Report details bleak human rights situation in Ukraine nearly three years into Russian invasion

Covering the period of September to November 2024, the report describes intensified Russian attacks on populated areas, deliberate strikes on energy infrastructure, and efforts to restrict fundamental rights. “Behind each of the facts and figures in this report are stories of loss and human suffering, showing the devastating impact of the war across Ukraine,” said … Read moreReport details bleak human rights situation in Ukraine nearly three years into Russian invasion

UK bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda ‘undercuts human rights’: UN rights chief

“You cannot legislate facts out of existence,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, calling on the UK Government to reconsider the bill in light of recent reports raising a range of concerns. “It is deeply concerning to carve out one group of people, or people in one particular situation, from the equal protection … Read moreUK bill to send asylum seekers to Rwanda ‘undercuts human rights’: UN rights chief

Russians not collectively to blame for Ukraine war: Human rights expert

In a recent interview conducted with UN News, she emphasised the significance of her report and its purpose, holding to account one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council. “It is unique that for the first time” one of the ‘P5’ permanent members of the Security Council has been subject to monitoring … Read moreRussians not collectively to blame for Ukraine war: Human rights expert

Human rights in Russia: ‘Significant deterioration’

The UN’s Special Rapporteur for Russia, Mariana Katzarova, sounded the alarm on what she says is a pattern of suppression of civil and political rights there.  Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ms. Katzarova voiced grave concerns over mass arbitrary arrests and the “persistent use of torture and ill-treatment.” Clear evidence Citing almost 200 … Read moreHuman rights in Russia: ‘Significant deterioration’

UK Bill ‘significantly erodes’ human rights and refugee protections, UN agencies warn

Concerns over legislation The Illegal Immigration Bill eliminates access to asylum for anyone who arrives “irregularly” in the UK, meaning they passed through a country – however briefly – where they did not face persecution.   The bill bars migrants from presenting refugee protection or other human rights claims, regardless of their circumstances. It has … Read moreUK Bill ‘significantly erodes’ human rights and refugee protections, UN agencies warn

Human rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations: OHCHR

“The international armed conflict has led to a wide range of human rights violations affecting both civilians and combatants”, the executive summary states, adding that the Office has “verified numerous allegations of arbitrary deprivation of life, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance, torture and ill-treatment, and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).” During the reporting period, a total of 5,987 civilian … Read moreHuman rights in Ukraine still ‘dire’ amid wide-ranging violations: OHCHR

Human Rights Council: Russia responsible for ‘widespread death and destruction’ in Ukraine

Speaking only days since a large majority of the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, the UN chief stressed that Russia’s decision to go to war against its neighbour on 24 February 2022 had unleashed “widespread death, destruction and displacement”. Also present at the opening … Read moreHuman Rights Council: Russia responsible for ‘widespread death and destruction’ in Ukraine

Systemic racism within UK criminal justice system a serious concern: UN human rights experts

“We have serious concerns about impunity and the failure to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system, deaths in police custody, ‘joint enterprise’ convictions, and the dehumanising nature”, of the so-called ‘stop and search’ policing strategy, the UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent said in a statement at the end of an official … Read moreSystemic racism within UK criminal justice system a serious concern: UN human rights experts

Closure of Moscow Helsinki Group, ‘yet another blow to human rights’ in Russia: OHCHR

Maria Hurtado said in a statement that the judgement was just the latest “in a series of actions against civil society”, journalists, other media and opposition groups and human rights defenders. MHG was founded in 1976 by well-known dissidents and reported on human rights violations in the former Soviet Union (USSR) and later the Russian … Read moreClosure of Moscow Helsinki Group, ‘yet another blow to human rights’ in Russia: OHCHR

Ukraine: ‘Humanitarian and human rights catastrophe’ continues, Security Council hears

Rosemary DiCarlo reiterated the view of the Secretary-General, in reminding that Russia’s invasion of 24 February, was a violation of the UN Charter and international law. “It has created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatized a generation of children, and accelerated the global food and energy crises”, she told ambassadors. “And yet, this grave … Read moreUkraine: ‘Humanitarian and human rights catastrophe’ continues, Security Council hears