Situation of human rights in Rwanda

Expresses deep concern at the continuing serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in the country, in particular those associated with the conflict in the north-west, and in regard to conditions of detention and the trial process of those accused of genocide and crimes against humanity; deeply regrets that no agreement could be reached on a new mandate for the Human Rights Field Operation in Rwanda, which consequently led to the withdrawal of the Field Operation from Rwanda on 28 July 1998; encourages further efforts by the Government of Rwanda to undertake a broad public debate aimed at further strengthening the functioning and independence of the National Human Rights Commission, urges the Government to work with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to facilitate the debate, and encourages the High Commissioner to continue to provide appropriate assistance; urges the Government of Rwanda to give the utmost priority to the prosecution and punishment of crimes of sexual violence committed against women, its causes and consequences; encourages the Government of Rwanda to further ensure the independence of the judiciary and, with the support of the international community, to strengthen the capacity of the judicial system, particularly taking additional steps to ensure full respect of fair trial guarantees; reiterates its concern at the conditions in most communal detention centres and prisons.

Adopted without vote, 85th meeting

4 p.

Adopted at the 85th plenary meeting, 9 Dec. 1998.