Human rights violations in Iran, Congo and Burma concern UN

Louise Arbour, the United Nations Chief Human Rights Official, made a recent speech in which she expressed concern over abuses in Iran, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Burma, Voice of America reported Thursday.

Arbour visited Iran earlier this month as reports mounted of heightened restrictions on dissent. She told the Iranian officials whom she met with that it is necessary to protect the right to peaceful protest. She also expressed distress over the number of executions taking place in the country, especially in regards to juveniles.

Arbour also discussed violations occurring in the DRC, where perpetrators of human rights violations are still not being brought to justice. “None of the perpetrators of the serious crimes committed during the first six months of 2007 have been arrested and brought to justice,” Arbour said. “Interference by military and political authorities in the administration of justice is prevalent, particularly in high-profile cases. Recent trials raise serious questions about the independence of the judiciary.”

Burma was another focus of concern due to the government’s suppression of peaceful protests, among other issues.

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