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Shafaq News
4 days ago
- Business
- Shafaq News
Christian Alliance in Iraq protests government's salary freeze
Shafaq News/ The Christian Alliance of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region filed a formal complaint against the federal government and the Ministry of Finance, protesting the suspension of salary payments for 1.2 million Kurdish civil servants. The alliance submitted the complaint to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights, describing the decision to halt funding as a 'flagrant violation of basic human rights and constitutional guarantees' that threatens the livelihoods of thousands. 'This is not about numbers and accounts—it's about human lives and dignity,' said Ano Jawhar Abdoka, the alliance's Secretary-General. 'When people's livelihoods are used as political leverage, we enter a dangerous ethical decline that no responsible state should tolerate.' The complaint cites multiple articles of the Iraqi constitution, including Article 30 (guaranteeing a decent standard of living), Article 31 (ensuring health care), and Article 14 (equality and non-discrimination). It also argues that the decision violates Iraq's 2023 federal budget law and international human rights treaties such as the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The alliance urged the High Commission to open an investigation into the decision's humanitarian consequences and issue recommendations to halt the suspension. It called for the submission of a report to the United Nations and other international bodies, and for immediate legal measures to ensure the protection of employees' salaries. The Christian community in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region numbers around 250,000 people, down from 1.5 million before 2003, according to estimates by church leaders and international organizations. They are spread across Nineveh, Erbil, Duhok, and other areas, and many have faced repeated displacement due to conflict and instability. The salary freeze comes amid a broader financial dispute between Baghdad and Erbil, fueled by disagreements over oil revenue sharing and constitutional interpretations. Tensions have escalated further after the KRG signed two massive energy deals with American companies worth over $110B, prompting Baghdad to accuse Erbil of 'exceeding its constitutional powers.'
The Herald Scotland
24-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
SNP to 'end hunger and homelessness' in human rights bill
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) investigated the situation around economic, social and cultural rights in Argyll and Bute, Hebrides, Highlands, Moray and Northern Isles last year and found that people in these areas faced challenges in accessing basic needs such as health, housing and food. It said it had gathered evidence of difficulties caused by a shortage of affordable housing, centralisation of health services, fuel poverty and unreliable public transport. Ms Stewart set out what the Scottish Government planned to do to address the situation in correspondence to Professor Angela O'Hagan, chair of the SHRC, and the convenes of Holyrood's equalities committee and rural affairs committee sent earlier this week. READ MORE: Sex workers launch campaign to oppose 'dangerous' new law proposed by Ash Regan What is the Nordic Model? The proposals to criminalise 'buyers' of sex 'The SNP are terrified': 'Reform can win by-election - and take power in Holyrood' She said ministers were "committed to bringing forward a Human Rights Bill in the next Parliamentary session, subject to the 2026 Scottish Parliament election". She added: "Proposals for the Bill seek to incorporate the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), along with three other treaties, into Scots law within the limits of devolved competence. "ICESCR includes the right to health, the right to an adequate standard of living (including food and housing), and the right to cultural life, amongst other rights. 'Economic, social, and cultural rights need legal protection. A strong legal framework is required, which the Scottish Government's proposed Scottish Human Rights Bill may address if introduced. Complaint mechanisms must also be improved to ensure they are accessible, affordable, timely, and effective.' The SHRC's report raised concerns over human rights in the Highlands and Islands (Image: Getty Images) The SHRC said in its report that "urgent action is needed to eradicate rooflessness and hunger in the Highlands and Islands" and called for universal access to affordable, acceptable, and quality sexual and reproductive health services to be prioritised and properly funded. Ms Stewart responded: "We agree that rights to food, housing and health are of vital importance to everyone across Scotland and are committed to taking action now to advance these fundamental entitlements." The minister also went on to say a new National Islands Plan would be published separately this year setting out how the government would improve the lives of people on island communities. The SHRC said it carried out its research on human right in the Highlands as it did not understand issues affecting rural and island communities as well as it did those in central Scotland. The commission interviewed community leaders, campaigners, development trusts, teachers, crofters, lawyers, health workers and MSPs. Its findings included that people in Orkney were turning down job offers because they could not find a suitable home, and that victims of abuse there were unable to find accommodation away from alleged offenders. The report also found that the centralisation of health services was leading to 14,000 patients a year from Caithness and Sutherland travelling to Inverness for care, including expectant mothers to give birth. It also revealed that in the Western Isles parents and carers of children and adults with learning disabilities were travelling up to 500 miles weekly to access educational services. A further finding highlights a lack of public transport in Skye and a road infrastructure there that had remained unchanged for the past 20 years despite an increase in visitors. Human Rights were devolved to Holyrood by the Scotland Act 1998. The SHRC said across all rights examined it found not a single human right that met all the conditions of adequacy under international law. It made a number of recommendations to the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government, including that urgent action should be taken to tackle homelessness, hunger and access to sexual and reproductive health services. Publishing the report in November last year Professor O'Hagan said the commission was very concerned about the poor state of economic, social and cultural rights. She said: "Too many people in Highland and Islands are hungry, homeless, without access to healthcare, and the basics for everyday life. "With this work, we are piloting a new way of monitoring, one that brings the commission closer to communities and enhances their voices and struggles. "While we continue to develop this way of working, we expect that all duty-bearers will reflect carefully on the evidence found in this report, and the action now required from them to meet their human rights obligations."
Scoop
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN High Commissioner For Human Rights Volker Türk Concludes Official Visit To Serbia
Belgrade, 21 May 2025 Dobar dan, And thank you all for coming. My visit to Serbia is part of a long and solid cooperation between the UN Human Rights Office and the country. I am grateful to the Government for having facilitated this visit, and for the important meetings yesterday and today with the authorities, with parliamentarians, with independent institutions, civil society, university students and other partners. I appreciate the Government's engagement with my Office and with UN human rights mechanisms. Serbia has ratified almost all international human rights treaties and recently acceded to the Optional Protocol of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. I also welcome the adoption by the Government of the Leave No One Behind guidance tool that is meant to influence legislative and policy processes. But it is also very important to move forward and to guarantee a meaningful participation of all relevant stakeholders in the legislative processes. The national human rights mechanisms and the independence of the judiciary also need to be strengthened. For more than six months, Serbia has been witnessing a wave of protests mainly led by students, calling for transparency and accountability for the tragic incident at Novi Sad's railway station on 1 November of last year. The students' demands also include fighting corruption, the release of those who were detained for taking part in peaceful protests, accountability for attacks against demonstrators, and an increase in the budget for higher education. Today at the University of Belgrade, I had a chance to meet with students and their professors. I was impressed by the energy and by the enthusiasm of these young people. They have expressed a strong desire to me for a free and democratic society, and a thirst for human rights. Their voices need to be heard and respected. Societies thrive when there is an open, free and inclusive space for dialogue, where challenges can be discussed safely, when divergent opinions can be expressed freely, when criticism can be expressed without fear of reprisals, and when the vilification of critical voices is consigned to the past. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are fundamental to society – particularly when there is sharp disagreement on major issues. A solution needs to be found so that the exercise of these freedoms is not pitted against the right to education. During my visit, I was struck by the level of profound polarisation and division within society, and by the lack of trust in State institutions and political actors. This highlights the need for the renewal of the social contract. Trust can only be gained through confidence-building measures, an open mind, and a self-critical reflection by everyone. I have urged the Government to ensure transparency and carry out prompt and thorough investigations into the Novi Sad tragedy, as well as into all allegations of violence against peaceful protesters. I have also expressed the readiness of my Office to carry out a fact-finding mission into the incidents surrounding the demonstration on 15 March. Nonetheless, it is encouraging to see that the recent protests have been mostly peaceful. My Office has received reports of raids, verbal attacks, harassment, intimidation, arbitrary arrests, threats and smear campaigns directed against human rights defenders and media workers. We have also received reports about unlawful digital surveillance and lawsuits being used to intimidate, with a chilling effect. These are obviously concerns that need to be taken seriously and addressed. I am concerned about a rise in hate speech, both online and in traditional media outlets. Women, Roma and other communities, as well as LGBTIQ+ people and journalists, are particularly targeted. And sometimes, even politicians and high-level officials engage in hateful rhetoric. Vilifying and stigmatising those who exercise their human rights and defend them can only lead to deeper polarisation and fear. It is crucial to address the root causes of discrimination and marginalisation against all ethnic and national minorities. The Roma community still suffers from high poverty rates, exclusion, and limited access to healthcare, education, employment and basic services. This is unfortunately a phenomenon we see in many countries in Europe. Existing anti-discrimination policies need to be reinforced, with systematic collection of disaggregated data to help monitor and combat discrimination. Gender backlash is a global phenomenon, which also manifests itself in Serbia. It is expressed through the recent suspension of the gender equality law, misogynistic narratives and attacks, notably against women in the public sphere, as well as gender-based violence, including femicide. People with disabilities also suffer from discrimination. Their rights need to be guaranteed, both in laws and in their application. Serbia is part of a region that has suffered greatly as a result of war and conflict. Serbians have shown willingness to advance and rebuild a nation based on equality and human rights. Transitional justice is an important pillar in this process. More is needed in this regard. Accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law committed during the 1990s remains a major challenge. A number of criminal cases are still under investigation, with limited and often slow judicial proceedings. Most convictions involve low-ranking officials, while cross-border judicial cooperation and information sharing are still weak. Serbia also lacks a legal framework to recognise the status of missing people and the rights of their families. And victims' access to justice and reparations remains inadequate. Memorialisation is an essential part of the healing process. The denial of war crimes and glorification of war criminals are the opposite. Without genuine transitional justice, including truth and reconciliation, wounds of the past will remain open. I also had discussions with the authorities regarding the human rights situation in Kosovo, particularly with respect to non-majority communities. I am aware of the situation, and my Office will continue to work on it. I am committed to follow up personally. During the visit, I was touched by the resilience of people I met, as well as their desire and willingness to advance human rights in the country. They have my full solidarity and support. Thank you.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Illegal mining in Panchkula villages: HHRC takes suo motu cognizance, asks for action taken report
Taking suo motu cognisance of media reports on alleged illegal mining, unauthorised stone crushers and brick kilns operating in several Panchkula villages — Khedawali, Baadh, Lehi and Thane ki Ser — the Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has sought a status report. The HHRC has sought a 'status report on action taken to control these activities; assessment of environmental damage including deforestation, groundwater depletion and pollution; details of actions taken against violators including penalties and criminal cases lodged; and proposals for stricter monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, technological interventions and enhanced patrolling'. In it's order dated April 25, HHRC condemned failure of the state authorities to control illegal mining and unregulated industrial operations terming it a case of 'grave administrative negligence' warranting 'immediate intervention'. 'These unregulated activities have led to severe environmental degradation, causing air, water, and soil pollution. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are reportedly suffering from respiratory and eye-related ailments, while the destruction of agricultural land is threatening villagers' right to livelihood,' the commission said. 'According to the commission, the situation reflects serious human rights violations and environmental harm, specifically — Air, water, and soil pollution — caused by illegal mining and unregulated industrial units; Damage to public roads due to overloaded dumpers, posing serious risks to commuters; Severe dust pollution resulting in health hazards, particularly affecting vulnerable groups; Destruction of fertile agricultural land, negatively impacting livelihoods; and Persistent inaction and negligence by concerned authorities despite public complaints and protests', HHRC found. The commission bench, comprising chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia noted that 'these conditions amount to violations of fundamental rights enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, health, livelihood, and dignity'. The commission also stated that 'these actions breach international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights'. The commission also found the alleged irregular activities in violation of several statutory provisions of The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957; The Haryana Minor Mineral Concession, Stocking, Transportation of Minerals and Prevention of Illegal Mining Rules, 2012; The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981; and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Indian Forest Act, 1927, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980; and notification dated May 11, 2016, issued by the Environment Department, Government of Haryana' that mandates 'a minimum distance of 1.0 km for the siting of stone crushers from the nearest village boundary (Phirni or Lal Dora)'. Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations officer of the commission, said, 'The Commission will monitor the entire case to ensure that all concerned departments fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding public health, environment, and human rights. The Commission has sought compliance reports from the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forests & Wildlife, Government of Haryana; Director General, Department of Mines and Geology; Chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF); Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula; Commissioner of Police, Panchkula; and Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula. All the aforementioned departments have been directed to ensure the personal appearance of authorized representatives along with their respective reports on the next date of hearing – May 28, 2025.'
Indian Express
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Illegal mining in Panchkula: Haryana rights panel seeks action-taken report from govt
The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) on Friday pulled up the state authorities for its failure to control illegal mining in several villages in Panchkula and unregulated industrial operations, terming it a case of 'grave administrative negligence' warranting 'immediate intervention'. The rights panel took suo motu cognizance of media reports related to alleged illegal mining and unauthorised stone crushers and brick kilns operating in the villages of Khedawali, Baadh, Lehi and Thane ki Ser. It held that the situation reflects serious human rights violations and environmental harm, specifically air, water, and soil pollution. It noted the irregularities caused damage to public roads due to overloaded dumpers, posing serious risks to commuters; severe dust pollution, destruction of agricultural land, negatively impacting livelihoods. It has sought a status report on the irregularities in the villages and action taken to control these activities. The report should include the 'assessment of environmental damage, including deforestation, groundwater depletion and pollution; details of action taken against violators including penalties and criminal cases lodged; and proposals for stricter monitoring, enforcement mechanisms, technological interventions and enhanced patrolling'. HHRC stated that unregulated activities have led to severe environmental degradation, causing air, water, and soil pollution. 'Children, the elderly and pregnant women are reportedly suffering from respiratory and eye-related ailments, while the destruction of agricultural land is threatening villagers' right to livelihood,' the Commission opined. The Full Bench of the Commission, comprising chairperson Justice Lalit Batra and members Kuldip Jain and Deep Bhatia noted that 'these conditions amount to violations of fundamental rights enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution, including the right to life, health, livelihood, and dignity'. It took strong exception to persistent inaction and negligence by authorities concerned despite public complaints and protests. The Commission also stated that 'these actions breach international human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights'. Dr Puneet Arora, Protocol, Information & Public Relations Officer of the Commission, stated, 'the Commission will monitor the entire case to ensure that all concerned departments fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding public health, environment, and human rights'. The Commission has sought compliance reports from the additional chief secretary, Department of Environment, Forests & Wildlife; director-general, Department of Mines and Geology; chairman, Haryana State Pollution Control Board; principal chief conservator of forests (HoFF); deputy commissioner, Panchkula; commissioner of police, Panchkula; and regional officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, Panchkula.
