Latest news with #UPR
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
BBMP to issue notices to tax evading owners
BBMP self-declaration system The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike () is preparing to issue notices to over four lakh property owners who are suspected of evading property tax by furnishing incorrect details about their properties. This action follows a detailed analysis based on data from the Digitally Owned Number (DON) there being more than 20 lakh properties within BBMP limits, the civic body is currently collecting just under `5,000 crore annually in property tax—far below potential collections. Officials have observed that a significant number of property owners have exploited the, underreporting property size to reduce their tax official said, 'To counter this, BBMP's revenue department has now turned to data collected from the Drone survey and UPR (Urban Property Ownership Records), which cover details of around 15 lakh properties. In addition, BBMP has collected GPS-based photos and data for each property. These are being matched with ownership records and supporting documents, including those submitted for e-Khata registration, to identify discrepancies. If mismatches are found—such as undeclared floor space or incorrect height and number of floors—property owners will receive formal notices.'Source said that with a target of collecting `6,000 crore in property tax for the 2025-26 fiscal year, BBMP is offering a 5% rebate for those who pay their dues by May 31. From June onward, BBMP will begin issuing notices ward-wise to defaulters and long-term evaders. In extreme cases, officials said, properties may even be seized or official added, 'BBMP is also developing technology that will allow automatic issuance of notices via SMS to the registered mobile numbers of property owners who provided false information on the BBMP property tax portal. Officials confirmed to Kannada Prabha that around 4 lakh such cases have already been identified, and notices will be sent out shortly.'According to BBMP officials, the revenue department has so far identified four lakh properties with incorrect self-declarations. With more under scrutiny, BBMP anticipates recovering an additional `1,000 crore in property tax and penalties in the coming months. As of Sunday, BBMP has collected `2,036 crore in property tax. With just a few days left in May, the civic body is aiming to cross the `3,000 crore mark before the rebate window closes.
Jordan News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Jordan News
Al-Abdallat: Hashemite Leadership Embodies a National Vision for Youth Empowerment and Human Rights - Jordan News
Dr. Khalil Al-Abdallat, Director of the Human Rights Unit at the Prime Ministry of Jordan, affirmed that the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II, with the direct support of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah, forms the cornerstone of national efforts aimed at empowering youth, safeguarding their dignity, and ensuring their rights. اضافة اعلان His remarks came during the 24th Youth and Technology Conference held under the theme "Active Youth Participation and Human Rights", in cooperation with the Jordanian Women's Solidarity Institute (Tadamon) and the Jordanian National Women's Committees Network. The event gathered young Jordanian leaders, government entities, and national institutions to reaffirm Jordan's commitment to integrating youth as key partners in shaping the present and future through a human rights lens. Constitutional and Legislative Reforms Al-Abdallat highlighted tangible government measures to realize this vision, including constitutional amendments, lowering the age of candidacy, and modernizing laws that enhance youth participation in political, social, and economic spheres. Crown Prince's Global Role He emphasized Crown Prince Hussein's pioneering international efforts, notably his leadership in promoting UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on Youth, Peace, and Security. 'The Crown Prince was the first to champion this resolution globally, calling on governments and the international community to recognize youth as peacebuilders, not just victims of conflict,' Al-Abdallat said. Alignment with International Obligations He also noted the government's alignment with international human rights commitments, particularly the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) recommendations, which call for enhanced youth involvement in public life, climate action, development, and human rights. In a direct message to young people, Al-Abdallat urged them to play a vital role in protecting human rights and upholding the values of good citizenship, asserting that they are the 'backbone of the modern state and the true guardians of justice, equality, and human dignity as envisioned by His Majesty.' Civil Society Collaboration Noha Mehrez, President of Tadamon, underscored the importance of engaging with decision-makers, particularly government units like the Human Rights Unit, given the critical role of civil society in implementing national strategies. In'am Asha, Executive Director and Advisor at Tadamon, said that the ongoing series of Youth and Technology Conferences reflect the organization's commitment to executing national programs and political will through sustained partnerships between civil society and official institutions. Dr. Zohour Gharaibeh, Project Manager of 'Sawt,' highlighted the significance of enhancing women's and youth participation in politics, aligning with the outcomes of Jordan's Political Modernization Committee. Ruba Matarneh, Secretary General of the Jordanian National Women's Committees Network, stressed the value of coordination among civil society organizations. She noted that unified efforts amplify impact and improve policy influence and government accountability, especially concerning youth and women's engagement in public life.
Arab Times
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
United Nations unanimously adopts Kuwait's human rights report
GENEVA, May 10: The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) unanimously adopted Kuwait's fourth national report, affirming the country's commitment to enhancing its human rights framework. The report underscores Kuwait's dedication to strengthening its national human rights protection system through comprehensive legislative, institutional, and field reforms. Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al-Sumait led the Kuwaiti delegation during the session held in Geneva, presenting the national report within the framework of the UNHRC's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. Key legislative and institutional reforms Kuwait highlighted several significant reforms aimed at aligning its legal framework with international human rights standards. These include: Protection from domestic violence: The enactment of the Law on Protection from Domestic Violence, establishing shelters and hotlines for victims. Amendments to Penal Code: Redefining the crime of torture in accordance with the Committee against Torture's recommendations.n Nationality Law Reforms: Amendments to the Nationality Law to align it with civil, economic, and social rights.n Abolition of Article 153: Supporting gender equality by repealing provisions that previously allowed lenient sentences for honor-based crimes.n Raising the Minimum Age of Marriage: Increasing the legal age of marriage to 18 years.n Abolition of Article 182: Removing exemptions from punishment for perpetrators of kidnapping who marry the victim.n Institutional developments Kuwait has established several institutions to bolster human rights protections, including: Domestic Violence Centers: Providing support services to victims. National Office for Child Protection: Focusing on safeguarding children's rights.n Women's Affairs and Business Committee: Enhancing the role of women in development.n Specialized Public Prosecution Offices: Addressing human trafficking and human rights violations.n Additionally, Kuwait launched child protection centers in July 2024 to address cases of abuse and neglect. Advancements in gender equality Kuwaiti women play a pivotal role in the nation's development, representing 58% of the total national workforce. Women's participation in the government sector stands at 60%, with 48% in both the private sector and the legal profession. Notably, women currently hold three ministerial portfolios in the government. Support for persons with disabilities Kuwait allocated approximately $340 million for the fiscal year 2023/2024 to support services for persons with disabilities. This funding benefits over 213,000 individuals across 82 educational and rehabilitation institutions, including schools, nurseries, and treatment centers. Anti-corruption measures The report highlights Kuwait's efforts to combat corruption through the preparation of new draft laws aimed at expanding the powers of the Anti-Corruption Authority, strengthening the role and independence of the judiciary, and tightening the protection of public funds in accordance with the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. Digital transformation and environmental initiatives Kuwait has embraced digitization with the launch of the "Sahel" app, which has processed over 60 million e-transactions. The country has also adopted national strategies to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. International humanitarian efforts The report underscores Kuwait's role as a capital of humanitarian action, emphasizing its continued commitment to providing large-scale humanitarian aid through the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development. The country supports relief efforts in conflict and disaster areas, particularly in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, and has organized and hosted international donor conferences. Commitment to reform and sustainable development Under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Kuwait continues its commitment to reform, modernization, and the promotion of rights and freedoms. These developments reflect the State of Kuwait's renewed commitment to advancing the human rights system based on the principles of the Constitution and international conventions aimed at achieving comprehensive and sustainable development. Engagement with UN Human Rights mechanisms The report notes that Kuwait received 302 recommendations in the previous UPR cycle, of which 230 were fully accepted, 6 were partially accepted, and 12 were taken into account. The state remains committed to transparency and openness, fully participating in dialogue sessions with relevant international treaty committees. Kuwait has also engaged with mandate holders and special procedures of the Council, responding to requests for field and scientific visits during 2023 and 2024, including mandates in the fields of development, violence against women, and the rights of persons with disabilities and migrants. The national report, covering the period from 2020 to the end of 2024, was prepared through a comprehensive participatory methodology involving government agencies, civil society, and the National Bureau for Human Rights. The Kuwaiti delegation pledged to study the 290 recommendations submitted by member states of the United Nations Human Rights Council, focusing on strengthening human rights mechanisms
Times of Oman
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Workshop discusses Oman's fourth national report on human rights
Muscat: The Foreign Ministry on Thursday organised an expanded workshop to discuss the draft of Oman's fourth national report under the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism for human rights, as Oman prepares to present its report before the United Nations Human Rights Council in November 2025. The workshop aligns with Oman's ongoing efforts to strengthen its international human rights commitments, having previously ratified several international conventions, including the Convention Against Torture, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. The session brought together representatives from relevant government entities, civil society organisations, and human rights experts. Participants reviewed progress in implementing previous recommendations and discussed key challenges and opportunities in advancing and protecting human rights in Oman. The discussions underscored the importance of involving civil society institutions in preparing human rights-related reports and fostering cooperation among national stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and transparent report that reflects the current state of human rights in Oman and highlights ongoing efforts in this field. Oman is set to submit its fourth national UPR report in November 2025, with the review before the Human Rights Council in Geneva scheduled for January 2026.
Kuwait News Agency
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait News Agency
Justice Min. to Geneva to present Kuwait's human rights report
KUWAIT, May 5 (KUNA) -- Minister of Justice Nasser Al-Sumait will be presenting Kuwait's report at the 49th Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, said a statement on Monday. The Ministry of Justice revealed in a statement that Minister Al-Sumait left the country today, heading to Geneva, Switzerland, to brief the UPR on Kuwait's efforts to bolster human rights via highlighting the state's legislative and legal efforts within this regard. (end)
