GENEVA, 2 March: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay presented her annual report of 2011  at the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva this morning.

Ms Pillay said that the government of Nepal’s decided not to extend the mandate of her office. In this connection, Tenzin Samphel Kayta speaking on behalf of Society for Threatened Peoples and International Fellowship of Reconciliation, expressed concern at Nepal government’s decision. He said that OHCHR presence in Nepal monitored vulnerable groups like the Tibetan Refugee community whose basic human rights have come under repeated attacks in recent years. He urged the High Commissioner to remind the Nepalese government that it has obligation under international laws to ensure equal rights and justice for all ethnic group including Tibetans.
 
With regard to China, Mr Kayta said “this Council was informed by the Chinese delegation that China will receive the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at an agreeable time. The UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay even confirmed to Norwegian NGO last May that China had issued an invitation… Following the brutal repression of Tibetan protesters on the Tibetan plateau in 2008, former UN Human rights chief Ms Arbour requested a visit to Tibet. However, Chinese authorities have responded by saying “the timing was not convenient now”.  
 
Mr Kayta asked the UN Human rights chief if there is any progress of her visit to China. (watch webcast)

Two international NGOs [ECOSOC status] report on right to education in Tibet and Severe restrictions on religious freedom and freedom of expression were submitted for the 19th session of the UN Human Rights Council. Read the reports France Libertes and STP written statement

On 5 March, the Council will discuss Special Rapporteur on Torture, Special Rapporteur on human rights defender, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances among others reports submitted to the Council.