Latest news with #UNOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights
The Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Escalating violence against Palestinians in West Bank, UN reports
GENEVA: The United Nations human rights office has reported a surge in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with increased killings, attacks, and harassment by Israeli settlers and security forces. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stated, 'Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified their killings, attacks and harassment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the past weeks.' The OHCHR highlighted that approximately 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the northern West Bank since the Israeli military launched its 'Iron Wall' operation. The office warned that these actions contribute to the unlawful annexation of Palestinian territory, violating international law. Recent data reveals alarming trends. In June, the UN recorded the highest monthly number of Palestinian injuries in over two decades. Since January, there have been 757 settler attacks on Palestinians or their properties, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. The toll since October 7, 2023, stands at at least 964 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In contrast, 53 Israelis have died in reported Palestinian attacks or armed clashes in the same region. - AFP
Leaders
2 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
UN Rights Office Reports Increasing Settler Attacks in Occupied West Bank
The UN Human Rights Office said that violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is growing with increasing number of killings and attacks by settlers and security forces, according to Reuters. Violent Incidents Israel Kills American Citizens in West Bank. 'Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified their killings, attacks and harassment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the past weeks,' Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR), told reporters in Geneva. Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinians has sparked anger and frustration towards the US as Palestinians mourned the death of two men, one of them a Palestinian American, killed by settlers. Approximately 1 million Israeli settlers live in illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in violation of international law. OHCHR noted that settlers have launched 757 attacks on Palestinians or their properties since January 2025. Forcible Displacement Palestinian Bedouins Flee West Bank out of Settler Violence Since the launch of the Israeli military operation 'Iron Wall', nearly 30,000 Palestinians have suffered forcible displacement in the north of the West Bank. Last week, thirty Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes in a remote area of the occupied West Bank due to the mounting violence of Israeli settlers. Members of the Bedouin Mleihat tribe started to dismantle homes built with iron sheets and wooden boards, after years of escalating harassment and attacks by settlers. 'The settlers are armed and attack us, and the (Israeli) military protects them. We can't do anything to stop them. We can't take it anymore, so we decided to leave,' said Mahmoud Mleihat, a 50-year-old father of seven from the community. Crucially, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem has documented persistent acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in Mu'arrajat, near Jericho. Building Jewish State Palestinian Bedouins Flee West Bank out of Settler Violence In May, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel planned to build a 'Jewish Israeli state' in the occupied West Bank, according to Al-Arabiya. Katz's remarks followed Israel's announcement of the creation of 22 new settlements in the West Bank. He also noted that the new settlements would be a clear message to French President Emmanuel Macron and his associates: they will recognize a Palestinian state on paper – but Israel will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground. Annexing West Bank In this context, fifteen Israeli Cabinet Ministers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party have recently pushed him to immediately annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The lawmakers have signed a petition requesting the administration 'to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (West Bank) before the end of the Knesset summer session,' which ends on July 27. They also implied that the current moment is appropriate for the annexation thanks to strong US-Israeli relations and the recent military gains. Related Topics: Israel Kills American Citizens in West Bank, Anger Turns toward US Likud Ministers Urge Netanyahu to Annex West Bank Arab Ministers Condemn Israel's Ban on West Bank Visit Short link : Post Views: 2
AsiaOne
2 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Attacks against Palestinians intensify in occupied West Bank, says UN rights office, World News
GENEVA — There has been an increase in killings of and attacks against Palestinians by settlers and security forces in the occupied West Bank in recent weeks, the United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday (July 15). "Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified their killings, attacks and harassment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the past weeks," Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR), told reporters in Geneva. About 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the north of the occupied West Bank since the Israeli military launched its "Iron Wall" operation. It is contributing to the ongoing consolidation of annexation of the West Bank, in violation of international law, the OHCHR said. In June, the UN recorded the highest monthly count of Palestinians injured in over two decades in the West Bank. Since January there have been 757 settler attacks on Palestinians or their properties, which is a 13 per cent increase on the same period last year, OHCHR said. At least 964 Palestinians have been killed since Oct 7, 2023, by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Fifty-three Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and in Israel in reported attacks by Palestinians or in armed clashes, the office added. [[nid:719334]]
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Fiji Police Reaffirm Commitment To Human Rights In The Reform Of The Use Of Force Policy
The Fiji Police Force, in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), supported by UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women under the UN Joint Peacebuilding Fund, successfully concluded a high-level consultation this week on the revision of the Use of Force Policy of the Fiji Police Force. The consultation brought together 30 senior police officers, with the consultation marking a crucial step in the comprehensive review of the Use of Force Policy, aligning it with Fiji's human rights obligations under international treaties, and the Government's Restore Blue initiative. The review of the Use of Force Policy led by the Policy and Research Team of the Fiji Police headquarters included the adoption of a new operational guidance and training tool – the Tactical Options Framework – which was introduced by the New Zealand Police, enhancing decision-making to ensure that use of force is reasonable, necessary and proportionate. The policy also incorporates the Perceived Cumulative Assessment using the Threat, Exposure, Necessity, Response model, and includes clear definitions, accountability mechanisms, and safeguards for vulnerable populations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Planning, Research and Doctrine, Aporosa Lutunauga said: 'As we ponder upon our vision A Safe and Secure Fiji along with our guiding mission to protect all individuals and prevent crime through strong partnerships and professional policing, we are reminded that it serves as the cornerstone for every strategy and action we undertake during this important phase. We affirm our dedication to fostering a Fiji where our values of professionalism, integrity, respect, inclusiveness, courage, and compassion should be reflected in our everyday practices and decisions.' The review is also aligned with Fiji's international obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which have been ratified by Fiji. UN OHCHR Regional Representative for the Pacific, Heike Alefsen, said: 'Police officers are on the frontline of protecting human rights and law and order, and through this, enabling social cohesion. Institutionalising human rights principles is a key element in any policing reform. The consultation represents more than a technical dialogue on policy – it is a clear affirmation of Fiji's commitment to the values of accountability, transparency, and the fundamental right of all persons to life, liberty, and security.' UNDP Pacific Office Effective Governance Team Leader, Rustam Pulatov said: 'Through supporting the Fiji Police Force in building a culture of accountability and trust, with this initiative reflecting our shared commitment to a safer, more inclusive society where the rule of law protects all citizens equally.' The consultation of the Fiji Police Use of Force Policy is an initiative by the Police Commissioner to implement recommendations from the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Fiji. The consultation also served to foster greater ownership and accountability by police officers when serving the public. The finalised policy is expected to be released later this year and will serve as a cornerstone for training, oversight, and operational guidance across all divisions of the Fiji Police Force. This workshop is part of the broader United Nations Peacebuilding Fund-supported Strengthening Social Cohesion Pathways, Human Rights and Women's Civic Participation programme, led by UNDP in collaboration with the Fiji Government and supported by UN OHCHR and UN Women, which supports national reconciliation efforts and strengthens social cohesion, as well as national human rights frameworks and institutions.
Arab News
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
UN calls for Myanmar support as quake death toll reaches 3,354
BANGKOK: The United Nations called for the world to rally behind quake-hit Myanmar on Saturday as the death toll rose to 3,354. In addition to those killed by the March 28 earthquake, 4,850 people were injured and another 220 are missing, state media said. During a visit to Myanmar's second-biggest city, Mandalay, which was near the epicenter of the 7.7 magnitude quake, United Nations aid chief Tom Fletcher appealed for international support. 'The destruction is staggering. Lives lost. Homes destroyed. Livelihoods shattered. But the resilience is incredible,' he said in a post on X. 'The world must rally behind the people of Myanmar.' In Mandalay #Myanmar meeting communities at epicentre of earthquake. The destruction is staggering. Lives lost. Homes destroyed. Livelihoods shattered. But the resilience is incredible. The UN is here to help - the world must rally behind the people of Myanmar. — Tom Fletcher (@UNReliefChief) April 5, 2025 Myanmar's neighbors, such as China, India and Southeast Asian nations, are among those that dispatched relief supplies and rescuers to aid the recovery effort in quake-hit areas that are home to about 28 million people over the past week. The United States, which was until recently the world's top humanitarian donor, had pledged at least $9 million to Myanmar to support earthquake-affected communities, but current and former US officials say the dismantling of its foreign aid program has affected its response. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday the junta was restricting aid supplies to quake-hit areas where communities did not back its rule. The UN office also said it was investigating 53 reported attacks by the junta against opponents, including air strikes, of which 16 were after the ceasefire was declared on Wednesday. A junta spokesman did not respond to calls seeking comment. Free Burma Rangers, a relief group, told Reuters on Saturday that the military had dropped bombs in Karenni and southern Shan states on Thursday and Friday despite the ceasefire announcement, killing at least five people. The victims included civilians, according to the group's founder, David Eubank, who said there had been at least seven such military attacks since the ceasefire. ELECTION PLANS The leader of the military government, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, reaffirmed to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi the junta's plans to hold 'free and fair' elections in December when the two met in Bangkok, Myanmar state media said on Saturday. Min Aung Hlaing made the rare trip to attend a summit of South and Southeast Asian nations on Friday, where he also met separately with the leaders of Thailand, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Modi called for the post-quake ceasefire in Myanmar's civil war to be made permanent, and said the elections needed to be 'inclusive and credible,' an Indian foreign affairs spokesperson said on Friday. Critics have derided the planned election as a sham to keep the generals in power through proxies. Since overthrowing the government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, the military has struggled to run Myanmar, leaving the economy and basic services, including health care, in tatters, a situation exacerbated by the earthquake. The civil war that followed the coup has displaced more than 3 million people, with widespread food insecurity and more than a third of the population in need of humanitarian assistance, the UN says.
