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	Nelson Mandela inspired millions throughout the world to seek justice by Lawrence Mabedle Mushwana ICC Chairperson, Chairperson South African Human Rights Commission   The International Coordinating Committee of National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights (ICC) extends its condolences to the family of Nelson Mandela, to all South Africans and to the millions of people around the globe who are mourning the loss of Nelson Mandela.   The passing of Nelson Mandela provides everyone with an opportunity to reflect on the life of a truly remarkable leader who inspired millions throughout the world to seek justice and pursue freedom, non-discrimination and dignity for all. Mandela was, and will always remain, an iconic champion for human rights who led by example and by demonstrating humility and compassion for others.   The ICC is comprised of UN recognised and accredited national human rights institutions from 69 countries which are in a unique position as independent bodies mandated to promote and protect human rights to contribute towards nurturing Mandela’s legacy. Indeed, national human rights institutions carry an enormous and inherent responsibility by virtue of their independent human rights mandates to keep Mandela’s legacy alive. Let us recall the words spoken in 1998 by Mandela when he addressed the leadership of national human rights institutions from the African continent at the Opening of the 2nd Conference of African National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights:   “As we were united in struggle, we are now collectively seized with the responsibilities that freedom brings. The experience of all peoples is that their freedom remains fragile and their rights empty shells unless they bring real improvements to the lives of ordinary people.”   In moving forward, national human rights institutions can celebrate and pay tribute to the life of Mandela and keep his legacy alive by striving harder to promote an end to discrimination and intolerance in all of its forms. Through their work, national human rights institutions can contribute towards ensuring that freedoms are protected and that economic and social rights become lived realities - particularly for those who are poor and marginalised in society. In this way, national human rights institutions can fill the current empty shells of rights that are still experienced by too many people in our world.   As we celebrate Mandela’s life at the official Memorial Service in South Africa, so fittingly being held on International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013, I call on the ICC’s members and others within the human rights community to publicly commit to continuing Mandela’s legacy and to continue striving towards ensuring that every person lives with dignity and free from discrimination and from poverty. Let us continue Mandela’s legacy, honour him and keep him in our hearts forever through our daily actions.   Hamba Kahle Madiba (Go well Madiba)   To read the opening address by Nelson Mandela at the 2nd Conference of African National Institutions for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights in July 1998 in Durban, South Africa, please see the following link:   http://www.mandela.gov.za/mandela_speeches/1998/980701_humanrights.htm Visit the related web page
	Targeted attacks against children are a violation of humanitarian and human rights law and must stop by United Nations News CAR, South Sudan   31 December 2013   Attacks against children in the Central African Republic (CAR) have sunk to a “vicious new low,” the United Nations children’s agency warned today, saying that at least two children have been beheaded, and one of them mutilated, in the violence that has gripped the capital since early December.   “We are witnessing unprecedented levels of violence against children. More and more children are being recruited into armed groups, and they are also being directly targeted in atrocious revenge attacks,” said Souleymane Diabate, Country Representative for the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).   “Targeted attacks against children are a violation of international humanitarian and human rights law and must stop immediately. Concrete action is needed now to prevent violence against children,” Mr. Diabate added in a news release.   UNICEF and partners have verified the killings of at least 16 children, and injuries among 60, since the outbreak of communal violence in the capital, Bangui, on 5 December.   CAR has been thrown into turmoil since Séléka rebels launched attacks a year ago and forced President François Bozizé to flee in March. A transitional government has since been entrusted with restoring peace and paving the way for democratic elections, but armed clashes have erupted again, and in Bangui last week, Christians and Muslims launched reprisal attacks against each other in and around the city.   UN agencies have reported that the humanitarian situation in the country is deteriorating, with at least 600 people killed this month alone, and over 100,000 others driven from their homes in Bangui.   Mr. Diabate said that armed elements were accountable for taking specific measures to protect children, including clear directives by those in positions of authority within armed forces and groups to halt grave violations against children.   “The orders must make clear that children must not be recruited into the fighting, nor targeted,” stated UNICEF, which also called for the immediate release of children associated with armed forces and groups, and their protection from reprisals.   The agency also cited the need to prohibit attacks against health and education personnel, and the use of civilian spaces such as schools and hospitals for military purposes. Allowing safe, unhindered passage of impartial humanitarian assistance was critical, it added.   UNICEF is scaling up relief efforts among displaced communities, including the provision of safe water, sanitation facilities and medical supplies, and setting up safe spaces for children.   http://watchlist.org/category/news/   31 December 2013   Evidence mounts of extra-judicial killings, rights abuses in South Sudan.   The United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) today voiced grave concern over mounting evidence of gross human rights abuses in the strife-torn country, including extra-judicial killings of civilians and captured soldiers, massive displacements and arbitrary detentions, often on ethnic grounds.   “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the atrocities committed against innocent civilians of different communities by elements from both sides during the crisis,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s Special Representative and head of UNMISS, Hilde Johnson, said. “There is no excuse for these terrible acts of violence. All perpetrators must be held accountable.”   UNMISS cited the discovery of large numbers of bodies in Juba, the capital, and the Upper Nile and Jonglei state capitals of Malakal and Bor. The conflict erupted in the world’s youngest country, which only gained independence in 2011 after seceding from Sudan, 16 days ago when President Salva Kiir said soldiers loyal to former deputy president Riek Machar, dismissed in July, launched an attempted coup.   Mr. Kiir belongs to the Dinka ethnic group and Mr. Machar to the Lou Nuer, and UNMISS said it sees evidence of the apparent targeting of South Sudanese citizens on ethnic grounds. “This can lead to a perpetual cycle of violence that can destroy the fabric of the new nation,” it warned in a statement.   The Mission has several times previously called for an end to the serious human rights violations. “Available evidence indicates that atrocities are continuing to occur in various parts of South Sudan,” it said today. “Many of these violations appear to be ethnically targeted. Most of the more brutal atrocities are reported to have been carried out by people wearing uniform.”   UNMISS has been collecting information every day since the crisis began and pledged to continue “this priority task of investigating all reports of serious human rights violations and collecting evidence and eyewitness testimony in order to document such allegations.”   It reminded all parties of their obligation to protect civilians and act in accordance with human rights and humanitarian law, and called on key leaders to send strong public messages to their respective constituencies insisting that the violence must stop, and that anyone disobeying these orders will be punished.   http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=46857&Cr=south+sudan&Cr1= Visit the related web page
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