Brussels, 25/01/2013 (Agence Europe) - Engelbert Theuermann, who chairs the working group on human rights, COHOM, expressed his regret on Thursday 24 January that Israel had asked for the periodic assessment on the situation of human rights, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), to be postponed, after being initially set by the United Nations for 29 January. Theuermann also regretted that the Jewish state had suspended its relations with the Human Rights Council. Addressing the European Parliament committee on human rights, he said that Israel's decision not to take part in the UPR was a great shame, not only for the system itself but also for the participating states. He added that it was not in the interest of Israel either, and also said that the EU had raised the point with Israel at various levels. By way of conclusion, he asserted that the EU believes all UN member nations must cooperate with the Human Rights Council and its different mechanisms, and said they hope that, during the coming year, Israel will once more become part of the system.
Syria, Burma and North Korea to take part in Human Rights Council programme in 2013
Theuermann also said that, during the forthcoming sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, the “terrible, extremely worrying” situation in Syria will be one of the EU's top priorities. He stated that the EU will work closely with Turkey and the United States. Another priority is the situation in certain states in Burma. North Korea will be under discussion, as will Belarus, South Sudan, Cambodia, Eritrea and Democratic Republic of Congo.
The EU will also support Sweden and the United States so that the mandate of the rapporteur on Iran will be extended, and it will give its support to Washington in relation to the situation in Sri Lanka, Theuermann added. The situation of non-governmental organisations and the right to freedom of religion, the rights of children and of women will also be discussed.
The COHOM, which was created within the framework of the EU Council in 1987, is composed of human rights experts from member states and the European Commission. (CG/transl.jl)