The UN Human Rights Commission narrowly passed a US...

The UN Human Rights Commission narrowly passed a US backed resolution criticizing Cuba and calling on it to accept a visit by international observers. The resolution, sponsored by Honduras, was adopted by the UN Human Rights Commission by 22 votes to 21, with 10 abstentions. It said that Cuba should refrain from adopting measures which could jeopardize fundamental rights, freedom of expression and the right to due process of law for its citizens. It added that it deplored the events which occurred last year in Cuba, referring to the sentencing of 75 dissidents to prison terms ranging from six to 28 years on charges of working with US diplomats to undermine Cuba's socialist system.
North Korea was also condemned for its "grave human rights violations". In this case the resolution was presented by the EU and backed by a number of countries including the United States. The resolution was adopted by 29 votes in favour, 8 against and 16 abstentions. For the first time it was asked that there be nominated a special UN envoy that dealing solely with human rights in North Korea.
Turkmenistan was also condemned for its repression towards all political opposition, for its arbitrary detention and surveillance of opposition members, and for its restrictions on freedom of information, of expression and of religion. The resolution, presented by the EU and approved with 25 votes in favour, 11 against and 17 abstentions, criticised discrimination against minorities and urged the Turkmen government to allow Commission observes in the country.
China on the other hand managed to escaped condemnation from a resolution which had been presented by the United States. The Commission had in fact decided not to put it to the vote. The text expressed concern for the severe restrictions on freedom of association, expression and religion, for the non respect of international standards for fair trials and for the arrests and severe sentences given to those who want to exercise their fundamental rights in Tibet and in Xinjiang.
The Commission also decided to reserve judgement by withholding a resolution on Zimbabwe
The text presented by the EU denounced, amongst other things the politically motivated violence including killings, torture, sexual violence and arbitrary arrests.
The Commission also rejected a resolution presented by the EU on Chechnya which, although it stated that Russia was within its rights to fight terrorism, it condemned the continued violations of human rights and of international aid in Chechnya including summary, arbitrary and extra-judicial executions, torture and kidnappings. The resolution, rejected with 23 votes against, 12 votes in favour and 18 abstentions, also asked Moscow to facilitate access to Chechnya for human rights organisations.