UN IN THE FIELD

UN Human Rights in

G5 Sahel – LEGEND: Mali G5 Sahel – G5 Sahel – Niger Niger G5 Sahel – Mauritania**** (MINUSMA) Mali**** Niger**** **** Mauritania Chad Spotlights: Sudan (Dakar) Disa­bili­ties Guinea-Bissau Sudan (UNIOGBIS) (UNAMID/UNITAMS) Youth Guinea-Bissau (Addis Ababa) Women Guinea Somalia (UNSOM) Liberia South Sudan (UNMISS) Shifts: G5 Sahel – Burkina Faso**** Global constituency Burkina Faso Uganda Nigeria Prevention Malawi UN Sub-Regional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Madagascar Civic space (Yaoundé) Burundi Climate change (MINUSCA) (Pretoria) Democratic Republic of the Corruption Zimbabwe Congo (MONUSCO) Lesotho Mozambique Inequalities TYPE OF PRESENCE LOCATION Country/Stand-alone Offices/Human Chad, Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger, Sudan and New technologies Rights Missions Uganda People on the move Central Africa (Yaoundé, ), East Africa (Addis Regional Offices/Centres Ababa, Ethiopia), Southern Africa (Pretoria, ) and West Africa (Dakar, ) SDGs: Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Democratic Republic Human rights components of the Congo (MONUSCO/UNJHRO), Guinea-Bissau of UN Peace/Political Missions (UNIOGBIS)1, Mali (MINUSMA), Somalia (UNSOM), South Sudan (UNMISS) and Sudan (UNAMID/UNITAMS)2

Burkina Faso*, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Human Rights Advisers Madagascar*, Malawi*, Niger, Nigeria*, Rwanda and Zimbabwe*

G5 Sahel Joint Force Compliance Framework Project3, Other types of field presences Mozambique

* Human Rights Advisers deployed under the framework of the Sustainable Development Group. 1 T he UN Integrated Office in Guinea-Bissau completed its Security Council mandate on 31 December 2020. 2 T he Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2559 on 22 December 2020, which ended the mandate of UNAMID on 31 December 2020. Security Council resolution 2524, of 3 June 2020, established the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) with a strong human rights and civilian protection mandate. OHCHR has been taking steps to ensure the full implementation of the human rights mandate under Security Council resolution 2524 and under the Host Country Agreement. This will require the integration of the OHCHR Country Office within UNITAMS in 2021, in accordance with the OHCHR/DPKO/DPA/DFS Policy on Human Rights in UN Peace Operations and Political Missions of 2011. 3 F urther to Security Council resolution 2391 (December 2017), OHCHR supported the G5 Sahel Joint Force with the establishment of a Compliance Framework to ensure that military operations to combat terrorism in Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 225 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

In 2020, UN Human Rights increased its and social rights triggered a severe eco- In the East and Horn of Africa, ethnic footprint in Africa, including through the nomic contraction, risking a reversal violence and extreme poverty were major establishment of fully mandated country of the progress made in achieving the challenges in 2020. The region was offices in Niger and Sudan. Agreements Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). affected by several separate and interre- were also concluded for the deployment While governments generally responded lated conflicts. Ethiopia experienced a of human rights advisers (HRAs) in effectively to the pandemic by implement- new conflict in the Tigray region, with Burundi, Guinea-Bissau and Lesotho. ing health measures, curfews and other serious violations of international human The OHCHR Africa programme covers restrictions, such measures were at times rights and humanitarian law committed 49 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa and disproportionately used to restrict human by all sides, that spilled over to neighbour- consists of 26 field presences, including rights. In some countries, this included ing countries. The conflicts in Ethiopia four regional offices in Central Africa, arbitrary arrests and detentions, excessive and Somalia resulted in thousands of East Africa, Southern Africa and West use of force by law enforcement and mil- people being displaced and refugees flee- Africa; seven country offices in Chad, itary personnel, restrictions on freedom ing into neighbouring countries, with Guinea, Liberia, Mauritania, Niger, of expression, resulting in a shrinking significant humanitarian and protection Sudan and Uganda; 10 HRAs in the UN civic space and an increased prevalence needs. Civic space and media freedoms Country Teams (UNCTs) in Burkina of sexual and gender-based violence. The were curtailed, with reports of arbitrary Faso, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, pandemic also made it clear that when arrests and threats against human rights Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Nigeria, maximum available resources are not defenders (HRDs), political opponents, Rwanda and Zimbabwe; and seven human directed to progressively realize economic journalists and social media activists, in rights presences in UN peace missions and social rights during periods of eco- particular in the context of elections in in the Central African Republic (CAR), nomic growth, conditions are created for Tanzania and Uganda. the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased poverty and inequality and ret- (DRC), Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Somalia, rogression in the enjoyment of economic, In Southern Africa, which recorded over South Sudan and Sudan (Darfur). social and cultural rights (ESCRs) and the half of the number of cases of COVID-19 achievement of the SDGs. in Sub-Saharan Africa, pandemic-re- In Geneva, the Office provides support lated restrictions had an acute impact on to five special procedures country man- In this context, OHCHR shifted the focus people’s livelihoods. High rates of unem- dates, namely, Somalia (1993), Sudan of its work to addressing the human rights ployment and limited social protection 13 (1993) , Eritrea (2012), Mali (2013) impacts of the pandemic and support- schemes affecting millions of people led to and CAR (2013) and to the work of ing government responses. The Office social unrest and protests. Drought, flash the Commission of Inquiry on Burundi worked with UNCTs, Member States, floods and cyclones increased food insecu- (2016), the Commission on Human the (AU) and its organs rity and the loss of livelihoods, especially Rights in South Sudan (2016) and the and with national human rights institu- in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Team of International Experts on the sit- tions (NHRIs) and CSOs to monitor the uation in Kasai (2017). impacts of COVID-19 and government In Central Africa and the Lake Chad measures on human rights and to subse- Basin, attacks by Boko Haram and other In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic posed quently raise awareness. The information Islamic insurgents increased, result- a significant challenge for already frag- gathered by the Office was used to inform ing in insecurity for civilians and the ile governance systems and economies in policy documents and guidelines for displacement of thousands of people, Africa. It had devastating effects on the UNCTs and governments, ensure the inte- with women and girls facing a height- region’s economy and industrialization gration of a human rights-based approach ened risk of conflict-related sexual efforts. The resulting acute food insecu- (HRBA) and a gender perspective into violence (CRSV). General insecurity rity and negative impacts on economic COVID-19 responses in Africa, including was at times compounded by excessive Socio-Economic Response Plans (SERPs). counter-terrorism responses. Climate 13 The mandate of the Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan ended on 6 change also adversely affected livelihoods, October 2020, in accordance with Human Rights resulting in forced displacement and Council resolution 45/25. intensified conflicts between farmers and

226 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

herders, exacerbating existing fragilities rights by internal security forces in Economic Community of West African and underlying conflict triggers. Political Chad, Mauritania and Niger, including States (ECOWAS) and the International developments were influenced by elections by strengthening the capacity of NHRIs Conference for the Great Lakes Region in 2020 and those planned for 2021 and and CSOs to monitor and report on vio- (ICGLR). On 9 December 2019, the joint electoral preparations and funding that lations of international human rights law AU-UN Framework on Human Rights were impacted by COVID-19. This led and international humanitarian law. The concluded at the technical level and, in to increased political tensions in several Office continued to provide technical February 2020, it received leadership-level countries. In Cameroon, continued vio- assistance to the G5 Sahel Joint Force on approval. The Framework is expected to lence in the North-West and South-West the development of rules and regulations be signed by UN and AU Principals in regions led to increased human rights that are compliant with international 2021. OHCHR also supported regional violations against civilians and forced human rights law and international organizations, particularly the AU, with displacement and hampered humanitar- humanitarian law and regarding the the elaboration of laws and policies in the ian access. integration of human rights and protec- context of emerging human rights con- tion of civilians into the planning and cerns, including on climate change, digital West Africa and the Sahel region contin- conduct of operations. This included technology, inequalities, corruption and ued to face several challenges, including capacity-building with a focus on human people on the move. In addition, the terrorism, organized crime, climate rights, humanitarian and refugee law, Office supported the AU in mainstream- change, extreme poverty and weakened sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and ing human rights into its early warning State institutions. Terrorist activities sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) system, strengthened the capacities of civil became increasingly intertwined with in situations of conflict. society and NHRIs and helped to advance intercommunity conflicts and clashes the agendas related to women, peace and between farmers and herders, resulting The Office supported accountability security and youth. in heightened insecurity and violence and mechanisms in Africa, including by pro- compounding an acute humanitarian cri- viding assistance to the Commission on UN Human Rights initiated the oper- sis in large parts of the region. Systematic Human Rights in South Sudan and the ationalization of the Memorandum attacks by violent Islamic extremists on Team of International Experts on the sit- of Understanding (MoU), which was civilian and military targets in Burkina uation in Kasai. OHCHR offered support concluded with the African Court on Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria posed to the AU-UN joint assessment missions in Human and Peoples’ Rights, the African serious threats to peace and security. situations of crisis and to the deployment Commission on Human and Peoples’ In Nigeria, ongoing attacks by armed of surge capacity teams in the context of Rights (ACHPR) and the ICGLR. The groups and criminal elements as well as electoral violence in Côte d’Ivoire, Niger, Office supported the implementation farmer-herder clashes contributed to a Uganda and the conflict in the Tigray of the UN Strategic Framework for the degrading security environment in the region of Ethiopia. The Regional Office in Great Lakes Region. OHCHR is the co-leader of Pillar 6 on justice and con- country. The region faced complex chal- Southern Africa continued to work with flict prevention. OHCHR engaged with lenges, including the holding of peaceful, its national counterparts in Mozambique the Office of the Special Envoy of the transparent and credible elections, which by strengthening institutions for the pro- Secretary-General for the Great Lakes were impacted by COVID-19 and fuelled motion and protection of human rights, Region and the ICGLR to strengthen the political tensions. Excessive use of force in particular in relation to accountability capacities of NHRIs, HRDs and CSOs by security forces in the region, which led and the rule of law, and by responding to in preventing and resolving conflicts and to the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria and protection concerns in the northern part addressing political and electoral cri- an overall climate of impunity, negatively of the country. ses. In the context of implementing the impacted on respect for human rights and Moreover, OHCHR engaged with Support Project for the Protection of Child the rule of law. regional economic communities and Victims of Rights Violations (PAPEV), the UN Human Rights and the European subregional organizations to strengthen Regional Office in West Africa collabo- Union developed a project to reinforce their capacities in the area of human rated with ECOWAS, through its Gender respect for the protection of human rights, such as the AU and its organs, the Development Centre, to encourage the

UN Human Rights Report 2020 227 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Governments of the Gambia, Guinea, in order to guide UN responses in rela- Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger and Senegal tion to civil unrest, political protests and to include in their COVID-19 response other conflict triggers. The Emergency plans the reintegration of children in street Response Team (ERT) in the Regional situations with their families, as these Office for Southern Africa strengthened children constitute an important seg- the early warning and prevention agenda ment of the population that is frequently and operationalization of the regional left behind. Human Rights up Front (HRuF) Initiative by supporting the Resident Coordinators OHCHR field presences supported the (RCs) and UNCTs on human rights risk operationalization of transitional justice analysis. This included the establishment initiatives, in particular in the context of an integrated human rights monitoring of peace missions in CAR, the DRC and and analysis platform in Malawi. South Sudan. The Office also supported law reform, good governance and transi- Finally, the Office advocated with part- tional justice, including by contributing ners to increase their awareness about the to the UN strategic notes on the politi- shrinking civic space in the region and the cal transition in Mali and Sudan, and situation of HRDs. OHCHR strength- by supporting the implementation of ened the capacities of NHRIs and CSOs the recommendations of the Truth and to monitor and analyse human rights Reconciliation Commission of Liberia. violations in this context and assisted the ACHPR with developing a policy Focusing on ESCRs and the right to on reprisals. development, the Office supported a landmark class action lawsuit, in Kenya, on the right to a healthy environment. In July, the Environment and Land Court ruled in favour of the 3,000 residents of the Owino Uhuru informal settlement, awarding them US$13 million in compen- sation for the impacts on their health and environment caused by lead poisoning from an adjacent smelter. With regard to the PAPEV project, the Office provided support to 3,310 children in the context of COVID-19 in the Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Senegal and sup- ported authorities who are responsible for child protection to evaluate their national child protection strategies. UN Human Rights supported gov- ernments, CSOs and other actors to effectively engage with the international human rights mechanisms, integrate human rights into their implementation of the SDGs and link the principle of pre- vention with the human rights framework

228 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

BURKINA FASO Participation Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 P2 – The UN system and international,

20.90 million 273,000km² 0.452 (rank: 182/189 in 2019) - regional and national mechanisms pro- Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser vide increased, timely and effective protection to CSOs and individuals, Year established 2020 including from reprisals. Field office(s) Ouagadougou

United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework 2018-2020 OHCHR supported CSOs to increase Staff as of 31 December 2020 2 their participation in public processes related to their areas of concern. As part of the overall UN effort, UN XB requirements 2020 US$364,000 Human Rights contributed to supporting civil society platforms to monitor the pres- Key OMP pillars in 2020 idential and legislative elections that took Data sources and notes: place in November. In addition, a num- 1 UN (2020), Statistical Yearbook 2020: Sixty-Third Issue, UN, New York. ber of special procedures mandate holders 2 UNDP (2020), Human Development Report 2020, The next frontier: Human development and raised concerns with the Government the Anthropocene. 3 Sub-Committee on Accreditation of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions regarding the human rights implications (GANHRI), Chart of the Status of National Institutions. Accessed 20 January 2021. of legislation that was adopted in 2019, which amended the Penal Code to crimi- nalize the publication of information that PILLAR RESULTS: could be perceived as damaging to the Government’s efforts to fight terrorism. Peace and Security PS6 – Support provided by the United It is believed that this legislation threat- Nations to national and regional security ens the work of HRDs and potentially PS3 – Strategies to prevent and respond forces, law enforcement agencies and non- restricts freedom of information and the to conflict consistently integrate human State actors integrates human rights and . rights protection. complies with the Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). By providing advice to the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), OHCHR sup- Through advocacy and technical support, ported the integration of human rights OHCHR aimed to establish an HRDDP into UN programmes. Task Force in the UNCT to ensure the con- The HCT adopted a Protection Strategy sistent application of the policy to all UN and a corresponding Plan of Action with activities across the country. strong human rights foundations. To con- The HRA facilitated training sessions on tribute to this result, the HRA provided the policy with 11 Heads of agencies and led normative guidance, robust analysis based the process of developing the terms of refer- on data and advice on the application of ence for the Task Force. While the UNCT an HRBA to protection. has not yet formally established the Task Force, selected projects were analysed in light of the policy.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 229 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

BURUNDI Peace and Security Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 PS3 – A range of international actors and 11.89 million 28,000 km² 0.433 (rank: 185/189 in 2019) “B” Status (2017) constituencies are mobilized to prevent Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser conflict in Burundi. Their interventions Year established 2020 take into account the specific needs of women, individuals at risk and margin- Field office(s) Bujumbura alized groups. United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework 2019-2023

Staff as of 31 December 2020 1 OHCHR contributed to the increased pro- tection of women, individuals at risk and marginalized groups from human rights XB requirements 2020 US$1,560,000 violations by participating in mechanisms that were put in place in cooperation with Key OMP pillars in 2020 other stakeholders.

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 UN Human Rights continued to partici- pate, primarily through videoconference, in informal discussions of the Early PILLAR RESULTS: Warning Group that it established in 2017. The discussions were held to enhance Accountability processing the trials, the mobile courts collaboration between the diplomatic ordered the release of four teachers from community and international organiza- A1 – The justice system and the judicial Kagamba, in Cankuzo Province, who had tions with a human rights mandate on administration establish and apply laws, been arbitrarily detained. In addition, issues related to human rights protection policies and practices that effectively from 25 to 27 November, OHCHR and in Burundi. In 2020, the Group discussed address human rights violations, protect the INHRC co-organized a national con- a number of emblematic cases of human victims and others at risk and ensure that sultation workshop for representatives of rights violations, which were addressed human rights complaints are investigated. the INHRC, government departments, through advocacy with competent author- ities, whenever possible. The engagement CSOs and other stakeholders on the establishment of a National Preventive of the Group resulted in the release of four OHCHR contributed to the establishment Mechanism (NPM) under the OP-CAT. journalists from the Iwacu Media House, and functioning of accountability and Burundi ratified the OP-CAT in 2013, who had been sentenced, in January, to protection mechanisms that conform to yet it failed to establish an NPM within two and a half years in prison for attempt- ing to threaten the internal security of the international human rights standards by the required timeframe. The consultation State. The ruling was widely regarded by supporting mobile courts. workshop recommended the designation the human rights community as politically With technical support from UN Human of the INHRC to host the NPM and the motivated and in violation of the right to Rights, the Independent National Human establishment of an ad hoc committee to a fair trial. Rights Commission (INHRC) and the draft the relevant governing provisions, judicial administration of Burundi held which were submitted to the Government seven mobile courts within the juris- and the Parliament for consideration and dictions of Ngozi (north), Muyinga adoption. The Government endorsed the (north-east), Ruyigi (east), Rumonge recommendation and set in motion the (south-east) and Bururi (south). In addi- process for the effective establishment of tion to expediting 206 case files and the NPM.

230 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Participation CENTRAL AFRICA P1 – A national mechanism is created Type of engagement Regional Office to protect the rights of CSOs and indi- Burundi, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, viduals, supported by a clear legal Countries of engagement Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tomé and framework that complies with interna- Principe tional human rights standards. Year established 2001 Field office(s) Yaoundé, Cameroon By facilitating training workshops, Staff as of 31 December 2020 15 OHCHR sought to contribute to the func- tioning of protection mechanisms for civil society actors. XB income US$1,045,126 XB requirements 2020 US$1,076,000 From 10 to 12 March, UN Human Rights organized a workshop for young girls XB expenditure US$281,408 and women from the Association for Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 Progressive African Youth, which brought 53% 36% 11% $149,099 $100,016 $32,294 together 40 participants from Burundi’s 18 provinces. The workshop addressed RB expenditure US$1,448,240 issues such as protecting human rights Personnel Non-personnel in the context of elections, gender ste- 73% 27% reotypes and their consequences and the $1,050,643 $397,597 impact of women and girls’ participation Key OMP pillars in 2020 in the democratic process. The workshop contributed to raising the awareness of Data sources and notes: attendees about their right to participate 4 OHCHR, as part of the UN Secretariat, charges 13 per cent of Programme Support Cost (PSC) on all direct in the management of public affairs and costs, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 35/217 of December 1980. For activities implemented equipping them with the skills to do so. jointly with other UN partners, however, the related indirect PSC is reduced to seven per cent. This explains a lower PSC percentage average.

PILLAR RESULTS:

Accountability increased conformity with international standards, including by providing tech- A2 – Protection mechanisms are in place nical support. and strengthened to ensure effective From 22 to 23 July, the ICGLR Secretariat, follow-up on human rights violations, UN Human Rights and the Network including seeking redress on behalf of of African National Human Rights victims, in Cameroon and the Republic Institutions co-organized a virtual of the Congo. workshop for NHRIs and other stake- holders of the Great Lakes region aimed

at discussing and defining strategies to OHCHR contributed to the functioning support the strengthening and effective- of national protection mechanisms in ness of NHRIs. A total of 43 participants

UN Human Rights Report 2020 231 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

(17 women, 26 men) attended from PS5 – The UNCTs in Cameroon, the ICGLR countries in which the NHRIs Peace and Security Congo and Gabon align their activities have not yet been accredited by GANHRI PS3 – Regional bodies and national with the UN Secretary-General’s Human with “A” status, namely, Angola, Burundi, security authorities use information on Rights up Front Initiative. CAR and the Republic of Congo, as well conflict triggers and the impact of conflict as member countries of the Economic on human rights to implement effective Community of Central African States, protection measures. OHCHR contributed to the integra- namely, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and tion of international human rights Sao Tomé and Principe. NHRIs from norms, standards and principles into the the DRC and Rwanda, which have been Either directly or by supporting targeted humanitarian work of UN agencies in accredited with “A” status, were invited efforts of the international community, the subregion. to share their experiences and good OHCHR increasingly advocated with practices. Among other objectives, the Based on the framework of collabora- relevant governments in the subregion workshop advocated for the creation of tion with the Regional Office for Central regarding specific human rights issues. a platform through which NHRIs from Africa, UN Human Rights participated the region can share their experiences UN Human Rights regularly engaged in regular meetings, during which human and good practices and discuss how to with UN entities and other actors to rights and other issues of concern were strengthen their institutional and opera- contribute to a number of prevention discussed. The Office contributed to the tional capacities with a view to becoming activities. In January, the Office par- reports of the Special Representative of fully compliant with the Paris Principles. ticipated in meetings of the Protection the Secretary-General for Central Africa, The workshop also enabled participants Cluster in Cameroon, during which including on children and armed conflict, to draft road maps for the enhancement of human rights concerns were raised and conflict-related sexual violence, strength- their respective country’s NHRI. strategies to address those concerns were ening human rights action in the field and discussed, leading to the development the protection of civilians. In November, the OHCHR Regional of an action plan. In addition, OHCHR Office held a high-level consultation with participated in UN meetings related to the Parliament of Gabon on the Paris the human rights impacts of COVID- Principles and good practices that have 19 in Cameroon, thereby contributing been implemented by independent and to the development of a communication effective NHRIs in the region. This activ- and outreach strategy to inform local ity was instrumental in encouraging the communities on preventive measures to strengthening of the National Human tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. In this Rights Commission (NHRC). The 50 context, OHCHR met with authorities participating senators and the plenary and other stakeholders in the country of the committed to to discuss actions being taken in deten- the adoption of a draft law that would tion facilities to prevent the spread of the enhance the NHRC’s capacity and urged virus. Following OHCHR’s advocacy and the Government to expedite the reform the adoption of Presidential Decree No. process. OHCHR will follow up with the 2020/193, a total of 6,942 detainees were Government to facilitate the submission of reportedly released. the draft law to the Parliament for consid- eration during the second quarter of 2021.

232 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC: UNITED NATIONS Participation MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED STABILIZATION P6 – Marginalized groups participate MISSION IN THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (MINUSCA) more actively in political and public life, Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 locally and nationally. 4.83 million 623,000 km² 0.397 (rank: 188/189 in 2019) -

Type of engagement Peace Mission

Year established 2000 OHCHR trained rights-holders to support their meaningful participation in selected Bambari, Bangassou, , Berberati, , public processes. Field office(s) Bossangoa, Bria, Kaga-Bandoro, Ndele, Obo and Paoua On 20 June and 15 July, 105 media profes- United Nations Development Assistance Framework sionals (48 women, 57 men) from across UN partnership framework 2018-2021 Cameroon were trained on handling infor- mation during times of crisis. This activity Staff as of 31 December 2020 66 helped to improve the way that journalists reported on the COVID-19 pandemic and enabled UN Human Rights to establish XB requirements 2020 US$98,000 mechanisms for the rapid verification of COVID-19-related human rights concerns Key OMP pillars in 2020 on the ground. 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 From 15 to 17 September, 28 represen- tatives of law enforcement bodies and PILLAR RESULTS: six representatives of media outlets in Cameroon were trained, resulting in the adoption of guidelines on working in the Peace and Security including CSOs, academia, legal prac- tices and associations of youth, women, context of crises. The training led to the PS4 – A comprehensive national transi- victims and religious communities. establishment of a collaboration frame- tional justice strategy is developed and The next steps will include supporting work that will enable journalists to more implemented and it is gender-sensitive. easily gain access to security and defence the capacity-development of the com- missioners, recruiting technical staff information sources. and developing the Commission’s pro- OHCHR provided technical support to gramme of work. UN Human Rights and develop a comprehensive national transi- the HRD collaborated with UNDP and tional justice strategy. experts from the International Center for Transitional Justice to provide technical Significant progress was achieved in support to relevant authorities and institu- the transitional justice process with tions, including the Steering Committee, the adoption, in February, of Law No. that were tasked with drafting the law 20-009, which established the Truth, on the Commission. As a member of the Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Selection Committee, the HRD strongly Commission. On 30 December, 11 can- advocated for the respect of the selection didates, including five women, were criteria outlined in Law No. 20-009 to officially confirmed as commissioners by ensure that candidates have strong human Presidential Decree No. 20-435. The 11 rights profiles. commissioners are from various organi- zations and professional backgrounds,

UN Human Rights Report 2020 233 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

The HRD supported the implementa- on human rights concerns linked to the In collaboration with other components tion and fulfilment of the mandate of the presidential elections, in December. of MINUSCA and national authorities, Inclusive Commission, which is composed UN Human Rights and MINUSCA’s The HRD continued to partner with of representatives of national authorities HRD jointly supported the Government’s and support the High Council for and the armed groups that signed the efforts in relation to security sector Communication to ensure the full Peace Agreement. In accordance with reform and the deployment of defence implementation of its mandate on the article 11 of the Peace Agreement, the and security forces beyond the capital prevention of hate speech and public Commission was tasked with developing through the application of the HRDDP. incitement to violence. In April, the HRD recommendations on seeking justice The HRD led the HRDDP Secretariat and the High Council co-organized two for crimes committed in the context and organized the HRDDP Task Force workshops, in collaboration with associ- of the armed conflict in CAR with a meetings, conducted 63 risk assessments ations of women, to prevent hate speech view to transmitting them to the Truth, and recommended mitigating measures and incitement to violence in two districts Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation to ensure that UN support to the national of Bangui. Participants included 116 Commission. With the support of the defence and security forces complied with women and four men. The HRD was also HRD, the Inclusive Commission drafted the Policy. In addition, the HRD was involved in the delivery of seven work- and submitted its final report to the Prime closely involved with the vetting of eligible shops on the prevention of hate speech and Minister in May. ex-combatants prior to their integration misinformation relating to the COVID- into socio-economic life. The HRD vetted Since November, the HRD, UNDP and 19 outbreak in four districts of Bangui, a total of 2,807 candidates, 39 of which UN Women have cooperated to contract which were attended by 124 women were excluded due to their alleged involve- two consultants to work on a study on and 296 men. The workshops led to the ment in violations of human rights and reparations that will inform the work of establishment of community focal points domestic law. the Commission once it is operational. to help prevent human rights violations, discrimination, stigmatization and misin- The HRD regularly monitored the formation related to COVID-19 in their behaviour of national forces deployed in PS5 – National institutions and non-State respective communities. Finally, during the region and documented every mis- actors increase their capacity to promote the electoral process, the HRD supported conduct or human rights violation they and protect human rights more effectively. field missions of the High Council for committed. The HRD established a com- Communication to sensitize the popu- munication system with the Government lation on the need to prevent electoral to share reports, on a quarterly basis, violence as a consequence of spreading on human rights violations that were OHCHR contributed to the increased hate speech. primarily committed by the national compliance of State institutions with defence and security forces. This helped international human rights standards by draw the attention of relevant authorities, providing guidance to relevant authorities. Accountability particularly the Minister of Defence, to Within the context of the implementation A1 – The actions of judicial institutions these allegations and encouraged the of its early warning mandate, the National and defence and security forces increas- Government to conduct investigations Committee on the Prevention of Genocide, ingly comply with human rights. and implement disciplinary action in cer- War Crimes and tain cases. and Discrimination organized 10 field visits, with technical and financial sup- OHCHR contributed to the improved port from the HRD, to Boali, Berberati, compliance of State institutions with Nola, Mbaiki, Obo, Ndele, Bossangoa, international human rights standards Bouar, Bangassou and Sibut. Following through technical and expert advice. these visits, focal points were established in these locations to provide information

234 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

A3 – Judicial authorities and the NHRC CHAD act on at least half of the cases they receive 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) regarding crimes associated with gen- 16.43 million 1,284,000 km² 0.398 (rank: 187/189 in 2019) “B” Status (2009) der, including those that involve women Type of engagement Country Office and youth. Year established 2018

Field office(s) N’Djamena OHCHR sought to increase the propor- United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework tion of human rights violations cases that 2017–2021 were positively addressed by relevant Staff as of 31 December 2019 10 actors, including through advocacy work. UN Human Rights conducted six field XB income US$999,152 monitoring missions in the provinces of Ouaddaï, Lake Chad, Moyen-Chari, XB requirements 2020 US$2,272,000 Mandoul, Logone Occidental and Logone XB expenditure US$1,340,967 Oriental. The missions were undertaken Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 to monitor specific violations related to 64% 25% 11% intercommunity conflicts, gender-based $856,690 $338,218 $146,059 violence and child exploitation as well as the conditions in prisons and other Key OMP pillars in 2020 places of detention. During the missions, UN Human Rights gathered information 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 that formed the basis for its subsequent advocacy with authorities. As a result, five human rights violations were redressed PILLAR RESULTS: in relation to the arbitrary arrest of journalists, HRDs, CSO leaders and Accountability the Commission had greatly improved its alleged members of Boko Haram and the capacity and had begun acting in defence ill-treatment of detainees. Due to the over- A1 – The National Human Rights of human rights, with an emphasis on crowding of detention centres, the Office Commission (NHRC) is established detention and the freedom of peaceful advocated for the release of prisoners as and functioning in conformity with the assembly. UN Human Rights contributed an exceptional measure in light of the Paris Principles. to these results by consistently advocating COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 3,050 prisoners were released within the frame- for the reform of the NHRC with govern- ment authorities and offering advice as the work of the Government’s COVID-19 OHCHR contributed to the function- Commission commenced its work. Further, contingency measures. Among the 3,050 ing of the NHRC, which is operating it provided additional financial support prisoners who were released, 21 were in increased conformity with the Paris and training for NHRC staff members on pregnant, 203 were over the age of 60, Principles, by providing it with technical human rights monitoring and reporting. 225 were minors, 149 were ill and 518 had and financial support. served three quarters of their sentences. Following the 2018 adoption of the legis- lation for the functioning of the NHRC, the Commission was formally established in February, and its 11 members, including five women, took office. By the end of 2020,

UN Human Rights Report 2020 235 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Mechanisms Development M1 – National institutionalized structures D7 – UN strategic programmes take facilitate an integrated and participatory account of human rights when they are approach to reporting to the international drafted, implemented and evaluated. human rights mechanisms and the imple- mentation of their recommendations.

OHCHR provided substantial support,

which contributed to the integration of OHCHR supported the Government of international human rights standards into Chad in taking steps to implement its UN plans and programmes in Chad. human rights commitments. UN Human Rights regularly participated During Chad’s third cycle of the Universal in inter-agency and Protection Cluster Periodic Review (UPR), the Government meetings. As a result, UN Human Rights committed to abolishing the death pen- succeeded in integrating human rights alty and ratifying ICCPR-OP2. In May, considerations into a number of common the President enacted anti-terrorism leg- strategic and programmatic documents, islation, which abolished the previous such as the Common Country Analysis dispositions that allowed the death pen- (CCA), the UN multisectoral strategy in alty. The Government has not yet ratified support of the governmental response to ICCPR-OP2. COVID-19 and the COVID-19 Socio- Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA).

M1 – Chad submits the six reports to the human rights treaty bodies that are due, in compliance with reporting guidelines.

OHCHR contributed to the Government’s submission of quality reports to the human rights treaty bodies by deliver- ing training sessions and supporting the drafting process. With sustained support from UN Human Rights, the Government worked to reduce the delay in the submission of its periodic reports to the human rights treaty bodies, in 2020. UN Human Rights facilitated the drafting of the national reports under ICCPR and ICESCR. The latter was sub- mitted, in August, and the adoption of the list of issues is scheduled for 2021.

236 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

UNSDCF, the UNJHRO engaged in the DEMO­CRA­TIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: THE UNITED NATIONS JOINT HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE (UNJHRO) implementation of joint projects with UN agencies, funds and programmes, Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 notably five projects that were funded by 89.56 million 2,345,000 km² 0.480 (rank: 175/189 in 2019) “A” Status (2018) the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund Type of engagement Peace Mission (PBF) in the conflict-torn provinces of the Year established 2008 Kasai, Kasai Central, Tanganyika and South Kivu. Bandundu, Beni, Bukavu, Bunia, Butembo, Dungu, Goma, Kalemie, Kananga, Kindu, Kinshasa, Field office(s) Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Matadi, Mbandaka, Mbuji- Peace and Security Mayi, Thsikapa and Uvira

United Nations Development Assistance Framework PS5 – DRC security forces adopt an UN partnership framework 2020-2024 increased number of mitigation and corrective measures based on risk assess- Staff as of 31 December 2020 96 ments that comply with the HRDDP.

XB requirements 2020 US$10,902,000 OHCHR supported the functioning of Key OMP pillars in 2020 accountability and protection mech-

anisms in greater conformity with 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 international human rights standards. In 2020, the UNJHRO continued its PILLAR RESULTS: follow-up of emblematic cases with the military justice system to enhance the pro- tection of civilians and improve the fight Development Consequently, its outcome is fully aligned against impunity. The UNJHRO’s col- with the recommendations issued by the D7 – The United Nations Development laboration with the HRDDP Secretariat, international human rights mechanisms MONUSCO and national partners led to Assistance Framework (UNDAF) 2020- in relation to the DRC and the SDGs. increased compliance with the HRDDP 2024 integrates relevant international Following this key achievement, the and standard operating procedures (SOPs) human rights standards and princi- UNJHRO continued its engagement with on the ground, in particular regarding ples and references recommendations the UNCT to support the integration of the prosecution of alleged perpetrators of issued by the international human rights human rights into the SDGs. For instance, serious human rights violations. In 2020, mechanisms. the Office led the UNCT-DRC National more than 20 meetings were organized Voluntary Assessment of the SDGs and with judicial authorities to discuss techni- OHCHR contributed to the integration of systematically included an HRBA and cal aspects of judicial cases. This included international human rights standards and key indicators in the UNCT’s annual designing a proper prosecutorial strategy recommendations issued by the interna- workplan. tional human rights mechanisms into UN and developing and implementing judicial In the framework of the COVID-19 common country programmes. protection measures for the benefit of vic- response for the country, the Office tims and witnesses. The Comités de suivi The United Nations Sustainable worked on the elaboration of the National of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Development Cooperation Framework Response Plan and the UN Response Republic of the Congo (FARDC) held 28 (UNSDCF) process was largely informed Plan to ensure the integration of key sessions and the Comités de suivi of the by reports from the United Nations human rights activities and indicators. Congolese National Police (PNC) held Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO). Furthermore, within the context of the 32 sessions in the provinces of North and

UN Human Rights Report 2020 237 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

South Kivu, Kinshasa, Ituri, Tanganyika, programmes with international human 403 girls, 14 men, 13 boys) received Kasai and Maniema. The committees rights standards, with a focus on women’s legal, medical and psychosocial assis- addressed human rights violations com- human rights. tance, resulting in 80 judicial decisions, mitted by State security and defence forces including 74 convictions (138 from civil- In support of the fight against impunity, and followed up on remedial measures. In ian court, 40 from military court). the UNJHRO collaborated with civil- addition, during the period of January to ian and judicial military authorities to The UNJHRO cooperated with the Office June, the UNJHRO undertook 14 mon- undertake and participate in a total of of the Special Advisor to the Head of State itoring activities, with an emphasis on 114 field investigations or monitoring on Youth and Gender-Based Violence and the trial of Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka in the missions, mainly in the Kasai and Kasai other partners to support the drafting and Operational Military Court of North Central, Ituri, North and South Kivu finalization of a road map in relation to Kivu, in Goma. and Tanganyika provinces. A total of 14 gender, which covers all related FARDC The UNJHRO participated in the drafting mobile court sessions were organized, and PNC action plans. The objective of of the Peace Accord Agreement between primarily to address emblematic cases, the road map is to facilitate the imple- the Government and the Forces de résis- and a total of 127 detainees were released mentation of the Addendum to the Joint tance patriotique de l’Ituri (FRPI) to as a result of the UNJHRO’s efforts Communique between the Government of ensure its alignment with international (18 women, 87 men, 23 children). The the DRC and the UN on the fight against law standards, including the right to UNJHRO continued supporting judicial sexual violence in conflict. Support was justice, truth and compensation for vic- authorities in handling cases of interna- also provided to establish a Call Centre for tims, and to provide the UNJHRO with tional crimes. A total of 369 convictions reporting gender-based crimes and domes- the opportunity to screen armed mili- (161 from FARDC, 68 from PNC, 87 tic violence in the context of COVID-19 tants identified for demobilization and members of armed groups and 53 civilians) and to provide remote assistance to vic- reinsertion. The HRDDP Secretariat were recorded for serious human rights tims, in collaboration with partners. conducted the background and profile violations. Among the emblematic cases Finally, the UNJHRO held monthly meet- checks of 1,185 individuals and created that were supported by the UNJHRO, in ings with representatives of the Ministry and updated 389 new profiles. Some collaboration with the United Nations of Justice and the Kinshasa Prosecutors’ of the updates formed the basis of the Team of Experts on the Rule of Law and Office to follow up on cases of impunity UNJHRO’s constructive dialogue with Sexual Violence in Conflict, was that of and measures taken to reduce overcrowd- FARDC, PNC and national authorities Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka, the former leader ing in prisons, including in the context of and its cooperation with judicial actors of the armed group Nduma Defense of the pandemic. Positive outcomes included for the investigation and prosecution of Congo (NDC). Following a two-year the establishment of the Technical Group officers alleged to have committed serious trial, Ntabo Ntaberi Sheka was sentenced, on Penitentiary Issues (Sub-group 2 on human rights violations. on 23 November, by the Cour militaire legislation), which is responsible for draft- opérationnelle, in Goma (North Kivu), ing texts on reform of the prison system to life in prison for war crimes, including and for ensuring the release of at least Accountability murder, rape, sexual slavery and the 3,288 prisoners from several prisons in A1 – The judiciary increases the num- recruitment of children. the DRC. ber of convictions for human rights In the fight against impunity, the violations, including sexual and UNJHRO funded the operationalization gender-based violence. Oversight mech- of four legal clinics operated by CSOs in anisms strengthen disciplinary measures conflict zones: one in Kigulube, one in for the same offences. Luvungi in South Kivu, one in Beni in North Kivu and one in Tshimbulu in the

Kasai Central. The clinics provide assis- OHCHR contributed to the improved tance to victims of SGBV/CRSV. Out of compliance of State institutions and 1,726 persons, 760 victims (330 women,

238 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

UN Human Rights engaged with judicial EASTERN AFRICA schools in the region to enhance their Type of engagement Regional Office understanding of human rights in relation Countries of engagement Djibouti, Ethiopia and Tanzania to harmful gender stereotypes. The Office developed specific training materials on Year established 2002 the investigation of gender-related crimes Field office(s) Addis Ababa that were included in the curricula of the Staff as of 31 December 2020 23 International School of Judiciary Police, based in Djibouti. In collaboration with the Centre for XB income US$4,121,768 and the Institute XB requirements 2020 US$7,381,000 of Judicial Administration Lushoto, the Office convened a webinar for judges from XB expenditure US$2,354,319 Personnel PSC4 Africa and Asia to discuss access to justice 90% 10% and the protection of sexual and reproduc- $2,121,953 $261,699 tive rights in the context of COVID-19. The webinar offered a platform to discuss RB expenditure US$171,648 the impact of State responses to COVID- Personnel 100% 19 in both regions. $171,648 OHCHR, UNODC and UN Women also organized a webinar on the criminal jus- Key OMP pillars in 2020 tice response to violence against women 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 231 and girls in the context of COVID- 19. Participants discussed some of the challenges faced by women and girls in Ethiopia during the pandemic. PILLAR RESULTS:

Participation Accountability Technical assistance was provided to the Commission for the investigation of P1 – CSOs, women human rights A1 – Regional human rights mechanisms alleged human rights violations that were defenders (WHRDs) and other relevant are increasingly accessible to all. committed in the wake of protests that stakeholders advocate for human rights, occurred following the killing of a prom- especially women’s rights, more often and

inent musician. more effectively. OHCHR contributed to enhancing the compliance with international human rights standards of the NHRI in Ethiopia. A3 – Governments report, investigate OHCHR contributed to building the and prosecute gender-related crimes more UN Human Rights supported the strate- capacities of WHRDs and other stake- consistently. gic reform process of the Human Rights holders to improve the compliance Commission in Ethiopia, including by with international human rights stan- outlining recommendations that were out- dards of selected State institutions and programmes. lined in the new Ethiopian Human Rights OHCHR contributed to strengthening Commission Establishment (Amendment) accountability and protection mechanisms UN Human Rights strengthened Proclamation No. 1224/2020. with a focus on women’s human rights. the capacities of WHRDs and other

UN Human Rights Report 2020 239 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

stakeholders to advance the rights of and was attended by approximately 25 and manuals, including a human rights women in the region. In collaboration CSO representatives. The Office pro- training manual for AU human rights with DefendDefenders, the Office pro- vided financial and technical support observers. OHCHR enhanced its collabo- vided training to 120 WHRDs in East and to the Ethiopian National Association ration with various components of the AU Southern Africa on secure ways to work of the Blind to carry out the research, to strengthen their capacities to work on online and how to navigate in the context which identified gaps in laws, policies human rights, including through the final- of the pandemic. OHCHR also provided and practices in the protection of persons ization of the joint AU-UN Framework support for the creation of a national chap- with disabilities and highlighted how the ter of the East African Women Human COVID-19 pandemic has increased the on Human Rights. The Office launched Rights Defenders Network through the challenges they face. The research also Phase II of the joint AU-OHCHR-World establishment of the Coalition for Women provided recommendations to improve Bank Group (WBG) project on integrat- Human Rights Defenders in Tanzania. the protection of persons with disabilities. ing human rights into the AU Continental Early Warning System. To mark the International Day for In collaboration with CSOs in the the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Southern Nations, Nationalities and Moreover, OHCHR supported the AU Conflict, the Office organized a webinar Peoples’ Region of Ethiopia, OHCHR Gender, Peace and Security Programme on WHRDs and how to address SGBV conducted a radio programme on the (GPSP) and the AU Economic, Social during COVID-19 in East and Southern impacts of COVID-19 on human rights, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) to Africa. A total of 127 WHRDs and CSO with a focus on vulnerable groups. develop an advisory opinion to inform representatives discussed how COVID-19 had exacerbated instances of sexual and and guide the work of AU member states gender-based violence and how they had Peace and Security on advancing efforts towards the mean- adapted their responses to protect sur- ingful participation of women in peace PS3 – Regional and subregional bod- vivors in light of movement restrictions. processes. The Office supported the orga- ies and individual States increasingly They also proposed solutions to protect nization of six civil society consultations integrate human rights standards and survivors during the pandemic and pre- policies into their conflict prevention and on women, peace and security (WPS) and vent violence in the longer term. response strategies. the implementation of Security Council The Office supported the launch by the resolution 1325 across the African conti- Centre for Reproductive Rights of a nent. These consultations brought together report entitled The conflict in north-east OHCHR ensured the integration of CSOs and WPS experts from all regions of Nigeria’s impact on the sexual and repro- human rights into key strategies and the continent to identify key strategic rec- ductive rights of women and girls. The action plans developed by UNCTs and ommendations and direction for member report notes that women and girls affected regional actors on early warning and con- states on making Security Council resolu- by conflict are particularly vulnerable flict prevention. tion 1325 a reality for . to sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, sexually transmitted infec- UN Human Rights significantly contrib- Finally, the Office supported the integra- tions, sex trafficking, forced marriage and uted to the development of the terms of tion of human rights into the UNCT’s reference, strategies and workplans of forced and unintended pregnancy. humanitarian preparedness plan, which the Opportunity Issue-Based Coalitions In addition, the Office collaborated with was developed in response to the situation (OIBCs) to ensure that human rights were the of Ethiopian National in Tigray, Ethiopia, including the princi- at the forefront of strategic and opera- Associations of Persons with Disabilities tional frameworks. The Office was also a ple of Leaving No One Behind. OHCHR and the Ethiopian National Association key partner in the implementation of the played a key role in the development of the of the Blind to increase their human rights prevention strategy for the Horn of Africa. UNCT’s strategy on the prevention of hate awareness. A webinar was organized to speech in Ethiopia. validate a research paper on the impacts The Office provided the AU with continu- of COVID-19 on persons with disabilities ous support for the development of policies

240 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

various documents that were developed Non-discrimination Development in response to COVID-19 by UNCTs in ND4 – The decisions of national human D4 – Sexual and reproductive health poli- Djibouti, Ethiopia and Tanzania. The rights and justice mechanisms increasingly cies in the region increasingly comply with Office also supported the development promote gender equality and comply with international human rights standards. of strategic and technical documents international and regional human rights by the AU and other regional actors, standards. including the joint AU-UN Framework on Human Rights. OHCHR contributed to improving the level of compliance with international human In Ethiopia, OHCHR facilitated a train- OHCHR contributed to raising aware- rights standards of sexual and reproductive ing on an HRBA for CSOs, with a focus ness on SGBV and trafficking in women health policies and programmes. on data collection and the measurement of progress in implementing human rights and and girls. UN Human Rights developed a tool for achieving the SDGs. UN Human Rights supported various the AU to integrate the needs of women and girls into internally displaced persons The Office provided assistance to the AU activities to commemorate the 16 Days of (IDPs)/refugee situations under the African in developing a policy on business and Activism against Gender-Based Violence, Governance Architecture (AGA) and the human rights, ensuring the application of including a social media campaign that African Peace and Security Architecture the United Nations Guiding Principles on provided an overview of gender-based vio- (APSA), in collaboration with the African Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to lence (GBV) in the context of COVID-19. Union Women, Gender and Development digital technologies, in the framework of Furthermore, it provided 10 recommen- Directorate (AU-WGDD), UNHCR and the B-Tech Project. dations on how to address the issue and UN Women, on the basis of a joint study OHCHR also coordinated the joint organized a virtual policy dialogue under entitled Assessing the status of women’s UN Economic Commission for Africa the theme “Ending violence against women rights in refugee and internal displacement (UNECA) and the UN Special Rapporteur and girls: Action to guarantee women’s settings in the context of AGA and APSA. on extreme poverty and human rights safety in Africa,” which resulted in commit- The tool seeks to ensure that the needs of expert consultation on the implications of ments from AU member states and others displaced women and girls are at the fore- digitalization of social protection systems to integrate gender equality and women’s front of decision-making at the political in Africa. rights into COVID-19 recovery efforts. level and in all stages of the process, from Participants included AU member states, the design to the implementation of policies, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), programmes and initiatives. development partners, CSOs, youth and media representatives. D7 – When they implement the SDGs, The Office also offered support to the UNCTs and the Governments of Djibouti, CEDAW Committee in the development Ethiopia and Tanzania fully take into of a general recommendation on trafficking account human rights principles, including in women and girls in the context of global the right to development, as well as recom- migration by organizing a virtual regional mendations that have been issued by the expert meeting in Sub-Saharan Africa, in international human rights mechanisms. collaboration with UN Women and IOM. African experts and representatives of OHCHR supported the integration of CSOs and UN entities discussed the root human rights in programmes and policies causes of the increased risk to trafficking of UN and government partners. faced by women and girls. UN Human Rights ensured that human rights were systematically integrated into

UN Human Rights Report 2020 241 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

GUINEA disabilities, by raising their awareness about relevant human rights principles 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) and standards. 13.13 million 246,000 km² 0.477 (rank: 178/189 in - 2019) Following capacity-building training that was facilitated by UN Human Rights, Type of engagement Country Office WHRDs were involved in advocacy activ- Year established 2010 ities, in Nzérékoré, to tackle gender-based Field office(s) Conakry and Nzérékoré violence and maternal mortality. In addition, local authorities, community United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework and religious leaders received a briefing 2018-2022 on these concerns and participated in Staff as of 31 December 2020 18 an awareness-raising radio programme to inform relevant communities about these matters. XB income US$3,248,646 Through a partnership with a local NGO, XB requirements 2020 US$4,172,000 OHCHR supported the dissemination of XB expenditure US$2,452,098 the law on the promotion and protection Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 of persons with disabilities and the draft- 67% 22% 11% ing of its three enforcement texts. On the $1,630,842 $539,40 0 $281,855 legislative front, legislation and policies were adopted and amended, including Key OMP pillars in 2020 a new Civil Code, which improves gen-

der equality and addresses the rights of 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 women and children, and the Children’s Act, which was amended and promul- gated, in March. PILLAR RESULTS:

Participation videos and radio messages in the five main languages of the country, which P1 – A law that protects human rights were aired on national television, radio defenders has been adopted. stations and community radios.

By facilitating training activities, OHCHR P6 – By 2021, the participation in public aimed to build the capacity of civil society life of women and discriminated groups, actors to participate in public affairs. including youth and people living with albinism, has increased. These groups are Prior to the 2020 parliamentary and pres- idential elections, UN Human Rights able to claim their rights. trained 537 HRDs (253 women, 284 men) and disseminated a guidebook on human rights monitoring and reporting OHCHR contributed to the meaningful during the elections. The Office organized participation of rights-holders in public a major campaign against hate speech and processes, especially women and discrim- electoral violence and produced short inated groups, including persons with

242 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Development Peace and Security Mechanisms D7 – States integrate human rights, PS5 – Human rights are integrated M1 – An interministerial committee that including the right to development and into the UN contingency plan and UN is mandated to prepare State reports to the the outcomes of the international human Protection Clusters, particularly in the human rights treaty bodies and the UPR rights mechanisms, as they implement Forest region. is fully operational by 2021. the SDGs and other development and poverty eradication efforts. The UN supports them in these purposes and By providing technical advice, OHCHR OHCHR continued to support the exist- integrates human rights into its own contributed to the integration of interna- ing mechanism for integrated reporting development work. tional human rights norms, standards and and the implementation of recommenda- principles into UN programmes. tions issued by the international human rights mechanisms. UN Human Rights contributed to the Through technical advice, OHCHR sup- integration of an HRBA into the UN’s UN Human Rights supported the Human ported the integration of human rights assistance to development planning Rights Interministerial Committee approaches into development efforts. through two workshops for programme by facilitating a workshop to increase awareness about the responsibility for At the request of the Government, UN officers and human rights focal points at and commitment to implementing the rec- Human Rights began implementing a UN agencies. The training focused on the ommendations from the UPR. Guinea’s project on the right to development with fundamentals of the right to development, third UPR cycle was broadcast live in a view to enhancing its realization. In economic, social and cultural rights and Conakry and Nzérékoré. During the 2020, the focus of the project was on clos- the integration into UN programming of webcast, the Minister of Justice empha- ing the knowledge gap related to the right recommendations issued by the human rights treaty bodies and the UPR. sized the Government’s commitment to to development within the Government, ensuring accountability for the events of civil society and UN entities. This was pri- 28 September 2009. The wide dissemi- marily achieved through the organization nation of the videos of the two sessions of four workshops for these stakeholders were key to fostering a sense of ownership and the production and dissemination of of the UPR process among State officials a publication on the right to development and CSOs. In addition, the Government and economic, social and cultural rights. submitted its long overdue periodic report In the context of the response to the under the ICESCR, which was reviewed COVID-19 pandemic, OHCHR and by CESCR. WHO approached the Ministry of Justice Finally, the Office pursued advocacy to and the Ministry of Health and advo- encourage the Government to take the cated for the release of detainees being necessary steps to transform the Human held in overcrowded prisons. As a result, Rights Interministerial Committee into a three men and 18 minors were released National Mechanism for Reporting and from detention facilities. Furthermore, Follow-up (NMRF). OHCHR provided health kits and related materials to institutions caring for chil- dren who were released from prison and removed from street situations in order to support the efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs to implement the country’s strategic COVID-19 response plan.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 243 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

and Midwives Association and other GUINEA-BISSAU: UNITED NATIONS INTEGRATED PEACEBUILDING OFFICE IN GUINEA-BISSAU (UNIOGBIS) health-related professional categories in the country. The initiative aimed to build Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 the capacity of these actors to protect 1.97 million 36,000 km² 0.480 (rank: 175/189 in - human rights as part of wider efforts to 2019) institutionalize human rights education Type of engagement Special Political Mission in the health system. Nevertheless, no fur- Year established 2009 ther progress was achieved in 2020 due to the political and health crises affecting Field office(s) Bissau and Bafata the country. United Nations Partnership Framework UN partnership framework 2016-2020

Staff as of 31 December 2020 2 A1 – The Government adopts a national policy on human rights, a strategic plan to combat impunity and a law that protects XB requirements 2020 US$4,140,000 victims and witnesses.

Key OMP pillars in 2020

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 By providing technical and financial sup- port to national actors, OHCHR sought to contribute to the functioning of pre- PILLAR RESULTS: vention mechanisms that comply with international human rights standards.

Accountability rights and peace in 10 private schools and UN Human Rights and the HRS provided to support national authorities to imple- technical and financial support to the A1 – An NHRI is established that com- ment the same initiative in 22 primary Human Rights Defenders Network, which plies with the Paris Principles. Human schools. Due to the political deadlock was established and formalized with the rights training and education is institu- support of UNIOGBIS, to monitor the tionalized in the justice, health, education and COVID-19-related restrictions, it was not possible to realize these activi- human rights situation and strengthen and defence and security sectors. The public awareness regarding the protection ties. The publications that were produced Government adopts a national policy on of their rights in the context of COVID- in 2019 to support these activities were human rights, a strategic plan to combat 19. In particular, the Network and the printed in 2020 and over 4,000 copies impunity and a law that protects victims Association of Youth for the Promotion of four pedagogical tools on education and witnesses. and Defence of Human Rights developed for citizenship, human rights and peace and disseminated 20 radio programmes for children, teachers and schools were and media spots on human rights protec- OHCHR continued to implement activ- delivered to the Ministry of Education. tion with a focus on the state of emergency ities aimed at institutionalizing human The Ministry is expected to launch a pilot and the role of law enforcement authori- rights training in selected areas. project using these tools in 2021. ties during the emergency. Furthermore, the HRS supported a youth initiative to To facilitate the institutionalization With regard to the health sector, the HRS create a fact-checking team to trace and of human rights training in the educa- collaborated with the Medical Association verify fake news related to COVID-19. tional system, UN Human Rights and to develop a series of trainings for mem- the Human Rights Section (HRS) of bers of the Medical Association, the UNIOGBIS planned to implement a mod- Nurses Association, the Pharmaceutical ule on education for citizenship, human Association, the Diagnostic Technicians

244 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Participation Non-discrimination P6 – The voice of people affected by deci- ND3 – Laws are passed that ensure sions, particularly victims and those who women’s equality. They include a quota face discrimination, is more clearly heard. system for women’s political participation and representation and prohibit early OHCHR contributed to the meaningful and forced marriage. Laws are passed participation of rights-holders, especially that guarantee land rights and prohibit women and discriminated groups, in forced begging. selected public processes. To promote the meaningful participation of rights-holders, UN Human Rights and By providing technical advice, OHCHR the HRS facilitated the organization of aimed at supporting the increased meetings between CSOs, including mem- compliance of legislation/policy with bers of the Human Rights Defenders international human rights standards. Network, to promote their political With the technical and financial sup- participation and inform contributions port of UN Human Rights and the HRS, to the review of the reform agenda (con- draft bills on forced marriage and forced stitutional, military justice and related begging were developed. In addition, reforms) and the review of the women, the HRS continued to contribute tech- peace and security agenda. In this context, nical expertise to the development of a civil society actors agreed to establish a Comprehensive Child Protection Code. common platform, strategy and plan of action. In partnership with the Federation of Associations for the Defence and Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Guinea-Bissau, the HRS conducted a training of trainers on human rights, in Bubaque, Bolama region, for 11 women and 19 men. The three-day training concluded a series of trainings that were conducted in four regions to enable a pool of trainers to deliver capacity-building and sensitization activ- ities on human rights and the rights of persons with disabilities.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 245 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

The Guide was used to support the first KENYA charge in court of a police constable for 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) assaulting his colleague under the Act. 53.77 million 592,000 km² 0.601 (rank: 141/189 in “A” Status (2014) 2019) The Directorate of the National Police Service Reforms Office invited OHCHR Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser and UN Women to participate in the Year established 2008 governmental Police Reforms Working Field office(s) Nairobi Group, following the launch of Breaking cycles of violence: Gaps in prevention of United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework and response to electoral-related sexual 2018-2022 violence in Kenya. Four workshops were Staff as of 31 December 2020 6 held to disseminate the report, which enabled OHCHR to strengthen linkages between duty-bearers and rights-holders XB requirements 2020 US$1,709,000 in four counties (Nairobi, Kisumu, Bungoma and Vihiga). It also provided Key OMP pillars in 2020 duty-bearers with a deeper understanding

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 of the barriers that survivors face while accessing essential services. Participants expressed a commitment to eliminating PILLAR RESULTS: those barriers and undertaking a struc- tured engagement with the Survivors’ Network to hear their perspectives standard operating procedures regarding Accountability and enhance the delivery of services in the investigation and prosecution of seri- relation to GBV. The members of the A2 – The Kenyan authorities strengthen ous human rights violations committed Survivors’ Network from Vihiga County and enforce measures to prevent human by police officers. Investigators and pros- and Bungoma County were asked to join rights violations, including SGBV, by ecutors worked together to investigate the respective GBV County Technical police and other security agencies. allegations of serious human rights vio- Working Groups. The partnership lations, such as killings, physical assaults, Those responsible for violations are held between OHCHR, UN Women and the sexual violence and inhuman treatment, accountable and prosecuted. Working Group will be instrumental in including during the enforcement of advancing OHCHR’s work on preven- COVID-19 curfew regulations and in the tion and accountability for human rights context of electoral processes. Several violations. As a result of advocacy efforts OHCHR contributed to the enhanced officers were charged with committing by OHCHR and UN Women, the NPS capacity of the Office of the Public serious human rights violations, including Reforms Office agreed to dedicate efforts Prosecutions (ODPP), the Independent murder and serious assaults. Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and and resources to ensure that the establish- the National Police Service (NPS) in the Following OHCHR’s support to the TTF ment of a gender unit is included in the Police Gender Policy, which is currently investigation and prosecution of serious and civil society organizations on police under development. human rights violations. reforms, a Rapid Reference Guide was produced on the investigation and pros- UN Human Rights continued to provide ecution of cases under the Prevention of technical and financial support to the Torture Act, 2017. The Guide contains Tripartite Task Force (TTF), composed the elements of proof of the offences under of the ODPP, the IPOA and the NPS. With the Act and the sample charge sheets for OHCHR’s support, the TTF developed each offence that is described in the Act.

246 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

D3 – Kenya implements the judgments of monitoring the implementation of the Development the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Strategic Result Area (SRA) 1 workplan D1 – Two landmark litigation cases are Rights on the Endorois and the Ogiek for 2019-2020 by leading the outcome successfully completed and remedies are cases relating to the right to adequate area on human rights and rule of law. provided to victims. housing and the right to land of indige- The HRA also coordinated reporting and nous peoples. the development of the SRA 1 workplan for 2020-2022 with the Government and the UNCT. OHCHR supported efforts to ensure that oversight, accountability and protection OHCHR supported efforts to strengthen OHCHR participated in the UNCT mechanisms conform to international Kenya’s compliance with international COVID-19 Emergency Appeal, which human rights standards in Kenya. human rights standards relating to indig- recognized human rights monitoring As part of UN Human Rights’ mandate to enous peoples. and documentation and addressing SGBV as key elements of the COVID-19 support the implementation of the UNGPs UN Human Rights worked with and response. As a result of OHCHR’s input and protect civic space, OHCHR has been supported indigenous HRDs as intercom- to the development and finalization of the providing technical and financial support munal tensions and violence flared in the COVID-19 SERP, human rights are now since 2016 for a case on environmental Eastern Mau forest. The HRA engaged an integral part of the Plan for the UNCT rights to ensure that oversight, account- with the Regional Commissioner to sup- and are linked to the UNDAF monitoring ability and protection mechanisms in port efforts to defuse the situation. Kenya conform to international human and evaluation framework and indicators. rights standards. The Centre for Justice, The OHCHR Surge Initiative enabled the Governance and Environmental Action HRA to undertake a scoping initiative on (CJGEA) litigated a case in which two the human rights impacts of the COVID- Peace and Security companies and the Government were 19 crisis in indigenous communities in PS4 – The reparation policy and frame- sued for polluting the environment. In order to guide the implementation of work are finalized and reparations are what is being called a positive milestone COVID-19 response and recovery plans. provided to survivors of SGBV. for environmental justice, the Owino The HRA collaborated with 49 indige-

Uhuru settlement in Kenya won the equiv- nous HRDs and the Defenders Coalition alent of US$13 million in compensation to operationalize the scoping initiative in for damage to the environment and the seven counties. The HRA also provided OHCHR advocated for the inclusion of negative health of the community. In inputs to the OHCHR Guidance Note on GBV in transitional justice mechanisms. July, the Land and Environment Court COVID-19 and indigenous peoples. UN Human Rights partnered with in Mombasa awarded the compensation the NPS, the Office of the Director of to the Owino Uhuru community for the Public Prosecutions, the Independent D7 – The UNDAF 2018-2022 integrates deaths and health impacts caused by lead Policing Oversight Authority, the State human rights norms, standards and prin- poisoning from a nearby smelter that Department of Gender Affairs (SDGA) recycled batteries. The ruling declared ciples into its design and implementation. and county governments to advocate for that the community’s rights to a healthy the prioritized establishment of gender OHCHR successfully integrated human environment, the highest attainable stan- units in their respective offices and to rights into the UN common country pro- dard of health, clean and safe water and enhance the capacity of police officers in life had been contravened. It ordered the gramme and COVID-19 response plan. relation to the prevention of and response Government and two companies to pay UN Human Rights continued to partici- to gender violence. On OHCHR’s recom- compensation and clean up the surround- pate in the implementation of the UNDAF, mendation, the SDGA County Gender ing soil, water and waste. including through mainstreaming human Directors agreed to involve survivors in rights and building the capacity of UNCT the SDGA County Gender Committee agencies. OHCHR was instrumental in on GBV.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 247 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

The HRA engaged in advocacy activi- SOPs of accountability measures for elec- undertake analyses and develop scenarios ties with the SDGA to address the need toral-related sexual violence perpetrated related to the impacts of the COVID- for the prioritization of GBV within the by police officers. The standard operat- 19 pandemic in Kenya, with the aim of response to the COVID-19 crisis, par- ing procedures are being developed by developing a UNCT shared assessment/ ticularly in light of the sharp increase the ODPP, the IPOA and the NPS, with integrated analysis to guide program- in GBV. As a result, the SDGA submit- OHCHR’s support. matic interventions and support the ted an advisory note to the Ministry of Government during the crisis. OHCHR Interior and Coordination of National and the PDA prepared a joint update on Government and the NPS on the creation PS5 – UN early warning and advocacy ini- the pandemic and presented an integrated of specific measures that would enable tiatives regularly integrate human rights analysis of human rights, political and individuals to report incidents of GBV principles and analysis. The Government peacebuilding perspectives on the crisis during the pandemic. The NPS rolled finalizes a reparations policy and frame- and ramifications for the UN’s engage- out a dedicated GBV toll-free hotline to work, which covers survivors of SGBV. ment in the country. Furthermore, as enhance reporting of GBV. Further, the advisers to the RC, OHCHR and the PDA SDGA broadened the membership of its collaborated on other initiatives relating weekly Gender Working Group to include Through engagement with the interna- to human rights, risk analysis and preven- police officers and CSOs providing legal tional community and the Government, tion. A round-table discussion was held on aid and psychosocial support to GBV sur- UN Human Rights strengthened a shared prevention in the context of the COVID- vivors. These meetings facilitated rapid commitment to prevention, sustained 19 crisis to facilitate discussions between responses by the actors and strengthened peace and human rights. UN agencies and external experts in GBV referral pathways. the fields of human rights, political and UN Human Rights worked closely with socio-economic analysis on strategies to In order to implement the recommenda- the UNCT’s Peace and Development prevent and mitigate risks. tions outlined in the report on Breaking Adviser (PDA) to expand work on pre- cycles of violence, OHCHR developed the vention within the UNCT. The UNCT capacity of WHRDs and members of the Prevention and Integrated Analysis Mechanisms Survivors’ Network to address instances Platform was revitalized and expanded of GBV. This support led to the assis- to reflect that shared commitment to M2 – The Government, the NHRI, tance of 555 GBV survivors (477 women, prevention, sustaining peace and human CSOs and the UNCT regularly submit 78 men) in four counties who reported rights. Its membership now encompasses reports to the international human rights cases to police stations and accessed safe all UNCT members, represented by a mechanisms. shelters and medical and psychosocial Prevention and Human Rights Focal services. The HRA also developed the Point. The HRA collaborated with the OHCHR supported CSOs in their engage- capacity of 42 HRDs within the SGBV PDA to prepare quarterly reports on pre- ment with the international human rights Network and CSOs (31 women, 11 vention and integrated analysis reports mechanisms. men) on county budgeting processes and that analyse past and evolving trends OHCHR engaged with CSOs and strengthened linkages for engagement and outline recommendations on preven- HRDs to document the forced evictions with duty-bearers who are working on the tion and human rights considerations. of thousands of families in Kariobangi prevention of and response to GBV. These The Assistant Secretary-General of the and Ruai (Nairobi), in May, during linkages will be critical for enhanced Development Operations Coordination the COVID-19 curfew. Through this SGBV prevention and responses during Office (ASG DOCO) and the Executive engagement, information on the forced the electoral period. Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) evictions and threats to HRDs was pro- cited the reports as innovative and exam- Accountability in relation to prevention, vided to the Special Rapporteur on the ples of good practice. mitigation and responses to electoral-re- situation of human rights defenders, lated sexual violence was strengthened At the beginning of the COVID-19 cri- the Working Group on Enforced and following the incorporation into the sis, OHCHR partnered with the PDA to Involuntary Disappearances, the Special

248 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Rapporteur on the right to food, the Participation Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an ade- P1 – The Kenyan authorities institute quate standard of living, and on the right measures to protect civic space, including to non-discrimination in this context, the the Public Benefits Organizations Act. Special Rapporteur on human rights to The measures and policies on public safe drinking water and sanitation and participation comply with international the Working Group on discrimination human rights standards. against women and girls. The special pro- cedures issued a joint urgent appeal to the Government, which raised concerns about OHCHR contributed to the full parti- the forced evictions and threats against cipation of civil society in national an HRD working with the residents of processes. Kariobangi, who were forcefully evicted from their homes. The urgent appeal UN Human Rights continued to ensure was followed by a joint public statement the full participation of civil society in that highlighted concerns regarding the national processes, including through manner in which the evictions took place the provision of support to CSOs and during the COVID-19 pandemic. HRDs to prepare and make submissions to the Building Bridges Initiative process, UN Human Rights also engaged with which includes proposals for amending CSOs and HRDs to compile information the Constitution. The HRA mobilized and on increased cases of extrajudicial killings supported civil society efforts around the during the enforcement of the COVID-19 tenth anniversary of the Constitution and curfew and other emergency measures. Bill of Rights to highlight various perspec- This informed a confidential communica- tives on priorities for implementation. tion that was sent, on 6 July, by the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or OHCHR supported the process for arbitrary executions. developing the Voluntary National Review (VNR) on the SDGs. The HRA The UNCT increased its engagement with worked closely with the Government, the special procedures. OHCHR and UN CSOs and the NHRI and submitted Women prepared a joint UNCT report inputs to the Government’s report and on COVID-19 and domestic violence, the alternative report by CSOs. with inputs from other UN agencies. The report was prepared in response to a call from the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and conse- quences for submissions to inform the preparation of her upcoming report to the General Assembly. The report is intended to be used by UN agencies to analyse GBV interventions that are undertaken in the context of COVID-19 and to iden- tify existing gaps and challenges that may arise in their coordinated interventions.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 249 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Landmark judgment in Kenya in favour of victims of sexual violence

Human Rights Day in 2020 rep- In recent years, UN Human Rights resented a milestone for victims of supported the work of the Office of the post-election sexual violence in Kenya. Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), On 10 December, the the Independent Policing Oversight delivered a landmark judgment, hold- Authority (IPOA) and the National Police ing the Government responsible for the Service Internal Affairs Unit (NPS-IAU), violations of the rights of victims of with the aim of advancing accountabil- sexual violence that occurred during ity for . Following the 2007-2008 post-election violence. a needs assessment, a Civil and Human The Court ruled that the Government Rights Division and a Tripartite Task had failed to investigate and prosecute Force (ODPP, IPOA and NPS-IAU) were perpetrators or to provide victims established, in 2019 and 2020, respec- with effective remedies. Four of the tively. The objective was to strengthen the Cover page of the Breaking cycles of violence eight victims were each awarded KES4 investigation and prosecution of human report. © OHCHR million (approximately US$40,000) rights violations committed by the police. in compensation. In accordance with the recommendations outlined in a joint report on electoral-re- “After more than seven years of litiga- comprehensive medical and psychosocial lated sexual violence by UN Human tion and delays, some justice has finally support to the survivors,” he continued. Rights, UN Women and Physicians for been served,” said Naitore Nyamu, The Independent Medico-Legal Unit Human Rights,15 the Office worked Head of Physicians for Human Rights plans to institute a partial appeal on closely with the ODPP on the prosecution in Kenya. The organization is one of behalf of the four victims who did not of cases of sexual violence committed by four CSOs that filed the petition, along receive compensation. police officials. with the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, the International Commission of The fight for justice continues. Jurists and the Coalition on Violence “By granting compensation to four of the Against Women. “This is an historic eight petitioners in the case, the court par- day for the survivors of the rampant tially fulfilled the reparation principle of sexual violence perpetrated in the compensation. But this is not enough,” aftermath of the 2007 election, who noted Kevin Mwangi, Programme Officer have waited for accountability for far at the Independent Medico-Legal Unit. too long. The Court’s decision will “We had hoped that the case would reverberate widely for the preven- establish the reparations’ principles of tion, investigation and prosecution of non-repetition, to deter the perpetration sexual and gender-based violence in of electoral-related sexual violence, and Kenya and around the world,” Naitore rehabilitation, to ensure the provision of Nyamu continued.14

14 See “Court Delivers Justice for Several Survivors of Post-Election Sexual Violence in 15 Breaking Cycles of Violence, issued in Kenya,” 10 December 2020. December 2019.

250 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

promote and protect human rights, LIBERIA including in emergencies. Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 5.06 million 111,0 0 0 k m ² 0.480 (rank: 173/189 in “A” Status (2017) In collaboration with the INCHR and the 2019) Civil Society Human Rights Advocacy Platform, OHCHR conducted regional Type of engagement Country Office consultations with traditional leaders on Year established 2018 transitional justice processes in the west- Field office(s) Monrovia ern region of Liberia. More specifically, the consultations focused on account- United Nations Sustainable Development UN partnership framework ability for past crimes committed during Cooperation Framework 2020-2024 the Liberian civil war and the recommen- Staff as of 31 December 2020 8 dations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia (TRC).

XB income US$2,906,226

XB requirements 2020 US$6,770,000 A2 – The INCHR commences the national Palava Hut Hearings on memorialization XB expenditure US$2,539,657 and reparations. Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 50% 39% 11% $1,273,361 $996,196 $270,100 OHCHR ensured that transitional justice Key OMP pillars in 2020 mechanisms are in place and operating

in conformity with international human 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 rights standards. UN Human Rights supported the Transitional Justice Working Group to PILLAR RESULTS: mobilize civil society in the campaign for accountability. With financial support rights in Liberia’s 15 counties. This from the United Nations Peacebuilding Accountability support enabled partners to conduct Fund and technical support from OHCHR, A1 – The Independent National monitoring and document the impacts the INCHR Transitional Justice Unit Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) of the COVID-19 emergency measures was established and began to effectively increases its capacity to fulfil its mandate on economic, social, cultural, civil and fulfil its mandate. The recommenda- in accordance with the Paris Principles. political rights across the country. In line tions of the 2019 National Colloquium with OHCHR’s COVID-19 guidance, on the Implementation of the Truth and partners monitored the implementation Reconciliation Commission continue to of the Government’s COVID-19 response have an impact as advocacy and demands OHCHR supported the implementation of plan. With support from OHCHR, the increase for ensuring accountability for the INCHR mandate through monitoring, INCHR sensitized law enforcement past atrocities. The colloquium raised pub- reporting and issuing recommendations to agencies (police, immigration and correc- lic awareness about the core relationship redress human rights concerns. tions) through examples of good practices between peace and accountability and gen- UN Human Rights supported the wherein human rights were respected in erated public support for accountability INCHR, four CSOs and the Human responses to public health emergencies, and the full implementation of the TRC’s Rights and Protection Department of the such as COVID-19. The Office reminded recommendations. In partnership with Ministry of Justice to monitor human the Government of its obligations to the INCHR, the Office supported a study

UN Human Rights Report 2020 251 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

to map existing peace infrastructures in A4 – The INCHR assists and advises A5 – The INCHR will implement the five counties (Bomi, Bong, Grand Bassa, members and committees of the legisla- TRC’s 2009 recommendations to ensure Grand Gedeh and Lofa) and to assess ture and the Human Rights Legislative accountability for past crimes. their gender-responsiveness. The research Association on human rights to prepare analysed the mechanism of coordination relevant bills, for example on domestic and intersection between the Palava Huts, violence and female genital mutilation. By providing technical and financial sup- the Peace Huts and other decentralized port to national mechanisms, OHCHR peace infrastructures. The findings and UN Human Rights supported a number contributed to integrated reporting and recommendations of this research, which of selected policy areas, resulting in a sig- the implementation of outstanding rec- will be validated by stakeholders, will nificant improvement in the compliance of ommendations issued by the human rights inform the implementation of the TRC’s legislation and policy with international treaty bodies and the UPR. recommendations and will be used for human rights norms and standards. policymaking purposes and future pro- UN Human Rights provided technical UN Human Rights supported the devel- gramming actions. and financial support to the Ministry opment of a human rights and gender of Justice in relation to the NMRF. This checklist to facilitate the alignment of initiative revived the Liberia NMRF, draft bills with international human A3 – CSOs and HRDs improve their capac- known as the National Body on Treaty rights standards and principles before ity to assist marginalized and vulnerable Obligations (NaBTO) and built the being submitted to the President of the groups to seek redress and accountability capacity of technical experts to conduct Republic of Liberia for approval. UN for human rights violations. national consultations, collect data and Human Rights supported the Liberia Law prepare Liberia’s State Party reports to the Reform Commission to propose a human human rights treaty bodies and the State rights-based legal reform, resulting in the reports to the UPR. OHCHR provided support to increase the identification of two laws for amendment. conformity of oversight and accountabil- Amendment acts were drafted for valida- In collaboration with UPR Info, the Office ity mechanisms with international human tion and submitted to the of provided technical and financial support rights standards. Liberia for enactment. The objective of to organize preparatory pre-sessions for the checklist and amendments is to ensure Liberia’s delegates to the third UPR cycle. UN Human Rights supported the INCHR The sessions enhanced the knowledge of to conduct visits to national prisons and that promulgated legislation mainstreams human rights and a gender perspective. delegates and prepared them for the UPR conduct advocacy on pretrial detention session. Since the delegates were unable These documents will be reviewed by and to sensitize the judiciary, the Ministry to travel to Geneva due to COVID-19 legislators prior to their adoption. The of Justice and prison services on access restrictions, OHCHR offered financial following laws were identified for possi- to justice. In commemoration of World assistance to enable them to present their ble alignment with international human Day against the Death Penalty, OHCHR opening statement and engage in a dia- rights standards and will be tabled before supported All Christians against Torture logue with the UPR Working Group the Parliament when COVID-19 restric- (ACAT), a local human rights-based CSO, through live videoconferencing. This tions are lifted: 1) the New Elections Law; to visit the Monrovia Central Prison to assistance also ensured that the general 2) the Aliens and Nationality Laws; and monitor the conditions of death row public was able to access the broadcast of 3) the Act to Govern the Devolution of inmates. The engagement of CSOs with the the proceedings. Bureau of Corrections and Rehabilitation Estates and Establish Rights of Inheritance and death row inmates provided an oppor- for Spouses of Both Statutory and OHCHR provided additional technical tunity to determine if the prison conditions Customary Marriages. and financial support to the technical and treatment of death row inmates are committee, which is composed of rep- in accordance with international human resentatives from various ministries and rights standards. agencies, to review the recommenda- tions issued by the UPR. The technical

252 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

committee disaggregated and categorized OHCHR supported the review of custom- ND3 – The INCHR assists the the recommendations in accordance ary law in Liberia to identify laws that Government and the Ministry of Justice with the relevant mandates of Liberia’s are discriminatory and fail to take gen- Human Rights Protection Division to ministries, agencies and commissions der into account and to raise the public’s draft and implement the National Human and proposed other actions that the awareness about the availability of laws to Rights Action Plan (NHRAP), fulfil its Government needs to take to imple- protect and claim their rights. OHCHR UPR and human rights treaty body obli- ment the recommendations. In February and its partners engaged with the Law gations and strengthen legal and policy 2021, the Government notified the UPR Reform Commission (LRC) and the reforms to advance gender mainstreaming Working Group that of the 218 rec- Legislative Drafting Bureau (LDB) to inte- and prohibit discrimination, especially ommendations it had received, it had grate a human rights-based approach into with regard to women and margin- accepted 166 and taken note of 52. legislative reform and to simplify three alized groups. laws, namely, the Rape Law, the Domestic Violence Act and the Inheritance Law. The Office convened stakeholder con- Non-discrimination OHCHR supported the development of sultations to identify gaps and propose rights-based approaches in areas related ND1 – Protection mechanisms, including amendments to address the concerns to harmful practices, gender-based vio- the INCHR and the Ministry of Justice of women, girls and vulnerable groups, lence and the appropriate use of criminal Human Rights Protection Division, mon- including LGBTI communities. OHCHR law from a women’s rights perspective, itor and report on efforts to strengthen enhanced the capacity of 750 stakeholders in conformity with international human access to justice, the rule of law and (449 women, 301 men) on human rights rights standards. the justice system. They give particular and these three laws, in three counties attention to impunity and discrimination (Grand Cape Mount, Lofa and Nimba). UN Human Rights trained 104 (43 against marginalized groups. OHCHR also provided support to CSO women, 61 men) monitors from INCHR partners to conduct a one-day working and other entities to investigate, docu- session in Montserrado County with ment and report on allegations of human 125 participants (51 women, 74 men), rights violations related to sexual and OHCHR supported targeted protection including traditional and religious lead- reproductive health rights/harmful prac- mechanisms to improve the implementa- ers, representatives from women’s groups, tices. Participants included representatives tion of their respective mandates. advocates and representatives of CSOs. of the Ministry of Gender, Children UN Human Rights supported the The session was a landmark event in the and Social Protection, the Ministry of Ministry of Justice Human Rights fight against violence against women Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Protection Division to monitor the human and girls. the judiciary, the Ministry of Education rights situation in the context of COVID- and CSOs. 19. Broad public discussions about SGBV OHCHR and other partners supported and three days of anti-rape protests took the drafting of the Law Reform Policy, place following advocacy efforts that were which was validated and is pending sub- undertaken by CSOs and the Human mission to the Cabinet. A total of 125 Rights Protection Division, with support representatives (51 women, 74 men) of from OHCHR. The Government con- traditional religious leaders, women’s vened a conference entitled “A national groups and CSOs engaged in the process. call to action: Inclusive involvement to They indicated their full commitment to fight rape and sexual and gender-based actualizing relevant legal frameworks and violence in Liberia” to validate the using the law to combat all forms of vio- National Road Map on Rape and SGBV. lence against women and girls. The President declared rape and all forms of SGBV as a national emergency.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 253 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

under Pillar 3 of the PAPD, Sustainable its State Party report to CRPD. It also Development Peace, which aims to create a more peace- assisted the INCHR and the Civil Society D7 – The UNDAF One Programme ful and unified society that provides Organizations Human Rights Advocacy promotes human rights objectives, opportunities for economic transfor- Platform to draft a stakeholders’ report particularly protection of the most vul- mation and sustainable development. prior to Liberia’s third UPR cycle. nerable, and assists Liberia to implement The primary outcomes under this Pillar its NHRAP and the UPR recommenda- include ending fragility and identifying tions that it has accepted. the root causes of conflict, improving

the justice system and human rights pro- OHCHR supported the integration of tection and enhancing national defence human rights into SDG implementation and security. and the mainstreaming of an HRBA into UN common country programmes. Mechanisms The OHCHR Surge Initiative enabled the Office in Liberia to support consul- M1 – Liberia complies more fully with its tant-led research on the economic context international human rights obligations, in Liberia and how the pandemic affected including by reporting to the human the communities left behind. The research rights treaty bodies and the UPR and reviewed the situation in Liberia from the implementing their recommendations. To post-conflict to the development phase this end, the Government ratifies more and considered the impacts of COVID- human rights instruments, creates an 19 in relation to the SDGs. The research NHRAP and appoints a drafting com- was undertaken in collaboration with mittee and NHRAP steering committee. major national partners, stakeholders and rights-holders. Through targeted assistance, OHCHR contributed to an enhanced framework This also supported the implementation for the implementation of treaty body of the Government’s Pro-Poor Agenda obligations and UPR recommendations. for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), which highlights issues related to ESCRs UN Human Rights supported the elabo- and SDGs mainstreaming. The objective ration of the State report and the inputs of the PAPD is to strengthen the capacity from other stakeholders and the UNCT of people to thrive and to encourage all in anticipation of Liberia’s third UPR Liberians living in-country and abroad cycle. In addition, OHCHR facilitated a to participate in the national development workshop, led by UN Info, to prepare the process over a five-year period. The PAPD delegation for the interactive UPR dia- incorporates a road map for the domesti- logue and organized a public viewing of cation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable the proceedings. Development and the African Union’s The Office revived the NMRF and built Agenda 2063. The road map outlines key the capacities of its members. The NMRF steps to translate the SDGs and Agenda is composed of technical experts dedicated 2063 into practical plans, policies and to drafting Liberia’s reports to the human programmes, while also recognizing that rights treaty bodies, the UPR Working Liberia is a fragile State. Group and the special procedures. It pro- OHCHR focused on the formulation vided support in drafting and submitting and implementation of recommendations Liberia’s State report to the UPR and

254 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

human rights trainers (one woman, 24 MADAGASCAR men) of the National Gendarmerie. Human 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) rights modules were integrated into the 27.69 million 587,000 km² 0.528 (rank: 164/189 in “A” Status (2019) curricula of the Gendarmerie academies. 2019) The trained Gendarmerie instructors pro- Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser vided human rights training to thousands Year established 2 011 of officers within the country’s 22 regions to promote respect for international human Field office(s) Antananarivo rights standards and norms in the discharge United Nations Development Assistance Framework of their functions. UN partnership framework 2019-2023 In addition, OHCHR provided technical Staff as of 31 December 2020 4 and financial support to the Members of the High Council for the Defense of Democracy and the Rule of Law to con- XB requirements 2020 US$1,157,000 duct in situ human rights monitoring and investigations and to promote their man- Key OMP pillars in 2020 date and mission in three of the 22 regions. 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 This resulted in a substantial increase in submitted complaints from the regions to the Council. PILLAR RESULTS:

Accountability the nomination of 11 new commission- Participation ers (six women, five men). The HRA will A1 – The Independent National Human P2 – National and international mech- facilitate capacity-building workshops for Rights Commission (INHRC) is fully anisms are established to protect civil the new commissioners on organizational operational by 2020. society and human rights defenders. They development, human rights and the func- are sustainable and supported by the UN. tional aspects of NHRIs.

OHCHR contributed to the functioning Protection mechanisms that conform to A1 – Law enforcement officials comply of the INHRC, in compliance with the international human rights standards are more fully with international human Paris Principles, by strengthening the in place and functioning, with support rights norms and standards when they capacity of its members and providing from OHCHR. technical support for institution-building. fulfil their functions. An effective account- ability mechanism has been established. The new National Disability Inclusion After being accredited with “A” sta- Plan is being developed with the techni- tus by GANHRI, in 2019, the INHRC cal and financial assistance of UN Human received ongoing technical advice from Rights. With the support of the Ministry By implementing training programmes, UN Human Rights to enable it to operate of Population, Social Protection and OHCHR contributed to the improvement in compliance with the Paris Principles. In Promotion of Women, the UNCT and of selected State institutions in their com- 2020, OHCHR supported the INHRC’s OHCHR, the Platform for People with pliance with international human rights membership renewal process through Disabilities conducted a series of consul- norms and standards. technical and financial assistance that tation workshops in different regions of ensured its compliance with international UN Human Rights provided technical the country. The objective of the work- human rights standards. This resulted in support to strengthen the capacity of 25 shops was to assess the previous National

UN Human Rights Report 2020 255 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Disability Plan and gather recommenda- Appeal, which was launched by the RC. tions from national key stakeholders to Furthermore, the UNCT and OHCHR inform the drafting and validation of the advocated with the Minister of Justice new Plan. for the adoption of concrete measures to decrease the number of people in detention, thereby reducing the poten- Mechanisms tially devastating impacts of COVID-19 in overcrowded prisons. This advocacy M1 – The government committee in contributed to the implementation of a charge of drafting State reports to the number of measures by the Government, international human rights mechanisms including the closure of all courts and is effective. It has established a monitoring tribunals, the suspension of prison vis- mechanism. its, instituting mandatory, regular temperature screening for inmates and

penitentiary officers and consistently OHCHR aimed at supporting the estab- disinfecting the prisons. As a result of lishment and functioning of a national OHCHR’s advocacy, the President issued mechanism for integrated reporting and a decree, on 24 June, granting presidential the implementation of outstanding rec- pardons to 1,695 detainees, including 89 ommendations issued by the international juveniles and 55 women inmates. human rights mechanisms. In May, OHCHR met with the President With the support UN Human Rights, of the National Assembly to discuss health a draft plan for the implementation of and human rights. The HRA stressed recommendations issued by the UPR, the importance of placing human rights the human rights treaty bodies and the at the centre of the national response to special procedures is being developed COVID-19. The Parliament subsequently by an intragovernmental committee in adopted a resolution reiterating that the charge of drafting of national reports and right to health is a fundamental right and the follow-up to recommendations, the called upon the Government to allocate INHRC and CSOs. The draft plan will at least 20 per cent of the national budget be presented to the Government for val- to improve and support the health sector. idation in 2021. Once it is approved, the The Government agreed to consider the Office will support the establishment of a Parliament’s recommendation in 2021. database that is dedicated to monitoring recommendations within the Ministry of Justice Human Rights Department. OHCHR actively participated in UN working groups on the socio-economic response to COVID-19 to ensure that human rights are at the heart of the response. To this end, the HRA contrib- uted to the drafting and dissemination of the UNCT’s Advocacy Note on Gender and COVID-19 and provided input to the drafting of the Madagascar Emergency

256 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

by several agencies and the adoption of MALAWI a UNCT risk analysis with mitigating 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) measures under the HRDDP. The HRA 19.13 million 118,000 km² 0.483 (rank: 174/189 in 2019) “A” Status (2016) coordinated the delivery of assistance Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser from UN agencies and NGOs to ensure that survivors had access to essential sup- Year established 2019 port services. Field office(s) Lilongwe

United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework 2019-2023 Development Staff as of 31 December 2020 1 D7 – All UNDAF roll-out countries adopt a human rights-based approach to programming and link the SDGs to inter- XB requirements 2020 US$482,000 national human rights standards.

Key OMP pillars in 2020

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 By providing technical guidance, OHCHR aimed at ensuring that UN common country programmes integrated international human rights standards and PILLAR RESULTS: the recommendations issued by the inter- national human rights mechanisms.

Accountability Following OHCHR’s guidance, the In 2020, UN Human Rights was a MHRC undertook a comprehensive co-drafter of the revised CCA for Malawi. A2 – NHRIs and other national protection analysis, monitoring and advocacy pro- While the document has not been final- systems are established that comply with gramme on the human rights implications ized, human rights will form an important international human rights standards. of COVID-19. In addition, the HRA col- part of the analysis. In November, Malawi laborated with the MHRC on addressing underwent its third UPR cycle. In prepara-

the requirements of persons with disabili- tion for the review, the HRA engaged with OHCHR contributed to the functioning of ties during the pandemic. UN agencies to update the UNCT progress the Malawi Human Rights Commission report, which was used to advocate with OHCHR coordinated the advocacy (MHRC), in increased compliance with various embassies in Malawi to ensure efforts of the Resident Coordinator and the Paris Principles, by strengthening the that the UPR recommendations would the UNCT on the alleged rape and sexual capacity of its members and through tar- be comprehensive. In 2021, OHCHR assault of 18 women and girls by police geted advocacy. will collaborate with UN Malawi, the officers in October 2019. Through engage- MHRC and the Ministry of Justice and UN Human Rights provided technical ment with civil society, the MHRC and Constitutional Affairs to develop a strat- assistance to the commissioners and staff the Women Lawyers Association repre- egy for their implementation. of the MHRC, resulting in increased senting the survivors, the Office provided knowledge and a better understanding the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT of the international human rights system with regular updates. These efforts con- and how to apply international human tributed to effective advocacy, including rights standards in their daily work. through private dialogue with senior This was of particular importance in officials, the issuing of press releases, the the context of the COVID-19 response. suspension of engagement with the police

UN Human Rights Report 2020 257 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

it is anticipated to yield concrete results Non-discrimination in 2021. By end of 2020, four of the five ND7 – Public support increases for equal, ND1 – The country adopts legal and closed schools were re-opened to include inclusive and diverse societies, without policy measures, aligned with human girls wearing a hijab. discrimination. rights, that prevent discrimination against women, migrants, persons with albinism and persons with disabilities. Peace and Security Through training and advocacy, OHCHR PS5 – In at least four countries, the contributed to processes seeking to UNCTs integrate human rights into their prevent violent conflict by promoting Technical advice, capacity-building and early warning, prevention, preparedness equality, diversity and inclusiveness. coordination by OHCHR aimed to con- and response plans. tribute to the increased compliance of In the south of Malawi, increased ten- legislation and policy with international sion and violence between Muslim and human rights norms and standards. Christian communities occurred when OHCHR contributed to the increased some Christian-managed schools refused integration of prevention and rights-based In 2020, UN Human Rights promoted to educate girls wearing a hijab. The ensu- approaches into specific UN programmes. the rights of persons with disabilities by ing violence resulted in severe injuries and undertaking activities on several fronts. the burning of churches, mosques and The Malawi Prevention Platform and the For instance, as part of the global UN pilot schools. Five schools were closed, putting UNCT Prevention Strategy, drafted by roll-out of the UN Disability Inclusion more than 10,000 children out of school. UN Human Rights in 2019 and updated in Strategy accountability scorecards in Given the sensitive and powerful role of 2020, played an important role in inform- seven countries, the HRA led the roll-out religious organizations in Malawi, the ing the UNCT throughout the pre- and process in Malawi. More specifically, a Government asked the Public Advisory post-election process, which was marked UN disability team was established, with Committee (PAC), an NGO of religious by rising levels of protests and civil unrest. designated focal points in each agency, leaders, to mediate between the religious The Prevention Platform, managed by the that worked together to develop and leaders and negotiate an agreed dress code HRA, facilitated the regular collection implement the scorecard indicators. for schools to resolve the issue. of data that indicated trends in human rights violations and violent conflict. This OHCHR also supported the UN’s Together with PAC, UN Human Rights informed weekly and monthly reports to engagement with organizations of per- delivered a series of workshops and the UNCT, which identified early warn- sons with disabilities. A consultation dialogues with Malawi Muslim and ing indicators and prevention actions. was held between UN technical staff Christian leaders in the south that focused Through this process, the RC ensured that from eight agencies and seven orga- on international human rights standards human rights were mainstreamed into the nizations of persons with disabilities, relating to the rights to freedom of reli- UNCT response to the mass protests that resulting in recommendations for their gion or belief, the rights of minorities, the occurred in 2020, thereby contributing enhanced inclusion in UN programmes. rights of the girl child to equality and edu- to a strategic and targeted UN response The Government and the MHRC were cation and the right of women and girls to that helped to calm civil unrest. With the observers at the consultation and both be free from discrimination. As a result of increasing impacts of COVID-19 on the undertook commitments to facilitate the workshops, the religious leaders used population and economy in Malawi, the the increased engagement of persons international human rights principles to Platform was adjusted to identify trends with disabilities in order to promote and frame their dialogue, which was reflected and provide early warning guidance on protect their rights. This was a first step in their report to the President of Malawi civil unrest and human rights violations towards a greater integration of disabili- and their draft outcome statement. The triggered by the pandemic. ties into all aspects of UN programming, dialogue on a common dress code for in line with achieving the UN Global schools, which seeks to accommodate While responding to a serious child smug- Disability Integration Strategy. all religions and beliefs, is ongoing and gling situation in the country during

258 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

COVID-19, OHCHR mobilized national MALI: UNITED NATIONS MULTIDIMENSIONAL INTEGRATED STABILIZA- and regional UN agencies, the MHRC and TION MISSION IN MALI (MINUSMA) local authorities to intervene on the basis Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 of human rights principles. Consequently, 20.25 million 1,240,000 km² 0.434 (rank: 184/189 in “B” Status (2012) a multi-agency project that was designed 2019) and implemented to address increased trafficking during the COVID-19 period, Type of engagement Peace Mission between August and December, inte- Year established 2013 grated a human rights framework. Field office(s) Bamako, Mopti, Gao, Kidal, Ménaka and Timbuktu

United Nations Sustainable Development UN partnership framework Cooperation Framework 2020-2024

Staff as of 31 December 2020 69

XB requirements 2020 US$853,000

Key OMP pillars in 2020

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229

PILLAR RESULTS:

Peace and Security rights violations and abuses attributed to Malian Defence and Security Forces PS1 – Violations of international human (MDSF), G5 Sahel forces as well as armed rights law and international humanitar- groups. In the first note, covering the ian law are monitored, documented and period from 1 January to 31 March, the reported. Particular attention is given to HRPD documented 598 human rights abuses by armed groups and violations by violations and abuses, representing an State actors, especially in the Central and increase of 61 per cent compared to the Northern regions of Mali. Perpetrators number reported in the previous quarter. and those responsible are identified. This upward trend was observed in the second quarter of 2020, the period covered by the second quarterly note, during which Through reporting and advocacy, the HRPD documented 632 human rights OHCHR aimed to contribute to the violations and abuses. The HRPD brought these documented cases to the attention increased proportion of human rights vio- of relevant authorities and provided rec- lations cases that were positively addressed ommendations on how they should be by authorities. addressed. The HRPD had several formal In 2020, UN Human Rights and and informal meetings with the former MINUSMA’s Human Rights and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Protection Division (HRPD) published to discuss 129 of these cases. As a result, two quarterly notes on trends of human investigations were opened in 35 cases.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 259 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Within the framework of the PS5 – UN-led prevention and protection PS6 – National and regional security information-sharing mechanism estab- strategies more fully integrate human forces, law enforcement agencies and lished with the Malian Armed Forces rights information and standards. non-State actors seeking support from Chief of General Staff, the HRPD met the United Nations implement mitigation with the Chief of General Staff and his measures in accordance with the HRRDP, legal adviser on several occasions to most notably in programmes that are OHCHR contributed to the increased follow up on cases of human rights vio- assessed to be high or medium risk. integration of international human rights lations involving the MDSF. The HRPD norms, standards and principles into the shared a list of 43 alleged human rights work of the Peace Mission through tech- violations involving the MDSF. The mil- nical support and advocacy. In order to facilitate the implementation of itary authorities consequently opened the HRDDP, OHCHR took steps to estab- investigations into 17 of these cases and, In 2020, the Director of MINUSMA’s lish procedures that would contribute to in some instances, statements were issued HRPD participated in 12 meetings of the protection from human rights violations. condemning the attacks that led to the UNCT, during which he provided recom- alleged violations. mendations and strategic advice on how During the reporting period, UN Human to better integrate a human rights-based Rights and the HRPD conducted 68 risk approach into UN projects and pro- assessments on MINUSMA’s support PS4 – The Truth, Justice and grammes. The HRPD also participated in to non-UN security forces. The HRPD Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) ful- 32 Protection Cluster coordination meet- established a mechanism to follow up fils its mandate and issues its final report. ings to provide technical guidance and on mitigation measures that were rec- The Malian authorities implement their share information, which prompted early ommended in cases that were reviewed key recommendations and prioritize vic- warning and early responses to human between October 2019 and December tims’ rights, in accordance with Mali’s rights-related incidents. As a result, six 2020. To date, the HRPD has reviewed international obligations. protection projects were implemented by 50 per cent of those recommended miti- the HRPD, resulting in the safe reloca- gation measures. tion of 253 victims and/or witnesses of With technical support from OHCHR, human rights violations (35 women, 218 transitional justice mechanisms in Mali men). Malian investigation police officers Accountability were supported during their interviews of increasingly operate in line with interna- A2 – Criminal courts increasingly pro- complainants. These projects enabled the tional human rights norms and standards. cess human rights-related cases promptly HRPD to conduct more than 50 in-depth and in compliance with international The TJRC made progress towards the investigations into allegations of serious due process standards. Serious violations fulfillment of its mandate. UN Human human rights violations. Rights and the HRDP provided the that occurred after 2012 are prosecuted, Commission with technical and logis- regardless of whether they involved tical support for the organization of a members of armed groups or members second public hearing, which took place of the MDSF. on 5 December. During the hearing, 12 victims, including three women, testi- fied regarding the abuses they suffered OHCHR monitored the trial of human during armed attacks in 2019. The event rights violation cases to ensure their com- was broadcast on national television and pliance with international human rights covered by international media outlets. standards. The HRDP is supporting the TJRC in the drafting of its final report. In 2020, UN Human Rights and MINUSMA’s HRPD monitored 38 trials that were before the Court of Assizes in

260 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Bamako and Mopti to assess the extent MAURITANIA to which they conformed to international fair trial standards. A total of 325 cases Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 were tried, including 10 cases of human 4.65 million 1,031,000 km² 0.546 (rank: 157/189 in “A” Status (2020) trafficking and 50 cases of terrorism. 2019) The HRPD identified a number of con- Type of engagement Country Office cerns regarding the respect for certain Year established 2010 procedural rights, particularly the right to effective assistance of counsel and the Field office(s) Nouakchott duration of pretrial detention. Moreover, Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development UN partnership framework the HRPD met with the Prosecutor of the 2018-2022 Pôle Judiciaire Spécialisé on five occa- Staff as of 31 December 2020 14 sions, during which it shared a list of cases that failed to comply with international human rights standards and advocated XB income US$661,055 for immediate compliance. In addition, the HRPD collaborated with the United XB requirements 2020 US$1,980,000 Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism to XB expenditure US$1,254,858 co-organize a training of trainers course Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 on respect for human rights during 66% 23% 11% $824,002 $292,519 $138,337 counter-terrorism operations in Mali. The five-day training was delivered to 16 law enforcement officers, security offi- Key OMP pillars in 2020 cials and judges. It was held within the 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 framework of the third phase of a broader training programme that began in 2017. The objective of the programme is to PILLAR RESULTS: develop training tools and materials that are adapted to the Malian context and to Accountability and Relations with Civil Society and cultivate a pool of trainers with expertise the Ministry of Justice to advocate for A1 – Prison conditions increasingly com- in human rights and counter-terrorism. a reduction in the number of detainees ply with international standards due to to counter the spread of COVID-19 in monitoring and the coordination of assis- prisons. A number of detainees were con- tance efforts. sequently released. The Directorate of Penal Affairs and Prison Administration

reviewed its visits protocol, restricted vis- Through monitoring, technical support itation at various prisons and equipped and advocacy activities, OHCHR con- detention facilities with the necessary tributed to the improved compliance with tools to decrease the risk of contamina- international human rights standards of tion. The Office also monitored arbitrary detention facilities. arrests and detention during the COVID- 19 period and consistently advocated In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, UN for the release of children, vulnerable Human Rights and its partners engaged individuals and those awaiting trial for with the Directorate of Penal Affairs and minor offences. Prison Administration, the Commission on Human Rights, Humanitarian Action

UN Human Rights Report 2020 261 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

The Office continued to work with the Humanitarian Action and Civil Society Participation National Commission on Human Rights Relations to consult with civil society (CNDH) and the NPM to reinforce their P1 – When the Government develops and actors about the draft law on civil soci- respective mandates and provide them implements human rights-related national ety. OHCHR worked closely with the with technical assistance. With the reshuf- action plans and legislation, it adopts Commission and the Ministry of Justice to fling of the NPM, OHCHR provided new processes that enable meaningful parti- ensure the draft’s compliance with inter- members with an induction training on cipation by civil society. national standards. It also collaborated the international human rights mecha- with other UN agencies to coordinate nisms and international human rights law. advocacy efforts. Concerns were raised with the Government regarding the law In May, the Office released a public report Rights-holders, especially women and on fake news. The Office prepared a on the treatment of detainees in prisons in discriminated groups, increasingly par- review and identified areas where the law Mauritania, which was the result of work ticipated in selected public processes, due fails to comply with international human undertaken in 2019 and 2020. The report in part to OHCHR’s advocacy. rights standards. provided an opportunity for further advo- In July, a decree was adopted regarding cacy by stakeholders at the national level the establishment of an observatory on to promote respect for human rights the rights of women and girls. The decree Non-discrimination in detention. came about following ongoing engage- ND6 – Human rights institutions estab- ment between UN Human Rights and the lish a monitoring mechanism on the Ministry of Social Affairs, Children and detention of migrants. Family Affairs, various actors and civil society. UN Human Rights also delivered

a technical workshop and undertook a study in 2020. Moreover, the Office and UNFPA produced a joint study on the impacts of COVID-19 on gender-based By providing recommendations and violence, which mapped specific vulner- support, OHCHR supported the estab- abilities and informed the UN response lishment and functioning of protection on this issue. mechanisms that comply with interna- tional human rights standards. Through the Task Force on Migration, P1 – The law on civil associations and a paper was produced on migration the law on public assembly are applied challenges being faced in the country. in compliance with international human Subsequently, the Task Force engaged rights standards. with the Administration of Immigration and working groups were set up to align the national strategy with the Global OHCHR sought to contribute to the Compact for Migration. UN Human improved compliance of legislation with Rights participated in the working groups international human rights norms and and provided recommendations on legisla- standards through advocacy and techni- tive revisions that are needed in relation to cal assistance. migration and the protection of migrants. UN Human Rights participated in workshops that were organized by . the Commission for Human Rights,

262 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Development Peace and Security D7 – Communities in the regions, PS3 – The host populations that are women, local authorities and the central affected by the presence of Malian refu- Government are more knowledgeable gees and victims of other humanitarian about economic, social and cultural rights. emergencies are increasingly involved in

the development and implementation of OHCHR contributed to the enhanced response strategies. integration of international human rights norms, standards and principles into the work of UN agencies and other actors. OHCHR supported the increased partici- Through its leadership of the Protection pation of rights-holders, especially women Working Group, which was set up under and discriminated groups, in selected pro- the social and economic pillar of the UN cesses to prevent conflicts between host COVID-19 response, UN Human Rights populations and refugees. This was pri- contributed to the national Intersectoral marily done through capacity-building Action Plan on COVID-19 and drafted the and awareness-raising activities. section on human rights and humanitarian action. As a result of the Working Group’s UN Human Rights continued to build the work and advocacy, the Action Plan now capacities of the women’s network in host incorporates a comprehensive human communities, in Bassikounou, while also rights-based approach and promotes activ- organizing training sessions for women’s ities aimed at protecting women and girls organizations throughout the country, and vulnerable groups, such as marginal- including in the Adrar and Inchiri regions. ized populations, migrants and children. In Bassikounou, a meeting was held with The Action Plan was developed in coor- local authorities to discuss the challenges dination with a technical committee and solutions relating to the region. that is comprised of representatives from In February, OHCHR and other UN various ministries and included the parti- agencies participated in a border mission cipation of civil society and other partners to Fassala, where large numbers of newly in Mauritania. arrived Malian refugees are located. The Since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis, Office conducted an assessment in the set- the Office has enhanced its work around tlement, which was set up by UN agencies economic, social and cultural rights by and NGOs to provide temporary accom- monitoring and documenting violations modations. It produced an internal report in relation to these rights during periods of that highlights protection and human lockdown and stay-at-home orders. More rights risks and outlines recommendations specifically, OHCHR interacted with to address those risks. communities on the ground, partnered with various NGOs to document cases of human rights violations and engaged in advocacy with relevant ministries. This work began in June and the results are expected to be published in a report in 2021.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 263 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

MOZAMBIQUE Mechanisms

1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) M1 – Three countries strengthen or 31.26 million 799,000 km² 0.456 (rank: 181/189 in 2019) - legally establish NMRFs. Type of engagement Project (Other type of field presence)

Year established 2019

Field office(s) Maputo OHCHR advocated for the establishment of an NMRF on the implementation of Staff as of 31 December 2020 2 recommendations issued by the interna- tional human rights mechanisms. XB requirements 2020 US$1,865,000 Through the part-time deployment of a XB expenditure US$272,157 staff member to the Ministry of Justice, Personnel Non-personnel* PSC4 Constitutional and Religious Affairs, UN 98% -10% 11% Human Rights provided the Ministry $ 2 6 7, 2 81 -$26,410 $31,286 with guidance on the preparation of 12 submissions that address questions raised Key OMP pillars in 2020 by the special procedures mandate holders and the human rights treaty bodies. At the 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 * Includes prior period expenditure adjustments. same time, the Office advocated for and supported the efforts of authorities and stakeholders in reporting to the human PILLAR RESULTS: rights mechanisms, including broad con- sultations for submissions to the UPR, and the institutionalization of an ad hoc inter- Accountability of the National Commission. Further ministerial committee for reporting on to the assessment, a draft review of the A2 – NHRIs and other national protection human rights and humanitarian law obli- Commission’s legislation was undertaken, systems are established that comply with gations to render it the permanent NMRF. which reflected some of the elements international human rights standards. raised by participants in the assessment. UN Human Rights is working to ensure M2 – More NGOs and NHRIs engage that the draft is aligned with the Paris with the international human rights Through the provision of technical Principles before it is submitted to the mechanisms. advice, OHCHR contributed to the Council of Ministers and the Parliament establishment and functioning of NHRIs, for review. which conform to international human OHCHR provided financial and techni- rights standards. With OHCHR’s guidance, CSOs and cal assistance to the NHRC to enable it other actors increased their engage- In February, UN Human Rights sup- to more effectively monitor emblematic ment with the international human ported a five-day capacity assessment of human rights cases and consolidate and rights mechanisms. the National Human Rights Commission advance its role as the NPM, including (NHRC), with the participation of the by mapping all detention institutions in UN Human Rights delivered targeted Secretariat and members of the Network the country and building partnerships. training to organizations of persons with of African NHRIs, the Portuguese The Office also contracted a consultant disabilities and older persons to encourage Ombudsperson’s Office and UNDP. The to support the Commission in developing their increased engagement with the inter- event aimed at evaluating the capaci- monitoring checklists as part of its national human rights mechanisms. As a ties, needs and operational challenges NPM mandate. result, and for the first time, the two main

264 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

umbrella organizations for persons with Participation disabilities and the rights of older per- sons, representing over 30 organizations, P6 – CSOs are able to participate in public had the opportunity to consult with local affairs and advocate for democratic space. stakeholders and prepare two dedicated reports on the situation of these groups in anticipation of Mozambique’s third By engaging with CSOs, OHCHR aimed UPR cycle. The organizations indicated at increasing the level of their meaningful that OHCHR’s support enabled them to participation in selected public processes. gain better access to authorities and the UN to express their concerns and appeal At the end of 2020, UN Human Rights for resources. supported the establishment and launch of a national network of HRDs. In 2021, OHCHR and the Swedish faith-based OHCHR will provide guidance to help development organization, DIAKONIA, define working modalities and will facil- organized a six-week online training itate capacity-building sessions for its series for 35 civil society representatives members. OHCHR continued to reach (17 women, 18 men) from across the coun- out to a broad range of stakeholders to try. The representatives were members of identify relevant local human rights orga- a network of key organizations working nizations and determine their capacity on civil and political rights, freedom of needs at the national and provincial levels, the press, environmental and business and in particular in Cabo Delgado, Niassa, human rights and the rights of women Nampula and Tete. and youth. In particular, the training developed the capacity of participants in relation to the protection mechanisms and referral pathways that are available at the national level and through the AU and the UN. Following the training events, at least three entities sought follow-up engagements with the special procedures and developed submissions to the UPR. The Office also coordinated the drafting of the UNCT joint submission to the UPR, in collaboration with 11 UN entities. The collected inputs are informing the devel- opment of the CCA.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 265 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

M2 – UN agencies, civil society organi- NIGER zations, the NHRC and other key actors 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) prepare and submit at least one contribu- 24.21 million 1,267,000 km² 0.394 (rank: 189/189 in 2019) “A” Status (2017) tion or alternative report each year to the Type of engagement Country Office and Human Rights Adviser UPR, the human rights treaty bodies or the special procedures. Year established 2019 (CO) and 2008 (HRA)

Field office(s) N’Djamena United Nations Development Assistance Framework UN partnership framework Technical guidance was provided by 2017–2021 OHCHR to civil society actors to increase Staff as of 31 December 2020 3 their substantive submissions to the UPR, the human rights treaty bodies and the spe- cial procedures. XB requirements 2020 US$859,000 UN Human Rights provided guid- ance to the CSO network Collectif des Key OMP pillars in 2020 Organisations de Défense des Droits 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 de L’Homme et de la Démocratie in its preparation of an alternative report on the implementation of CED and a CSO report PILLAR RESULTS: in anticipation of Niger’s third UPR cycle. OHCHR also coordinated the drafting of Accountability Mechanisms the contribution of the UNCT to the UPR. A2 – The action plan of the National M1 – Niger submits reports promptly to Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is the UPR and to the human rights treaty updated and fully implemented. bodies, engages with and responds to the special procedures and implements their recommendations. OHCHR contributed to the functioning of the NHRC, in increased conformity with international human rights stan- OHCHR provided technical support to dards, including by providing technical Niger to encourage the timely submission support to the NHRC. of its reports. The NHRC was designated as Niger’s In 2020, Niger continued to submit out- NPM through the adoption of Law No. standing reports to the international human 2020-02 on 6 May. UN Human Rights rights mechanisms. As a result, two interim provided technical support for the draft- reports on the implementation of priority ing process, in particular during the recommendations relating to CEDAW drafting of the section relating to the role, and ICESCR as well as the State report for powers and mission of the NPM as well as Niger’s third UPR cycle were prepared and the protection of its members. validated. UN Human Rights trained the members of the interministerial committee on the reporting guidelines for preparing these documents and built their capacity to prepare quality reports.

266 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

The NHRC made substantial progress NIGERIA in the implementation of its monitoring 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) mandate by deploying 15 human rights 206.14 million 924,000 km² 0.539 (rank: 161/189 in 2019) “A” Status (2016) monitors to Benue state, which is one of Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser the states that is most affected by clashes between herders and farmers. The NHRC Year established 2014 monitors, who were deployed in conjunc- Field office(s) Abuja and Makurdi tion with OHCHR human rights officers, United Nations Sustainable Development conducted a total of 2,208 monitoring mis- UN partnership framework Partnership Framework 2018-2022 sions to IDP camps and host communities. The monitors reported 8,131 human rights Staff as of 31 December 2020 1 violations and referred 6,002 cases to com- munity Heads, the Benue State Emergency XB requirements 2020 US$1,012,000 Management Agency, the police, the mili- tary, the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, the Benue State Key OMP pillars 2020 Action Committee and the National 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. As a result, 4,972 cases were man- aged by relevant government agencies and a PILLAR RESULTS: total of 3,691 cases were positively resolved.

Accountability Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Discrimination against Persons A2 – Nigeria domesticates at least one with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. The human rights treaty and accepts at least states of Yobe and Bauchi domesticated two additional individual complaints and the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) inquiry procedures by 2021. Act in late 2020.

Through technical support that was Peace and Security provided to the Resident Coordinator, PS2 – Oversight and accountability mech- OHCHR sought to influence the passage anisms, including the National Human of legislation that complies with interna- Rights Commission (NHRC), the National tional human rights standards. Committee against Torture and the inter- UN Human Rights prepared position nal oversight mechanisms of the security papers and notes to support the RC’s agencies (the Human Rights Desk and court advocacy efforts to encourage the adoption martials), are in place and functioning. of the draft Gender Equality Bill by the National Assembly. The draft Bill, which complies with international human rights Through technical and financial support, standards, is currently under consideration OHCHR contributed to the functioning by the Assembly. The HRA further sup- of the NHRC in increased compliance with ported the RC in his advocacy campaign international human rights standards. in five states of the country to urge the domestication of the Child Rights Act, the

UN Human Rights Report 2020 267 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

RWANDA

Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 12.95 million 26,000 km² 0.543 (rank: 160/189 in 2019) “A” Status (2018)

Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser

Year established 2007

Field office(s) Kigali

United Nations Development Assistance Plan 2018- UN partnership framework 2023

Staff as of 31 December 2020 3

XB requirements 2020 US$284,000

Key OMP pillars in 2020

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229

PILLAR RESULTS:

and monitoring the impacts of COVID-19 Development on human rights by the UNCT. D7 – States integrate human rights, including the right to development and the outcomes of the international human rights Mechanisms mechanisms, as they implement the SDGs M2 – NGOs and UN agencies have and other development and poverty erad- increased their engagement with the UPR ication efforts. The UN supports them in and the human rights treaty bodies. these purposes and integrates human rights into its own development work. OHCHR aimed at supporting CSOs and UN entities in preparing submissions to the Through the provision of technical sup- international human rights mechanisms by port, OHCHR sought to increase the facilitating training and advice. integration of rights-based approaches into UN Human Rights provided technical the programmes of UN entities. support to the Government of Rwanda in UN Human Rights chaired the One UN the preparation and validation of its State Rwanda Human Rights Task Force and report in anticipation of its third UPR cycle. contributed to the inclusion of a section With the participation of the HRA, the One on human rights in the reviewed CCA. UN Rwanda Task Force on Human Rights In addition, under the coordination of prepared the UN State report for Rwanda’s OHCHR’s HRA, the Task Force devel- third UPR cycle, which was submitted to oped and validated indicators for assessing the Human Rights Council in July.

268 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

were developed through a Technical G5 SAHEL JOINT FORCE COMPLIANCE FRAMEWORK PROJECT Committee that was composed of key partners, including the European Union- Type of engagement Project (Other type of field presence) Regional Advisory and Coordination Cell, Year established 2018 MINUSMA, UNODC, INTERPOL and Field office(s) Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger AFRIPOL. The Committee’s work culmi- nated in a validation workshop that was Staff as of 31 December 2020 23 held from 16 to 19 November, in Niger, and was attended by 38 participants from the G5 Sahel countries. A pilot training XB income US$11,267,326 session based on the validated modules is XB requirements 2020 US$12,502,000 planned for 2021 in Nouakchott. XB expenditure US$8,910,235

4 Personnel Non-personnel PSC PS2 – The G5 Sahel Joint Force has estab- 75% 17% 7% $6,714,683 $1,547,343 $648,209 lished monitoring, accountability and response mechanisms and procedures.

Key OMP pillars in 2020

4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 231 With substantive support from OHCHR and other partners, significant progress PILLAR RESULTS: was made by the G5 Sahel Joint Force towards the establishment of monitoring, Peace and Security by the G5 Sahel Defence and Security accountability and response mechanisms Committee. The Force Commander also and procedures that comply with interna- PS2 – The G5 Sahel Joint Force has adopted the SOP on the conduct of internal tional human rights norms and standards. established mechanisms for the arrest, investigations, representing an important detention, interrogation and transfer of UN Human Rights and the Centre for step towards accountability as it provides those apprehended during operations, Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) supported for internal investigations when members in accordance with international human the Joint Force to establish its internal of the Joint Force are suspected of vio- rights and international humanitarian Civilian Casualty and Incidents Tracking lations of international human rights law laws and standards. and Analysis Cell (CITAC) mecha- and international humanitarian law. It nism. This will enable the Joint Force to also requires that OHCHR be informed ascertain the circumstances of and respon- when a commission of inquiry is consti- sibility for casualties and violations. Since Through the provision of technical advice, tuted and any results. OHCHR supported the establishment of the CITAC and the OHCHR contributed to the establishment the G5 Sahel Joint Force in establishing nomination of Joint Force personnel to and functioning of oversight, accountabil- internal procedures and mechanisms to serve as members of the cell, OHCHR and implement the Compliance Framework ity and protection mechanisms, which CIVIC have conducted trainings for Joint and integrate human rights and interna- conform to international human rights Force personnel on the functioning of the standards. tional humanitarian law standards into mechanism and undertook three sensitiza- legal documents, rules and regulations. In June, the G5 Sahel Joint Force tion visits with key CITAC members. The Commander approved the Directive of OHCHR led the work on the creation first two missions were to Dori, Burkina the Joint Force Police Component, which of a dedicated training for the Police Faso, followed by missions to Bankilaré outlines its missions and functioning, Component of the G5 Sahel Joint Force. and Téra in Niger. The goal of the mis- however, it has not yet been approved The structure and training modules sions was to reinforce the capacities of

UN Human Rights Report 2020 269 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

officers, teams and group leaders of the Nations, on 20 October, was an addi- PS6 – United Nations support to the respective battalions operating in the tional occasion to echo the message about G5 Sahel Joint Force complies with border region of Mali and Niger on civil- the importance of compliance by security the HRDDP. ian harm mitigation and the CITAC. In forces with international human rights December, a third mission took place in law and international humanitarian law. Mauritania. Additional visits to the bat- As a result of this advocacy, support was talions in Chad and Mali will take place expressed for maintaining the Compliance Through technical advice and training, in 2021 and SOPs will be developed on the Framework approach in the Joint Force’s OHCHR contributed to the increased functioning of the CITAC. counter-terrorism operations, including compliance of relevant actors with through the integration of relevant lan- the HRDDP. guage in Security Council resolutions and Since Security Council resolution 2531 PS2 – UN Human Rights provides ongo- the Secretary-General reports pertaining (2020) formally requested MINUSMA ing political and strategic support for the to UN support to the Joint Force. to expand the provision of its life sup- implementation and maintenance of the Compliance Framework. The Office strengthened its engagement port consumables to G5 Sahel Joint with partners in the region to ensure that Force contingents operating outside of adequate international human rights and Malian , in compliance with the

international humanitarian standards are HRDDP, the Joint Force has submitted 16 Through advocacy and outreach, put in place across new security initiatives support requests to MINUSMA. In turn, OHCHR helped to ensure that critical in the Sahel, in line with the Compliance MINUSMA has responded favourably human rights issues were raised and taken Framework. Following a series of credible and within the timeframe set by the tech- up in international forums in a timely reports about serious human rights vio- nical agreement to 14 of these requests. manner. lations committed by the G5 Sahel Joint Following each request, MINUSMA UN Human Rights continued to engage Force and national armies against civil- undertook a comprehensive risk assess- with Member States, international orga- ians in the course of counter-terrorism ment and subsequently identified a series nizations and other partners to advocate operations, OHCHR engaged with the G5 of mitigation measures. Throughout the Sahel countries and other partners with for the sustained political, technical and year, OHCHR increased its technical and concrete operational recommendations financial support to the G5 Sahel Joint substantive support to MINUSMA and aimed at facilitating the full investigation Force Compliance Framework. Numerous to its HRDDP Task Force and Secretariat of the allegations and seeking justice and meetings were organized to update all to help facilitate the implementation of redress for the victims. stakeholders on the operationalization the Policy. of the Compliance Framework and to seek sustained political support. The Following a request by the Resident meetings were organized by the High Coordinator in Burkina Faso, OHCHR Commissioner with the European Union’s provided assistance to the UNCT to Special Representatives for Human enhance the implementation of the Rights and the Sahel, in December, HRDDP and ensure a coherent and col- and by the Assistant Secretary-General lective approach by all stakeholders. The for Human Rights with the European Office worked with the UNCT to draft Union’s Political and Security Committee, standard operating procedures on the in October. The participation of the HRDDP and to establish a Task Force. Assistant Secretary-General for Human Finally, OHCHR worked on the creation Rights at the high-level segment of the of a regional HRDDP coordination struc- Ministerial Round-Table on Central ture in the Sahel region, which is planned Sahel, co-organized by Member States, to begin operating in 2021. the European Union and the United

270 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

SOMALIA: UNITED NATIONS ASSISTANCE MISSION IN SOMALIA Non-discrimination (UNSOM) ND2 – Formal justice institutions Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 increasingly address cases of sexual 15.89 million 638,000 km² - - violence and positive measures and leg- Type of engagement Peace Mission islation are adopted that protect equality Year established 2008 and the inclusive participation of vul- nerable groups in political, social and Mogadishu, Jubaland, Puntland, Hirshabelle, Field office(s) economic spheres. Somaliland and South West State

United Nations Integrated Strategic Framework UN partnership framework 2017-2020 OHCHR advocated for the increased Staff as of 31 December 2020 20 compliance of legislation with interna- tional human rights norms and standards.

XB requirements 2020 US$580,000 In Mogadishu, UN Human Rights, the HRPG and the United Nations Team of Key OMP pillars in 2020 Experts on the Rule of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict supported the Somali 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 Women and Child Care Association and the Somali Women and Child Cluster in PILLAR RESULTS: organizing a high-level meeting to urge the Federal Parliament to withdraw Participation Disability Policy that is compliant with the Sexual Intercourse-Related Crimes CRPD. In Mogadishu, the HRPG sup- Bill and instead table the 2018 Sexual P6 – Human rights violations and abuses ported the Federal Ministry of Women and Offences Bill. Participants included repre- against IDPs, minorities, persons with Human Rights Development to conduct sentatives from the Office of the President, disabilities and other marginalized groups consultations with relevant stakeholders the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of that suffer discrimination are monitored, on the Persons with Disabilities Bill, which Women and Human Rights Development, documented and reported for purposes of is compliant with international standards women and youth groups, religious lead- advocacy and protection. and is ready to be tabled before the Cabinet. ers, the Office of the Attorney General, traditional elders, academia, media and In addition, the HRPG carried out an Through capacity-building activities, other stakeholders. As a result, adoption assessment of the capacities of CSOs to OHCHR contributed to the increased of the Sexual Intercourse-Related Crimes monitor, report and advocate on human participation of rights-holders, especially Bill has been put on hold. women and discriminated groups, in rights in Somalia. A total of 67 CSO net- selected public processes. works were identified and approximately In Somaliland, the HRPG raised concerns 75 per cent of them unite organizations that with the Somaliland National Human Somalia’s 2019 ratification of CRPD are involved in similar human rights the- Rights Commission (SLNHRC) regard- facilitated the increased engagement of per- matic areas. The assessment showed that ing the Somaliland Rape, Fornication sons with disabilities in public processes although CSOs are engaged in monitoring and Other Related Offences Bill, which regarding the protection of their rights. and reporting on human rights, their capac- does not comply with international In Somaliland, UN Human Rights and ity to effectively discharge these functions human rights standards, particularly in the Human Rights and Protection Group requires strengthening. As a result, the relation to the rights of women and girls. (HRPG) of UNSOM supported civil soci- HRPG took steps to enhance their capaci- The SLNHRC is spearheading advocacy ety in conducting consultations on crafting ties to better monitor and report on human with government institutions, senior a disability law from the Somaliland rights. This will continue in 2021. officials and members of the Somaliland

UN Human Rights Report 2020 271 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Upper House of Parliament to prevent the During 2020, a total of 789 members With the support of the HRPG, the Somali approval and enactment of the controver- of the SNA, including 20 women, were Police Force is in the process of drafting a sial Bill in its current format. trained on international human rights disciplinary policy and code of conduct. law and international humanitarian law. The goal of these efforts is to build effec- UN Human Rights and the HRPG also tive and efficient institutions at the federal Development trained 29 Hirshabelle State Police offi- and state levels with a strong foundation cers on international human rights law for combating crimes against women and D7 – The National Development Plan and and international humanitarian law to children, including sexual violence. the UN Integrated Strategic Framework enhance their knowledge about the pro- for Somalia integrate relevant human motion and protection of human rights. rights norms, standards and principles Furthermore, the HRPG conducted a PS6 – Six risk assessments are conducted and recommendations. verification mission on the training of and at least 40 per cent of mitigation mea- 600 army troops at the General Gordon sures are implemented. By engaging with the UNCT, OHCHR Military Training Centre, in Mogadishu. aimed at integrating international human The objective of the mission was to assess rights standards as well as recommenda- their proficiency and knowledge about the tions of the international human rights OHCHR contributed to the integration of application of international human rights mechanisms into UN common country international human rights norms, stan- and international humanitarian standards programmes. dards, principles and recommendations ahead of their deployment to Lower issued by the international human rights UN Human Rights and UNSOM’s HRPG Shabelle operations. The mission found mechanisms into the work of the Peace collaborated with UN agencies in Somalia that the troops had good knowledge about Mission. to ensure the centrality of human rights in international human rights and humani- UN Human Rights and UNSOM’s HRPG all humanitarian and protection interven- tarian standards and their obligations to provided technical support to the imple- tions. It contributed substantive inputs to respect and protect human rights. the CCA and the UNSDCF and helped mentation of the HRDDP through the finalization of three risk assessments and to identify economic and social rights the implementation of mitigation mea- priorities and entry points to advance PS1 – At least six laws and policies relating sures regarding the Somali Police Mobile the implementation of the SDGs and the to security institutions, including laws and Vehicle Checkpoint Project, the Custodial Leave No One Behind principle. policies on counter-terrorism, are adopted or revised and improve compliance with Corps and the National Intelligence and international human rights standards. Security Agency (NISA). The HRPG provided support to the roll-out of iden- Peace and Security tified prevention measures for the Somali

PS1 – A total of 10,000 members of the Police Force, which was led by UNMAS, Somali National Army (SNA) are trained, OHCHR advocated for the compliance of by training five UNMAS staff and six including through training of trainers laws, accountability and protection mech- contractors. It also provided advice on sessions. A new Human Rights Cell is anisms with international human rights the development of key tools, including established in the SNA and one of its standards. an HRDDP risk matrix and a logical responsibilities is to ensure that the SNA framework, for monitoring compliance. In Jubaland, regular engagement and tech- mainstreams human rights and training Furthermore, the risk assessments and nical assistance provided to the Ministry on international humanitarian law. mitigation measures related to NISA were of Women, Family Affairs and Human developed and shared with the two UN Rights led to the finalization of the Sexual entities providing support to NISA. Offences Bill. The HRPG’s inputs were With the technical support of OHCHR, incorporated into the Bill which, when In order to provide support to the African training on key human rights areas was adopted, will help to increase the protec- Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), institutionalized for security forces. tion of victims of sexual violence. the HRPG convened three HRDDP

272 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

technical meetings to review AMISOM’s The HRPG also advised on the prepa- The report was produced as a result of implementation of prevention and ration and submission of a CSO report collective and participatory efforts, with response measures. The technical meet- in relation to Somalia’s third UPR cycle. contributions from 126 CSOs from across ings discussed a variety of issues, including the country. allegations contained in the UNSOM/ OHCHR report on the Protection of SOUTHERN AFRICA Civilians, AMISOM’s draft SOPs for the Type of engagement Regional Office Boards of Inquiry, the provision of joint Angola, , Comoros, , Lesotho, support to the Somali Security Forces Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, to strengthen their compliance in the Countries of engagement Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and context of Somalia’s security transition Zimbabwe and updates on actions undertaken by AMISOM to address their alleged vio- Year established 1998 lations of international human rights law Field office(s) Pretoria, South Africa and international humanitarian law. The Staff as of 31 December 2020 9 HRPG provided inputs to AMISOM’s draft SOPs for the Boards of Inquiry, which are currently being finalized and XB income US$1,030,286 will serve as a key accountability mecha- nism for AMISOM forces. XB requirements 2020 US$3,424,000 XB expenditure US$571,976 Personnel Non-personnel* PSC4 Mechanisms 99% -10% 11% $255,512 -$56,222 $60,900 M1 – Support is provided for an annual visit by the Independent Expert on the RB expenditure US$161,548 situation of . Personnel 100% Somalia submits one UPR report and at $166,653 least one periodic report to the interna- tional human rights mechanisms. Key OMP pillars in 2020

4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 231 * Includes prior period expenditure adjustments. OHCHR supported the increased engage- ment of the Federal Government of Somalia and civil society with the international PILLAR RESULTS: protect human rights with a focus on human rights mechanisms. accountability and economic, social and The Federal Government of Somalia submit- Accountability (A) cultural rights. ted its mid-term UPR report and is currently A2 – NHRIs and other national pro- UN Human Rights continued to provide preparing its final report to account for the tection systems are established that support to NHRIs in Angola, Botswana, commitments it made during the second comply with international human rights Eswatini, Madagascar, Malawi and UPR cycle in 2016. UN Human Rights and standards. Mozambique to ensure their compliance the HRPG provided extensive support to with the Paris Principles. the Federal Government to prepare and submit, in October, the State Party report Following the Cabinet’s approval of the under ICCPR, which was overdue by nearly OHCHR increased the capacity of NHRIs amended Human Rights Commission 30 years. and relevant stakeholders to promote and Act, in Lesotho, OHCHR collaborated

UN Human Rights Report 2020 273 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

with the National Institutions and non-discrimination, vulnerable groups, African Women Human Rights Defenders Regional Mechanisms Section (NIRMS) arrest, detention, the use of force and Network to share experiences and provide to facilitate a workshop with government accountability. In both countries, the technical support. ministries, CSOs, the media and the training was rolled out to all law enforce- OHCHR continued to monitor and report UNCT to sensitize district administra- ment officials with COVID-19 policing on civic space and participation issues in tors about the mandate of the National responsibilities. OHCHR also engaged three priority countries, namely, Eswatini, Human Rights Commission and its rela- with the SAHRC, which has an MoU with Zambia and Zimbabwe. Specifically, tionship with various national strategies, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Office engaged with CSOs in each such as Lesotho’s National Strategic Plan to discuss working together to review the country to follow up on strategies to and the SDGs. Contentious provisions curriculum for the Police Academy and to ensure a safe and enabling environment in the Act, including on the recruit- deliver training on human rights to SAPS for HRDs, including the submission of ment, appointment, tenure and removal officials. OHCHR also provided inputs communications to special procedures of the Chair and commissioners, were to the South Africa COVID-19 needs mandate holders. It also established an amended, as were other internal proce- assessment regarding the human rights advocacy tool, which it used to highlight dures pertaining to investigations. The implications of the actions of law enforce- the key findings of a 2019 study on civic Act will be submitted to the Parliament ment officials during the pandemic. space in Southern Africa. In addition, the for promulgation. In collaboration with Office published a report on civic space, the UNCT, OHCHR committed to pro- outlining trends that demonstrate the key viding ongoing technical support towards Participation legal, policy and operational challenges the establishment and strengthening of that HRDs face and the opportunities P6 – CSOs are able to participate in public the Commission. available to CSOs to engage in the SDG affairs and advocate for democratic space. In South Africa, OHCHR focused on Decade of Action. Furthermore, OHCHR supporting the establishment of an NPM enhanced its cooperation and partner- under the OP-CAT and an independent ship with CSOs by organizing a virtual monitoring mechanism (IMM) under OHCHR ensured the meaningful partici- meeting with regional CSOs, based in CRPD. A recent constitutional court deci- pation of rights-holders, especially women South Africa, to gain an understanding sion confirmed the authority of the South and discriminated groups, in selected pub- of their COVID-19-related activities and African Human Rights Commission lic processes. to explore opportunities for collabora- tion on civic space issues. CSOs submitted (SAHRC) to oversee the NPM. UN Human Rights enhanced its advocacy a joint open letter to the Heads of State and monitoring of civic space through OHCHR engaged in significant work on and governments of the Southern African COVID-19 regulations, law enforcement partnerships and engagement with CSOs Development Community (SADC) and human rights in the subregion. The and promoted a global constituency for regarding the impacts on human rights of Office produced guidance on COVID- human rights. Continued support to the restrictive COVID-19 regulations. 19 and the alignment of legislation with Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders international human rights standards Network (SAHRDN) enabled the Office In Eswatini, OHCHR enhanced the capacity of 30 CSO representatives to and provided technical assistance with to indirectly influence the develop- effectively engage with the international the integration of human rights into ment of strategies for the protection of human rights mechanisms in order to SOPs that were adopted by the Zambia HRDs and promote the legitimacy of protect civic space. The training included Police Service. In partnership with UNDP SAHRDN as a representative subre- practical exercises on how to prepare a and the United Nations Standing Police gional network for HRDs. OHCHR communication to the special procedures Capacity, the Office delivered virtual also supported the initial steps taken mandate holders. training to the Zambia Police Service towards the formal establishment of the and the Angola Ministry of Interior on Southern Africa Women Human Rights OHCHR provided support to global international human rights standards Defenders Network (SAWHRDN) and civic space monitoring efforts through in relation to law enforcement and convened several meetings with the East the monitoring and collection of data

274 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

on the killings of HRDs, journalists and (SRHR). OHCHR worked closely with Non-discrimination trade unionists, based on SDG Indicator CSOs, NHRIs and other stakeholders 16.10.1. The Office reached out to CSOs, ND1 – At least three countries adopt legal to advocate for changes in laws, policies HRAs and UNCTs in the subregion to and policy measures, aligned with human and practices on SRHR. More specifically, verify reports of killings. At least 12 cases rights, that prevent discrimination against the Office conducted a survey following of enforced disappearances and killings of women, migrants, persons with albinism the regional workshop on “Promoting HRDs were added to OHCHR’s database. and persons with disabilities. human rights standards and guidance on sexual and reproductive health and rights OHCHR undertook strategic research, in Southern Africa,” which was jointly analysis and advocacy regarding laws and organized by OHCHR and UNFPA. policies that shrink civic space and limit OHCHR continued to work towards participation in the subregion, particu- advancing the protection of women in Furthermore, OHCHR, UNFPA, larly in the context of COVID-19. This Southern Africa from gender-based vio- UNICEF, UNAIDS, UNESCO, WHO analysis led to the development of guid- lence and femicide by providing technical and UN Women agreed to jointly develop ance notes for the country engagement support to governments, the judiciary, law two advocacy papers on promoting the of RCs in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, enforcement, NHRIs, CSOs and other sexual and reproductive health and rights Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and stakeholders. of adolescents in East and Southern Zimbabwe. The RCs focused on address- UN Human Rights contributed to the Africa. This initiative will enable relevant ing the impact of legal measures that United Nations Gender Theme Group UN agencies to advocate on issues related unduly restrict freedom of expression, (GTG) in South Africa by integrating to the age of consent for sexual and repro- such as laws on disinformation and misin- human rights into various assessments, ductive health services in a coordinated formation. OHCHR’s work also included action plans and reports and formed and harmonized manner. In addition, the three referrals to special procedures man- part of a technical team on gender-based papers will serve as a foundation for all date holders in relation to cases in South violence under the auspices of the GTG. interactions and communications that the Africa and Zimbabwe. The Office provided technical support contributing UN agencies will undertake in the East and Southern Africa region on As part of the Office’s effort to promote to a focused situational analysis of the this thematic area. a global constituency for human rights, COVID-19 pandemic. Additional sup- OHCHR collaborated with the Centre port was extended to the Government for Human Rights at the University of of South Africa in the implementation Development Pretoria to host a webinar on the impacts of its Emergency Response Action Plan of COVID-19 on the right to freedom of on Gender-Based Violence, including D7 – All UNDAF roll-out countries peaceful assembly in Southern Africa, the 100 Days Rapid Results Challenge to adopt a human rights-based approach to which was attended by at least 150 par- eliminate the backlog of cases relating to programming and link the SDGs to inter- gender-based violence and femicide in the ticipants. Moreover, the Office provided national human rights standards. South African justice system. support to the UNCTs in Southern Africa to enhance their engagement with CSOs OHCHR intensified its collaboration on COVID-19. with the South African Judicial Education OHCHR continued to support the Institute (SAJEI) and provided financial Finally, UN Human Rights developed an integration of human rights into inter- and technical support to SAJEI-organized internal information note for the UNCTs national human rights norms, standards workshops. The workshops strength- in Southern Africa on protecting civic and principles and the recommendations ened the capacity of the South African space in the context of elections, which issued by the international human rights judiciary to be sensitive towards gender will be used for the first time in the con- mechanisms. stereotypes and to promote and protect text of the August 2021 general elections freedom from discrimination and violence UN Human Rights successfully integrated in Zambia. as well as the right to health, including human rights and recommendations sexual and reproductive health and rights issued by the international human rights

UN Human Rights Report 2020 275 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

mechanisms into the CCA and UNSDCF and Zambia and provided guidance to of COVID-19 on already vulnerable documents of Eswatini and South Africa. the UNCT and government officials in groups in the subregion, particularly Eswatini’s UNSDCF includes an out- Comoros on the synergies between human migrants. Moreover, the Office contrib- come area on “accountable governance, rights and the SDGs. Finally, OHCHR uted to the draft Regional Framework for justice and human rights” and South conducted a mapping of SDG coordina- Action to Address Disaster Displacement Africa’s UNSDCF builds on the CCA tion structures in Southern Africa, at the in Southern Africa and provided the RCs and includes two relevant priority areas, country level, in order to record which in Zambia and Zimbabwe with analytical namely, “effective, efficient and trans- ministry is leading the coordination of updates on human rights concerns in rela- formative governance” and “human each SDG. tion to the respective political situations. capital and social transformation.” These OHCHR supported the preparation of a Cooperation Frameworks provide an Protection Strategy for the UN in South opportunity for the UNCTs to develop Peace and Security Africa and provided comprehensive feed- joint programmes and advance the real- PS5 – In at least four countries, UNCTs back on the establishment of a UN Social ization of and integrate human rights into their early Protection Theme Group. OHCHR par- South Africa until 2025. warning, prevention, preparedness and ticipated in the Theme Group to ensure OHCHR continued to provide technical response plans. the integration of human rights. In addi- support to the UNCTs in Eswatini and tion, the Office liaised with the UNCT South Africa for the development of joint in South Africa during the development workplans (JWPs) by applying a human of a COVID-19 needs assessment and a OHCHR supported the incorporation of rights-based approach to development and Humanitarian Response Plan and incor- human rights-based approaches into the ensuring the integration of a human rights porated information relating to vulnerable programmes of UN entities. marker into all workplans. The Office groups. committed to the delivery of trainings to Through its Emergency Response Team, OHCHR produced two country risk UN colleagues on the application of an UN Human Rights provided human rights assessments for Zambia to inform the HRBA to development, the international inputs and risk analysis to various CCAs Regional Monthly Review (RMR) human rights mechanisms and human and VNR processes, including early Regional Scan on Sub-Saharan Africa. It rights markers. It also nominated several warning, food insecurity and democratic also prepared an overview document and CSOs to take part in the development of space, with a focus on the most vulnerable risk assessment for the RMR on Southern JWPs to ensure the inclusion of voices groups. Africa, with a focus on the human rights from marginalized communities. Following a mission to Malawi to and humanitarian situation in the subre- In South Africa, OHCHR supported assess the effectiveness of the Prevention gion before and during the COVID-19 UN agencies, the Department of Social Platform, which was established in the run pandemic. It further highlighted risks in Development and other partners to incor- up to the 2019 general elections, the Office relation to climate change, food security porate human rights, ILO standards and issued recommendations and provided and agriculture as well as economic sta- the principle of Leaving No One Behind technical support on the relaunching of bility, poverty, inequality and access to when implementing the programme on the Platform for use in a post-electoral and social services. Underlying risks related integrated social protection, which is deteriorating socio-economic context. to democratic space, good governance supported by the joint SDG Fund. To and the rule of law were also identified. The Office provided human rights inputs facilitate this result, the Office collabo- The risk assessment included a section on regarding specific country situations in rated with ILO to develop a human rights strategies and entry points for prevention Madagascar, Zambia and Zimbabwe, checklist that can be used in relation to and early action. including through its participation studies and activities that are undertaken in regional Inter-Agency Standing In the Seychelles, the Office produced two within the programme. Committee (IASC) meetings. Discussions situational reports (pre- and post-election) The Office reviewed and submitted com- primarily focused on food insecurity in in relation to the presidential and legisla- ments on the draft VNRs of the Seychelles Southern Africa and the adverse impacts tive elections and issued a post-election

276 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

update on the outcome of the first and The case of civil society collaboration. The Mechanisms second round of the National Assembly research highlights the strategic benefits elections in Comoros. M1 – Three countries strengthen or of integrating CSOs into the operations legally establish NMRFs. of the South African NPM, outlines UN Human Rights produced 19 situa- the legal and practical rationale for the tion reports on the impacts of COVID-19 establishment of NPMs and reflects on on human rights in 14 countries of the the functioning of NPMs in other jurisdic- Southern Africa region and an advocacy OHCHR strengthened reporting to the tions. The paper is intended to inform the brief on the state of emergency measures international human rights mechanisms. engagement of OHCHR and other part- adopted in various countries of the subre- With technical support and guidance from ners to strengthen the NPM and advance gion. This brief was shared with both UN UN Human Rights, national capacity was the role of CSOs in its work. and non-UN stakeholders. The Office also enhanced in Botswana, Namibia, South produced two reports on South Africa Africa and Zambia to report effectively Moreover, participation in the South to the human rights treaty bodies. In M2 – More NGOs and NHRIs engage Africa UN Protection Working Group collaboration with UNFPA, UN Human with the international human rights and its Advisory Group enabled the Office Rights assisted Eswatini, Namibia and the mechanisms. to share a number of guidance notes and Seychelles with the preparation of their press statements that were issued by the State reports to the UPR through focused international human rights mechanisms trainings and consultative workshops. OHCHR intensified its efforts to provide in relation to COVID-19, with a focus on technical support to CSOs regarding their the human rights of migrants. In cooperation with the Treaty Body Capacity-Building Programme and UNDP engagement with the international human The work of UN Human Rights on hate Botswana, UN Human Rights continued rights mechanisms. speech progressed and a pilot project to promote the implementation of the rec- To enable CSOs to engage effectively with with UN Global Pulse was established ommendations issued by the international the international human rights mecha- to investigate the use of AI in monitor- human rights mechanisms in relation to nisms, UN Human Rights provided ing incitement and xenophobic speech in Botswana, including through the provi- technical support to organizations of the South Africa context. It is envisaged sion of technical support on the use of the persons with disabilities in Namibia for that this type of analysis could feed into a National Recommendations Tracking the preparation of an alternative report wider UN strategy in South Africa on hate Database (NRTD) and the development to CRPD. speech and the Migration Multi-Partner of a plan for the implementation of rec- Trust Fund project that is slated to begin In Eswatini, OHCHR assisted CSOs to ommendations. Furthermore, the Office in 2021. enhance their capacity to engage effec- provided technical support to the Namibia tively with the international human The Office continued to strengthen its National Disability Forum (NDF) on the rights mechanisms. Specifically, it pro- information management capacity and implementation of CRPD, in collabora- vided technical guidance to CSOs and the use of open source information and data tion with the UNCT in Namibia. UNCT in Eswatini on the preparation of a by developing more structured methods In South Africa, OHCHR focused on stakeholders’ report for submission to the of monitoring, information gathering strengthening the NPM, in collaboration UPR. It also collaborated with UNDP in and analysis. The Office worked on the with SPT, and provided technical guid- Eswatini and the Coordinating Assembly development of new tools for visualizing ance on the role of CSOs in the South of Non-Governmental Organizations human rights violations, trend analysis Africa NPM. UN Human Rights worked (CANGO) to deliver a virtual training on and the establishment of integrated UN closely with SPT to support a research civil society engagement with the inter- information and risk analysis, including paper by the African Policing Civilian national human rights mechanisms, with in electoral contexts. Oversight Forum (APCOF) entitled a focus on alternative reporting under Promoting the effectiveness of the South ICESCR. The training was attended by Africa National Preventive Mechanism: various CSOs from across the country.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 277 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

In Zambia, OHCHR promoted the SOUTH SUDAN: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN engagement of the Zambia National SOUTH SUDAN (UNMISS) Human Rights Commission (ZNHRC) Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 with the international human rights 11.19 million 659,000 km² 0.433 (rank: 185/189 in - mechanisms through technical support 2019) and guidance. This resulted in the prepa- ration of alternative reports to CRPD and Type of engagement Peace Mission the Human Rights Committee. Year established 2 011

Support and guidance were provided to Aweil, Bentiu, Bor, Juba, Kuajok, Malakai, Pibor, Field office(s) the UNCTs in Eswatini, Mozambique, Rumbek, Torit, Wau, Yambio and Yei Namibia, the Seychelles and Zambia in United Nations Cooperation Framework 2019- UN partnership framework the preparation of their submissions to 2021 the UPR. Staff as of 31 December 2020 88

XB requirements 2020 US$238,000

Key OMP pillars in 2020

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229

PILLAR RESULTS:

Accountability not possible due to COVID-19 restric- tions, human rights officers conducted A1 – South Sudan authorities release remote monitoring and engagement with individuals who are arbitrarily detained police, prison and security service offi- or held incommunicado, provide infor- cials. Following the monitoring visits, mation on disappeared persons and the HRD advocated with actors from grant access to rule of law institutions, the justice system to secure the release of including detention facilities. detainees who were subjected to arbitrary arrest and detention and to ensure com-

pliance with international human rights State institutions sought to improve their standards. Between March and October, compliance with international human the HRD documented the release of 3,322 rights norms and standards with the sup- individuals (2,774 men, 432 women and port of OHCHR. 166 children) from police and prison facil- In 2020, UN Human Rights and the ities in the context of efforts to decongest Human Rights Division (HRD) of prisons in response to the COVID-19 cri- UNMISS regularly investigated cases sis. In addition, the HRD monitored and of prolonged and arbitrary detention in documented cases of arbitrary arrest and civilian detention facilities across South detention related to COVID-19 restric- Sudan, undertaking a total of 1,250 mon- tive measures and advocated with relevant itoring visits. When in-person visits were authorities. The HRD’s documentation

278 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

of these cases informed the drafting of a Office of the Senior Women’s Protection CRSV. In October, a Joint Committee legal analysis on the lawfulness of restric- Adviser (OSWPA) in the Peace Mission on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence was tive measures that were introduced by regularly raised cases of CRSV with par- established, composed of 11 representa- the Government and supported advocacy ties to the conflict. Advocacy undertaken tives from the SSPDF, the SPLA-IO, the efforts with national authorities. with the Chief of the South Sudan People’s South Sudan Opposition Alliance and Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Minister the Ministry of Defence and Veterans’ South Sudan’s imposition of the death of Defence, in May, regarding concerns Affairs. The drafting of the unified penalty continued to be a serious concern. over the continued prevalence of sexual action plan was finalized, at the end of In addition to its engagement with rele- violence perpetrated by the SSPDF in the December, with support from the OSWPA vant stakeholders on the establishment of Yei-Lasu area, was instrumental in the and the UN Team of Experts on the Rule a de facto moratorium on the use of the of Law and Sexual Violence in Conflict. death penalty, the HRD provided tech- deployment of the District Court Martial The membership of the Joint Committee nical and financial support to national to the area. In September, the District was inclusive, in line with the revitalized CSOs and legal aid providers. The objec- Court Martial handed down a land- peace agreement. tive of this support was to strengthen their mark ruling in which 26 suspects were capacities to protect the rights of death convicted and received sentences ranging row inmates, support reconciliation from seven to 14 years in prison for the Peace and Security efforts as alternatives to the imposition rape of six women and five girls. The HRD of death sentences and to assist with the monitored the two-month-long trial and PS5 – Human rights data contribute to submission of information to the inter- worked with CSOs to support and accom- early warning mechanisms and responses national human rights mechanisms. As pany the victims and their families before, and to decision-making strategies and a result, 18 individuals (two women, 16 during and after the trial. The HRD also operations to prevent, mitigate and men) who had been convicted, sentenced engaged with the judges to address issues respond to emerging crises in South to death and served a minimum of nine and concerns observed during the initial Sudan. years on death row were released under stages of the trial. the reconciliation approach. The OSWPA engaged with field com- manders to advocate for the release of By tracking and generating reports on women and girls who were held against casualties, OHCHR advocated with A3 – Monitoring, investigating, verifying their will by the Sudan People’s Liberation authorities for their compliance with and reporting abuse and violence against Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) in human rights and prevention norms women, including CRSV, are strength- Western Equatoria. As a result, in January and standards. ened. Formal justice institutions increase and February, over 80 women and girls their capacity to address cases of sexual Through its tracking system of incidents, were handed over to the Catholic Diocese violence. The proportion of sexual vio- UN Human Rights and the HRD gen- of Nzara for two weeks, during which lence cases they address increases. erated weekly, monthly, quarterly and they had access to medical and psycho- annual analyses on casualty trends. In social care. 2020, the HRD documented at least 2,421 The HRD and the OSWPA provided civilians who were killed, 1,531 who were Through reporting and advocacy, technical support to the SSPDF for the injured and 1,655 who were abducted in OHCHR contributed to the function- drafting of a comprehensive training the context of conflict-related violations ing of accountability and protection manual on CRSV, including images that and abuses in South Sudan. These num- mechanisms. were tailored for illiterate security forces. bers represent a substantial increase over In 2020, UN Human Rights and the HRD The manual was launched during a train- the previous year. Furthermore, the HRD reported and verified 146 incidents of ing of trainers workshop for 25 SSPDF published a major thematic report on CRSV affecting 218 survivors, including instructors on 20 October. The OSWPA access to health for CRSV survivors and 54 girls and women and eight men. UN supported the unification of the SSPDF three quarterly briefs on violence affect- Human Rights and the HRD and the and SPLA-IO action plans to address ing civilians. Additionally, the Division

UN Human Rights Report 2020 279 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

developed monthly hotspot maps identi- 51 risk assessments relating to the support the consistent implementation of the fying major areas where conflict-related provided to non-UN security forces and HRDDP by all UN entities through the violations took place, including in Central facilitated their clearance by the Task development of a new draft SOP, which Equatoria, Warrap, Lakes, Unity, Jonglei Force and endorsement by the Office of has not yet been approved by the Special and Upper Nile. the Deputy Special Representative of the Representative of the Secretary-General Secretary-General. The HRD developed for South Sudan. The HRD also established coordina- a tracking mechanism regarding the level tion mechanisms to integrate human of implementation of mitigating measures. rights approaches and share relevant The HRD also supported and promoted information with government stake- holders and NGOs, primarily through weekly and monthly meetings and joint working groups. This included weekly Justice and reparations for victims of sexual Humanitarian Country Team briefs on violence in South Sudan COVID-19-related human rights and protection issues. The briefs mapped conflict-related and socio-economic human In July, the Chief of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces established a rights situations across South Sudan to District Court Martial, the first of its kind in Yei, to try members of the armed enhance advocacy with stakeholders forces who were accused of sexual violence, looting of civilian property and other on human rights concerns. In order to offences that were committed in the context of armed conflict in the country. On streamline information-sharing between 7 September, the Court handed down a landmark ruling in which 26 suspects the Protection Cluster and the HRD, were convicted and sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from seven to 14 two separate databases were developed years for the rape of six women and five girls. The pronouncement of this verdict to track incidents in the cantonment sites was a positive step towards combating the rampant culture of impunity within and other protection-related issues in the the security forces. This process also underscored the critical role played by civil context of COVID-19. The dashboards society actors and grassroots associations in advancing demands for justice. created from the databases provided real- The Human Rights Division of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan time information, which was shared with monitored the two-month-long trial and worked with CSOs to support and the UNCT and the diplomatic community accompany the victims and their families before, during and after the trial. In in South Sudan. addition, the Division engaged with the judges of the Court to address issues and concerns observed during the initial stages of the trial. To ensure the sustainabil- ity of the gains made during the Court Martial process, the Division organized PS6 – UNMISS and UN agencies apply a series of human rights training sessions for the South Sudan People’s Defence the standards set out in the HRDDP when Forces in Yei. This contributed to enhancing the engagement between the Defence they provide support to national security Forces with local authorities and civilians, thereby improving the civil-military forces, the SPLA-IO, the police and other relationship that has been significantly soured by a years-long conflict. Finally, security forces. the Human Rights Division continued to advocate for the deployment of a court martial to other regions of South Sudan, where serious human rights violations have been committed by members of security forces. OHCHR led the HRDDP Task Force and After the verdict was announced, the mother of a 16-year-old survivor stated: supported the integration of international “When I saw the judges in military uniform, I thought they would be on the side human rights norms, standards and prin- of the soldiers. I am happy with the conviction. I never thought the perpetrators ciples into the work of the Peace Mission. would face justice. The judge told us that the perpetrators would pay 500,000 As Secretariat of the HRDDP Task Force, South Sudanese Pounds and two bulls as compensation. This will help us rebuild UN Human Rights and the HRD reviewed our life.”

280 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

support of the Office. OHCHR will con- SUDAN tinue supporting the drafting process and 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) the creation and operationalization of the

43.85 million - 0.510 (rank: 170/189 in 2019) - new NHRI. Type of engagement Country Office

Year established 2019 A1 – Domestic legislation and policy Field office(s) Khartoum increasingly comply with international United Nations Development Assistance Framework human rights standards. UN partnership framework 2018-2021

Staff as of 31 December 2020 15 Technical assistance provided by OHCHR sought to improve the compliance of XB income US$4,560,623 selected legislation and policies with inter- XB requirements 2020 US$4,919,000 national human rights standards.

XB expenditure US$1,877,096 UN Human Rights provided techni- Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 cal assistance to the Ministry of Justice 66% 22% 11% in drafting key legislation that ensures $1,240,158 $422,081 $215,667 accountability for human rights vio- RB expenditure US$648,630 lations. Through more than six joint Personnel Non-personnel working sessions with the Ministry’s 79% 21% Department of Legislation, the Office $510,014 $138,616 contributed to the drafting of the laws establishing the Transitional Justice Key OMP pillars in 2020 Commission (TJC) and the NHRI, which 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 included many of the comments provided by the Office. OHCHR also facilitated public consultations with civil society on PILLAR RESULTS: the draft laws. In July, following the Government’s historical step to reform provisions of Accountability authorities, including the National Human Rights Commission and the the Penal Code, the Code of Criminal A1 – The new Independent National Ministry of Justice, on the importance Procedure and the Law on Combating Human Rights Commission (INHRC) is of establishing an NHRI that is com- Cybercrimes, the Office analysed the pro- established and effectively complies with pliant with the Paris Principles. More posed provisions in light of international the Paris Principles. specifically, OHCHR advocated for a human rights standards and highlighted significant concerns regarding their poten- transparent and participatory drafting process and provided comments and rec- tial impact on the safety of journalists and ommendations to ensure that the draft online civic space. This prompted the Through technical advice and advocacy, law establishes a broad mandate of the Office to raise its concerns with CSOs and OHCHR supported the establishment of NHRI, a guarantee of independence, the international community in Sudan. an NHRI that is in conformity with inter- representativeness and autonomy. In July, national human rights standards. the Ministry of Justice finalized the first UN Human Rights conducted advocacy draft and agreed to submit it for public efforts to raise the awareness of national consultation in four regions, with the

UN Human Rights Report 2020 281 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

A2 – Transitional justice mechanisms Participation Non-discrimination that conform to international human rights norms and standards and are P6 – Rights-holders meaningfully parti- ND3 – Legal and social frameworks victim-centred are established and have cipate in the design of public policy and increasingly comply with international the capacity to deliver on their respec- processes, in compliance with interna- human rights norms and standards tive mandates. tional standards. regarding the autonomy and choices of women and girls and their protection

from violence. OHCHR provided technical support to By facilitating capacity-building sessions, governmental institutions to contribute to OHCHR encouraged the meaningful the creation of transitional justice mech- participation of rights-holders, especially OHCHR worked towards increasing the anisms that conform to international women and discriminated groups, in compliance of legislation with interna- human rights standards. selected public processes. tional human rights norms and standards through advocacy and building the capac- UN Human Rights strongly advocated In cooperation with the Regional Centre ity of national actors. for the swift establishment of the TJC for Training and Development of Civil and provided the Ministry of Justice Society, OHCHR facilitated a four-day From 30 November to 1 December, UN with technical advice to lead a partici- training, in September, to enhance the Human Rights worked with UNDP and patory process to draft the TJC law. In capacities of 18 CSO representatives (10 UN Women to co-organize a workshop December, the Ministry adopted a final women, eight men) from across Sudan on mapping necessary legal reforms in draft that addresses the concerns raised by to monitor and document human rights accordance with a gender perspective and civil society and incorporates OHCHR’s violations. The training included sessions non-discrimination and in light of the recom- recommendations related to the indepen- on the international human rights mech- mendations issued by the international dence and composition of the TJC. The anisms, monitoring and documentation human rights mechanisms with regard to draft is currently being discussed with and the integration of a gender perspec- Sudan. The workshop was attended by the armed groups that signed the Peace tive, interview principles and techniques, 24 participants (23 women and one man) Agreement. OHCHR played an import- analysis of information and reporting, from CSOs whose organizations oper- ant role in supporting the meaningful protection of victims and witnesses and ate across Sudan and focus on women’s participation of CSOs in this process by how to access information on human rights. The participants developed a series facilitating consultation meetings that rights protection and mechanisms on of concrete recommendations, which were brought together the Ministry of Justice, the Internet. shared with relevant authorities, to align representatives of CSOs, academia and The Office also facilitated the establish- Sudan’s legal framework with its inter- national and international lawyers. ment of a network of CSOs on monitoring national human rights commitments and discussed a strategy to fully implement The Office established a strong partner- economic, social and cultural rights in these recommendations, including by ship with the Sudan Bar Association, Sudan, composed of 30 organizations, using the UPR process. through which it has built the capacity of to promote the sharing of experiences, 28 defence lawyers, including six women, cross-learning and collective advocacy on engagement with the International and engagement with the Government Criminal Court. The partnership also and other actors for the protection of led to the mapping of ongoing account- these rights and the implementation of ability initiatives to address past human the SDGs. rights violations and inform a joint plan for monitoring trials.

282 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Development Peace and Security Mechanisms D8 – National stakeholders apply a PS6 – The HRDDP is systematically M1 – Increased engagement by Sudan human rights-based approach to data applied when UN entities support with international and regional human collection and the monitoring and imple- national or regional security forces, law rights mechanisms. mentation of the SDGs. enforcement agencies and non-State actors. OHCHR advocated with national authorities for the country’s increased

By liaising with its partners, OHCHR engagement with the international human OHCHR pursued the objective of insti- advocated for the integration of rights mechanisms, including by provid- tutionalizing human rights approaches in rights-based approaches into specific ing support for the establishment of an data collection efforts through advocacy programmes of UN entities and national institutionalized structure to facilitate and technical support. actors. reporting on and the implementation of recommendations issued by these UN Human Rights continued to sup- To follow up on the High Commissioner’s mechanisms. port the Government and other national call to Member States to decongest prisons stakeholders in their efforts to integrate a as a way to help prevent COVID-19 out- UN Human Rights engaged with the human rights-based approach into data breaks in detention facilities, UN Human Ministry of Justice to advocate for the collection, disaggregation and analysis. Rights intensified its monitoring of the establishment of an NMRF that is in A strategic partnership was established Government’s response to the COVID- compliance with international standards. with the Central Bureau of Statistics 19 pandemic and its engagement with In 2020, OHCHR met with the Head (CBS) and OHCHR participated in an relevant national stakeholders. OHCHR and staff of the Consultative Council of expert group to review and update the sought to ensure that the Government’s Human Rights (CCHR), the national CBS strategy for data collection. To this response and engagement applied a human body that is responsible for reporting and end, the Office advocated for the integra- rights-based approach, particularly in follow-up. During the meetings, OHCHR tion of human rights considerations into relation to vulnerable groups and detain- provided technical advice to overhaul the national census planned for 2021, ees. OHCHR actively engaged with the the CCHR, including by reviewing its shared international standards and com- Office of the Attorney General to advocate legal statute and sharing good practices missioned a consultancy to apply a human for the provision of health care and pre- and comparative experiences with other rights-based approach to data and the vent the spread of COVID-19 in prisons. NMRFs. With the support of the Office, a design of training sessions and modules A total of 7,700 detainees were released, draft ministerial decree on the NMRF and for CBS staff. due in part to these advocacy efforts. a road map to support its establishment were developed, in July. It is anticipated that they will be approved in 2021.

UN Human Rights Report 2020 283 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

SUDAN: AFRICAN UNION-UNITED NATIONS HYBRID OPERATION Peace and Security IN DARFUR (UNAMID)/UNITED NATIONS INTEGRATED TRANSITION ASSISTANCE MISSION IN SUDAN (UNITAMS) PS3 – The UNCT integrates human rights Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 considerations into its policies and pro- 43.85 million - 0.510 (rank: 170/189 in 2019) - grammes for humanitarian action, early recovery and security in Darfur. Type of engagement Peace Mission

Year established 2008

Addis Ababa, El Fasher, Khartoum, Nyala, Port UN common country programmes Field office(s) Sudan and Zalingei increasingly incorporated international United Nations Development Assistance Framework human rights standards, with support UN partnership framework 2018-2021 from the HRS.

Staff as of 31 December 2020 27 Through capacity-building and awareness-raising activities, and in the context of the Cooperation Framework XB requirements 2020 US$89,000 between UNAMID and the UNCT to jointly implement programmes on peace- Key OMP pillars in 2020 building, the HRS enhanced the capacity of State authorities, including judicial 1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and law enforcement personnel, as well as civil society actors on human rights and protection approaches. Financial PILLAR RESULTS: support was provided for the construc- tion of office space and the acquisition Mechanisms new bills and proposed major amend- of equipment for a regional office of the ments to existing laws that negatively National Commission for Human Rights. M1 – Sudan ratifies more international impact on the human rights and funda- The construction was completed in and regional human rights instruments. mental freedoms of civilians in Darfur, November 2019 and was inaugurated in in compliance with recommendations January 2020. The Commission’s regional

issued by the human rights treaty bod- office will contribute significantly to the Through the provision of technical advice, ies. For instance, laws and policies which Commission’s strategic plan to decentral- UN Human Rights and the Human Rights restricted freedom and impeded women’s ize its activities and enhance operational Section (HRS) of the African Union- rights for decades, including the crime presence in Darfur. United Nations Hybrid Operation in of apostasy punishable by death, were Darfur (UNAMID) sought to contribute abolished through amendments of the to the increased ratification of treaties by Criminal Code 1991. The HRS advocated Sudan and its increased implementation of with the Government for the reform of the recommendations issued by the inter- legislation in line with international stan- national human rights mechanisms. dards and contributed to building the capacity of government officials, CSOs The Government of Sudan signed a and community leaders in Darfur on com- Framework of Cooperation with the bating violence against women. United Nations on addressing CRSV, banned female genital mutilation and expressed its intention to ratify CEDAW. In addition, the Government introduced

284 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

and the representatives of the Electoral UGANDA Commission. During the meeting, the 1 1 2 3 Population size Surface area Human Development Index NHRI (if applicable) participants agreed to contribute to a 45.74 million 242,000 km² 0.544 (rank: 159/189 in 2019) “A” Status (2018) peaceful environment in the context of Type of engagement Country Office the electoral process.

Year established 2005

Field office(s) Kampala, Gulu and Moroto A2 – National justice and human rights United Nations Development Assistance Framework mechanisms, including the Uganda UN partnership framework 2016-2020 Human Rights Commission and the judiciary, provide redress and account- Staff as of 31 December 2020 30 ability to victims in an increased number of reported cases.

XB income US$2,973,156

XB requirements 2020 US$4,831,000 Through advocacy and technical XB expenditure US$3,172,192 cooperation, OHCHR contributed to Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 59% 30% 11% strengthening national accountability $1,864,655 $952,728 $354,810 and protection mechanisms to ensure that they are functioning in increased compli- ance with international human rights Key OMP pillars in 2020 standards. 1 2 3 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229 and p. 231 UN Human Rights engaged with UN Women during the lockdown period to follow up with security officers on PILLAR RESULTS: the increasing number of cases of gen- der-based violence. As a result of advocacy efforts undertaken by OHCHR, women Human Rights Committee, which is the Accountability who were assaulted by security forces in local entity that addresses human rights A1 – State and non-State actors enhance the enforcement of curfew guidelines, issues with authorities from the district. their capacities to institute legal and pol- in Elugu, received medical assistance A total of 21 participants (13 women, icy reforms and implement and enforce from UN Women. The Office engaged eight men) improved their skills in rela- existing laws. They improve the investiga- in advocacy efforts with other partners tion to human rights and received IT tion and adjudication of cases that entail at the national level, which resulted in and telecommunication equipment to human rights violations, including within the identification of District Community strengthen the Committee’s capacity to their own ranks. Development Workers as “critical staff,” perform virtual human rights monitoring enabling them to move more freely and and reporting tasks during the electoral effectively carry out their work. Although

processes of 2020 and 2021 and in the the security officers are essential to fol- With technical support from OHCHR, context of COVID-19. lowing up on cases of gender-based selected policies were amended to enhance violence, they were immobilized by the At the beginning of the 2020-2021 elec- their compliance with international Government’s directives to respond to the toral process, OHCHR and the Resident human rights standards. COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinator co-organized a high-level UN Human Rights co-organized a human meeting that brought together lead- rights workshop with the Wakiso District ers of four of Uganda’s political parties

UN Human Rights Report 2020 285 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

OHCHR finalized theCitizens’ Handbook The Ministry of Health has not approved Non-discrimination on Law and the Administration of Justice, the 2019 multisectoral strategy to reduce which will enable the general public to ND1 – National laws, policies and preventable maternal mortality, which better understand the Justice, Law and practices increasingly comply with was drafted by the Ministry of Health Order Sector. OHCHR also worked with international human rights norms and with the technical support of UN Human the Judicial Service Commission to print standards on equality and non-discrim- Rights. The emergence of COVID-19 3,000 copies and formally launch the ination, in particular with regard to shifted the Ministry’s focus to responding Handbook. Dissemination activities are persons with disabilities, minorities and to the pandemic. underway, including the widespread dis- the rights of women. In collaboration with the Ministry of tribution of the Handbook and interviews Health, WHO, UN Women, UNFPA, on regional radio talk shows. UNAIDS and UNDP, UN Human Through advocacy and building the Rights convened a consultative meeting capacity of relevant stakeholders, on a human rights-based approach to Participation OHCHR sought to contribute to the sexual and reproductive health and rights P5 – National human rights institu- improved compliance of selected legis- for women living with HIV/AIDS, in tions, in particular the Uganda Human lation and policies with international February. The meeting was attended by 25 Rights Commission, increasingly monitor human rights norms and standards. women from across Uganda and enabled and raise concerns about restrictions of participants to share their experiences, UN Human Rights planned to hold a civic space. identify concerns and develop advocacy meeting with representatives of gov- messages. They also delivered a joint state- ernment ministries, departments and ment with concrete recommendations for agencies to validate the draft National duty-bearers and service providers, who OHCHR took steps to increase the mean- Action Plan on Albinism, which was joined the meeting. Participants called ingful participation of rights-holders in developed by CSOs in 2019, and to for improved access to medicines to treat selected public processes, including by outline an advocacy plan to secure its sexually transmitted infections and raised delivering training sessions. funding and ensure its implementation. concerns about the lack of integrated HIV The onset of the pandemic delayed work In September, UN Human Rights orga- services and gender-based violence and in this area, which will be resumed nized two workshops to build the capacity sexual and reproductive health services in 2021. of 84 human rights defenders (50 women, at public health centres. Duty-bearers and 34 men) from the Kampala, Wakiso, service providers, including the Ministries Kasese and Bundibugyo districts. The of Health and of Gender, Labour and Development participants enhanced their capacity to Social Development, the Uganda AIDS observe, report and advocate on human D4 – Government offices increasingly Commission, the Uganda Human Rights rights issues and to apply a gender per- apply a human rights-based approach to Commission and the Equal Opportunities spective. They also formed a wider civil maternal health when they formulate and Commission committed to following up society human rights reporting network to implement policies and programmes. on their recommendations. share information and monitor and report OHCHR finalized and launched a case on human rights violations during the electoral period. In November, OHCHR digest on maternal health, in September, organized two workshops for journalists in Policies and strategies in the area of health which provides national and regional Kampala, which included the participation were more compliant with international jurisprudence related to the advancement of 37 journalists (24 women, 23 men). As human rights standards. OHCHR con- of the right to health in the country. The a result, the journalists have increasingly tributed to this result by providing digest was distributed to the Ministries of used human rights and gender perspectives technical guidance and facilitating con- Health and of Local Government. in their reports and articles, particularly sultations with all stakeholders. those related to the general elections.

286 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

D8 – The State’s statistical frameworks, a human rights-based approach and marginalized and vulnerable groups, and including the National Standards business and human rights. OHCHR advocated for the disaggregation of data Indicator Framework (NSIF) and the contributed substantively to the CCA, so that every effort is made to implement Results and Resources Framework (RRF), ensuring the inclusion of references to the Leave No One Behind principle. increasingly comply with international human rights norms, standards and prin- WEST AFRICA ciples with respect to data for national development. Type of engagement Regional Office Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte Countries of engagement d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone and

Year established 2007 To support the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Field office(s) Dakar, Senegal OHCHR sought to improve the compli- Staff as of 31 December 2020 16 ance of selected State programmes with international human rights standards, including by facilitating technical advice XB income US$1,278,762 on the application of a human rights- XB requirements 2020 US$7,735,000 based approach. XB expenditure U S$787, 614 In September, UN Human Rights sup- Personnel Non-personnel PSC4 ported a technical meeting to share an 77% 6% 17% update on the implementation of the $ 6 0 5,110 $45,041 $13 7, 4 6 4 Memorandum of Understanding on RB expenditure US$810,942 human rights-based approach to data Personnel Non-personnel and to develop a road map for moving the 96% 4% $779,493 $31,449 MoU forward. The MoU was signed, in 2019, by the Office of the Prime Minister, Key OMP pillars in 2020 the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the Uganda Bureau of Statistics and the 4 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 231 National Planning Authority in order to Leave No One Behind in the implementa- tion of the 2030 Agenda in Uganda. The PILLAR RESULTS: road map will serve as an important mon- itoring and accountability tool between the four institutions. Peace and Security compliance of legislation/policy with international human rights standards. Furthermore, the Office engaged in the PS3 – National policies and programmes development of the UNSDCF and the comply with international human rights The UN Human Rights ERT in the third phase of the National Development standards and principles and integrate the Regional Office for West Africa played Plan (NDPIII). Both documents were recommendations issued by the interna- a key role in gathering and analysing formally launched and, as a result of tional human rights mechanisms. information on potential human rights OHCHR’s efforts, reflected human violations in the context of COVID- rights considerations, including through 19 that informed OHCHR’s regional enhanced references to the linkages OHCHR contributed to early warning reports and snapshots. The ERT created between human rights and the SDGs, and risk analysis, improving levels of an interactive dashboard to maintain an

UN Human Rights Report 2020 287 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

almost real-time overview of COVID- inform UN decision-making at various six West African countries. The studies 19-related developments in the region. levels. To this end, it accessed information that were undertaken in 2019 to assess In particular, the Team engaged with the gathered through the daily media moni- the legal and institutional frameworks regional working groups on operational toring of nine countries (Benin, Burkina for child protection were finalized in coordination, risk communication and Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Guinea, 2020. Various activities were initiated in community engagement, for instance in Niger, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo) and cat- the six countries. In Guinea, technical Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo, egorized that information in accordance support was provided for the drafting of ensuring that COVID-19 responses in with the RMR risk framework. The ERT the Government’s periodic reports on the West Africa are guided by a human rights- then produced a monthly early warning implementation of the recommendations based approach. media analysis that included a regional issued by CEDAW. In Guinea-Bissau, OHCHR supported a constitutional OHCHR’s ERT used the RMR process overview of trends and patterns. After one reform process through a study on the and the CCAs to enhance the understand- year of daily media monitoring (December integration of the rights of the child in ing of the Resident Coordinator’s Offices 2019 to November 2020), OHCHR pro- the new Constitution. The initial draft (RCOs) and the UNCTs about human duced an infographic to demonstrate the failed to include specific provisions on rights-sensitive approaches to risk assess- main risk areas and factors that were iden- the promotion and protection of those ment and early warning. In April, the ERT tified during the analysis of 2,260 media rights. In Niger, the Office supported the carried out a stocktaking exercise and risk articles. Most of the noted risk areas were review of legal texts on the acquisition of analysis in anticipation of Benin’s RMR. related to political stability (559 or 24.7 nationality and advocated with author- It also undertook a multidimensional per cent), followed by justice and the rule ities on the issue. In Senegal, the Office risk assessment of the CCA process in the of law (438 or 19.4 per cent). Due to con- supported the preparatory process in view Gambia. In addition, the Team contrib- cerns regarding the use of hate speech of the adoption of legal reforms to fight uted to OHCHR’s early warning products in the region, both online and offline, the exploitation of children, including and the products of other entities, such the ERT began monitoring hate speech in relation to forced begging and chil- as the United Nations Office for West through the Mediatoolkit platform. dren in street situations. In the Gambia, Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the a report that outlines the results of the IASC and the UN Operations and Crisis 2019 studies on the legal and institutional Centre (UNOCC), facilitating the sys- Non-discrimination frameworks for child protection was vali- tematic inclusion of human rights-based ND1 – In one country, the number of dated by a technical committee. approaches in all products. selected policy areas that comply with The Regional Office advocated for an In the context of the 2020 presidential international human rights norms and integrated system for the protection of election in Côte d’Ivoire, the ERT engaged standards has significantly improved. In child victims of abuse and exploitation in a human rights risk assessment within ECOWAS countries, national laws, poli- in the ECOWAS region, with a focus on the UN’s prevention processes. Following cies and programmes increasingly protect children in street situations. OHCHR an RMR recommendation, OHCHR children from abuse and exploitation. also ensured that the issue was included deployed a team for two months to sup- in national response plans to COVID-19. port the RCO with human rights analysis Moreover, it contributed to the provision and monitoring prior to the elections. of equipment and materials to 39 shelters Information collected on key human OHCHR contributed to strengthened (22 in Mali, 10 in Guinea, five in Senegal rights concerns provided the basis for two legal, political and institutional frame- and one in the Gambia), two spaces for public statements that were issued by the works for the protection of the rights of minors in the civil prison of Niamey and Office and included recommendations for the child. Conakry and 14 orphanages in Conakry. follow-up action. In partnership with ECOWAS, UN As a result of its work, 118 Koranic Moreover, the ERT created an infor- Human Rights continued to implement schools engaged in the promotion of mation management system to enable the Support Project for the Protection children’s rights. In total, OHCHR sup- up-to-date human rights analysis to of Child Victims of Rights Violations in ported the delivery of assistance to 3,310

288 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

children in the context of the pandemic, coordination and information-sharing The survey reached 527 migrants and including 34 Gambian children who were to promote and protect the human refugees and the collected information removed from the streets in Senegal and rights of migrants. This was primarily informed analyses on the socio-economic placed in quarantine; 250 Nigerian chil- accomplished through processes that impacts of COVID-19 on migrants in the dren who were expelled from Algeria; engage representatives of CSOs, migrant Agadez Region, in particular their access and 54 children who were reintegrated associations and NHRIs, such as the to health services, sanitation, housing and into their families in the Gambia and Regional Review of the Global Compact education. Furthermore, in collaboration Guinea-Bissau. for Migration. with UN Women and UNICEF, OHCHR carried out a number of surveys on the Through support from OHCHR, two While the implementation of the regional impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in national steering committees were UNODC-OHCHR migration project, selected countries in West Africa to build established, in Mali and in Senegal, for “PROMIS,” was severely affected by the the analytical capacity of the UNCTs consultation and dialogue on the rights COVID-19 crisis, progress was made at concerned and to provide accurate, of the child. OHCHR’s technical assis- different levels. In Niger, OHCHR sup- quality data to inform the adoption of ported the finalization of the National tance enabled the committees to elaborate sound policies. national action plans for the withdrawal Action Plan against Smuggling of of children from the streets, in compli- Migrants, which was officially validated, ance with international human rights in March, to ensure that human rights standards, and to integrate the recom- were fully mainstreamed into the draft. mendations issued by the human rights The Office conducted an in-depth analysis treaty bodies on the protection of children of Law No. 2015-36 on the smuggling of in street situations in Senegal. During his migrants and proposed an amendment to address to the nation, on 17 September the Ministry of Justice to increase its con- 2020, the President of the Republic of the formity with international human rights Gambia praised OHCHR’s contributions standards. In Senegal, OHCHR and other to combating COVID-19. partners assisted the Ministry of Justice and the National Unit for Combating Trafficking in Persons to support over 80 ND6 – Legal frameworks and protection women victims of trafficking. Through mechanisms promote and protect the the PROMIS project, the Office provided human rights of migrants in their coun- grants to six CSOs and one NHRI to tries of origin and in transit. enhance access to justice for migrants in the West Africa region. OHCHR provided mentoring to assist the grantees with the

implementation of activities that were affected by the pandemic. This included capacity-building in relation to remote OHCHR supported participatory pro- monitoring of migrant rights and the plan- cesses to contribute to the functioning of ning of awareness-raising campaigns on oversight, accountability and protection how to prevent the spread of the virus. mechanisms, including on the human rights of migrants. With the technical support of the OHCHR Surge Initiative, the Regional Office col- UN Human Rights took up a leading role laborated with the Mixed Migration in the development of the workplan of Centre to collect specific data on the the Regional UN Network on Migration, economic and social rights of migrants which it co-chairs. Significant progress in Niger in the context of the pandemic. was made in enhancing regional-level

UN Human Rights Report 2020 289 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

Reuniting children with their families: A new start for Amadou

Amadou, a 13-year-old Gambian child, these children in COVID-19 response for child protection requested the assis- was sent to Senegal by his father to receive plans. With support from UN Human tance of UN Human Rights, through the a religious education in an Islamic school Rights, the Government undertook oper- Support Project for the Protection of Child and to become a talibé child. His Koranic ations to remove them from the street. As Victims of Rights Violations (PAPEV), master, however, forced him to beg in the a result, young Amadou was placed in a to facilitate their reintegration into their streets of Dakar. If the boy did not gather centre where he received health care and families or their placement in appropriate CFA750 a day – the equivalent of US$1.50 psychosocial assistance. childcare facilities. – he was beaten. Amadou decided to run Following an agreement between the away and began living in the streets, A team of social workers investigated Governments of the Gambia and Senegal, where he faced exposure to violence and Amadou’s case and actively listened to the UN Human Rights cooperated with the COVID-19 infection. child. Amadou expressed his desire to be West African Network for the Protection reunited with his family and return to the In the context of the pandemic, UN of Children, a transnational mobility home of his parents, in Banjul. Human Rights and local partners advo- management mechanism, to launch a cated with the Government to provide A total of 174 children like Amadou, family reintegration process for the 34 support to talibé children who are in street including 34 from the Gambia, were Gambian children who were removed situations or are forced to beg. The Office removed from the streets in 2020. The from the streets, including Amadou. highlighted the importance of including Senegalese ministry that is responsible The boy’s family was identified and pre- pared for his return. After three months in reception centres in the Gambia and Senegal, Amadou was finally reintegrated into his family, in early October. In November, a UN Human Rights team visited Amadou as part of its monitor- ing activities. His parents indicated that they were happy to see him again, as they had not heard from him for a long time. Amadou was also content to be near his family. He said that he did not want to return to the streets, where he faced high levels of violence, and instead preferred to continue the apprenticeship in mechan- ics that his father arranged at a garage. Finally, Amadou’s new guardian commit- ted to looking after him and ensuring that he learns the necessary skills to help him resettle with his family.

UN Human Rights staff with Amadou, who has been reunited with his family and is learning mechanics. © OHCHR

290 UN Human Rights Report 2020 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

ZIMBABWE

Population size1 Surface area1 Human Development Index2 NHRI (if applicable)3 14.86 million 391,000 km² 0.571 (rank: 150/189 in 2019) A” Status (2016)

Type of engagement Human Rights Adviser

Year established 2018

Field office(s) Harare

United Nations Development Assistance UN partnership framework Framework 2016-2020

Staff as of 31 December 2020 1

XB requirements 2020 US$229,000

Key OMP pillars in 2020

1 2 3 Please refer to Data sources and notes on p. 229

PILLAR RESULTS:

Participation impacts of COVID-19 and related restric- tions. As a result, several NGO networks P6 – CSOs are able to participate in public issued regular reports on the impacts of affairs and advocate for democratic space. and responses to the pandemic from a human rights perspective.

OHCHR provided technical support to empower rights-holders to participate Development in public processes and engage with the international human rights mechanisms D7 – All UNDAF roll-out countries to claim their rights. adopt a human rights-based approach to programming and link the SDGs to inter- The UN Human Rights HRA in national human rights standards. Zimbabwe took advantage of the brief- ings conducted for CSOs on human rights and the implementation of the 2030 UN common country programmes inte- Agenda for Sustainable Development to grated international human rights norms, strengthen the capacities of CSOs to mon- standards and principles resulting from itor and report on ESCRs. Following the technical advice provided by OHCHR. outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, the HRA provided technical advice and UN Human Rights provided tech- information on applicable human rights nical support to the UNCT and the standards to enable CSOs to monitor, Humanitarian Country Team. This report and conduct advocacy on the resulted in the integration of human

UN Human Rights Report 2020 291 UN HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE FIELD

rights and protection concepts into the Accountability various responses and contingency plans and activities developed by the UNCT to A2 – NHRIs and other national pro- support the public health measures that tection systems are established in were put in place to contain the pandemic compliance with international human and reduce its negative impacts. Measures rights standards. included the Addendum to the Zimbabwe

Humanitarian Response Plan 2020 (on COVID-19); the Global Protection Following technical guidance and brief- Cluster Contingency Plan and Guidance ings from OHCHR, NHRIs worked in on COVID-19; and the Framework for conformity with international standards. Integrated Policy Analysis and Support for the Socio-Economic Response to UN Human Rights continued to COVID-19. UN Human Rights prepared strengthen the capacities of the Zimbabwe a checklist of international human rights Human Rights Commission and the standards to inform the preparation of Zimbabwe Gender Commission by pro- COVID-19 responses in Zimbabwe, viding technical support and delivering which was made available in accessible targeted briefings for the members and formats for persons with disabilities. With staff of the respective commissions. As a support from the HRA, guidance was result, both commissions conducted mon- developed on ensuring that COVID-19 itoring of the human rights situation and responses in Zimbabwe address the needs issued at least 15 public statements touch- and human rights of older persons to ing on various human rights concerns in assist the UN in implementing COVID-19 the country. responses and activities that are compliant with human rights. Finally, by the end of the year, the UNCT had begun drafting the new CCA and the UNSDCF. The HRA actively engaged in this process with a view to mainstreaming human rights into the UNCT’s analysis and programming.

292 UN Human Rights Report 2020