Category: Human Rights

The report details the findings of OHCHR’s examination of the human right situation in Belarus, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council. The review covers the run-up to the disputed 9 August 2020 elections – in which sitting President Alexander Lukashenko claimed victory amidst widespread allegations of vote rigging – up to 31 December 2021, drawing on 145 first-hand interviews, as well as “analysis… Read More

Presenting the latest UN Human Rights Council-mandated report on the nearly 11-year-old conflict at a virtual press conference in Geneva, Paulo Pinheiro, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, described the “devastating” impact on communities. Half the country displaced “Hundreds of thousands have been killed, more than half of the pre-war population – somewhere… Read More

The plastic bracelets the women wore in a bar in Argentina indicated the number of men they had been forced to have sex with. In Thailand, men and children from Myanmar were exploited in the fishing industry: an electric shock device was used if they refused to work. And a Chinese symbol for “slave” was tattooed on the ankle of… Read More

In the findings, the Committee found that, by being prevented from passing their indigenous status onto new generations, J.E.M. – a matrilineal indigenous descendant from a long line of leaders of the Capilano Community – and his children, were victims of violations rooted in the discriminatory nature of Canada’s Indian Act, the primary law used to administer indigenous peoples. Losing… Read More

Convened at the request of Ukraine, the Human Rights Council gathered in Geneva to consider a draft resolution on the “situation of human rights in Ukraine stemming from the Russian aggression,” a week after its self-styled “special military operation” began shelling Ukrainian cities.  “Russia’s military attack on Ukraine opened a new and dangerous chapter in world history.” – UN High… Read More

“Protecting the environment goes hand-in-hand with protecting the rights of those who defend it,” she told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, which is holding its annual month-long session.  Dangers of speaking out  Ms. Bachelet revealed how speaking out and standing up for environmental rights can come at enormous cost as activists have been killed or subjected to abuse,… Read More

“People most vulnerable to HIV are often also the most marginalized in society,” said the UNAIDS Country Director for Indonesia, Krittayawan Boonto.  “Unfortunately, instead of receiving sufficient protection from discrimination, harmful laws still exist, putting marginalized populations at increased vulnerability”.   Eliminate discriminatory laws  On Zero Discrimination Day, UNAIDS is highlighting the urgent need to act against discriminatory laws.   In many… Read More

In a video message to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Mr. Guterres said that although rights “are under assault everywhere”, people are “hard-wired” to claim them.  Human rights cannot be confiscated by dictators or erased by poverty. They are inescapable – and powerful. The @UN works every day, everywhere, to uphold and promote human rights for all. —… Read More

More than 130 foreign dignitaries are expected at the Palais des Nations, the UN Office in the Swiss city. Secretary-General António Guteres was scheduled to participate in the high-level segment of the Council’s 49th session but will remain in New York “due to the aggravating situation in Ukraine”, his Spokesperson announced on Saturday. Ahead of the opening, Council President Federico Villegas spoke… Read More

Although UN Human Rights High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet has recognized the authorities’ efforts to initiate reforms, the report said that she has also expressed deep concern over a number of violations in the country.  Setbacks to accountability  OHCHR noted setbacks to accountability for past human rights violations and the recognition of victims’ rights, Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva.… Read More