human rights

Richard Bennett of the human rights office (OHCHR) in Nepal (file Photo)

Senior UN official in Nepal urges authorities to arrest killers of local businessman

29 December 2008
The top United Nations human rights official in Nepal pressed its Government today to bring justice for a local businessman murdered by members of the Maoist army earlier this year.

Ban leads chorus of UN voices calling for action to protect human rights of vulnerable

10 December 2008
The international community has not lived up to the vision held in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today told a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the landmark document.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navanethem Pillay

On Human Rights Day, UN rights chief reminisces, as victim and enforcer

10 December 2008
On the day that the United Nations celebrated the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the world body’s new top human rights official brought her own special focus to the issue – as victim and nemesis of abuse.

UN, regional advocates call on Governments to protect human rights defenders

9 December 2008
Human rights defenders continue to pay a high price – including death, disappearance and torture – 10 years after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a declaration enshrining their protection, rights advocates said today, calling on governments to ensure their safety.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

Human rights still not a reality for all, top UN official says

9 December 2008
The promises enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) remain unfilled for tens of millions of people worldwide, the top United Nations human rights official said today, on the eve of the landmark document’s 60th anniversary.

People with disabilities must play key role in development, says Ban

3 December 2008
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today by stressing that people with disabilities – the vast majority of whom live in poor countries – have a fundamental role to play in development processes.
Yakin Ertürk, Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women

Iran: Government takes hard line on supporters of rights of women - UN experts

27 November 2008
Two independent United Nations experts on human rights issues today voiced deep concern over the Iranian Government's increasingly severe crackdown on advocates of the rights of women in recent years.
Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Benazir Bhutto

Benazir Bhutto named among seven winners of UN human rights prize

26 November 2008
A Congolese doctor who treats female victims of sexual violence, a nun who advocated for indigenous rights before her murder in Brazil three years ago and the slain Pakistani leader Benazir Bhutto are among seven recipients of a prestigious United Nations prize awarded for outstanding work in human rights.

French human rights advocate receives UNESCO prize for lifetime’s work

19 November 2008
One of the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) 60 years ago will receive a prestigious prize in recognition of his life-long advocacy for a culture of rights around the world, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced today.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addresses staff members of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Ban meets with UN human rights officials at start of two-day trip to Switzerland

17 November 2008
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has arrived in Switzerland for the start of a two-day visit that includes talks with the United Nations’ top human rights officials and a meeting with his many envoys and representatives worldwide.