities in Colombia and members of the Guatemalan police.
          Reports brought to the attention of the Special Rapporteur concerning the
          arbitrary killing of a large number of persons, including children, by members
          of the Israeli Defence Forces in the occupied territories were particularly
          disturbing.
          392. Arbitrary and excessive force were also said to be resorted to by
          members of paramilitary groups or armed individuals cooperating with security
          forces or operating with their acquiescence. Sometimes, such groups were
          reported to have been established by the security forces themselves; in other
          cases they were said to be at the service of individuals or organizations for
          the defence of particular, in most cases economic, interests. Violations of
          the right to life by such paramilitary groups were reported in Brazil,
          Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Peru, the Philippines and Turkey.
          393. The Special Rapporteur calls on all Governments to ensure that the
          security forces receive thorough training in human rights matters, in
          particular with regard to the restrictions on the use of force and firearms
          in the discharge of their duties. Such training should include methods of
          keeping crowds of people under control without resorting to excessive force.
          Full and independent investigations must be carried out into alleged deaths
          due to abuse of force, and all law enforcement officials responsible for the
          right to life must be held accountable. This obligation to investigate and
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 121
          bring to justice those responsible for violations of the right to life extends
          to members of paramilitary groups. With regard to persistent acts of violence
          against street children, Governments should make efforts to strengthen
          assistance and education programmes.
          5. Violations of the right to life during armed conflicts
          394. Numerous reports suggest that deaths as a consequence of armed conflicts,
          both international and internal, in various parts of the world continue to
          occur on an alarming, and increasing, scale. During 1994, innumerable
          violations of the right to life were said to have been committed in a variety
          of countries and situations. Reports of killings of former combatants who had
          been captured or after they had laid down their arms, and particularly of
          civilians, were received from, for example, Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia,
          Azerbaijan, Colombia, Djibouti, Guatemala, Rwanda, Somalia, Sri Lanka,
          Tajikistan, Turkey, the conflict areas of the former Yugoslavia and Yemen.
          Many thousands of people not participating in armed confrontations were said
          to have lost their lives as direct victims of the conflict, for instance,
          through indiscriminate shelling or deliberate executions, or indirectly, as a
          consequence of sieges, blocking off water, food and medical supplies. As in
          the past, such measures were said to have particularly affected children,
          elderly and those in poor health.
          395. The Special Rapporteur wishes to draw the attention of the international
          community once again to violations of the right to life in the context of
          communal violence. Communal violence, understood as acts of violence
          committed by groups of citizens of a country against other groups, were
          reported in Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Djibouti, Mali, Nigeria or
          Somalia. Rather than intervening to stop violence between different groups,
          government forces are often said to support one side in the conflict or even
          to instigate hostilities. In 1993, the Special Rapporteur warned that such
          conflicts, if allowed to continue, may degenerate into massacres or even
          genocide.
          396. The Special Rapporteur calls on all parties to conflicts, international
          or internal, to respect the norms and standards of international human rights
          and humanitarian law which protect the lives of the civilian population and
          those no longer taking part in the hostilities. The Special Rapporteur also
          reiterates his call on all Governments of countries where acts of communal
          violence occur to do their utmost to curb such conflicts at an early stage,
          and to work towards reconciliation and peaceful coexistence of all parts of
          the population, regardless of ethnic origin, religion, language or any other
          distinction. With a view to prevention of excessive and arbitrary use of
          force in the context of armed conflicts, the Special Rapporteur stresses once
          again the importance of bringing to justice and punishing those responsible
          for such acts. Training of security forces personnel should include thorough
          instruction on human rights issues. Furthermore, provision should be made,
          for example, in peace agreements between Governments and armed groups, for
          reinsertion into civilian life of former combatants and effective protection
          of their security. 5/ The Special Rapporteur urges Governments to refrain
          from all propaganda and incitement to hatred and intolerance which might
          foment acts of communal violence or condone such acts.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 122
          6. Expulsion of persons to a country where their life is in danger
          397. During the past year, the Special Rapporteur received allegations
          concerning the imminent extradition of one person from Macao to China,
          where it was feared that he would be sentenced to death in circumstances
          where his fair trial rights might not be guaranteed. The Special Rapporteur
          once again calls on all Governments to take due notice of the norms and
          principles contained in international instruments that refer to the question
          of extradition of persons to countries where their lives may be at risk. He
          urges them to refrain from extraditing a person in circumstances where respect
          for his or her right to life is not fully guaranteed.
          7. Impunity
          398. In his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its fiftieth session,
          the Special Rapporteur made ample reference to the obligation under
          international law to carry out exhaustive and impartial investigations into
          allegations of violations of the right to life, to identify, bring to justice
          and punish their perpetrators, to grant adequate compensation to the victims
          or their families, and to take effective measures to avoid the recurrence of
          such violations (see E/CN.4/1994/7, paras. 688-699) . The right of every
          person to enjoy his or her human rights under protection, if necessary, of
          appropriate judicial and administrative institutions, is firmly anchored in
          such international instruments of human rights and humanitarian law as the
          Universal Declaration of Human Rights (arts. 6, 7 and 8) , the International
          Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (arts. 2 (3) , 9 (5) or 15 (2)) , the
          Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
          (arts. I, IV, V and VII), the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the two
          Additional Protocols thereto of 1977, as well as a number of other
          conventions, declarations and resolutions.
          399. With regard to impunity in cases of violations of the right to life, the
          Special Rapporteur wishes to refer, in particular, to the Principles on the
          Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal, Arbitrary or Summary
          Executions (Economic and Social Council resolution 1989/65 of 24 May 1989) ,
          which set forth in detail the aforementioned obligations, and the Basic
          Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
          The Human Rights Committee, the body established under the International
          Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to monitor compliance with the
          obligations contained in this treaty, has clearly stated, both in its general
          comments to article 6 of the Covenant and in a number of decisions, 6/ that
          States parties are required to investigate all human rights violations, in
          particular those affecting the physical integrity of the victim; to purge and
          try those responsible; to pay adequate compensation to the victims or their
          dependants; and to prevent the future occurrence of such violations. A single
          act is sufficient for a State party to be obliged to undertake these measures.
          400. Impunity continues to be a central issue in the work of the
          Special Rapporteur, as it is the principal cause for the perpetuation of
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. The way in which a Government
          reacts to human rights violations committed by its agents, through action or
          omission, clearly shows the degree of its willingness to ensure effective
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 123
          protection of human rights. Very often, statements and declarations in which
          Governments proclaim their commitment to respect human rights are contradicted
          by a practice of violations and impunity.
          401. The mechanisms of impunity are manifold. In his report to the Commission
          on Human Rights at the fiftieth session, the Special Rapporteur mentioned, and
          analysed, a number of them. These included, in some countries, impunity by
          law, through legislation exempting perpetrators of human rights abuses from
          prosecution, or impunity in practice, despite the existence of laws providing
          for the prosecution of human rights violators; threats and intimidation
          directed against victims of and/or witnesses to human rights violations,
          thereby jeopardizing investigations; and problems related to the functioning
          of the judiciary, particularly its independence and impartiality. During
          1994, these were again the subject of a large number of reports received by
          the Special Rapporteur.
          402. In the vast majority of alleged extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions brought to the attention of the Special Rapporteur over the past
          three years, sources report that either no investigation at all has been
          initiated, or that investigations do not lead to the punishment of those
          responsible. In many countries where perpetrators of human rights violations
          are tried before military courts, security forces personnel escape punishment
          due to an ill-conceived esprit de corps . In others, the civilian justice
          system does not function properly, often for lack of resources. Judges
          frequently lack independence and, in a number of countries, judges, lawyers,
          complainants and witnesses suffer from threats and harassment or become
          victims of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. National human
          rights institutions mandated to monitor the conduct of State agents often have
          no powers at all to implement their decisions or recommendations. The same
          applies, in some instances, to special commissions established to investigate
          particular cases of alleged violations of human rights. Reports resulting
          from these investigations are often not made public or are not known to have
          led to any follow-up action with a view to prosecuting those responsible.
          This adds to concerns that such commissions are used, in reality, as tools
          to evade the obligation to carry out thorough, prompt and impartial
          investigations into alleged violations of the right to life. Numerous
          examples to illustrate the different phenomena leading to impunity may be
          found in the section of the present report on country-specific situations.
          403. The reports and allegations received indicate that breaches of the
          obligation to investigate alleged violations of the right to life and punish
          those responsible occur in most of the countries the Special Rapporteur is
          dealing with in the framework of his mandate. The Special Rapporteur
          reiterates his appeal to all Governments concerned to provide for an
          independent civilian justice system with an independent and competent
          judiciary and full guarantees for all those involved in the proceedings.
          Where national legislation provides for the competence of military tribunals
          to deal with cases involving violations of the right to life by members of the
          security forces, such tribunals must conform to the highest standards required
          by the pertinent international instruments as concerns their independence,
          impartiality and competence. The rights of defendants must be fully
          guaranteed before such tribunals, and provision must be made to allow victims
          or their families to participate in the proceedings.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 124
          404. The Special Rapporteur also calls on all Governments to conduct
          exhaustive and impartial investigations into all cases of alleged
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, identify those responsible and
          bring them to justice, grant adequate compensation to the victims or their
          families, and take the necessary steps to prevent further violations, in
          conformity with their obligation under international law. The Special
          Rapporteur calls particularly on the Governments of those countries where
          patterns of violence seem to exist, often over years, to carry out in-depth
          investigations with a view to identifying the roots of these problems as well
          as ways and means of solving them. The Special Rapporteur also urges
          Governments to establish independent and effective mechanisms to control the
          conduct of law enforcement and other State agents.
          405. Only in a small number of the cases that have come before the Special
          Rapporteur do Governments appear to be in a position to comply with this
          obligation through their national jurisdictions. Given the enormous
          importance, with a view to prevention, of bringing human rights violators to
          justice, the Special Rapporteur would like to suggest that, where national
          judicial institutions do not function, international jurisdiction in cases of
          violations of the right to life be considered as a means to combat impunity.
          Given the gravity and irrevocability of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions, States should bring to justice those responsible in any territory
          under their jurisdiction, no matter where the violations were committed. The
          Special Rapporteur calls on all Governments to take an initiative towards the
          recognition of international jurisdiction over violators of the right to life
          and to express explicitly and unequivocally the obligation to bring them to
          justice in any territory under their jurisdiction. The situation with regard
          to torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,
          where such international jurisdiction has been established under the
          Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
          Punishment, may serve as an example in this regard.
          406. In this context, the Special Rapporteur also wishes to refer to the
          international criminal tribunals established under Security Council
          resolutions 808 (1993) and 955 (1994) for a number of serious crimes,
          including violations of the right to life, committed in the former Yugoslavia
          and in Rwanda. The Special Rapporteur welcomes these initiatives. He appeals
          to all Governments to cooperate fully with these tribunals, in the interest of
          holding the authors of such crimes committed in the former Yugoslavia and
          Rwanda responsible as well as of the possible deterrent effect this may have
          in other, potentially similar situations. Concerns have been raised as to the
          apparent selectivity with regard to the countries for which international
          tribunals have been established. In fact, the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda
          are not the only conflict areas where massive violations of human rights and
          humanitarian law justify such an institution. Others, such as Angola or
          Cambodia, come readily to mind. The Special Rapporteur feels that
          international conventions providing for a combination of international
          jurisdiction over violators of the right to life and an international criminal
          court may help to overcome this perception of selectivity and contribute to a
          more impartial, more comprehensive approach to the problems of impunity. Such
          an international criminal court would have to be endowed with an adequate
          mandate and sufficient means so as to be in a position to conduct proper
          investigations and ensure the implementation of its decisions.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 125
          407. As regards the obligation of States to provide compensation to the
          victims of violations of the right to life or their families, the
          Special Rapporteur notes with concern the numerous reports received which
          indicate that no such compensation is received. In most cases, this appears
          to be a corollary of impunity. In others, the Special Rapporteur is informed
          that judgements handed down by courts provide for indemnification to be paid,
          but in practice no such payments are made. The Special Rapporteur calls on
          all Governments to grant adequate compensation to the victims of human rights
          violations and their families, in compliance with the pertinent international
          instruments.
          408. In this context, the Special Rapporteur also notes that neither of
          the two Security Council resolutions establishing international criminal
          jurisdictions for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda contains provisions
          concerning indemnification for the victims. The Special Rapporteur feels that
          the establishment of an international fund for reparation payments should be
          considered. This might permit at least some compensation to be paid to the
          victims or their families which would undoubtedly enhance their faith in the
          work of these tribunals and their willingness to cooperate with them.
          409. As stated in his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its
          fiftieth session (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 708), the Special Rapporteur wishes to
          point out that the obligation to investigate human rights violations also
          extends to the United Nations itself and the actions undertaken by personnel
          of its peace-keeping and observer missions. Reference is made, in this
          context, to the section in the present report on Somalia.
          410. The Special Rapporteur has learnt recently that efforts are under way to
          amend the Manual on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-legal,
          Arbitrary and Summary Executions (ST/CSDHA/12) produced by the Crime
          Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch of the United Nations Secretariat in
          May 1991. The Special Rapporteur will once again try to establish contacts
          with the Branch, with a view to coordinating efforts in a field of common
          concern and providing whatever assistance may be useful in the further
          development of the mandate.
          C. Issues of special concern to the Special Rapporteur
          411. The following sections contain conclusions and recommendations, as
          appropriate, in response to requests for special attention to violations of
          the right to life directed against certain groups of victims, or in determined
          situations, as well as on a number of issues which the Special Rapporteur
          feels are of particular importance.
          1. Violations of the right to life of minors, particularly street children
          412. The Special Rapporteur transmitted more than 152 cases of alleged
          violations of the right to life where the victims were said to be under
          18 years of age, the youngest only S months old. In nine other cases, the
          children concerned were said to have been under 10. As in the case of women,
          these are the cases where it was specifically reported that the victims were
          minors, or where the age of the children was communicated to the Special
          Rapporteur. Allegations concerning minors were sent to the following
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 126
          16 Governments: Brazil (3 cases), Cambodia (2), Chad (2), Colombia (12),
          Djibouti (2), Guatemala (17), Haiti (1 identified 17-year-old as well as the
          children living in the “Lafanmi Selavi” orphanage) , Indonesia (2) , Iran
          (Islamic Republic of) (1), Israel (18), Mexico (1), Peru (3), Togo (1),
          Turkey (6), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (1) ,
          United States of America (1) . Ten of the victims were said to have been
          living as street children in Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala.
          413. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned at reports and allegations
          concerning violations of the right to life of minors. As in former years,
          children were said to have been among the victims of all different categories
          of violations of the right to life brought to his attention. In addition,
          persons and institutions striving to provide assistance and education to
          children and adolescents without homes continued to be targets of attacks and
          threats in Brazil, Colombia and Guatemala. The Special Rapporteur was
          particularly shocked at the numerous reports received of arbitrary and
          excessive use of lethal force against children and youths by Israeli Defence
          Forces in the occupied territories. The Special Rapporteur calls once again
          on all Governments to ensure full respect for the right to life of children
          and to effectively protect them from all forms of violence.
          2. Violations of the right to life of women
          414. During 1994, the Special Rapporteur acted upon alleged violations of
          the right to life of 118 women. As stated earlier, these are the cases
          where it was specifically indicated that the victim was female, or where
          this was clear from the name of the person concerned. Violations of the right
          to life of women were said to have occurred in the following 29 countries:
          Argentina (2 women), Bangladesh (1) , Brazil (1) , Cambodia (1), Chad (1 said to
          be pregnant), China (1), Colombia (35), Djibouti (2), El Salvador (2),
          Ethiopia (2), Guatemala (15), Haiti (1), Honduras (2), India (3),
          Indonesia (2), Iran (Islamic Republic of) (1), Iraq (1), Israel (2),
          Mexico (3), Myanmar (1), Pakistan (1), Peru (7), Philippines (2),
          South Africa (2), Sri Lanka (2), Togo (7), Turkey (2), Venezuela (1),
          Zaire (5) .
          415. As in 1993, the proportion of women among the victims of alleged
          extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions appears to be very small and
          again suggests that women are not particularly targeted because of their sex.
          The Special Rapporteur's analysis as presented to the Commission on Human
          Rights at its fiftieth session is still pertinent (E/CN.4/1994/7, para. 716) :
          the underrepresentation of women in positions of influence means that they are
          less exposed to acts of violence, as they are not regarded as so much of a
          threat; this translates into a much smaller number of attacks. On the other
          hand, women who are actively participating in public life seem to be in a
          position similar to their male counterparts. Thus, during 1994, the
          Special Rapporteur acted on behalf of the following cases: human rights
          activists Hebe de Bonafini (Argentina) and Nineth de Montenegro (Guatemala) ;
          indigenous leader Te6fila Roa (Colombia); political activists Aida Abella
          (Colombia), Nidia Diaz and Marta Alicia Mejia Herrera (El Salvador); trade
          unionist Sonia Victoria Wilson (Guatemala) ; community activist Clare Stewart
          (South Africa) ; writer Taslima Nasreen (Bangladesh) , as well as lawyers
          Elena Mendoza (Argentina) and Dr. Emma Vigueras Minaya (Peru) . Moreover, in a
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 127
          number of cases, women were said to be targeted for being related to men who
          were persecuted, for one reason or another, by security forces or groups
          cooperating with them.
          3. Violations of the right to life of persons belonging to national or
          ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities
          416. In a number of cases that have come before the Special Rapporteur in 1994
          it was alleged that the victims subjected to death threats or extrajudicial,
          summary or arbitrary executions belonged to national, ethnic, religious or
          linguistic minorities. Such cases were said to have occurred in the
          19 countries as listed below. The national, ethnic, religious or linguistic
          groups to which the victims were said to belong is noted in parenthesis:
          Bangladesh (Jumma people), Brazil (a member of the Maxcui indigenous
          community) , Cambodia (ethnic Vietnamese) , Cameroon (Shua Arabs) , Colombia
          (members of various indigenous organizations) , Djibouti (members of the Afar
          ethnic group), Guatemala (a member of the Cakchikel indigenous group),
          Honduras (a member of the Xicaque indigenous group) , Iran (Islamic Republic
          of) (leaders of Christian churches) , Iraq (Marsh Arabs), Israel
          (Palestinians) , Mali (members of the Tuareg ethnic group) , Mexico (members of
          various indigenous organizations) , Nigeria (members of the Ogoni ethnic
          group) , Pakistan (persons belonging to the Christian faith, members of the
          JIImadiyya community) , Turkey (Kurds) , United States of America (black
          Americans) , Venezuela (members of the Yucpa indigenous community) , Zaire
          (persons originating from Kasai) . Reference is made to the sections of the
          present report concerning these countries. The Special Rapporteur calls on
          all Governments to ensure full respect for the rights and guarantees of
          national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities.
          4. Violations of the right to life of staff members of the United Nations
          and of the specialized agencies
          417. In 1994, the Special Rapporteur was informed of an amnesty granted to
          several military officers involved in the assassination of a staff member of
          the Centro de Estudio de Demografia para Am&ica Latina (CELADE), an organ
          pertaining to the United Nations, in Chile (see above para. 91) .
          5. Violations of the right to life against persons exercising their
          right to freedom of opinion and expression
          418. As in the past, the Special Rapporteur received a preoccupying number
          of reports and allegations concerning violations of the right to life
          involving a breach of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful
          assembly and association. More than 520 persons were said to have been
          victims of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions or death threats,
          including members of political parties and movements, trade unionists, human
          rights activists, members of professional associations, particularly lawyers,
          participants in demonstrations, writers, poets and journalists in the
          following 37 countries: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil,
          Cambodia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, El Salvador,
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 128
          Ethiopia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran (Islamic Republic
          of) , Iraq, Israel, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines,
          Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Togo, Turkey, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela,
          Zaire.
          419. The Special Rapporteur urges all Governments to respect fully the right
          of all persons to freedom of opinion and expression, peaceful assembly and
          association, as guaranteed in the pertinent international instruments. Where
          the peaceful exercise of this right in the context of political opposition
          parties or movements, trade unions, or human rights and other civic or
          professional associations is perceived as a threat by security forces, armed
          groups cooperating with them or certain sectors of the civilian society,
          Governments should make clear and public statements recognizing the legitimacy
          of such activities and calling for respect and tolerance. The Special
          Rapporteur also urges Governments to take decisive action against all those
          responsible for violations of the right to life.
          6. The right to life and the administration of justice
          420. As in the past, the Special Rapporteur has paid particular attention to
          the protection of human rights in the administration of justice. Fair trial
          issues are of relevance to his mandate in connection with judicial proceedings
          that may lead to the imposition of the death penalty (see above paras. 373
          to 385) . Rights and guarantees of due process of law must also be respected
          in proceedings against those responsible for violations of the right to life.
          The Special Rapporteur calls on all Governments to provide for legislation
          governing trial procedures in full conformity with the safeguards and
          guarantees contained in the pertinent international instruments, and to ensure
          that these standards are applied in practice.
          421. During the past year, the Special Rapporteur was concerned at reports
          and allegations of death threats and extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions against judges, prosecutors, lawyers, complainants and witnesses
          in judicial proceedings involving agents of the State before national
          jurisdictions in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines
          and Turkey. In the case of Turkey, allegations were received of violations of
          the right to life against persons who had filed complaints of human rights
          violations with the European Commission on Human Rights. The Special
          Rapporteur launches an urgent appeal to all Governments concerned to ensure
          that those involved in the administration of justice, in whatever capacity,
          may exercise their functions freely, without being subjected to harassment,
          threats or, in the extreme case, extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions. The Special Rapporteur calls on Governments to provide for
          adequate protection including funds for the employment of bodyguards trusted
          by those under threat or measures to ensure the safety of witnesses.
          7. The right to life and terrorism
          422. A number of countries encounter the problem of violence caused by
          armed opposition groups resorting to terrorism as a means and tactic of armed
          struggle against the Government. The Special Rapporteur received many reports
          of killings by terrorist groups directed against members of the security
          forces, but also indiscriminately against civilians, with the aim of spreading
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 129
          terror and insecurity among the population, for example in Algeria, Colombia,
          Egypt, India, Israel, Peru, the Philippines and Turkey. The Special
          Rapporteur notes with concern the similarity of the reaction of Governments in
          countries such as Colombia, Guatemala, Peru, the Philippines and Turkey, where
          such armed insurgent groups operate in rural areas: a counter-insurgency
          strategy aimed at isolating the armed insurgents by eliminating all those
          known or suspected to be members or supporters of these groups. 7/
          423. While the Special Rapporteur acknowledges the seriousness of the problem
          and fully understands the difficulties faced by the security forces in trying
          to bring the situation under control, he emphasizes that the right to life is
          absolute and must not be derogated from, even under the most difficult
          circumstances. The Special Rapporteur urges all Governments facing the
          problem of armed opposition resorting to terrorism to ensure that security
          forces personnel carry out their operations with full respect for the right to
          life and within the restrictions on the use of force and firearms set forth by
          the pertinent international instruments.
          8. The right to life and civil defence forces
          424. Self-defence groups formed by civilians, particularly in rural, often
          remote areas continue to be used as a form of protection against threats to
          lives and property in a number of countries. As in the past, they were said
          to be used as auxiliaries of the security forces in their struggle against
          armed insurgents. Most of these groups have been referred to repeatedly in
          the Special Rapporteur's reports of the last years: the civil defence
          patrols (PAC) in Guatemala, the rondas campesinas and comit s de defensa civil
          in Peru, the Citizens' Armed Forces Geographical Units (CAFGU5) in the
          Philippines, Home Guards in Sri Lanka, and the Kontrgerilla and Village Guards
          in Turkey. The Special Rapporteur continues to receive allegations of the
          same nature as in former years: extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions committed by members of such groups, either in cooperation with
          security forces or with their acquiescence, and with virtually total impunity.
          Those suffering from abuses by civil defence groups are in most cases
          peasants, either because they are suspected of being members or supporters
          of the armed insurgents, or because they refuse to participate in the
          self-defence groups. Thus, experience has led to the almost paradoxical
          conclusion that civil self-defence groups, rather than improving security in
          the area they are operating in, appear to contribute very often to an increase
          in the level of insecurity.
          425. Thus, the Special Rapporteur notes with concern that his recommendation,
          expressed on repeated occasions, that these groups be subjected to strict
          control appears not to have been implemented. He has not received any
          indication that the arms distributed to such groups have been registered.
          Similarly, the reports and allegations of abuses imputed to members of these
          groups suggest that either no efforts have been made to train them to act in
          conformity with the restrictions and limitations on the use of force and
          firearms contained in the pertinent international instruments, or that such
          efforts have not been successful. The Special Rapporteur therefore feels
          compelled to urge the Governments concerned to dismantle such groups and
          ensure that arms distributed to them are returned to the security forces.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 130
          9. The right to life and mass exoduses
          426. In the framework of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur, information on
          massive displacements of populations is received mainly in the context of
          communal violence and indiscriminate military attacks against areas inhabited
          by civilians during counter-insurgency operations. As stated earlier,
          government forces often do not intervene to halt violence between different
          groups of the population. In many instances, the Government forces are even
          said to foment such confrontations and support one side. Often, those
          belonging to the less favoured group flee their areas of residence. This was
          reported, for example, in the case of the Jumma people of the Chittagong Hill
          Tracts in Bangladesh, many of whom have sought refuge in Tripura, India.
          Massive internal displacement and refugee flows followed the mass killings of
          October and November 1993 in Burundi. Similarly, members of the Afar ethnic
          group in Djibouti moved to the capital to escape violence in the north of the
          country. Indiscriminate bombing of civilian settlements as part of government
          counter-insurgency tactics have been reported over the years in Colombia,
          Guatemala or south-eastern Turkey. There, too, massive displacement of
          populations was said to be the result. Armed conflicts such as those in the
          territory of the former Yugoslavia, Nagorno-Karabakh, JIIkhazia or Rwanda,
          which cause the deaths not only of combatants but also numerous civilians,
          including children, women and elderly persons, also generate the exodus of
          large numbers of people. From the reports and allegations brought to the
          attention of the Special Rapporteur, it becomes clear that, as long as
          communal violence or armed conflicts continue, internally displaced and
          refugees do not dare to return to their home areas. Often, this situation
          persists after the cessation of armed confrontations, as the climate remains
          insecure and returnees are subjected to threats and harassment or are even
          killed.
          427. The Special Rapporteur is concerned at reports of violations of the right
          to life not only in the context of the hostilities creating the exodus of
          populations but also as a result of violence directed against displaced
          persons and refugees. Reports of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions and threats, allegedly by security forces, against displaced
          persons, for example in urban areas in Colombia or Peru, where the displaced
          live in conditions of poverty and misery, or in Djibouti, are most disturbing.
          The Special Rapporteur has also learnt with deep concern of violence by
          Zairean security forces against refugees in camps along the border with
          Rwanda, and of killings within the camp housing several hundred thousand
          Rwandan refugees in Benaco, United Republic of Tanzania. There, refugees have
          been abused as human shields behind which those allegedly responsible for mass
          killings and other war crimes have been hiding. In addition, as they receive
          donations of food, clothes, etc. from the international community and thus
          constitute a source of revenue, refugees are prevented by the latter from
          leaving the camps and returning to Rwanda. In the camps in northern Burundi,
          along the border with Rwanda, refugees are exposed to reprisal attacks each
          time violence flares up between the ethnic groups in Burundi. In addition,
          the Special Rapporteur repeatedly received reports of death threats and
          extrajudicial killings, allegedly with the involvement of the security forces,
          of Guatemalans who had returned to their country after being refugees in
          Mexico, and of members of organizations providing them with assistance.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 131
          428. There is general awareness of the threat this situation poses to the
          right to life and security of those seeking refuge from violence in their
          countries or areas of origin. Once a person is accepted into the territory of
          a State, for example, as a refugee or asylum seeker, it is the obligation of
          this State to protect him or her from violations of the right to life.
          Indeed, the very purpose of the right to asylum is to protect lives. Those
          responsible for violations of the right to life should be brought to justice
          before the national courts of the host countries. Where the receiving
          countries are unable to cope with the refugee flow, the international
          community should provide them with assistance to guarantee security within the
          camps and to strengthen their own criminal justice systems, as appropriate.
          A common effort should be made to avoid refugee camps becoming rife with
          practices violating the right to life and the status of refugees.
          429. The Special Rapporteur calls on all Governments to do their utmost to
          avoid massive exoduses of populations. Reference is made to the sections
          above containing recommendations aimed at preventing the outbreak of communal
          violence and abuses against the civilian population in counter-insurgency
          operations or during armed conflicts. The recent past has shown very clearly
          that the cost of prevention is relatively small when compared with the
          enormous amount of resources that have to be put into place to try to limit
          abuses and violations, including violations of the right to life, that
          accompany and follow mass exoduses. For a broader overview of the phenomenon
          and its repercussions on different aspects of human rights, reference is made
          to the report on human rights and mass exoduses presented to the Commission on
          Human Rights by the Secretary-General (E/CN.4/1995/49) .
          10. Forensic experts
          430. The Special Rapporteur has repeatedly referred to the need for
          the assistance of specialists in various forensic disciplines during
          investigations into extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and the
          importance of support for efforts to establish a standing team of independent
          experts that could participate in such examinations to ensure that they are
          carried out according to the highest professional standards. During 1994, the
          Special Rapporteur has reiterated the need for forensic experts, indispensable
          for thorough investigations of human remains, in communications to the
          Governments of Gabon, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Sri Lanka and Venezuela. The
          Special Rapporteur could also envisage availing himself of the assistance of a
          forensic expert during on-site visits where preliminary investigations might
          be required.
          11. World Conference on Human Rights
          431. As pointed out in his report to the Commission on Human Rights at its
          fiftieth session, the Special Rapporteur regrets that the Vienna Declaration
          and Programme of Action, adopted at the World Conference on Human Rights
          in 1993, does not include a programme to eliminate extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions. He also notes that, contrary to the announcements made
          at the World Conference, the resources of the Secretariat have not been
          strengthened in a way that could be felt in work of the past year.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 132
          12. Prevention
          432. By way of conclusion, after three years of activities, the Special
          Rapporteur cannot but repeat that extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions can be fought effectively only if there is a genuine will to
          recognize and enact the safeguards and guarantees for the protection of the
          right to life of every person. Declarations of commitment to the protection
          of the right to life by Governments, either unilaterally or together with
          others, for example through numerous resolutions adopted in different forums,
          have not been lacking. These declarations, however, are only effective to the
          extent to which they are translated into practice. If the aim is protection
          of the right to life, the emphasis must be on prevention of violations of this
          fundamental right and their consequences, which are very often irreparable.
          Again, the importance of fighting impunity cannot be overemphasized.
          433. The Special Rapporteur calls upon each Government to respect and protect
          the right to life by bringing to justice and punishing all those responsible
          for violating it. The Special Rapporteur also appeals to all Governments to
          seek peaceful solutions, at the earliest possible stage, to potential conflict
          situations and to refrain from fomenting differences and promoting violence
          between different groups of citizens, both in their own and in other
          countries.
          434. The Special Rapporteur calls on the international community to
          concentrate its efforts on the effective prevention of further human rights
          crises, and on the implementation of the standards already existing for the
          protection of the right to life. The Special Rapporteur feels that one of the
          ways to do so would be to take decisive action in cases where Governments are
          clearly not complying with their obligations under international law to
          protect the right to life of every person. In his first report to the
          Commission on Human Rights at its forty-ninth session, the Special Rapporteur
          had pointed out the problem of Governments that consistently refused to
          cooperate and sought guidance from the Commission as to which strategy to
          pursue in such cases (see E/CN.4/1993/46, para. 692) . He wishes to call once
          again on the member States of the Commission to give thought to this problem
          and consider appropriate measures in cases where Governments clearly do not
          cooperate with the special rapporteurs. The appointment of country-specific
          special rapporteurs as a way to ensure permanent monitoring of the situation
          should be envisaged.
          435. Decisive action by the Commission on Human Rights in the case of Rwanda
          would not necessarily have averted the human rights catastrophe in that
          country. The Commission's lack of interest, however, has certainly not helped
          to prevent the death and suffering of many thousands.
          436. In this context, the Special Rapporteur calls on the Commission on Human
          Rights to intensify its efforts to establish an early-warning mechanism that
          could be activated when the signs of an imminent crisis become apparent, as
          was the case in Rwanda. In the present situation, the Special Rapporteur
          fears that with the Commission showing little or no interest in the reports of
          its special rapporteurs, representatives, independent experts or working
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 133
          groups, whatever impact these procedures may have with regard to early warning
          and prevention of incumbent human rights and humanitarian crises is simply
          lost.
          437. The Special Rapporteur also wishes to encourage the non-governmental
          organizations and individuals who have provided him with information on
          alleged violations of the right to life, and whose role in alerting the
          international community is particularly important, to continue their efforts
          and pay particular attention to signs of incipient conflict situations.
          438. As in the past, the Special Rapporteur is ready to offer his full
          collaboration and assistance to all who wish to engage in the common endeavour
          to promote respect for and enjoyment of the right to life.
          Notes
          1/ As in the past, it should be noted that these figures do not
          necessarily reflect the actual proportion of minors and women among the
          victims of alleged violations of the right to life. They constitute cases in
          which the age or sex of persons identified by their names has been
          specifically indicated by the Special Rapporteur.
          2/ Brazil, urgent appeal of 2 June 1994 (500 unidentified persons) ;
          Burundi, 10 and 25 March 1994 (300) ; Colombia, 18 August 1994 (100) ; Mexico,
          17 January 1994 (100); Rwanda, 17 January 1994 (300); Venezuela,
          17 January 1994 (150) .
          3/ The Governments of the countries marked with an asterisk have
          transmitted replies to allegations transmitted to them during previous or
          subsequent years.
          4/ Fifth Survey on Capital Punishment and on the Implementation of
          Safeguards Guaranteeing the Protection of the Rights of Those Facing the Death
          Penalty (1995) .
          5/ In this context, the Special Rapporteur refers to the situation in
          Colombia. More than 2,000 members of the political party Uni6n Patri6tica
          (UP) , founded after a bilateral peace agreement between the Government and
          guerrilla groups, have been killed after they had laid down their arms and
          started to participate in the electoral process in 1986. Responsibility
          for these killings has been imputed to members of the security forces,
          paramilitary groups allegedly cooperating with them as well as guerrillas.
          Similarly, members of the political movement Esperanza, Paz y Libertad (ELP)
          have become targets of violence, in many cases at the hands of their former
          comrades in arms of the guerrilla group EUrcito Popular de Liberaci6n (EPL) .
          Reference is made to the pertinent sections of the Special Rapporteur's report
          on his visit to Colombia in October 1994 (E/CN.4/1995/111).
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 134
          6/ See, for example, Bleier v. Uruguay , communication No. 30/1978;
          Guerrero v. Colombia , communication No. 45/1979; Barbato v. Uruguay ,
          communication No. 84/1981; Baboeram et al v. Surinam , communication
          Nos. 146/1983 and 184-154/1983; Herrera Rubio v. Colombia , communication
          No. 161/1983; Miango V. Zaire , communication No. 194/1985.
          7/ For a more detailed analysis, the Special Rapporteur wishes to refer
          to the pertinent sections of the reports on his visits to Peru
          (E/cN.4/1994/7/Add.2) and Colombia (E/CN.4/1995/111).
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 135
          Annex
          INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT OF THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR TO THE
          COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS AT ITS FIFTIETH SESSION
          2 MARCH 1994
          Mr. Chairman,
          The report I have the honour to introduce today before the Commission on
          Human Rights is the second I have submitted to you and the twelfth since the
          establishment of the mandate currently entrusted to me. It is an incomplete
          panorama, at times even a summary overview, enriched by some observations, of
          allegations of violations of the right to life brought to my attention in 73
          countries during 1993.
          No continent, no political or economic system has been spared summary
          executions. Women, children, the elderly, the mentally ill - none have
          escaped. Those fighting against racial, ethnic or religious discrimination or
          who are active in the defence of economic, social, cultural, civil and
          political rights, those who claim their right to live on the land of their
          ancestors, those exposed to the jungle of the cities, those who have lost
          their freedom, those who have been forced into exile, and those who have been
          caught up by conflict, insurrection and war, have been particularly affected.
          During 1993, 217 urgent appeals concerning over 1,300 persons have
          been transmitted to 52 Governments in response to allegations of imminent or
          threatened extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. Since my previous
          report was finalized in November, I have already transmitted an additional 40
          urgent appeals. Furthermore, over 2,300 cases of alleged executions have been
          sent to 51 Governments by letter. I have also followed up with Governments
          and the sources those allegations transmitted in 1992 and 1993.
          This considerable amount of work could only be accomplished thanks to
          the highly skilled and generous assistance of two experts of the Centre for
          Human Rights, only one of whom worked on the mandate on a full-time basis.
          I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my appreciation to
          them.
          In 1993, as in the past, nothing could have been achieved without the
          support, essential to my work, of non-governmental organizations. The
          information and suggestions received from them were invaluable to me in the
          discharge of my mandate. Without them, the scarcity of resources at my
          disposal would have been even more serious. I cannot thank them enough.
          In 1993, too, the dialogue initiated with Governments continued and
          even intensified, in the context both of regional groups and of bilateral
          correspondence and meetings.
          On the understanding that the fate of their fellow citizens was, in fact,
          of concern to everyone, and that the difficulties encountered in the
          protection of their fundamental right to life could be overcome through a
          joint effort, many Governments have cooperated sincerely and attentively.
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 136
          Many have expressed their appreciation at the questionnaire which I prepared
          to facilitate substantiated replies to the allegations and requests for
          information transmitted.
          I would like to take this opportunity to thank those Governments that
          have provided me with replies after the finalization of my report, namely:
          Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Burundi, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador,
          El Salvador, Gabon, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar,
          Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Sri Lanka, Sudan,
          Togo, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Zaire.
          JII analysis of their replies will be contained in my next report.
          Unfortunately, other Governments have chosen to remain silent. And even
          though, finally, I have received communications from all countries included in
          the list of States that had never replied since the establishment of the
          mandate in 1982, I must say that the quality of the replies received varies
          greatly.
          I would like to express particular thanks to those Governments that have
          invited me to visit their countries to examine in situ , with the indispensable
          support of non-governmental organizations and individual citizens as well as
          families of victims, ways and means to improve protection for the right to
          life. I am referring to the Governments of Rwanda and Peru, which I visited
          in 1993, as well as Algeria, Argentina, Burundi, Colombia, Indonesia and
          Sri Lanka, which have invited me to carry out visits there. Consultations
          have been initiated with regard to possible visits to Azerbaijan and India.
          I hope that these countries will provide an example to the Governments of
          Bangladesh, China, Tajikistan and Turkey, to which I have expressed my desire
          to be invited.
          Since the presentation of my report to the Commission on Human Rights
          at its forty-ninth session, I visited Croatia at the request of the Special
          Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the territory of the former
          Yugoslavia, Mr. Tadeusz Mazowiecki. I also visited Rwanda, in April 1993, and
          Peru, in May-June 1993.
          In Rwanda and Peru, I received the full cooperation both of Governments
          and of non-governmental organizations, as well as essential logistical support
          from UNDP.
          But since I submitted my reports on these visits to the Rwandese
          authorities, not only have I not received any comment on the recommendations
          and conclusions it contains, but the situation in the country has
          deteriorated. The Arusha peace accords were not been fully respected within
          the deadline set for their implementation. The violent events of the last
          days are said to have caused some 100 deaths, increasing the number of victims
          of political violence since the beginning of 1994 to approximately 400,
          despite the presence of a United Nations mission in the country. This is an
          appropriate moment to insist on the need for a human rights component in
          United Nations peace-keeping or observer missions. This conditio sine qua non
          for their success is mentioned in my report.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 137
          It is also certain that the problem of Rwanda cannot be seen removed from
          its regional context nor its links with and repercussions on the crises in
          Burundi and eastern Zaire ignored. It is vital that any suggestion for a
          solution to the problem take into consideration events and developments in
          each of these countries. In this context, I regret that the proposed
          bi-thematic regional visit by myself and Mr. Francis Deng, Representative of
          the Secretary-General on internally displaced persons, had to be postponed.
          As concerns Peru, I have noted with satisfaction certain reforms that
          have been carried out after my visit, particularly with regard to legislation
          governing proceedings against those accused of terrorism. However, it remains
          preoccupying that certain of the shortcomings identified have not only not
          been corrected but, on the contrary, have been institutionalized. I am
          referring to the case of the killing of a professor and nine students
          kidnapped from the University known as “La Cantuta” in Lima, a detailed
          description of which is contained in my mission report. In this context,
          I wish to emphasize once again the importance of the assistance of specialists
          in forensic medicine in investigations into extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions. I appeal to the international community to continue its
          efforts to establish a standing team of forensic experts who could assist
          Governments in complying with their obligation to conduct investigations into
          each case. I also call on Governments to draw on the expertise gained by
          these specialists.
          This is also the moment to express the wish that a visit be seen as the
          beginning of a more profound dialogue, enriched by the impressions gathered
          during the mission, rather than the end, literally and figuratively, of
          cooperation with the country visited. It would be a pity if an invitation was
          seen as a purely formal concession, which would dispense the Government from
          initiating or pursuing vital reforms.
          I would now like to draw your attention to two phenomena, notable both
          for the frequency of their occurrence and for the gravity of their impact on
          the enjoyment of the right to life within the framework of the norms and
          instruments which the United Nations has continued to refine: the death
          penalty and impunity.
          In fact, at a time when a small African country, the Gambia, took
          advantage of the opportunity offered by the World Conference on Human Rights
          to announce the abolition of the death penalty, other places around the world
          have shown a tendency to expand the scope of the death penalty and to reduce
          the guarantees for a fair trial and the effectiveness of appeal procedures.
          Thus, in China, Pakistan and the United States of America, persons under
          18 years of age have been sentenced to death and even executed. Furthermore,
          some countries have adopted legislation restricting guarantees of impartiality
          and the right to defence, sometimes by resorting to military jurisdictions.
          Often, in proceedings resulting in death sentences the remedies are limited or
          non-existent. Those countries are: Algeria, China, Egypt, the Islamic
          Republic of Iran, Kuwait, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, the
          Syrian Arab Republic, Tajikistan and the United States of America. Finally,
          the scope of the application of capital punishment has been expanded recently
        
          
          E/CN. 4/1995/61
          page 138
          through new laws in the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt,
          Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. The United States of America is said to intend to
          follow their path.
          The death penalty is in itself a negation of the right to life. When
          applied in such circumstances, it is equal to a summary or arbitrary execution
          which, in any case, contradicts the clearly expressed wish of the
          international community to make its application an exceptional event, and to
          arrive, one day, at a universal consensus on its abolition. I appeal to your
          Commission to ensure that the tendency I have mentioned is fought against and
          inversed, and that the study of this grave problem is given priority.
          The second vital preoccupation over the past year is the perpetuation and
          expectation of impunity by perpetrators of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary
          executions, even when the facts and their authors are known to everyone.
          Sometimes, Governments simply refuse to investigate crimes. On other
          occasions, a few scapegoats receive light sentences, while those really
          responsible are not bothered, or the judicial system is allowed to remain in a
          state of paralysis.
          Sometimes, impunity is even guaranteed by law. Often, an amnesty law,
          passed under the pretext of national reconciliation, covers with a veil of
          shameless silence the atrocities committed. These facts are all the more
          preoccupying as the victims are not taken into consideration by the law makers
          and are not even given compensation.
          Impunity is the negation of justice, which is the foundation of any
          democratic society. Impunity is the bankruptcy of the state of law. It opens
          the door to violence. It prevents the truth from prevailing, passions from
          calming and evil from being eradicated. This is why it is crucial that your
          Commission appeal to all States to respect the obligation to investigate all
          alleged violations of the right to life, attribute responsibilities, bring
          their authors to justice, compensate those entitled to it and take the
          necessary steps to prevent the recurrence of extrajudicial, summary or
          arbitrary executions.
          This is how the Commission on Human Rights must respond to one of the
          most profound desires expressed to it at its fiftieth session.
          Finally, I should like to draw your attention to the dramatic lack of
          resources affecting us: it is no longer possible to continue the efforts
          which you recommended us to undertake with the scarce material and technical
          means and the penury of human resources at our disposal. Human rights must
          not only be a subject for speeches or an alibi. The only way of testing the
          willingness of the international community to make their universal respect the
          common patrimony of humanity of the men and women of the twenty-first century
          is to devote to this at least a tenth of what it spends to arm itself and
          kill. As for me, I only ask for three assistants and one secretary at the
          Centre for Human Rights to be able to serve you better in 1994.
        
          
          E/cN. 4/1995/61
          page 139
          I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome, as a concrete
          result of the preparation process for the World Conference on Human Rights in
          Vienna, and of the Conference itself, the dialogue and joint projects with the
          other rapporteurs, representatives and chairmen of working groups of the
          Commission on Human Rights, to whom I am linked in a solidarity of the poor
          relatives of the United Nations system. Once again, I appeal to the
          international community to support what it says it most cares about: respect
          for human rights.
          Mr. Chairman, thank you for your attention.
        

Download Attachments:

Show More

Related Articles

Back to top button