Violations In Honduras Following Coup

Human Rights Council Deplores Violations In Honduras Following Coup

New York, Oct 1 2009 6:10PM Strongly condemning the coup d’état in Honduras in June, the Human Rights Council today called for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law in the Central American country and an immediate end to all violations of human rights.

Council members, meeting in Geneva, adopted a resolution in which they expressed concern about the ongoing situation in Honduras, particularly in the wake of the return of President José Manuel Zelaya to the country on 21 September.

Mr. Zelaya sought shelter in the Brazilian embassy in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital, after he returned, and since then the authorities who took power in June have curtailed media outlets and restricted the supply of food, water and electricity to the embassy.

The resolution, which was adopted without a vote, calls for “unconditional respect” for all human rights and fundamental freedoms in Honduras and stresses the need for all sides to refrain from violence and to respect the rule of law.

The text also voices support for regional efforts to restore the democratic order in Honduras and asks UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay to present a comprehensive report on the situation since the coup occurred.

The resolution on Honduras was one of 15 adopted by the Council today, along with two decisions, on issues ranging from the elimination of discrimination against people affected by leprosy to the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

ENDS

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