BRIEFING NOTES: Syria; Senegal ; Business and Human Rights

Senegal

GENEVA, 13 February 2024 / PRN Africa / -- Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Liz Throssell

Location: Geneva

Date: 13 February 2024

Subject: (1) Syria;

(2) Senegal; French version attached

(3) Business and Human Rights

(1) Syria

Many Syrians who had fled the war face gross human rights violations and abuses upon their return to Syria, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office released today.

The documented violations and abuses have been perpetrated by the Government, de facto authorities and other armed groups across the country, the report states. They include arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearance and abduction.

People have also had their money and belongings extorted, their property confiscated, and have been denied identity and other documents. While the Syrian population as a whole face such human rights abuses and violations, “returnees appear particularly vulnerable”, the report highlights.

To read the full press release, click here

(2) Senegal

We are deeply concerned about the tense situation in Senegal following suspension of the presidential election slated for 25 February.

Following reports of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against protesters and restrictions on civic space, we call on the authorities to ensure that they uphold Senegal’s long-held tradition of democracy and respect for human rights.

At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists.

Investigations into the killings must be prompt, thorough, and independently conducted, and those found responsible must be held to account. The authorities should also ensure due process for individuals arrested during the protests.

Amid rising tensions and reports of planned further protests, it is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.

We also urge all actors to refrain from resorting to violence.

Given the challenges and concerns related to the circumstances surrounding the postponement of the election, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk calls on the Government to ensure that the proposed national dialogue be as broad-based as possible and ensure genuine participation of opposition groups, women, youth and marginalized groups.

(3) Business and Human Rights

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday urged EU leaders to approve a ground-breaking agreement on business and human rights, amid reports that support for the measure may now be in question in the European Council.

“The adoption of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive would show historic leadership by the EU at a time when global leadership in support of human rights is needed more than ever,” said Türk.

“For the past four years, work on the Directive has seen unprecedented involvement by many stakeholders, including business and my Office, as well as political commitment from EU institutions and Member States to push it forward. This process has truly raised hopes of ensuring more effective management of human rights risks by large companies.”

SOURCE United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)