Speaking in 45th committee of Human Right Council, Esmaeil Baghaei Hamaneh reacted to the European Union’s move to issue a joint statement against Iran at the Human Rights Council and added that it is a pity that some countries are advising others over respecting for human rights, while they’re ignoring their previous and current crimes and they are concealing the fact that much of the suffering of others is the result of their past colonial policies and their own hegemonic mentality.
Criticizing western countries’ approach towards Human Rights, the envoy attributed such a policy only as a political tool to achieve some purposes such as creating conflicts between countries and the degradation of Human Rights.
Some European countries have turned the Human Rights Council into an arena for intervention in the affairs of the developing countries, he added.
Pointing out that the enforcement of laws is the necessary way to protect and respect human rights, Baghaei Hamaneh called it unacceptable to put pressure on other governments under the name of human rights to change the countries’ domestic legal system or to interfere in court cases.
He said that the best way to achieve the goals of the Human Rights Council is the dialogue and cooperation based on the principle of neutrality and avoiding accusing others.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he warned of continuing widespread and systematic violations against Palestinian human rights in the Occupied Territories and called on the Human Rights Council to prevent the Zionist Regime, whose existence is based on terrorism and aggression, from normalizing its brutality and gross violations of Human Rights.
The TimesMalta reported that Labour MEP Alfred Sant has been appointed a member of a tax subcommittee created to battle tax fraud and work for financial transparency.
Sant will form part of FISC, the permanent tax subcommittee of the Economic and Monetary affairs committee in the European Parliament.
The committee was created to ensure the European Parliament has a permanent structure that can fight tax fraud, tax evasion and tax avoidance, as well as promote financial transparency for taxation purposes.
Previously, the European Parliament would set up special committees or inquiries to delve into tax scandals. Plans to create a more permanent structure were officially endorsed in 2019 when MEPs voted in favour of the idea during the vote on the final report of the Special Committee on Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance (TAX3 Committee).
Sant, an economist by training, has previously worked on similar tax subcommittees, most notably in the protection of whistleblowers and in tax transparency.
In a statement announcing that he would form part of FISC, a spokesperson for the MEP said Sant’s inclusion was especially important given ongoing talks between Malta and international institutions on strengthening its governance provisions and anti-money laundering structures.
Thousands of EU nationals could face problems accessing essential services because the government is refusing to issue physical proof of their right to live in the UK.
The settlement scheme grants EU citizens the right to remain in the UK after Brexit. Unlike other foreign nationals, they are not provided with a biometric residency permit proving their status.
Instead they have to access the Home Office’s online database each time they need to produce evidence of eligibility.
The process, which requires applicants to have a smartphone and reliable internet access, is part of a government plan to phase out paper permits and make the entire immigration service digital.
But it means those with settled status and service providers have to negotiate a sequence of logins, emails and share codes to confirm their eligibility. And critics claim the challenges of the online system could prevent them accessing jobs, housing and medical treatment.
“A lot can go wrong – technology outages, people unable to navigate the digital system and service providers unwilling to engage with it,” says Maike Bohn, a co-founder of the support group the3million, which is campaigning for a paper backup document while the digital system beds in.
“We don’t want a two-tier society developing in the UK: British and non-EU citizens who can prove their right to work and access healthcare anytime, anywhere, simply by showing a physical card or passport – and EU citizens who cannot.”
Problems are already emerging for people who have attempted to use the new system.
Elisabeth Dodds had the offer of a £50,000 home improvement loan rescinded when her bank insisted on proof of her status.
“I submitted both a copy of my letter from the Home Office confirming that I had been granted settled status, as well as the share code for checking my status online,” she said.
“Royal Bank of Scotland [RBS] refused to accept this information. On advice from a loan adviser, I printed out the Home Office documents, including screenshots from the Home Office website showing I have indefinite leave, and brought it into a bank branch.
“This was also rejected. I was variously told they had never heard of settled status and were powerless to change what form of proof they could accept.”
Royal Bank of Scotland said it could not change what form of proof it could accept from Dodds. Photograph: Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP via Getty Images
A survey published this month by the3million found that only 14% of companies questioned were clear on the new rules for employing EU citizens after free movement ends in December, while one in five would more readily accept a biometric permit as evidence of status over a digital check.
Strict penalties on employers, landlords and banks that fail to verify the immigration status of applicants mean that those unfamiliar with the requirements may err on the side of caution and reject EU nationals.
Research by the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants shows that only three in 150 landlords would be prepared to perform digital checks on prospective tenants.
An EU passport remains valid proof of status until July 2021, but there are concerns about what will happen after that.
Dodds, who is American but qualifies for settled status as the spouse of a Swedish national, later secured a loan from another lender that did not require status verification, but fears for the future when EU passports are no longer valid proof.
RBS apologised after being contacted by the Guardian. “We would like to reassure customers, and prospective customers, that this was an isolated incident. We should not have rejected this application,” a spokesperson said.
Paula Uusnäkki, an EU national, was one of the first to apply for settled status when the scheme was launched in 2018. She received an email confirming her application had been approved, but when she attempted to view her status in June the system had no record of her.
“Fortunately, I discovered this before needing to officially prove my status to a landlord or employer,” she said.
A letter from the Home Office confirming that a person has been granted settled status. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian
Some have found their access to the online service compromised after updating their passport details or address on the Home Office system.
Gina Fierlafijn, who is Flemish, never received the promised email confirming that her new passport number had been successfully logged. Her status has been updated but she still has to log in using her expired passport number to access it.
“Fortunately I kept a note of it so I do have it for the future,’ she says. ‘This online system seems totally inadequate and I am sure will fail many of us.”
Victor Piris has been locked out of his online status after updating his address last month.
The Spanish national received the email confirmation that the new details had been logged, but since then a message has informed him that his details don’t match Home Office records when he tries to log in.
“This means if I have to prove my rights, I’m unable to do so. What would happen to me if this happens again when the transition period ends?”
The government is refusing to change its stance and issue backup permits, despite its own assessment concluding that a digital only service could disadvantage many users.
The Home Office said its policy was part of a move to digitalise the entire immigration service. “Physical documents expire, become invalid, or can be lost, stolen or tampered with,” a spokesperson said.
“A digital status is more secure and ensures that EU citizens who are granted status in the UK can constantly access and securely share proof of their status. We see no reason why any institution should not accept a migrant’s online information as evidence of immigration status and will be launching an extensive package of communications to ensure individuals, employers, landlords and other third parties are fully aware of the move to digital.”
Settled status: how it works
The UK government’s website says the letter you get emailed to confirm your settled or pre-settled status cannot be used as proof of it. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA
When the Brexit transition process comes to an end on 31 December, people from the EU, EEA or Switzerland who live in the UK will need to apply for settled status to retain their rights to work, use the NHS and claim benefits.
The scheme is open and will remain so until 30 June, but anyone applying must be living in the UK by the end of this year. If you have lived in Britain for a continuous five-year period, subject to a few exceptions, you can qualify for settled status. Otherwise, you will get pre-settled status and apply to change this once you have built up five years’ residency.
The application is free. Once granted you will be able to work and have access to the NHS and claim pensions and other state benefits if you are eligible.
The government’s website is clear that the letter you get emailed to confirm your settled or pre-settled status cannot be used as proof of it. Instead, you can get a share code that you will need to give people, along with your date of birth, so they can go online and see your status.
Citizens Advice’s guidance is that until 1 January you should still be able to use your passport or ID card to prove your right to work, rent or access the NHS.
“If an employer or landlord asks you to prove your settled status before 1 January 2021, this could be discrimination,” its website advises. After that, local councils, landlords and employers should be able to use the digital process to check your status. Hilary Osborne
BAHÁ’Í WORLD CENTRE — Farzam Arbab, a former member of the Universal House of Justice, passed away on 25 September 2020 in San Diego, United States. He was 78 years old.
The Universal House of Justice has sent the following message to all National Spiritual Assemblies.
*
With grief-stricken hearts we mourn the sudden passing of our former colleague, our dearly loved brother Farzam Arbab, news of which has brought us fresh sorrow. His brilliant mind, loving heart, and vibrant spirit were ever turned towards the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, seeking to draw from it insights that, through the process of education, could build spiritual and intellectual capacity within entire populations. Born in Iran, he studied in the United States before settling in Colombia as a pioneer. His outstanding gifts fitted him, it seemed, for a distinguished career in the physical sciences—but Providence had determined otherwise. His rigorous scientific training was instead applied to the work of the Faith. He recognized that the verities contained in the Bahá’í writings concerning spiritual and social transformation and the entry into the Faith of the masses of humanity demanded persistent effort to learn how to bring them about; the investment of his whole being in this great enterprise was complete and constant. Throughout his time as a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Colombia, as a Continental Counsellor, as a member of the International Teaching Centre, and finally as a member of the Universal House of Justice for two decades, his unshakeable belief in the capacity of all of God’s children, especially of young people, was the hallmark of his service to the Cause. Always insightful, always discerning, always attuned to spiritual reality, this man of exceptional vision lived a life shaped by the harmony between scientific truth and true religion.
To Sona, his beloved wife, and to Paul, his cherished son, as well as to other family members, we extend our heartfelt condolences at this unexpected loss. We supplicate in the Sacred Shrines for the progress of his illumined soul as it commences its journey into the eternal realms of God. May it be lovingly welcomed to its heavenly home. All Bahá’í communities are urged to arrange memorials, as circumstances permit, including in all Houses of Worship, to mark the passing of much-loved, illustrious Farzam Arbab.
On The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump’s $300 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package
Happy Friday and welcome back to On The Money. I’m Sylvan Lane, and here’s your nightly guide to everything affecting your bills, bank account and bottom line.
THE BIG DEAL—Half of states run out of funds for Trump’s $300 unemployment expansion: Half of all states have depleted their funding for the extra $300 in weekly unemployment benefits that President TrumpDonald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr ‘has brought shame’ on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump’s No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE ordered after failing to strike a deal with Congress.
A congressionally approved expansion of benefits this spring provided unemployed Americans with $600 more in weekly unemployment payments, but that expansion expired in July.
Democrats pushed to renew the benefits, but Republicans argued they were too high and discouraged people from returning to work.
After the unemployment boost expired, Trump signed an executive order to retool Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for an additional $300 in weekly benefits.
Unemploymentpua.com, a website that follows the minutia of state-level COVID-19 unemployment relief programs, found that 25 states had reached their funding limit, though only seven had already sent out their final payments. The Hill’s Niv Elis has more here.
LEADING THE DAY
EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case: The European Union announced on Friday that it will appeal a July court ruling that annulled its 2016 finding that Apple owes Ireland up to 13 billion euros in unpaid taxes.
The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said it is appealing the EU general court’s opinion to the European Court of Justice, the EU’s highest court.
The commission “respectfully considers that in its judgment the General Court has made a number of errors of law,” Margrethe Vestager, executive vice president of the commission, said in a statement.
The Hill’s Naomi Jagoda walks us through the case here.
House Democratic coronavirus relief package to provide more aid for airlines: The House Democratic emergency coronavirus relief package, which has not yet been unveiled, includes additional funding for airlines, two sources told The Hill.
Speaker Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiDemocratic senator to party: ‘A little message discipline wouldn’t kill us’ Overnight Health Care: New wave of COVID-19 cases builds in US | Florida to lift all coronavirus restrictions on restaurants, bars | Trump stirs questions with 0 drug coupon plan Overnight Defense: Appeals court revives House lawsuit against military funding for border wall | Dems push for limits on transferring military gear to police | Lawmakers ask for IG probe into Pentagon’s use of COVID-19 funds MORE (D-Calif.) had tasked committee heads with drafting a package this week and Ways and Means Chairman Richard NealRichard Edmund NealOn The Money: Half of states deplete funds for Trump’s 0 unemployment expansion | EU appealing ruling in Apple tax case | House Democrats include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package House Democrats to include more aid for airlines in coronavirus package The Hill’s Morning Report – Sponsored by Facebook – Republicans lawmakers rebuke Trump on election MORE (D-Mass.), who is leading the charge, said the package could receive a vote by Oct. 2.
Under the terms of the CARES Act relief funding that passed this spring, airlines are prohibited from firing or laying off any employees until Oct. 1. Once that deadline passes, workers in the industry are expected to take a hit, barring new assistance from the government.
On Oct. 1, American Airlines expects to ax 19,000 jobs, and United Airlines said it plans to cut 16,370. Delta Air Lines will delay the effective date for a potential 220 pilot furloughs to Nov. 1 but will not furlough any flight attendants and front-line workers in 2020 due to the many employees who opted for early retirement.
“We have been told that airline worker relief is in the package and are grateful for the strong, bipartisan support. We are hopeful that this is the start of a negotiation that will help our industry and others in distress,” Nicholas Calio, head of the industry group Airlines for America, told The Hill in a statement. The Hill’s Alex Gangitano has more here.
ON TAP NEXT WEEK
Tuesday:
Federal Reserve Board Vice Chair Richard Clarida delivers remarks at the 2020 U.S. Treasury Market Conference, 11:40 a.m.
The House Financial Services Committee’s task force on financial technology holds a hearing on the legal framework for digital lending and payments processing, 12 p.m.
Fed Vice Chair of Supervision Randal Quarles discusses financial regulation at the Harvard Law School and Program on International Financial Systems, 1 p.m.
The Wilson Center hosts a panel discussion on Mexico’s perspective on labor provisions included in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, 1 p.m.
Quarles will also discuss financial stability during an event held by the Center for Financial Policy at the University of Maryland, 3 p.m.
Wednesday:
The Washington International Trade Association hosts a webinar entitled “Reengaging the Asia-Pacific on Trade: A TPP Roadmap for the Next Administration,” 9 a.m.
The House Small Business Committee holds a hearing on COVID-19’s impact on small businesses within the food system, 10 a.m.
Federal Reserve Board Governor Michelle Bowman speaks at a conference on community banking, 1:40 p.m.
Thursday:
The House Small Business Committee holds a hearing on preventing abuse of the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, 10 a.m.
The House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis holds a hearing on the financial system and economic opportunity, 2 p.m.
Fed Governor Bowman speaks about the role of community banks in providing equitable mortgage access, 3 p.m.
GOOD TO KNOW
A group of bipartisan House and Senate lawmakers on Friday introduced legislation to increase resources to help local government, small businesses and nonprofit groups defend themselves against cyberattacks.
Politico: “Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the government-run companies that stand behind about half of the $11 trillion U.S. mortgage market, pose a potential danger to the stability of the broader financial system, a Treasury-led panel said today.”
ODDS AND ENDS
Six months after states began issuing stay-at-home orders, many employees have settled into working-from-home routines that are likely to persist in some form beyond the pandemic. But with that seismic shift comes concerns about productivity, fatigue and cybersecurity.
Recap the week with On The Money:
Monday:Shutdown clash looms after Democrats unveil spending bill | CBO: $900B a year needed to stabilize post-crisis debt | Airline CEOs plead with Washington as layoffs loom
Tuesday:Powell, Mnuchin stress limits of emergency loans | House seeks to salvage vote on spending bill | Economists tell lawmakers: Kill the virus to heal the economy
Wednesday:House panel pulls Powell into partisan battles | New York considers hiking taxes on the rich | Treasury: Trump’s payroll tax deferral won’t hurt Social Security
Thursday:Anxious Democrats push for vote on COVID-19 aid | Pelosi, Mnuchin ready to restart talks | Weekly jobless claims increase | Senate treads close to shutdown deadline
The European Commission is appealing a July court judgment in the ongoing saga of Apple’s taxes in Ireland. Buckle in, this one gets a bit complicated. And it’s likely to drag on for some time.
In July, the General Court of the EU annulled a 2016 ruling by the European Commission. In that ruling, the commission had determined that Ireland gave Apple a “sweetheart deal” that let the iPhone maker pay significantly lower taxes than other businesses. “Member States cannot give tax benefits to selected companies — this is illegal under EU state aid rules,” EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager said in 2016.
But in the July ruling, the judges said that the commission had failed to make its case. “The commission did not succeed in showing to the requisite legal standard that there was an advantage” for Apple, they declared, and “the commission did not prove, in its alternative line of reasoning, that the contested tax rulings were the result of discretion exercised by the Irish tax authorities.”
The commission said Friday it will appeal the court’s July ruling, with Vestager saying in a statement that the court “has made a number of errors of law.”
“The General Court has repeatedly confirmed the principle that, while Member States have competence in determining their taxation laws taxation, they must do so in respect of EU law, including State aid rules,” Vestager said. “If Member States give certain multinational companies tax advantages not available to their rivals, this harms fair competition in the European Union in breach of State aid rules.”
An Apple spokesperson said in a statement emailed to The Verge on Friday that it would review the commission’s appeal when it receives it, adding that the company has always abided by the law in Ireland and other places it operates. “The General Court categorically annulled the Commission’s case in July and the facts have not changed since then,” the spokesperson said. “This case has never been about how much tax we pay, rather where we are required to pay it.”
Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe told The Irish Times Friday that the appeal was “expected,” and that it would likely “take a number of years further before this matter is further determined.”
EU Bishops: “Let’s welcome migrants with humanity”
“Let’s welcome migrants with humanity, fraternity and solidarity. Let’s give them a place at our table”, states H. Em. Card. Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ, President of COMECE, on the eve of the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees, which will be celebrated on Sunday 27 September 2020.
In the context of the dramatic events occurring in different areas of the world regarding forced movements of people, Pope Francis devotes his message for the 106th World Day of Migrants and Refugees to internally displaced persons, “an often unseen tragedy exacerbated by the global Covid-19 crisis”.
In this regard, the Holy Father calls on all governments and on all of us “not toforget the many other crisis that bring suffering to so many people. Jesus is present in each refugee fleeing from hunger, war and other grave dangers in search of security and of a dignified life for themselves and for their families.We are called to see the face of Christ who pleads with us to help”.
Already two years ago, in a similar message, Pope Francis urged all of us to respond to this pastoral challenge by welcoming, protecting, promoting and integrating migrants and refugees, including the internally displaced persons.
In our commitment to the weakest, he proposes to include the following practical orientations:
In its regular dialogue with the EU institutions, COMECE highlights the need to consider migrants and refugees as persons and not as numbers, people with dignity, fundamental rights, “each of them [with] a name, a face, and a story, as well as an inalienable right to live in peace and to aspire to a better future for their sons and daughters”.
Protect the Progress:Rise, Refocus, Recover, 2020 highlights that since the movement was launched 10 years ago, spearheaded by then UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, there has been remarkable progress in improving the health of the world’s women, children and adolescents, with under-five deaths reached an all-time recorded low in 2019, and more than 1 billion children were vaccinated over the past decade.
Coverage of immunization, skilled birth attendant and access to safe drinking water reached over 80 per cent. Maternal deaths declined by 35 per cent since 2000, with the most significant declines occurring from 2010. An estimated 25 million child marriages were also prevented over the past decade, says the report.
However, conflict, climate instability and the COVID-19 pandemic are putting the health and well-being of all children and adolescents at risk. The COVID-19 crisis, in particular, is exacerbating existing inequities, with reported disruptions in essential health interventions disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable women and children.
“We know that women and children are the foundation of our communities and of our future”, said UN deputy chief, Amina Mohammed, in a video message broadcast during the report launch online. “Plans to respond to and recover from COVID-19 must prioritize their rights, and ensure continued access to services that support health, access to clean water, nutrition and education.
“While much is still unknown and uncertain, our collective goal endures: for women, children and adolescents everywhere to survive and thrive, and for their lives to be transformed”, added the Deputy Secretary-General.
Death ‘every six seconds’
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, a child under the age of five died every six seconds somewhere around the world”, said Henrietta Fore, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director.
“Millions of children living in conflict zones and fragile settings face even greater hardship with the onset of the pandemic. We need to work collectively to meet immediate needs caused by the pandemic while also strengthening health systems. Only then can we protect and save lives.”
Last year, 5.2 million children under the age of 5 and 1 million adolescents died of preventable causes. Every 13 seconds a newborn baby died. Every hour 33 women did not survive childbirth; and 33,000 girls a day were forced into marriages, usually involving much older men.
The report examines the deep-rooted inequities which continue to deprive women, children and adolescents of their rights, noting that where you are born, is a significant determinant of survival.
“For too long, the health and rights of women, children, and adolescents have received insufficient attention and services have been inadequately resourced”, said former Prime Minister of New Zealand and Board Chair of the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Helen Clark.
“We call on all partners to work together to support governments to strengthen health systems and tackle the inequities that constrain progress.”
Narrow the gap
The report calls upon the global community to fight COVID-19 while honoring and respecting commitments that can improve the lives of women and children, and not widen the gap between promise and reality.
“The COVID-19 pandemic threatens to turn back the clock on years of progress in reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent health. This is unacceptable,” said Muhammad Ali Pate, Global Director for Health, Nutrition and Population at the World Bank Group.
“The GFF partnership will double down on its efforts to engage with partners and countries and honor the global commitment to ensure that all women, adolescents and children can access the quality, affordable health care they need to survive and thrive.”
The past decade of progress to advance the health of women, children and adolescents must be protected from the impact of the pandemic and the responses to it, the report emphasizes.
“As we respond to COVID-19 and reimagine a better future, with sustained peace, including at home, we must repeat unequivocally that the rights of women and girls are not negotiable. Even in times of crisis – especially in times of crisis – their sexual and reproductive health and rights must be safeguarded at all costs”, said Natalia Kanem, Executive Director of UN reproductive rights agency, UNFPA.
The term of the European Central Bank’s executive board member, Yves Mersch, will end on 14 December 2020. The European Council will appoint a new member on a recommendation from the Council and after having consulted the European Parliament and the ECB.
At the Eurogroup meeting of 11 September, I asked euro area members to put forward candidates for Mr Mersch’s replacement. The call for candidates ended today and I received the following applications:
the Netherlands proposed Frank Elderson, Executive Director of Supervision of the Netherlands Bank.
Slovenia proposed Boštjan Jazbec, Director of Resolution Planning and Decisions, at the Single Resolution Board
At its next meeting on 5 October, the Eurogroup will discuss these applications with a view to supporting one candidate.
The Council will then adopt a recommendation to the European Council, acting by reinforced qualified majority of euro-area members. Such majority requires the support of 72% of euro area member states (i.e. at least 14 out of the 19), representing at least 65% of the population of the euro area.
The European Council is expected to take a final decision by the end of the year.
In a news release, on Friday, the experts also called on the authorities to bring to justice those responsible for the enforced disappearance of Ms. Kalesnikava, who, they said was “snatched off the streets” of the capital, Minsk, threatened with death or deportation, and then secretly imprisoned.
It is particularly troubling that the authorities have resorted to enforced disappearances in an effort to quash protests, stifle dissent and sow fear – Independent experts
“It is particularly troubling that the authorities have resorted to enforced disappearances in an effort to quash protests, stifle dissent and sow fear,” said the rights experts.
“We urge the authorities not to use national security concerns to deny individuals their fundamental rights, among others the rights to opinion, expression, of peaceful assembly and association.”
Ms. Kalesnikava, a musician and political activist. campaigned for an opposition candidate, later forced to leave the country, ahead of the 9 August presidential election which is widely considered to have been rigged.
As protests swept the country, she was elected to the seven-person leadership of the self-styled Coordination Council, a body established to overcome the ongoing political crisis through negotiations. Most of its leaders have been arrested, deported or fled the country, according to the news release.
Ms. Kalesnikava was abducted on 7 September by a group of masked men presumed to be security agents. She was driven to the border the next day, where she was told she would be deported “alive or in bits”. However, she reportedly managed to thwart deportation by ripping up her passport.
She then disappeared for three days with no information on her whereabouts or state of health. On 10 September, authorities said she was held in pre-trial detention in Minsk, and on 16 September, she was officially charged with undermining national security, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Kseniya Halubovich
Protesters, young and old, have taken to the streets in Belarus over the disputed presidential election.
The experts also called on Belarus to conduct prompt and effective investigations into what happened to Ms. Kalesnikava, uphold her right to an effective remedy, and identify and hold perpetrators accountable.
“It is unacceptable that her relatives and associates were denied information on her whereabouts for three days in clear violation of fundamental safeguards enshrined in national legislation and international law,” they said.
Several opposition politicians have reportedly been forcibly taken to borders with Poland, Lithuania or Ukraine and expelled from Belarus. Those who refused to leave, such as Ms. Kalesnikava, have faced reprisals.
‘Absolutely no justification’ for disappearances
The human rights experts strongly reminded Belarus that there are “absolutely no circumstances” that can justify enforced disappearances – not political instability or any other public emergency.
“Belarus must strictly comply with fundamental legal safeguards to prevent enforced disappearances,” they underlined.
“These include immediate registration, judicial oversight of the detention, notification of family members as soon as an individual is deprived of liberty, and the right to hire a defence lawyer of one’s choice.”
Culture of impunity
In the news release, the experts also raised alarm over a culture of impunity in the country, stretching back decades.
“Regrettably, no progress has been made in the investigation and the search for several individuals who disappeared in the early 2000s,” they said, recalling a communication sent to the Belarusian government, earlier this year.
The experts reminded Belarus that it is “obliged to protect the relatives’ rights to truth, justice and reparations regarding past cases of enforced disappearance”.
The Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. The experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.
