Human rights situation in the OPT/Lebanese prisoners – CHR – Summary record (excerpts)

COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

Fifty-fifth session

SUMMARY RECORD OF THE 14th MEETING

Held at the Palais des Nations, Geneva,

on Thursday, 1 April 1999, at 3 p.m.

Chairperson: Ms. ANDERSON (Ireland)

CONTENTS

STATEMENT BY THE DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE

QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD, INCLUDING:

(a) QUESTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN CYPRUS (continued)

The meeting was called to order at 3 p.m.

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QUESTION OF THE VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD, INCLUDING:

(a) QUESTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IN CYPRUS (agenda item 9) (continued) (E/CN.4/1999/7, 25-27, 30-38, 41-43, 107, 117, 119, 121, 125-127 and 129-134; E/CN.4/1999/NGO/3, 11, 12, 16-20, 29 and 61; S/1998/581; A/53/402 and 490; A/52/539)

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34. Mr. NENE (South Africa)  …

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37. His delegation was gravely concerned about the situation in the Middle East, where Israel's recent military action in southern Lebanon could not but lead to an escalation of violence in the region. His Government supported the right of the people of Palestine to a sovereign State in conditions of security, as well as the integrity of the borders and territories of all the countries of the Middle East.

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51. Mr. ZAHRAN (Observer for Egypt) said that the continuing occupation of south Lebanon and western Bekaa constituted a serious violation of human rights and humanitarian law, and he urged Israel to respect Lebanon's independence and sovereignty and to implement the Security Council resolutions calling for its immediate and unconditional withdrawal. He appealed for a resumption of the peace process and the release of Lebanese prisoners detained without trial.

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65. Mr. NSEIR (Observer for the Syrian Arab Republic) said that southern Lebanon and western Bekaa were still under occupation by Israel, despite the numerous United Nations resolutions calling on it to withdraw. Its policy was not merely occupation, however, but expansionism: Syria and the Bekaa suffered daily from bombing and, rather than risk losing their lives or their lands, many inhabitants had been forced into exile. It was hard to understand why the international community had not put a stop to Israeli behaviour. States which made such play of human rights should be the first to act against the torture and genocide practised by the Israelis. Double standards were deplorable and immediate pressure should be put on Israel to withdraw.

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The meeting rose at 6.25 p.m.