Getting down to business
The UN Working Group on business and human rights, meeting for the first time, considers a strategy to promote and ensure implementation of the new global standard to prevent and address human rights abuses linked to business practices.
09-02-2012

A new roadmap for human rights mechanisms in Africa
UN and African Union special procedures on human rights adopt an innovative roadmap for increased cooperation.
09-02-2012

Ending impunity for homophobic killings
UN Human Rights chief Navi Pillay welcomes the findings of a court in South Africa, which has handed down long sentences to a group of men found guilty of the brutal murder of a teenager who was living openly as a lesbian.
08-02-2012

Social media in Egypt: a powerful tool for political change
“Social networks gave us an opportunity to engage in conversations and to exchange opinions on what was happening,” says Sondos Asem, a human rights activist from Egypt.
07-02-2012

Afghan civilians continue to die in record numbers
The number of civilians being killed in the conflict in Afghanistan increases in 2011 for the fifth year in a row. New and more deadly tactics by the Taliban are largely to blame says the UN.
06-02-2012

Older persons among the poorest in the world
Chronic poverty in old age impacts on a number of human rights and is present in both developed and developing economies.
03-02-2012

Human Rights in Bahrain
A UN Human Rights team recently visited Bahrain after the release of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report on the human rights situation in the country, and emphasizes the need for accountability.
01-02-2012

‘A people driven constitution’ – building respect for human rights in Somalia
In Somalia, the UN works to facilitate discussions between the authorities and civil society to ensure respect for human rights is a key feature of the new Constitution.
27-01-2012

Human Rights concerns about armed brigades holding detainees in Libya
Addressing the UN Security Council on the situation in Libya, Pillay warned that, “lack of oversight by the central authorities creates an environment conducive to torture and ill treatment.” She urged the Libyan ministry of justice and the prosecutor’s
26-01-2012

A Code of Conduct to help protect human rights in Lebanon
A newly adopted Code of Conduct for Lebanon’s Internal Security Forces (ISF) will help security forces to effectively protect human rights in Lebanon.
24-01-2012

Making “secret plans” to stop tribal fighting and end violence against women
After decades of tribal violence that engulfed the district of Kup, in the mountains of Papua New Guinea, three women mobilised their communities to stop tribal fighting.
16-01-2012

“Man up” to end violence against women
Jimmie Briggs, an advocate for the rights of women, founded the Man Up campaign to mobilize young people to take action in their own countries to fight violence against women and girls.
09-01-2012

“Forgotten Europeans”
The UN Human Rights office and UNICEF are advocating for integration of children with disabilities in communities.
06-01-2012

Taking complaints from children into the international arena
UN Human Rights chief, Navi Pillay welcomes the vote by the UN General Assembly which gives children the opportunity to challenge violations of their rights at an international level.
03-01-2012