Syria: Arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defender Bahrouz Yousif

Your Excellency,

I am deeply concerned following reports of the arbitrary arrest and detention of human rights defender Bahrouz Yousif on 3 May 2008 by Airforce Intelligence in the Harista district of Damascus. No reason has been given for his arrest and his whereabouts are as yet unknown. He was under interrogation from 23 April 2008 until his arrest. Bahrouz Yousif works in the defence of human rights in Syria.

I believe that the arbitrary arrest and detention of Bahrouz Yousif is directly related to his legitimate and peaceful activities in defence of human rights. In view of the fact that his whereabouts are currently unknown, I am seriously concerned for his physical and psychological integrity. I further believe that the arrest and arbitrary detention of Bahrouz Yousif may form part of an ongoing pattern of intimidation with the objective of restricting the work of human rights defenders in Syria.

I urge the Syrian authorities to:

1. Release Bahrouz Yousif immediately as I believe his detention is directly related to his legitimate and non-violent work in defence of human rights;

2. Ensure the physical and psychological integrity of Bahrouz Yousif while in custody and guarantee that his treatment while in custody adheres to all those conditions set out in the ‘Basic Principles for Treatment of Prisoners', adopted by General Assembly resolution 45/111 of 14 December 1990, Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment;

3. Guarantee that all human rights defenders in Syria, carrying out their legitimate work in defence of human rights, are able to operate free of all restrictions and harassment.

I respectfully remind you that the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders, adopted by consensus by the UN General Assembly on 9 December 1998, recognises the legitimacy of the activities of human rights defenders and their right to carry out their activities without fear of reprisals.

I would particularly draw attention to Article 6: “For the purpose of promoting and protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms, everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, at the national and international levels: (c) To study, discuss, form and hold opinions on the observance, both in law and in practice, of all human rights and fundamental freedoms and, through these and other appropriate means, to draw public attention to those matters,” 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,