US-Mexico border, ‘world’s deadliest’ overland migration route: IOM

US-Mexico border, ‘world’s deadliest’ overland migration route: IOM

Nearly half of the deaths on the border were linked to the hazardous crossing of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts. “These alarming figures are a stark reminder of the need for decisive action by States,” said Michele Klein Solomon, IOM’s Regional Director for Central and North America and the Caribbean. “Enhancing data collection is crucial….

Read More
Afghanistan: Human rights ‘in a state of collapse’, warns Türk

Afghanistan: Human rights ‘in a state of collapse’, warns Türk

“Human rights in Afghanistan are in a state of collapse,” he told the Human Rights Council, before sounding the alarm over ongoing reports of extrajudicial killings, torture and ill-treatment and arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as serious violations against former Government officials, as documented in a new human rights office (OHCHR) report. “Compounding all of this…

Read More
Syria: Urgent response needed to uptick in fighting, economic crisis

Syria: Urgent response needed to uptick in fighting, economic crisis

In its latest report, the UN Human Rights Council (OHCHR) body found that attacks on civilians, escalating fighting, economic decline and human rights violations persist, despite the country’s re-admission to the League of Arab States. The continued war in Syria is a “monument to the failure of diplomacy” said Inquiry Chair, Paulo Pinheiro. Speaking in…

Read More
FAO launches emergency plan to combat hunger in Sudan

FAO launches emergency plan to combat hunger in Sudan

Over the coming year, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will distribute seeds, livestock treatment kits and provide veterinary and fisheries support to boost crop production, improve seed diversification and protect animal stock from depleting. The initiative is expected to meet the cereal requirements of up to 19 million people for the upcoming 2023 harvest,…

Read More
War crimes intensifying: Myanmar human rights investigators

War crimes intensifying: Myanmar human rights investigators

“The frequency and intensity of war crimes and crimes against humanity has only increased in recent months,” said Nicholas Koumjian, head of the investigation team, formally known as the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM). ‘Brazen bombings’ Addressing the forum in Geneva, he described even “more brazen aerial bombings and indiscriminate shelling, resulting in the deaths…

Read More
Sri Lanka urged to conduct probe into 2019 attack

Sri Lanka urged to conduct probe into 2019 attack

Addressing the forum in Geneva, Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nada-Al Nashif also urged the Sri Lankan authorities to accelerate investigations and prosecutions probing cases of human rights violations, in particular, the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings. Ms. Al-Nashif noted that investigations should comply with international human rights standards. Her comments follow repeated calls to the…

Read More
Repel intensifying attacks on schools, urges Guterres

Repel intensifying attacks on schools, urges Guterres

Marking the International Day to Protect Education from Attack, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said it was important to defend “havens of education”. “Education is not only a fundamental human right, but a pathway to a better future for every person, and a more peaceful, understanding world,” he underscored.  He voiced a startling truth: around the globe…

Read More