Israel’s new legal proposals pose 'serious risks', UN rights chief warns

Israel’s new legal proposals pose ‘serious risks’, UN rights chief warns

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk raised a range of concerns that several sets of proposed legislative changes that Israel’s parliament is considering would pose serious risks to the effectiveness of the judiciary to defend the rule of law, human rights, and judicial independence. Human rights at risk “If passed, these changes risk…

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UN humanitarian delegation visits northwest Syria as earthquake response continues

UN humanitarian delegation visits northwest Syria as earthquake response continues

Seventeen trucks arrived in the region that day via two crossings – Bab Al-Hawa and Bab Al-Salaam – carrying aid provided by the UN refugee agency, UNHCR; the World Food Programme (WFP) and the World Health Organization (WHO).  Health sector hard hit  A UN humanitarian delegation was in Idlib governorate and visited a displacement camp…

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Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life

Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life

Ms. Gbeho said she has welcomed the Federal Government’s continued commitment to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, as demonstrated by the launch of a new national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325.  The landmark document, adopted more than 20 years ago, reaffirms women’s role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.  Action…

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Ukraine: General Assembly resumes emergency special session, taking up new text to end war

Ukraine: General Assembly resumes emergency special session, taking up new text to end war

Assembly President Csaba Kőrösi said that, for almost a full year, the world body, UN Secretary-General, and international community have been consistent and vocal in calls to end this war, and to adhere to the UN Charter and international law. “Let this anniversary and the anguish of millions before our eyes over the last year…

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Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic: UN envoy

Local elections chance to advance peace in Central African Republic: UN envoy

Special Representative Valentine Rugwabiza reported on recent progress by the Government, including in election preparations and security sector reform.  Political engagement with the leaders of armed groups remains essential and is starting to yield modest results, she added, pointing to the dissolution of four armed groups who were signatories to the February 2019 Peace Agreement. …

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Celebrating the world’s rich ‘linguistic tapestry’, UN officials call for realizing multilingual education on Mother Language Day

Celebrating the world’s rich ‘linguistic tapestry’, UN officials call for realizing multilingual education on Mother Language Day

Commemorating the world’s languages – all 6,700 of them – since 1999, the Day aims at celebrating ways of showcasing the world’s linguistic tapestry, committing to the preservation of the diversity of languages as a common heritage, and working for quality education – in mother tongues – for all, said Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the…

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Independent UN experts laud Spain for enacting new feminist laws

Independent UN experts laud Spain for enacting new feminist laws

Describing the new laws as a “fundamental feminist achievement”, they said the move was part of an ambitious agenda for social progress. The legislation guarantees and facilitates access to sexual and reproductive rights in the country.  New menstrual leave, abortion laws  The new overarching measures ensure safe and accessible abortions provided by national health agencies….

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