New Delhi/IBNS: Leading editors and media professionals from South Asia have protested against the arrest of Jang-Geo Group Editor-in-Chief Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman by Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
COVID-19: Dependence on China and discrimination on PoK people deepening crisis in Pakistan
Islamabad/IBNS: At the time of crisis when Pakistan is still depending on China, its all-weather ally and the epicentre of the COVID-19 disease spread, reports are emerging that PM Imran Khan-led government is still practicing discrimination and not extending help to people of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).
New York/IBNS: Dozens of independent UN human rights experts stressed on Thursday that in addition to public health and emergency measures, battling the COVID-19 pandemic, must respect the fundamental human rights of every individual.
UN human rights chief: racism and xenophobia are ‘contagious killers’ too
New York/IBNS: The coronavirus outbreak may have forced millions around the world already into “social distancing”, keeping a metre apart to prevent its spread, but it will not stop them from uniting to combat racism, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights declared in Geneva on Friday.
Human rights defenders, too often left defenceless themselves – UN expert
New York/IBNS: Human rights defenders working in conflict and post-conflict situations need to be given greater recognition, protection and support, an independent UN expert said on Wednesday, in his latest report to the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
With human rights under attack, UN chief unveils blueprint for positive change
New York/IBNS: People’s basic human rights – their birth-right – are “under assault”, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday, as he launched a Call to Action aimed at boosting equality and reducing suffering everywhere.
Colombia: ‘Staggering number’ of human rights defenders killed in 2019
New York/IBNS: The UN human rights office, OHCHR, is “deeply troubled by the staggering number of human rights defenders killed in Colombia” last year, its spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Bold, innovative measures for refugees and their hosts sought, at first ever Global Forum
New York/IBNS: As refugee numbers approach 26 million, heads of state, top UN diplomats, powerful figures from the private sector and civil society are heading to Geneva to agree on “bold, new” ways to help, at the first ever Global Refugee Forum, which got underway on Monday.
UN human rights report cites ‘multiple root causes’ of deadly Chile protests
New York/IBNS: During the recent mass protests which led Chile to declare a state of emergency, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said in a report published on Friday that international human rights norms had been violated by both police and army personnel, which should be prosecuted.
UN updates guidelines to ensure successful return to civilian life for former combatants
New York/IBNS: Increasing hurdles which prevent former combatants from returning to a peaceful civilian life have prompted the UN to update its standard practices, in an effort to ensure they remain “fit-for-purpose for years to come”.
Repression, use of force risk worsening Bolivia crisis: UN human rights chief
New York/IBNS: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights is urging authorities in Bolivia to ensure security forces comply with international standards on the use of force following the deaths of at least five protestors on Friday.
Human rights experts call for ‘paradigm shift’ on arbitrary detention in Qatar
New York/IBNS: A group of independent UN human rights experts is calling for a “paradigm shift” in Qatar to protect people in the Gulf State from arbitrary detention.
Speaking truth to power: the UN experts fighting for global human rights
New York/IBNS: Fearless. Plain-speaking. Critical. Courageous. Unflinching. Unfair. Biased. Manipulative. These are some of the adjectives used to describe the Human Rights Council experts who fan out across the world to research, hold consultations and gather information on a vast range of human rights violations.
UN’s Bachelet addresses progress and setbacks in human rights worldwide
New York: The world is undeniably facing rising challenges to multilateralism, however work can be done with Member States to strengthen the agreement of the landmark Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN’s top rights official told the committee charged with tackling social, humanitarian and cultural issues, on Tuesday.
UN human rights report shows rise in reprisals against activists, victims
New York: Cases of intimidation and retaliation against victims, civil society and activists who cooperate with the United Nations are on the rise, a new report from the UN Human Rights Office reveals.