‘Vital’ human rights cooperation must be above fray of politics: Türk

‘Vital’ human rights cooperation must be above fray of politics: Türk

In his annual review presented to the Human Rights Council, which opened its 53rd regular session on Monday, Mr. Türk insisted that such cooperation was “vital” in a world plagued by conflict, climate disasters and development setbacks. Rights monitoring ‘in the interest of all Malians’ Human rights “must always be above the fray of politics”, Mr….

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Türk appeals to Sudan’s warring generals; calls out ‘dangerous anti-rights tendencies’ worldwide

Türk appeals to Sudan’s warring generals; calls out ‘dangerous anti-rights tendencies’ worldwide

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk appealed to the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and of the Rapid Support Forces, locked in conflict since 15 April, to “issue clear instructions” to those under their command that sexual violence will not be tolerated, and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable. Mr….

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Guatemala: Türk alarmed by reprisals against anti-corruption officials

Guatemala: Türk alarmed by reprisals against anti-corruption officials

Mr. Türk’s warning comes amid the reported harassment and prosecution of justice officials involved with the UN-backed International Commission against Impunity (CICIG), including, most recently, former Commissioner Francisco Dall’Anese. The UN rights chief called on the Guatemalan authorities “to ensure judges and lawyers can function freely and without fear of reprisals”. An independent judiciary is “vital” for a democratic society,…

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Myanmar mired ever deeper in crisis as human rights spiral backwards, warns Türk

Myanmar mired ever deeper in crisis as human rights spiral backwards, warns Türk

“By nearly every feasible measurement, and in every area of human rights – economic, social and cultural, as much as civil and political – Myanmar has profoundly regressed,” he said. “Despite clear legal obligations for the military to protect civilians in the conduct of hostilities, there has been consistent disregard for the related rules of…

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