19 May 2011

Syria: Repressive Decree No. 54/2011 puts ban on protests, 27 arrested

On 2 May 2011, 27 protestors were arrested in Daraa and brought before the General Prosecutor. They are accused of "inciting to demonstrate and repeat slogans which undermine the reputation of the State".

They were arrested under Decree No. 54/2011, the Syrian law which bans peaceful demonstrations in complete contravention with international law. Under the decree, only "properly licenced" political parties and popular organisations can hold demonstrations, thus depriving a large segment of citizens who are not affiliated with any party of the right to demonstrate, which is contrary to article 25 of the Constitution.

The decree also imposes many procedural restrictions for obtaining an approval to organise peaceful demonstrations. For instance, those who wish to organise a demonstration must apply to the Ministry of Interior at least five days before the scheduled date, inform of the ministry of its objectives, causes and even the slogans that will used by the demonstrators. The Ministry of Interior can stop the demonstration "if it is inconsistent with the interests of the State or endangers citizens and their property". The organisers must also provide a notarized commitment stating that they are responsible for all damages that may affect both private and public properties as a result of the protest.

The right to freedom of expression and to participate in peaceful demonstration is therefore impeded by this Decree, which serves as a means to justify repressive measures against demonstrators, including violence, arrests, even imprisonment.

From 15 March, there has been a wave of peaceful popular protests in Syria calling for democratic reforms; this has led to an escalation in violence, hundreds of deaths and thousands of arrests. Despite the abolition of the emergency law and the State Security Court, arbitrary arrests continue to be committed on the basis of this Decree No. 54/2011.

Mauritania - HR Instruments

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

ICCPR: Accessed on 17.11.2004
Optional Protocol: No

State report: Due on 01.11.2017 (2nd)
Last concluding observations: 20.11.2013

Convention against Torture (CAT)

CAT: Accessed on 17.11.2004
Optional Protocol: Yes
Art. 20 (Confidential inquiry): No
Art. 22 (Individual communications): No

State report: Due on 31.05.2017 (2nd)
Last concluding observations: 18.06.2013

International Convention for the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance (CED)

CED: Ratified on 03.10.2012
Art. 33 (Inquiry procedure): Yes

State report: Overdue since 03.11.2014
Last concluding observations: N/A

Universal Periodic Review (UPR)

Last review: 11.2010 (1st cycle)
Next review: 2015 (2nd cycle)

National Human Rights Institution (NHRI)

Commission Nationale des Droits de l'Homme (CNDH) – Status A

Last review: 05.2011
Next review: 2016