Amnesty calls for justice

Guinea Bissau's new government has a good opportunity to introduce a new culture of respect for human rights, Amnesty International said on Monday. "Those suspected of human rights violations must be brought to justice - this is the first step in developing a culture in which human rights are protected," Amnesty said. "The Government of National Unity and particularly the government to be elected in November 1999 must give their urgent attention to ensuring accountability. "They must also reform the institutions which have a vital role to play in protecting human rights - the judiciary, the police and the prisons," said Amnesty, which on Monday released a new report titled `Guinea-Bissau: Human rights in war and peace'. Amnesty also said it welcomed the inclusion in the UN Peace-Building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) of two human rights officers responsible for monitoring human rights and providing technical assistance for measures to protect human rights.