Human Rights – Holocaust Remembrance Day (Paris – Jan. 27, 2023)

On this international day dedicated to the remembrance of genocides and the prevention of crimes against humanity, France commemorates the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp 78 years ago and the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

This day reminds us of the crimes – unprecedented in human history – committed by the Nazi regime and its collaborators against millions of Jews, as well as other groups targeted because of their origins, beliefs, physical characteristics or sexual orientation.

The truth about the Holocaust, which resulted in the systematic murder of six million Jews, must never be forgotten, concealed or distorted. At a time when the survivors and witnesses of this tragedy are disappearing and history is subject to political manipulation, we must work relentlessly to remember, to conduct historical research, to pass down the facts and to educate.

Together with its 41 partner states in the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), France is actively engaged in research, education and the dissemination of the memory of the Holocaust and, more broadly, of all genocides and mass crimes. French institutions dedicated to remembrance, such as the Mémorial de la Shoah, the Maison d’Izieu and the Camp des Mille, make extraordinary contributions to this effort.

This day reminds us that no form of racism and anti-Semitism can be tolerated. Racist, anti-Semitic and xenophobic discrimination and speech undermine the unity of our society as well as the rights, freedoms and dignity of all citizens. These acts are violations of universal, inalienable and indivisible human rights. They must be relentlessly opposed and punished.

Since 2015, our country has had national plans to combat racism and anti-Semitism in order to better coordinate public action against all forms of anti-Semitism, racism, discrimination and hate speech, both online and off. Under the leadership of the French presidency of the EU Council in the first half of 2022, EU member states reaffirmed their stalwart opposition to racism and anti-Semitism and adopted a European regulation on digital services that makes it possible to more effectively punish online hate speech.

This day also aims to extend remembrance to all victims of crimes against humanity, to prevent future crimes and to fight against impunity.

In keeping with our unceasing struggle to protect the equal dignity of all and to help create a world based on justice, peace and tolerance, every citizen must pass down the memory of the Holocaust and its victims to future generations.

Israel/Palestinian Territories – Yesterday’s Israeli army operation at the West Bank camp of Jenin (Jan. 27, 2023)

France expresses its serious concern over the threat of escalation, including escalation in the Gaza Strip, following the Israeli army operation in the Jenin refugee camp on the West Bank yesterday. Several reports indicate that civilians were killed.

With violence in the West Bank causing the death of 30 Palestinians in January 2023 alone, France reaffirms its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and Israel’s obligation to protect civilians in the Occupied Territories.

France calls on all the parties to exercise restraint and to refrain from fueling the escalation. It is more urgent than ever to revive the prospect of a two-state solution, with both states living side by side in peace and security. It is the only way to guarantee Israelis and Palestinians a just and lasting peace. France stands ready to work with the parties to that end.

Spain – Attack on two churches (Jan. 26, 2023)

France expresses its total solidarity with Spain following yesterday’s attack on two churches in Algeciras.

We offer our most sincere condolences to the victims and their families.

France stands with Spain – our partner and friend – at this difficult time.

Haiti – France condemns killing of Haitian police officers (Jan. 26, 2023)

France utterly condemns the killing of police officers yesterday in Haiti. The perpetrators of these crimes must be brought to justice. France extends its condolences to the victims’ families and close friends. France expresses its solidarity with Haiti’s national police, which criminal groups attack daily.

France reiterates its deep concern about the worsening security, humanitarian and health crisis in Haiti. We support the implementation of UNSC Resolution 2653, which establishes a regime of sanctions against people involved in criminal activities.

France encourages people of all political tendencies to engage in dialogue with a view to reaching a crisis-resolution agreement, which seems more necessary than ever in the light of this recent violence. We call on them to make swift progress on implementing the National Consensus document of December 21, 2022.

France is continuing its commitment to supporting the population, particularly through the efforts of its embassy in Haiti.

Cameroon – France condemns the murder of Cameroon journalist Martinez Zogo in the strongest possible terms (Jan. 27, 2023)

France condemns the murder of Cameroon journalist Martinez Zogo in the strongest possible terms. Those who committed this act must be identified and be held accountable, and Cameroon’s authorities have pledged to do so.

France reaffirms its commitment to the freedom of speech and freedom of the press throughout the world. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna paid tribute to all the journalists who have given their lives for their commitment to the truth during her new year’s wishes to the Diplomatic Press Association on January 24.

We will continue to support those who work to spread free, reliable, quality information, wherever they may be found.

Russia – Liquidation of the country’s oldest human rights organization (Jan. 25, 2023)

The decision taken the day before yesterday by the Moscow City Court to order the liquidation of Russia’s oldest human rights organization, the Moscow Helsinki Group, marks a new step backward for fundamental freedoms in Russia.

Since 1976, this organization has been doing invaluable work to ensure that the Soviet and then Russian authorities abide by fundamental rights and freedoms in accordance with the Helsinki Final Act of 1975.

France once again denounces the Russian authorities’ crackdown on those who are still speaking freely about the human rights situation in Russia and those who are criticizing the government and its war of aggression against Ukraine.

Nicaragua

Do you have any information about two French-Nicaraguan citizens, a mother and daughter, who were sentenced to eight years in prison yesterday by a Managua court for “treason,” according to information provided by the husband/father from Costa Rica, where he lives in exile? They are Jeannine Horvilleur Cuadra, age 63, and her daughter Ana Alvarez Horvilleur, age 43; they were arrested on September 13 along with Ana Alvarez Horvilleur’s husband, Félix Roiz, a 56-year-old Nicaraguan engineer.

We just learned that our compatriots, Jeannine and Ana Carolina Horvilleur, who were arrested on September 13, were pronounced guilty of “conspiracy to undermine national integrity and propagation of false news” and sentenced to eight years in prison following court proceedings on January 17, 18 and 26.

We deplore the fact that despite several requests to the Nicaraguan authorities, our ambassador was not granted access to their trial, just as we regret the opacity surrounding this trial, which took place behind closed doors.

We also remain very concerned by the conditions in which our compatriots are being held and the state of their health, particularly because despite repeated requests, our embassy in Nicaragua has still not been granted access to them as provided by the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs is fully mobilized in both Paris and Managua to provide them with all possible support.