United Nations Human Rights

United Nations Human Rights report details a significant increase in civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure as a result of #Russia’s full-scale invasion of #Ukraine. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ebf7EMAe

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk implores all States, including Members of the Security Council, to act resolutely to prevent a wider conflict in the #MiddleEast with potentially devastating consequences for civilians. It is vital that they use their voices and influence to bring the warring parties to the negotiation table to end this. We appeal to reason. Peace must prevail.

Today, I had the great honor of addressing the Austrian Constitutional Court , where I advocated for understanding fundamental rights explicitly as human rights and interpreting them accordingly in a protective manner. As I emphasized in my address: Fundamental rights are not newly created by a democratic majority, but pre-exist the state as human rights. They are innate rights, self-evident through reason, as our Civil Code so beautifully states. Fundamental rights, as human rights, must be fully protected even when their protection may be unpopular and does not align with the majority’s will. This is why the majority is not always right simply because it is the majority, as Adamovich emphasized. In a constitutional democracy, the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights must stand equally side by side. Upholding these principles is essential to ensuring the long-term integrity of any democracy. We must be vigilant against the dangers posed by demagogic politics, baseless conspiracy theories, targeted disinformation, and political indifference, which can erode democracy and the rule of law from within. I am also deeply concerned about attempts to undermine regional human rights courts, which are fundamental pillars of the international human rights architecture and an effective protection system. These courts play a crucial role in protecting our collective humanity. History reminds us of the grave consequences when human rights are neglected: The Second World War, the Holocaust, and the many other atrocities of that time were an absolute failure for humanity and the most fundamental denial of our collective humanity. They made a business as usual for the continent - and the world - impossible and created space for a global constitutional moment. Such moments urge us to learn from the past to safeguard the future. In times of war, human rights face heightened risks. As I fulfill my responsibilities, it is crucial for me to independently and impartially address problems on all sides, regardless of how powerful or influential the responsible warring party may be. Upholding human rights during conflict is vital, as no side should be exempt from scrutiny. Full speech (in German): https://lnkd.in/ebC8yhkx

We are gravely concerned by widening hostilities in the Middle East and fear that a large-scale invasion by #Israel into #Lebanon would only result in greater suffering. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk urges all parties to end the current path of destruction and ensure accountability. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ezQrZmfp

Every year, the UN reports on the intimidation and reprisals faced by those who cooperate or are perceived to cooperate with us – it’s the annual report of the Secretary-General on intimidation and reprisals for cooperation with the UN, presented by Assistant Secretary General Ilze Brands Kehris today to the Human Rights Council. This year’s report shows that growing restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms, coupled with increased surveillance, are shrinking civic space globally and fuelling fears of reprisals. In fact, some cases and countries couldn’t even be included in this report because the victims felt the risks were too high. The findings are disturbing. Victims, Human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, activists and others have faced reprisals and serious related human rights violations and abuses such as enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture, and even killings for their work. Women, Indigenous Peoples, and young people are especially at risk. For the first time, we’ve documented reprisals against young people due to their engagement with the UN, with at least 20 cases affecting both young men and women. To deliver on its mandate of maintaining international peace and security, the UN needs and relies on the voices and the cooperation of the peoples it serves. Zero tolerance, awareness and prevention continue to be the best response to intimidation and reprisals. We, and the whole UN system are determined to continue addressing the issue firmly and swiftly, including through the Agenda for Protection, which was co-launched by the Secretary-General and the High Commissioner. Read the ASG’s presentation: https://lnkd.in/drHzmCC8 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/d-hb3R2Y

Tackling insecurity in #Haiti, where hundreds have been killed, injured, or displaced as a result of gang violence, must be the utmost priority. No more lives should be lost to this senseless criminality - UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on the United Nations Human Rights report. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eCmMFqRz

#Sudan: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk alarmed over the intensified fighting and growing horrific death toll of civilians in El Fasher. The fighting must stop at once. The international community must take necessary steps to protect civilians and to ensure respect for international law by all parties. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHVBVyj2

Access to contraception across the world remains unequal. While 77.5% of women have their family planning needs met, millions are left behind, especially in regions where essential services remain limited. Across 68 countries, 44% of partnered women still can’t make their own decisions about contraception or reproductive healthcare. This World Contraception Day, we call for equal access to effective and affordable contraception as well as comprehensive sexuality education. Changing mindsets can change and save lives. Every woman and girl is entitled with the right to make informed decisions about her body and her future.

Afghanistan’s recent morality law makes women even more invisible in the country, it means that half of its population is not able to contribute to the development. If you involve women as part of the negotiation team, you actually have a success rate for the conflicts to be resolved at a much higher level – UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk at the United Nations Summit of the Future #OurCommonFuture

The crisis in #Myanmar continues to sink into an abyss of human suffering. The military must comply with its obligations under international law, release all arbitrarily detained and return the country to the stable and democratic path its people deserve. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eKKs5Ymz