Category Archives: Refugees and maigrents

Human Rights, Humanitarian Aid, Refugees and maigrents, Topics

UN Rights Expert Urges Universities to Respect Pro-Palestinian Protests

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
08
Oct

Universities must uphold the right to peaceful activism and review policies that target pro-Palestinian movements on their campuses, said Gina Romero, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of assembly and association, on Friday. Romero warned that the harsh repression of student-led protests is not only a direct threat to democratic institutions but also risks alienating an entire generation from civic engagement and democratic processes.

According to Romero, international solidarity movements supporting the Palestinian people have surged since the war in Gaza began nearly a year ago. University campuses have become focal points for mass demonstrations, sit-ins, and peaceful assemblies, led largely by students advocating for Palestinian rights and self-determination. However, she highlighted that many academic institutions have responded with repressive measures, creating hostile environments that hinder freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, and association.

Romero’s findings are based on extensive discussions with around 150 individuals from 30 countries, including students and faculty members. She concluded that many universities have failed to adequately protect these movements, fostering a climate of stigmatization and hostility that silences activists. “This is a profound failure of responsibility,” she said, “not only to safeguard democratic freedoms but also to prevent atrocity crimes and contribute to global peace.”

As universities worldwide reopen for the new academic year, student-led protests in support of Palestinian rights have resumed, joining a growing global movement. Romero stressed the importance of these peaceful assemblies and the valuable contributions of young people to human rights advocacy. She urged universities to recognize the significance of free and meaningful engagement from youth and to provide support for their activism.

Romero made six key recommendations for academic institutions, emphasizing the need to end the stigmatization and hostility that silence student voices. She called on universities to immediately cease any surveillance or punitive measures against students and faculty who participate in peaceful protests. Instead of resorting to law enforcement, she urged institutions to prioritize negotiation and mediation to resolve conflicts arising from peaceful assemblies.

Additionally, Romero called for independent investigations into human rights violations committed against student protesters, particularly in cases where sanctions were imposed for exercising fundamental freedoms. She emphasized that affected individuals must be granted effective remedies and that universities should revise their policies to align with international human rights standards.

Romero also highlighted the critical role universities play in shaping political discourse and civic education. “Their responsibility extends beyond campus borders,” she said. “The actions taken by universities have the power to shape the future of democracy, freedoms, and human rights globally.” She underscored that respecting dissent is essential to ensuring that universities remain spaces for free thought, academic freedom, and the exercise of fundamental rights.

The UN Special Rapporteur’s statement serves as a reminder of the need for academic institutions to act as defenders of democratic values and protectors of human rights, particularly in times of global unrest.

About UN Special Rapporteurs
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on human rights issues. They do not receive compensation for their work and do not represent the UN or any government. Their role is to provide an impartial analysis of country-specific or thematic human rights concerns based on international law.
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events, News, Refugees and maigrents, Reports

International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: A Call for Justice and Accountability

Posted on by admin
30
Aug

Every year on August 30th, the world observes the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, a day dedicated to remembering those who have been secretly abducted or imprisoned, often by state agents, and whose fates remain unknown. This day, established by the United Nations, serves as a powerful reminder of the thousands of individuals who have vanished without a trace, leaving their families in a state of perpetual anguish.

Enforced Disappearances: A Grave Human Rights Violation

Enforced disappearances are not just acts of kidnapping; they represent a severe violation of multiple human rights, including the right to security, freedom from torture, and even the right to life. These disappearances are often used as tools of political repression, silencing dissent and instilling fear within communities. Governments or their agents, who perpetrate these acts, typically deny the detention of the victims or refuse to disclose their whereabouts, effectively placing them outside the protection of the law.

The Human Cost

For the families of the disappeared, the pain is immeasurable. They are left in a state of limbo, unable to mourn, uncertain whether their loved ones are alive or dead. This uncertainty can lead to prolonged psychological suffering, exacerbated by the lack of closure or justice. Moreover, enforced disappearances often leave families economically destitute, particularly when the disappeared person was the primary breadwinner.

A Global Issue

While enforced disappearances are often associated with dictatorial regimes, they are a global issue affecting numerous countries, including those in conflict zones or under authoritarian rule. The international community has recognized the severity of this crime, leading to the adoption of instruments such as the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, which aims to prevent such violations and ensure justice for victims.

Brussels for Human Rights: Standing in Solidarity

At Brussels for Human Rights, we stand with the victims of enforced disappearances and their families, offering our unwavering support and solidarity. We call on governments around the world to fully implement international conventions, ensure accountability, and provide reparations to the victims and their families. On this International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, we urge the global community to unite in the fight against this heinous practice and to work tirelessly towards a world where no one has to live in fear of being disappeared.

Join Us in the Fight for Justice

We invite you to join us in raising awareness about enforced disappearances and advocating for stronger protections against this crime. Together, we can ensure that the voices of the disappeared are heard and that their families receive the justice they deserve.

Economic Development, Humanitarian Aid, Refugees and maigrents, Topics

Global Hunger Setback by 15 Years: UN Report Warns of Growing Crisis

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
02
Aug

Published on July 24, 2024

The fight against global hunger has been significantly set back, with around 733 million people experiencing hunger in 2023—equivalent to one in eleven people globally and one in five in Africa, according to the latest UN State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report. This alarming trend suggests that progress toward the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger by 2030 is severely off track.

Key Findings:

  • Hunger Statistics: Between 713 million and 757 million people were undernourished in 2023, an increase of about 152 million since 2019.
  • Regional Disparities: Africa is the hardest hit, with 20.4% of its population facing hunger, while Asia remains stable at 8.1%. Latin America has seen slight improvements but still faces significant challenges.
  • Drivers of Hunger: Conflict, climate extremes, and economic downturns are the primary drivers of hunger, particularly in Africa.
  • Food Insecurity: In 2023, approximately 2.33 billion people globally were moderately or severely food insecure, nearly matching the numbers seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Economic Barriers: A staggering 2.8 billion people could not afford a healthy diet in 2022, with stark contrasts between high-income and low-income countries.

Progress and Challenges:

Despite some advances, such as increased exclusive breastfeeding rates and a slight reduction in stunting among children under five, global hunger levels have remained static for three consecutive years. Moreover, adult obesity continues to rise, projected to affect over 1.2 billion adults by 2030.

COVID-19 Impact:

The pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity, particularly in low-income countries. By 2022, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet reached its highest level since 2017 in these regions, highlighting the widening inequality caused by COVID-19.

Call to Action:

The report emphasizes the need for increased, cost-effective financing and a standardized approach to food security and nutrition. Transforming agrifood systems, addressing inequalities, and making healthy diets affordable and accessible are critical to achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger. UN agency heads stress that substantial investment is necessary to close the financing gap and enhance global food security efforts.

FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero highlights the urgency: “We need to understand that our agri-food systems are under increasing risk and uncertainty due to climate change…donors must adopt greater risk tolerance to activate effective finance.”

For more detailed insights, visit the original report on the United Nations website

News, Refugees and maigrents, Reports, Topics

Refugees, Migrants Face Violence, Abuse, and Death on Routes Across Africa

Posted on by mahmoud gaber
05
Jul

New Data Highlights Severe Risks for Refugees and Migrants

Refugees and migrants continue to face extreme violence, exploitation, and death as they traverse Africa, according to a new report by UNHCR, IOM, and MMC. The report emphasizes the severe dangers on land routes, especially across the Sahara desert, where deaths are estimated to be double those in the Mediterranean Sea.

Abuse and Human Rights Violations

Vincent Cochetel, UNHCR Special Envoy for the Western and Central Mediterranean, highlighted that migrants and refugees, regardless of their status, face serious human rights violations, including torture, physical violence, arbitrary detention, and sexual exploitation. Criminal groups and state officials are often responsible for these abuses.

Push Factors and Insufficient Protection

Push factors include political conflicts, climate change, and racism. Many refugees and migrants lack access to protection and assistance, driving them to take more perilous routes. Despite international commitments, efforts to hold perpetrators accountable are insufficient, leading to near-complete impunity.

Stepping Up Life-Saving Measures

While UNHCR, IOM, and partners have intensified life-saving protection services, they stress that humanitarian action alone is not enough. They call for legal and regular migration channels to enhance migration governance and address the urgent needs of refugees and migrants.

For more details, visit the original article.