Guinea: UN rights chief calls for probe into reported killing of dozens by security forces

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour today called for an independent investigation into reports that security forces killed dozens of unarmed protestors in Guinea since the start of a nationwide strike two weeks ago.

“The killings have to be investigated expeditiously and impartially, and anyone found responsible for abuses must be brought to justice,” Ms. Arbour said in a statement. “It is encouraging that dialogue appears to be resuming. There must not be, in any case, impunity for the human rights violations reported to have occurred in Guinea over the past few weeks.”

She cited reports of excessive force by army and police, noting that over 40 people are said to have been killed since the start of the strike on 10 January. She strongly denounced the killings and conveyed her deep sympathy to the families of the victims and those who have been wounded.

She noted that Guinea is party to a number of international human rights instruments that provide for respect of the rights to life, freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

Earlier this week Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the Government to investigate killings and prosecute those responsible, including security forces.