 |
|
"I'm
aware that there has been resistance in some developed countries
in relation to criticisms that have been made," Robinson
said, in a clear reference to the U.S.
|
BEIJING,
August 20 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - U.N. human rights chief
Mary Robinson stressed Tuesday, August 20, it was "extremely
important" that developed countries, not just poorer ones, are
condemned if they violate freedoms.
Speaking
on her final mission to China, the world's largest developing nation,
Robinson defended her criticism of Western countries such as the
United States, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP).
"I
do believe that it is extremely important the human rights message is
conveyed to either developed or developing countries," Robinson
told reporters.
"I'm
aware that there has been resistance in some developed countries in
relation to criticisms that have been made," she added in a clear
reference to the United States which she highly criticized for severe
human rights breaches following the September 1 attacks.
The
former Irish President and current U.N. human rights chief condemned
in June human rights abuse in the name of fighting terrorism. “It is
essential that the actions taken by states to combat terrorism be in
conformity with international human rights standards,” urged
Robinson.
Robinson
has crossed swords with the United States on several occasions,
notably in her outspoken criticism of U.S. treatment of terrorism
suspects held without charge at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba.
On
Tuesday, Robinson noted that when she first took up her post as U.N.
High Commissioner for Human Rights five years ago, she faced strong
concerns from developing countries that human rights debates had
become mere "Western finger-pointing".
"I
think we've dealt with all of those issues," she said.
Because
her office addressed developing countries' concerns, more were now
willing to embrace human rights issues, she said.
She
noted, for example, a U.N.-China program to increase legal officials'
understanding of international standards on human rights.
The
scheme is "owned by the Chinese government. They're very strongly
of the view that this program is important for their
development," Robinson said.
She
was responding to a question on whether her decision not to seek a
second term indicated it was not realistic for the U.N. to criticize
both the United States and China.
Robinson
said she had decided early not to seek a second term, but was
persuaded by U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan and others to stay an
additional year.
Robinson
earlier accused the U.S. of forcing her to quit in the wake of her
criticism of U.S. post 9/11 anti-human rights policies
.
