Latest news with #UniversalDeclaration
LBCI
11-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Presidency urges Lebanese media to act responsibly amid municipal elections
According to a statement released by the presidential media office, the Lebanese Presidency called on local media outlets to uphold national, legal, and ethical responsibility during the current sensitive period. It warned against unfounded accusations, fabrications, or false narratives targeting any foreign party friendly to Lebanon, particularly Arab nations, especially in matters that could verge on undermining national interests. While reaffirming its full commitment to the sanctity of freedom of expression, the Presidency reminded stakeholders that this right carries inherent obligations—truthfulness and respect for public order in a democratic society, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The statement concluded by stressing that any violation of these principles would not fall under protected speech but would instead be considered a clear and punishable offense.
Morocco World
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's CNDH at SIEL 2025 Shapes Words as a Battleground for Human Rights
Rabat – The International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) in Rabat this year provided a dynamic space for discussing pressing human rights issues as the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This milestone prompted the CNDH to gather thinkers, activists, and artists to debate the relevance of the Universal Declaration in today's rapidly changing world, under the discussion of their collective book titled 'Is the Universal Humanist Ideal Unfulfilled?' The panel focused not only on historical challenges but also on emerging ones, such as the impacts of climate change, digitalization, and sustainability. The contributions to a collective book produced for the occasion mirror diverse global perspectives on human rights, which sparked intense conversations about what has been achieved and what still needs to be done. CNDH's president on the roadblocks to progress Amina Bouayach, CNDH President, stood at the heart of these discussions and reflected on the current state of human rights globally. When asked about her contributions to the collective book and how things have changed since the 2022 CNDH human rights symposium, Bouayach did not hold back in pointing out the systemic barriers that persist. 'Since 2022, it has become clear that the human rights system faces severe challenges. These are not just ideological; they have become issues of funding and resources,' Bouayach stated, her tone serious. 'A 40% decrease in UN funds for human rights tells us a lot about the global priorities. This is a direct attack on human rights, particularly in the Global South.' Her words, underlining the complex nature of the struggle for human rights, resonated deeply. Bouayach also pointed out that these financial cutbacks threaten to marginalize efforts to protect vulnerable populations and undermine the work being done in Morocco and beyond. However, Bouayach was not entirely pessimistic. She acknowledged the efforts being made, noting that while challenges remain, 'there are dynamic actions underway to improve the human rights situation.' Morocco, she emphasized, continues to reaffirm its commitment to human rights. Women in the margins Cameroonian writer Djaili Amadou Amal also contributed to the collective book, bringing attention to the plight of women in her country and across Africa. When asked about her perspective on the feminine condition, Amal made a powerful statement about the struggles women face daily. 'Women have waited too long for change,' she lamented. 'When instability hits, women and girls are the first to suffer. And these are not just abstract figures – these are real lives, real tragedies.' Amal also drew attention to the troubling rise in forced and early marriages, a practice that continues to grow in many parts of the world. For Amal, the violence against women is not just physical, it is structural. 'Violence against women breeds other forms of violence. It is a societal issue that cannot be ignored,' she explained. She noted that without securing a rightful place for women in society, no country can achieve true progress. 'A society cannot develop unless women are given their rightful place,' Amal concluded, her words a powerful call to action for the future. Human rights revisited Mohammed Benmoussa, a Moroccan economist and researcher, took a more reflective approach, analyzing the origins of the human rights system. He pointed out that the expectations of the Universal Declaration, created in 1948, were somewhat utopian, especially when compared to today's harsh realities. For him, the key challenge now is not just respecting human rights but ensuring their practical application. 'The Universal Declaration set high expectations, but we are still facing issues of implementation. The main axes of human rights, respect, protection, and the guarantee of rights, remain elusive for many,' Benmoussa noted. He called for greater transparency and accountability from all stakeholders involved in human rights advocacy. 'Institutions must be held accountable, and public policies need to be applied effectively to move forward.' Culture as a driver of human rights At the CNDH booth, Mustapha Najmi, the Director of the Promotion of Human Rights at CNDH, shared the organization's broader vision for human rights engagement through cultural initiatives. 'This year, we chose culture and cultural expressions as a way to promote human rights,' Najmi explained during a conversation with Morocco World News (MWN). 'Culture can be a driver of development and a powerful tool for advocating human rights.' Najmi noted the inclusion of children in the CNDH's program at SIEL, noting that these young participants come from Morocco's twelve regions. Each day, they have the opportunity to express themselves creatively through art and literature, reinforcing the connection between culture and the promotion of human rights. In the afternoons, the booth offered various performances and discussions, including music from the Gharnati and Andalusian traditions, as well as slam poetry. These cultural expressions, Najmi believes, play a crucial role in advancing human rights by encouraging dialogue and fostering mutual understanding. 'The importance of cultural diversity and pluralism cannot be overstated,' Najmi continued. 'It's through these cultural expressions that we can engage in a meaningful conversation about human rights and what needs to be done to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, enjoys these rights.' A call to renew human rights efforts As the discussions at SIEL 2025 unfolded , it was clear that while significant strides have been made, the journey toward full realization of human rights remains long and fraught with challenges. Bouayach's final words summed up the mood of the event: 'Cultural diversity and pluralism allow us to come together, to shape a more inclusive world. It is up to all of us to renew our commitment to human rights, now more than ever.' Through panels, cultural initiatives, and the collective contributions of activists, scholars, and artists, the CNDH continues to lead efforts to ensure that human rights are not just ideals, but realities lived by all. The convergence of these powerful conversations under the roof of SIEL's 30th edition fair serves as a reminder that literature is far more than a vehicle for storytelling, as it is a space where rights, identity, and resistance unfold. At this intersection, words carry the weight of lived experiences, challenge systems of injustice, and imagine alternative futures. Whether through Amadou Amal's urgent reflections on women's rights or through the poems and performances featured at the CNDH booth, literature becomes a witness, a refuge, and a form of action. Culture is not an accessory to human rights, it is their foundation. And in the context of a book fair, where readers and writers meet, this truth becomes impossible to ignore: every page read and every story shared can open the way for greater justice. This year's SIEL welcomed over 253,000 visitors during its first seven days, marking a 39% increase compared to the previous edition. Tags: Books and human rightsCNDHCNDH SIELhuman rightsSIELSIEL 2025
Arab Times
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
State security ... systems, laws
I recently wrote an article in which I called for the need to strengthen both our internal and external fronts in response to anticipated ambitions and demands and to prepare for all eventualities through solidarity with the regional community and wide cooperation with major powers. Along with the points I raised, it is imperative to make our systems and laws more humane and generous. This can only be achieved by expediting the full implementation of all provisions of human rights agreements, and ensuring they apply to both citizens and residents, regardless of the cost. The logical and humane principle dictates that, when necessary, all prohibitions should be overridden or disregarded, particularly when they concern the state's security, its people, and their very existence. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a historic document that defines the fundamental rights of all humankind. It stresses that all individuals are born equal in dignity and rights. It rejects discrimination based on race, color, sex, language, religion, political opinion, origin, or wealth. I have written more than ten articles about this Universal Declaration, yet no official has paid attention to them. Here, we find ourselves falling short of fully implementing the aforementioned principles. However, we must also highlight the positive actions, often stemming from noble Amiri directives to enhance women's participation in various decision-making bodies, after decades of neglect. Torture and cruel treatment must be prohibited in any state penal institution. I am unsure of the extent to which these matters are being fully implemented. We must recognize the legal personality of every individual before the law, without discrimination or distortion of the law. Everyone has the right to a fair trial, which should be accessible. However, nearly everyone complains about the slow pace of litigation and the appalling delays in issuing judgments, which is unjust. Human beings also have the right to live in a clean environment, but this right remains unfulfilled and is not a priority for the ineffective Environment Public Authority. Kuwait suffers from high levels of air pollution, despite its small population, few factories, and low levels of emissions from its refineries. It appears that addressing this threat is not a core concern of the relevant authorities due to their inability and lack of understanding. On the other hand, I have noticed a growing push to amend personal status laws, as announced by Minister of Justice Counselor Nasser Al- Sumait. These amendments pertain to the Family Court, domestic violence, juveniles, and children. There is also an increasing emphasis on the need to change laws to protect women, whether as wives, daughters, sisters, or mothers and to eliminate violence against them. However, it was disappointing that Al-Sumait stated there are many flaws in the current law that are not compatible with Islamic law, leading to encouragement and leniency in the divorce process. Dozens of issues that conflict with Islamic law have been ignored. The ministry's standards should be based on justice and humanity, not on anything else. The legal provision that grants a father only six hours, as is currently the case, to see his children on Fridays is inhumane and must be amended. It has no basis in Islamic law. The wife's right to request a divorce is a purely humanitarian issue and should not be changed under the pretext that it is not implemented in neighboring countries. How can we force a woman to live with someone she despises simply because the law in another country requires it? It was also commendable to raise the age of criminal responsibility for children from 7 to 10 years, but this is certainly not enough. How can children of that age be prosecuted for their actions? A more humane approach is needed, one that aligns with the developmental stage of the child being convicted. In addition, raising the minimum marriage age to 15 years for girls and 18 years for boys is a positive step. However, while this move may be seen as somewhat contrary to Islamic law, how is it permissible to violate Sharia law in this case but not in others? The decision to amend Article 153, which previously allowed a lenient sentence for perpetrators of heinous crimes under the pretext of defending a man's honor, was also significant. It is a positive change to reclassify such a crime as premeditated murder. As a small, wealthy country, Kuwait is surrounded by various threats. Ensuring our security requires strengthening our national unity and fully respecting and adhering to international law.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
A British national overseas has been handed a death penalty in all but name
For 6112 days, Ryan Cornelius has woken up in a cramped, overcrowded cell in Al Awir Central Prison, meticulously documenting his almost 17-year ordeal through hushed daily phone calls. Each morning, he wonders if today will be different – if his own government will finally acknowledge his plight. Instead, he watches as they turn a blind eye, prioritising a chummy business relationship with his abusers. And so, he asks again, 'Has my country forgotten me?' As we approach the 18th year of Ryan Cornelius' wrongful imprisonment in the UAE, it is time to confront an uncomfortable truth: the UK government's record of choosing trade over aid, failing to protect its own citizens from the autocrats with whom it seeks commercial ties. Ryan's case stands as perhaps the most well-documented instance of human rights abuse of a British national overseas, coupled with a disturbing lack of meaningful action from his government. For 17 years – not a single individual has been sanctioned by the UK Government for their role in arbitrarily detaining Ryan. Ryan, a 70-year-old British businessman, has been detained in Dubai Central Prison since 2008, the victim of a false accusation tied to a real estate project he was developing. After serving his 10-year sentence and preparing for release, UAE authorities extended his imprisonment by 20 years, ensuring he remains behind bars until 2038. A death sentence in all but name. The United Nations declared his detention arbitrary in 2022, yet the British Government has ignored MPs' demands to sanction the bank's board. For nearly two decades, Ryan's health has deteriorated while his assets, both business and personal, were seized by Dubai Islamic Bank – the architects of his detention. Ryan's lawyers and MPs like Sir Iain Duncan Smith have repeatedly plead for action, but the Foreign Office's response remains a series of empty gestures: perfunctory meetings with the family, vague assurances about raising concerns 'at the appropriate level,' and a Prime Minister who set aside his professed commitment to the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights and chose not to raise Ryan's case on his high-profile visit to the UAE last December. The UN had found that the UAE's treatment of Ryan had entailed eight separate violations of that Universal Declaration. Ryan is not just being held hostage by the UAE. He is being held hostage by British Government policy. The UAE's attempts to conceal their human rights violations are shameless. Recently, prison guards tried coercing Ryan into signing Arabic documents attesting to non-existent high standards of prison conditions – a ploy he refused. This attempt to gain a facade of legitimacy by creating a false narrative of humane incarceration closely mirrors the UK's own hypocrisy. The UK is in the process of finalising a long-awaited free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), of which the UAE is a prominent member, trying to inject growth into the UK's stagnant economy. While Ryan suffers, the UK cosies up to Gulf leaders, practically begging them to pour more money into the UK, ignoring warnings from human rights organisations about their human rights record. When UAE-owned DP World threatened to withdraw their £1 billion port expansion over UK criticism of unethical labour practices, Starmer quickly overruled his transport secretary, making sure the investment went ahead. This pattern exposes a harsh truth: the UK's condemnation of authoritarian regimes only seems to extend to adversaries. When 'friendly' autocracies dangle the prospect of inward investment, the noble principles disappear. The same ministers who bravely sanction Russian oligarchs for corrupt practices and the detention of British citizens, such as Vladimir Kara-Murza, have ignored repeated calls for similar measures on the Dubai Islamic Bank – not a government, or a state – but a bank that has been the driving force behind Ryan's arbitrary imprisonment. This country's abject failure to protect its own citizens from 'friendly' autocrats has been heavily documented in damning commentaries in the press. It has undoubtedly contributed to the steady decline in the UK's moral authority. But it is also profoundly wrong-headed, even if judged purely in commercial terms. Surveying the last twenty years, does anyone honestly think that this policy has made us economically stronger? Being seen by a foreign autocrat as weak in the protection of your own citizens will not earn you his gratitude: it will earn you his contempt. He will know that he can have the economic relationship on his terms. Our government would do well to understand this as it ignores its obligation to Ryan in pursuit of closer ties with a country which has no meaningful money-laundering controls, is awash with illicit Russian money and a safe haven for proceeds of crime. Is it too late for this government to learn that we become stronger when the world sees that we are prepared to stand up for what we profess to believe? Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
