Life in DPR Korea still ‘daily struggle devoid of hope’ warns human rights chief

Life in DPR Korea still ‘daily struggle devoid of hope’ warns human rights chief

Ambassadors held an open meeting on the human rights situation in the country, commonly known as North Korea, convened by Japan, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States. China and Russia opposed the meeting and called for a procedural vote by the 15 members, which was defeated.  Alone and claustrophobic  Briefing…

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UN human rights chief sounds alarm over rising violence in Burkina Faso

UN human rights chief sounds alarm over rising violence in Burkina Faso

Allegations of responsibility point to both armed groups and State actors. “While armed groups are presumed responsible for the vast majority of incidents and victims and should be held accountable, I am also deeply disturbed that security and defence forces and their auxiliaries, the Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie, allegedly carried out wanton…

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Human rights experts highlight threats to journalists covering Iran

Human rights experts highlight threats to journalists covering Iran

The experts highlighted recent incidents targeting the Persian language news service Iran International, its journalists and staff, and its owner Volant Media UK Limited. Death threats and intimidation against the staff escalated into the violent stabbing of journalist Pouria Zeraati outside his home in London on 29 March. Since 2017, Iran International has faced ongoing…

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World News in Brief: Human rights in Haiti, 750,000 hit by East Africa floods, Namibia health milestone

World News in Brief: Human rights in Haiti, 750,000 hit by East Africa floods, Namibia health milestone

The experts detailed the far-reaching impacts of the violence and lawlessness that has led to chaos across the capital, Port-au=Prince, and other areas under gang control this year. “The outbreak of violence in Haiti has resulted in loss of livelihoods and food insecurity, widespread and multiple displacement, the collapse of education, breakdown of healthcare and…

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Gaza: Human Rights Council resolution urges arms embargo on Israel

Gaza: Human Rights Council resolution urges arms embargo on Israel

In a resolution adopted by 28 votes in favour, six against and 13 abstentions, the 47-member Human Rights Council backed a call to cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel, the occupying Power…to prevent further violations of international humanitarian law and violations and abuses of human rights”. …

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UN rights chief urges Belarus to promptly release political detainees

‘Currently unsafe to return’ to Belarus, Human Rights Council hears

Focusing on developments in 2023, the report builds on previous findings in the aftermath of large public protests which erupted in 2020 following a disputed presidential poll.  Despite a lack of cooperation from Belarusian authorities, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) said evidence gathered shows that the scale and pattern of violations has continued. “The…

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Human ingenuity can help to save nature, Guterres says on World Wildlife Day

Human ingenuity can help to save nature, Guterres says on World Wildlife Day

Human activities have devastated our wildlife. Human ingenuity can help to save it,” he said. This year’s theme focuses on how digital technologies can drive wildlife conservation at a time when pollution, climate chaos, habitat loss and exploitation of nature are putting a million plant and animal species at risk of extinction. No ‘silver bullet’…

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UN chief appalled by ‘tragic human toll’ of Gaza war

UN chief appalled by ‘tragic human toll’ of Gaza war

“Tragically, an unknown number of people lie under rubble,” António Guterres added, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, reiterating his call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and unconditional release of all the hostages seized during the Hamas-led terror attack of 7 October. “He once again calls for urgent steps so that critical humanitarian aid…

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