Rights

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

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

UN rights office urges Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid as winter sets in

Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said massive missile and drone attacks on the power network this week have heightened serious concerns about the plight of civilians facing a winter of hardship and misery.   Russia launched missile and long-range drone strikes on Thursday, which reportedly caused damage in at least 13 regions, in addition to the capital city, … Read moreUN rights office urges Russia to cease attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid as winter sets in

Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system risks nuclear disaster: rights experts

 Their warning comes amid growing international concern about the vulnerability of Ukraine’s nuclear facilities which rely on a stable power grid to maintain critical safety systems.  “The latest large-scale Russian missile attack on Ukraine’s electricity system has led to further significant damage to electric substations that are essential to the operation of Ukraine’s nuclear power … Read moreRussian strikes on Ukraine’s energy system risks nuclear disaster: rights experts

Rights expert demands release of Russian doctor jailed for anti-war views

Dr. Nadezhda Buyanova was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison for allegedly making anti-war remarks concerning Russian troops fighting in Ukraine, during a private medical consultation. “It is appalling to sentence a doctor for unproven private comment in the course of her professional duties,” said Mariana Katzarova, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human … Read moreRights expert demands release of Russian doctor jailed for anti-war views

UN rights chief warns of ‘widespread and systematic’ torture of Ukrainian POWs

In a briefing to the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday, UN rights chief Volker Türk highlighted the widespread devastation and violations of international law that have defined the conflict. He noted that July 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022, with a sharp rise in casualties due to large-scale Russian attacks … Read moreUN rights chief warns of ‘widespread and systematic’ torture of Ukrainian POWs

Rights experts reveal impact of Poland’s restrictive abortion laws on women

These restrictive laws have forced many women to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, travel abroad to have legal abortions or seek private unsafe procedures, based on information from the UN human rights office (OHCHR). The report from the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) published on Monday, found that most abortions … Read moreRights experts reveal impact of Poland’s restrictive abortion laws on women

Rights experts urge United Kingdom to curb hate speech

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racism (CERD) voiced concern over persistent hate crimes, hate speech and xenophobic incidents on various platforms, including by politicians and public figures. It was particularly concerned about recurring racist acts and violence by extremist far-right and white supremacist individuals and groups targeting ethnic and ethno-religious minorities, migrants, refugees … Read moreRights experts urge United Kingdom to curb hate speech

US-Russia prisoner swap ‘an unprecedented diplomatic act’, rights expert says

More than 20 people were released, including journalists and dissidents. Among them were American Evan Gershkovich, a reporter with the Wall Street Journal;  Alsu Kurmasheva a Radio Liberty journalist who holds US citizenship, and recent Pulitzer Prize winner Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian-British activist and journalist, who were all freed from Russian prisons. The UN Special … Read moreUS-Russia prisoner swap ‘an unprecedented diplomatic act’, rights expert says

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