By KUNA
Geneva : UN experts on human rights expressed deep concern by reports of security forces firing on protesters and alleged killings in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. The United Nations Special Procedures mandate holders issued Thursday a joint urged restraint and non-violence by all parties, greater and unfettered access for journalists and independent observers, guarantees for the free flow of information, and full implementation of international standards in regard to the treatment of protesters and those detained, both in the People’s Republic of China and in other countries in which protests are taking place. The mandate holders also urged the Government of China to fully conform to its commitment to freedom of expression and assembly, and to distinguish between peaceful protesters and those committing acts of violence. The mandate holders call for complete compliance with due process and fair trial rights according to international standards for those detained or charged with a crime, including provision of each person’s name, the charges against them, and the name of the facility where they are detained or imprisoned, as well as ensuring access to legal defense.
They added that the Government is called upon to lift restrictions imposed on the media, including Internet websites, that limit access throughout China to information concerning the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Revised information, says the mandate holders, indicate that 570 Tibetan monks were arrested on 28-29 March. Tibetan demonstrators went to the street to oppose holding of the Summer Olympics in China for the alleged violations of human rights by the country, then the demonstrations spread to neighboring provinces. They also said that the Government of China is urged to respond equally positively to outstanding visit requests to enable mandate holders including the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them by the Human Rights Council. This statement was issued by the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention; the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Philip Alston; the Special Rapporteur for the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Ambeyi Ligabo; the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir; the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on human rights defenders, Hina Jilani; the Independent Expert on minority issues, Gay McDougall; and the Special Rapporteur on the question of torture, Manfred Nowak.