UN Human Rights

UN Human Rights Chief @volker_turk welcomes the signature of a Host Country Agreement with #Somalia: "A foundation to strengthen our collaboration to address human rights challenges, and protect & promote human rights in the country." ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

#Israel must immediately release @gbsumudflotilla activists Saif Abukeshek & Thiago de Avila. Disturbing accounts of severe mistreatment must be investigated. Solidarity & aid delivery to Palestinians in #Gaza not a crime. #Flotilla ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

25 years after the Durban Declaration, are States delivering on their commitments to end racism? The UN Group of Independent Eminent Experts convenes this week for four public thematic sessions: from far-right violence to AI and digital spaces. The 6-7 May in Palais des Nations Geneva, Room V. ohchr.org/en/events/sess… #DDPA25 #FightRacism

Press freedom is a human right. Journalists in conflict zones are being killed, detained, and silenced simply for doing their jobs. They report the truth so the world can see. We must protect them. ohchr.org/en/stories/202……

Mali: @volker_turk troubled by the worsening human rights situation following clashes between the army and non-state armed groups. The fighting must stop & all restrictions on humanitarian access must end immediately. ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

A century after the pledge to end slavery, 50 million remain—and under 0.5% are ever identified. Today: #CallforCodeAI: United Against Trafficking — with @UNHumanRights & @AustinAIHub. Registration opens tomorrow: bit.ly/4tLilTh Press: bit.ly/4n2x2yz

A free press is the oxygen of a free society. Yet efforts to silence the media are becoming disturbingly creative – and normalized. States must end the persecution of journalists and act to protect them. We must stand with those who stand for truth.   ohchr.org/en/statements-…

France’s decision to extend the European Social Charter to several of its overseas territories is a positive step. As of today, more than 2 million people previously excluded from its protection will now benefit from the same guarantees of social rights as those in mainland France — including rights to work, health, housing and social protection.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights @volker_turk urges #Cambodia to unconditionally release former opposition leader Kem Sokha and all other opposition activists, human rights defenders & social media users arbitrarily detained for exercising their rights. ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

#Cambodia: @volker_turk deeply concerned by the upholding of the conviction of Kem Sokha & convictions of 33 other opposition activists, human rights defenders & social media users for exercising their right to freedom of expression. Cambodia should protect, not criminalise, legitimate criticism & expression. We call for their unconditional release. ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

Wishing a peaceful Vesak to all those who celebrate. May this meaningful day bring compassion, kindness, and much-needed peace.

Backlash against gender equality is a backlash against human rights and democracy. Across the world, progress is being challenged, but people are not standing by. Equality means power: to live freely, safely, and in dignity. People are pushing back, defending rights, claiming space, reclaiming narratives, deepening solidarity, bridging divides, and driving change. Women, girls and gender diverse people are at the forefront. #WomenDeliver We work to support these efforts, including @womendeliver: amplifying voices, fostering dialogue, strengthening protections, raising awareness, building partnerships, and advancing human rights where they are most under pressure.

Recent global disruptions have exposed the risks of continued dependence on fossil fuels. As countries reassess their energy strategies, the case for accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels is clearer than ever. Fossil fuels are driving pollution, harming health, and accelerating climate disruption, with the heaviest impacts falling on those in the most vulnerable situations. Today, Governments in Santa Marta concluded a first of its kind international conference to advance this shift and help public policy match the scale of the challenge.   This should include phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, strengthening regulation and accountability, and investing in a just transition that protects people, the planet, and future generations.   Human rights must guide that transition and ensure its benefits are shared fairly.

#Iran: @volker_turk deplores crackdown on dissent. Rights of all Iranians must be respected: halt all executions, establish a moratorium on capital punishment, guarantee fair trial rights & immediately release all those arbitrarily detained. ohchr.org/en/press-relea…

Billions of people are pushed into water scarcity due to environmental degradation. Human activity, worsening climate damage, pollution, biodiversity loss, and land degradation are cutting off communities from clean, life-sustaining water. Water insecurity equals human insecurity. The climate crisis is a human rights crisis that States have the obligation to address. ohchr.org/en/stories/202… #Water #ClimateChange

#Syria: We have reports of increased harassment & intimidation by #Israel’s forces in south. They have reportedly erected checkpoints, searched residential properties, and arrested & detained civilians. Violations must stop; accountability must be realised. ➡️ ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

#Syria: @UNHumanRights received firsthand testimonies of human rights violations during a visit to Al-Hassakeh governorate in the northeast. Reports include killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and deportations. Accountability must also extend to all parties that have committed serious violations and abuses in Syria, prior to and during the war. ohchr.org/en/press-brief…

To implement the Human Rights Economy, policymakers can start with this simple question: Does this policy advance human rights—or undermine them? In this episode , Leilani Farha explains why every policymaker and legislator should be asking this—especially when it comes to housing. Housing is a human right, not a financial asset. And our economic policies should reflect that. Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/6PUkpD… Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hom…… #HumanRightsEconomy

Three years of war in Sudan 14 million displaced the world’s largest displacement crisis. Too often unseen, but accountability matters. ohchr.org/en/stories/202…

#Tunisia: Decisions to suspend Tunisian League for Human Rights & other prominent NGOs is very concerning. This impacts critical legal & social assistance to victims, women’s rights, work on social & economic inequalities, & monitoring human rights, incl. in places of detention. These suspensions contribute to environment of intimidation & risk serious chilling effects on exercise of freedom of association, assembly & expression, & participation in public affairs. We urge authorities to halt immediately all such suspensions.