calls

Rights chief calls on Georgian authorities to protect basic freedoms

The legitimate protests were dispersed using disproportionate and, in some cases, unnecessary force by the police in the capital, Tbilisi, according to the statement from High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Dozens of protesters and media workers were reportedly injured during the demonstrations sparked by a prime ministerial announcement postponing negotiations on joining the … Read moreRights chief calls on Georgian authorities to protect basic freedoms

SECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Ukraine President set to brief, as UN chief calls for ‘just peace’

The UN Security Council is due to be briefed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zellenskyy in New York on Tuesday as he seeks support for a new “victory plan” from world leaders. Earlier, the UN Secretary-General told the General Assembly there was no let up in Russia’s full-scale invasion and it’s time now for a just … Read moreSECURITY COUNCIL LIVE: Ukraine President set to brief, as UN chief calls for ‘just peace’

Europe tops the charts for alcohol consumption. WHO calls for urgent action to curb the trend

WHO’s Dr Gauden Galea said that the impacts are far-reaching including domestic violence, accidents and mental health issues. He called on countries to implement effective policies to reduce drinking. How much are Europeans drinking? The numbers tell a sobering story: men in the region drink nearly four times more than women and 470 million people … Read moreEurope tops the charts for alcohol consumption. WHO calls for urgent action to curb the trend

UN rights chief calls for end to war on Ukraine following latest airstrikes

Mr. Türk said these “relentless” attacks were deepening the humanitarian crisis in the country, tearing apart infrastructure, and creating a host of socioeconomic challenges.   Between March and May, 436 civilians were killed and 1,760 injured, High Commissioner Türk said. “These high civilian casualties are largely the result of the ground offensive and aerial attacks, … Read moreUN rights chief calls for end to war on Ukraine following latest airstrikes

General Assembly President calls for solidarity with Ukraine as ‘needless war’ enters a third year

“As we reflect on the two years of anguish and hardship, let us emerge from this place with a resounding message of solidarity and unwavering support to the resilient people of Ukraine,” he said, speaking on the eve of the solemn anniversary.  The Security Council is also set to meet later on Friday on Ukraine, … Read moreGeneral Assembly President calls for solidarity with Ukraine as ‘needless war’ enters a third year

Ukraine: Türk calls on Russia to silence the guns in appeal for ‘a just peace’

Since the onset of the invasion the UN human rights office (OHCHR) has meticulously monitored the situation. As of December 4, there have been over 10,000 civilian deaths, including 560 children, with an additional 18,500 civilians confirmed injured, with actual figures believed to be much higher due to the difficulties of verifying figures. “I feel … Read moreUkraine: Türk calls on Russia to silence the guns in appeal for ‘a just peace’

During visit to Greece, UN official calls for enhanced refugee protection

During the visit, Ms. Triggs mentioned that one of the worst shipwrecks in the Mediterranean happened just over a month ago.  Protecting refugee rights  “The Pylos tragedy and the other devastating tragedies in the Mediterranean underscore the primacy of saving lives and protecting the rights of people forced to flee. This was my message to … Read moreDuring visit to Greece, UN official calls for enhanced refugee protection

Türk calls for respect as rights council urgently debates Quran burnings

Addressing the Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk noted that the tome was the “core of faith” for well over one billion Muslims. Those who had burned the Quran most likely did so “to express contempt and inflame anger”, Mr. Türk said, as he warned that these acts also aimed … Read moreTürk calls for respect as rights council urgently debates Quran burnings

Türk appeals to Sudan’s warring generals; calls out ‘dangerous anti-rights tendencies’ worldwide

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk appealed to the leaders of the Sudanese Armed Forces and of the Rapid Support Forces, locked in conflict since 15 April, to “issue clear instructions” to those under their command that sexual violence will not be tolerated, and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable. Mr. … Read moreTürk appeals to Sudan’s warring generals; calls out ‘dangerous anti-rights tendencies’ worldwide

Rights office calls on Russia and Ukraine to observe rules of war, after alleged POW executions

If confirmed, the actions would breach the rules of war, and could amount to a war crime. In a briefing on Tuesday in Geneva, OHCHR Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani pointed to audio that emerged on Sunday on several Telegram channels, which urged combatants not to bother taking POWs, or to summarily execute those captured. Take no … Read moreRights office calls on Russia and Ukraine to observe rules of war, after alleged POW executions