Rghts experts ‘deeply disturbed’ by Russian Wagner Group recruitment of prisoners

Rghts experts ‘deeply disturbed’ by Russian Wagner Group recruitment of prisoners

In a statement, the dozen experts said representatives from the Russian-owned mercenary outfit had been “offering pardons for criminal sentences to prisoners who join the group and take part in the war in Ukraine, as well as a monthly payment to their relatives”. The experts – members of the Working Group on the use of Mercenaries, the Working Group…

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Peru: UN experts call for end to violence during demonstrations

Peru: UN experts call for end to violence during demonstrations

In an appeal for “genuine dialogue” to resolve the crisis, the experts expressed deep concern about the reported repression, arbitrary killings, arrests, detention and enforced disappearances of demonstrators in Peru. The situation stems from Congress’s removal of then president, Pedro Castillo on 7 December, after he was accused of trying to dissolve it. Mr. Castillo remains in…

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Rights experts concerned over intimidation around mega tourism project in Indonesia

Rights experts concerned over intimidation around mega tourism project in Indonesia

The Mandalika project includes parks, resorts, hotels and a motorcycle racetrack hosting international sporting events. It is located on Lombok island, in impoverished West Nusa Tenggara Province.  The experts said they have received alarming accounts of alleged human rights violations committed by police and military forces, including excessive use of force to evict and restrict…

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Ukraine: deliberate destruction of culture must stop, say rights experts

Ukraine: deliberate destruction of culture must stop, say rights experts

According to humanitarian workers, at least six people were killed on Tuesday after Russian missiles struck a busy street in the city of Kherson. Most of the victims were standing at a bus stop, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York that day.   Identities and shelters targeted  The UN-appointed independent rights experts…

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1.5 million now homeless in Türkiye after quake disaster, warn UN development experts

1.5 million now homeless in Türkiye after quake disaster, warn UN development experts

“This makes this clearly the largest earthquake disaster in Türkiye’s history and perhaps the largest natural disaster the country has ever faced,” said Louisa Vinton, UN Development Programme (UNDP) Türkiye Resident Representative.  Two further earthquakes measuring 6.4 and 5.8 on the Richter Scale killed six more on the Türkiye-Syria border on Monday, with “another 294…

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Independent UN experts laud Spain for enacting new feminist laws

Independent UN experts laud Spain for enacting new feminist laws

Describing the new laws as a “fundamental feminist achievement”, they said the move was part of an ambitious agenda for social progress. The legislation guarantees and facilitates access to sexual and reproductive rights in the country.  New menstrual leave, abortion laws  The new overarching measures ensure safe and accessible abortions provided by national health agencies….

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Rights experts say peaceful transition in South Sudan crucial, amid ‘immense suffering’

Rights experts say peaceful transition in South Sudan crucial, amid ‘immense suffering’

“The suffering across the country remains immense,” Commissioner Barney Afako said at a press conference in Juba, the capital. “South Sudanese women and girls continue to face unspeakable sexual violence.” On the penultimate day of a five-day visit, the Commission took stock of reports from civil society and stakeholders in Juba and Upper Nile state,…

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UN experts warn of ‘catastrophic consequences’ if Rohingya refugee rations are cut

UN experts warn of ‘catastrophic consequences’ if Rohingya refugee rations are cut

The Human Rights Council-appointed experts called for donors worldwide to give generously to the UN World Food Programme (WFP) Rohingya Refugee Response fund. “The planned rations reductions are the devastating consequence of the international community’s failure to provide funding for initiatives that address the fundamental needs of Rohingya refugees”, the two Special Rapporteurs said in a statement. “Rations…

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