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Category: Human Rights

Human rights are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour and are regularly protected in municipal and international law.

 

The African human rights system is composed of several human rights treaties—or agreements between the African Union member states—and the mechanisms that monitor compliance with these treaties. … It also recognizes people’s rights, such as the right to development and self-determination.

Human Rights 

FROM THE FIELD: COVID-19 increasing risk of female genital mutilation

Village Reporter
In 2018, it was estimated by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) that globally 68 million girls were at risk; now the figure stands at 70 million. FGM, which many societies consider a cultural tradition, can result in long-term health and psychological problems. The UN says that COVID-19 has disproportionately affected girls and women, resulting in what it calls “a shadow… Read More
Human Rights 

Senior officials call on Israel to halt West Bank demolitions and respect international law

Village Reporter
After their meeting with the Palestinian Bedouins from Humsa al Bqai’a on Thursday, Sarah Muscroft, head of the UN’s humanitarian agency in the occupied territory, James Heenan, head of the UN Human Rights Office (OCHA) there and Lucia Elmi, UNICEF Special Representative in Palestine, issued a statement calling for demolitions to be halted, and international law respected.  “Sixty people, including… Read More
Human Rights 

US should end use of private ‘for profit’ detention centres, urge human rights experts

Village Reporter
“Ending the reliance on privately run prisons for federal prisoners is an encouraging step, but further action is needed”, said Jelena Aparac, Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the use of mercenaries. “Given the magnitude of mass incarceration in the US, this decision will benefit only the very small percentage of federal prisoners who are held in private prisons, and specifically excludes vulnerable… Read More
Human Rights 

‘Voices of resistance, resilience and courage’ – UN News podcast bears witness to lives beyond the Holocaust 

Village Reporter1 Comment
More than three generations have passed since the end of the Second World War, but antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia that continue to poison societies around the world, makes the lessons learned then, arguably more important today than ever before.  “Stories of Holocaust survivors are stark reminders of the need to fight injustice and stop hatred”, said Tracey Petersen, Manager… Read More
Human Rights 

Elections vital to building democratic Palestinian State: UN chief

Village Reporter
Addressing the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, the UN chief said the vote will give renewed legitimacy to national institutions in Palestine, including a democratically elected Parliament and Government.  .@antonioguterres this morning said the pandemic has had a severe impact on the Palestinians, particularly in Gaza. He reiterated the @UN‘s commitment to support… Read More
Human Rights 

COVID-19 impact exposes millions to the risk of trafficking, UN agency says

Village Reporter
Migrants and people without jobs were among the groups most targeted by human traffickers, UNODC added, warning that the economic fallout and job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic have exposed millions more to the risk.  “Millions of women, children and men worldwide are out of work, out of school and without social support in the continuing COVID-19 crisis, leaving… Read More
Human Rights 

DPR Korea: Impunity prevails in prisons, amid potential ‘crimes against humanity’ – Bachelet

Village Reporter
Since the 2014 landmark UN investigation into human rights in the DPRK, commonly known as North Korea, there have been reasonable indications that crimes against humanity have been perpetrated, the report said.  In collecting and analyzing information relating to these possible crimes, identified by the 2014 probe, the report noted “harsh conditions within the ordinary prison system, which may amount… Read More
Human Rights 

Nicaragua : Amidst ‘socio-political and human rights crisis’, independent expert condemns environmental defender’s death

Village Reporter
Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, explained that Nacilio Macario was slain on 14 November, allegedly killed by settlers while taking water and food to communities protecting their land on Nicaragua’s northern Caribbean coast.   The UN expert urged the Government to investigate his killing, saying it has a responsibility “to ensure a safe and supportive… Read More
Human Rights 

‘Imminent’ Iran execution must be halted, urges UN human rights office

Village Reporter
The appeal, which came a day before Javid Dehghan was due to be put to death, follows a series of “at least 28” executions in December, including people from ethnic minorities, such as the Baluchi minority, to which Mr. Dehghan belongs. OHCHR strongly-condemned the spate of State-sanctioned killings. ??#Iran: We strongly condemn the series of executions – at least 28 –… Read More
Human Rights 

Italy failed to rescue over 200 migrants in 2013 Mediterranean disaster, UN rights body finds

Village Reporter
In a decision published on Wednesday, the Human Rights Committee – an independent expert body that monitors States’ compliance with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights – said that Italy failed to respond promptly to various distress calls from the sinking boat, which was carrying more than 400 adults and children.  Italy also failed to explain the delay… Read More
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