Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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September 15, 2009
Discrimination remains a serious problem affecting all countries around the world. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay, speaking today in Geneva to the 20th session of the Human Rights Council.
Navanethem Pillay emphasized that the fight against discrimination in all its forms and the fight against impunity for serious violations human rights — among the priority tasks of the Directorate she heads.
The leading human rights defender expressed concern about the enormous gap between states' human rights obligations and the actual situation. She stated that today, there is not a single country in the world free from human rights violations.
The High Commissioner drew attention to the fact that discrimination and violence against Roma are rampant in Europe. The list of countries where they are systematically targeted, including by police, includes 17 European states. In Latin America, indigenous communities continue to be persecuted and harassed. In the Persian Gulf region, the situation of women is a concern. Chinese authorities are failing to provide adequate protection to national minorities.
Addressing the issue of impunity, Navanethem Pillay called on all states not to turn a blind eye to gross human rights violations, especially against civilians during armed conflict.
The UN representative expressed particular concern about human rights violations in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. She stated that the "democratic deficit" remains a major obstacle to human rights work in many other countries.
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