Latest news with #UNHumanRights
Scoop
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Türk Appeals For End To Daily Killing And Destruction In Ukraine
GENEVA (26 May 2025) – The killing and injuring of dozens of civilians over the weekend, mainly in attacks launched by Russian armed forces, underscores the urgent need to end the conflict in Ukraine and to commit to the steps necessary to achieve a lasting peace, in line with international law, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said today. Since Friday, nightly Russian attacks with record numbers of long-range missiles and drones have killed and injured civilians across Ukraine. According to information gathered by the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), at least 14 civilians, including three children, were reportedly killed and 88, including 11 children, injured. The majority of those killed and injured were in major cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolaiv, or in populated areas in other regions. Large numbers of long-range drones launched into the Russian Federation by Ukrainian armed forces injured at least 11 civilians over the weekend, according to Russian authorities. 'It is time to put an end to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, to commit to - and implement - a comprehensive ceasefire that stops the daily killing and destruction, and to start genuine peace negotiations, built on respect for international law,' said Türk. 'To achieve a sustainable solution, it is imperative to put people and their human rights first. The needs and rights of those most affected by the conflict, including prisoners of war (POWs), civilian detainees, deported and forcibly transferred children, the displaced and those living in occupied territory of Ukraine, must be at the centre of the discussions around peace,' the High Commissioner said. In recent days, 880 prisoners of war and 120 civilians from each side have been exchanged. Most of the civilians appeared to have been detainees, but details on individuals included in the exchange are not yet available. 'Many families can now breathe a sigh of relief because their loved ones have finally returned home. But at the same time, other families have lost relatives and their homes, as their communities across Ukraine came under attack,' Türk said. The High Commissioner highlighted that, even amid ongoing hostilities, people deprived of their liberty must be protected. Summary executions, torture and all forms of inhumane and degrading treatment of prisoners are always prohibited, in any circumstances, and must stop immediately. In addition, he stressed that civilian detainees should be released as soon as the lawful reason for their detention ceases to exist, and their protection against refoulement must be ensured. Practical measures to strengthen the protection of POWs and civilian detainees include enabling regular correspondence with their families, establishing Mixed Medical Commissions to visit and assess the health of POWs, and granting and improving the access of independent monitors, including the UN Human Rights Office, to places of internment and detention. Background: The UN Human Rights Office has monitored and reported on the human rights situation in Ukraine since 2014. It has in total interviewed more than 1,700 current and former POWs and civilian detainees on both sides. The Office has verified that at least 13,134 civilians have been killed and 31,867 injured since the Russian federation launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
Scoop
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Myanmar: UN Report Maps Pathway To Fulfil Aspirations For Peace, Inclusivity And Democracy
GENEVA (26 May 2025) – In the face of years of suffering and abuse, the vast majority of the people of Myanmar are united in their defiance of military authoritarianism and violence, a report by the UN Human Rights Office finds, calling for renewed international resolve to end the military's stranglehold on power and to support the democratic aspirations of the Myanmar people. 'Ever since the military disrupted Myanmar's democratic path in 2021, the country has endured an increasingly catastrophic human rights crisis marked by unabated violence and atrocities that have affected every single aspect of life,' said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk. 'Over the past months, my Office has consulted with Myanmar people across all ethnic communities, sectors and demographics, particularly listening to the voices of young people, on their vision for the future,' the High Commissioner said. 'They have been united in one message: they don't want to be ruled by guns, but, rather, yearn for a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society.' Due to be presented to the Human Rights Council on 1 July 2025, the report underscores the importance of tackling the root causes of the crisis, including unchecked political and economic power concentrated in the military's hands, generalised impunity, instrumentalization of laws and institutions to serve military interests, and an overall system of governance based on structural racial discrimination, exclusion anddivision. It identifies four key areas to the path forward: accountability, good governance, sustainable development and the actions of international and regional stakeholders. The report also identifies the 'constituents for change' -- namely women, youth, civil society organisations and grassroots networks, pro-democracy actors and the media. The voices in the report call for dismantling military-controlled institutions and economic structures, pointing in particular to the military's domination and exploitation of the economy and natural resources for their own enrichment. Former political prisoners emphasized the role of an instrumentalized judiciary as complicit in human rights violations, with judges viewed as systematically failing to exercise independent authority, convicting individuals on scant evidence of guilt, and sending thousands to jail. Lawyers highlighted that the judicial system has become entirely subordinated to the military, and will need a complete overhaul to regain people's trust. There is also a growing recognition of past human rights violations and abuses, including against minority and other marginalized communities like the Rohingya. Perpetrators from all sides must be brought to justice, according to international standards. The report emphasises the importance of criminal accountability, whether through domestic, international, or hybrid legal systems, as part of a wider set of transitional justice measures. Freeing all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, was consistently indicated as a also being necessary, the report added. Noting achievements made by communities in establishing local institutions and forms of governance, the report highlighted that many areas of the country have begun to build bottom-up democratic structures, often with increased participation of women. It also documented that people who have fled their homes indicated nearly unanimously their intention to return home, whenever safe, and to contribute to the establishment of a just and democratic society. A key practical way to support these individuals in the meantime is the provision of formal longer-term legal status in countries where they have sought refuge and protection, with the possibility to access healthcare, education, and employment. This particularly applies to the Rohingya for whom the pre-conditions of safety, citizenship and rights necessary for any sustainable return still do not exist. Due to deepening food insecurity in Rakhine and drastic cuts to humanitarian aid in Bangladesh, it is imperative that support is maintained and increased, the report states. The ASEAN group of States and other stakeholders should explore options for cross-border assistance to alleviate the suffering of the Rohingya. The Myanmar people, it adds, call for a more effective and decisive approach by the wider international community, including through appropriate targeted sanctions, as well as political engagement with democratic forces and emerging governance structures. 'This report underscores the importance of planning for the day-after, where human rights are the front and centre of the new Myanmar,' Türk said. 'There are strong, resourceful and principled individuals and groups rallying and creating the conditions for an inclusive and democratic future. They are a shining example of hope for a peaceful future.'
United News of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
SC slams 'beautifully crafted story' in Rohingya deportation plea, declines urgent relief
New Delhi, May 16 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Friday declined to stay the deportation of Rohingya refugees, refusing interim relief in a public interest petition that alleged the Indian government forcibly deported 43 Rohingyas including women, children, and critically ill individuals by abandoning them in international waters near Myanmar. A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh expressed strong disbelief in the allegations, calling them vague and unsupported by any credible evidence. "Very beautifully crafted story! What is the material to substantiate your allegations?" Justice Kant remarked during the hearing. Senior Advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the two Rohingya refugees residing in Delhi, contended that the deportees were deceived under the pretext of biometric verification, transported to Port Blair, blindfolded and bound, and then allegedly cast off into the sea, eventually washing ashore in Myanmar. The plea seeks a declaration that the act was unconstitutional and demands the government bring back the deportees, compensate them with Rs 50 lakh each, and cease further deportations. However, the bench refused to be moved, noting that a three-judge bench headed by Justice Kant had already declined similar relief on May 8. "Unless the allegations are supported with some prima facie material, it is difficult for us to sit over an order passed by a larger bench," the bench observed, adding that there was "absolutely no material" to support the sweeping claims. Justice Kant, expressing frustration, said, "Every day you come out with one new story… what is the basis of this? Very beautifully crafted story!" Gonsalves argued, "38 persons deported. Taken to Andaman, dropped in the sea… they are now in a war zone." Justice Kant asked, "Who is the person watching them? Who video-recorded this? Where is the evidence?" When Gonsalves cited a telephonic recording allegedly from Myanmar as proof, Justice Kant asked who verified its authenticity. Gonsalves responded that it came from a deportee's relative, but the Court remained unconvinced: Justice Kant said, "There is a well-known law of evidence in this country… Unless this gentleman had satellite recording…" He further admonished the petitioners for "forum shopping" and relying on unverified information, "Before rushing to Court, collect material. We won't let those sitting outside dictate our sovereignty." Gonsalves attempted to bolster his plea by referring to a UN Human Rights report and the International Court of Justice's ruling that Rohingyas face genocide in Myanmar. He also cited the NHRC v. State of Arunachal Pradesh case, which upheld the right to life for non-citizens. But the bench remained unmoved. Justice Kant said, "There is a serious dispute as to whether Rohingyas are refugees or not. If they don't have the right to stay here, deportation will follow the law." He further stated, "Place these reports on record… All these people who are sitting outside cannot challenge our sovereignty." The PIL alleged that deported individuals, some as young as 15 and others as old as 66, were held in Delhi police stations before being transferred to the Inderlok Detention Centre, flown to Port Blair, and then forced onto naval ships. According to the petition, families were split apart, minors separated from mothers, and the detainees asked if they wished to be sent to Myanmar or Indonesia. Authorities then allegedly abandoned them at sea, falsely claiming someone would escort them to Indonesia, only for the refugees to discover they had reached Myanmar. Besides seeking the return and release of the deportees, the petition asks the Court to bar the arrest of Rohingyas holding UNHCR cards, ensure humane treatment, and reinstate residency permits. Refusing to grant an urgent stay, the Court posted the matter for hearing on July 31, 2025, along with pending Rohingya-related pleas. Justice Kant advised Gonsalves to approach the three-judge bench already seized of the issue: Justice Kant said, "You are aware the matter was referred to a 3-judge bench. Stay was pressed and declined. Move an application before that bench." In a final attempt, Gonsalves urged the Court to intervene before more lives were lost. Gonsalves argued, "If you don't stay it now, they will land up in the same war zone and be killed." Justice Kant finally said, "Okay, we have heard enough. We have other cases also." /UNI/SNG/ GNK
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
UN Human Rights Chief Raises Human Rights Concerns About Deportations From The United States Of America
The deportation over recent months of large numbers of non-nationals from the United States of America, especially to countries other than those of their origin, raises a number of human rights concerns, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said on Tuesday. According to official US data, between 20 January and 29 April, 142,000 individuals have been deported from the US. In particular, the fate and whereabouts of at least 245 Venezuelans and some 30 Salvadorans removed to El Salvador remain unclear. Many of them were deported under the Alien Enemies Act as alleged members of specific criminal groups. They have reportedly been detained in the maximum-security 'Centre for Terrorism Confinement' (CECOT) in El Salvador, a facility where detainees are treated particularly harshly, without access to legal counsel or their relatives, or other contact with the outside world. The UN Human Rights Office has information from family members and lawyers, regarding more than 100 Venezuelans believed to be held in CECOT. These reports indicate that many of the detainees were not informed of the US Government's intention to deport them to be held in a third country, that many did not have access to a lawyer and that they were effectively unable to challenge the lawfulness of their removal before being flown out of the US. 'This situation raises serious concerns regarding a wide array of rights that are fundamental to both US and international law - rights to due process, to be protected from arbitrary detention, to equality before the law, to be protected from exposure to torture or other irreparable harm in other States, and to an effective remedy,' Türk said. To date, no official lists of the detainees have been published by the US or Salvadoran authorities, while their legal status in El Salvador remains unclear. Many family members interviewed by the UN Human Rights Office voiced deep distress at not knowing where, and in what circumstances, their loved ones are detained. Some only became aware when they recognized their relatives from videos on social media of them in or being taken to CECOT. According to information received, those removed from the US to El Salvador have been unable so far effectively to challenge their detention there. 'Families we have spoken to have expressed a sense of complete powerlessness in the face of what has happened and their pain at seeing their relatives labelled and handled as violent criminals, even terrorists, without any court judgment as to validity of what is claimed against them,' Türk said. 'The manner in which some of the individuals were detained and deported - including the use of shackles on them - as well as the demeaning rhetoric used against migrants, has also been profoundly disturbing.' 'I welcome the essential role that the US judiciary, legal community and civil society are playing to ensure the protection of human rights in this context,' Türk added. 'I have called on the US Government to take the necessary measures to ensure compliance with due process, to give prompt and full effect to the determinations of its courts, to safeguard the rights of children, and to stop the removal of any individual to any country where there is a real risk of torture or other irreparable harm.'
The Independent
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Bangladesh's interim government bans the former ruling party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
The interim government in Bangladesh on Saturday banned all activities of the former ruling Awami League party headed by former influential Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted last year in a mass uprising. Asif Nazrul, the country's law affairs adviser, said late Saturday the interim Cabinet headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus decided to ban the party's activities online and elsewhere under the country's Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban would stay in place until a special tribunal completes a trial of the party and its leaders over the deaths of hundreds of students and other protesters during an anti-government uprising in July and August last year. 'This decision is aimed at ensuring national security and sovereignty, protection of activists of the July movement, and plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings," Nazrul told reporters after a special Cabinet meeting. Nazrul said the meeting Saturday also expanded scope for trying any political parties involving charges of killing during the anti-Hasina protest being handled by the International Crimes Tribunal. He said a government notification regarding the ban would be published soon with details. Hasina and many of her senior party colleagues have been accused of murder in many cases after her ouster last year. Hasina has been in exile in India since Aug. 5 as her official residence was stormed by protesters soon after she left the country. The United Nations human rights office in a report said in February that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during three weeks of anti-Hasina protest. Saturday night's dramatic decision came after thousands of protesters, including supporters of a newly formed political party by students, took to the streets in Dhaka and issued an ultimatum to ban the Awami League party by Saturday night. The student-led uprising ended Hasina's 15 years of rule, and three days after her fall Yunus took the helm as interim leader.
