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Deadly Syria earthquake provides chance to move forward: UN envoy

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United Nations News
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Deadly Syria earthquake provides chance to move forward: UN envoy

War-torn Syria and neighbouring Türkiye were rocked by twin earthquakes on 6 February, which killed more than 56,000 people and caused widespread destruction, displacing millions.  

“The situation today is so unprecedented that it calls for leadership, bold ideas and a cooperative spirit,” said Mr. Pedersen, speaking via videoconference from Geneva. 

“A political solution is the only way forward for Syria. We may not be able to reach that in one step – but I believe we can progress towards it gradually.”  

Maintain calm on the ground 

The UN envoy said it is absolutely vital to continue to provide resources to support the earthquake response and ongoing humanitarian operations related to the war, which this month entered its 12th year.  Security Council resolution 2254, adopted in December 2015, outlines a roadmap for a ceasefire and political solution to the conflict.  

He stressed the need for sustained calm on the ground, especially in those areas affected by the earthquake.  

“The week after the earthquakes saw signs of such calm emerging, with a relative lull in violence in most quarters,” he said.  “For brief moments, the unimaginable became real – parties on each side of the front-line largely refraining from hostilities. Since then, we have seen a creeping rise in incidents.” 

Catalyst for progress 

Expressing concern for civilians, Mr. Pedersen warned of the risk of escalation.  In this regard, he has been working with key stakeholders towards a sustained calm, particularly in earthquake-affected areas in northwest Syria, the last opposition stronghold.   

“In the same way that we have seen moves from different sides in the humanitarian sphere, this logic can and must be applied to address post-earthquake rehabilitation and broader political challenges,” he said. 

Prior to the earthquake, humanitarian convoys brought aid into northwest Syria via a single authorized border crossing with Türkiye.  Two additional crossing points were subsequently re-opened, and he said there have also been “new openings” on sanctions. 

“This shows that different sides can make constructive moves,” he said. “I sense, from all the discussions I have had, that there is an opportunity to move forward with additional moves on all sides beyond the immediate emergency.”  

Engagement with all sides 

To advance on this front, Mr. Pedersen called for engaging with the Syrian parties on how they can create an environment conducive to post-earthquake rehabilitation.  Engagement with “outside actors” will also be required to determine how they can provide enhanced resources and remove hindrances, including those related to sanctions. 

He listed some of the issues that will have to be discussed, such as security, civilian protection, basic services, energy infrastructure, livelihoods, and land for housing; but also conscription or detention, which he said are vital for Syrians, including refugees and internally displaced persons.  

“I believe that verifiable steps implemented mutually and reciprocally from all sides are doable,” he said. “I am convinced that such steps could enable us to move forward incrementally into post-earthquake rehabilitation and, in the process, on political confidence building on issues in Security Council resolution 2254.” 

Cooperation is critical 

Mr. Pedersen stressed that “a degree of cooperation across divides is essential” in finding a way forward. 

“The Syrian Government, the Syrian Opposition, the Western players, the Arab players, the Astana players, other interested parties – none alone can move this process forward. Individual approaches will not make the kind of qualitative difference that a coordinated approach could make,” he said. 

“But if all are prepared to put practical points on the table, and if players coordinate and work together, I am more convinced than ever that it is possible and essential to move forward – step for step, and step by step.” 

More suffering for millions 

The Council also heard an update on the earthquake response from Tareq Talahama, an Acting Director with the UN humanitarian affairs office, OCHA.  

“We cannot lose sight of the reality that this immense tragedy struck millions of people in Syria already suffering the poverty, displacement and deprivation of 12 years of conflict,” he said. 

Teams continue to clear away the rubble from the earthquake, which caused some $5.2 billion in losses, according to the World Bank, although the actual amount is likely much higher. 

UN support continues

The UN responded quickly to the tragedy, releasing some $40 million in emergency funding within days, and continues to work with partners on the ground. 

Some 2.2 million people have received food assistance to date, and more than a million medical consultations have been conducted.  Nearly 380,000 people have been provided water and sanitation services. 

“The expanded cross-border modality has also proved essential in northwest Syria. More than 900 trucks with aid from seven UN agencies, have now reached northwest Syria from Türkiye via the three available border crossings,” he said. 

Needs are mounting  

But more needs to be done in the weeks ahead, in areas such as shelter, returns, family reunification, and protection services, especially for women and girls. An ongoing cholera outbreak and other public health emergencies will also have to be monitored. 

Mr. Talahama underlined the important role of donor support and welcomed an international conference held this week in Brussels, which netted seven billion Euros in pledges for Syria and Türkiye.  

However, with needs deepening, continued international support will be necessary. The $4.8 billion Humanitarian Response Plan for Syria this year – the largest worldwide – is only six per cent funded.  

“The generosity demonstrated in recent weeks must be extended to—and not come at the expense of—the ongoing humanitarian response across Syria to ensure lifesaving and early recovery assistance reaches all those in need,” he said.  

“And further action is required to create a more enabling environment, one where humanitarian assistance can reach communities in a safe, predictable, and timely fashion.” 

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Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps

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United Nations News
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Southern Africa: Cyclone Freddy aftermath brings diseases, healthcare gaps

The devastation caused by the cyclone in Madagascar, Malawi and Mozambique has increased the spread of cholera and malaria, as well as malnutrition.

Meanwhile, more than 300 health facilities have been destroyed or flooded in the three countries, limiting health care access.

The cyclone’s destruction increased public health risks including a surge in the spread of cholera, malaria, malnutrition, COVID-19, and other vaccine-treatable diseases.

WHO said that Malawi was still in the midst of its “worst-ever” cholera outbreak, although cases are declining. In Mozambique, cholera cases have more than doubled over the past week, to almost 2,400.

“With a double landfall in less than a month, the impact of Cyclone Freddy is immense and deepfelt”, said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa.

“While we work to understand the full extent of the devastation, our priority is to ensure that affected communities and families receive health assistance for immediate needs as well as to limit the risks of water-borne diseases and other infections spreading,”

Helping communities prepare for climatic hazards

Overall, flooding, and torrential rains have affected more than 1.4 million people in the three countries. WHO and partners are providing support in the form of cholera treatment centers, medical supplies, and health worker training.

WHO has provided U$7.9 million and sent over 60 experts to the affected countries to assist with the emergency response.

Around 184 tons of important medical supplies have been shipped to support the cyclone and cholera emergency response. In Malawi, WHO has redistributed cholera response operation centres to hotspot districts, to help disease control efforts.

“With the rise in climate-related health emergencies in Africa, it’s clear that more needs to be done to bolster preparedness to climatic hazards so that communities can better cope with the impacts of the devastating natural disasters,” said Dr Moeti.

The cholera outbreaks are currently affecting 14 African countries and are being made worse by extreme climate events and conflicts that leave countries more vulnerable. Many people have been forced to flee their homes, to face uncertain living conditions.

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Haiti: Amid rising hunger levels, ‘world cannot wait for disaster before it acts’, WFP warns

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United Nations News
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Haiti: Amid rising hunger levels, ‘world cannot wait for disaster before it acts’, WFP warns

“Haiti can’t wait,” said Jean-Martin Bauer, World Food Programme (WFP) Country Director for the country. “We cannot wait for the scale of the problem to be expressed in deaths before the world responds, but that is where we are heading.”

Half the population – 4.9 million people – are now struggling to access food, according to the new Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis. Findings reveal a substantial increase in the number of severely hungry people in Haiti, with the number tripling since 2016.

Eight out of ten Haitians are currently spending less on meals, and the country is among the top ten most affected by food price inflation, according to the World Bank.

Farmers crippled by violence, high costs

Farmers have been forced to reduce areas sown due to the high cost of seeds and fertilizers at a time when the spread of armed groups has plagued rural areas with violence.

The multiple emergencies are having a significant impact on the health and nutrition of Haitian children who have limited access to nutritious food. Malnourishment is compromising their immunity, making them vulnerable to diseases like cholera, and causing other lifelong health issues including poor cognitive development.

An estimated one million children are out of school in Haiti due to insecurity and other factors.

Life-saving food assistance needed

Sustained humanitarian aid has managed to support the most vulnerable communities in Cité Soleil, an area of the capital city of Port-au-Prince. However, WFP operations are underfunded and compromised and require $125 million over the next six months.

“It is critical that both life-saving food assistance keeps reaching the most vulnerable Haitians and resilience and safety-net initiatives continue being prioritized so we can address the root causes of hunger,” Mr.  Bauer said. “We desperately need an increase in funding and political will to be mobilized. The world cannot wait for a big disaster before it acts.”

The agency’s focus remains on strengthening national social protection and food systems that are critical to Haiti’s recovery efforts and development. While it is certain that life-saving assistance is an urgent need, building long-term resilience for the people of Haiti needs to be a top priority, he said.

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A painting by Jackson Pollock worth millions of euros found

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Newsdesk
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A painting by the world-famous American artist Jackson Pollock was discovered in Sofia during a special operation of the Main Directorate “Fighting Organized Crime” at the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Bulgaria in cooperation with Europol. The work is estimated at 50 million euros, reported the Bulgarian National Radio. Actions against the trafficking of cultural objects were held both in Athens and on the island of Crete. Several people were detained – one Bulgarian and three Greek citizens.

For Bulgaria ON AIR, Europol confirmed that an investigation is underway against an organized group against the trafficking of cultural objects. The name of the artist is visible in the lower right corner of the open painting.

The Jackson Pollock painting has been handed over to the National Gallery of Art, but they declined to comment as it is under investigation.

The Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office carries out the management and supervision of the investigation with the discovered work.

“The painting is kept under appropriate conditions and with the necessary security. An expert opinion on the authenticity and identification of the painting has been appointed in the case,” said the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office.

The pre-trial proceedings were started as a matter of urgency on 18.02.2023 by the Main Directorate “Fighting Organized Crime” with the drawing up of the protocol for the first action of the investigation and were initially conducted under the direction and supervision of the Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office for material concealment – a crime under Art. 215 of the Criminal Code.

After an investigation with a decree of a prosecutor in the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office dated 21.03.2023, the case was sent to the Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office and was immediately accepted by a prosecutor from the Sofia District Prosecutor’s Office.

The pre-trial proceedings will continue to be conducted for a crime under Art. 278a of the Criminal Code, and in the course of it, it will be determined whether the painting is a cultural asset that has not been identified and registered, and whether it is offered for alienation or has been alienated.

During the course of the investigation, a painting believed to be the work of American artist Jackson Pollock was entered into physical evidence in the case.

The picture is stored under suitable conditions and with the necessary security.

An expert opinion on the authenticity and identification of the painting has been assigned to the case. According to the conclusion, expert examination shows that the painting could be authentic, but further research is needed.

The work is believed to be from 1949, and its price could reach up to 50 million euros at an auction house.

The painter Pravdolyub Ivanov says that Jackson Pollock is one of the brightest artists of modern art. Although he died too young – only 44 years old, he left a bright mark in art.

“I guess it’s from his early period, which is filled with incredible energy. Such an energy emanates from them that you just know that this man is a really great artist. Then Abstract Expressionism comes in, and with him it’s about something, which eliminates a thousand-year-old tradition in art – that the artist always touches the material with the tool. At one point, he tears this thing off and starts pouring the paint,” commented Pravdolyub Ivanov.

Pollock is at the core of the abstract expressionism movement and is one of those artists who influence people and give them freedom by looking at the works.

“A generation that is before and a little after the war, one of the brightest representatives of the first movement that America creates – abstract expressionism. For 100 years America is secondary to European art – copying, trying to catch up, and around the war and after war appears this boom of something that is not there,” Ivanov said.

During a parallel operation by the Greek police on the island of Crete and in Athens, five other works by famous authors were seized.

Photo: mvr.bg

Tanzania confirms first-ever outbreak of deadly Marburg Virus Disease

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officialinstitutions
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Lab tests were carried out after eight people in the region developed symptoms of the “highly virulent” disease, including fever, vomiting, bleeding, and kidney failure.

Five of the eight confirmed cases have died, including a health worker, and the remaining three are being treated. The agency also identified 161 contacts of those infected, who are currently being monitored.

“The efforts by Tanzania’s health authorities to establish the cause of the disease is a clear indication of the determination to effectively respond to the outbreak. We are working with the government to rapidly scale up control measures to halt the spread of the virus and end the outbreak as soon as possible,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. 

While this is the first time Tanzania has recorded a Marburg case, the country has first-hand experience responding to other crises including COVID-19, cholera, and dengue within the past three years. In September 2022, The UN health agency conducted a strategic risk assessment that revealed the country is at high to very high risk for infectious diseases outbreaks.

“The lessons learnt, and progress made during other recent outbreaks should stand the country in good stead as it confronts this latest challenge,” said Dr Moeti. “We will continue to work closely with the national health authorities to save lives.”

Marburg virus commonly causes hemorrhagic fever, with a high fatality ratio of up to 88 per cent.

It is part of the same family as the virus that causes Ebola. Symptoms associated with the Marburg virus start suddenly, with high fever, severe headache, and intense malaise, said WHO.

The virus is commonly transmitted to humans from fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and materials.

While there are no vaccines or antiviral treatments approved to treat the virus, supportive care, rehydration, and treatment of specific symptoms increase chances of survival.

Holy See: Racism still plagues our societies

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Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Vatican Observer to the UN in New York, addresses the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and says that ongoing racism in our societies can be eradicated by promoting a true culture of encounter.

By Lisa Zengarini

As the World observed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, the Holy See reiterated its strong condemnation of any form of racism which, it says, should be countered by promoting a culture of solidarity and authentic human fraternity.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Vatican Observer Archbishop Gabriele Caccia stated that racism is based upon the “distorted belief” that one person is superior to another, which starkly contrasts the fundamental principle that “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

A crisis in human relationships

The Nuncio lamented that “despite the commitment of the international community to eradicate it”, racism continues to re-emerge like a mutating “virus”, resulting in what Pope Francis has called “a crisis in human relationships.”

“Instances of racism”, he said,  “still plague our societies”, either explicitly as overt racial discrimination, which is “often identified and condemned”, or at a deeper level in society as racial prejudice, which though less evident, still exists.

Countering racial prejudice by promoting culture of encounter

“The crisis in human relationships resulting from racial prejudice”, Archbishop Caccia stressed, “can be effectively countered by the promotion of a culture of encounter, solidarity, and authentic human fraternity” which “does not mean simply to live together and tolerate one another”. Rather, it means that we meet others, “seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone,” as Pope Francis calls for in his Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti. “Building such a culture is a process that stems from recognizing the unique perspective and invaluable contribution that each person brings to society, the Vatican Observer added.

“Only the recognition of human dignity can make possible the common and personal growth of everyone and every society. To stimulate this kind of growth it is necessary in particular to ensure conditions of equal opportunity for men and women and guarantee an objective equality between all human beings.”

Racism targeting migrants and  refugees

Archbishop Caccia concluded his remarks by expressing the Holy See’s concern for the racism and racial prejudice targeting migrants and refugees. In this regard, the Vatican Nuncio highlighted the need for a change “from attitudes of defensiveness and fear“ towards attitudes based on a culture of encounter, “the only culture capable of building a better, more just and fraternal world.”

The  International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established by the United Nations in 1966 and is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.

World Council of Churches holding a special week of prayer

The observance is also commemorated by the World Council of Churches (WCC) with a special week of prayer from March 19 to March 25, the UN International Day for the Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade.

The WCC is providing materials for each day that include songs, scriptures, reflections, and more. Collectively, the material shows how a just and inclusive world is possible only when all are able to live with dignity and justice. Many nations and peoples—from India to Guyana and other countries—are highlighted in the reflections, which are appropriate for both individuals and groups. The prayers are an invitation to stand in prayerful solidarity with one another across regions, and condemn all manifestations of racial injustice.

Survey Reveals Increased Eco-Consciousness and Spending Trends among Muslims during Ramadan

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Newsdesk
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SINGAPORE, March 22, 2023 – Global market research company TGM Research has unveiled the findings of its comprehensive 2023 survey, highlighting Muslim consumers’ behaviors and sentiments during the holy month of Ramadan. Spanning 14 countries across three continents, the survey provides valuable insights into the spiritual, cultural, and social aspects of this year’s celebrations. Key findings from the survey 2023 include:

  1. A majority (56%) of Muslim consumers worldwide plan to increase their spending during Ramadan. The survey also revealed that most consumers strategically manage their budgets by purchasing necessary items just before the beginning of the holy month to take advantage of available discounts and special offers.
  2. A staggering 98% of respondents believe that observing Ramadan helps them become more disciplined and committed. Approximately 70% of those surveyed plan to increase worship and charitable giving during the holy month.
  3. Convenience and digitization are trending, with over half of the respondents allocating higher budgets for food shopping. Prepared meals are increasingly popular, particularly among Asian families, with 26% opting to order food rather than cooking from scratch.
  4. The importance of cultural and religious sensitivity in brand engagement is emphasized, with 82% of respondents stating that it is crucial for brands to respect traditional Islamic values.
  5. Health consciousness is on the rise, with 76% of respondents planning to purchase health and wellness items during Ramadan. This trend indicates a growing market for companies offering tailored products and services catering to Muslims’ dietary and religious needs.
  6. Eco-consciousness is also increasing among Muslim consumers, with 83% preferring to buy from brands or stores offering environmentally friendly options for Ramadan-related products. This highlights the need for businesses to prioritize sustainability and responsibility in product design, production, and supply chain management.
tgm ramadan global survey celeb - Survey Reveals Increased Eco-Consciousness and Spending Trends among Muslims during Ramadan
Survey Reveals Increased Eco-Consciousness and Spending Trends among Muslims during Ramadan

The full report can be accessed here.
https://tgmresearch.com/ramadan-insights-2023-global-study.html

METHODOLOGY:
The survey was carried out between the 03rd and 18th of February,2023, using the method of online interviews in 14 countries on a representative sample of 18-55 N=9638. The sample was representative of the adult Muslim population of the given country in terms of gender and age.

ABOUT TGM:
TGM Research is a data and insights company underpinned by technology. TGM provides agile insights for better decisions. It collects first-hand data worldwide using online research panels and delivers high-quality market research with world-class proprietary Res-Tech solutions. TGM is a remote-first company with a team of 50+ members, having a presence on five continents.

National winners of the 2023 European Charlemagne Youth Prize

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Newsdesk
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Young people aged 16-30 working on EU projects can apply for the European Charlemagne Youth Prize.

The European Parliament and the International Charlemagne Prize Foundation in Aachen award the Charlemagne Youth Prize every year to projects by young people with a strong EU dimension.

Since 2008, 5,000 projects have competed for the prize.

The prize

Three winning projects will be chosen from 26 projects nominated by national juries in EU countries. The first prize is €7,500, second prize €5,000 and third prize €2,500.

Representatives of all 27 national winning projects will be invited to the award ceremony in Aachen, Germany.

Discover the national winners of the 2023 Charlemagne Youth Prize.

The rules

Projects must meet the following criteria to qualify:

  • Promote European and international understanding
  • Foster the development of a shared sense of European identity and integration
  • Serve as a role model for young people living in Europe
  • Offer practical examples of Europeans living together as one community


Read more on the Charlemagne Youth Prize website

Calendar

  • 2 February 2023: application deadline
  • March 2023: selection of national winners
  • 12 May: announcement of European winners and award ceremony in Aachen

Charlemagne youth prize 2022

In 2022, the first prize went to Orquestra Sem Fronteiras [Orchestra Without Borders] from Portugal. The initiative promotes cross-border cooperation between Portugal and Spain through the music of young talents living in both countries with the aim of mitigating social and cultural inequalities.

Read more in our article on the 2022 winners.

Social media

Join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #ECYP2023

An international coalition praises the leadership of the UAE in human rights, led by President Bin Zayed

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Newsroom
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An international coalition praises the leadership of the UAE in human rights, led by the President of the State
An international coalition praises the leadership of the UAE in human rights, led by the President of the State

 The United Arab Emirates will present its universal periodic review to the United Nations on May 8th , 2023. During its review, the UAE will explain the developments and efforts it has made to enhance respect for and compliance with human rights and the implementation of international obligations. According to a coalition of non-governmental human rights organizations, representing “53 non-governmental human rights organizations” concerned with monitoring human rights conditions and following up on the results and outputs of the Universal Periodic Review mechanism for countries that have made remarkable contributions and achievements in the field of human rights, the UAE has topped the countries in the region following what was monitored by the International Coalition for its leadership in globalism and in devoting commitment to high human values and principles.

 The coalition of human rights organizations had submitted to the United Nations its report on the universal periodic review of the UAE, and the information dealt with the efforts and achievements made by the UAE in the field of promoting respect for human rights. The coalition of human rights organizations launched its report during an international event devoted to reviewing the journey of human rights development in the UAE. More than eleven international experts spoke in it, and more than 100 participants representing experts, researchers, and academics attended, during which the efforts and achievements of the UAE over the past fifty years were reviewed, especially in the field of promoting civil, political, and economic rights. In addition to advancing civil liberties such as freedom of opinion and expression, strengthening the justice system, protecting prisoners and detainees, and enhancing community protection through the establishment of counseling, reform, and rehabilitation centers, the country also works on promoting collective rights and developing national mechanisms concerned with the protection and promotion of human rights. During the symposium, the UAE’s care for national strategies for promoting and advancing human rights at the national, regional, and international levels was also praised, especially regarding women’s rights, children’s rights, and vulnerable groups. Furthermore, Experts highlighted  the achievements made by the UAE in the fields of protecting workers’ rights, combating human trafficking, tackling extremism and terrorism, and promoting the discourse of tolerance and human coexistence, specifically its efforts to promote world peace and common human coexistence, which are represented in the Document of Human Fraternity and the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House in the Emirates.

 The coalition of international human rights organizations also organized an international symposium in Geneva, parallel to the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council, which discussed the challenges of pioneering and shaping the future of human rights in the UAE. Eight international experts in the field of human rights spoke at the symposium, reviewing many aspects of the leadership achieved by the UAE, especially in the area of human rights as well as civil, political, and economic climate protection, achieving peace, promoting tolerance and human coexistence.The UAE’s challenges to enhance its global leadership through its global efforts to achieve zero neutrality and strengthen international efforts to protect the climate and the environment in the light of the principles of justice and equality is a great example of leadership. The country is concerned with achieving climate justice in the world, which has been adopted as a basis on the United Nations and the Paris Climate Agreement.

 During the symposium, the efforts and achievements of the UAE were emphasized in many areas related to the promotion of world peace, combating extremism and terrorism, developing justice systems, and upgrading correctional institutions, rehabilitation centers, as well as counseling centers to achieve community protection and enhance the chances of individuals to return to their communities positively.

 Apart from highlighting the efforts and achievements of the UAE in the field of achieving sustainable development and strengthening international efforts related to the implementation of the requirements of the United Nations plan for sustainable development, the country pays  attention to fundamental rights and freedoms and creates many  initiatives concerned with promoting individual rights in a way that guarantees individual and collective rights and liberties.During the symposium, the UAE’s initiatives and leadership were praised for strengthening the system of the rights and liberties in the country and upgrading the national, legislative, and institutional systems that the UAE initiated to establish and activate .These qualitative initiatives that target the human being and  depend on the United Nations Development Charter,  urges that the human rights are  the focus and foundation of development.

 The coalition of international human rights organizations participated in the work of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council. During its participation, the coalition of international human rights organizations presented many written statements to the Human Rights Council, reviewing the UAE’s achievements in the field of achieving climate justice and organizing the climate conference in a comment under the third item, where the statement praised the efforts and achievements of the country in the field of  climate justice, protecting the climate, achieving zero neutrality, as well as  reducing harmful human practices, stressing the leadership of the UAE in this field, and calling for international benefit from it in promoting climate justice. While the UAE’s leadership and progress in the field of strengthening national strategies for human rights were praised in a statement presented by the Coalition of International Human Rights Organizations to the Council under Article Eight, the coalition mentioned the UAE’s leadership in this field and called  for the need to be guided by it regionally and globally in a way that enhances respect and promotion of human rights in the world. The  coalition of international human rights organizations concluded its participation in the work of the 52nd session of the Human Rights Council by issuing a written statement under the ninth item of the work of the Human Rights Council, in which it praised the UAE’s strategy for spreading tolerance, combating discrimination and racism, and  combating extremism and terrorism. The achievements made by the UAE in this field demonstrate the importance of establishing the Abrahamic Family House in the Emirates and issuing the Human Fraternity Document as well as the initiative to choose  February 4th as a date adopted  by the United Nations as an International Day for Human Fraternity.

 The coalition of human rights organizations also submitted two statements under the eighth item, in which they praised the efforts and leadership of the UAE in promoting women’s rights and global leadership, honoring the experience of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the Supreme Council for Women, and the efforts concerned with empowering women, achieving global and regional leadership and progress for them, as well as  advancing their path of justice and equality that they seek through empowerment and leadership.

 The coalition of international human rights organizations concluded its participation with a statement presented under Item IX of the Human Rights Council in the context of the general debate, in which the efforts of the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, was praised for achieving peace, promoting tolerance and human coexistence, devoting human brotherhood, and establishing the Abrahamic Family House, stressing In their statement the importance of upgrading regional and international practices in a way that enhances the chances of benefiting from the pioneering Emirati experience in the field of protecting collective rights, improving the quality of life, and achieving justice and equality for all without discrimination.

United Nations was asked to take cognizance of human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Balochistan

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human rights violations and crimes against humanity in Balochistan
Side-event 52nd regular session of the Human Rights Council : Human Rights in Pakistan : Balochistan in Focus - © CAPLC

Geneva: March 17, 2-23

On the occasion of the ongoing 52nd Session of the UN Human Rights Council, human rights activists called upon the UN to investigate human rights violations perpetrated by Pakistani security forces in Balochistan. In a side-event titled “Human Rights in Pakistan: Balochistan in Focus” hosted by Thierry Valle, President of Coordination des Association et des Particuliers pour la Liberté de Conscience, in room number XXII, speakers highlighted various aspects of atrocities faced by the Baloch people in Pakistan.

BHRC general secretary Mr Qambar Malik provided a brief background of the human rights situation in Balochistan, emphasizing that the Baloch struggle for self-determination directly resulted from Pakistan’s invasion of Balochistan and its forceful annexation into Pakistan in 1948 against the will of the Baloch people. He elaborated that in constant violation of national and international laws and its obligations under various UN conventions, Pakistan has been committing heinous crimes against humanity in Balochistan. Providing data collected by the Baloch Human Rights Council on enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings of Baloch political and human rights activists, including women and children, he lamented that the perpetrators of these crimes are roaming around with impunity.

Baloch National Movement Chairman, Dr Naseem Baloch, expressed his concern about the existential threat faced by the Baloch people on the sociocultural, economic, and political fronts. He called upon Europe and the international community to break their silence about the humanitarian crisis in Balochistan and urged them to make Pakistan accountable for its crimes in Balochistan.

Prominent among the representative of various human rights organizations who spoke at the occasion on various aspects of human rights violations included Dr Naseer Dashti, Executive president of Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC), Tasleema Akhter, representative of Family members of victims of militancy (FMVM), Dr Hidayat Bhutto, UK & Europe organizer of World Sindhi Congress (WSC), Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri, Chairperson of United Kashmir Peoples National Party (UKPNP), Fazal ur Rehman Afridi, President of IRESK.

Representatives of international human rights organizations, civil societies and human rights activists attended the event.

Press release issued by Baloch Human Rights Council

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