Myanmar: Tatmadaw army’s ‘scorched earth’ policy in spotlight

Myanmar: Tatmadaw army’s ‘scorched earth’ policy in spotlight

“Continuous” violence, including the killing, arbitrary arrest, torture and enforced disappearance of opponents in Myanmar between 1 February 2022 and 31 January 2023, have left the country’s people desperate for outside help, OHCHR’s James Rodehaver said, unveiling the Office’s latest report on the crisis. “Despite all the challenges that they face, so far there has…

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Newly announced prison terms in Belarus signal ‘ongoing repression’

Newly announced prison terms in Belarus signal ‘ongoing repression’

“The prison sentences delivered today in Belarus against four human rights defenders, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, are deeply troubling and indicative of the ongoing repression in the country,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN human rights office, OHCHR. UN human rights chief Volker Türk has called for an end to the…

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Food rationing for Rohingya refugees a ‘matter of life and death’: rights expert

Food rationing for Rohingya refugees a ‘matter of life and death’: rights expert

The development follows the UN World Food Programme (WFP)’s announcement that it would be cutting back on assistance to those sheltering in the vast Cox’s Bazar camp complex from 1 March because of a lack of funding. “These rations cuts are a stain on the conscience of the international community,” said Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar. “I have…

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Crimes against humanity likely committed in Nicaragua, says independent rights probe

Crimes against humanity likely committed in Nicaragua, says independent rights probe

Unveiling their first report to be delivered to the Human Rights Council on Friday, the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua urged the international community to impose sanctions on those responsible. The experts concluded that President Daniel Ortega and Vice President Rosario Murillo “put into practice these crimes” which continue today. ‘Widespread and systematic’ “Based on this investigation,…

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Iraq: Repatriations from notorious Syria camp ‘an example for the world’

Iraq: Repatriations from notorious Syria camp ‘an example for the world’

The UN chief was speaking to journalists following a visit to the Jeddah Rehabilitation Centre in northern Iraq, where he met returnees from the notorious Al-Hol camp, whose residents are mainly women and children under 12.  “Iraq is demonstrating with enormous commitment that responsible repatriations are possible, by finding dignified solutions anchored in the principles…

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To save a million species, World Wildlife Day underscores crucial role of partnerships

To save a million species, World Wildlife Day underscores crucial role of partnerships

“One million species teeter on the brink of extinction, due to habitat destruction, fossil fuel pollution and the worsening climate crisis. We must end this war on nature,” UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in his message for the Day.  The scores of species of fauna and flora under threat from human activities include some that…

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Guterres stresses UN commitment to Iraq during first visit in 6 years

Guterres stresses UN commitment to Iraq during first visit in 6 years

“I am here in a visit of solidarity to underscore the commitment of the United Nations to support Iraq in the consolidation of its democratic institutions and advancing peace, sustainable development and human rights for all Iraqis,” Mr. Guterres told journalists in Baghdad, after touching down late on Tuesday. After “decades of oppression, war, terrorism, sectarianism and foreign interference” in…

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