Latest news with #UniversalPeriodicReview
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Government Attacks Māori Rights On World Stage
Te Pāti Māori condemns the Government's escalating assault on tangata whenua, following the letter sent by Regulations Minister David Seymour to the United Nations and Prime Minister Luxon's weak attempt to distance himself while still endorsing its dangerous intent. 'This Government is setting fire to Māori rights through regressive, colonial legislation. Seymour's letter is not a rogue move, it's a warning shot, signalling this Government's intent to dismantle Indigenous rights' said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. 'The real threat isn't his tantrum, it's the policy machine behind it, backed by every party in this coalition.' The Prime Minister has now said publicly that 'we've all read the letter, and we all think it's a waste of time' effectively agreeing with Seymour's withdrawn rant. That statement has already been reported back to the United Nations as the formal position of the New Zealand Prime Minister. 'It's a complete diplomatic failure' said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Rawiri Waititi. 'Winston Peters is trying to reassure international partners, but he's being publicly undermined by his own Prime Minister. If all Ministers think the UN's concerns are 'bunkum', then Peters' response is meaningless and Aotearoa's credibility on the world stage is in tatters.' Earlier this year, Māori rights violations were raised during the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. The Government's actions are not just bad policy they are breaches of international human rights standards. 'In 2010, it was a National Government that endorsed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). That wasn't a diplomatic accident it was a formal recognition of our rights as tangata whenua' said Waititi. 'Now, this coalition is dismantling that legacy while the world watches. This is global embarrassment for the government stating the United Nations is a waste of time.' 'As Māori rights come under attack at home, we need the protections promised in UNDRIP more than ever' concluded Ngarewa-Packer.
Iraq Business
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Iraq Business
LWF: Protecting Women's Rights in Iraq
From the Lutheran World Federation (LWF): The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has addressed the UN Human Rights Council highlighting key women's rights issues during the council's session that reviewed the human rights situation in Iraq. Iraq has made progress by setting up new shelters, hotline services, and public campaigns addressing violence against women and girls. At the same time there are troubling legal provisions that continue to undermine women's rights and their safety. Iraq's Penal Code still permits marital "discipline," reduced sentences for honor crimes, and allows perpetrators of sexual assault to escape punishment by marrying their victims. The statement, presented by LWF Iraq Program Coordinator Helan Remzi Muhammed, calls for reforms including a comprehensive anti-domestic violence law, criminalization of marital rape, and equal access to justice for divorced women and displaced persons. LWF Iraq works for women's rights through psychosocial support, awareness campaigns, and community initiatives that challenge harmful norms in conflict-affected areas. The statement is based on a report submitted by the LWF and partners as a contribution to Iraq's human rights assessment under the UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process and provides detailed recommendations and data from LWF's work in Iraq. Oral Statement to the 59th Regular Session of the Human Rights Council on UPR Adoptions: Iraq Delivered by The Lutheran World Federation, July 2025 Mr. President, The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) would like to commend the Republic of Iraq for its constructive engagement with the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) mechanism. We welcome the support expressed for several recommendations concerning the rights of women and girls. We appreciate that Iraq has put in place important legislative and policy frameworks aimed at protecting the rights of women and girls. We acknowledge steps taken by Iraq, including the establishment of shelters for women, hotline services for survivors of violence, and awareness campaigns addressing violence against women and girls. We welcome Iraq's support for recommendations related to enacting an anti-domestic violence law and improving women's access to justice. However, we remain deeply concerned about; The persistent and systemic violence against women and girls, discriminatory provisions in Iraq's Penal Code, and the alarming gap between Iraq's international and national legal obligations and their actual implementation. The continued presence of laws that permit "disciplining" of wives, mitigate sentences for honor crimes, and allow suspects of sexual assault to escape prosecution by marrying their victims and thereby undermining their fundamental human rights. We urge the Government of Iraq to: Accelerate the adoption of a comprehensive anti-domestic violence law, including the criminalization of marital rape, and repeal Penal Code Articles 41, 128, 377, 398, and 409, which tolerate violence against women. Additionally, abolish Article 8 of the Personal Status Law to prohibit child marriage and enhance regulation of informal marriages by tribal and religious authorities. Lift reservations to CEDAW Articles 9(2) and 16 to guarantee women's equal rights in family and nationality matters, and reform the National Identity Card system to ensure divorced women and internally displaced persons (IDPs) can access documentation independently, enabling their full participation in society. Expand and adequately fund national protection services, including shelters and psychosocial support, ensuring accessibility for women and girls in rural and marginalized communities, and providing survivor-centered assistance to those affected by violence. Ensure that your government continues to strengthen efforts towards addressing violence against women and girls and protecting women's rights, particularly in regions with ethnic, religious and cultural diversity and instability, particularly in Sinjar and Summel districts. Thank you, Mr. President. (Source: LWF)
Ya Biladi
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco praises Egypt's commitment to human rights during UN review
On the sidelines of the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Morocco praised Egypt's commitment to the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process, a UN mechanism that enables regular assessments of the human rights situation in each member state. Moroccan diplomats particularly welcomed Egypt's acceptance of several of Morocco's recommendations, according to an official statement. These proposals addressed key issues such as promoting more open dialogue with UN experts, raising awareness—especially in rural areas—about the values of tolerance and respect for religious diversity, and reforming the criminal justice system to limit the systematic use of pre-trial detention. Following the exchange, Morocco reaffirmed its support for the adoption of Egypt's final UPR report and wished the Egyptian authorities success in implementing their commitments.
Al-Ahram Weekly
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
NCHR welcomes int'l human rights recommendations for Egypt - Foreign Affairs
The National Council for Human Rights (NCHR) welcomed the international recommendations presented to Egypt as a vital opportunity to reinforce the country's commitment to the international human rights framework and foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and institutional reform. This came during the NCHR's participation in the session on the adoption of Egypt's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome, held during the 59th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the session, Ambassador Mahmoud Karem, chair of the NCHR, noted that the legal frameworks governing public freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, must continue to evolve under the Egyptian constitution and relevant international human rights conventions. He also stressed the importance of enabling journalists and media professionals to work freely in a safe and pluralistic civic space. This should be supported by constitutional guarantees and the rule of law, ensuring the free flow of information and promoting diversity in public discourse. Moreover, the NCHR reaffirmed its support for a comprehensive review of the death penalty. It advocated for limiting its application to the most serious crimes, stressing that it should be executed in full compliance with fair trial guarantees. It also called for a substantial review of the Code of Criminal Procedure to adopt a more comprehensive and rights-based approach to addressing allegations of torture, reinforcing a national culture that does not tolerate impunity. Furthermore, the NCHR stressed the urgency of reforming the criminal justice system by reducing pretrial detention periods and institutionalizing alternative legal measures, an issue previously highlighted in the council's policy paper submitted to the National Dialogue sessions. It also urged rigorous judicial oversight of detention facilities and accountability for those involved in any violations within these facilities. As part of its long-term vision, the NCHR recommended extending Egypt's National Human Rights Strategy to 2030. The proposed extension should be based on clearly defined implementation mechanisms, measurable quantitative and qualitative indicators, and inclusive partnerships with all stakeholders, including executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as civil society organizations. Such a framework would facilitate continuous evaluation, institutional development, and evidence-based policymaking. The NCHR also highlighted the need to amend its founding law to enhance its independence and respond constructively to the observations previously presented by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. It confirmed that it had submitted a formal report outlining the steps already taken to reinforce its independence and operational effectiveness as Egypt's national human rights institution. Additionally, it renewed its call for establishing an independent national anti-discrimination commission, an initiative it previously proposed as part of its broader agenda to promote equality, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities. Ambassador Karem also highlighted the importance of continuing to modernize Egypt's legal and institutional frameworks to protect human rights, ensuring complete alignment with the country's international obligations and constitutional principles. He reaffirmed the NCHR's unwavering commitment to advancing the new recommendations and collaborating closely with both domestic and global partners to enhance Egypt's human rights trajectory. "Egypt's active engagement in the Universal Periodic Review process represents a genuine opportunity to foster a robust culture of human rights, strengthen national capacity, and achieve significant progress in this essential area of governance and reform," he concluded. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
GMA Network
05-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
UN to support human rights in PH despite end of joint program
Arnaud Peral, the United Nations Resident coordinator in the Philippines, clarified that although the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) officially ended on July 31, 2024, the organization's engagement in human rights efforts in the country remains active. The United Nations has reaffirmed its commitment to monitor and support human rights efforts in the country despite the absence of a joint program with the Philippines. Arnaud Peral, the United Nations Resident coordinator in the Philippines, clarified that although the United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP) officially ended on July 31, 2024, the organization's engagement in human rights efforts in the country remains active. 'We don't foresee another one or a new generation of this kind of action,' Peral said, referring to the UNJP. 'But it doesn't mean that the different mechanisms of human rights will no longer continue to monitor what's happening in the Philippines like they do globally.' Peral emphasized that the UN continues to engage with national institutions. 'So it's something that we continue to look at, to listen to, and if we can be of support in certain areas, we will be very pleased to be. We continue to interact also with the different mechanisms of the National Commission on Human Rights,' he said. He also noted the Philippine government's positive response to international human rights mechanisms, particularly the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). 'These are instruments that are extremely important to continue to advance on the human rights commitment of the country,' Peral added. The UNJP, launched in 2021, was a three-year initiative aimed at promoting human rights and protecting human rights defenders. It involved collaboration between the UN and various Philippine agencies, including the Department of Justice, the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, and the Commission on Human Rights. The program focused on civic space, accountability, and human rights-based approaches to drug control. Despite criticisms over its effectiveness, especially in addressing human rights violations during the Duterte administration's 'war on drugs,' the UNJP laid the groundwork for continued cooperation. Peral said the UN's human rights support is a long-term commitment. 'Everything almost that we do is linked somehow to advancing human rights in the country,' he said. 'We have this connection, we have the instruments, but we don't have the joint program anymore specifically. So our interventions now are more punctual, more in terms of supporting with some trainings or some information sharing.' He also revealed that the UN has been approached by Philippine lawmakers for capacity-building. 'We will have an activity with Congress pretty soon at their request for some trainings on human rights standards for the new Congress. So we continue to be engaged,' Peral told members of the Philippine media, including GMA Integrated News on Thursday. Focus on BARMM and Indigenous Peoples Peral also highlighted the UN's continued support for peace and development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He welcomed the Marcos administration's willingness to keep the UN engaged in the region. While acknowledging progress, Peral said more work is needed. 'It's not yet enough. More has to be done,' he said. BARMM has passed legislation recognizing the ancestral domains of Indigenous Peoples (IPs), an enhanced version of the Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act (IPRA). However, reports of violence and killings against non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs) persist. Recently, lawmakers filed a resolution calling for an inquiry into the security situation of NMIPs in BARMM. 'It's something that we will continue to monitor — to see how it works, what works, what doesn't work,' Peral said. 'If need be and if we are requested, we can continue to provide also some advice on how to improve its implementation or improve the legislation. But overall, yeah, we celebrate the fact that at least we have now an instrument that has been put in place.' Philippines' global leadership, strong partnership on sustainable development lauded The United Nations resident coordinator in the Philippines also praised the Marcos administration for its growing leadership role in global governance and its strong commitment to multilateral cooperation, calling the country a 'proactive and supportive partner' in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Peral, highlighted the country's active engagement in international platforms and its increasing contributions to global institutions. 'It's really, really encouraging and we really celebrate… the fact that the Philippines is supporting so much the multilateral agenda,' he said. He cited the Philippines' recent hosting of major international events, including conferences on women, peace and security, disaster risk reduction, and the Middle-Income Countries Global Forum. 'This proactivity, I think, is very good,' he added. Peral also noted the Philippines' growing influence within the UN system. 'The Philippines have joined recently the board of many UN organizations. They are seeking a seat at the Security Council,' he said. He also acknowledged the country's financial support, including a $10 million pledge to the World Health Organization (WHO) at the end of 2024 — an important move as the world prepares for future global health crises. 'This leadership has to be recognized and celebrated,' Peral emphasized. On the domestic front, Peral commended the Philippines for integrating the SDGs into its national development agenda. 'The country has embraced the Sustainable Development Goals, the Agenda 2030. It's part of the National Development Plan's objectives,' he said, adding that this alignment strengthens the UN's cooperation framework for 2024–2028. Peral described the UN's presence in the Philippines as extensive, with 29 UN agencies operating across 60 regions. 'It's a very large ecosystem of work and partnerships — civil society, private sector. We work with almost all government agencies,' he explained. 'So it makes the governance also of our work better.' To ensure alignment with national priorities, the UN participates in a government-led steering committee that meets regularly with top officials, including the secretaries of Foreign Affairs. 'We sit… two or three times a year, but also at technical level, more than that, to review what we are doing… and how it aligns and supports the national priorities,' Peral said. With the midterm review of the National Development Plan underway, the UN has been asked to contribute insights and recommendations. 'We want to put everything at the service of the country… These are capacities that sometimes help solve bottlenecks, accelerate results, or reorient legislation or public policies to make them more efficient,' Peral said. He concluded on a hopeful note: 'The relationship is really, really productive. So I think we are going in the right direction.' — BAP, GMA Integrated News
