21 November 2012 - Guinea-Bissau's international partners have welcomed the opening of the country's parliament, expressed concern about human rights violations and urged the Transitional Government to protect the rights of everyone in the West African nation.

In a joint statement issued on their behalf on 20 November by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau, Mr. Joseph Mutaboba, international partners who met in Bissau on 16 November said they "welcome the opening of the 2012-2013 session of Guinea-Bissau's People's National Assembly as an important step towards nationally-owned, inclusive political participation".

"In this regard, they express the hope that the members of the National Assembly will work together towards a successful execution of the programme set for the session, including the legislative work aimed at ensuring the preparation and conduct of free and transparent elections," the statement added.

Recalling an earlier communiqué, issued on 23 October, the international partners reiterated their "strong concern at the continuing unacceptable violations of human rights, including the extra-judicial killing, both abductions and beatings, and various unspecified threats".

"Further, the international partners express concern at the surveillance by State security agents of members and properties of the diplomatic community," they said, adding that: "The international partners also urge the Transition Government to rise to the challenge and protect the rights of all within the national territory; and commit to supporting them fully in these efforts."

"In this regard, they call on the competent authorities within the Transition Government to ensure that human rights violations are prevented; to conduct transparent investigations into the violations, in conformity with international standards; to bring the perpetrators to justice; and, to fight against recurring impunity in Guinea Bissau", according to Tuesday's statement.

The 16 November meeting was attended by representatives of multilateral partners such as the United Nations, African Union, European Union, IMF and World Bank, and bilateral partners including Brazil, France, Germany, Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria, Portugal, Russia, Spain, South Africa and the United States.