Thousands protest French government’s mandatory Covid-19 vaccine, pass
In the aftermath of protests in France, the government is moving ahead with its controversial Covid-19 vaccine mandates. The French parliament passed a law requiring vaccines for all health workers and special virus passes for domestic travel and restaurants. It is a move that did not sit well with thousands who view it as government interference into personal, private...
UN food systems confab draws fire from food activists
(GIN)—The first-ever UN Food Systems Summit saw nearly 300 commitments from hundreds of thousands of people from around the world and across all constituencies to accelerate action and to transform food systems, according to a UN press release. The summit process was also applauded by farmer leaders for “inclusivity.” “The summit has been very inclusive,” said president of the Pan-African...
UN delays action on Myanmar and Afghanistan’s bid for seats
UNITED NATIONS—The UN General Assembly approved a resolution Dec. 6 delaying action on requests by Myanmar’s military junta and Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to take their countries’ seats at the United Nations. Assembly President Abdulla Shahid banged his gavel to approve the measure by consensus, without a vote. The decision by the 193-member world body means that the ambassadors from the ousted...
New report blasts Israel for Zionist State’s human rights violations and ‘apartheid’ policies
The Zionist State of Israel was called out in a new Amnesty International Report that accused the nation of violating international laws and enforcing policies amounting to apartheid and crimes against humanity. The 280-page report titled “Israel’s Apartheid Against Palestinians: Cruel System Of Domination And Crime Against Humanity” was released on February 1. Using “straight words” the document castigated the...
Fears grow for Syria amid rising violence, deepening humanitarian crisis
Top UN-appointed rights investigators urged renewed efforts for a political solution to Syria’s devastating war, which has been marked by an uptick of violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis in recent months. Presenting the latest UN Human Rights Council-mandated report on the nearly 11 year old conflict at a virtual press conference in Geneva, Paulo Pinheiro, chair of the Independent...
Catalan independence leaders accuse Spain of ‘huge’ espionage by Israeli-made spyware
Catalonia’s regional leader Pere Aragones says the Spanish government is purportedly spying on dozens of Catalan pro-independence figures using an Israeli-made spyware. “It’s an unjustifiable disgrace. An extremely serious attack on fundamental rights and democracy,” Mr. Aragones tweeted in English on April 18. “The Spanish government must give immediate explanations and get to the bottom of the matter.” His comments came after...
Disturbing reports reveal horrific attacks against people with Albinism
(GIN)—The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution proclaiming June 13 as International Albinism Awareness Day, designed to protect and preserve the rights of persons with albinism to life, dignity and security, as well as their right not to be subject to torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. The resolution was adopted Dec. 18, 2014. This year, at...
Amnesty Intl. says Myanmar army has laid landmines in Kayah
BANGKOK—Myanmar’s military has laid landmines that have killed and injured people in and around villages in Kayah, a conflict-affected region near the border with Thailand, Amnesty International said July 20. The human rights groups said its researchers who visited the region found that landmines laid around people’s homes and churches have killed at least 20 people and maimed many other...
One third of Gaza Strip population in need of psychological and social support
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported an increase in the levels of mental disorders amongst the population of the Gaza Strip, especially among children, many of whom were already in need of mental health services and psychosocial support. Over three violent days in early August, until a ceasefire was reached on August 7, Israeli...
British families demand answers over police custody deaths
Thousands of anti-racism activists have gathered in central London for a march on Downing Street against institutional racism in the British police force. The action, spearheaded by the United Families and Friends Campaign group, aims to raise awareness of the shocking stories of mostly Black men who died under suspicious circumstances whilst in police custody. Friends and family members of victims gather every...