Cops have standards to uphold, Suaram tells Zahid
Crime committed by law enforcers are considered human rights violations because, unlike common criminals, they have standards to uphold, argues the rights group Suaram.
Crime committed by law enforcers are considered human rights violations because, unlike common criminals, they have standards to uphold, argues the rights group Suaram.
It says that while everyone including the police are entitled to their rights under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other conventions, crimes committed by civilians are just that.
“If law enforcement agencies or government agencies commit a crime then it is considered a human rights violation because states sign up to international laws and standards.
The police, as a state agency have obligations under international law to promote, protect and uphold human rights,” said Suaram executive director Nalini Elumalai (right) in a statement today.
She was responding to Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi defending his controversial ‘shoot first’ remarks in a recent speech, questioning his critics for not defending the rights of the police and crime victims.
“Where are the human rights for police and victims of robbery, shootings and murders. Why are human rights defenders not upholding this? Human rights only applies to criminals?” he tweeted today.
Nalini said that all states have a duty to ensure that crime victims have a right to remedy, and therefore are obliged to bring perpetrators to justice through effective investigation and evidence gathering.
“It is a principle under international law that the state is responsible for the acts and omissions of its agents carried out in their official capacity even if they act outside the limits of their sphere of competence.
“All laws used by the police and the state or actions taken by them must respect the rule of law and adhere to international human rights standards,” she said.
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