Rights expert urges India to stop crackdown on Kashmir activists

Rights expert urges India to stop crackdown on Kashmir activists

Her appeal follows the latest arrest of prominent rights defender Khurram Parvez, who has been in detention for more than a year on charges related to conspiracy and terrorism.   “Indian authorities appear to be intensifying the long-standing repression of Kashmiri civil society,” Ms. Lawlor said.  “The State must respect its human rights obligations and be…

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Human rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations: OHCHR

Human rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations: OHCHR

“The international armed conflict has led to a wide range of human rights violations affecting both civilians and combatants”, the executive summary states, adding that the Office has “verified numerous allegations of arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).” During the reporting period, a total of 5,987 civilian…

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New agenda sets sail with bold action as UN Water Conference closes

New agenda sets sail with bold action as UN Water Conference closes

The Agenda sets out a series of action-oriented game changing commitments, from making smarter food choices to re-evaluating water as a powerful economic driver, and part of the Earth’s cultural heritage. Water-secure future for all The conference, and its 2,000 participants, forged an “ambitious vision”, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres said. “Your dedication to action…

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Climate change making Earth ‘uninhabitable’ Guterres warns

Climate change making Earth ‘uninhabitable’ Guterres warns

He laid down the challenge to governments worldwide, to make 2023 a year of “transformation, not tinkering” when it comes to seriously addressing climate change, with meaningful climate action. ‘Closer to the brink’ “Every year of insufficient action to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius drives us closer to the brink, increasing systemic risks and…

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Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps

Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps

The devastation caused by the cyclone in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique has increased the spread of cholera and malaria, as well as malnutrition. Meanwhile, more than 300 health facilities have been destroyed or flooded in the three countries, limiting health care access. The cyclone’s destruction increased public health risks including a surge in the spread…

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Deadly Syria earthquake provides chance to move forward: UN envoy

Deadly Syria earthquake provides chance to move forward: UN envoy

War-torn Syria and neighbouring Türkiye were rocked by twin earthquakes on 6 February, which killed more than 56,000 people and caused widespread destruction, displacing millions.   “The situation today is so unprecedented that it calls for leadership, bold ideas and a cooperative spirit,” said Mr. Pedersen, speaking via videoconference from Geneva.  “A political solution is…

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