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COVID-19 is amplified by systemic racial discrimination; Bachelet says

In an important speech, the High Commissioner pointed out that due to discrimination, racial minorities and indigenous peoples communities have been over-exposed, under-protected – and disproportionately harmed
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In Afghanistan, six points for a sustainable peace

In a major address prior to the opening of the Afghanistan Pledging Conference in Geneva, High Commissioner Bachelet outlined six points to enable parties to the peace negotiations to devise a lasting peace for all in Afghanistan Photo below
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"Right to a Better World" - a video series on sexual and reproductive health and rights and the SDGs

WHO, HRP, Oxford Human Rights Hub and UN Human Rights have produced a new series, “Right to a Better World” to inspire activists and practitioners in health and development to use human rights-based tactics to deliver on the SDGs, and safeguard and drive progress in the realization of sexual and reproductive health and rights.
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Hope Laing, a Scottish teenager fighting against child poverty and inequality

“To speak at the UN has been something I've always wanted to do. As I said when I ended my speech, I will make it there. I will be in that room one day.” Hope Laing is a 16-year-old human rights defender. She recently delivered her video statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s Social Forum.
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Stand up for human rights

Join us in promoting and defending human rights for everyone, everywhere. Stand up for human rights and take action for stronger respect, greater freedom and more compassion.
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News

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Conflict in Ethiopia Bachelet urges the parties to the conflict in Tigray to give clear and unambiguous orders to their forces to take constant care to spare civilians

Brazil Racism The killing of an Afro-descendent beaten to death by two private security guards is an extreme but sadly all too common example of the violence suffered by Black people in Brazil

Iraq: stop mass executions Experts express alarm at reports that some 50 prisoners convicted of terrorism-related crimes in Iraq face execution on Monday.

Syria: Violations and abuses Disturbing reports of executions following the detentions and so-called trials by the de facto authorities in Idlib.

Egypt civic space The arrest of three human rights defenders in Egypt underscores the extreme vulnerability of civil society activists in the country.

West Bank demolitions Experts condemn demolition by Israel of homes and property belonging to Palestinian Bedouin community, amid a significant rise in demolitions across the occupied territory.

Belarus protests Experts says they are gravely concerned by increased reports of mass detentions, intimidation and torture, and called for probe into excessive use of force and unlawful retaliation at peaceful protests.

Iraq executions Following reports of 21 executions in Iraq, Bachelet is deeply concerned that hundreds more prisoners may be at imminent risk.

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Conflict in Ethiopia Bachelet urges the parties to the conflict in Tigray to give clear and unambiguous orders to their forces to take constant care to spare civilians

Syria: Violations and abuses Disturbing reports of executions following the detentions and so-called trials by the de facto authorities in Idlib.

Egypt civic space The arrest of three human rights defenders in Egypt underscores the extreme vulnerability of civil society activists in the country.

Iraq executions Following reports of 21 executions in Iraq, Bachelet is deeply concerned that hundreds more prisoners may be at imminent risk.

Belarus detentions We remain deeply concerned at the situation in Belarus more than three months on from the disputed presidential election, as the Government continues to wield the machinery of the State to commit human rights violations.

Tigray conflict Bachelet expresses increasing alarm at the deteriorating situation in the Ethiopian region of Tigray.

Mozambique: Bachelet appalled by conflict in Cabo Delgado Bachelet calls on all actors to take urgent measures to protect civilians in Cabo Delgado province.

Tanzania elections The High Commissioner is disturbed by reports of continued intimidation and harassment against the opposition following the elections. She urges the release of detained opposition leaders.

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Iraq: stop mass executions Experts express alarm at reports that some 50 prisoners convicted of terrorism-related crimes in Iraq face execution on Monday.

Mexico Authorities must make sure police protect, not attack, women who peacefully demonstrate against violence, say UN experts.

West Bank demolitions Experts condemn demolition by Israel of homes and property belonging to Palestinian Bedouin community, amid a significant rise in demolitions across the occupied territory.

Guatemala Attacks against Constitutional Court and delays in appointment of judges to high courts must stop

Minorities Forum Scourge of hate speech in social media targeting minorities will be the focus of UN Forum on Minority Issues on 19-20 November.

Cambodia crackdown Experts express concerns about tightening restrictions on civil society in Cambodia.

Business & human rights World’s largest global conference on business and human rights takes place from 16-18 November.

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Jamaica Jamaica’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

Libya Libya’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

Croatia Croatia’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

United States United States’ human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review on 9 November

Marshall Islands Marshall Island’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

Bulgaria Bulgaria’s human rights record to be examined by Universal Periodic Review

Summary of the 45th session of the Council The Council concluded its forty-fifth regular session after adopting 35 resolutions, one Presidential Statement and one decision

Council adopts 6 more resolutions The Council adopted 6 resolutions dealing, among others, with human rights of women and girls, child rights, the prevention of human rights violations, and the Philippines

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Trafficking in women and girls Women’s rights committee published recommendations to eliminate trafficking of women and girls in the digital age, highlighting the increasing use of social media to recruit trafficking victims during COVID-19

Saudi Arabia rights defenders The UN women’s rights committee called for the immediate release of Loujain Al-Hathloul in Saudi Arabia and all other women human rights defenders in detention.

Spain: Age assessment procedures Spain’s procedures to determine the age of unaccompanied migrant children violated their fundamental human rights, UN child rights committee has found.

Migrant workers: Safe and dignified return CMW calls for immediate action to address the inhumane conditions of migrant workers who are stranded in detention camps and ensure they can have a safe and dignified return to their home countries.

Enforced disappearance: New date for online dialogue with Iraq The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances has rescheduled its public dialogue with Iraq on how the country is addressing the issue of enforced disappearances.

Spain violates inclusive education right Spain violated the right to inclusive education of a child with Down syndrome who was sent to a special education centre by national authorities, despite his parents’ objections, CRPD has found.

Mexico’s decision on enforced disappearances The unanimous decision by the Mexican Senate to recognize the competence of the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances to examine individual complaints is a significant step in the country’s human rights development.

Belarus: Role of women in protests UN women’s rights committee underlined how women voices are not marginal, but central in political processes.

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Our priorities

Enhancing equality and countering discrimination

Strengthening the rule of law and accountability for human rights violations

Advancing sustainable development through human rights

Enhancing participation and protecting civic space

Increasing implementation of the outcomes of the human rights mechanisms

Preventing violations and strengthening protection of human rights

Resources

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Minorities and COVID In an important speech, the High Commissioner pointed out that due to discrimination, racial minorities and indigenous peoples communities have been over-exposed, under-protected – and disproportionately harmed

Amazon defender The High Commissioner hailed the award of the Edelstam Prize to Brazilian human rights defender Osvalinda Marcelino Alves Pereira

Women and conflict COVID-19 may increase the already high risks of gender-based violence in conflict settings – including sexual violence, child marriage and sexual exploitation. It also prevents many victims from accessing justice and protection

Afghanistan In a major address prior to the opening of the Afghanistan Pledging Conference in Geneva, High Commissioner Bachelet outlined six points to enable parties to the peace negotiations to devise a lasting peace for all in Afghanistan

Domestic violence The risk of violence against women and girls, as well as LGBTI members of the family, is growing as the pandemic gathers pace, the High Commissioner warned – while protective services are falling away.

Minorities Forum The High Commissioner addressed the Forum on Minority Issues focused on hate speech, social media and minorities and stressed that minorities have been disproportionately targeted. She recalled that "States have the obligation under international human rights law to act against incitement to discrimination, hostility and violence, while fully respecting freedom of expression"

Antimicrobials Resistance to anti-microbial medications is one of the top 10 global public health threats – and it is especially urgent for children's right to health, the High Commissioner said.

National institutions National human rights institutions will play an essential role in countries' recovery from COVID-19, the High Commissioner said – encouraging "robust systems for participation, inclusion, transparency, integrity and accountability"

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The UN Human Rights Appeal 2020

The UN Human Rights Appeal 2020

Standing up for your rights

A collection of 16 stories highlighting the impact of our work around the world

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

Human rights and government budgets

Realizing Human Rights through Government Budgets

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Committee against Torture / 70th Session From: 09-11-2020
To: 04-12-2020
PW 1st floor

Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination / 102nd Session From: 16-11-2020
To: 04-12-2020
PW Ground Floor

Working Group on the use of mercenaries / 41st Session From: 23-11-2020
To: 27-11-2020
Ariana 3

Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery / 25th Session From: 23-11-2020
To: 27-11-2020
Ariana 2

Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law / 3rd Session From: 26-11-2020
To: 27-11-2020
XVII

Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent / 27th Session From: 30-11-2020
To: 04-12-2020
Ariana 2

Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples / 13th Session From: 30-11-2020
To: 04-12-2020
XX

Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery / 34th Session From: 07-12-2020
To: 11-12-2020
XXII

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UN Charter Body Database

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Universal Periodic Review

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National Human Rights Institutions Website

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Universal Human Rights Index

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Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Database

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Anti-discrimination Database

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Human Rights Education and Training Database

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Jurisprudence Database

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