international

Russia: UN rights chief denounces outlawing of ‘the international LGBT movement’

Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday upheld a claim by the Ministry of Justice that the so-called “international LGBT movement” was committing acts of “an extremist nature” and “inciting social and religious discord”, in violation of the country’s law on countering extremism.  Any organisation designated as extremist faces immediate dissolution, and its leaders could receive up … Read moreRussia: UN rights chief denounces outlawing of ‘the international LGBT movement’

International Criminal Court: Russia urged to withdraw arrest warrants for judges

“We share the concerns expressed on Tuesday by the Presidency of the ICC’s Assembly of States Parties that these actions are unacceptable, and we call for them to be promptly withdrawn,” said Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, speaking in Geneva. Last month, Russia issued arrest warrants against the President, deputy and one of the judges at the … Read moreInternational Criminal Court: Russia urged to withdraw arrest warrants for judges

Ukraine: War ‘weakening’ international security, political affairs chief warns

“The war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, traumatized a generation of children, and accelerated the global food and energy crises,” said Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs. “We cannot discount further dangerous knock-on effects,” she cautioned, citing urgent concerns, from rising death tolls to nuclear threats. Worsening conditions The impact … Read moreUkraine: War ‘weakening’ international security, political affairs chief warns

International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice

“United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the Day. He called for continued support for these men and women, who help countries to transition from war to peace. Hope and help “They are also critical to the protection of … Read moreInternational Day of UN Peacekeepers honours 75 years of service and sacrifice

Russia: International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Putin

“The contents of the warrants are secret to protect the victims,” said ICC President Piotr Hofmański. “Nevertheless, the judges decided to make the existence of the warrants public, in the interest of justice and to prevent future crimes.” The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber II also issued a warrant for the arrest of Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s … Read moreRussia: International Criminal Court issues arrest warrant for Putin

New UK asylum bill would be in ‘clear breach’ of international law: UNHCR

If adopted, the new bill would deny the right to seek refugee protection to people arriving irregularly in the UK, such as those risking their lives to cross the English Channel in small boats. Instead, these asylum-seekers would face detention and deportation, without having their individual circumstances examined. “This would be a clear breach of … Read moreNew UK asylum bill would be in ‘clear breach’ of international law: UNHCR

UN experts laud International Olympic Committee for considering admission of Russian, Belarusian athletes

Against the backdrop of the ongoing and deadly Russian invasion of Ukraine, the experts urged the IOC to adopt a decision in that direction, and to go further.  Level playing field needed  Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights and Ashwini K.P., Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia … Read moreUN experts laud International Olympic Committee for considering admission of Russian, Belarusian athletes

Ukraine: Missile strikes, summary executions highlight importance of international law

“Millions are being plunged into extreme hardship and appalling conditions of life by these strikes”, he said. “Taken as a whole, this raises serious problems under international humanitarian law, which requires a concrete and direct military advantage for each object attacked”. Racking up casualties According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), … Read moreUkraine: Missile strikes, summary executions highlight importance of international law