Friday, July 4, 2008

UN Human Right's Office concerned for detainees

Media release from the United Nations Human Rights Office regarding the state of emergency in Mongolia.

United Nations human rights office concerned about developments in Mongolia

July 3rd, 2008

GENEVA-- The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday expressed concerns about developments in Mongolia, where a four-day state of emergency was imposed on 1 July 2008 following post-electoral violence. There have been reports of at least five deaths, numerous injuries and around 700 protestors detained.

OHCHR called upon the authorities to exercise the utmost restraint, to ensure that due process is followed in the case of any detentions, and that the incidents leading to deaths and injuries be properly investigated.

Mongolia is party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which stipulates that fundamental rights, such as the right to life, the prohibition on torture and cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, cannot be suspended even in times of emergency. Any restrictions of other rights in such circumstances must be officially proclaimed and may only be applied to the extent and duration strictly warranted by the circumstances.

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