GENEVA – Speaking ahead of Human Rights Day on Saturday 10 December, the largest body of independent experts of the United Nations Human Rights system* urges all Governments around the world to stand up for human rights. “The greatest achievement of the international community since the end of World War II has been the construction of an international human rights system based upon the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which was adopted 68 years ago. Since that time, enormous strides have been made in establishing universal standards, encouraging the very widespread domestic adoption of those standards, and in effectively defending the rights of groups and individuals who are under threat in their own societies. But today, a chill wind is blowing through much of the world and the very notion of human rights is under increasing attack. So-called populist movements are invoking nationalism and traditionalism to justify racist, xenophobic, sexist, homophobic and other forms of blatant discrimination, taking advantage also of the difficulties of the current economic climate. Hate speech aiming to incite violence, hostility, and discrimination is dramatically on the rise, as is violence against women, children, ethnic, religious or belief groups, persons with disabilities, sexual minorities,... Continue reading →
Statement by Special Procedures mandate holders* of the Human Rights Council in advance of the World Humanitarian Summit GENEVA/ISTANBUL – We, a group of concerned Special Procedures mandate holders of the United Nations Human Rights Council urge all participants to ensure that human rights are prominent in the discussions at the World Humanitarian Summit and integrated into all aspects of the conference. They should be reflected fully in the outcomes, targets, and high level national commitments aimed at better protecting and meeting the needs of all those affected by conflict, disaster and displacement - some of the world’s most vulnerable people. The Summit, a landmark international event taking place in Istanbul on 23 and 24 May 2016, offers a unique and timely opportunity to address major global humanitarian challenges, devise new and collaborative approaches to humanitarian action, and forge essential national commitments to improve responses. Among the outcomes of the Summit should be greater attention to human rights by all national and international actors during all phases: from prevention and preparedness, to emergency response and recovery, and helping to shape essential peace-building, justice and development measures aimed at mitigating against future humanitarian crises. A... Continue reading →
