The UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) has issued its findings on Ethiopia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua, the Philippines, and Russia, after examining the implementation of civil and political rights in the respective states.
As noted, the findings contain the Committee’s main concerns and recommendations on the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as positive aspects.
The states that have signed the Covenant must periodically report to the Committee on its implementation.
The Committee is concerned about reports of government pressure on human rights defenders, lawyers, politicians, journalists, and others for expressing their opinions, particularly those critical of the government, including the criminal prosecution of bloggers and journalists.
Kyrgyzstan is advised not to use criminal prosecution to stifle critical reporting on issues of public interest.
Reports of torture-related deaths in custody deeply concern the Committee. Poor detention conditions, especially for those sentenced to life imprisonment, are concerning.
The Committee urges Kyrgyzstan to urgently investigate all deaths in custody, hold perpetrators accountable, and compensate victims’ families.
