Resolution on the Situation of Human Rights in Djibouti
NGO Forum of participation meeting in Banjul (Gambia), from 25 to 27 April 2011 at the occasion of the 49th Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights,
Considering the result of the presidential elections held in April 8 2011, vitiated by the failure of the participation of opposition parties and this steadily since 2003;
Condemning violations of human rights repeatedly against civilians, members of opposition parties, independent trade unionists, journalists and human rights defenders by the Djiboutian authorities, including acts of torture, of degrading and inhuman treatment, as well as arrests and arbitrary detentions, and judicial harassment;
Condemning the violent repression by the Djiboutian authorities of peaceful demonstrations that took place in February and March 2011 that have caused several deaths by gunfire, dozens injured, during which dozens of demonstrators were arrested;
Deeply concerned about the repeated arrests of members and leaders of opposition parties and human rights defenders, including Mr. Jean-Paul Noel Abdi, President of the League Djiboutian Human Rights (LDDH) and harassment judiciary against him, and the continued detention of Farah Abadid Heldid, LDDH member as well as 71 political prisoners;
Considering the OAU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections in Africa AHG/Decl.1 (XXXVIII) and the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance signed by the Republic of Djibouti in June 15, 2007;
Recalling the Resolution on elections in Africa adopted at the 44th and 47th sessions of the ACHPR in which the Commission is “deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation of human rights in some African countries before, during and after election periods” and calls on states to “ensure protection before, during and after the elections, journalists, human rights observers and supervisors of election intimidation and other abuses of human rights“;
Noting the joint declaration of international missions observing presidential election of April 8 2011 in the Republic of Djibouti;
Recalling the resolution – ACHPR/Res.61 (XXXII) 02 (2002) – adopted in October 2002 by the Commission establishing Guidelines and Measures for prohibition and prevention Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Africa (Guidelines Robben Island);
Considering articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11 of the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights;
The NGO Forum of participation meeting in Banjul (Gambia) from 25 to 27 April 2011 on the occasion of the 49th Ordinary Session of the ACHPR asks the Commission to adopt a resolution:
Condemning the violations of human rights perpetrated in Djibouti against civilian populations;
Calling on the authorities of Djibouti to:
1. Fully respect the right to life and physical and moral integrity, freedom of expression and opinion, and freedom to choose their political representatives in accordance with the provisions of the African Charter on Human Rights and Peoples’ Rights;
2. Release all prisoners of conscience and human rights defenders, Farah Abadid Heldid, or if necessary, to prosecute them on fair trial and in a timely manner;
3. Ratify the African Charter on Democracy, elections and good governance, ensuring the holding of multiparty, free, democratic and transparent elections in the future.
Done in Banjul, April 27th, 2011
