Sudan: UN expert warns of child recruitment by armed forces

Sudan: UN expert warns of child recruitment by armed forces

Siobhán Mullally, UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, said unaccompanied children and children from poor families have reportedly been targeted by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia in the outskirts of the capital Khartoum and elsewhere. They’ve forcibly recruited women and children especially, she warned.  Girls have also reportedly been abducted from Khartoum to…

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Arbitrary detention still widespread in Mexico, rights expert warns

Arbitrary detention still widespread in Mexico, rights expert warns

In a statement concluding a 12-day visit there, the UN expert group said that reforms including the transition to an accusatory criminal procedure, adherence to international human rights laws and introduction of a National Registry of Detentions, and an increasingly human-rights centred legal system are significant achievements. ‘Catalyst for ill-treatment’ However, they noted that “these…

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Rights expert appeals for action to tackle elder abuse

Rights expert appeals for action to tackle elder abuse

Claudia Mahler, UN independent expert on the enjoyment of all human rights of older persons, made the appeal in her annual report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. She said violence against older persons remains unaddressed despite being widespread, pervasive and putting millions of older persons at risk, amid a rapidly ageing world. Not a priority  “Combatting abuse…

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UN expert sounds alarm over ‘contemporary forms of slavery’ in Canada

UN expert sounds alarm over ‘contemporary forms of slavery’ in Canada

Tomoya Obokata, the Human Rights Council-appointed Special Rapporteur on the global scourge of modern slavery issued his statement at the end of a 14-day visit. He called on the Canadian Government to intensify its efforts to safeguard workers’ rights and offer a clear pathway to permanent residency for all migrants. Migrant workers at risk “I am deeply…

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UN expert urges international support for The Bahamas amid climate crisis

UN expert urges international support for The Bahamas amid climate crisis

“The Bahamas needs long-term financial planning to address its climate vulnerability and economic dependence on tourism,” said Attiya Waris, the UN Independent Expert on foreign debt, international financial obligations and human rights, in a statement at the end of a 10-day visit to the country. Financial aid challenges  Ms. Waris noted that The Bahamas’ status as a…

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