Geneva, 26 September 2023 – The United Nations Human Rights Council, in its 54th Regular Session held today, heard a riveting speech from Omar Harfouch, a renowned Lebanese pianist, during its 24th meeting.
Born a Sunni Muslim, Harfouch was educated in a Christian school, a reflection of the religious diversity that Lebanon is known for. However, his presence at the council wasn’t primarily for his musical talents but to shed light on a pressing issue he faces in his homeland.
The pianist revealed he’s facing persecution by the Lebanese government because of his opinions and interactions. He highlighted the charges against him by the Lebanese military court, emphasizing the threat of the death penalty for merely being in the same room as an American-Israeli journalist and delivering a speech at the European Parliament.
His accusations against the Lebanese government were profound and were transmitted through UN Web TV. Harfouch candidly expressed, “Lebanon is an anti-Semitic, discriminatory, and racist country.” He called on the international community, especially the attendees at the United Nations Human Rights Council, to challenge Lebanon’s stringent policies that restrict freedom of expression and association.
In a poignant moment, Harfouch addressed the attendees, questioning if there were any Jews, Israelis, Zionists, or pro-Israelis present. He emphasized that, according to Lebanese law, he would need to discriminate against them. “Which I refuse to do,” he passionately stated. He underscored that no one should be judged based on birth, religion, or nationality, urging the council’s members to support his plea to abolish the “racist and discriminatory law.”
The speech garnered widespread attention, with many ambassadors and human rights advocates expressing their concern about the allegations and showing solidarity with Harfouch.
The 54th Session of the Human Rights Council continues, with more statements from representatives and discussions on various global human rights issues. The international community awaits further reactions and potential resolutions in light of Harfouch’s compelling address.
The Speaker of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Canada, Anthony Rota, resigned because of the admission in the plenary hall of a former Nazi soldier and the words of praise addressed to him, the world agencies reported.
The incident in question happened during the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the Parliament of Canada on Friday. Then among the guests in the plenary hall, invited because of his visit, was a Ukrainian who was a member of the Nazi forces – the 98-year-old Ukrainian immigrant Yaroslav Hunka. The chairman of the House of Commons, Anthony Rota, addressed him with welcoming words.
When it became clear who this person was, a huge scandal broke out, and there was also a reaction from Russia. Hunka served in the 14th Grenadier Division of the SS paramilitary organization, whose crimes against humanity during the Holocaust are well documented.
An association of the Jewish community in Canada has demanded an apology from Ottawa for Friday’s incident during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the Canadian parliament.
The Russian Embassy in Ottawa sent a note to the Canadian Foreign Ministry, as well as the offices of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Speaker of the House of Commons Anthony Rota.
Soon after, it became clear that Rota was withdrawing. “It is with a heavy heart that I inform members of Parliament that I am resigning as Speaker of the House of Commons,” he said and expressed his deep regret for the mistake.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office has denied involvement in the case and asserted its independence from the Speaker of Parliament. The Ukrainian delegation accompanying Zelensky was also not informed of the presence of this person in the plenary hall, Trudeau’s office clarified.
The SS Division Galicia (or Galicia) was formed by residents of Western Ukraine in 1943. In July 1944, it was almost completely destroyed in the Battle of Brody, after which it was re-formed and used in Slovakia, Yugoslavia and Austria.
In April 1945, it was withdrawn from the SS, renamed the 1st Ukrainian Division and became part of the Ukrainian National Army. In May, its soldiers surrendered to the British and American forces, TASS recalls.
“Each day, the people of Myanmar are enduring horrifying attacks, flagrant human rights violations and the crumbling of their livelihoods and hopes,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Mr. Türk emphasized the military’s blatant disregard for fundamental principles of humanity as well as the Security Council’s repeated demands for an immediate cessation of hostilities and unhindered humanitarian access.
“We are faced here with a system of ruthless repression designed to coerce and subjugate its people and to erode a society so that the predatory interests of the military are preserved,” he said.
“Senseless military attacks are exacerbating the human rights crisis with interconnected humanitarian, political, and economic impacts, imposing an unbearable toll on the people in Myanmar.”
Muzzling free press
He also voiced concerns over the military’s denial of humanitarian access to those affected by Cyclone Mocha in May, particularly in Rakhine state, where widowed Rohingya women have reportedly been forced to beg for food.
The military also threatened legal action against anyone reporting a different death toll from the massive disaster to the junta’s official figure of 116 deaths.
In this context, a photojournalist was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment by a military for covering the post-cyclone situation in Rakhine, the biggest sentence handed down to a journalist since the 2021 coup.
Reliance on foreign sources
Mr. Türk pointed to three specific military tactics employed against civilians: airstrikes, mass killings, and the burning of villages.
Between April 2022 and May 2023, the military conducted 687 airstrikes, more than double the number in the preceding 14 months.
The report corroborated data confirming that the increased use of air power, along with heavy weaponry, military hardware and aviation fuel, “can only be purchased from foreign sources”, the rights chief said.
‘Inhumanity in its vilest form’
Mr. Türk further reported that ground operations resulted in 22 documented mass killings – involving the murder of ten or more individuals. Witnesses described soldiers using horrific methods to inflicting pain on civilians, including burning alive, beheading, dismemberment, rape and more.
“This is inhumanity in its vilest form,” the High Commissioner said, stating that entire villages were set ablaze, leading to the destruction of over 75,000 structures, driving displacement and increasing humanitarian needs.
Civilian rule has vanished
“Civilian rule of law in Myanmar has vanished, with the military deliberately eroding the foundations of governance and justice in the country,” Mr. Türk said, urging the Security Council to refer the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
According to credible sources, 24,836 people have been arrested, 19,264 are still detained, and 150 have been sentenced to death by military-controlled courts that lack any independence or adherence to due process or fair trial rights.
By Hasanboy Burhanov (founder and leader of political opposition movement Erkin O’zbekiston/Free Uzbekistan)
Is the “C5+1” format German in nature, regarding the upcoming meeting in Berlin?
On Friday, September 29th, a meeting will take place in Berlin between the leadership of Germany and the presidents of Kazakhstan – Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan – Japarov, Tajikistan – Rahmon, Turkmenistan – Serdar Berdymukhamedov, and Uzbekistan – Mirziyayev.
This gathering of all the heads of Central Asian countries with a member of the European Union is happening for the first time. Additionally, the Asian guests will participate in an economic forum organized by the Eastern Committee of German Business (Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft), of which Michael Harms serves as the executive director.
As noted by the Federal Chancellor Scholz’s press service, the discussions during the negotiations will revolve around strengthening regional and economic cooperation.
This is precisely what Harms was talking about in Dushanbe in early September this year. Participating in the Tajikistan-Germany Investment Forum, the executive director noted: “As an alternative to Russia, German companies intend to enter the Central Asian markets.
Michael Harms, who has long-standing and close ties with the Putin regime, is among the influential Russian lobbyists in Germany. They have not only influenced their own country but also the entire Europe into dependency on Russian gas.
Last year, when Putin’s favorite criminal oligarch Alisher Usmanov was trying to get EU sanctions lifted, along with Hungarian Prime Minister Orban, Turkish President Erdogan, Kazakh President Tokayev and Uzbek President Mirziyayev, patrons of the Eastern Committee of the German Economy Michael Harms and Manfred Grundke tried unsuccessfully to influence the German leadership to get Usmanov out of sanctions.
Last year, considering Russia’s war against Ukraine, there was a suspicious surge in pro-Russian business activities in the Central Asian region. Given that none of the five republics have condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine to this day and have actively assisted the Putin regime in circumventing international sanctions, European investments in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan can be seen as indirectly supporting the Putin regime.
At the upcoming meeting of Central Asian presidents with the leadership of Germany, the political opposition movement “Erkin O’zbekiston” strongly recommends that Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz address the following fundamental issues:
– The presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan must immediately cease aiding the Putin regime in circumventing international sanctions.
– The presidents of Kazakhstan – Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan – Sadyr Japarov, Tajikistan – Emomali Rahmon, Turkmenistan – Serdar Berdymukhamedov, and Uzbekistan – Shavkat Mirziyayev should publicly condemn Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine and prohibit Kremlin propaganda in their countries.
– Action must be taken on tangible improvements in the freedom of speech, freedom of the media, journalist safety, and human rights in Central Asian countries, including an end to persecution based on political, religious, or other criteria.
– They must allow the admission of opposition parties and movements in exile to participate in parliamentary and presidential elections in their respective countries.
Otherwise, German investments in the Central Asian region will contribute to the strengthening of the Putin regime and the realization of its project to revive the USSR.
Erkin O’zbekiston
President Joe Biden U.S. Department of State Bundespräsident Bundesregierung Olaf Scholz MFA of Ukraine Шавкат Mirziyoyev Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Uzbekistan Aqorda Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Kazakhstan Администрация Президента КР Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic Хадамоти матбуоти Президенти Тоҷикистон Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Tajikistan
Between September 22 and 26, 2023, Mr. Sebahattin Bilginç – Regional Coordinator of Yeshilai for “Marmara” region in European Turkey /for the cities Edirne; Tekirdag: Kirklareli; Çanakkale and Balkesir/, together with the members of the Sports Club of Yesilai – Edirne (Cemal Seçkin, Zekeriya Bayrak, Mehmet Fatih Bayrak, Çağrı Sinop), held a bike ride of good neighborliness and friendship to Bulgaria, covering 500 km in 5 days and 4 nights. In the city of Plovdiv, they were welcomed by the chairman of Yeshilai – Bulgaria, Mr. Ahmed Pehlivan and members of the Bulgarian branch of the International Federation of Green Crescent.
Before heading back home, the athletes were received by the Consul General of the Republic of Turkey in the city of Plovdiv, Mr. Korhan Kyungeryu.
The Green Crescent has speeded up its international organization works in the last years and has started the foundation works for national Green Crescent in many countries. Each constituted Green Crescent, becomes a member of the International Federation of Green Crescent, established by the Turkish Green Crescent in October 2016.
The aim of this federation is to gather each Green Crescent that has been established in other countries, under a new umbrella organization based in Istanbul.
Turkish Green Crescent Society was founded by patriotic people and intellectuals (Dist. Prof. Mazhar Osman and his friends) from a diverse set of backgrounds in 1920, response to the British attempts to distribute booze and drugs free of charge in Istanbul in an effort to undermine the resistance against the occupation. The founders sensed the upcoming dangers of alcohol and drug addiction that resulted decline in the resistance against the occupation. The patriotic intellectuals established the “Green Crescent”, “Hilal-i Ahdar” in Istanbul in order to warn Turkish society. The official name of the association is “Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti”, “Turkish Green Crescent Society”.
The Green Crescent is a non-profit and non-governmental organization that empowers youth and adults with factual information about drugs so they can make informed decisions against different kind of addictions including alcohol, tobacco, drug, gambling etc. The Green Crescent was established in 1920 and given the status of Public-Beneficial Society (public beneficial society status is given to the organizations that serve for public benefits) by the Turkish government in 1934.
Core Valuesof the organisation:
Fight Against Addiction for the Human Dignity
The Green Crescent aims to protect public health against the risk of addiction and to ensure that human dignity is respected. In all of its activities, the Green Crescent promotes mutual understanding, brotherliness, amity, cooperation and sustainable peace among people. The Green Crescent tries to prevent and ease addiction-induced suffering, wherever they may strike, using all of the assets of its national and international capacity.
Non-Discrimination
While providing services, the Green Crescent does not discriminate against people based on their nationality, race, religious belief, class or political ideology. It focuses on easing addiction-based suffering, using the most effective measures in its capacity and giving priority to the most urgent and essential needs.
Independence
The Green Crescent is an independent non-governmental organization. Assisting public authorities in humanitarian activities, the Green Crescent is subject to international agreements that have been duly put into effect by the Republic of Turkey, and to the laws of Republic of Turkey, and within this scope, the Society retains the authority to enter into relevant international agreements and to act accordingly.
Being a Charitable Foundation
The Green crescent is a volunteer-based charitable foundation that does not seek personal or corporate benefits.
Being a Public Health Entity
The Green Crescent is a volunteer-based non-governmental organization that makes use of its corporate capacity to come up with preventive programs to fight against all kinds of addictions and processes, especially those related to tobacco, alcohol and substances, and that tries to make effective use of the currently available therapies and treatment services to tackle addictions that have already taken hold.
Being Scientific
The Green Crescent adopts an evidence-based research, analysis and intervention approach in its efforts to protect people from and prevent addictions, and to reinforce and/or modify behaviors while fighting against addictions in therapy and treatment phases.
Being Global
Having equal status with the national associations of other countries engaged in the fight against addiction, and sharing responsibilities and tasks equally during mutual assistance studies, the Green Crescent’s intention is to create a global organization to fight against addictions on a global scale, to work as part of this organization in order to observe the issues on a global scale, to work globally, to function according to global standards, and to be effective and reputable.
Being Social
According to the Green Crescent, being organized to raise public health awareness at all levels and in all settlements in the societies in which it serves, i.e. from the base to the representatives, and from the individuals to public institutions, and carrying out participatory studies at a public level are a requirement for sustainable success.
Some 19,000 refugees have reportedly left the Karabakh Economic Region of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including many elderly people, women and children.
UNHCR Spokesperson Shabia Mantoo called on all sides to protect civilians and to fully respect international humanitarian refugee law allowing them safe passage.
All parties must “refrain from actions that would cause displacement of civilians and ensure their safety, security and human rights and nobody should be forced to flee their homes”, said Ms. Mantoo, speaking during a scheduled UN agency briefing in Geneva.
In the regular noon briefing for reporters in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, said the UN chief António Guterres was “very concerned” about the displacement.
“It’s essential that the rights of the displaced populations be protected and that they receive the humanitarian support they are owed,” said the Spokesperson.
He underlined that at this point, the UN was “not involved in the humanitarian situation” within the region, but the UN aid coordination office (OCHA) is on the ground in Armenia.
Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region has persisted for more than three decades, but a ceasefire and subsequent Trilateral Statement was agreed almost three years ago following six weeks of fighting, by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, leading to the deployment of several thousand Russian peacekeepers.
Amid last week’s flare-up in fighting and the arrival of the first refugees in Armenia, the UN chief called for fully-fledged access for aid workers to people in need.
De-escalation call
Mr. Guterres also called for de-escalation “in the strongest terms” and “stricter” observance of the 2020 ceasefire, and principles of international humanitarian law.
Echoing that appeal, UNHCR’s Ms. Mantoo explained on Tuesday that amid the “complex and multicultural” situation, access to asylum must be maintained for people in need of international protection “to ensure that people are treated humanely, that their rights are protected and respected, and that they can access the protection and safety that they need”.
Support is also needed for countries at the front lines that are receiving people in need of protection, Ms. Mantoo said.
The UNHCR official also called for “alternatives for a legal stay”, and an “expansion of regular and safe pathways so people don’t have to risk their lives and that we don’t see these types of backlogs and pressures”.
International solidarity call
She reiterated that the regional response requires international solidarity and a concerted effort by all States and stakeholders.
Regarding UNHCR’s teams on the ground in Armenia, Ms. Mantoo explained that they were monitoring the situation closely.
People were “suffering the effects of trauma and exhaustion and need urgent psychosocial support” Ms. Mantoo said, adding that the government of Armenia was leading the response and was expected to appeal to the international community for further support.
For its part, the UN agency has also provided assistance, including non-food items, portable beds, mattresses and bedding. “There is also a need for shelter, warm clothing and other essential non-food items. And we’re mobilizing further assistance and coordinating with local government and partners to respond to the increasing needs,” she added.
In a statement released late on Tuesday, the UN human rights chief Volker Türk added his concern over the evolving situation.
“Any reported violations of human rights or international humanitarian law require follow-up, including prompt, independent and transparent investigations to ensure accountability and redress for the victims”, he said.
He reminded that all countries must not deny ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities “the right to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language.”
UNICEF Representative in Mali, Pierre Ngom, told reporters in Geneva that dozens of children have been killed this month alone by non-State armed groups in the north and centre of the country.
An attack on a boat on the Gao-Timbuktu axis on 7 September claimed the lives of at least 24 youngsters.
Mr. Ngom called for urgent action to protect and support children in Mali: “Investments in peace and security must go hand in hand with getting all children in school and learning, fully vaccinated, protected from grave violations, and free from malnutrition.”
He said that heightened insecurity has been further amplified by the ongoing departure of UN peacekeepers.
The UN Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) pull-out is scheduled for the end of the year. Mr. Ngom underscored that MINUSMA was helping ensure the safety of UNICEF teams implementing vaccination campaigns in insecure zones.
According to UNICEF, with just a few weeks until the start of the 2023-2024 academic year, more than 1,500 out of 9,000 schools are not functional.
In the southeastern Ménaka region, half of all schools are closed. In all, half a million children are affected, but UNICEF is working with the Government to provide classes through radio programming, and recruit community volunteers to fill in for teachers.
Brazil: UN rights office hails ‘encouraging’ ruling on Indigenous Peoples’ land claims
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) welcomed on Tuesday a recent Brazilian Supreme Court ruling in favour of a land rights case brought by Indigenous Peoples.
OHCHR said that the landmark decision rejected time restrictions on Indigenous People’s claims to their ancestral land and called it “very encouraging”.
An opposing legal argument would have blocked Indigenous Peoples who were not living on their ancestral land 35 years ago from laying claim to it today; 1988 was the year when Brazil’s constitution was adopted.
OHCHR said that such limits would have “perpetuated and aggravated historic injustices suffered by Brazil´s Indigenous Peoples”.
The UN rights office said that it remained concerned that a draft bill currently being discussed in Congress was seeking to impose the 1988 deadline which has now been rejected by the Supreme Court.
Failure to ensure judicial independence impeding justice in Montenegro: UN expert
Failure to elect a seventh member of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme State Prosecutor and new lay members of Montenegro’s judicial council, has put plans for judicial reform at risk there, an independent UN rights expert said on Tuesday.
Margaret Satterthwaite, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers said in a statement at the end of an official visit there that this would hinder access to justice “for all its citizens.”
She added that Montenegro’s Parliament had failed, on multiple occasions, to elect the new members needed to staff these important institutions.
“As a result, strategic leadership in these institutions is lacking, and planning and action for reform of the system is not possible”, she said.
‘Country above politics’
“Members of Parliament must put the interests of their country above politics, and ensure these appointments take place without any further delay.”
Ms. Satterthwaite said she had met with judges and prosecutors who reported working in conditions that were manifestly underfunded.
Buildings were old, too small, and in a poor state of repair. There was insufficient office space, creating security risks for judges and prosecutors. Up to date information technology and digitalisation was severely lacking, she said.
“During my visits to courts, I was shocked to see and hear about inadequate facilities for storage of archives and evidence, including firearms and drugs,” the independent expert added.
Special Rapporteurs and other independent experts are appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, are not staff and do not receive a salary for their investigative work.
Arlon, located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg, is a small town full of hidden treasures. Known for being the oldest city in Belgium, Arlon offers its visitors a unique blend of historical heritage and natural beauty.
The city itself is a veritable open-air museum, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and Roman remains. Stroll through the narrow streets of the city center and discover the remarkable architecture of the Saint-Donat Church and the town hall. Don’t miss the archaeological museum either, which houses an impressive collection of objects dating from Roman times.
But what really makes Arlon special is its proximity to nature. The city is surrounded by green hills, vast forests and beautiful landscapes. For hiking enthusiasts, Arlon is a true paradise. The marked trails will take you through woods, valleys and meadows, offering you breathtaking panoramic views.
One of the most popular places for hiking is the Attert Valley Natural Park. With its 300 kilometers of marked trails, this park offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. From wooded hills to green valleys and flowery fields, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the Mamer waterfall, an ideal place for a refreshing break.
If you prefer two wheels, Arlon also has well-maintained cycle paths. Rent a bike and explore the region at your own pace. You can explore the surrounding picturesque villages, such as Clairefontaine and Heinstert, or venture further into the Luxembourg countryside.
For ornithology enthusiasts, Arlon is also an ideal place. The Haute-Sûre Natural Park is a true paradise for birds. Hundreds of different species call the area home, providing visitors with unique viewing opportunities. Grab some binoculars and go in search of the herons, swans and ducks that inhabit the lakes and rivers.
Apart from nature, Arlon also offers many cultural activities. Don’t miss the Château de la Comtesse Adèle, a magnificent medieval castle which now houses the Gaspar Museum. This museum will immerse you in the history of the region, from prehistory to the present day.
If you have time, also take the opportunity to visit Orval Abbey, located just a few kilometers from Arlon. This 12th-century Cistercian abbey is famous for its Trappist beer and cheese. You can visit the historic buildings, taste local produce and stroll through the peaceful gardens.
Finally, don’t leave Arlon without tasting the local gastronomy. The city’s restaurants offer traditional Belgian cuisine, with dishes such as mussels and fries, stoemp (mashed potatoes) and of course, the famous Belgian waffles. Accompany your meal with a local beer and savor the culinary delights of the region.
Arlon is therefore much more than just a historic town. It is a natural getaway that will appeal to lovers of the outdoors and culture. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or cultural discoveries, Arlon has everything to please you. So why not plan your next getaway to this charming town in the heart of Wallonia?
In Mali, one million children under five are at risk of malnutrition amid polio and measles outbreaks, increased armed violence and displacement, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.
Scientists have revealed why pink diamonds are so rare, AFP reported, citing a scientific study. These gems are found almost exclusively in Australia. Their price is extremely high.
More than 90 percent of the world’s pink diamonds are mined at the Argyle mine in the northwest of the country, which is currently closed.
Most of the diamond mining mines are located on other continents – for example in South Africa and Russia.
An Australian scientific team has conducted a study published in “Nature Communications”, according to which pink diamonds were formed when the first supercontinent of the Earth broke up 1.3 billion years ago.
Two components are needed to form a diamond, University of Perth geologist Hugo Olieruk told AFP. The first component is carbon. At less than 150 km depth, carbon is found in the form of graphite. The second component is high pressure. It is able to determine the color of the diamond. Less pressure leads to a pink color, and a little more pressure leads to brown, Olieruk explains.
According to Olieruk, the geological processes of the separation of the only supercontinent on Earth pushed the pink diamonds to the surface of today’s Australia like champagne corks.
