GE .12 -14194
Human Rights Council
Twentieth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cult ural rights,
including the right to development
Report of the Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of
peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai
Addendum
Observations on communications transmitted to Governments and
replies received *

* The present document is being circulated in the languages of submission only.
United Nations A /HRC/20 /27/Add. 3

General Assembly Distr.: General
19 June 2012

English /French/Spanish only

A/HRC/20/27/Add.3
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Contents
Paragraphs Page
I. Introductio n ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………. 1–4 4
II. Observations ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………… 5–330 4
Algeria ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 5–12 4
Angola ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 13–16 5
Armenia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 17–20 6
Azerbaijan ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 21–29 6
Bahrain ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 30–40 7
Bangladesh ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………….. 41–45 8
Belarus ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 46–54 9
Cambodia. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 55–61 10
Chile ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 62–68 11
China ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 69–77 12
Colombia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 78–84 13
Cuba ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 85–93 14
Cyprus ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 94–96 15
Djibouti ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 97–99 15
Ecuador ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 100 –103 16
Egypt ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 104 –11 4 16
Ethiopia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 115 –120 18
Fiji ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 121 –127 19
France ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 128 –130 19
Georgia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 131 –133 20
Guatemala ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 134 –140 20
Honduras ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 141 –146 21
Hungary ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 147 –149 22
India ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 150 –157 22
Indonesia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 158 –163 23
Iran (Islamic Republic of) ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………….. 164 –169 24
Iraq ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 170 –172 25
Israel ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 173 –175 25
Kazakhstan ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………….. 176 –182 25
Kuwait ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 183 –185 26
Lebanon ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 186 –188 27

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Malawi ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 189 –196 27
Malaysia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 197 –206 28
Maldives ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 207 –211 29
Mexico ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 212 –216 30
Morocco ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 217 –222 31
Myanmar ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 223 –227 31
Nigeria ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 228 –230 32
Pakistan ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 231 –235 33
Paraguay ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 236 –238 33
Philippines ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 239 –244 34
Russian Federatio n ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. .. 245 –254 34
Senegal ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 255 –260 36
Serbia ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 261 –264 36
Sierra Leone ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………… 265 –267 37
Spain ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 268 –271 37
Sri Lanka ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 272 –278 38
Sudan ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 279 –281 39
Switzerland ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ………….. 282 –284 39
Syrian Arab Republic ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………… 285 –299 39
Turkey ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 300 –303 41
United States of A merica ………………………….. ………………………….. …………………… 304 –308 41
Uzbekistan ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. …………… 309 –314 42
Viet Nam ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 315 –319 43
Zimbabwe ………………………….. ………………………….. ………………………….. ……………. 320 –330 43

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I. Introduction
1. The present document is submitted by the Special Rapporteur on the rights to
freedom of peaceful assembly and of association pursuant to Human Righ ts Council
resolution 15/21. The document provides observations on the communications addressed by
the Special Rapporteur to States, and on the replies received.
2. The cases raised by the Special Rapporteur in this addendum include
communications sent betwe en 1 May 2011 when the Special Rapporteur took up his
functions and 15 March 2012. The addendum contains observations on these
communications and on responses received from States until 15 May 2012.
3. For ease of reference, communications have been grouped by country, with
countries listed alphabetically according to their names in English. Each communication is
referenced as urgent appeal (UA), allegation letter (AL), joint urgent appeal (JUA) and
joint allegation letter (JAL). This is followed by the date the communication was issued, as
well as the case number and the State reply. The electronic version of the present document
has both of these items hyperlinked, and clicking on them will open the communication
sent and the reply from the concerned State, respectively, as uploaded on the OHCHR
website. Finally, a summary of the allegations contained in the communication has been
inserted in the language of submission. All communications are available in full in the
Special Procedures‟ joint communication re ports.
4. The Special Rapporteur expresses his gratitude to all States which have transmitted
responses to communications sent. He considers response to his communications an
important part of cooperation by States with his mandate. In this context, the Spec ial
Rapporteur recalls paragraph 6 of the Human Rights Council resolution 15/21 which calls
upon States “to cooperate fully with and assist the special rapporteur in the performance of
his or her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, to respond
promptly to his or her urgent appeals and other communications.” He therefore urges all
States which have not yet replied to his communications to do so as soon as possible.
II. Observations
Algeria
5. JAL 28/07/2011. Case no. DZA 3/2011 . State Reply: 28/09/2011 . Allégation
d’atteinte à la liberté de religion ou de c onviction de personnes de confession chrétienne.
6. JAL 11/10/2011. Case no. DZA 4/2011 . State Reply: 11/01/2012 . Recrudescence
alléguée d‟actes de harcèlement judicaire contre les membres de la Ligue Algérienne pour
la Défense des Droits de l‟Homme (LADDH) et des syndicalistes autonomes.
7. JAL 13/12/2011. Case no. DZA 6/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allégation d‟un
projet de loi sur les associations portant atteinte à la liberté d’association.
Observations
8. Le Rapporteur spécial remercie le Gouvernement de l‟Al gérie pour les réponses
qu‟il a apportées à deux de ses communications, mais regrette de ne pas avoir reçu de

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réponse à sa communication datée du 13 décembre 2011 relatif à une nouvelle loi sur les
associations. Etant donné les préoccupations formulées, i l invite les autorités à fournir aussi
tôt que possible des réponses détaillées aux inquiétudes soulevées dans sa communication,
qui sont également reflétées dans un communiqué de presse daté du 4 mai 2012 .1
9. Le Rapporteur spécial prend note de l‟adoption d e réformes législatives touchant
notamment la liberté d‟association. Il est particulièrement préoccupé par différentes
dispositions du nouveau cadre législatif régulant les associations qui constituent un recul
par rapport à la législation antérieure, et p artage les inquiétudes formulées par le
Rapporteur spécial sur la promotion et la protection du droit à la liberté d‟expression et
d‟opinion dans son rapport de mission (A/HRC/20/17/Add.1). Il recommande au
Gouvernement de réviser cette loi de sorte qu‟ell e soit conforme aux meilleures pratiques
relatives à la liberté d‟association et de réunion pacifique détaillées dans son rapport
thématique. Il est prêt à fournir tout appui technique dont aurait besoin le Gouvernement à
cet égard.
10. Le Rapporteur spécial a lu les assurances apportées par le Gouvernement dans sa
réponse concernant les allégations de recrudescence d‟actes de harcèlement judicaire contre
les membres associatifs et syndicalistes, mais reste préoccupé par les informations qu‟il
continue de recev oir confirmant les inquiétudes soulevées. Il recommande aux autorités de
prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour favoriser l‟exercice de la liberté d‟association
des membres associatifs et de syndicalistes et de s‟assurer que ceux -ci ne soient pas l‟ob jet
d‟actes de harcèlement et d‟intimidation en relation avec l‟exercice de leurs libertés
fondamentales.
11. Le Rapporteur spécial réfère à la résolution 15/21 du Conseil des droits de l‟homme,
en particulier son premier paragraphe qui « [d] emande à tous les États de respecter et
protéger le droit de réunion pacifique et de libre association dont jouissent tous les
individus, y compris en ce qui concerne les élections et les personnes professant des
opinions ou des croyances minoritaires ou dissidentes, ou déf endant la cause des droits de
l‟homme, des syndicalistes et de tous ceux, y compris les migrants, qui cherchent à exercer
ou promouvoir ce droit, et de faire en sorte que les restrictions éventuellement imposées au
libre exercice du droit de réunion et d‟a ssociation pacifiques soient conformes aux
obligations que leur impose le droit internationa l relatif aux droits de l‟homme ».
12. Le Rapporteur spécial rappelle au Gouvernement de l‟Algérie la demande de visite
pays qu‟il a formulée en décembre 2011. Il remer cie le Gouvernement d‟avoir accusé
réception de sa demande et réitère sa disponibilité pour discuter des dates d‟une visite en
Algérie. Une telle visite pourrait permettre d‟aborder la question de l‟assistance technique
du titulaire de mandat.
Angola
13. JAL 29/08/2011. Case no. AGO 2/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged denial
of entry by immigration officials.
14. JAL 21/12/2011 Case no. AGO 3/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged repeated
restrictions to the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly as well as the excessive use of
force during allegedly peaceful protests.

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Observations
15. The Spe cial Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Angola to the allegation letters sent during the reporting period. He
considers responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of
Governments with his m andate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible
detailed responses to all the concerns raised in the se communications .
16. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. A thorough and independent investigation into any allegations of
excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment, including against women, during
peaceful demonstrations , should be conducted; those responsible should be held
accountable; and victims should be pr ovided with full redress.
Armenia
17. JUA 22/08/2011. Case no. ARM 1/2011 . State Reply: 31/01/ 2012 . Alleged
harassment and imprisonment of Jehovah‟s Witnesses for their conscientious objection to
military service.
Observations
18. The Special Rapporteur appreciates the response of the Government of Armenia in
relation to the allegations contained in the joint communication dated 22 August 2011.
19. With regard to the fact Jehovah‟s Witnesses community members could not
assemble, allegedly due to pressure from Government officials and from priests of the
Armenian Apostolic Church, the Special Rapporteur notes the response of the Government
in which it explained that the rented facilities belonged to private persons. However, he
recalls that the State has a positive obligation to take effective measures to ensure that the
right of peaceful assembly is adeq uately protected in all spheres, both public and private.
20. The Special Rapporteur recommends to the authorities to intensify efforts to ensure
that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association continue to be genuinely
protected in practice , without distinction of any kind including religion or belief. The
Special Rapporteur underlines that the rights of peaceful assembly and of association are
key for individuals espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs.
Azerbaijan
21. JAL 24/08/2011 . Case no. AZE 2/2011 . State Reply : 08/09/2011 . Arbitrary
demolition of a building housing the Institute of Peace and Democracy.
22. JAL 27/09/2011. Case no. AZE 3/2011 . State Reply: None to date . Arbitrary
demolition of a building housing the Women‟s Cri sis Center, the first and only shelter
available to women, including victims of violence.
23. JAL 05/03/2012. Case no. AZE 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Grave
challe nges faced by NGOs in the context of the provisions contained in the 2009 Law on
Non -Governmental Organizations.
Observations
24. The Special Rapporteur notes the responses to the communications he sent on 24
August 2011 and on 27 September 2011. He regrets however that no reply has been
received from the Government of Azerbaijan to the joint letter sent on 5 March 2012

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concerning the 2009 Law on Non -Governmental Organizations and the grave challenges
faced by NGOs as well as the de fato ban on peaceful assem blies in Baku.
25. He recommends the Government to revise the aforementioned law to ensure its
revised version complies with international human rights law. He is available to provide
any technical assistance the Government might require in this regard.
26. With regard to the allegations of arbitrary demolishing of houses resided by NGOs,
the Special Rapporteur remains concerned that the demolition of the building and the
continuing harassment of its staff might be connected to their legitimate human rights
activi ties.
27. In terms of the peaceful protests held in and around the city of Baku in March 2012,
the Special Rapporteur is gravely concerned that the referred victims may have been
subjected to acts of ill -treatment for exercising their legitimate rights to fre edom of opinion
and expression, and to peaceful assembly. While he notes the reply in which the
Government details the procedure that was followed to detain those mentioned in the
communication, the Government still needs to respond to the serious allegati on of ill –
treatment of protesters. He recommends the Government to put in place an enabling and
safe environment that is conducive to the free expression of civil society allowing
individuals to exercise their legitimate freedom of association without und ue hindrances. A
thorough , impartial and independent in vestigation into any allegation of human rights
violations, including acts of intimidation or harassment committed against those exercising
their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of associati on, should be conducted; those
responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be provided with full redress.
28. The Special Rapporteur would like to refer to Human Rights Council resolution
15/21, and in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c] alls upon States to respect and fully
protect the rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in
the context of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or
beliefs, human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to
exercise or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any
restrictions on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association are in accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
29. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Azerbaijan of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 o f resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Bahrain
30. JAL 09/06/2011. Case no. BHR 11/2011 . State Reply: 25/07/2011 . Alleged
expulsion of university students foll owing participation in protests .
31. JUA 16/6/2011. Case no. BHR 12/2011 . State Repl y: 29/08/2011 ; 02/09/2011 .
Allegations of acts of violence, intimidation, and the enac tment of travel bans against, as
well as the interrogation of, a number of human rights defenders.
32. JAL 27/6/2011. Case no. BHR 13/2011 . State Reply: 9/08/2011 . Alleged attacks on
the Shia community, restricting religious freedom and right to assemble, worship and
practice.
33. JUA 8/7/2011. Case no. BHR 16/2011 . State Reply: 9/08/2011 . Alleged arbitrary
detention and ill -treatment.

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34. JUA 9/9/2011. Case no. BHR 18/2011 . State Repl y: 15/12/2011 . Alleged arrests,
detention, harassment and stigmatisati on against human rights defenders and their relatives.
35. JUA 20/1/2012. Case no. BHR 1/2012 . State Reply: 21/3/2012 . Allegations of
excessive use of force during peaceful demonstrations and targeted measures against human
rights activist Ms. Zainab Al Khawaja, Ms Massoma Al Sayed, Mr. Nabeel Rajab and Mr.
Sayed Yousif Al -Mahafdha.
Observations
36. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Bahrain for replying to all
communications sent. He nevertheless remains gravely concerned about the significant
number and the grave nature of the allegations received during the reporting period.
37. The Special Rapporteur is gravely concerned about the physical and psychological
integrity of people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association as well as of those who monitor such fundamental freedoms in Bahrain,
including prominent hu man rights defenders. He urges the authorities to refrain from using
force, including the use of indiscriminate tear gas, during peaceful demonstrations. He also
urges the authorities to ensure that no one is criminalised for the peaceful exercise of the
rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association and to release immediately and
unconditionally all persons convicted for exercising their legitimate rights.
38. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particul ar operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views o r beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
39. He recommends the Government to ensure that the recommendations put forward by
the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry are implemented and acc ountability for
those responsible and full redress to victims are provided. He requests the Government to
keep him informed about any new steps taken in this regard.
40. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Bahrain of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Bangladesh
41. JAL 11/10/2011. Case no. BGD 5/2011 . State Reply: 12/10/2011 . Alleged delay in
approval for funding for NGO project.
42. JAL 21/12/2011. Case no. BGD 7/2011 . State Reply: 22/12/2011 . Alleged negative
impacts on human rights of affected communities of proposed domestic policy permitting
the construction of an open -pit coal mine in the township of Phulbari.
Observations
43. The Special Rapporteur takes note of the letters of the Government of Bangladesh
acknowledging receipt of the communications sent during the reporting period. He urges

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the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in
the communications, which are further echoed in a press release dated 28 February 2012
issued by seven special procedures mandate holders. 2
44. The Special Rapporteur further reminds that the right for association to access
funding and resources is an integral and vital part of the right to freedom of association. He
therefore urges the authorities to take the relevant measures to ensure that the rights of the
associati on Odhikar are not unduly restricted.
45. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble pea cefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these ri ghts, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
Belarus
46. JAL 30/ 05/2011. Case no. BLR 6/2011 . State Reply: 10/06/2011 . Alleged arrest and
arbitrary detention of human rights defenders.
47. JAL 01/06/2011. Case no. BLR 7/2011 . State Reply: 10/06/2011 . Alleged arrests,
arbitrary detentions and sentencing of human rights defenders following the Presidential
elections.
48. JUA 15/08/2011. Case no. BLR 9/2011 . State Reply: 31/10/2011 . Alleged arrest and
arbitrary detention of human rights defender, Mr. Ales Bialatski.
49. JAL 21/11/2011. Case no. BLR 10/2011 . State Reply: 17/01/2012 . Adoption of new
legislative amendments that may further restrict the exercise of the rights to freedom of
peaceful assembly and of association.
Observations
50. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Belarus for the
responses received. He regrets that the responses received on 10 June 2011 and 17 January
2012, regarding the allegation of detention of human rights defenders and the adoption of
restrictive legislative amendments, respectively, do not reflect on the allegations. He urges
the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed r esponses to all the concerns raised in
these communications.
51. The Special Rapporteur is gravely concerned about numerous provisions of the Law
on Public Associations, the Law on Political Parties, the Law on Public Gatherings, the
Criminal Code, the Electi on Code, and the Code of Administrative Violations and further
recommends the Government to revise the se laws to ensure compliance with international
human rights law. The Special Rapporteur is available to provide any technical assistance
the Government m ight require in this regard.
52. With regard to the detention of Mr. Ales Bialatski, the Special Rapporteur remains
gravely concerned that the acts allegedly intended to seriously limit the legitimate activities

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of the Viasna Human Rights Centre continue to be credible. The Special Rapporteur urges
the authorities to seriously reconsider the grounds for accusing Mr Bialatski and
demonstrate beyond doubt that such funds were intended for personal revenue and not for
human rights activities.
53. The Special Rapporteu r refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of e lections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
54. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Belarus of his country visi t
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performanc e of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Cambodia
55. JAL 13/05/2011. Case no. KHM 3/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegation that
a draft NGO Law may hamper legitimate work in the promotion of human rights.
56. JAL 26/09/2011. Case no. KHM 5/2011 . State Repl y: 09/01/2012 ; 23/01/2012 .
Alleged suspens ion, warnings and acts of intimidation against NGOs.
Observations
57. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Cambodia for its response s to his
communication dated 26 September 2011, but regrets that it did not respond to the other
communication dat ed 13 May 2011 related to a draft legislation governing NGOs. He urges
the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in
the latter communication, which are further echoed in a press release dated 14 October
2011 issued by three special procedures mandate holders. 3
58. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government of Cambodia to take the necessary
measures to ensure that associations can operate in an enabling and safe environment
allowing them to exercise their legit imate freedom of association without undue hindrances.
59. With regard to the draft NGO law, the Special Rapporteur renews its availability to
provide any technical support and assistance needed to ensure that the legal framework
governing association and its implementation meet international law standards.
60. The Special Rapporteur refers to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and in
particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemb le peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote th ese rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions

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on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
61. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Cambodia of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to coopera te fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Chile
62. JUA 23/08/2011. Case no. CHL 4/2011. State Reply: 26/10/2011 ; 15/11 /2011 .
Alegaciones de uso desproporcionado de la fuerza y detención de manifestantes.
63. JAL 23/01/2012. Case no. CHL 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alegac iones de
restricciones a la libertad de expresión, y de reunión pacífica que pudieran resultar del
Proyecto de Ley que Fortalece el Resguardo del Orden Público.
Observaciones
64. El Relator Especial agradece la respuesta a la carta de alegación con fecha 23 de
agosto de 2011 relativa a alegaciones de uso excesivo de la fuerza por parte de las fuerzas y
cuerpos de la seguridad del Estado contra manifestantes. En cuanto a las comunicaciones
que aún precisan respuesta, el Relator Especial quisiera invitar a sus autoridades a
responder a la mayor brevedad.
65. En lo que concierne a su respuesta con fecha 26 de octubre de 2011, se indica que
las alegaciones de uso desproporcionado de la fuerza siguen preocupando al Relator,
incluyendo el caso del Sr. Daniel Pantoja Q uiroz. En este sentido, el Relator Especial
quisiera recordar a sus autoridades que una reunión no debe dejar de considerarse como
pacífica en caso que se incurra esporádicamente a la violencia. De hecho, siempre y cuando
los organizadores y participantes tengan intenciones pacíficas, las autoridades del Estado
tienen la obligación de proteger a los manifestantes contra actos violentos que impidan
indebidamente el ejercicio del derecho a la libertad de reunión pacífica.
66. El Relator Especial quiere hacer un l lamamiento al Gobierno de Chile a reconsiderar
seriamente el contenido del Proyecto de Ley que Fortalece el Resguardo del Orden Público,
tal y como se hizo referencia en la comunicación enviada el 31 de enero de 2012.
67. En este sentido, se reitera el conteni do del párrafo operativo 1 de la resolución 15/21
del Consejo de Derechos humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a que respeten y
protejan plenamente el derecho de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión y de
asociación pacíficas, incluso en el cont exto de unas elecciones, y con inclusión de las
personas que abracen convicciones o creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de
los derechos humanos, las personas afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás personas, incluidos
los migrantes, que traten d e ejercer o promover esos derechos, y a que adopten todas las
medidas necesarias para asegurar que cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio del derecho a
la libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas sea conforme con las obligaciones que les
incumben e n virtud de las normas internacionales de derechos humanos”.
68. El Relator Especial quiere instar al Gobierno a que responda positivamente a la
solicitud de visita al país. En este sentido, se reitera que el párrafo operativo 6 de la
resolución 15/21 del Cons ejo de Derechos Humanos “[e]xhorta a los Estados a que
colaboren plenamente con el relator especial y le presten asistencia en el desempeño de sus
funciones, le faciliten toda la información necesaria que aquel les solicite, respondan con

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prontitud a los l lamamientos urgentes y a otras comunicaciones que haga, y consideren
favorablemente sus solicitudes para realizar visitas”.
China
69. JUA 28/7/2011. Case no. CHN 15/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
arbitrary detention, harassment and disappearances in Kardze County.
70. JUA 1/12/2011. Case no. CHN 25/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegatio n of
arrest, detention, conviction and upholding of sentence on appeal on charges of “creating a
disturbance”.
71. JUA 10/2/2012. Case no. CHN 2/2012 . State Reply: 12/4/2012 . Allegations of
excessive use of force against peaceful protestors in Luhuo, Seda and Rangtang Counties,
Sichuan Province.
Observations
72. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Govern ment of the People‟s Republic of China
for its response to the communication dated 10 February 2012. At the time of the
finalization of this report, a translation of the reply was not available. He however regrets
that the Government had not transmitted re plies to the other communications sent. He urges
the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in
the other communications due to the grave nature of the allegations received with respect of
the right to freed om of peaceful assembly and of association.
73. On 1 November 2011, the Special Rapporteur joined a press statement issued by
several special procedures mandate holders, in which they voiced grave concern over
reports of heavy security measures, in and around the area of the Tibetan Buddhist Kirti
monastery – which houses some 2,500 monks – and other monasteries in Aba County, an
area of Sichuan province with many ethnic Tibetans in south -west China. The Special
Rapporteur warned that a series of measures, inclu ding security raids and surveillance
within monasteries, with police presence inside and outside monasteries to monitor
religious activities, seriously impeded the exercise of the right to association of members of
the monastic community ”.4
74. The Special Rap porteur urges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. He reminds that the right to life is a non -derogable right in
international human rights law, including in the context of assemblies. In this regard, he
refers to Art icle 5 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials Adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention
of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (1990), which provides that “whenever the lawful
use of for ce and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall minimize damage
and injury, and respect and preserve human life.” A thorough and independent investigation
over any allegations of excessive use of for ce and of torture and ill treatment durin g
peaceful demonstrations should be conducted, those responsible should be held
accountable, and victims should be provided with full redress . He requests the Government
to keep him informed about the investigations conducted in relation to the aforementio ned
case s.

4 See https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11555&LangID=E

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75. The Special Rapporteur further recommends the Government to put in place an
enabling and safe environment allowing individuals to exercise their legitimate freedoms
without undue hindrances.
76. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Co uncil resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons e spousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercis e of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
77. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of his country visit request sent in
September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this connection, OP6 of
resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon States to cooperate
fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or her tasks, to
provide all necessa ry information requested by him or her, … and to consider favourably
his or her requests for visits”.
Colombia
78. JUA 24/11/2011. Case no. COL 10/2011 . State Reply: 28/02/2012 . Ataque en una
residencia de dos personas que podría estar relacionado con su activismo político y de
derechos humanos.
79. JUA 31/01/2012 . Case no. COL 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Presuntas
amenazas de muerte contra varios integrantes del Movimiento de Víctimas de Crímenes de
Estado (MOVICE).
80. JUA 7/02/2012. Case no. COL 2/2012 . State Reply: 06/03/2012 . Presuntas
amenazas de muerte contra los integrantes de la C orporación Regional para la Defensa de
los Derechos Humanos (CREDHOS).
Observaciones
81. El Relator Especial quiere agradecer las respuestas del Gobierno a las
comunicaciones enviadas el pasado 24 de noviembre de 2011 y 7 de febrero de 2012. No
obstante, se invita al Gobierno a responder con urgencia a la comunicación pendiente,
relacionada con presuntas amenazas de muerte contra varios integrantes del Movimiento de
Víctimas de Crímenes de Estado (MOVICE). En este sentido, se reitera la necesidad por
llevar a cabo investigaciones independientes y efectivas sobre dichas alegaciones, y en su
caso, se sancione a los responsables y se repare a las víctimas .
82. Se reconoce el esfuerzo del Gobierno de Colombia en la protección de las personas
mencionadas en los llamam ientos urgentes con fecha 24 de noviembre de 2011 y 7 de
febrero de 2012. En este sentido, se les acompaña en su determinación para garantizar que
dichas personas puedan efectivamente disfrutar de sus derechos a las libertades de
asociación, reunión pacífi ca y expresión.
83. El Relator Especial desea expresar su gran preocupación por las alegaciones
recibidas de actos de hostigamiento contra activistas y amenazas de muerte contra
miembros de asociaciones, incluyendo en este caso a los integrantes de la Corpora ción
Regional para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (CREDHOS) y varios integrantes del
Movimiento de Víctimas de Crímenes de Estado (MOVICE). En este sentido, el Relator
Especial quiere recomendar al Gobierno que intensifique sus esfuerzos en vistas a c rear un

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14
ambiente propicio que permita a la sociedad civil expresarse libremente y permitir a toda
persona ejercer su derecho legítimo a la libertad de asociación y reunión pacífica.
84. Se reitera a su vez el contenido del párrafo operativo 1 de la resolución 15/21 del
Consejo de Derechos humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a que respeten y protejan
plenamente el derecho de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión y de asociación
pacíficas, incluso en el contexto de unas elecciones, y con inclusión de las personas que
abracen convicciones o creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de los derechos
humanos, las personas afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás personas, incluidos los migrantes,
que traten de ejercer o promover esos derechos, y a que adopten todas las medidas
necesarias para asegurar que cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio del derecho a la
libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas sea conforme con las obligaciones que les
incumben en virtud de las normas internacionales de d erechos humanos”.
Cuba
85. JUA 02/09/2011. Case no. CUB 2/2011 . State Reply: 28/09/2011 ; 11/11/2011 .
Presunto ataque contra dos integrantes de las Damas de Blanco.
86. JUA 15/11/2011. Case no. CUB 3/2011 . State Reply: 17/01/2012 . Alegaciones
recibidas indicando la persistencia de actos de intimidación, acoso, actos de violencia y
detenciones de mujeres integrantes de la organi zación Damas de Blanco.
87. JUA 19/01/2012. Case no. CUB 5/2011 . State Reply: 27/03/2012 . Alegacion es de
actos de violencia, hostigamiento e intimidación, y de detenciones en el transcurso de una
manifestación pacífica en la Habana.
88. JUA 09 /02/2011. Case no. CUB 2/2012 . Sta te Reply: 29/02/2012 . Alegaciones de
detención arbitraria y actos intimidatorios.
Observaciones
89. El Relator Especial quisiera agradecer las respuestas a todas las comunicacione s
enviadas, cuyo contenido se ha leído con interés.
90. El 17 de enero y el 27 de marzo de 2012, el Gobierno de Cuba indicó, entre otras
cuestiones, “que nadie en Cuba ha sido perseguido o sancionado por ejercer pacíficamente
cualquiera de sus derechos, inclu idos los de expresión, opinión y asociación”. Asimismo, se
asegura la falsedad de todas las alegaciones de violaciones de los derechos humanos
presentadas en cada una de las comunicaciones conjuntas que se enviaron durante este
periodo, inclusive el hecho que hubiera habido implicado algún defensor de los derechos
humanos. No obstante, el Relator Especial insiste en la necesidad de asegurar la existencia
de un ambiente propicio para la sociedad civil, en términos de disfrute del derecho a la
libertad de reu nión y asociación pacífica.
91. El Relator Especial quisiera reiterar, por medio de la presente observación, una
respuesta afirmativa a la solicitud de visita que el Gobierno de su Excelencia aún tiene
pendiente por responder. Una eventual misión del Relator a Cuba ayudaría a clarificar éstas
y otras alegaciones similares recibidas en materia de asociación y reunión pacífica.
92. Asimismo , se reitera también que el párrafo operativo 6 de la resolución 15/21 del
Consejo de Derechos Humanos “[e]xhorta a los Estados a que colaboren plenamente con el
relator especial y le presten asistencia en el desempeño de sus funciones, le faciliten toda la
información necesaria que aquel les solicite, respondan con prontitud a los llamamientos
urgentes y a otras comunicaciones qu e haga, y consideren favorablemente sus solicitudes
para realizar visitas”.

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93. En este sentido, s e hace también mención del párrafo operativo 1 de la resolución
15/21 del Consejo de Derechos humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a que respeten y
protejan plenamente el derecho de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión y de
asociación pacíficas, incluso en el contexto de unas elecciones, y con inclusión de las
personas que abracen convicciones o creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de
los derechos humanos, las personas afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás personas, incluidos
los migrantes, que traten de ejercer o promover esos derechos, y a que adopten todas las
medidas necesarias para asegurar que cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio d el derecho a
la libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas sea conforme con las obligaciones que les
incumben en virtud de las normas internacionales de derechos humanos”.
Cyprus
94. JAL 20/07/2011. Case no. CYP 1/2011 . State Reply: 15/09/2011 . Alleged charges
brought against human rights activist.
Observations
95. The Special Rapporteur would li ke to thank the Government for its response to his
communication dated 20 July 2011, which sought to clarify the allegations concerning two
parallel assemblies which ended with violence.
96. The Special Rapporteur would like to emphasize that assemblies should not be
deemed peaceful if organizers and participants do not have peaceful intentions. Considering
that the allegations that the march organized by the Greek Resistance Movement against the
multicultural Rainbow Festival openly insulted other communities, including Turks, Jews,
Muslims or Refugees are still credible, greater efforts are required to ensure adequate
protection. In this connection, the State has a positive obligation to ensure that the right to
peaceful assembly is protected against any disru ptive or provocative agent. In the event of
competing assemblies that do not constitute a risk for violence, the Special Rapporteur
considers that the State has also a responsibility to promote tolerance and understanding
among the different views.
Djibo uti
97. JUA 18/8/2011. Case no. DJI 2/2011 . State Reply: 19/09/2011 . Allégation de
détention arbitraire.
Observations
98. Le Rapporteur spécial remercie le Gouvernement de Djibouti pour la réponse
apportée à sa communication du 18 août 2011 et prend note de la libération de M. Hassan
Amine Ahmed depuis l‟envoi de cet appel urgent. Le Rapporteur sp écial recommande aux
autorités de s‟assurer que tous les individus, agissant de manière pacifique, puissent
s‟associer et s‟exprimer librement et prendre part à la direction des affaires publiques.
99. Le Rapporteur spécial rappelle au Gouvernement de Djibouti la demande de visite
qu‟il a formulée en septembre 2011. Dans ce contexte, le paragraphe 6 de la résolution
15/21 prévoit que le « Conseil des droits de l‟homme [e]ngage les États à prêter leur
concours et à offrir une coopération sans réserve au Rapporte ur spécial lorsqu‟il exerce ses
fonctions … et à donner une suite favorable à ses demandes de visite. »

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Ecuador
100. JAL 29 /11/2011. Case no. ECU 3/2011 . State Reply: None to d ate. Alegaciones
recibidas indicando el asesinato de un miembro de la organización Unión Tierra y Vida.
Observaciones
101. El Relator Especial lamenta que el Gobierno aún no haya respondido a la
comunicación que se le envió en noviembre de 2011. El Relator Es pecial considera que dar
respuesta a sus comunicaciones es u na manera importante de cooperar con su mandato. En
este sentido, el Relator Especial urge a las autoridades a que respondan detalladamente a las
preocupaciones contenidas en esta comunicación. As imismo, se expresa seria preocupación
que los actos alegados en la carta de alegación puedan estar relacionados, de algún modo,
con el activismo de la víctima y sus actividades legítimas en la defensa de los derechos
humanos. El Relator Especial quiere hac er un llamamiento al Gobierno de su Excelencia
para que adopte todas las medidas necesarias para asegurar una investigación independiente
y creíble sobre estas alegaciones, y en su caso, se sancione a los culpables, y se repare a las
víctimas. Asimismo, se solicita también que se informe sobre cualquier información
relacionada con este y otros casos similares.
102. En este sentido, el titular del mandato quiere reiterar su seria preocupación por la
situación en la que vive el país, especialmente en lo que concie rne al derecho de asociación.
Tal preocupación se debe a las alegaciones recibidas sobre varios dirigentes de diversas
asociaciones, en el que se incluirían familiares, que también habrían sido asesinados u
objeto de actos intimidatorios y de hostigamiento . Se recuerda que es necesario que el
Gobierno adopte todas las medidas necesarias para asegurar la existencia de un ambiente
propicio para la sociedad civil así como para cualquier persona que se disponga a disfrutar
de su legítimo derecho a la libertad d e asociación y reunión pacífica.
103. Se reitera que el párrafo operativo 1 de la resolución 15/21 del Consejo de Derechos
humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a que respeten y protejan plenamente el derecho
de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas, incluso en el
contexto de unas elecciones, y con inclusión de las personas que abracen convicciones o
creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de los derechos humanos, las personas
afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás p ersonas, incluidos los migrantes, que traten de ejercer o
promover esos derechos, y a que adopten todas las medidas necesarias para asegurar que
cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio del derecho a la libertad de reunión y de asociación
pacíficas sea co nforme con las obligaciones que les incumben en virtud de las normas
internacionales de derechos humanos”.
Egypt
104. JUA 11/10/2011. Case no. EGY 11/2011 . State Reply: 19/10/2011 ; 19/10/2011 .
Alleged harassment of the Coptic Christian community, restricting religious f reedom and
right to assemble, worship and practice.
105. JAL 17/11/2011. Case no. EGY 12/2011 . State Reply: 17/01/12 . Alleged increasing
climate of stigmatisation and harassment against civil society organisations as well as on –
going difficulties for NGOs to operate within the context of the provisions contained in the
Non -Governmental Organizations ( NGO) law 84/2002.
106. JUA 22/12/2011. Case no. EGY 13/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Extension of
period of detention, arrest, interrogation and charges.

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17
107. JAL 12/1/2011. Case no. EGY 1/2012 . State Reply: 14/05/12 . Alleged raids on
several NGOs’ offices.
108. JAL 19/1/2011. C ase no. EGY 2/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged violence
against women by the Egyptian military in the context of the protests that took place in
Cairo in November and December 2011.
109. JAL 24/2/2011. Case no. EGY 5/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
increasingly restrictive environment for civil society organizations and activists.
Ob servations
110. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Egypt for its responses. He
however regrets that at the time of the finalization of the present report, the Government
had not transmitted replies to all his communications sent. He urges the autho rities to
provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in these other
communications, which are also echoed in a press release dated 21 November 2011 issued
by four special procedures mandate holders. 5
111. The Special Rapporteur is very concerned about the context in which associations
have had to operate during the reporting period where some NGOs‟ offices were raided;
their members stigmatised and some referred to Cairo‟s Criminal Court under the
accusation of operating an illegal entity or of illegally receiving foreign funding. He takes
note of the reply transmitted in relation to the difficulties faced by NGOs to operate within
the context of the Law 84/2002, but he remains concerned that numerous provisions of this
law do not m eet international human rights standards. He calls upon the Government to
ensure that no individual is criminalised for the peaceful exercise of their fundamental
freedoms. He recommends the Government to adopt a new law on NGO to be in
compliance with the best practices detailed in his thematic report and with the accepted
recommendations issued within the context of the Universal Periodic Review of the Arab
Republic of Egypt in March 2010 and, in particular, recommendations 95.88 and 95.106.
He is availab le to provide any technical assistance the Government might require in this
regard.
112. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protec t the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migra nts, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under int ernational human rights law”.
113. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. A thorough and independent investigation into any allegations of
any alleged human rights violations, including acts of i ntimidations or harassments,
committed against those exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association, particularly against women, should be conducted; those responsible should be
held accountable; and victims should be provided w ith full redress.
114. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Egypt of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this

5 See https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEve nts/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11629&LangID=E

A/HRC/20/27/Add.3
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connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c] alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”. Such a visit may allow the mandate holder to
provide any technical assistance that might be required.
Ethiopia
115. JUA 5/10/2011. Case no. ETH 4/2011 . State Reply: 17/2/2012 . Alleged arrests,
detention and charges under anti -terrorism legislation of journalists and opposition
politicians.
116. JAL 9/12/2011. Case no. ETH 6/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged strict
implementation of the Charities and Societies Proclamation 621/2009 impeding the
legitimate work of a human rights association.
Observations
117. The Special Rapporteur th anks the Government of Ethiopia for its response to his
communication dated 5 October 2011, but regrets that it did not respond to the other
communication dated 9 December 2011. He urges the authorities to provide as soon as
possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in the latter communication due to the
grave nature of the allegations received with respect of the right to freedom of association.
118. The Special Rapporteur is deeply concerned by several provisions of the anti -terror
legislation and the 2009 CSO law that unduly restrict the right to freedom of association.
He is gravely concerned that the strict legal framework governing civil society has had a
chilling effect on human rights associations that had, for most of them, to stop their
act ivities. He is concerned about the frozen of all assets of the Ethiopian Human Rights
Council association, which may force it to stop its human rights work. The mandate holder
recommends to the Government to immediately revise the 2009 CSO law, notably wit h
respect to access to funding; and to ensure that the revised version complies with the best
practices detailed in his thematic report and with the accepted recommendations issued
within the context of the Universal Periodic Review of Ethiopia and, in par ticular,
recommendation 97.53. The Special Rapporteur is available to provide any technical
assistance the Government might require in this regard.
119. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative pa ragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
huma n rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
120. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Ethiopia of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.

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Fiji
121. JAL 01/09/2011. Case no. FJI 2/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
illegitimate restrictions on the ex ercise of workers‟ rights to freedom of association and of
expression, right to collectively bargain and right to strike due to the promulgations of the
“Essential National Industries (Employment) Decree”; arrest, detention, and physical
assault of trade u nionists; and arbitrary decision by the Ministry of Labour against a trade
unionist.
122. JAL 21/12/2011. Case no. FJI 3/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
police summo ning, arrest and detention of, and charges against, trade unionists; and refusal
of entry in Fiji for an international trade union delegation.
Observations
123. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Fiji did not respond to any of
his communica tions. He considers responses to his communications as an important part of
the cooperation of Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide
detailed answers to all the concerns raised in his communications.
124. The Special Rapporteur rema ins very preoccupied by the Decree entitled “Essential
National Industries (Employment) Decree”, which put serious restrictions on the operation
of unions in the country, and he recommends to the Government to revise thoroughly the
aforementioned decree.
125. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to ensure that no individual is
criminalised for the peaceful exercise of his fundamental freedoms. He recommends for the
Government to put in place an enabling and safe environment that is conducive to the free
expression of unionists , and to ensure that they are not subjected to any acts of harassment
or intimidation in relation to the exercise of their fundamental freedoms. A thorough and
independent investigation over any allegations of torture or ill treatmen t should be
conducted, those responsible should be held accountable, and victims should be provided
with full redress .
126. The Special Rapporteur refers to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and in
particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
127. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Fiji of his country visit request
sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this connection, OP6
of resolution 15/21 stat es that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon States to
cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or her
tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her r equests for visits”.
France
128. JUA 10/2/2012. Case no. FRA 1/2012 . State Reply: 8/5/2012 . Allégation d‟un
risque crédible d‟extradition et de risque de torture ou de mauvais traitement.

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Observations
129. Le Rapporteur spécial remercie le Gouvernement de la France pour la réponse
apportée à sa communication du 10 février 2012 au sujet du risque d‟ex tradition de M.
Mourad Dhina, membre du mouvement d‟opposition algérien Rachad et directeur exécutif
de l‟organisation Alkarama pour les droits de l‟homme.
130. Le Rapporteur spécial prend note de la poursuite de l‟affaire au niveau judiciaire, et
recommande au x autorités de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pertinentes pour
s‟assurer que nul ne soit criminalisé pour le seul exercice de ses libertés fondamentales.
Georgia
131. JUA 20/06/2011. Case no. GEO 1/2011 . State reply: 07/07/2011 . Allegations of
disproportionate use of force by law enforcement authorities to disperse a demonstration by
oppos ition supporters.
Observations
132. The Special Rapporteur would like to thank the Government of Georgia for its
response to his communication dated 20 June 2011. As a result of this engagement, and in
the context of a standing invitation to all Special Proce dures, an official country visit took
place from 6 to 13 February 2012.
133. In line with the conclusions and recommendations contained in his mission report,
the Special Rapporteur would like to reiterate the need for strengthening dialogue with all
stakehold ers with regard to the 26 May 2011 events. He regrets that stark differences in the
narratives of accounts continue to exist between the Government and the opposition, which
evidences the need for a new, inclusive and independent enquiry.
Guatemala
134. JAL 2 7/06/2011. Case no. GTM 7/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Presuntos
asesinatos de dos miembros de Sindicato de Trabajadores Bananeros de Izabal (SITRABI).
135. JAL 05/10/2011. Case no. GTM 15/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Presunto
asesinato de un miembro del Sindicato de Trabajadores Administrativos en el Segundo
Registro de la Propiedad (S ITRASEREPRO).
136. JAL 31/01/2012. Case no. GTM 1/2012 . State Reply: 23/04/2012 . Presunto
asesinato de defensor de derechos humanos, miembro activo de la Juventud del Comité de
Desarrollo Campesino (CODECA).
Observaciones
137. El Relator Especial quisiera agradecer la respuesta a la carta conjunta enviada el 31
de enero de 2012. Se lamenta que el Gobierno de Guatemala deba aún responder dos cartas
de alegación relativas a presuntos asesinatos de miembros de los sindicatos de trabajadores.
En este sentido, se expresa una grave preocupación por la situación actual, especialmente
en lo que concierne a l disfrute del derecho de asociación.
138. El Relator Especial quisiera agradecer la respuesta facilitada por la Presidenta de la
Comisión Presidencial Coordinadora de la Política del Ejecutivo en materia de Derechos
Humanos (COPREDEH) relativa al presunto ase sinato de un miembro de la Juventud del
Comité de Desarrollo Campesino. El Relator Especial quisiera acompañarle en su
determinación para lograr que se pongan en práctica medidas efectivas para asegurar una

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21
protección adecuada de derechos fundamentales, y en particular, del derecho a la libertad de
asociación y reunión pacífica. Se reitera, a su vez, la necesidad de asegurar la existencia de
un ambiente propicio para organizaciones de la sociedad civil así como para cualquier
persona que se disponga a disfr utar de su derecho a la libertad de asociación y reunión
pacífica. En este sentido, se hace un llamamiento para que investiguen, de manera
independiente y efectiva, cualquier alegación de acto de hostigamiento, intimidación,
violencia, asesinato y ejecució n extrajudicial contra cualquier activista y defensor de los
derechos humanos y, en su caso, se sancione a los culpables ,y se repare a las víctimas.
139. En este sentido, s e hace especial referencia al contenido del párrafo operativo 1 de la
resolución 15/21 de l Consejo de Derechos humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a que
respeten y protejan plenamente el derecho de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión y
de asociación pacíficas, incluso en el contexto de unas elecciones, y con inclusión de las
pers onas que abracen convicciones o creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de
los derechos humanos, las personas afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás personas, incluidos
los migrantes, que traten de ejercer o promover esos derechos, y a que adopten todas las
medidas necesarias para asegurar que cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio del derecho a
la libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas sea conforme con las obligaciones que les
incumben en virtud de las normas internacionales de derechos h umanos”.
140. El Relator Especial quisiera agradecer también la invitación de Guatemala para
llevar a cabo una visita oficial al país.
Honduras
141. JUA 25/10/2011. Case no. HND 9 /2011 . State Reply: None to date. Presunto
asesinato, atentado contra la vida, detención arbitraria y amenaza de muerte contra
miembros de asociaciones.
Observaciones
142. El Relator Especial lamenta no haber recibido una respuesta a su carta del octubre
2011 y quisiera invitar al Gobierno de Honduras a responder a la comunicación a la mayor
brevedad, así como a proporcionar cualquier información actualizada que considere
pertinente , dada la gravidad del caso . El Relator Especial considera que dar respuesta a sus
comunicaciones es una forma importante de cooperar con su mandato.
143. En este sentido, se reitera la preocupación ya expresada, en cuanto a alegaciones
recibidas de amenazas de muerte y actos de hostigamiento contra activistas y miembros de
sindicatos de campesinos. En este sentido, se exhorta al Gobierno de su Excelencia para
que intensifique sus esfuerzos en vistas a asegurar que toda medida necesaria sea aplicada
con el fin de lograr una mayor protección de libertades fundamentales, incluyendo el
der echo de asociación y reunión pacífica. De la misma manera, se hace un llamamiento
para que cualquier alegación de acto de hostigamiento, intimidación, violencia, asesinato y
ejecución extrajudicial contra cualquier activista y defensor de los derechos huma nos, sea
debidamente investigado, y en su caso, se sancione a los culpables y se repare a las
víctimas.
144. Por otro lado, se reitera también que el Gobierno tiene una obligación positiva de
asegurar que las organizaciones de la sociedad civil operan en un am biente propicio y
favorable. En este sentido, se recomienda adoptar medidas urgentes con el fin de lograr que
cualquier persona pueda disfrutar libremente del derecho de asociación y reunión pacífica.
145. En este sentido, se hace especial referencia al párrafo operativo 1 de la resolución
15/21 del Consejo de Derechos humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a que respeten y
protejan plenamente el derecho de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión y de

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22
asociación pacíficas, incluso en el contexto de unas e lecciones, y con inclusión de las
personas que abracen convicciones o creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de
los derechos humanos, las personas afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás personas, incluidos
los migrantes, que traten de ejercer o pr omover esos derechos, y a que adopten todas las
medidas necesarias para asegurar que cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio del derecho a
la libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas sea conforme con las obligaciones que les
incumben en virtud de la s normas internacionales de derechos humanos”.
146. El Relator Especial quiere agradecer la invitación del Gobierno para llevar a cabo
una visita oficial al país.
Hungary
147. JAL 18/7/2011. Case no. HUN 2/2011 . State Reply : 7/9/2011 . Alleged restriction of
religious freedom and right to assemble, worship and practice of those belonging to
minority fait hs.
Observations
148. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Hungary for its response to his
communication dated 18 July 2011. He remains concerned by undue limitations to the right
to freedom of association contained in the new legislation.
149. The Spec ial Rapporteur underlines that the rights of peaceful assembly and
association are key for individuals espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs. He
therefore urges States to refrain from adopting and implementing legislation that can
hamper the le gitimate work of civil society, including religious associations. He
recommends to the Government to revise the aforementioned law to ensure it complies with
international human rights law. He is available to provide any technical assistance the
Government might require in this regard.
India
150. JUA 29/7/2011. Case no. IND 14/2011 . State Reply: 03/08/20 11. Alleged acts of
violence and intimidation in the context of forced evictions.
151. JUA 5/8/2011. Case no. IND 16/2011 . State Reply: 08/08/2011 . Detention and
allegations of acts of intimidation against residents of the villages located on Chhindwada.
152. JUA 9/9/2011. Case no. IND 19/2011 . State Reply: 21/09/2011 . Alleged killing,
attacks and threats against women human rights defenders.
153. JUA 17/1/2012. Case no. IND 23/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
restrictions of right to freedom of movement.
Observations
154. The Special Rapporteur takes notes of the responses of the Government of India in
which it ackno wledged receipt of his communications. He and urges the authorities to
provide detailed answers to all the concerns raised in his communications.
155. The Special Rapporteur remains gravely concerned by allegations of extrajudicial
killing of Ms. Shehla Masood, an environmentalist and human rights defender exercising
her right to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. He is gravely concerned about
the physical and psychological integrity of people exercising their right to freedom of
peaceful assembly and of association and of their relatives in India. He underscores the

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23
responsibility of the State to ensure that those exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful
assembly and of association are duly protected. A thorough and independent investigation
over the aforementioned allegations should be conducted, and those responsible should be
held accountable . He requests that the Government to keep him informed about the
investigations conducted in relation to the aforementioned case.
156. The Special Rapporte ur further underlines that the rights of peaceful assembly and
of association are key for individuals espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs. He
urges the authorities to refrain from using force during peaceful demonstrations. He further
recomme nds a thorough and independent investigation regarding any allegations of
excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment, including against women, during
peaceful demonstrations; to hold accountable those responsible and to provide full redress
to victims.
157. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freel y, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all neces sary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
Indonesia
158. JUA 8/7/2011. Case no. IDN 4/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged harassment
of members of the Christian community, restricting religious freedom and right to
assemble, worship and practice.
159. JUA 23/2 /2012. Case no. IDN 3/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
intimidation and attacks targeted at the congregation of the Taman Yasmin Indonesian
Christian Church (Gerej a Kristen Indonesia, GKI) by some Islamist groups in Bogor, West
Java.
Observations
160. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of Indonesia did not respond to
any of his communications. He considers responses to his communications as an important
part of the cooperation of Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to
provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in these
communications.
161. The Special Rapporteur further urges the authorities to ensure the pro tection of
individuals belonging to religious communities, and in particular the congregation of the
Taman Yasmin Indonesian Church, exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly
and of association.
162. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Ri ghts Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including pe rsons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.

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163. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Indonesia of his country visit
request sent in Septem ber 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
164. JUA 8/7/2011. Case no. IRN 9/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged arbitrary
detention of human rights defenders and persons peacefully exercising their freedoms of
expression and a ssembly.
165. JUA 11/10/2011. Case no. IRN 13/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged arrest
and detention, ill -treatment, judicial harassment and sentencing of women human rights
defenders.
166. JUA 19/10/2011. Case no. IRN 14/2011 . State Repl y: 2/3/2012 ; 4/5/2012 ;
15/05/2012 . Alleged arrest, detention and sentencing of human rights defenders.
Observations
167. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran for
its responses to the communicat ion dated 19 October 2011. He however regrets that at the
time of the finalization of the present report, the Government had not transmitted replies to
the two other communications. He urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible
detailed responses to all the concerns raised in these communications due to the grave
nature of the allegations received.
168. The Special Rapporteur is very concerned about the physical and psychological
integrity of people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assemb ly and of
association in the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the arrest of prominent men and
women human rights defenders. He is very concerned about the information transmitted by
the Government in relation to the joint urgent action he sent on 19 Oct ober 2010 and further
urges the authorities to ensure that no one is criminalised for the peaceful exercise of the
rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association. He recommends the Government
to put in place an enabling and safe environment that is conducive to the free expression of
civil society allowing individuals to exercise their legitimate freedom of association without
undue hindrances. A thorough and independent investigation into any allegations of any
alleged human rights violations, i ncluding acts of intimidations or harassments, committed
against those exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association,
should be conducted; those responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be
provided with full r edress .
169. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessar y measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.

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Iraq
170. JUA 21/6/2011. Case no. IRQ 4/2011 . State Reply: 28/07/2011 . Allegations of
attack against peaceful protestors in Baghdad‟ s Tahrir Square.
Observations
171. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Iraq for its response to his
communication dated 21 June 2011. He read with interest that the “Ministry of Human
Rights sent field monitoring team to follow the course of demon strations in Baghdad and
the governorates in order to monitor violations” and he further recommends the authorities
to take all necessary positive measures to ensure that those exercising their right of peaceful
assembly are protected against any violent c ounter -demonstrators.
172. The Special Rapporteur calls upon the authorities to intensify their efforts to protect
peaceful protesters. He underlines that States have the primary responsibility to protect
individuals, in particular women, who take part in peace ful assemblies. A thorough and
independent investigation into any allegations of excessive use of force and of torture and
ill treatment, including against women, during peaceful demonstrations , should be
conducted; those responsible should be held account able; and victims should be provided
with full redress.
Israel
173. JAL 29/8/2011. Case no. ISR 7/2011 . State Reply: 15/12/2011 . Allegation that a
new law defines calling for a boycott as a „civil wrong‟.
Observations
174. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Israel for its response to his
communication dated 29 August 2011.
175. The Special Ra pporteur read with interest that the Law for the prevention of Harm to
the State of Israel through Boycotts was judicially reviewed by the Israel‟s High Court of
Justice and the Special Rapporteur was further informed that this case was still pending. He
urges the authorities to refrain from adopting or implementing legislations that can hamper
the legitimate work of civil society. He would recommend the Government to revise the
aforementioned law to ensure its revised version complies with international hu man rights
law standards.
Kazakhstan
176. JUA 28/7/2011. Case no. KAZ 2/2011 . State Reply: 17/9/2011 . Alleged detention of
human rights defender and trade unionist.
177. JUA 13/1/2012. Case no. KAZ 5/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
widespread acts of violence and excessive use of force against protesters in Zhanaozen,
Mangistau region.
Observations
178. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Kazakhstan for the response
received to his communication dated 28 July 2011. He regrets that it did not respond to the
latter communication he sent dated 13 January 2012. He urges the authorities to provide as

A/HRC/20/27/Add.3
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soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in the latter communication
due to the grave nature of the allegations received.
179. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to ensure that no individual is
criminalised for the exercise of his legitimate fundamental freedoms. He urges the
authorities to take all relevant measures to ensure that any individual and legal ent ity,
including trade unions, can peacefully exercise their rights of freedom of peaceful assembly
and of association. He recommends the Government to put in place an enabling and safe
environment allowing individuals to exercise their legitimate freedoms w ithout undue
hindrances.
180. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. He reminds that the right to life is a non -derogable right in
international human rights law, including in the context of asse mblies. In this regard, he
refers to Article 5 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials Adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention
of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (1990), which provi des that “whenever the lawful
use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall minimize damage
and injury, and respect and preserve human life.” He recommends that a thorough ,
impartial and independent investigation is conducted wi thout delay over any allegation of
excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment during peaceful demonstrations and
to hold accountable those responsible and to provide full redress to victims. He requests
that the Government keep him informed ab out the investigations conducted in relation to
the aforementioned case.
181. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international h uman rights law”.
182. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Kazakhstan of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Kuwait
183. JAL 6/3/2012. Case no. KWT 1/2012 . State Reply: 30/4/2012 . Alleged undue
restrictions to the righ t of peaceful assembly.
Observations
184. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Kuwait for its response to his
communication dated 6 March 2012. Official translation of this reply was pending at the
time of finalizing this report.
185. Meanwhile, t he Spe cial Rapporteur underlines that the rights of peaceful assembly
and of association are to be enjoyed by all without any discrimination, including by Bidun .
He urges the authorities to refrain from using force during peaceful demonstrations. A
thorough and independent investigation into any allegations of excessive use of force and of

A/HRC/20/27/Add.3
27
torture and ill treatment, including against women, during peaceful demonstrations , should
be conducted; those responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be
pro vided with full redress.
Lebanon
186. JUA 10/08/2011. Case no. LBN 3/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allégations
d‟actes d‟intimidation.
Observations
187. Le Rapporteur spécial reg rette de ne pas avoir reçu aucune réponse du
Gouvernement du Liban pour sa communication datée du 10 août 2011. Il considère les
réponses à ses communications comme faisant partie intégrante de la coopération des
gouvernements avec son mandat et invite de ce fait les autorités à fournir aussi tôt que
possible des réponses détaillées aux préoccupations soulevées dans cette communication.
188. Le Rapporteur spécial rappelle qu‟il appartient aux Etats de mettre en place un
environnement qui soit favorable à l‟expr ession de la société civile. Il invite le
Gouvernement à clarifier les allégations d‟actes d‟intimidations contre des activistes de la
société civile, notamment ceux actifs dans des associations des droits de l‟homme.
Malawi
189. JUA 5/8/2011. Case no. MWI 3/2011 . State Reply: 09/08/2011 . Alleged excessive
use of force in the context of peaceful an ti-Government protests, which resulted in at least
18 deaths and a large number of injured.
190. JUA 10/10/2011. Case no. MWI 4/2011 . State Reply: 17/10/2011 . Alleged arson
attacks and arrest.
191. JUA 19/10/2011. Case no. MWI 6/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
arb itrary detention of human rights defenders for their peaceful exercise of the freedoms of
expression and assembly.
Observations
192. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Malawi for the responses it
transmitted in response to communications dated 5 August 2011 and 10 October 2011. He
regrets that the authorities did not provide detailed explanation of the measures taken with
regard to the allegation of excessive use of force during peaceful protests that have resulted
in numerous loss of lives. He fu rther regrets that the Government did not respond to the
latter communication dated 19 October 2011. He urges the authorities to provide as soon as
possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in the latter communication.
193. The Special Rapporteur u rges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. He reminds that the right to life is a non -derogable right in
international human rights law, including in the context of assemblies. In this regard, he
refers to Article 5 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials Adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention
of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (1990), which provides that “whenever the lawful
use of force and fi rearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall minimize damage
and injury, and respect and preserve human life.” A thorough and independent investigation
into any allegations of excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment, including
aga inst women, during peaceful demonstrations , notably during those that occurred in July

A/HRC/20/27/Add.3
28
2011 in the cities of Lilongwe, Karonga and Mzuzu, should be conducted; those responsible
should be held accountable; and victims should be provided with full redress. He requests
that the Government keep him informed about the investigations conducted in relation to
the aforementioned case.
194. He further recommends to the Government to put in place an enabling and safe
environment that is conducive to the free expression of civil society and political activists
allowing individuals to exercise their legitimate freedom of association without undue
hindrances. He calls upon to investigate into any allegations of any alleged human rights
violations, including acts of intimidati ons or harassments, committed against those
exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
195. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upo n States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade u nionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accorda nce with their obligations under international human rights law”.
196. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Malawi of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably hi s or her requests for visits”.
Malaysia
197. JUA 07/07/2011. Case no. MYS 6/2011 . State Reply: 10/08/2011 . Alleged
harassment, intimidation, arrest or questioning by police of members and supporters of the
Coalition for Fair and Free Elections (Bersih).
198. JUA 28/07/2011. Case no. MYS 7/2011 . State Reply : 24/04/2012 . Court order
allegedly imposing ban on entering Kuala Lumpur.
199. JAL 02/12/2011. Case no. MYS 10/2011 . State Reply : 04/04/2012 . Allegation that
the proposed Peaceful Assembly Bill may unduly restrict the right to assemble peacefully.
200. JAL 23/01/2012. Case no. MYS 11/2011 . State Reply : 24/04/2012 . Al leged banning
of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) festival, harassment and
questioning of organizers.
Observations
201. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Malaysia for having replied to all
communications sent during the reported period. He remains nevertheless concerned by
repeated allegations that those peacefully exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful
assembly and association face undue restrictions, as echoed in a press release dated 7
December 2011 issued by four spec ial procedures mandate holders. 6

6 See: https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=11694&LangID=E

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202. The Special Rapporteur is concerned that, according to the Government‟s response,
a demonstration of members and supporters of the Coalition for Fair and Free Elections
(Bersih) was prevented on the sole basis that an oppos ite group wanted to demonstrate on
the same day and at the same location. When there is still credible information that a violent
counter -demonstration may take place, greater efforts are required to ensure adequate
protection for the members of the first assembly planned. In this connection, the State has a
positive obligation to ensure that the right of peaceful assembly is protected against any
disruption or provocation.
203. Given the repeated allegations of acts of harassment and intimidation, the Special
Rapporteur recommends the Government to immediately put in place an enabling and safe
environment allowing individuals to exercise their legitimate freedoms of peaceful
assembly and association without undue hindrances. A thorough and independent
investiga tion into any allegations of any alleged human rights violations, including acts of
intimidations or harassments, committed against those exercising their rights to freedom of
peaceful assembly and of association, should be conducted; those responsible sho uld be
held accountable; and victims should be provided with full redress .
204. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government for the information it transmitted
with regard to the new legislation. He nevertheless remains concerned about numerous
provisions of th is law, as identified in the communication he sent. He renews its
availabilities to provide any technical support and assistance needed to ensure that the legal
framework related to peaceful assemblies and its implementation meet international law
standard s.
205. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, inclu ding in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary mea sures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
206. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Mal aysia of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rap porteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Maldives
207. JUA 29/02/2012. Case no. MDV 2/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
excessive use of force against protestors belonging to the Ma ldivian Democratic Party
(MDP).
Observations
208. The Special Rapporteur regrets that the Government of the Maldives did not respond
to his communication dated 29 February 2012. He considers responses to his
communications as an important part of the cooperation of Governments with his mandate,
and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed re sponses to all the
concerned he raised in his communication.

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209. The Special Rapporteur further urges the authorities to refrain from using force
during peaceful demonstrations and to ensure that any individual and legal entity, including
political parties, ca n peacefully exercise their right of freedom of peaceful assembly. A
thorough and independent investigation into any allegations of excessive use of force and of
torture and ill treatment, including against women, during peaceful demonstrations , should
be conducted; those responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be
provided with full redress .
210. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to r espect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with thei r obligations under international human rights law”.
211. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the official invitation extended by the authorities
on 19 May 2011 to conduct a field visit to the Maldives, and hopes to honour it in the near
future.
Mexico
212. JAL 13/01/ 2012. Case no. MEX 31/2011 . State Repl y: 27/03/2012 ; 15/5/2012 .
Alegaciones de ejecuciones extrajudiciales, así como de uso excesivo de la fuerza y de
detención arbitraria contra manifestantes estudiantiles en Chilpancingo.
Observaciones
213. El Relator Especial quisiera agradecer la respuesta del Gobierno de México a la
carta de alegación enviada relativa a las protestas estudiantiles del 12 de diciembre de 2012
en la autopista federal México -Acapulco, en el tramo de la carretera de la ciudad de
Chilpan cingo de los Bravo, en el Estado de Guerrero.
214. El Relator Especial toma debida nota del contenido de su carta en la que se indica
que los enfrentamientos entre policías estatales y federales y manifestantes conllevaron
“una actuación irregular de algunos se rvidores públicos que derivó en violaciones a
diversos derechos humanos”, incluyendo el derecho a la vida, la integridad personal, la
libertad y el debido proceso legal. También se toma nota de su argumentación que la
manifestación “no se desarrolló por co mpleto de manera pacífica”. No obstante, se hace
especial mención al contenido del informe de la Comisión Nacional de los Derechos
Humanos relativo a la investigación de violaciones graves a los derechos humanos
relacionada con los hechos ocurridos el 12 d e diciembre de 2011 en Chilpancingo. En
particular, se destacan las observaciones de la Comisión, entre otras cuestiones, sobre la
criminalización de la protesta social y el empleo de armas de fuego.
215. En este sentido, se hace un llamamiento al Gobierno de México y del Estado de
Guerrero para que intensifiquen sus esfuerzos en vistas a lograr un diálogo abierto y
genuino con la sociedad civil, incluyendo aquellas personas o asociaciones que defiendan
posiciones minoritarias o disidentes. Por otro lado, se ins iste en la necesidad de asegurar la
existencia de un ambiente propicio para la sociedad civil que permita el libre ejercicio de
los derechos de asociación y reunión pacífica, especialmente para aquellos que defienden
los intereses de los menos favorecidos. Asimismo, se reitera que el Estado tiene una
obligación positiva de llevar a cabo medidas efectivas para hacer efectivo el disfrute de
estos derechos.

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31
216. El Relator Especial quisiera también referirse al contenido del párrafo operativo 1 de
la resolución 15/ 21 del Consejo de Derechos humanos donde se “[e] xhorta a los Estados a
que respeten y protejan plenamente el derecho de todas las personas a la libertad de reunión
y de asociación pacíficas, incluso en el contexto de unas elecciones, y con inclusión de las
personas que abracen convicciones o creencias minoritarias o disidentes, los defensores de
los derechos humanos, las personas afiliadas a sindicatos y las demás personas, incluidos
los migrantes, que traten de ejercer o promover esos derechos, y a que ado pten todas las
medidas necesarias para asegurar que cualquier restricción del libre ejercicio del derecho a
la libertad de reunión y de asociación pacíficas sea conforme con las obligaciones que les
incumben en virtud de las normas internacionales de derec hos humanos”.
Morocco
217. JUA 31/05/2011. Case no. MAR 2/2011 . State Reply: 29/07/2011 . Allégation de
mauvais traitements et d‟arrestations dans le cadre des protestations.
218. JUA 4/11/2011. Case no. MAR 6/2011 . St ate Reply: 19/01/2012 . Allégation
d‟arrestations et détentions de défenseurs de droits de l‟homme.
219. JAL 29/11/2011. Case no. MAR 8/2011 . State Reply: 1/3/2012 . Allégation de refus
de réceptionner les documents de constitution de l‟Association sahraouie des victimes de
gra ves violations des droits de l‟Homme (ASVDH).
Observations
220. Le Rapporteur spécial remercie le Gouvernement du Maroc pour ses réponses à
toutes les communications envoyées .
221. Il demande au Gouvernement de mettre en place un environnement favorable à la
plein e et libre expression de toutes les associations, notamment au Sahara occidental, par
l‟enregistrement de toutes les associations qui respectent les dispositions légales en ligne
avec les standards internationaux relatifs à la liberté d‟association, et par les garanties que
nul ne puisse être criminalisé pour le seul exercice de ses libertés fondamentales.
222. Le Rapporteur spécial rappelle au Gouvernement du Maroc la demande de visite
pays qu‟il a formulée en décembre 2011. Dans ce contexte, le paragraphe 6 de la résolution
15/21 prévoit que le « Conseil des droits de l‟homme [e]ngage les États à prêter leur
concours et à offrir une coopération sans réserve au Rapporteur spécial lorsqu‟il exerce ses
fonctions … et à donner une suite favorable à ses demandes de visite. »
Myanmar
223. JAL 23/02/2012. Case no. MMR 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
conviction of 32 lawyers in relation to the exercise of their rights to freedom of opinion,
expression, peaceful assembly and association, as well as for providing legal representation
and assistance, and their subsequent disbarment following proceedings in violation of fair
trial safeguards.
Observations
224. The Special Rapporteur regr ets that the Government of Myanmar did not respond to
his communication. He considers responses to his communications as an important part of
the cooperation of Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide
detailed answers to all the concerns raised in the communication.

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225. The Special Rapporteur further urges the authorities to ensure that no individual is
criminalised for the exercise of his legitimate fundamental freedoms. He also urges the
authorities to take all relevant measures to ensure that any individual and legal entity,
including political parties, can peacefully exercise their rights of freedom of peaceful
assembly and of association. He recommends the Government to put in place an enabling
and safe environment allowing indivi duals to exercise their legitimate freedoms without
undue hindrances. A thorough and independent investigation into any allegations of any
alleged human rights violations, including acts of intimidations or harassments, committed
against those exercising t heir rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association,
should be conducted; those responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be
provided with full redress .
226. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/ 21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to f reedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
227. The Special Rapporteur further regrets that the Government of Myanmar responded
negatively to his request to undertake a country mission to the country due to the reported
unavailability of the concerned authorities. He urges the authorities to reconsider his
request. In this connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights
Council… [c]alls upon States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in
the performance of his or her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him
or her, … and to consider favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Nigeria
228. JAL 20/12/2011. Case no. NGA 5/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
restrictions on the rights to freedom of association and of peaceful assembly of groups
defending lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights.
Observations
229. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Nigeria to the allegation letter sent during the reporting period. He
considers responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of
Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible
detailed responses to all the concerned he raised in his communication.
230. The Special Rapporteur underlines that the rights of peaceful assembly and of
asso ciation are key for individuals espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs. He
therefore urges States to refrain from adopting legislations that can hamper the legitimate
work of civil society, notably of those espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs. He
recommends to the Government to revise the Same -Gender Marriage” Bill to ensure it
complies with international human rights law. He is available to provide any technical
assistance the Government might require in this regard.

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Pakistan
231. JAL 30/12/2011. Case no. PAK 17/2010 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged killing
of a human rights defender.
Observations
232. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Pakistan to the allegation letter sent during the reporting period. He
considers responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of
Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide detailed answers to all
the concerns raised in this communication.
233. The Special Rapporteur remains gravely concerned by the alleged extrajudicial
killing of Mr. Zarteef Afridi from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). He
is gravely concerned about the physical and psychological integrity of people exercising
their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in Pakistan, notably of those
working for the HRCP as two other members of the organisation, Mr. Sid dique Eido and
Mr. Naeem Sabir, were reportedly subjected to abduction and subsequent killing in early
2011. He underscores that it is the responsibility of the State to ensure that those exercising
their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of assoc iation are duly protected. A
thorough and independent investigation into the killing of Mr. Zarteef Afridi should be
conducted, and those responsible should be held accountable . He requests the Government
to keep him informed about the investigations condu cted in relation to the aforementioned
case.
234. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to asse mble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
235. The Speci al Rapporteur reminds the Government of Pakistan of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to coope rate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Paraguay
236. JAL 11/10/2011. Case no. PRY 1/2011 . State Reply: 17/01/2012 . Presuntos actos de
intimidación e irregularidades en el proceso judicial.
Observaciones
237. El Relator Especial quiere agradecer la respuesta del Gobierno de Paraguay a su carta
del 11 octubre 2011 , en relación con los actos alegados contra miembros de la ONG
Iniciativa Amotocodie.
238. El Relator Especial ha leído con interés la respuesta donde se destaca el deber y
atribución del Ministerio Público de “promover la acción penal pública para defender el

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patrimonio público y social, el medio ambiente, y otros intereses difusos, así como los
derechos de los pueblos indíge nas”. Asimismo, se toma nota de su observación sobre el
carácter aislado de la denuncia a Iniciativa Amotocodie, y que “no representa ni expresa el
conjunto de las políticas públicas del Estado”. No obstante, el Relator Especial reitera su
preocupación por las alegaciones recibidas de dichos actos intimidatorios, y se invita al
Gobierno a que facilite información adicion al actualizada sobre este caso.
Philippines
239. JAL 04/07/2011. Case no. PHL 4/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged acts of
violence and intimidation against human rights defenders.
240. JUA 10/11/2011. Case no. PHL 6/201 1. State Reply: None to date. Alleged killings
of human rights defenders.
Observations
241. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of the Philippines to the communications sent during the reporting period. He
consi ders responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of
Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible
detailed responses to all the concerns raised in these communications.
242. The Special Rappor teur is gravely concerned by allegations of extrajudicial killings
and acts of violence against individuals exercising peacefully their rights of freedom of
peaceful assembly and of association. He is further gravely concerned about the physical
and psycho logical integrity of people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful
assembly and association in the Philippines. A thorough and independent investigation into
allegations of use of live fire and excessive use of force during peaceful demonstrations ,
should be conducted; those responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be
provided with full redress . He requests that the Government keep him informed about the
investigations conducted in relation to both cases.
243. The Special Rapporteur ref ers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elect ions, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any res trictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
244. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of the Philippines of his country
visit request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the perfor mance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Russian Federation
245. JUA 2 8/7/2011. Case no. RUS 8/2011 . State Reply: 15/9/2011 . Alleged threats and
acts of intimidation against human rights defenders.

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246. JUA 1 6/9/2011. Case no. RUS 10/2011 . State Reply: 19/12/2011 . Alleged arrest and
detention of human rights defenders.
247. JUA 30/11/2011. Case no. RUS 12/2011 . State Reply: 18/1/2012 . Allegation of the
passing of the first reading of an allegedly discriminatory bill by the Legislative Assembly
in Saint Petersburg amending the Law on administrative violations.
248. JUA 22/12/2011. Case no. RUS 13/2011 . State Reply: 30/3/2012 . Allegations of
harassment, arbitrary detention and excessive use of force against activists and peaceful
protesters i n the context of the parliamentary elections held on 4 December 2011.
Observations
249. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of the Russian Federation for
transmitting responses to all his communications.
250. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities t o actively seek alternative solutions to
the use of force during peaceful demonstrations. He further recommends to the Government
to ensure that the physical and psychological integrity of the people exercising their rights
to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association as well as of those who monitor such
fundamental freedoms are guaranteed. He also recommends that a thorough , impartial and
independent investigation over any allegation of excessive use of force , and of torture and
ill treatment, during peaceful demonstrations; and to hold accountable those responsible
and to p rovide full redress to victims.
251. The Special Rapporteur recommends to the Government to put in place an enabling
and safe environment that is conducive to the free expression of civ il society allowing
individuals, notably those espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs, to exercise
their legitimate right to freedom of association without undue hindrances or restrictions.
Any allegation of any alleged human rights violations, including acts of harassment and
intimidation, committed against activists and human rights defenders should be
investigated .
252. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]all s upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, tr ade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
253. The Special Rapporteur further refers to the recommendations issued within the
context of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and accepted by the Russian Federation in
February 2009 and , in particular, recommendation 85.42 concerning the duty to promote
the rights of human rights defenders to freedom of expression, association and peaceful
assembly. In this regard, he urges the authorities to refrain from adopting legislation that
can ha mper the legitimate work of civil society, notably of those who espouse minority or
dissenting views or beliefs. He is available to provide any technical assistance the
Government might require in this regard.
254. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government o f the Russian Federation for
responding to his request to visit the country. He looks forward to further discussing
mutually con venient dates for such a visit.

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Senegal
255. JUA 28/7/2011. Case no. SEN 2/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allégations
d‟actes de violence, ainsi que des propos diffamatoires à l' encontre de la société civile.
256. JAL 10/2/2012. Case no. SEN 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Allégations d‟un
usage excessif de la force et de restrictions illégitimes au droit à la liberté de réunion
pacifique.
Observations
257. Le Rapporteur spécial regrette ne pas avoir reçu de réponses aux co mmunications
datées du 28 juillet 2011 et du 10 février 2012. Il considère les réponses à ses
communications comme faisant partie intégrante de la coopération des gouvernements avec
son mandat et invite de ce fait les nouvelles autorités à fournir aussi tô t que possible des
réponses détaillées aux préoccupations sou levées dans ses communications.
258. Le Rapporteur spécial rappelle aux Etats qu‟ils doivent s‟abstenir de tout recours à la
force durant des manifestations pacifiques, notamment celles tenues dans un contexte
d‟élections. Il rappelle que le droit à la vie est un droit auquel aucune dérogation n‟est
permise en droit international des droits de l‟homme, y compris dans le context e de
manifestations pacifiques.
259. Le Rapporteur spécial réfère à la résolution 15/21 du Conseil des droits de l‟homme,
en particulier son premier paragraphe qui « [d] emande à tous les États de respecter et
protéger le droit de réunion pacifique et de libre association dont jouissent tous les
individus, y compris en ce qui concerne l es élections et les personnes professant des
opinions ou des croyances minoritaires ou dissidentes, ou défendant la cause des droits de
l‟homme, des syndicalistes et de tous ceux, y compris les migrants, qui cherchent à exercer
ou promouvoir ce droit, et de faire en sorte que les restrictions éventuellement imposées au
libre exercice du droit de réunion et d‟association pacifiques soient conformes aux
obligations que leur impose le droit internationa l relatif aux droits de l‟homme ».
260. Un e enquête approfondie et indépendante sur les allégations d‟usage excessif de la
force et de torture et de mauvais traitement, y compris contre les femmes, durant des
manifestations pacifiques, notamment celles tenues durant les élections présidentielles de
février 2012 , devra it être conduit ; les responsables de violence traduits devant la justice et
les victimes obtenir une réparation intégrale .
Serbia
261. JAL 28/10/2011. Case no . SRB 1/2011 . S tate Reply: None to date. Alleged ban of
the 2011 Belgrade Pride Parade.
Observations
262. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of the Serbia to the communication sent during the reporting period. He
considers res ponses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of
Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible
detailed responses to all the concerns raised in his communication.
263. The Special Rapporteur underl ines that the rights of peaceful assembly and of
association are key for individuals espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs. He
therefore urges the authorities to take positive measures to ensure the physical and

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psychological integrity of peopl e espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs and
exercising their rights of freed om of assembly and association.
264. He further recommends to States to avoid insofar as possible blanket prohibitions o n
assemblies. He further stresses that States have a positive obligation to ensure that the right
to peaceful assembly is protected against any disruptive or provocative agent. In case
competitive groups or assemblies emerge, he further recommends that positive measures
are taken to ensure that any tension b etween such groups or assemblies is dissuaded as
much as possible .
Sierra Leone
265. JUA 23/9/2011. Case no. SLE 1/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged threats
again st human rights defender.
Observations
266. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Sierra Leone to the communication dated 23 September 2011. He considers
responses to his communications as an important part of t he cooperation of Governments
with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed responses
to all the concerns raised in his communication.
267. The Special Rapporteur recommends to the Government to put in place an enabling
and safe environment that is conducive to the free expression of civil society, including for
associations such as the Women‟s Centre for Good Governance and Human Rights
(WOCEGAR) that protect and promote the rights of individuals espousing minority or
disse nting views or beliefs. A thorough and independent investigation into any allegations
of any alleged human rights violations, including acts of intimidations or harassments,
committed against those exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly an d of
association, should be conducted; those responsible should be held accountable; and
victims should be provided with full redress.
Spain
268. JAL 9/3/2012. Case no. ESP 2/20 12. State Reply: 8/05/2012 . Alegaciones de uso
excesivo de la fuerza contra manifestantes pacíficos, en su mayoría menores, durante las
protestas estudiantiles ocurridas en Va lencia desde el 15 de febrero de 2012.
Observaciones
269. El Relator Especial quiere agradecer la respuesta del Gobierno de Espa ña del 8 de
mayo de 2012 relativa a la carta de alegación relativa a las manifestaciones de estudiantes
en Valencia. No obstante, se lamenta que no haya respondido a la totalidad de las
alegaciones presentadas. En concreto, se reiteran los hechos alegados que durante las
protestas en Valencia, las fuerzas y cuerpos de la seguridad del Estado no habrían hecho
visibles sus placas de id entificación personal con el correspondiente número de carnet
profesional y de tarjeta de identidad profesional, tal y como exige la Instrucción 13/2007
del Ministerio del Interior. De confirmarse las imágenes en vídeo recibidas, dicha actuación
podría su gerir que fue intencional y deliberada. Asimismo, el Relator Especial reitera su
preocupación por las alegaciones recibidas de uso excesivo de la fuerza contra
manifestantes pacíficos.

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270. El Relator Especial considera que una actuación policial debe basarse e n una
presunción generalizada a favor de la celebración de dichas reuniones. En este sentido, si
bien los manifestantes no deben recurrir a la violencia, tampoco procede categorizar como
violenta a toda una manifestación por actos esporádicos de violencia perpetuados por un
grupo reducido de personas. De hecho, una manifestación debe presumirse como pacífica
siempre y cuando los organizadores y participantes tengan intenciones pacíficas. En este
sentido, el Estado tiene una obligación positiva de tomar medi das para proteger el derecho
de reunión pacífica de los manifestantes frente a cualquier acto que impida indebidamente
el legítimo ejercicio de este derecho.
271. El Relator Especial quiere invitar a sus autoridades a intensificar sus esfuerzos en la
búsqueda d e alternativas a la dispersión forzosa de manifestantes pacíficos, especialmente
si se tratan de menores de edad, incluyendo un cambio legislativo que permita la
celebración de reuniones pacíficas espontáneas .
Sri Lanka
272. JAL 29/12/2011. Case no. LKA 11/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
detention of and acts of intimidation against a group of human rights and political activists
who were planning to attend a peaceful protest in Jaffna on the occasion of Human Rights
Day.
273. JUA 1/3/2012. Case no. LKA 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
excessive use of force again st peaceful protestors and undue restrictions on the rights to
freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.
Observations
274. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Sri Lanka to the communications sent during the reporting period. He
considers responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of
Governments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible
detailed responses to all the concerns raised in his communica tions.
275. The Special Rapporteur underscores States‟ obligation to ensure that no one is
criminalised for the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association. He is very concerned about the physical and psychological integri ty of people
exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in Sri Lanka .
276. The Special Rapporteur recommends to the Government to put in place an enabling
and safe environment that is conducive to the free expression of civil soc iety allowing
individuals to exercise their legitimate freedom of association without undue hindrances. A
thorough and independent investigation into any alleged human rights violations, including
acts of intimidations or harassments, committed against tho se exercising their rights to
freedom of peaceful assembly and association, should be conducted ; those responsible
should be held accountable; and victims should be provided with full redress .
277. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council res olution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.

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278. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Sri Lanka of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to whi ch a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all nec essary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Sudan
279. JUA 15/2/2012. Case no. SDN 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged excessive
use of force during peaceful demonstrations.
Observations
280. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Sudan to the urgent appeal sent during the reporting period. He considers
responses to his communications as an important part of the cooperation of Governments
with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed responses
to all the concerns raised in his communication.
281. The Special Rapporteur recommends a thoroug h and independent investigation
regarding any allegations of excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment,
including against women, during peaceful demonstrations ; to hold accountable those
responsible and to provide full redress to victims.
Switzerland
282. JAL 5/3/2012. CHE 1/2012 . State Repl y: 3/5/2012 ; 3/5/2012 ; 3/5/2012 ; 3/5/2012 ;
3/5/2012 ; 3/5/201 2 ; 3/5/2012 ; 9/5/2012 . Allégations de restrictions indues con cernant la
loi modifiant la loi sur les manifestations sur le domaine public au sein de la république et
canton de Genève.
Observations
283. Le Rapporteur spécial remercie le Gouvernement de la Suisse pour les réponses
qu‟il a apportées à sa communication dat ée du 5 mars 2011.
284. Le Rapporteur spécial prend note du recours juridique déposé contre la nouvelle loi
sur les manifestations. Il recommande au Gouvernement de réviser la loi modifiant la loi
sur les manifestations sur le domaine public au sein de la répub lique et canton de Genève
de sorte qu‟elle soit conforme aux meilleures pratiques relatives à la liberté d‟association et
de réunion pacifique détaillées dans son rapport thématique. Il est prêt à fournir tout appui
technique dont aurait besoin le Gouverne ment à cet égard.
Syrian Arab Republic
285. JUA 17/6/2011. Case no. SYR 7/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged killings
of protesters, excessive use of force and denial of li fe-saving medical treatment.
286. JAL 29/6/2011. Case no. SYR 6/2011 . State Reply: 25/10/ 2011 . Alleged arrest and
detention of human rights activists following peaceful protests.

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287. JUA 3/8/2011. Case no. SYR 8/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged arrests and
possible enforced disappearances in the context of the demonstrations that have been taking
place in the Syrian Arab Republic since 15 March 2011.
288. JUA 4/8/2011. Case no. SYR 9/20 11. State Reply: None to date. Alleged continued
use of excessive force and arbitrary detention in relation to the continued violent crackdown
against demonstrations.
289. JUA 10/8/2011. Case no. SYR 10/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged arrest
and possible enforced disappearance.
290. JUA 18/8/2011. Case no. SYR 12/2011 . State Reply: 27/12/2011 . Alleged
disciplinary procedure against human rights lawyer and defender.
291. JUA 30/8/2011. Case no. SYR 13/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
arrests, physical assault, ill -treatment, charges, and incommunicado detention.
292. JUA 3/2/2012. Case no. SYR 1 /2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged shooting
and subsequent arbitrary arrest and incommunicado detention of pro -democracy activist
Mr. Mohamed Anwar Dabbas.
Observations
293. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic for its
responses. However, he deeply regrets that six communications he sent during the reported
period are left unanswered. He remains gravely concerned about the significant number and
the very grave nature of the allegations received during the reporting p eriod. He urges the
authorities to provide as soon as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in his
communication.
294. The Special Rapporteur is extremely concerned about the physical and
psychological integrity of people exercising their right s to freedom of peaceful assembly
and association in the Syrian Arab Republic and further calls upon the authorities to release
immediately and unconditionally all persons convicted for exercising their legitimate rights.
295. The Special Rapporteur reminds tha t the right to life is a non -derogeable right in
international human rights law, including in the context of assemblies. In this regard, he
refers to Article 5 of the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law
Enforcement Officials Adopted by the Eighth United Nations Congress on the Prevention
of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (1990), which provides that “whenever the lawful
use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall minimize damage
and injury, and respect and preserve human life.” He requests the Government to keep him
informed about the investigations conducted in this regard.
296. He urges all parties to immediately end violence and he calls on the authorities to
stop using force during peaceful demonstration s. A thorough and independent investigation
regarding any allegations of excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment,
including against women, during peaceful demonstrations , should be conducted ; those
responsible should be held accountable; an d victims should be provided with full redress .
297. The Special Rapporteur emphasises that “States Party shall ensure in its legal system
that the victim of an act of torture obtains redress and has an enforceable right to fair and
adequate compensation, inclu ding the means for as full rehabilitation as possible. In the
event of the death of the victim as a result of an act of torture, his dependants shall be
entitled to compensation.” (Article 14 of the UN Convention against Torture and Other
Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, to which the Syrian Arab Republic
is a State party).

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298. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully pr otect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including m igrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
299. The Special Rapporteur deeply regrets the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic
did not respond to his letter dated 1 December 2011, in which he proposed dates for a visit,
after the Government extended an invitation for such a visit to take place “during the first
months of [2012]”. In this connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human
Rights Council… [c]alls upon States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special
Rapporteur in the performance of his or he r tasks, to provide all necessary information
requested by him or her, … and to consider favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Turkey
300. JUA 13 /10/2011. Case no. TUR 4/ 2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged raids on
offices and homes.
301. JAL 8/2/2012. Case no. TUR 2/2012 . State Reply: 26/4/2012 . Alleged illegal raids
on several NGOs’ offices in Diyarbakir.
Observations
302. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Turkey for its reply to his
communication dated 8 February 2012. He regrets that it did not re spond to his
communication dated 18 October 2011. He urges the authorities to provide as soon as
possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in the latter communication.
303. The Special Rapporteur underscores States‟ obligation to ensure that no ind ividual is
criminalised for the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association. He is concerned about the physical and psychological integrity of defenders
working on Kurdish rights , in the exercise of their rights to fr eedom of peaceful assembly
and of association. He recommends to the Government to take all relevant measures to
ensure that no individual who exercise their legitimate freedoms, is subjected to any acts of
harassment and intimidation.
United States of Am erica
304. JUA 21/12/2011. Case no. USA 23/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
excessive use of force against peaceful protesters who were assembled in various cities
throu ghout the United States of America.
305. JUA 23/02/2012. Case no. USA 24/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
judicial an d other harassment of activist.
Observations
306. The Spe cial Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of the United States of America to the urgent appeals sent during the reporting
period. He considers responses to his communication as an important part of the

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cooperation of Gover nments with his mandate, and urges the authorities to provide as soon
as possible detailed responses to all the concerns raised in these communications.
307. With regard to the allegations of excessive use of force against peaceful protesters,
the Special Rappo rteur urges the authorities to actively seek alternative solutions to the use
of force during peaceful demonstrations. He further recommends a thorough and
independent investigation regarding any allegation of excessive use of force during
peaceful demonst rations; to hold accountable those responsible; and to provide full redress
to victims. Moreover, the Special Rapporteur recalls that the State has a positive obligation
to respect the rights of peaceful protesters against any disruptive or provocative act .
308. In terms of the allegations of judicial and other acts of harassment against an
activist, the Special Rapporteur recommends to the Government to ensure the maintenance
of an environment that is enabling and safe and to ensure that those exercising their rights
to freedom of peaceful assembly and association are not subjected to any acts of harassment
or intimidation in relation to the exercise of their fundamental freedoms.
Uzbekistan
309. JAL 31/01/2012 . Case no. UZB 1/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
acts of harassment and intimidation, of forcible and arbitrary removal of peaceful
protesters, and violation of fair trial safeguards in the context of two p eaceful assemblies
held in Tashkent.
310. The Special Rapporteur regrets that no reply has been received from the
Government of Uzbekistan to the allegation letter sent during the reporting period. He urges
the authorities to provide as soon as possible detaile d responses to all the concerns raised in
his communication.
311. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. He further recommends that a thorough , impartial and
independent investigation is conducte d without delay over any allegation of excessive use
of force and of torture and ill treatment during peaceful demonstrations; and to hold
accountable those responsible and provide full redress to victims.
312. The Special Rapporteur urges the authorities to en sure that no individual is
criminalised for the peaceful exercise of his/her fundamental freedoms. He recommends to
the Government to put in place an enabling and safe environment that is conducive to the
free expression of civil society allowing individua ls to exercise their legitimate freedom of
association without undue hindrances. An independent and impartial investigation should
be conducted into any allegation of human rights violations, including acts of intimidation
or harassment, committed against those exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful
assembly and of association.
313. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and fully protect t he
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, including migrants , seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations under intern ational human rights law”.
314. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Uzbekistan of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Righ ts Council… [c]alls upon

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States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.
Viet Nam
315. JUA 29/07/2011. Case no. VNM 3/2011 . State Reply: 06/09/2011 . Alleged
sentencing o f human rights defenders.
316. JUA 01/12/2011. Case no. VNM 7/2011 . State Reply: 16/04/2012 . Alleged on -going
detention and conviction of human rights defenders.
Observations
317. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Viet Nam for its repl ies to the
communication s sent during the reporting period.
318. The Special Rapporteur underscores States‟ obligation to ensure that no individual is
criminalised for the peaceful exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of
association. He is concerned about the physical and psychological integrity of people
exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association in Viet Nam. He
recommends to the Government to take all relevant measures to ensure that no individual,
in particular women, who exercise their legitimate freedoms, is subjected to any act of
harassment and intimidati on. A thorough and independent investigation into any alleged
human rights violations, including acts of intimidations or harassments, committed against
those exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association, should be
conducted ; tho se responsible should be held accountable; and victims should be provided
with full redress .
319. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c]alls upon States to respect and full y protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders, trade unionists and others, includi ng migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are in
accordance with their obligations u nder international human rights law”.
Zimbabwe
320. JUA 1/6/2011. Case no. ZWE 3/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged arrest and
detention of human rights defenders.
321. JUA 26/10/2011. Case no. ZWE 5/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged arrest
and detention of human rights defenders.
322. JUA 22/12/2011. Case no. ZWE 7/2011 . State Reply: None to date. Allegations of
surveillance and intimidation against Ms. Jestina Mukoko.
323. JUA 27/2/2012. Case no. ZWE 2/2012 . State Reply: None to date. Alleged
continued harassments of members of the Women and Men of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA),
including excessive use of force and arrests of activists during peaceful demonstrations.
324. JAL 5/3/2012. Case no. ZWE 3/2012 . State reply: 8/3/2012 . Alleged illegal decision
suspending the activities o f 29 NGOs in Masvingo.

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Observations
325. The Special Rapporteur thanks the Government of Zimbabwe for its response to the
communication dated 5 March 2012, but regrets that it did not respond to the four other
communications. He urges the authorities to provi de as soon as possible detailed responses
to all the concerns raised in other communications.
326. The Special Rapporteur notes the reply transmitted by the Government in relation to
the suspension of activities of 29 NGOs in the Masvingo province. He remains c oncerned
on allegations that the decision taken may be illegal as domestic laws do not provide the
Governor with the authority to suspend the activities of any NGOs, nor do they oblige NGO
to register with the Provincial Governor‟s Office and to conclude a Memorandum of
Understanding with the local authorities. He requests that the Government provide him with
any additional information in relation to the aforementioned case.
327. The Special Rapporteur urges the Government to ensure the physical and
psychologica l integrity of people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly
and association, particularly of women and men working on human rights issues. He
recommends to the Government to put in place an enabling and safe environment that is
conducive to the free expression of civil society allowing individuals to exercise their
legitimate freedom of association without undue hindrances. A thorough and independent
investigation into any allegations of any alleged human rights violations, including acts of
intimidations or harassments, committed against those exercising their rights to freedom of
peaceful assembly and of association, should be conducted; those responsible should be
held accountable; and victims should be provided with full redress .
328. The Sp ecial Rapporteur urges the authorities to refrain from using force during
peaceful demonstrations. He further recommends a thorough and independent investigation
regarding any allegations of excessive use of force and of torture and ill treatment,
includin g against women, during peaceful demonstrations and to hold accountable those
responsible and to provide full redress to victims.
329. The Special Rapporteur refers again to Human Rights Council resolution 15/21, and
in particular operative paragraph 1 that “[c ]alls upon States to respect and fully protect the
rights of all individuals to assemble peacefully and associate freely, including in the context
of elections, and including persons espousing minority or dissenting views or beliefs,
human rights defenders , trade unionists and others, including migrants, seeking to exercise
or to promote these rights, and to take all necessary measures to ensure that any restrictions
on the free exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are i n
accordance with their obligations under international human rights law”.
330. The Special Rapporteur reminds the Government of Zimbabwe of his country visit
request sent in September 2011, to which a response is yet to be received. In this
connection, OP6 of resolution 15/21 states that the “Human Rights Council… [c]alls upon
States to cooperate fully with and assist the Special Rapporteur in the performance of his or
her tasks, to provide all necessary information requested by him or her, … and to consider
favourably his or her requests for visits”.