Un Human Rights
UN economic body accredits 9 human rights, minority groups after US push
After years of delay, the UN body overseeing economic development and social issues voted Wednesday to give nine human rights and minority groups the right to raise concerns and participate in its discussions, overriding objections from Russia, China, India, Arab nations and others. The Economic and Social Council approved a US draft decision giving a green light for the nine groups to get special consultative status with the 54-nation UN body by a vote of 24-17 with 12 abstentions. The United States decided to go to the body's full membership after its 19-member Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations, which handles requests for accreditation, deferred action again on the nine groups. The vote accredited Arab-European Center of Human Rights and International Law; Bahrain Center for Human Rights; Coptic Solidarity; Gulf Centre for Human Rights; International Dalit Solidarity Network; and the interregional rights group Man and Law. It also accredited Andrey Rylkov Foundation for
 "UN economic body accredits 9 human rights, minority groups after US push")
UN rights body to hold urgent session on Iran amid crackdown on protestors
The UN's top human rights body is poised to hold a special session on Iran in the wake of the government's deadly crackdowns on protesters, threats against journalists and other alleged human rights violations in the Islamic republic. The Human Rights Council will hold the session in the week of November 21 "if possible on November 24," following a diplomatic request by Germany and Iceland. Germany sent a letter to the council offices Friday announcing the call for a special session "to address the deteriorating human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, especially with respect to women and children." At least one-third of the council's 47 member states need to support such a request and the move by Germany suggests it has lined up enough backing. The protests in Iran, sparked by the September 16 death of a 22-year-old woman after her detention by the country's morality police, have grown into one of the largest sustained challenges to the nation's theocracy since the
India can gain credibility from commitment to human rights: UN chief
India's voice on the global stage can only gain in authority and credibility from a strong commitment to inclusivity and respect for human rights at home, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday. Addressing students of the IIT Bombay here, Guterres said, As an elected member of the Human Rights Council, India has a responsibility to shape global human rights, and to protect and promote the rights of all individuals, including members of minority communities. The Indian model of plurality is based on a simple but profound understanding: diversity is a richness that makes your country stronger. That understanding is the birth right of every Indian, but it is not a guarantee. It must be nurtured, strengthened and renewed every day, Guterres said. This could be done by practicing the values of Mahatma Gandhi, by securing and upholding the rights and dignity of all people, especially the most vulnerable, by taking concrete action for inclusion, recognizing th
 "India can gain credibility from commitment to human rights: UN chief")
Bachelet not to seek second term as UN human rights chief after criticism
Bachelet made comments in her opening address to the latest session of the UN-backed Human Rights Council, saying that her comments to the session will be last which I brief the 47-member-state body
 "Bachelet not to seek second term as UN human rights chief after criticism")
European Union set to ban Russian oil, ministers hold crisis talks on gas
The UN human rights office said on Monday that the death toll of civilians killed in Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24 had exceeded 3,000 people
 "European Union set to ban Russian oil, ministers hold crisis talks on gas")
UN rights office concerned over Sri Lanka's deepening economic crisis
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Tuesday expressed concern over the deepening economic crisis in Sri Lanka and urged the government to defuse tensions peacefully.
 "UN rights office concerned over Sri Lanka's deepening economic crisis")
Chinese FM Wang Yi to address United Nations Human Rights Council meeting
The high-level segment will be convened from February 28 to March 2, he added, Xinhua news agency reported
 "Chinese FM Wang Yi to address United Nations Human Rights Council meeting")
UN calls for probe into rape allegations in Sudan anti-coup protests
The UN human rights officecalled for an independent investigation into allegations of sexual violence during mass anti-coup protests in Sudan earlier this week, a spokeswoman said.
 "UN calls for probe into rape allegations in Sudan anti-coup protests")
Pandemic has fed a frightening rise in inequalities: UN on Human Rights Day
The Covid pandemic has "fed a frightening rise in inequalities", and laid bare "many of our failures to consolidate the advances made", said UN rights chief marking Human Rights Day
 "Pandemic has fed a frightening rise in inequalities: UN on Human Rights Day")
UN human rights chief warns of abuses amid Taliban's Afghan blitz
The UN human rights chief warned Tuesday that she had received credible reports of severe abuses in areas under Taliban control in Afghanistan
 "UN human rights chief warns of abuses amid Taliban's Afghan blitz")
UN rights chief seeks Xinjiang visit this year, says HK trials key test
Bachelet is under growing pressure from Western states to secure unfettered access to Xinjiang
 "UN rights chief seeks Xinjiang visit this year, says HK trials key test")
Veteran British diplomat Martin Griffiths appointed UN humanitarian chief
The UN chief has appointed veteran British diplomat Martin Griffiths, a seasoned negotiator with wide global experience, as the new UN humanitarian chief.
 "Veteran British diplomat Martin Griffiths appointed UN humanitarian chief")
We'll shoot whoever I see: Myanmar Military threatens protesters on TikTok
Digital rights group Myanmar ICT for Development said it had found over 800 pro-military videos that menaced protesters at a time of increasing bloodshed -alone according to the UN
 "We'll shoot whoever I see: Myanmar Military threatens protesters on TikTok")
UN claims 18 deaths in Myanmar's weekend crackdown
The UN Human Rights Office says it has "credible information" of at least 18 deaths across Myanmar on Sunday during a crackdown on anti-military protesters
 "UN claims 18 deaths in Myanmar's weekend crackdown")
Battlefield Myanmar: At least 18 shot dead, hundreds under arrest
Police fire after lobbing stun grenades, tear gas; rights group condemns action
 "Battlefield Myanmar: At least 18 shot dead, hundreds under arrest")
Sri Lankan foreign min appeals for rejection of UN rights body resolution
The minister described the impending resolution as unsubstantiated and a pure political move against Sri Lanka
 "Sri Lankan foreign min appeals for rejection of UN rights body resolution")
Renounce dangerous narratives: Top UN human rights official tells Trump
US Capitol attack showed destructive impact of distortion of facts, incitement to violence by political leaders, UN's top human rights official said while calling Trump to disavow dangerous narratives
 "Renounce dangerous narratives: Top UN human rights official tells Trump")
UN rights chief expresses concern over restrictions on NGOs in India
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Tuesday expressed concern over the restrictions on foreign funding for the NGOs in India and the arrest of activists in the country
 "UN rights chief expresses concern over restrictions on NGOs in India")
India, 7 other nations urge UN Human Rights body to play 'responsible' role
Joint release said that across the world, the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic requires extraordinary and unprecedented measures
 "India, 7 other nations urge UN Human Rights body to play 'responsible' role")
Understand India better before jumping to conclusions: India to UN body
India's strong statement came after UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Thursday voiced "great concern" over India's amended citizenship law and reports of "police inaction"
 "Understand India better before jumping to conclusions: India to UN body")
