Sumex inputs
The mandate of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, as established in 1982 and most recently renewed by Human Rights Council resolution 17/5, is clearly limited to instances of executions which are unlawful under international law. Five methods of work are at my disposal to discharge my mandate: 1) communications to States, 2) country visits, 3) annual reports, 4) press releases and statements, and 5) advocacy or other advisory activities. In all cases, the action taken within the framework of my mandate is to comply with Human Rights Council resolution 17/5 and the code of conduct for Special Procedures mandate-holders.
The code of conduct requires mandate-holders to act independently and uphold the highest standards of impartiality and equity. It requires Special Rapporteurs to seek clarification of facts, based on reliable information received. Therefore, the role of the Special Rapporteurs is not merely to denounce human rights violations, but to approach States so as to obtain clarification on information drawn to their attention, request protection measures to be provided for those at risk and impartial investigations to be carried out in all suspected cases of unlawful killings.
1)Communications to States
On 18 March 2013, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions together with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; and Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences sent an AL to the Government of Tanzania concerning the killings and attacks targeting People with Albinism (PWA) in various provinces of Tanzania, including the death of Mr. Lugololoa Bunzari and attacks against Ms. Jane Daudi, Ms. Maria Chambanenge and Mr. Mwigulu Matonange.On 26 March 2013, the Government of Tanzania replied to the joint allegation letter.
2)Country visits
With regard to country visits, it should be noted that a mission can only take place at the invitation of a State. States are often reluctant in allowing an expert on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions to assess the human rights situation in their country. In this respect, it is important to stress that the role of the Special Rapporteur can also be to provide technical assistance and advisory services, in particular through the formulation of recommendations with a view to ensuring a better protection of the right to life of all individuals.
The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions sent a country visit request to Tanzania on 23 December 2008.
3)Annual reports
The role of the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions is to draw specific issues of concern to the Human Rights Council and to the General Assembly. To this end, the Special Rapporteur presents annual reports to these UN organs, including on his activities, thematic issues of concern and observations on replies received by States to communications sent.
ReportoftheSpecialRapporteuronextrajudicial,summaryorarbitraryexecutions(A/HRC/11/2, 27 May2009, ¶¶ 43-59), made a reference to albinos:“(h)Theroleofwitchdoctorshasalsobeenraised.InMali,thetraditionalpractice ofgivingagirlinmarriagetoawitchdoctorforreligiousreasonsstillpersists;95inthe UnitedRepublicofTanzania,concernhasbeenraisedaboutthepracticeofhunting down and murderingalbinos sothat theirbodyparts canbeused bywitch doctors;96
4)Press releases and statements
The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions together with other mandates (Torture, Minorities, Racism, Health and Education) issued a press release on 4 May 2013 on people living with albinism. It was indicated that they are regarded as ghosts and not human beings who can be wiped off the global map.
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