Syrie: attaque contre le défenseur des droits humains Karam Ibrahim Yousef

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned following reports that human rights defender and writer Karam Ibrahim Yousef was shot in the head on 20 March 2008. Karam Ibrahim Yousef has written extensively in defence of the human rights of the Kurdish community in Syria.

On 20 March 2008, Karam Ibrahim Yousef was reportedly shot in the head by Syrian Security Forces whilst photographing the national Kurdish celebrations for their traditional new year, Nawrooz, in the city of Qamishli. He was hospitalised for his injuries and has recently been released, although his condition remains critical. While no charges have yet been brought against him, he is currently being subject to regular interrogations by the authorities.

I believe that the attack against Karam Ibrahim Yousef is related to his legitimate human rights activities, in particular his work to defend the rights of the Syrian Kurdish community. Furthermore, I believe that this attack represents part of a trend of escalating intimidation and acts of hostility against human rights defenders in Syria. I am concerned for the physical and psychological integrity of Karam Ibrahim Yousef and fears that he may be subject to ill-treatment during interrogations.

I call on the Syrian authorities to:

1. Carry out an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the attack against human rights defender Karam Ibrahim Yousef, with a view to publishing the results and bringing those responsible to justice in accordance with international standards;

2. Guarantee the physical and psychological integrity of Karam Ibrahim Yousef;

3. Guarantee in all circumstances that human rights defenders and human rights organisations in Syria are free to carry out their legitimate human rights activities without fear of reprisals.

I respectfully remind you that the United Nations Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders, their right to freedom of association and to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals.

I would particularly draw your attention to Article 11: “Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to the lawful exercise of his or her occupation or profession. Everyone who, as a result of his or her profession, can affect the human dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms of others should respect those rights and freedoms and comply with relevant national and international standards of occupational and professional conduct or ethics”, and to Article 12 (2): “The State shall take all necessary measures to ensure the protection by the competent authorities of everyone, individually and in association with others, against any violence, threats, retaliation, de facto or de jure adverse discrimination, pressure or any other arbitrary action as a consequence of his or her legitimate exercise of the rights referred to in the present declaration.”

Yours sincerely,