Despite the “concerns” noted during recent demonstrations about respect for human rights, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recognizes that Senegal is a country with a long tradition of positive cooperation. In a press release, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the latter was speaking within the framework of the solemn opening of the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council.

By Dieynaba KANE –In recent times, the government has been accused of human rights violations, including violent repression during demonstrations. Only, on the side of the authorities, these accusations are defeated. And we try to show that Senegal remains a country attached to the respect of human rights. It is in this context that “the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad (Maese) welcomes the recognition, again renewed, this Monday, June 19, 2023, in Geneva, by the United Nations High Commissioner for human rights, the role and the place of leader of Senegal, in terms of human rights”. The department headed by Me Aïssata Tall Sall deemed it necessary to raise the praises of the “High Commissioner who spoke within the framework of the solemn opening of the 53rd session of the Human Rights Council” on Senegal. According to the communication service of the Maese, the High Commissioner made it known that “unlike many richer states, Senegal has ratified all the main human rights treaties and is also fully up to date with all the obligations of statement”. Quoted in the Maese document, the High Commissioner adds: “Although I have recently noted concerns, it is important to recognize that this is a country with a long tradition of positive cooperation.” the High Commissioner said that “unlike many wealthier states, Senegal has ratified all major human rights treaties and is also fully up to date with all reporting obligations”. Quoted in the Maese document, the High Commissioner adds: “Although I have recently noted concerns, it is important to recognize that this is a country with a long tradition of positive cooperation.” the High Commissioner said that “unlike many wealthier states, Senegal has ratified all major human rights treaties and is also fully up to date with all reporting obligations”. Quoted in the Maese document, the High Commissioner adds: “Although I have recently noted concerns, it is important to recognize that this is a country with a long tradition of positive cooperation.”

Rejoicing in this recognition, the communication service of the said ministry maintains that “this position of the supreme body of the United Nations responsible for human rights confirms the attachment of the government of Senegal to this question, in a spirit of transparency and collaboration, as well as its desire to consolidate its tradition of a country that respects human rights, within the framework of international legality and national laws and regulations”. It should be noted that on June 13, after the violent demonstrations at the beginning of the month which caused, according to the authorities, 16 deaths, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed its deep concern about this situation. In a statement, this UN body had declared that “the use of firearms by the Security Forces during demonstrations constitutes a dark precedent for Senegal”. In the same document, he asked the authorities to ensure that the investigations opened “are prompt, independent and thorough, and that they bring anyone found responsible for the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force to account for actions, regardless of status and political affiliation”.
dkane@lequotidien.sn