publications

Response of the International Community

The international community has thus far played an important role by condemning the crackdown, demanding accountability for the abuses that were perpetrated by security forces,194 and mediating negotiations between the Guinean government and the trade unions.195 The United Nations has taken preliminary steps to promote an independent investigation of strike-related abuses, including by providing training to members of local human rights organizations in investigation techniques and providing funding for those trained to travel into the interior of the country and document strike-related human rights abuses.196 A mission by the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, originally scheduled for the week of March 21, 2007, was postponed at the request of the government of Guinea.197

While these are important first steps, it is critical that the denunciations and calls for independent investigations issued in the immediate wake of the strike be followed by vigorous and steadfast pressure on a government that has, to date, expressed reluctance to accept any kind of international involvement in an investigation into strike-related abuses, and which has a history of failing to investigate abuses adequately and independently on its own. If accountability for strike-related abuses is to pass from rhetoric to reality, key international actors with a stake in Guinea’s future and stability—including the AU, ECOWAS, the UN, as well as donors such as the United States, and the European Union—must use all possible diplomatic and political leverage to pressure the Guinean government for a prompt and independent investigation followed by the application of appropriate criminal sanctions against the individuals responsible. To assure impartiality, expediency, and thoroughness, Human Rights Watch believes that an independent commission or special court, which draws upon the expertise of the international community through the involvement of members of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is required.




194 The crackdown by Guinean security forces was widely condemned by a host of regional and international actors. In a communiqué issued by its Peace and Security Council, the African Union “strongly condemn[ed] the disproportionate use of force and the repression of the civilian population and...request[ed] the opening of an independent inquiry, with the participation of the African Commission on Human and People’s [sic] Rights, in order to identify and bring to justice the perpetrators of the atrocities and other acts of violence committed during these events.” African Union Peace and Security Council, “Communiqué of the 71st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council,” PSC/PR/Comm(LXXI), February 16, 2007. The Economic Organization for West African States (ECOWAS) issued a statement which “condemn[ed] the mounting death of civilians in Guinea” and noted that “[a]ny loss of life is regrettable but the killing of unarmed civilians is particularly unacceptable.” “ECOWAS condemns violence in Guinea, appeals for calm,” ECOWAS press release, No.3/2007, January 24, 2007. In a public statement, the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed grave concern “at the excessive use of force resulting in the loss of life in clashes in Guinea…and strongly urge[d] the Government to carry out investigations into the killings with a view to bringing those responsible to justice, including members of the security forces.” “Secretary-General gravely concerned by excessive use of force, deaths in guinea, Calls for maximum restraint by government security forces,” SG/SM/10849, AFR/1490, January 22, 2007. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour publicly called for an independent investigation into the deaths of demonstrators, emphasizing that “there must not be, in any case, impunity for the human rights violations reported to have occurred in Guinea over the past few weeks.” “Guinea: UN human rights chief calls for probe into reported killings by security forces,” UN News Service, January 24, 2007. The European Union expressed deep regret at the loss of human life during the demonstrations and “ask[ed] the Government for an unreserved explanation of the circumstances of those deaths and of the judicial steps being taken against those responsible.” “Declaration by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on the situation in the Republic of Guinea,” P/07/9, 6182/07 (Presse 22), February 9, 2007. The United States “condemn[ed] the use of violence by the security forces against the civilian population” and later stated that “"[t]he Guinean armed forces, security forces, and civilian officials involved in such abuses must be held accountable for their actions.” Press Releases, The Embassy of the United States of America, Conakry, Guinea, January 26 and February 6, 2007. In an official declaration, France condemned “the use of violence by security forces on peaceful demonstrators” and called for an investigation. “Déclaration officielle du Quai d’Orsay (Événements du 22-01-2007),” January 23, 2007.

195 In early February, an initial attempt to help mediate the crisis was rebuffed by Guinean authorities. “Guinea Snubs Delegation From African Body,” ISI Emerging Markets Africawire, February 3, 2007. However, later that month an ECOWAS team led by Nigeria’s former military ruler General Ibrahim Babagida helped to mediate between the government and the trade unions. In late March, President Conté awarded General Babagida one of Guinea’s highest honors, the National Order of the Cola Tree (l’Ordre National du Kolatier), in recognition of his efforts. "Lansana Conté décerne la grande croix de l’ordre national de Kolatier à Ibrahim Babangida," aminata.com, March 24, 2007, http://www.aminata.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=511&Itemid=57 (accessed March 26, 2007).

196 Human Rights Watch telephone interviews with local human rights leaders, Conakry, March 26, 2007.

197 United Nations, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA),"Rapport de Situation Humanitaire Guinée - Conakry," March 22, 2007.