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Human Rights Council

All articles tagged with #human rights council

international-relations1 year ago

"UN Urges Halt to Weapons Shipments to Israel and Calls for Accountability for Possible War Crimes"

The UN Human Rights Council passed a resolution urging countries to halt weapons shipments to Israel in an effort to prevent rights violations against Palestinians amid the military campaign in Gaza. The measure targets various Israeli actions and calls for independent investigations into shipments of weapons and dual-use items. The resolution, while non-binding, reflects international concern about Israel's military campaign, with Western countries divided in their stance. The resolution comes amid growing focus on weapons shipments to Israel, and the US has issued a warning to Israel regarding its handling of the Gaza war.

international-relations-human-rights1 year ago

"UN Calls for Israel's Accountability Over Possible War Crimes"

The United Nations Human Rights Council adopted a resolution calling for Israel to be held accountable for possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip, with 28 countries in favor, 13 abstaining, and six opposing the resolution. Israel dismissed the resolution as "distorted" and accused the Council of favoring Hamas. The United States, one of the opposing countries, criticized Israel for not doing enough to prevent civilian casualties, while also expressing concern about the lack of specific condemnation of Hamas in the resolution.

human-rights1 year ago

UN Commission Condemns Russia's Systematic Torture of Ukrainian POWs

A United Nations commission of inquiry on Ukraine has reported evidence of systematic torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russia, including rape threats and the use of electric shocks on genitals, potentially constituting crimes against humanity. The report, submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council, documents horrific treatment, with prisoners resorting to eating worms and dog food due to hunger. Russia denies the allegations, and the council will decide whether to extend the commission's mandate for further investigation.

international-relations-human-rights1 year ago

"UN Chief Warns of Increasing Global Insecurity and Urges Protection of Human Rights"

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warns that the world is becoming "less safe by the day" due to a multiplication of conflicts causing unprecedented suffering, with combatants in places such as Congo, Gaza, Myanmar, Ukraine, and Sudan turning a blind eye to international law. He pleads for greater respect for human rights and peace worldwide, emphasizing the constant importance of human rights amidst changing global dynamics. The UN's top human rights body, the Human Rights Council, opens its latest session amidst crises of human rights, with discussions on rights violations in conflict, repression by governments, and issues like religious hatred, racial discrimination, and the rights of children, people with disabilities, and those with albinism.

human-rights2 years ago

"UN Critiques Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Record in Geneva"

Saudi Arabia faced criticism from numerous countries at the UN Human Rights Council for its human rights record, including concerns about freedoms for women, freedom of speech, use of the death penalty, and alleged killing of migrants at its border with Yemen. While Saudi Arabia highlighted reforms favoring women and progress in human rights, countries urged for more action, including redefining terrorism laws, investigating border killings, and addressing issues related to migrant and foreign workers. The kingdom's heavy investment in sports has led to accusations of "sportswashing" to deflect attention from its human rights record.

international-relations2 years ago

"Morocco Emerges as Leader of UN Human Rights Council Despite South African Opposition"

Morocco wins a heated vote to lead the UN Human Rights Council, with Ambassador Omar Zniber securing 30 votes against South Africa's Ambassador Mxolisi Nkosi's 17. South Africa had criticized Morocco's human rights record, while Morocco accused South Africa and other African states of undermining its candidacy. The Moroccan foreign ministry hailed the election as a demonstration of global trust and credibility in Morocco's external actions.

international-relations2 years ago

Iran's Controversial Role in the United Nations Human Rights Council Sparks Outrage and Condemnation

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, criticized the Biden administration for not pressuring Iran as the regime assumes the chair of the U.N. Human Rights Council Social Forum amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Friedman highlighted Iran's human rights abuses, including the recent deaths of two women for not properly covering their faces, the shooting of protesters, and public executions of dissenters. He expressed outrage that Iran, one of the worst offenders of human rights, is now leading the Human Rights Council. Friedman argued that the U.S. participation in this charade is a massive national insult and a loss of dignity.

human-rights2 years ago

Deterioration of Human Rights in Russia Since the War, Says UN Expert

The human rights situation in Russia has significantly worsened since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to a report by a United Nations expert. The report highlights a systematic crackdown on civil society, including mass arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment of detainees. This is the first time the UN Human Rights Council has examined the record of one of its "P5" members. Russia has previously denied targeting civilians in Ukraine and criticized criticism of its domestic rights record. The report calls for redress and renewal of the UN expert's mandate, which European Union countries are set to seek.