Category: Pacific

“This trend, combined with the absence of claims of responsibility, has generated a climate of fear among the population”, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a news release, announcing the findings from its latest report.  The violence, the Mission said, resulted in contraction of the human rights and media space, with many professionals exercising self-censorship in their… Read More

In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, the UN chief called on the military and police of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, to ensure that the right of peaceful assembly is “fully respected” and demonstrators are “not subjected to reprisals”.   It’s as if the generals have declared war on the people of Myanmar: late night raids;… Read More

Six years ago, Thitiwatt Sirasjtakorn learned that he was HIV positive, a point in his life when he struggled to understand what this meant and had almost given up on life. However, this is where his story begins. Mr. Sirasjtakorn managed to overcome stigma and discrimination and decided to publicly disclose his HIV-positive status on social media and educate people… Read More

Punitive actions against those responsible must not harm Myanmar’s vulnerable communities, and also ensure that assistance to fight the coronavirus pandemic and humanitarian support can continue, Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada al-Nashif and Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said.  ‘World watching with horror’  In a detailed account of the unfolding situation following the military takeover on 1 February,… Read More

There are unconfirmed media reports that at least one individual, a woman, was shot in the head during protests on Tuesday. She is said to be in critical condition at a hospital in Yangon.   Security forces have a moral and legal obligation to defy any unlawful orders to use excessive force against peaceful protesters in #Myanmar. All in the… Read More

“I call on the security forces to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression”, Ola Almgren, UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Myanmar, said in a news release.   The @UN in Myanmar is alarmed by reports of the use of force against demonstrators. “I call on the Security Forces… Read More

UN humanitarians and partners are working hard to assist the people of Bangladesh and India suffering from the impact of Cyclone Amphan, which made landfall on Wednesday, wreaking havoc, causing high tidal surges, flooding and embankments to collapse.  Source UN News Read More

The lèse-majesté provision of Thailand’s criminal code prohibits defaming, insulting or threatening the royal family, and carries severe punishments for those found guilty.  ?? UN experts express grave concerns over #Thailand’s increasingly severe use of lèse-majesté laws to curtail criticism of the monarchy. They are alarmed that a woman has been sentenced to over 43 years in prison for insulting… Read More

In a Tweet on Friday, OHCHR also highlighted the need for equitable solutions with due respect for human rights.  #India: We call on the authorities and protesters to exercise maximum restraint in ongoing #FarmersProtests. The rights to peaceful assembly & expression should be protected both offline & online. It’s crucial to find equitable solutions with due respect to #HumanRights for… Read More

According to media reports, many people took to the streets in Myanmar’s commercial hub, Yangon, on Saturday to protest the military’s takeover and the arrest of several elected leaders and politicians, including State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and President Win Myint.  #Myanmar’s military and police must ensure the right to peaceful assembly is fully respected and demonstrators are not… Read More