The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted a landmark resolution (Resolution 275) condemning acts of violence, discrimination and other human rights violations against persons on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity during its 55th Ordinary Session held from April 28 to May 12, 2014 in Luanda, Angola. See ACommHPR, Res. 275: Protection Against Violence and other Human
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The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) opened its 55th Ordinary Session on April 28, 2014 in Luanda, Angola. During this session, which continues through May 12, the Commission is scheduled to discuss the human rights situation in Africa, consider State reports, and hear activity reports from members of the Commission and its special mechanisms. [ACHPR]
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Join the International Justice Resource Center and the New Tactics community for an online conversation on Engaging Regional Human Rights Mechanisms from April 21 to 25, 2014. IJRC’s executive director, Lisa Reinsberg, will join experts and practitioners from around the world in discussing the practical details of seeking justice, accountability, and reform through the regional human rights systems.
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During its 68th Session, the United Nations General Assembly last week approved a resolution intended to strengthen the UN human rights treaty body system. The measures and changes called for by the General Assembly seek to improve treaty bodies’ ability to effectively and efficiently monitor States’ implementation of human rights conventions. [OHCHR] This resolution is the next step in the treaty
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The UN Human Rights Committee held its 110th session from March 10 to 28 to consider the State reports of Chad, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Nepal, Sierra Leone, and the United States of America. Following the session, the Committee released its concluding observations, detailing key concerns and recommendations for these States’ improved implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
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As the world becomes more reliant on the internet, digital communication, and other innovations, it is increasingly apparent that technology presents both solutions and challenges for human rights defenders, and can also give rise to new forms of rights abuses. Unfortunately, many of the same tech tools that allow activists to work more effectively also leave them vulnerable to attack. And, in
Read moreDecember 10, 2013 marks the 65th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the statement of fundamental freedoms and privileges that is considered to be the foundation of international human rights law. This year’s Human Rights Day also coincides with the end of a yearlong series of activities commemorating and following up on the 20th
Read moreThis week, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACPHR), Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) and European Committee of Social Rights (ECSR) will begin holding sessions. During their sessions, all three bodies will evaluate human rights conditions in their regions and consider State compliance with the duties and obligations set forth in regional human rights treaties.
Read moreIn June and July, there are several key opportunities for civil society, and particularly for indigenous peoples, to become involved with the programs of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous People, the Universal Periodic Review, and the UN human rights treaty bodies.
Read moreThe below letter, directed at Latin American human rights organizations, was published on April 18, 2013 by Venezuelan human rights coalition Foro Por la Vida and signed by a group of well-known Venezuelan advocates. It should be noted, the National Electoral Council has since granted a full recount over the next 30 days, although the scheduled swearing-in of President Nicolas Maduro nonetheless
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