Case No
Country
Mandate(s)
Summary of the allegation transmitted
Reply
NRU 1/2015
21/05/2015 Nauru
AL
Freedom of
expression;
Alleged restrictions on the right to freedom of expression in Nauru, including
prohibitive price of visa application fees for foreign journalists, the blocking of social
media websites and the amendments made to the Criminal Code. According to the
information received, on 30 January 2014, an application fee of 8,000 Australian
Dollars (approximately 6,500 USD) was introduced for media business visas only,
allegedly creating a deterrent effect for foreign journalists to access Nauru and report
on the situation in the country. On 30 April 2015, a ban on social media websites,
including Facebook, was allegedly introduced by the Government, restricting access
to information and communication within and outside the country. On 12 May 2015,
an amendment to the Criminal Code of Nauru was introduced, which broadly
criminalises the publication of a number of materials and statements, defined in broad
terms that do not comply with minimum international standards and unduly restrict
the right to freedom of information and expression. Concerns are expressed at reports
that allege that these measures aim at preventing the dissemination of opinions and
ideas that are critical of the Government and at preventing the dissemination and
access to information on the rights of asylum seekers and the conditions of detention
in the immigration detention centres in Nauru.
THA 3/2015
21/05/2015 Thailand
JUA
Migrants;
Summary
executions;
Torture;
Trafficking;
22/05/2015
Allegations of “push back” policies of irregular migrants from Myanmar and
Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal. According to the information received, migrants
have travelled irregularly through South-East Asia to enter the territorial waters of
Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. Reportedly, after days of navigation resulting from
repeated push backs from one country to another, irregular migrants had limited
access to water and food, resulting in their death during their time at sea or after they
had reached land. Serious concern is expressed about the push back policy
implemented against irregular migrants entering territorial waters. Particular concern
is expressed regarding their health and personal safety whilst at sea. Additional
concern is expressed at the push back policy in instances where some may be asylum
seekers leaving a country where they may face violence, persecution, torture or other
cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment or other serious human rights
violations.
A/HRC/30/27
58
Date
Type
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents