Human Rights

SRI LANKA: It is the government’s responsibility to end this anarchy

One year has passed since the appointment of the new government. Undoubtedly, some changes have taken place and further changes are being discussed. However, there is one very important – perhaps the most important – issue, which has been entirely ignored. This fundamental omission concerns the stability of Sri Lanka as a nation; it is something that underpins the achievement of peace and the economic progress of the nation. The elephant in the room that has been ignored is the ability to enforce law in Sri Lanka.

UN report reveals devastating human toll of disasters in 'hottest year on record'

A new analysis issued on 11 February by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) shows that 2015 – the hottest year on record – confirmed that weather and climate-related disasters now dominate disaster trends linked to natural hazards.

UN report reveals devastating human toll of disasters in 'hottest year on record'

A new analysis issued on 11 February by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) shows that 2015 – the hottest year on record – confirmed that weather and climate-related disasters now dominate disaster trends linked to natural hazards.

Turkey: Let Stranded Syrians Seek Protection

45,000 Caught Between Aleppo Fighting and Border

Turkey should allow Syrians at its border fleeing the fighting in and around Aleppo to seek protection in Turkey, Human Rights Watch said today. Forcing people to remain in a war zone, where they risk death and injury, is no solution to the challenge of protecting Syrians fleeing their country.

Malnutrition is Widespread Enough to Threaten Economic Returns in Some ECA Countries

The Global Nutrition Report 2015 was discussed during the Conference dedicated to the issues of rural development, climate change and food security. The Report is the result of cooperation among the International Food Policy Research Institute, the Eurasian Center for Food Security, and the World Bank.

U.S. President Budget Request Mixed Picture: Raises Concern for Continued Progress for Mothers and Children Worldwide

The release of President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2017 (FY17) budget on February 9 sent a mixed signal on the prospects for continued progress for mothers and children around the world. Save the Children applauded the proposed increases in the Maternal and Child Health account, but the overall International Affairs budget declined slightly, and some accounts vital to the well-being of women and children across the globe took significant cuts.

'Dismal' human rights situation in Belarus unchanged after election, UN expert warns

Member of a polling station committee for Belarus
Member of a polling station committee for Belarus' presidential election empty a ballot box prior to counting in Minsk, 11 October 2015.

Refugee teachers face threat of losing basic rights

As the refugee crisis continues to take its toll on migrants’ lives, policies that would exclude them from national working conditions, such as paying less than minimum wage, may push them further into exclusion.

Education International (EI) has endorsed the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC)’s call to international leaders to withhold from promoting excluding policies that would affect refugee workers’ basic rights, and to create opportunities that would instead enable them to find a faire place in the labour market.

Statement on children following the Australian High Court finding on offshore detention of asylum seekers

Attributable to UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Director, Daniel Toole

“The Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which Australia is a signatory, underscores that the best interests of a child must be a primary consideration in all decisions and actions affecting that child.

China/Hong Kong: Free ‘Disappeared’ Booksellers

Abduction, Arbitrary Detention Harm Free Speech in Hong Kong and Beyond

Chinese authorities should immediately release five booksellers who the government has forcibly disappeared. The five are affiliated with the Hong Kong-based Mighty Current Media, known for publishing books critical of senior Chinese leaders.