Category: Human Rights

Speaking in Geneva, spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists: “The Myanmar military is again carrying out attacks against its own civilians; attacks which may constitute war crimes.” The conflict between the Myanmar military – known as the Tatmadaw – and the Arakan Army, dates back around a decade. In the most recent escalation, OHCHR reported that on the evening of 3… Read More

While encouraged by civil society’s engagement in promoting and protecting human rights, along with the victims of human rights violations, Michelle Bachelet acknowledged that “it has not been able to fully assumea monitoring and advocacy role.” She noted that some civil society organizations continue to be targeted by acts of intimidation saying that it “must stop”, urging everyone with a… Read More

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, António Guterres took note of the 82-year-old president’s decision to resign, after 20 years in power. Mr. Bouteflika announced in late February, that he would seek a fifth term in office, despite rarely being seen in public since suffering a stroke, in 2013.   Several days ago, the wheelchair-bound leader reportedly reversed his decision, after… Read More

“Should a child survive and be fortunate enough to be released to a reintegration programme, they still have only a slim chance of recovery”, he said in remarks read out at a launch event in UN Headquarters, by staff member Sharon Riggle.  The UN chief pointed out that a lack of resources and a failure to provide long-term assistance to… Read More

Reflecting on what he called “ever-rising anti-Muslim hatred, anti-Semitism, racism and xenophobia”, the Secretary-General said it was vital now to “counter and reject religious and political figures who exploit differences” for their own gain. He said we must also ask “why so many people feel excluded, and why they are tempted by extreme messages of intolerance against each other.” Mr.… Read More

The release of Modern Slavery Data Stories, a series of easily understandable animated graphics, provides detailed pictures of the ways that factors related to modern slavery have changed over time, and comes during a period when over 40 million people are living in slavery, more than ever before in human history. UN-led research shows that half of those enslaved are… Read More

In almost a year since weekly rallies began – known as the “Great March of Return and the Breaking of the Siege” – 195 Palestinians, including some 40 children, have been killed by Israeli fire near the border fence, Mr McGoldrick said in a written appeal. “There has been a staggering loss of life and injury in the Gaza Strip,”… Read More

Agnes Callamard, who is leading an independent human rights inquiry into the killing at the Saudi consulate last October, denounced the lack of transparency of Saudi Arabia’s investigation and legal proceedings so far. Calling the murder “an extrajudicial killing committed in a consulate office on foreign territory,” the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions spelled out that “these… Read More

“I am saddened by the persistent violence that continues to result in the tragic loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives”, said Nickolay Mladenov. “Recent incidents in the West Bank and Gaza highlight the mounting tensions across the occupied Palestinian territory and the risk of a broader escalation of the conflict,” the UN official told the Security Council. “I am concerned… Read More

“It is deplorable that Judge Afiuni continues to be subjected to arbitrary detention, the UN Special Rapporteur on Independence of Judges and Lawyers, Diego García-Sayán, said on Tuesday.  In 2009, then-President Hugo Chavez demanded that she be imprisoned for 30 years for releasing businessman Eligio Cedeño on bail, who immediately fled the country.  Judge Afiuni had issued the ruling in accordance with a decision by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, which… Read More