OHCHR / TURK IRAQ PRESSER
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STORY: OHCHR / TURK IRAQ PRESSER
TRT: 04:26
SOURCE: OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 09 AUGUST 2023, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
SHOTLIST:
1. Wide shot, press conference room
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
"In 50-degree-Celsius heat, in the midst of drought-ridden and barren fields, local community leaders and representatives showed me pictures of the lush date palm trees that – just 30 years ago – lined parts of the now dried-up Shatt-al-Arab waterway.”
3. Wide shot, cameras, press conference room
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“Standing in searing heat in that scarred landscape, breathing air polluted by the many gas flares dotting the region, it was clear to me that the era of global boiling has indeed begun.”
5. Med shot, cameras, press conference room
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“This is a climate emergency. And it is high time it is treated like one. Not just for Iraq but for the world. What is happening here is a window into a future that is now coming for other parts of the world – if we continue to fail in our responsibility to take preventive and mitigating action against climate change.”
7. Med shot, speakers, press conference room
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“Civil society actors spoke to me about the chronic pollution in Basra and the resulting health problems in the community, including high rates of cancer and other serious ailments.”
9. Med shot, cameras, press conference room
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“But I am concerned that a series of actions taken by people in positions of power – for example, bringing criminal defamation suits against journalists and civil society actors – have created a chilling effect on freedom of expression.”
11. Wide shot, journalists, press conference room
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“There is also a painful history of the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment – under Saddam Hussein, during the US-led occupation of Iraq, during the conflict with Da’esh, and continuing into present-day Iraq.”
13. Med shot, cameras, press conference room
14. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“Key to stopping such serious human rights violations is putting an end to the impunity that past perpetrators of human rights violations have enjoyed. This was a matter I discussed extensively with the Government and civil society, including in relation to the Tishreen protests of October 2019.”
15. Med shot, camera’s screen, press conference room
16. Soundbite (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“I have also called on the authorities to declare an official moratorium on the use of the death penalty in Iraq – where more than 11,000 people remain on death row.”
17. Close up, journalist asking question
18. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“I am also in Iraq at a time when the terms “gender” and “women’s empowerment” are – astonishingly – under attack, distorted and confused. This makes no sense in the face of the massive challenges that the country has. The use of these terms is not in contradiction with any culture, religion or tradition.”
19. Med shot, press conference room Baghdad, Iraq
20. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“I leave Iraq with a clear appreciation of the progress, efforts and achievements of the people of this beautiful, diverse country – but also with the concern that the gains remain fragile.”
21. Med shot, press conference room
22. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“To be able to address the big challenges of our times, we need to draw on the creativity and innovation that thrives when people are able to discuss the issues and propose solutions together. This means enlarging these freedoms as much as possible.”
23. Wide shot, cameras, press conference room
STORYLINE:
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday (09 Aug) concluded a four-day visit to Iraq that took him to Baghdad, Erbil and Basra.
During his visit, Türk met, among others, the Prime Minister of Iraq, the President and Prime Minister of the Kurdisan Region of Iraq and other high-level officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, as well as the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Judge of the High Judicial Council, and the Chief Judge of the Appeals Court in Basra.
He also had several meetings with civil society, including women human rights defenders, environmental activists, journalists, lawyers, artists, members of the Marsh Arab (Ma’dan) community, as well as representatives from the diverse and rich cultural and religious fabric of Iraq.
Speaking at a news conference in Baghdad at the end of his visit, the UN Human Rights Chief noted how he had experienced first-hand the reality of climate change in the Al-Salhiyah area of Basra’s Shatt Al-Arab district, in southern Iraq.
"In 50-degree-Celsius heat, in the midst of drought-ridden and barren fields, local community leaders and representatives showed me pictures of the lush date palm trees that – just 30 years ago – lined parts of the now dried-up Shatt-al-Arab waterway,” he said.
“Standing in searing heat in that scarred landscape, breathing air polluted by the many gas flares dotting the region, it was clear to me that the era of global boiling has indeed begun,” Türk said.
“This is a climate emergency. And it is high time it is treated like one. Not just for Iraq but for the world. What is happening here is a window into a future that is now coming for other parts of the world – if we continue to fail in our responsibility to take preventive and mitigating action against climate change,” he stressed.
Iraq is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The serious environmental degradation here is the result of a toxic mix of violence, oil industry excesses, global warming, reduced rainfall, and lack of effective water management and regulation.
On Tuesday this week, the Minister of Water Resources announced that water levels in Iraq are the lowest they have ever been. The water issue has wider regional implications, and all countries have to work to manage this precious resource as a public good. Water is a global public good.
“Civil society actors spoke to me about the chronic pollution in Basra and the resulting health problems in the community, including high rates of cancer and other serious ailments,” the High Commissioner told reporters.
They also stressed to him the need for increased transparency. One human rights defender spoke of how people have the right to know what is going on, about the dangers to their health and environment, and to help with strategies to work together to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change.
Türk welcomed the Government’s public commitment to address, as a priority, the challenges of climate change and water scarcity. Much work lies ahead – in awareness raising, legislative and policy reform and capacity building of institutions. He noted that it is essential that this is done with the meaningful involvement of those most affected.
“But I am concerned that a series of actions taken by people in positions of power – for example, bringing criminal defamation suits against journalists and civil society actors – have created a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” the High Commissioner said.
There have also been reports of violence, intimidation and death threats against environmental activists, including by armed elements, stifling the open space for discussion that is so crucial to addressing these issues.
During Türk’s meetings, one activist pleaded for the protection of rights defenders, noting that it should not be dangerous to share data and raise awareness of the problem, warning that lives are at risk.
The High Commissioner noted that estimates suggest that up to a million people disappeared under the regime of Saddam Hussein and hundreds of thousands more since then, including between 2014 and 2017 when Da’esh took control of vast swathes of Iraqi territory, and in subsequent security operations. Such staggering figures are difficult to fathom. Behind each of these individuals is a family – a spouse, a child, a parent, loved ones who deserve recognition, and whose rights to truth, justice and accountability are violated.
Türk welcomed the Government’s invitation to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, which visited Iraq last year. He urged implementation of the Committee’s recommendations.
“There is also a painful history of the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment – under Saddam Hussein, during the US-led occupation of Iraq, during the conflict with Da’esh, and continuing into present-day Iraq,” the High Commissioner continued.
He said he was encouraged by what he heard both from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice on tackling the issue of torture in the country, and to take preventive measures to ensure that torture has no place in the future of Iraq. He welcomed their commitment to consider ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. The Optional Protocol mandates the creation of a national preventive mechanism, which conducts regular visits to places of detention and can play an important role in eradicating torture. He offered the support of the UN Human Rights Office in this regard.
“Key to stopping such serious human rights violations is putting an end to the impunity that past perpetrators of human rights violations have enjoyed. This was a matter I discussed extensively with the Government and civil society, including in relation to the Tishreen protests of October 2019,” Türk said.
UN Human Rights have documented that at least 487 protesters were killed and 7,715 injured during demonstrations between 1 October 2019 and 30 April 2020, due to the use of force by Iraqi Security Forces and armed elements against protesters. The Government established a fact-finding committee and provided welcome support to victims through compensation programmes. Given the passage of time and lack of accountability, he urged swift, transparent action to stem the impunity that has taken hold in relation to the Tishreen protests.
“I have also called on the authorities to declare an official moratorium on the use of the death penalty in Iraq – where more than 11,000 people remain on death row,” the High Commissioner said.
“I am also in Iraq at a time when the terms “gender” and “women’s empowerment” are – astonishingly – under attack, distorted and confused. This makes no sense in the face of the massive challenges that the country has. The use of these terms is not in contradiction with any culture, religion or tradition,” he added.
The High Commissioner described that all evidence tells us that we need more women in decision-making positions, and more protections in law, policy and society against violence against women. The 25 percent quota for women in the Council of Representatives, Iraq’s legislature, is commendable – and needs to be increased. Attempts to ban the use of universally accepted terms that are crucial for achieving equality and non-discrimination are harmful, as are threats and intimidation against women working on these issues.
“I leave Iraq with a clear appreciation of the progress, efforts and achievements of the people of this beautiful, diverse country – but also with the concern that the gains remain fragile,” he said.
He called on all those in positions of authority and influence to be guided by the interests and the human rights of the Iraqi people above all else and to tackle the corruption, discrimination, impunity, climate change and the remaining obstacles to lasting stability and peace.
“To be able to address the big challenges of our times, we need to draw on the creativity and innovation that thrives when people are able to discuss the issues and propose solutions together. This means enlarging these freedoms as much as possible,” Türk concluded.
TRT: 04:26
SOURCE: OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 09 AUGUST 2023, BAGHDAD, IRAQ
SHOTLIST:
1. Wide shot, press conference room
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
"In 50-degree-Celsius heat, in the midst of drought-ridden and barren fields, local community leaders and representatives showed me pictures of the lush date palm trees that – just 30 years ago – lined parts of the now dried-up Shatt-al-Arab waterway.”
3. Wide shot, cameras, press conference room
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“Standing in searing heat in that scarred landscape, breathing air polluted by the many gas flares dotting the region, it was clear to me that the era of global boiling has indeed begun.”
5. Med shot, cameras, press conference room
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“This is a climate emergency. And it is high time it is treated like one. Not just for Iraq but for the world. What is happening here is a window into a future that is now coming for other parts of the world – if we continue to fail in our responsibility to take preventive and mitigating action against climate change.”
7. Med shot, speakers, press conference room
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“Civil society actors spoke to me about the chronic pollution in Basra and the resulting health problems in the community, including high rates of cancer and other serious ailments.”
9. Med shot, cameras, press conference room
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“But I am concerned that a series of actions taken by people in positions of power – for example, bringing criminal defamation suits against journalists and civil society actors – have created a chilling effect on freedom of expression.”
11. Wide shot, journalists, press conference room
12. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“There is also a painful history of the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment – under Saddam Hussein, during the US-led occupation of Iraq, during the conflict with Da’esh, and continuing into present-day Iraq.”
13. Med shot, cameras, press conference room
14. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“Key to stopping such serious human rights violations is putting an end to the impunity that past perpetrators of human rights violations have enjoyed. This was a matter I discussed extensively with the Government and civil society, including in relation to the Tishreen protests of October 2019.”
15. Med shot, camera’s screen, press conference room
16. Soundbite (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“I have also called on the authorities to declare an official moratorium on the use of the death penalty in Iraq – where more than 11,000 people remain on death row.”
17. Close up, journalist asking question
18. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“I am also in Iraq at a time when the terms “gender” and “women’s empowerment” are – astonishingly – under attack, distorted and confused. This makes no sense in the face of the massive challenges that the country has. The use of these terms is not in contradiction with any culture, religion or tradition.”
19. Med shot, press conference room Baghdad, Iraq
20. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“I leave Iraq with a clear appreciation of the progress, efforts and achievements of the people of this beautiful, diverse country – but also with the concern that the gains remain fragile.”
21. Med shot, press conference room
22. SOUNDBITE (English) Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, (OHCHR):
“To be able to address the big challenges of our times, we need to draw on the creativity and innovation that thrives when people are able to discuss the issues and propose solutions together. This means enlarging these freedoms as much as possible.”
23. Wide shot, cameras, press conference room
STORYLINE:
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday (09 Aug) concluded a four-day visit to Iraq that took him to Baghdad, Erbil and Basra.
During his visit, Türk met, among others, the Prime Minister of Iraq, the President and Prime Minister of the Kurdisan Region of Iraq and other high-level officials, including the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, as well as the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Judge of the High Judicial Council, and the Chief Judge of the Appeals Court in Basra.
He also had several meetings with civil society, including women human rights defenders, environmental activists, journalists, lawyers, artists, members of the Marsh Arab (Ma’dan) community, as well as representatives from the diverse and rich cultural and religious fabric of Iraq.
Speaking at a news conference in Baghdad at the end of his visit, the UN Human Rights Chief noted how he had experienced first-hand the reality of climate change in the Al-Salhiyah area of Basra’s Shatt Al-Arab district, in southern Iraq.
"In 50-degree-Celsius heat, in the midst of drought-ridden and barren fields, local community leaders and representatives showed me pictures of the lush date palm trees that – just 30 years ago – lined parts of the now dried-up Shatt-al-Arab waterway,” he said.
“Standing in searing heat in that scarred landscape, breathing air polluted by the many gas flares dotting the region, it was clear to me that the era of global boiling has indeed begun,” Türk said.
“This is a climate emergency. And it is high time it is treated like one. Not just for Iraq but for the world. What is happening here is a window into a future that is now coming for other parts of the world – if we continue to fail in our responsibility to take preventive and mitigating action against climate change,” he stressed.
Iraq is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world. The serious environmental degradation here is the result of a toxic mix of violence, oil industry excesses, global warming, reduced rainfall, and lack of effective water management and regulation.
On Tuesday this week, the Minister of Water Resources announced that water levels in Iraq are the lowest they have ever been. The water issue has wider regional implications, and all countries have to work to manage this precious resource as a public good. Water is a global public good.
“Civil society actors spoke to me about the chronic pollution in Basra and the resulting health problems in the community, including high rates of cancer and other serious ailments,” the High Commissioner told reporters.
They also stressed to him the need for increased transparency. One human rights defender spoke of how people have the right to know what is going on, about the dangers to their health and environment, and to help with strategies to work together to mitigate and adapt to the impact of climate change.
Türk welcomed the Government’s public commitment to address, as a priority, the challenges of climate change and water scarcity. Much work lies ahead – in awareness raising, legislative and policy reform and capacity building of institutions. He noted that it is essential that this is done with the meaningful involvement of those most affected.
“But I am concerned that a series of actions taken by people in positions of power – for example, bringing criminal defamation suits against journalists and civil society actors – have created a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” the High Commissioner said.
There have also been reports of violence, intimidation and death threats against environmental activists, including by armed elements, stifling the open space for discussion that is so crucial to addressing these issues.
During Türk’s meetings, one activist pleaded for the protection of rights defenders, noting that it should not be dangerous to share data and raise awareness of the problem, warning that lives are at risk.
The High Commissioner noted that estimates suggest that up to a million people disappeared under the regime of Saddam Hussein and hundreds of thousands more since then, including between 2014 and 2017 when Da’esh took control of vast swathes of Iraqi territory, and in subsequent security operations. Such staggering figures are difficult to fathom. Behind each of these individuals is a family – a spouse, a child, a parent, loved ones who deserve recognition, and whose rights to truth, justice and accountability are violated.
Türk welcomed the Government’s invitation to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances, which visited Iraq last year. He urged implementation of the Committee’s recommendations.
“There is also a painful history of the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment – under Saddam Hussein, during the US-led occupation of Iraq, during the conflict with Da’esh, and continuing into present-day Iraq,” the High Commissioner continued.
He said he was encouraged by what he heard both from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice on tackling the issue of torture in the country, and to take preventive measures to ensure that torture has no place in the future of Iraq. He welcomed their commitment to consider ratification of the Optional Protocol to the UN Convention Against Torture. The Optional Protocol mandates the creation of a national preventive mechanism, which conducts regular visits to places of detention and can play an important role in eradicating torture. He offered the support of the UN Human Rights Office in this regard.
“Key to stopping such serious human rights violations is putting an end to the impunity that past perpetrators of human rights violations have enjoyed. This was a matter I discussed extensively with the Government and civil society, including in relation to the Tishreen protests of October 2019,” Türk said.
UN Human Rights have documented that at least 487 protesters were killed and 7,715 injured during demonstrations between 1 October 2019 and 30 April 2020, due to the use of force by Iraqi Security Forces and armed elements against protesters. The Government established a fact-finding committee and provided welcome support to victims through compensation programmes. Given the passage of time and lack of accountability, he urged swift, transparent action to stem the impunity that has taken hold in relation to the Tishreen protests.
“I have also called on the authorities to declare an official moratorium on the use of the death penalty in Iraq – where more than 11,000 people remain on death row,” the High Commissioner said.
“I am also in Iraq at a time when the terms “gender” and “women’s empowerment” are – astonishingly – under attack, distorted and confused. This makes no sense in the face of the massive challenges that the country has. The use of these terms is not in contradiction with any culture, religion or tradition,” he added.
The High Commissioner described that all evidence tells us that we need more women in decision-making positions, and more protections in law, policy and society against violence against women. The 25 percent quota for women in the Council of Representatives, Iraq’s legislature, is commendable – and needs to be increased. Attempts to ban the use of universally accepted terms that are crucial for achieving equality and non-discrimination are harmful, as are threats and intimidation against women working on these issues.
“I leave Iraq with a clear appreciation of the progress, efforts and achievements of the people of this beautiful, diverse country – but also with the concern that the gains remain fragile,” he said.
He called on all those in positions of authority and influence to be guided by the interests and the human rights of the Iraqi people above all else and to tackle the corruption, discrimination, impunity, climate change and the remaining obstacles to lasting stability and peace.
“To be able to address the big challenges of our times, we need to draw on the creativity and innovation that thrives when people are able to discuss the issues and propose solutions together. This means enlarging these freedoms as much as possible,” Türk concluded.
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3079027