Liberal International Human Rights Committee Annual Report 2014
LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL is the world federation of over 100 liberal and progressive democratic political parties. LI was founded in 1947 to strengthen liberal ideals against totalitarianism and communism. LI has become the pre-eminent network for promoting liberalism, HUMAN RIGHTS, the rule of law,
social justice, a market economy and free trade.
Liberal International is the ONLY POLITICAL INTERNATIONAL with a human rights committee that actively contributes to the working mechanisms of the
United Nations through its UN ECOSOC consultative status.
Cover Photo: Taken during meetings with pro-democracy demonstrators in Hong Kong at Liberal International’s 193rd Executive Committee meeting, November 2014.
connect with us and support liberal values world-wide...
Like us on Facebook to discover what the LI Bureau and our member parties are doing to promote liberalism around the world.
Follow us on twitter to catch breaking news. Join the conversation during our statutory events... whatever continent they take place on!
Subscribe to our YouTube channel and watch exclusive commentary from international parliamentarians and liberal opinion formers.
Join our professional network and expand your contacts throughout the liberal world.
Access our website to find out more about LI. Discover where we have been and what we have said about the world’s most pressing political issues.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
Table of Contents Annual Report 2014 Foreword - uniting liberals in defence of human rights
1
Committee Overview
2
Priority Areas of Work LGBTI Rights
3
Women’s Rights
5
Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
7
Target Campaigns Globalisation of the Istanbul Convention
8
World Bank SOGIE policy
9
International Summits 59th Congress of Liberal International
10
Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy 11
LI at the Human Rights Council Annual Parliamentarians’ Meeting
13
Participation 25th, 26th, & 27th Sessions
16
LI Prize for Freedom 2014
17
LI Human Rights Bulletin
18
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
1
Foreword from the Committee Chair
Uniting liberals in defence of human rights Through global activism and policy debates during the course of 2014, Liberal International’s Human Rights Committee (HRC) solidified its position on the international human rights scene. Calling for the globalisation of the Istanbul Convention on Preventing Violence Against Women and petitioning the World Bank to adopt human rights standards, Liberal International has formed strategic partnerships - expanding the scope and outreach of its human rights work on behalf of our member parties and international liberalism. In addition to hosting the annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy for the first time, the Committee oversaw the release of the first edition of LI’s Human Rights Bulletin and sent policy-makers to participate in the work of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva and the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York.
Rights programme cycle; having done so a new composition for its Human Rights Committee has been confirmed as we enter an even more dynamic and challenging second programme period. It is with pleasure that I present this third annual report of Liberal International Human Rights Committee. This review covers the activities of the Committee for the calendar year of 2014 and showcases the progress and potential for liberals to share experiences, learn, and ultimately unite to promote universal human rights and fundamental freedoms. I would like to thank my Human Rights Committee colleagues and the human rights team at LI headquarters for their tireless efforts to realise our shared objectives.
Markus LĂśning Together, as liberals, we have achieved much but there remains much more to be done. LI has Vice President on the Bureau of Liberal International and Chairman of the LI Human now concluded the first 3 years of its Human Rights Committee
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
2
Overview of the Human Rights Committee
A new committee with renewed priorities Liberal International’s 193rd Executive Committee meeting in Hong Kong, renewed the mandate of the LI Human Rights Committee for a second 3-year period (2015-2017 inclusive). Building on the success of the first 3-year cycle, both applications for membership and areas of work increased. In total, 15 representatives from 11 countries, across 4 regions were selected to deliver on the Committee’s newly ratified priorities, including the promotion and advancement of women’s rights, LGBTI rights, responsibility to protect principle and freedom of belief. Further to this, the LI Bureau had re-confirmed Frank Van Dalen (VVD, LI full-member)as the Chairman of the LI LGBTI Rights Working Group and had selected Dr. Ketty Chen (DPP, LI full-member) as the Chairwoman of the LI Women Rights Working Group. More information about the new committee and its work can be found on the LI website.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
3
Priority Areas of Work
LGBTI Rights LI Supports Hong Kong Pride Expressing his support to the local LGBTI community on behalf of the global liberal family, LGBTI Rights Working Group, Frank Van Dalen, addressed the Hong Kong Pride, with liberals from Taiwan to the Netherlands in support.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
4
Priority Areas of Work
LI & ALN Host LGBTI Workshop in Kenya In another first for LI’s global human rights objectives, Liberal International and the Africa Liberal Network (LI cooperating organisation), hosted a workshop on LGBTI rights at the Pan Africa International Gay and Lesbian Association Conference (ILGA) in Nairobi, Kenya. Providing practical solutions to international condemnation of Nigeria and Uganda’s anti-gay laws, LI and ALN co-organized a workshop aimed at empowering the LGBTI community across the continent and widening LGBTI participation in the political process.
“We are here today as a show of our commitment to upholding and championing LGBTI Rights across the African continent .” - ALN Coordinator, Aimee Franklin
Working Group Session at LI’s 59th Congress Lessons for beating state sponsored homophobia topped the bill for the LGBTI working group, as it convened a panel within the fringes of Liberal International’s 59th Congress in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in April 2014. Contributors from Serbia and the Netherlands concluded that education and outreach is essential to overcome homophibia. The increasingly politicised nature of LGBTI rights is such that the panellists concluded that intra-party training and engaging with conservative politicians is necessary to tackle misconceptions about homosexuality.
“Only when we fight together and stand shoulder to shoulder can we be strong and win social acceptance around the globe.” - LI LGBTI Working Group Chair, Frank van Dalen
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report Priority Areas of Work
Women’s Rights
5
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
6
Priority Areas of Work LI & UN Watch Panel at CSW, New York Liberal International contributed directly in the work of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) for the first time this year - co-hosting a side-event on promoting gender equality within the framework of the 58th Session of the Commission in New York. Held in collaboration with LI partner, UN Watch, the event featured participants dedicated to empowering
women living in traditional societies including the Council of Muslims Facing Tomorrow, Initiatives for China, World Uygur Congress, and the International Council of Jewish Women. Liberal International was represented by Tinatin Khidasheli MP, who spoke of her experience as a female parliamentarian.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
7
Priority Areas of Work
Responsibility to Protect Building international alliances Building on the work of Liberal International’s 187th Executive Committee meeting in London, which focused on the Responsibility to Protect principle, Liberal International initiated informal cooperation with the United Nations Association of the United Kingdom (UNA-UK) to explore ways in which the two organisations could cooperate on the development of cross-governmental genocide prevention policies.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
8
Target Campaigns
Target Campaigns Globalization of the Istanbul Convention Violence against women is one of the most widespread human rights violations, typically stemming from persistent discrimination caused by socially rooted inequality between women and men.
The campaign has provided the LI membership with the unique opportunity to be at the forefront of a landmark initiative which has positioned LI as the leading political force on the issue.
While there are numerous international treaties Liberal governments are the most progressive worldwide attempting to address this issue, the Istanbul when it comes to promoting gender equality. Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence is currently Below, LI Vice-President on the Bureau Cecilia the only international legal instrument. Wikstrom MEP, delivers a message to the ALDE Party conference on Gender Equality, explains the LI is the only political international and civil society actor progress that women have made but reiterates that which has called for the globalisation of the Istanbul there is much left to do. Watch the full video here: Convention. https://goo.gl/nhTwDO
Campaign on World Bank Gender and SOGIE Safeguard Policy Working bilaterally with the World Bank-recognised advocacy organisation, Bank Information Centre (BIC), the LI Human Rights Committee has been active in lobbying the World Bank to adopt of a gender and sexual orientation and gender identity & expression (SOGIE) safeguard policy.
The objective of the campaign is to advocate for the World Bank to adopt a mandatory safeguard policy so as to mitigate gender or sexual orientation related risks associated with its investments.
The policy proposal is unique as it is pushing for the World Bank to adopt human rights standards when considering financial assistance which is an unprecedented move.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
10
International Summits
International Summits The 59th Congress of Liberal International - Business, Trade & Human Rights Human rights and free trade are at the centre of liberalism. To reinforce this relationship the LI Human Rights Committee hosted a panel discussion at LI’s 59th LI Congress in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on Business, Trade and Human Rights. Building on the advances on private investment and social responsibility at LI 58th Congress in Abidjan, the panel examined the delicate balance between maintaining sustainable economic growth and promoting and protecting human rights. Featuring prominent figures from academia, politics, civil society and business, participants discussed the advancement of ethical trading and business practices on a regional and international level. The panel also focused on how governing and opposition liberals can apply the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as debate concepts such as corporate social responsibility and Labour Rights - particularly in the garment industry. Chaired by LI Human Rights Committee Chair, Markus LÜning, the reflection included contributions from Leader of the Singapore Democratic Party, Dr. Chee Soon Juan; Moroccan Minister for the Environment, Dr. Hakima El Haite; Director of the India Committee of the Netherlands, Mr. Gerard Oonk; and Director of MODINT, Mr. Jef Wintermans.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
12
International Summits The Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy Raising awareness of human rights abuses is the first step to defeating them. So it was with pride that LI accepted an invitation to co-host the annual Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy. Featuring the testimonies of victims of human rights violations, the Summit is the largest single gathering of human rights practitioners and activists in Geneva and it is organised every year by LI Partner UN Watch. The 6th Session of the Summit included testimonies from victims of human rights violations in China, Cuba, Egypt, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, and Venezuela. LI Human Rights Committee Member Irwin Cotler MP delivered the opening remarks of the Summit by paying tribute to the legacy of Nelson Mandela to emphasise the need to protect political prisoners. With around 600 participants from across the civil society sector, the Chair of the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats (CALD) Women’s Caucus and Member of Parliament from the Cambodian National Rescue Party, Mrs. Mu Sochua MP, represented LI by participating in the closing session of the Forum titled Action: How Diplomats, MPs and Activists Can Effect Change.
In defence of “ liberal values, grassroots
“
I have devoted
these past 25 years to work in
- Mu Sochua MP
common cause with others
Address to Geneva Summit
for the freedom of political prisoners... We will come out of the shadows of darkness in to the LIGHT OF FREEDOM.
”
- Former LI HRC Member, Dr. Irwin Cotler Address to Geneva Summit 2014
empowerment is most cost-effective for longlasting democracy.
2014
”
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
13
LI at the UN Human Rights Council
LI at the UN Human Rights Council Meeting of Liberal Human Rights Parliamentarians: Migration and Human RightsStrengthening Economic, Social and Conflict-Driven Migration Policies How do liberals address the challenges posed by migration in a way that enjoys public support while countering populist rhetoric? This was the ambitious goal set ahead of the 2014 meeting of liberal parliamentarians at the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva, Switzerland. Engaging with the topic, a panel featuring the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights of Migrants, His Excellency Francois Crepeau, Head of the International Migration Law Unit of the International Organisation for Migration, Mrs. Kristina Touzenis, and Lebanese Member of Parliament, Mr. Khodr Habib, sought to balance the pressures facing both migrants and host countries. A further meeting was held with Chief of the Labour Migration Branch of the International Labour Organisation, Mrs. Michelle Leighton, where participants from Africa, Europe and the Middle East, addressed key issues around integrating the human rights of migrants into the post-2015 development agenda. The LI delegation was led by LI President, Dr. Juli Minoves and the Chair of the LI Human Rights Committee, Mr. Markus Lรถning.
“
“The solution to the migration problems [rests with] policies that foster and encourage mobility and diversity.”
14
UN Special Rapporteur, HE. Francois Crepeau
“Acknowledgment alone is not going to save the lives of millions of women and girls who fall victim to senseless acts of violence simply because of their gender. It is time to close the existing gaps in international women rights’ legislation.”
”
President of the International Network of Liberal Women, Margaret De Vos Van Steenwijk
“
“We will have to address [the migration] issue… we must empower migrants by giving them meaningful access to voice their concerns in our contemporary
UN Special Rapporteur, HE. Francois Crepeau
“[Recently] the framing of the issue of migration has been left to nationalist, populist parties.”
”
UN Special Rapporteur, HE. Francois Crepeau
“
“Together, we call on key international actors to commit to a comprehensive framework on global migration governance.”
President of Liberal International, Dr. Juli Minoves
“LI remains the only political international with the courage to engage in direct dialogue on the controversial issue of migration. “ President of Liberal International, Dr. Juli Minoves
“
‘LI calls on the international community together work with political internationals to promote and advance sensible migration policies.’
LI statement on the protection and promotion of the human rights of migrants 26th session of the UN Human Rights Council
”
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
16
LI at the UN Human Rights Council
25th session Written and Oral Statement on Elimination and Prevention of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Practices Raising awareness of the work done by the 2014 LI Prize for Freedom laureate Waris Dirie, LI called on the international community to step up its efforts in eliminating and preventing the harmful practice of female genital mutilation around the world.
26th session Written Statement on the Human Rights of Migrants Liberal International committed to a comprehensive framework on global migration governance in a written statement submitted to the 26th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council The statement highlighted the on-going efforts of liberals around the world to promote, protect and advance the rights of migrants. Particular reference was made to a number of progressive reports, including the recently adopted declaration on migration by LI cooperating organisation, the Arab Alliance for Freedom and Democracy (AAFD). LI called on the international community to work together with political internationals in order to promote and advance sensible migration policies, guaranteeing fair treatment before the law and preventing human rights abuses towards migrants.
27th session Written Statement on the Istanbul Convention Pushing for the extension of the Istanbul Convention on Preventing and Combatting Violence against Women beyond the borders of Europe, Liberal International submitted a written and oral statement calling on the UNHRC to adopt an all-encompassing global framework on women’s rights. The statements outlined the steps both LI and the International Network of Liberal Women had committed to undertake when a resolution calling for the extension of the jurisprudence of the Istanbul Convention beyond the borders of Europe was first adopted at the 59th LI Congress in Rotterdam. The oral statement was presented by the President of the International Network of Liberal Women, Margaret de Vos Van Steenwijk.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
17
Prize for Freedom 2014
LI Prize for Freedom Liberal International’s Prize for Freedom honours individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of human rights and promotion of fundamental freedoms in a country or region. The 2014 Prize for Freedom was presented to Ms. Waris Dirie, who has brought global attention to the suffering inflicted by female genital mutilation (FGM). A victim of FGM herself, the Somaliborn campaigner has established the Dessert Flower
Foundation, which focuses Liberal International in 2014, specifically on the issue of FGM the event was hosted by LI Past prevention and elimination. President, Lord John Alderdice, with the support of Receiving international media the International Office of the attention, parliamentarians and Liberal Democrats. their representatives from LI member parties across 5 regions “This award is for all the women of the world – Africa, Asia, in the world who are like me and Europe, and the Middle East and this award is for all those who North Africa - attended the don't have a voice or opportunity ceremony in the United to fight for their freedom”, said Kingdom’s parliament. Waris Dirie upon receiving the Prize from the then UK Home Originally nominated for the Prize Office Minister, Lynne by the German Group of Featherstone MP.
Liberal International: 2014 Human Rights Report
18
LI Human Rights Bulletin
LI Human Rights Bulletin Liberal International launched the inaugural edition of its Human Rights Bulletin on 25th November, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The Bulletin, which featured exclusive expert opinions from liberals around the world and commentary from UN Women, was centred on the theme of promotion and advancement of women’s rights.
This edition attracted high-level contributions from around the world, with opinion articles and interviews from Chief of the Civil Society Section of UN Women, Lopa Banerjee; the Foreign Minister of Iceland, Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson (Progressive Party - LI full member); and National Spokesperson for the Democratic Alliance (LI full member), Phumzille van Damme MP.
To better convey the work undertaken by the LI Human Rights Committee, each edition of the Bulletin - a quarterly publication - examines one of the Committee’s top priorities.
The first edition of the Bulletin can be found by clicking here.
Liberal International 1 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2HD Tel: +44 (0)207 839 5905 Email: HRC@liberal-international.org