Category: Human Rights

Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism, told the General Assembly on Thursday that what are being billed by some governments as counter-terrorism measures, are being applied frequently to address domestic strife and in complex humanitarian settings. In these cases, they can have a catastrophic impact on civilian populations, she… Read More

In an appeal to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the Yemeni men were resettled after their release, the independent experts cautioned that “their forced return (to Yemen would) put their lives at risk”.  After more than five years of fighting, Yemen’s armed conflict has created one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.  The fact that non-State armed actors control parts of the country “does not allow… Read More

“The COVID-19 pandemic has now affected more than half the world’s women farmers with restrictions on movement, the closure of shops and markets, and disruption to their supply chains”, Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the International Day of Rural Women. Health risks The disadvantages faced by women in the COVID-19 pandemic are aggravated in rural areas where they are less likely… Read More

Michelle Bachelet has issued a statement calling on governments to step up action against these crimes, improve access to justice and reparations for victims, and institute prompt criminal investigations and prosecutions for those responsible.  Outrage and calls for justice  Her intervention comes in the wake of recent reports of horrific rapes in numerous parts of the world, including Algeria, Bangladesh,… Read More

The case is included in a report launched on Monday that documents the contribution of human rights components in the field towards supporting political processes, building sustainable peace, and preventing or countering violent conflict.  “The findings of the study do demonstrate, and bring concrete examples on this, how the work of the human rights components improve the effectiveness and the… Read More

The UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) expressed hope that the new pact, on the status of northern Iraq’s Sinjar district in Ninewa, would pave the way for a better future. An uphill battle In 2104, ISIL terrorist fighters took control of significant swathes of the north, committing atrocity crimes including genocidal acts against the Yazidi minority, centred around their… Read More

Under the theme “Be Bold. Building Equity for Girls”, leaders and policy makers spoke up on a host of important topics, to protect and empower young women. In her opening remarks, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed told girls: “Be bold in your demands and be confident in the steps you are taking”.  “As we celebrate the achievements and potential of girls,… Read More

South Sudan gained independence in July 2011 but descended into conflict roughly two-and-a-half years later, following irreconcilable tensions between President Salva Kiir and his deputy, Riek Machar.    The Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan said the brutal fighting has caused incalculable suffering to civilians, and resulted in staggering levels of acute food insecurity and malnutrition.  Government and opposition… Read More

In all, some 400,000 people are currently stranded on vessels, and a similar number are prevented from returning to ships, either to earn their living or to return home, due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel and transit.  They have become “collateral victims” of COVID-19 related measures imposed by governments, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),… Read More