STORY: UN Human Rights Spokesperson Liz Throssell on Senegal violence against protesters

TRT: 01:21
SOURCE: UNTV / OHCHR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: English / NATS
ASPECT RATIO: 16:9 
DATELINE:  13 January 2024 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND 

SHOTLIST 

1.     Exterior shot: Palais des Nations, Geneva

2.     SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): “We are deeply concerned about the tense situation in Senegal following suspension of the presidential election slated for 25 February.”

3.     Cut away: Briefing room

4.     SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): “At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists.”  

5.     Cut away: Briefing room

6.     SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): “Amid rising tensions and reports of planned further protests, it is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.”

7.     Cut away: Briefing room

8.     SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): “We also urge all actors to refrain from resorting to violence.”

9.     Cut away: Briefing room

10.  SOUNDBITE (English) – Liz Throssell, Spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR):“Given challenges and concerns related to the circumstances surrounding the postponement of the election, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk calls on the Government to ensure that the proposed national dialogue be as broad-based as possible and ensure genuine participation of opposition groups, women, youth and marginalized groups.”

11.  Cut away: Briefing room

“We are deeply concerned about the tense situation in Senegal following suspension of the presidential election slated for 25 February,” Throssell said.

“At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists,” the spokesperson said

Investigations into the killings must be prompt, thorough, and independently conducted, and those found responsible must be held to account. The authorities should also ensure due process for individuals arrested during the protests.

“Amid rising tensions and reports of planned further protests, it is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” she said.

“We also urge all actors to refrain from resorting to violence,” Throssell said.

“Given challenges and concerns related to the circumstances surrounding the postponement of the election, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk calls on the Government to ensure that the proposed national dialogue be as broad-based as possible and ensure genuine participation of opposition groups, women, youth and marginalized groups,” Throssell stated.

For more information and media requests, please contact: 

Ravina Shamdasani - + 41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org or 

Liz Throssell + 41 22 917 9296 / elizabeth.throssell@un.org or 

Marta Hurtado - + 41 22 917 9466 / marta.hurtadogomez@un.org

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