human rights

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (center) addresses high-level panel event

Universal decriminalization of homosexuality a human rights imperative – Ban

10 December 2010
Noting that over 70 countries still consider homosexuality a crime, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today appealed for its complete and universal decriminalization, stressing that human rights must always trump cultural attitudes and societal strictures.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

Iraq: leaked files point to serious breaches of human rights law – UN rights chief

26 October 2010
Leaked classified United States documents on the war in Iraq point to serious breaches of international human rights law, including summary executions of a large number of civilians, as well as torture and ill-treatment of detainees, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said today.
Marijuana plants

Punitive drug control measures discriminatory and have failed, says UN rights expert

26 October 2010
Punitive measures to combat the use of illicit drugs have failed to address the problem and are associated with the abuse of human rights and violations of the right to health, a United Nations independent expert has said.
In 2006, the Maoist rebels and Nepalese government signed an historic peace agreement

Nepal: UN rights office raises concerns over extension of army officer

22 October 2010
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Nepal (OHCHR-Nepal) today expressed its serious concern over the decision by the Asian nation’s Government to extend the tenure of an army officer with ties to breaches of human rights.
President Evo Morales Ayma of Bolivia.

At UN, Bolivian leader proposes alliance to save humankind

24 September 2010
Bolivian President Evo Morales proposed the creation of a new alliance to save humankind by guaranteeing human rights, saving the environment and promoting equality and social justice for all during his address to the General Assembly’s annual high-level segment.
Children at a public fountain in Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea, wait for the daily arrival of water

Equatorial Guinea: UN human rights experts express concern over executions

27 August 2010
Independent United Nations human rights experts today voiced serious concern at last weekend’s execution in Equatorial Guinea of four men over their alleged involvement in an armed attack on the country’s presidential palace last year.
Mercenary soldiers

UN experts on mercenaries seek stronger regulation of private security companies

26 July 2010
The United Nations group of independent experts on the use of mercenaries says it will present a proposal for a possible international convention to regulate activities of private military and security firms during its five-day meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York this week.
Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Kyung-wha Kang

UN stresses safeguarding human rights in humanitarian emergencies

15 July 2010
United Nations human rights experts today called for ensuring that measures to protect the rights of people affected by humanitarian emergencies are integrated in all stages of the response effort.
Raquel Rolnik, Special Rapporteur on adequate housing

Independent UN expert urges equal access to housing for all in Croatia

13 July 2010
A United Nations independent human rights expert today urged authorities in Croatia to ensure that justice prevailed in the allocation of housing, ensuring that low-income and other marginalized groups were not denied their right to accommodation as the country transitions to post-conflict recovery.
Hight Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay

Regional human rights officials gather for UN initiative to enhance cooperation

3 May 2010
Some 300 representatives from international human rights organizations converged in Geneva today for a United Nations-organized gathering intended to strengthen global cooperation in efforts to promote human rights and protect victims of violations.