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UN HRC – Report of the UPR Working Group on Guinea
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May 5, 2010

 

UN Human Rights Council

THE UPR WORKING GROUP EIGHTH SESSION

Consideration of UPR Reports
Report of the UPR Working Group on Guinea

May 4, 2010

Statement by the Delegation of the United States of America

Delivered by Mark Cassayre, Counselor

Thank you, Mr. President.

The United States welcomes Mr.Bakary Fofana, State Minister, Acting Foreign Minister and the Guinean delegation to the Working Group of the UPR. We have carefully considered the information the delegation has provided in its national report and in its presentation this morning. We offer the following comments and recommendations.

The United States supports the January signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement and the February establishment of a Transitional Government as positive steps toward the country’s return to constitutional order and rule of law.

We remain deeply concerned about human rights violations that have ensued from the country’s political and social crises, such as killings, sexual assaults, arbitrary detention, and torture, by security forces.

The United States recognizes that the end of the recent military regime presents an opportunity for democratic progress in the country and to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the civil liberties of its citizens. However, undisciplined security forces not subject to civilian control could derail this transition.

In light of these concerns, the United States makes the following recommendations:

  1. That the Government continue to adhere to the stipulations of the Ouagadougou Agreement, and to its commitment to support and start elections on June 27, 2010;
  2. That the Government fully support the national electoral commission’s efforts to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities in the electoral process;
  3. That the Government develop strategies to address human rights violations stemming from its political and social instability;
  4. That the Government commit to reinforcing civilian control of the military and civilian security forces, and develop training programs focused on ensuring respect for the rule of law and human rights.
  5. That the Government work with the OHCHR to establish an OHCHR office within Guinea as quickly as possible.

Human Rights Council