World News in Brief: Arson at UNRWA’s East Jerusalem office, UN probe on staff member’s death in Gaza, food insecurity in South Sudan

World News in Brief: Arson at UNRWA’s East Jerusalem office, UN probe on staff member’s death in Gaza, food insecurity in South Sudan

This time it was an “arson attempt by Israeli children and young people on UNRWA”, Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said in a social media post on Tuesday. “This has got to stop,” he said. Last Thursday evening, Mr. Lazzarini said Israeli residents had set fire twice to the perimeter of the UNRWA headquarters when staff from several…

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Russia: UN human rights office ‘appalled’ at death of Navalny in prison

Russia: UN human rights office ‘appalled’ at death of Navalny in prison

Mr. Navalny, 47, had lost consciousness and could not be revived, according to media reports. “If someone dies in the custody of the State, the presumption is that the State is responsible – a responsibility that can only be rebutted through an impartial, thorough and transparent investigation carried out by an independent body,” said OHCHR…

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US urged to end detention of Venezuelan Special Envoy

UN rights office regrets Venezuela’s decision to suspend operations

Ravina Shamdasani, the spokesperson for OHCHR, said in a statement that the Office regretted the announcement and that it continues to engage with the authorities and other stakeholders. “Our guiding principle has been and remains the promotion and protection of the human rights of the people of Venezuela,” she added. Earlier this week, OHCHR said…

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UN rights office voices concern ahead of elections in Pakistan

UN rights office voices concern ahead of elections in Pakistan

OHCHR denounced all acts of violence against political parties and candidates in the lead-up to Thursday’s vote. Spokesperson Liz Throssell said there have been no less than 24 reported instances in which armed groups have staged attacks against members of political parties. Harassment, arrests and detentions  OHCHR also voiced concern over the pattern of harassment,…

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