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New NGO law deeply damaging for human rights in Egypt

A repressive new law issued in Egypt leaves human rights defenders even more vulnerable to sanctions and reprisals than they already are. Muzzling dissent can only lead to further instability, High Commissioner Zeid says.
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UN human rights report maps 13 years of violence and impunity in the Central African Republic

Mass killings and other serious human rights violations have been documented in an extensive UN mapping report covering the multiple conflicts in the CAR between 2003 and 2015. Many of the violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, the mapping report states, as it sets out a strategy to fight pervasive impunity in the country.
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After more than half a century, a community receives justice

After more than 50 years, the Rastafari community of Coral Gardens in Jamaica have received recognition, recompense and an expression of regret of the human rights violations against hundreds of Rastafarians across the island. The UN Human Rights Advisor assisted the community in their advocacy to honour the commitment to justice.
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Airstrikes, ISIL causing civilian casualties in Syria

The same civilians who are suffering indiscriminate shelling and summary executions by ISIL, are also falling victim to the escalating airstrikes, particularly in the northeastern governorates of Al-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor.
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“Stand up for someone’s rights today”: A global call to support human rights

“Stand up for someone’s rights today” is the new global campaign that aims to encourage, amplify and support what people do in their everyday lives to defend human rights. It promotes taking action for greater freedom, stronger respect and more compassion.
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News

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Bahrain investigation High Commissioner Zeid has called on the Government of Bahrain to promptly launch an independent, effective investigation into the deaths of five protestors during a security operation last week.

Egypt NGO law A new repressive NGO law further restricting space for human rights monitoring, advocacy and reporting by NGOs would be deeply damaging and runs counter to Egypt’s obligations under international human rights law, says Zeid.

Central African Republic Justice is the overwhelming demand of the people of the Central African Republic - and the main motive of a mapping report covering serious violations of international law by successive government forces, various local and foreign armed groups, and international and foreign defence forces.

Business and rights UN expert group urges the Canadian authorities and business sector to take tougher line on business-related rights abuses, both at home and abroad.

“Connect with nature” Speaking ahead of the World Environment Day, UN expert John H. Knox urges all governments to protect the world’s biological diversity from extinction.

Briefing: Indonesia and Gaza At the press briefing in Geneva today, we expressed concern about the recent persecution, arbitrary arrest, detention and ill-treatment of men perceived to be gay in Indonesia. We also condemned the execution of three men by the authorities in Gaza.

Syria airstrikes Civilians in Syria are increasingly paying the price as counter-ISIL airstrikes escalate while ISIL cracks down on those in and around areas remaining under its control.

Palestinian detainees High Commissioner Zeid urges Israel to respect the human rights of all detainees, as a mass hunger strike by Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons continues.

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Syria airstrikes Civilians in Syria are increasingly paying the price as counter-ISIL airstrikes escalate while ISIL cracks down on those in and around areas remaining under its control.

Palestinian detainees High Commissioner Zeid urges Israel to respect the human rights of all detainees, as a mass hunger strike by Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons continues.

The Minnesota Protocol The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, launches the updated global guidelines for investigating unlawful killings around the world.

Right to health The world is at a watershed moment towards greater dignity for everyone, but only if governments invest in the integral relationship between human rights and health, especially for women, children and adolescents. Read a new UN report on health and human rights.

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Business and rights UN expert group urges the Canadian authorities and business sector to take tougher line on business-related rights abuses, both at home and abroad.

“Connect with nature” Speaking ahead of the World Environment Day, UN expert John H. Knox urges all governments to protect the world’s biological diversity from extinction.

Support in all fronts UN expert Bahame Tom Mukirya Nyanduga calls for international support to help Somalia through its current humanitarian crisis and its on-going State-building process.

The Minnesota Protocol The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, launches the updated global guidelines for investigating unlawful killings around the world.

Destruction of Al-Masora UN experts warn that Saudi Arabia’s use of force and demolitions in the 400-year-old walled neighbourhood of Al-Masora violates human rights.

Human rights in Sudan UN Independent Expert Aristide Nononsi urges Sudan to adopt urgent democratic reforms to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights.

Blasphemy law A blasphemy law is not needed in a democratic society like Indonesia and it harms religious pluralism in the country, say a group of UN rights experts.

Yemen / Bahá’í community Yemen must stop the persecution of the Bahá’í community, urges the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed.

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HRC UPR WG to hold 27th session in Geneva from 1 to 12 May 2017marking start of 3rd cycle The twenty-seventh session of the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will be held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May marking the beginning of the third UPR cycle during which all 193 UN member States will undergo successive reviews.

UN Syrian Commission condemns Khan Shikhoun attack The Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic condemns in the strongest terms the attacks on the town of Khan Shikhoun in southern Idlib today which reportedly killed scores of civilians.

President of Chile addresses Council Michelle Bachelet, the President of Chile, addressed a special meeting of the Human Rights Council, saying that Chile.

President of Chile to address Council The Council will convene a special meeting as a matter of courtesy on 29 March 2017 on the occasion of the visit of Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile.

Council concludes 34th regular session The Council concluded its 34th regular session after adopting 41 resolutions and a Presidential Statement on a wide range of issues.

Council adopts six texts and closes its 34th session The Council adopted five resolutions and a President’s Statement, appointed Special Procedure mandate holders, and then closed its thirty-fourth regular session.

Council renews mandates on Syria and on racism The Council adopted 11 resolutions, renewing the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria for one year; and the mandates of the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, and the Working Group on the Effective Implementation of the Durban Declaration for three years each.

Council decides to dispatch fact-finding mission to Myanmar The Council adopted 13 resolutions, in which it also decided to dispatch an independent, international fact-finding mission to establish the facts about alleged recent human rights violations by military and security forces and abuses in Myanmar, in particular in Rakhine State.

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Report of Uruguay The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights concluded on 1 June 2017, its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Uruguay on its implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Report of Australia The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights concluded on 31 May 2017 its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Australia on its implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Report of Cameroon The Committee on the Rights of the Child considered on 30 May 2017, the combined third to fifth periodic report of Cameroon on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Committee in session The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on 29 May 2017, heard from civil society organizations from Australia, Uruguay and the Netherlands, whose reports will be considered by the Committee this week.

Report of Antigua and Barbuda The Committee on the Rights of the Child considered on 29 May 2017, the combined second to fourth periodic report of Antigua and Barbuda on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Session opening The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights opened its sixty-first session on 29 May 2017, hearing opening remarks by Carla Edelenbos, Chief of the Petitions and Inquiries Section of the Human Rights Treaties Branch of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and adopting its agenda.

Report of Mongolia The Committee on the Rights of the Child considered on May 26, the fifth periodic report of Mongolia on its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Report of Romania The Committee on the Rights of the Child concluded, on 24 May 2017, its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Romania on its implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

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Our priorities

Enhancing equality and countering discrimination

Combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law

Integrating human rights in development and in the economic sphere

Widening the democratic space

Strengthening international human rights mechanisms

Early warning and protection of human rights in situations of conflict, violence and insecurity

Resources

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Achievements and struggles in 2016 Presenting the report of the Office to States

Defending civil society NGOs receive the Office Annual Report

Ethiopia and the African Union High Commissioner's mission to Addis

Toxic chemicals, waste and human rights "Legislation is needed to tackle environmental justice"

Right to health Protecting health means standing up for rights

Walls are untruths Rights tell us what it means to be human

Global challenges The peril of undermining human rights.

Chile: a Human Rights Advocate Welcoming Pres. Michelle Bachelet to the Human Rights Council

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Annual Appeal 2017

The UN Human Rights Appeal 2017

Protecting LBGTi people

Living Free and Equal: Tackling Violence and Discrimination against LGBTi People

Human rights info. for Parliamentarians

Human Rights: Handbook for Parliamentarians (co-published with IPU)

Traditional justice in Africa

Human Rights and Traditional Justice Systems in Africa

National mechanisms for reporting and follow-up

NMRF: A Practical Guide to Effective State Engagement with International Human Rights Mechanisms

Right to development

FAQs on the Right to Development

Treaty bodies

Handbook for Human Rights Treaty Body Members

Migration

Migration, Human Rights and Governance: Handbook for Parliamentarians (co-published with IPU)

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Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights / 61st Session From: 29-05-2017
To: 23-06-2017
Palais Wilson 1st

Committee on the Rights of Child - Pre-sessional Working Group / 77th Session From: 06-06-2017
To: 09-06-2017
Palais Wilson Gr

Human Rights Council / 35th Session From: 06-06-2017
To: 23-06-2017
Palais des Nations Room XX

Sub-Committee on Prevention of Torture / 32nd Session From: 12-06-2017
To: 16-06-2017
Palais Wilson Gr

Human Rights Committee - Working Group on Communications / 120th Session From: 27-06-2017
To: 30-06-2017
Palais Wilson Gr

Meeting of special rapporteurs/representatives, independent experts and chairpersons of working groups of the special procedures of the Human Rights Council / 24th Session From: 27-06-2017
To: 30-06-2017
Palais des Nations Room XXIII

Meeting of Chairpersons of the Human Rights Treaty Bodies / 29th Session From: 27-06-2017
To: 30-06-2017
New York

Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women - Working Group on Communications / 38th Session From: 28-06-2017
To: 30-06-2017
Palais des Nations Room XVI

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UN Charter Body Database

Search for documents and information pertaining to UN Charter-based human rights bodies, including the Human Rights Council and Special Procedures.

Universal Periodic Review

Access information and documents about states that were part of the periodic review of the human rights. It includes documents submitted by countries themselves, UN agencies and external parties.

National Human Rights Institutions Website

Find information on National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and the International Coordinating Committee for National Human Rights Institutions (ICC).

Universal Human Rights Index

Access country-specific human rights recommendations and information emanating from international human rights mechanisms in the UN system: the Treaty Bodies, the Special Procedures and the Universal Periodic Review (UPR).

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Database

Access translations of the UDHR, a milestone document in the history of human rights, into over 460 different languages and dialects.

Anti-discrimination Database

Search for information, policies and measures taken at the international, regional and national levels to combat racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.

Human Rights Education and Training Database

Search worldwide for institutions, programmes and materials that aim to foster human rights education and training.

Jurisprudence Database

Access jurisprudence emanating from the United Nations Treaty Bodies that receive and consider complaints from individuals.

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Quick selection

Treaty BodiesSchedule of country reviews Deadlines for the submission of documentation Information by country - ratification status, reporting cycles and documentation Elections of Treaty Body Members
Special ProceduresOverview of visits by Special Procedures Upcoming country visits History of country visits since 1998 Countries with standing invitations
Universal Periodic ReviewOverview Documentation by country