‘Clear and convincing information’ that hostages held in Gaza subjected to sexual violence says UN Special Representative

‘Clear and convincing information’ that hostages held in Gaza subjected to sexual violence says UN Special Representative

Pramila Patten added in a press release issued along with the report, that there are also reasonable grounds to believe that such violence, which includes other “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment”, may be continuing against those still being held by Hamas and other extremists in the Gaza Strip. The report from her Office, arose from…

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Justice served: Lebanon’s Special Tribunal closes

Justice served: Lebanon’s Special Tribunal closes

Established by Security Council resolution 1757 in 2007, the Special Tribunal’s jurisdiction also extended to other attacks that were judicially determined to be connected to the Beirut attack on 14 February 2005. The assassination of Mr. Hariri involved explosives equivalent to 2,500 to 3,000 kilograms of dynamite, detonated as his motorcade travelled across downtown Beirut…

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Explainer: What is a UN General Assembly emergency special session and why it matters

Explainer: What is a UN General Assembly emergency special session and why it matters

What’s an emergency special session? When the UN Security Council is unable to shoulder its primary responsibility to maintain international peace and security, as has thus far been the case following the 7 October outbreak of the latest Israel-Palestine crisis, the General Assembly can consider the matter immediately in an emergency special session. UN Member…

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UN rights body extends mandate of Special Rapporteur on Russia

UN rights body extends mandate of Special Rapporteur on Russia

The UN Human Rights Council also “strongly urged” Russian authorities to comply with all the State’s obligations under international human rights law. It also called for upholding fundamental freedoms, including those of thought, opinion and expression, and peaceful assembly, “in particular by removing restrictions on diversity in ideas, criticism and dissent as well as associated…

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