Human Rights 

‘High time for accountability’, UN expert says as Israel approves highest rate of illegal settlements 

Michael Lynk, UN Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, pointed out that while “Israeli settlements continue to devour the land that is meant for the independent Palestinian State, the international community observes, it sometimes objects, but it does not act”. Against the backdrop that earlier this month, a defense ministry planning… Read More
Human Rights 

Rights expert urges greater protection for mass graves: proof of ‘heinous events’

Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions, called for greater support on Tuesday, to countries and communities where these sites are located to ensure they are treated with respect, and in accordance with human rights standards.  Mass graves carry exceptional significance that transcends boundaries and generations. Their preservation, memorialization is a duty to today generations and tomorrow. We must… Read More
Human Rights 

Syria: Humanitarians ‘very concerned’ for thousands still living in Al Hol camp

Located in northeastern Syria, near the border with Iraq, 94 per cent of the camp for the displaced, is made up of women and children who formerly lived in from territory held by the terrorist group ISIL.  In September last year, UN-appointed human rights investigators reported that conditions in the camp were “appalling” and “inhumane”, and called on the international… Read More
Human Rights 

Misuse of terrorism laws during conflict creates ‘unmitigated calamity’

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
Human Rights 

Rights experts urge UAE to halt repatriation of Yemeni nationals 

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
Human Rights 

Invest in rural women, help them build resilience to future crises, urges UN chief

“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
Human Rights 

Rape is wrong but death penalty, castration, not the answer: UN rights chief

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
Human Rights 

New report highlights value of UN’s human rights work in the field

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
Human Rights 

New agreement in Iraq signals ‘a first and important step’ toward a better future

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
Human Rights 

International Day of the Girl: ‘Be bold in your demands’, urges UN deputy chief 

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
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