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UNITED NATIONS, March 30 ,2007 (UPI) -- The U.N. Human Rights Committee considered rights reports from Madagascar, Chile and Barbados in its latest session ending Friday. Consisting of 18 experts, the committee monitors the application of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights by its state parties. Countries signed onto the agreement submit regular reports on how they implement the rights spelled out in the covenant. The panel examines these reports and responds with its concerns and recommendations. The rights body lauded Madagascar's human-rights legislation and the reform of its legal and prison systems but expressed concern the appointment and tenure of judges might be in the hands of a few politicians. Decisions about judges' possible misconduct seemed to be shrouded in secrecy, said the Committee. Committee members questioned the criminalization of abortion in Chile as well as the situation of sexual minorities, reported violations of the rights of mentally disabled and the consequences of anti-terrorism laws on indigenous people, the panel said. In addition, the body's experts questioned how juvenile offenders in Barbados as young as 11 could have the physical and mental maturity to be criminally charged, said the committee. The chairman, Rafael Rivas Posada, an expert from Colombia, said he anticipated "blazing enthusiasm for a particularly charged session" when the committee reconvenes in July in Geneva, Switzerland. |