The UN’s Special Rapporteur for Russia, Mariana Katzarova, sounded the alarm on what she says is a pattern of suppression of civil and political rights there.
Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Ms. Katzarova voiced grave concerns over mass arbitrary arrests and the “persistent use of torture and ill-treatment.”
Clear evidence
Citing almost 200 sources from both in and outside the country, the UN-appointed expert also highlighted the lack of judicial independence and right to a fair trial.
“The large amount of information shared with me is indicative of the magnitude of the human rights challenges facing Russian society today,” she said.
Ms. Katzarova said that mass arbitrary arrests, detentions and harassment were recorded for “anyone speaking out against Russia’s war on Ukraine or daring to criticize the government’s actions.”
But the fraying of basic rights did not begin in February last year, rather, “the roots of this repression go back much further.”
‘Incremental and calculated’
“The incremental and calculated restrictions on human rights in Russia over the past two decades have culminated in the current state policy of criminalising any actual or perceived dissent.”
Over 20,000 people were detained between February 2022 and June 2023 for participating in ‘largely peaceful’ anti-war protests.
Additionally, Ms. Katzarova received reports of torture and ill-treatment in detention, including sexual violence and rape, by law enforcement officials targeting anti-war protesters.
Russian authorities have also used propaganda and rhetoric to incite hatred and violence against Ukrainians, the report claims, with 600 criminal lawsuits were initiated against so-called “anti-war activity.
Ms. Katzarova added that children in schools face threats and serious consequences for “even drawing an anti-war picture.”
Civil society
The situation in Russia has signalled an “effective closure of the civic space, silencing of public dissent and independent media”, Ms. Katzarova emphasised, a thought echoed by many Member States during the Council session.
For example, changes to the law on so-called foreign agents or ‘undesirable organisations’ means that independent voices such as human rights defenders and independent media outlets, are now being heavily restricted.
“The often-violent enforcement of these laws has resulted in a systematic crackdown on civil society organizations,” Ms. Katzarova said, referencing the scrutiny, detention and sometimes persecution of the now “stigmatised”, independent groups – many who are forced into exile or prison.
Russian push back
Joined by many Member States, the UN expert urged Russia to undertake “comprehensive human rights reforms” to address the “damage of the past two decades.”
The Russian Government has not accepted the mandate of the report and denied the independent expert access to the country. Russia’s were represented at the Human Rights council in Geneva during the report’s presentation but did not respond.
Addressing the Geneva forum, Ms. Katzarova called on Russia to “reconsider its approach” towards her mandate – a sentiment echoed by many Member States present.
This is the first time in its history that the Council has authorised a rights expert to investigate human rights violations within the borders of one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council.
Post-traumatic stress and anxiety has become a daily challenge for thousands of Libyans who survived Storm Daniel nearly two weeks ago, UN humanitarians warned on Thursday.
The head of the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees across the Middle East, UNRWA, on Thursday appealed for consistent and sustainable financing to keep its operations running and avert chronic shortfalls.
Six months on from the last UN pledging conference for Yemen, only a fraction of what is required to meet the needs of millions has been pledged.
A displaced family in Marib, Yemen, carries a winter aid package back to their shelter.
Durable solutions needed
Despite a significant decrease in fighting since last year’s UN-brokered truce, over 4.3 million people remain displaced across the country. Most do not feel safe enough to return home anytime soon and plan to remain in the areas they have settled in for the foreseeable future.
Many are dispersed across hundreds of displacement camps in underdeveloped areas, mainly along the frontlines. Others have sheltered in urban areas or among host communities where social services are more readily available, yet poverty is rife.
In the long term, concrete, durable solutions for displaced communities who have settled in new areas, likely for the long haul, is crucial, according to the UN International Organization for Migration’s (IOM).
It adds that significant investments must be made to allow them to continue this lifesaving work and to promote a more sustainable future and long-term recovery through revitalizing agriculture, education, water systems, and other infrastructure.
water systems, and other infrastructure.
A migrant rests at a clinic in northern Yemen after a long and exhausting journey.
Trafficking crisis
Migrants remain some of those most vulnerable to the effects of the crisis. The maritime route migrants take from the Horn of Africa to Yemen is the second busiest in the world.
According to the IOM displacement tracking matrix, an estimated 90,000 migrants – mostly Ethiopian – have arrived on Yemen’s shores in 2023 so far, in the hopes of reaching Saudi Arabia.
Tens of thousands have become stranded. They have traveled too far and gone too deep in debt to turn around, but know the journey ahead is too deadly or costly to continue, according to IOM, whose staff hears daily accounts from migrants of exploitation at the hands of traffickers and grave abuse on their journeys.
A young migrant looks out to see after arriving in Yemen from Djibouti.
Slavery, torture, extortion
The migrants are often promised good jobs and decent living conditions and do not anticipate the challenges they will face. Instead, thousands of migrants are sold into sexual slavery, tortured on video while their families are extorted, or forced to work for months without pay on farms, according to IOM.
The situation has become a trafficking crisis of extraordinary proportions, the UN agency warned. Many also struggle to access essential public services, like health care, shelter, sanitation facilities, and food while also experiencing stigma and discrimination.
Humanitarians mobilized along the eastern corridor migration route are striving to ensure assistance is available to people on the move and that those who wish to return home can do so safely and voluntarily. But, the demand for these services continues to outweigh the resources available to respond to all migrants in need.
More meaningful efforts from world leaders to restore the rights of and end violence toward people on the move in Yemen – regardless of background or migration status – must also be made, the UN agency said.
IOM is providing services to patients at a health centre on the west coast of Yemen.
Yemenis welcome newcomers
Confronted with these harsh realities, it is Yemeni community members who often go out of their way to help newcomers. Thousands of Yemenis work for humanitarian agencies in dangerous areas. Some have moved far from their homes to lend a hand to communities in need across the country.
Host communities, still reeling from years of war, have stepped up to support and welcome those in dire need.
Yemeni doctors provide relief to people suffering from ailments on their journeys, engineers build extensive water networks in arid lands, community leaders help mitigate conflict over dwindling resources, and teachers spread knowledge to children whose education has been compromised by war.
The realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) depends on supporting these unsung heroes to make concrete contributions to development and peace in countries in crisis.
Bruges is a picturesque city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. Known for its romantic canals and well-preserved medieval architecture, Bruges is a must-visit destination for food lovers. With an abundance of artisan chocolate shops, traditional breweries and fresh produce markets, this city offers a unique culinary experience.
When you visit Bruges, it is impossible not to succumb to the delights of chocolate. The city is full of chocolate factories, some dating back centuries. Master chocolatiers use traditional techniques to create edible works of art. From delicate pralines to melting truffles, there is something for everyone. Additionally, many shops offer chocolate-making demonstrations, allowing visitors to see the process of creating their favorite treats.
But Bruges is not just about chocolate. The city is also renowned for its Flemish cuisine, which highlights fresh, quality ingredients. Traditional dishes such as mussels and fries, stoemp (a dish of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables) and waterzooi (a chicken or fish stew) are must-try. Local restaurants also serve innovative dishes that combine Belgian cuisine with international influences.
Beer lovers will also find what they are looking for in Bruges. Belgium is famous for its craft beer, and the city has many breweries where you can taste a wide variety of Belgian beers. Some breweries even offer guided tours to learn about the brewing process and taste different types of beers. The city’s cafes and bars also offer a cozy atmosphere for enjoying a beer while admiring the picturesque canals of Bruges.
In addition to its culinary delights, Bruges is also a charming city to explore. The canals that cross the city have earned it the nickname “Venice of the North”. A boat trip along the canals is an ideal way to discover the cobbled streets and medieval houses that line the banks. Visitors can also stroll through the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire magnificent buildings such as the Bruges Belfry and the Church of Our Lady.
For art lovers, Bruges is also home to numerous museums and galleries. The Groeninge Museum is famous for its collection of Flemish art, while the Memling Museum displays the works of the famous painter Hans Memling. History buffs can visit the Historium museum, which offers an immersive experience tracing the history of Bruges in the Middle Ages.
Finally, foodies cannot leave Bruges without visiting the Friday market, which offers a variety of fresh and local products. From delicious cheeses to fresh fruits and vegetables, the market is a food lover’s paradise. Fish stalls also offer fresh seafood, such as gray shrimp, a local specialty. Visitors can buy fresh produce to prepare a delicious meal when they return home or simply enjoy it on site.
In conclusion, Bruges is a gourmet destination that will delight lovers of chocolate, beer and Flemish cuisine. With its romantic canals and medieval architecture, the city also offers an enchanting setting for strolling and discovering its rich cultural heritage. Whether you are a gourmet or simply in search of culinary pleasures, Bruges is a city not to be missed.
Civilians continuing paying a heavy price as the “senseless violence” between rival militaries continues in Sudan, the UN’s political affairs chief said on Wednesday.
Antwerp, a dynamic port city: between commerce and history
Located in northern Belgium, Antwerp is a dynamic port city that has played a major role in European trade for centuries. Its rich history and strategic geographical position make it a must-see for history and culture lovers.
Antwerp’s history dates back to Roman times, when the city was an important trading center. During the Middle Ages, it became the main trading port in Western Europe, attracting merchants from all over the world. The city enjoyed a period of prosperity in the 16th century, when it was the economic and cultural capital of the Spanish Netherlands.
The port of Antwerp played a crucial role in the development of the city. With its position on the Scheldt estuary, it was the departure point for merchant ships heading to Northern and Eastern Europe. Today, the Port of Antwerp is one of the largest ports in the world, with significant maritime traffic and modern facilities.
In addition to its economic importance, Antwerp is also a city rich in history and culture. The historic center of Antwerp is a true architectural gem, with buildings dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its impressive spire, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. The Vieux Port district is also a place not to be missed, with its cobbled streets and historic houses.
Antwerp is also known for its art. In the 16th century, the town was an important center of Flemish painting, with famous artists such as Rubens and Van Dyck. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts houses an exceptional collection of Flemish paintings, ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Art lovers can also visit Rubens House, the former residence of the famous painter.
In addition to its historical and artistic heritage, Antwerp is a dynamic and modern city. The city is known for its fashion and design, with many internationally renowned designers having their studios in Antwerp. The Fashion District is a favorite spot for shopping enthusiasts, with designer boutiques and luxury stores.
Antwerp is also a culturally vibrant city. Throughout the year, the city hosts numerous events and festivals, such as the Antwerp Fashion Festival and the Jazz Festival. The people of Antwerp are also known for their friendliness and joie de vivre, which makes the city a pleasant place to visit.
In conclusion, Antwerp is a dynamic port city that combines commerce and history. Its rich past makes it a fascinating place for history lovers, while its modernity and cultural life make it an attractive destination for travelers. Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, fashion or just exploring a vibrant city, Antwerp has a lot to offer.
A new report by UNAMA’s Human Rights Service has documented over 1,600 cases of human rights violations including torture, committed by the de facto authorities across the country during the arrest and detention of individuals from 1 January 2022 to 31 July this year.
Commenting on the findings, UN rights chief Volker Türk described as “harrowing” the personal accounts of beatings, electric shocks, water torture and numerous other forms of cruel and degrading treatment, along with threats made against individuals and their families.
“Torture is forbidden in all circumstances,” he insisted.
According to the report, violations of due process guarantees, including denial of access to lawyers, have become the “norm” in the country.
Mr. Türk urged the Taliban to halt the abuses and hold perpetrators accountable.
Afghanistan remains bound as a State Party by numerous international human rights treaties. UNAMA is mandated by the UN Security Council to support their implementation.
Armenia-Azerbaijan: UN reiterates calls for humanitarian access
Through his Spokesperson, Mr. Guterres reiterated his call for full-fledged access for aid workers to people in need.
In a statement referring to the situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Mr. Guterres said that he was “extremely concerned” over the use of military force in the region and reports of casualties, including among the civilian population.
According to the latest media reports, a cessation of hostilities in the region was announced on Wednesday.
Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region has persisted for more than three decades, but a ceasefire 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.
The UN chief urged “in the strongest terms” for de-escalation and “stricter” observance of the 2020 ceasefire and principles of international humanitarian law.
Just last month, UN humanitarians and partners briefed the Security Council on the need for unimpeded passage of aid in the region through the Lachin Corridor. The key route reportedly reopened last week.
Mr. Guterres said that he regretted that the latest “worrying developments” followed the delivery of “much-needed humanitarian assistance” to the local population on 18 September.
The UN rights chief Volker Türk also said on Tuesday that he was worried about “the impact of renewed use of armed force on civilians”. He insisted that it was “absolutely critical” that Azerbaijan and Armenia return to the peace process and work on an agreement “grounded in human rights”.
UN launches star-studded road safety campaign
Coming soon to a billboard near you: a new global UN road safety campaign launched on Wednesday to help prevent road traffic crashes, which kill 1.35 million people each year.
Crashes are the leading cause of death for people aged five to 29 around the world and developing countries account for a staggering 93 per cent of the victims.
According to the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the most vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, and the poor are disproportionately affected.
The UN chief’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, said that road safety was “not high enough” on the political agenda in most countries.
To raise awareness of the issue, the new UN campaign mobilizes celebrities ranging from pop star Kylie Minogue to football icon Ousmane Dembélé who are encouraging road users to adopt safe practices. The billboards will go on display in some 1,000 cities worldwide.
TORINO, Italy (September 19, 2023) — Bitter Winter, a magazine of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), has been following the Japanese government’s unusual and intrusive investigation of a minority religion, which began after the July 2022 assassination of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Today, Bitter Winter starts publishing a booklet that explains why the Japanese government has no legal basis to file for dissolution of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church. The series will continue through September 23.
“We regard what is happening in Japan as the worst current religious liberty crisis in a democratic country,” said Dr. Massimo Introvigne, an Italian sociologist who serves as editor-in-chief of Bitter Winter, a magazine on religious liberty and human rights published by CESNUR.“It is severely tarnishing the international image of Japan, a country I deeply respect.”
International lawyer Tatsuki Nakayama, who specializes in legal integrity issues, says in his booklet that Japan’s government, led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, is not following the 1951 Religious Corporations Act, but appears to be practicing politics.
The government’s efforts to “torture the members of the Family Federation without killing them, so to speak, is a major religious persecution that violates the freedom of religion under the Constitution,” Mr. Nakayama wrote in Dear Prime Minister Fumio Kishida: No Justification for the Government to Request Dissolution of the Family Federation, released in September.
No legal basis for dissolution
Mr. Nakayama said the strict, legal reasons for dissolution of a religious corporation include: proof that it is “obviously” antisocial and commits criminal acts under the Penal Code. There must be criminal activities organized by the leadership that are “malicious” and “continuous.”
The Family Federation has done none of these things, Mr. Nakayama wrote. First, the Family Federation leadership has never engaged in any criminal behaviors. (Individual believers’ actions cannot be used to dissolve an entire religious organization.)
Second, many years ago, some individuals used undue pressure to persuade people to make large donations to the Family Federation for spiritual benefit. However, this was dealt with in 2009 when the Family Federation issued a Declaration of Compliance to fully reform its fundraising activities. Since 2009, there have been only four donation-complaint cases that went to court (three were settled and one went to judgment), and in the last seven years, there has not been a single case brought to court against the Family Federation.
No “dissolution” for other religious groups that committed crimes
Mr. Nakayama’s research shows that at least eight other religious organizations—in which leaders and followers raped, beat, and even murdered believers—were not dissolved by the Japanese government or the court. Except for one group that disbanded due to bankruptcy, these religious groups still exist.
“Compared with eight other religious corporations, the Family Federation is not ‘malicious’ enough for the government to request an order for its dissolution,” Mr. Nakayama wrote.
Founded in 2018, Bitter Winter has emerged as a major source of information about global religious liberty issues, and is one of the most quoted in the U.S. Department of State’s yearly reports on freedom of religion. “We normally contrast how democratic countries protect freedom of religion as opposed to how non-democratic regimes such as China and Russia persecute believers,” Dr. Introvigne said. “Unfortunately, the witch hunt against the Family Federation is already allowing Chinese and Russian propaganda to claim that repressing religious minorities stigmatized as ‘cults’ is also practiced in a democratic country such as Japan.”
As part of his booklet, Mr. Nakayama explains how he came to be involved in the Family Federation case as a third-party participant. In essence, he was asked to observe because there was so much government, media, and public “hate speech” against the Family Federation, it could not easily find sufficient legal defense.
Mr. Nakayama said he took the case with some hesitation—he would never defend a “clear” criminal organization. But he has found, through his interactions with Family Federation leaders and members, that they have been grossly mischaracterized, and “it doesn’t make sense that it continues to be called an antisocial organization in the media.”
Other independent investigators have written that the accusatory focus on the Family Federation in Japan is misdirected. (See CAP-LC links below.)
The Family Federation, which has flourished in Japan for 60 years and currently has 600,000 members, was founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon. Both were supportive of Prime Minister Abe and his grandfather, former Japanese Prime Minister Nobusuke Kishi, due to their shared anticommunist worldviews.
The Family Federation had nothing to do with the shocking assassination of Prime Minister Abe, and its millions of members worldwide mourned him. However, when a police leak to media said purported assassin Tetsuya Yamagami said he shot Mr. Abe because he had a “grudge” against the Family Federation over his mother’s donations, this set off a media assault on the Family Federation. Leftist lawyers and the Japan Communist Party still appear frequently in the media to criticize the Family Federation and call for its dissolution.
As a result, the assassin Yamagami has been turned into the victim and the Family Federation turned into the villain, Dr. Introvigne has written.
On July 3, 2023, Dr. Introvigne and other prominent human rights leaders, Mr. Willy Fautré, Hon. Ján Figel, and Dr. Aaron Rhodes, published “Why Japan Should Guarantee Religious Liberty to the Unification Church/Family Federation: A Letter to the Government.” They called for an end to what increasingly appears as a witch hunt against a minority religion:
Before the July 3 letter was published, it was sent privately to Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida, the Japanese foreign minister, and the minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. The letter opens with general comments about protecting Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for minority religions. It then addresses the current persecution of the Family Federation in Japan, the abusive history of “deprogramming” in Japan, and the Japanese media’s and government’s ill-advised use of “apostates” to denigrate the religion.
The letter concludes with a plea not to ignore the vital importance of FoRB to a free democracy and why government “liquidation” of Family Federation would expose Japan to international condemnation and encourage similar attacks on religion in non-democratic countries.
Paris-based Coordination of Associations and Individuals for Freedom of Conscience (CAP-LC) published its September 2022 complaint and supplemental statement to the United Nations Human Rights Committee about how the human rights and religious freedoms of believers in the Family Federation of Japan were being “seriously, systematically, and blatantly violated” by the government and media:
Protests erupted throughout the country on Saturday marking the one-year anniversary of the 22-year-old Iranian woman’s death after she was detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly not wearing her headscarf properly.
Crackdown on protesters
Iranian authorities briefly detained Ms. Amini’s father on Saturday and beefed-up security nationwide to deter protesters from taking to the streets.
“Iranian authorities must end their crackdown against those who participated in the protests against Jina Mahsa Amini’s death and deliver justice and accountability for grave violations committed during the 2022 protests,” the UN experts said.
Her death sparked nationwide demonstrations and unrest, and authorities responded with a brutal crackdown, reportedly arresting thousands and executing at least seven people in connection with the protests.
Family persecuted
In the lead up to the anniversary of Ms. Amini’s death, the UN experts received reports that authorities had detained the young woman’s father and warned him against marking the first anniversary of his daughter’s death before releasing him.
The experts said security forces surrounded her family home on 16 September, preventing family members from leaving to attend a graveside memorial event.
“Iran must account for the death of Jina Mahsa Amini in police custody last year and end its crackdown on protests sparked by her demise,” the experts said. “After months of brutally repressing demonstrations over the course of the past year, authorities have imposed restrictions and threatened reprisals against public commemorations”, they said.
Activists fight for freedom
According to the Human Rights Council-appointed experts, A 28-year-old man was shot by security forces on 16 September near the city of Saqqez, in Iran’s western Kurdish region near the cemetery where Ms. Amini is buried. His condition remains critical.
Iranian State media also announced the arrest of more than 260 individuals across the country over the weekend in connection with the protests.
According to the independent experts, Iranian authorities have put new laws and practices in place to repress women and girls.
But they have failed to conduct an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into the death and have consistently denied any misconduct or wrongdoing.
Ongoing clampdown
“We remain concerned and alarmed by the ongoing policies and practices in Iran which amount to total impunity for grave crimes committed under international law in the year that followed Jina Mahsa Amini’s death,” the experts said.
The experts expressed concern that family members of individuals who were executed in connection with the protests were either summoned to court or detained by authorities for seeking justice. They also noted a “concerning pattern” of mistreatment of human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers in custody.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran could have learned important lessons from the tragic death of Jina Mahsa Amini. But its response to the demonstrations that have led to the deaths of hundreds of protestors since September 2022 shows that authorities have chosen not to,” the UN experts said.
UN experts are not UN staff and are independent from any government or organisation. They serve in their individual capacity and receive no salary for their work.
