Human Rights

Joint Statement by UNHCR and Angelina Jolie

After more than 20 years of dedicated and committed work with the UN Refugee Agency advocating for the rights and protection of forcibly displaced people around the world, Angelina Jolie is moving on from her role as UNHCR’s Special Envoy to engage on a broader set of humanitarian and human rights issues.

Afghanistan: Taliban urged to halt public floggings and executions

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A woman walks through a corridor in a village in Zindajan district, Afghanistan.

UN rights chief reports on intensified ‘climate of oppression’ in Nicaragua

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Managua, capital of Nicaragua.

South Sudan: UN rights chief appeals for end to ‘senseless violence’ in Upper Nile state

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Women and children queue at a registration site in Pagak, Upper Nile State, South Sudan.

South African Leadership Makes Moves to Decriminalize Sex Work

Decades of Activism by Sex Workers Has Highlighted Dangers of Criminalization

The South African government has finally moved to decriminalize sex work as part of its efforts to combat increased reports of abuse against women, including gender based violence against sex workers. The step by South Africa’s cabinet to publish and seek public comment on a bill that would end criminalization of sex work brings achievement of a decades-long goal of South African sex worker rights groups like SWEAT, Sisonke, and the Asijiki coalition into view.

Nepal: End Mistreatment of Urban Poor

Policies against Street Vendors, Landless People, Begging Violate Rights

The policies of the Kathmandu Municipal Government toward street vendors, landless people, and begging are threatening the human rights of thousands of city residents, Human Rights Watch said on December 14, 2022. They include the rights to work, to housing, and to an adequate standard of living.

Sweden: Technology Offers New Human Rights Perspectives

Postcode Lottery Donation Aids the Effort

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Damage from a Russian attack on School 21 on March 3, 2022, in Chernihiv city, April 19, 2022.

Iran: Death Sentences Against Protesters

Two Executed in Apparently Grossly Unfair Trials, Several More in Danger

Iranian authorities’ execution of two men in connection with widespread antigovernment protests is a gross miscarriage of justice and a dangerous escalation, Human Rights Watch said on December 13, 2022. According to human rights groups, revolutionary courts of first instance have issued at least 11 other protest-related death sentences and are expected to try dozens more people, including children, for charges that can carry the death penalty.

Sudan: Pact Omits Key Justice Reforms

Critically Important to End Impunity

Sudan’s political actors and international partners should ensure that progress on human rights and accountability for serious human rights violations are central to any new transition, Human Rights Watch said on December 13, 2022. This includes an end to the violent crackdown against peaceful protesters, releasing arbitrarily detained protesters, and taking concrete steps to ensure accountability for serious abuses.

Reports on World Prayer Day -Willingness to take action in critical moments and emulate world peacemakers

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In 2005, the 60th anniversary of the United Nations, Dr. Hong, Tao-Tze met with Secretary General Annan and his wife at a dinner.