UNITED NATIONS: Canada turned a searching spotlight Dec.5 on global violators of human nights, pointing an accusing finger at a score of nations that “blatantly disregard basic rights.”
But in a speech Sunday night in which she singled out the usual culprits China, Iraq and Cuba among them U.N. ambassador Louise Frechette also sounded an alarm over “the evils of racism and extremism” in Europe.
Without referring specifically to Germany, where attacks on foreigners have roused the indignation of the world, Frechette said Canadians are “dismayed” at the appearance of “ne\w forms of racism and extremism in parts of Western and Eastern Europe.”
An objective view of the world, she said, does not support the idea that human rights were any less an issue in rich, developed nations than in poorer, developing countries.
On Canada’s “hit list,” in what has become an annual exercise in the U.N. General Assembly, Frechette named.
«Iraq, for “systematic oppression” of the civilian population, particularly against Kurds in the north and Shiites in the southern marshlands.
«Iran, for its repressive attitude toward women and discrimination against the Bahal community.
Burma, for its incarceration of political prisoners, including Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
Cuba, for its “uncompromising refusal” to cooperate with human rights investigators.
Syria, called upon to honor its plans to eliminate barriers to travel abroad by Syrian Jews.
*India, urged to ensure a “full and transparent investigation into the occupation and siege of the Hazratbal Muslim shrine in Kashmir.
China, where “dissidents remain incarcerated for having voiced their opinions in a legitimate fashion.”
*Nigeria, “one of the greatest disses~ appointments” after elections were annulled and democratic institutions dissolved.
An immediate challenge facing, the ULN. Frechette said, is to create a high commissioner for human rights.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 10, 1993
