Volker Türk stated the transfer constituted a restriction on freedom of expression and the appropriate to hunt, obtain, and impart data.
The Excessive Commissioner continues to sentence violence within the South Asian nation amid protests and is encouraging college students and native authorities to train restraint, following reviews of dozens of deaths and accidents.
Paramilitary items
“I’m additionally very nervous by reviews concerning the deployment of paramilitary police items such because the Border Guard Bangladesh and the Fast Motion Battalion, which have lengthy monitor data of violations,” Mr. Türk stated.
He referred to as on the Authorities to take acceptable motion to guard pupil protesters and guarantee their proper to freedom of meeting and expression with out concern of repression.
“Bangladesh’s political leaders should work with the nation’s younger inhabitants to search out options to the continued challenges and concentrate on the nation’s progress and growth,” he stated. “Dialogue is the perfect and solely means ahead.”
UN condemns sentencing of US journalist held in Russia
OHCHR on Friday stated the sentencing of American journalist Evan Gershkovich on spying prices in a Russian courtroom, raises considerations over the appropriate to freedom of expression as a journalist.
The Wall Road Journal correspondent was arrested in Russia in 2023 and has been held there since. He was sentenced to serve 16 years in a high-security penal colony.
Russia’s obligations
“Journalists ought to be capable of carry out their central skilled features and work in a secure surroundings with out concern of reprisals, according to Russia’s worldwide human rights obligations,” stated Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, on the day by day press briefing in New York.
He famous that the journalist’s detention had been declared as arbitrary by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detentions.
“After all, we name for the discharge of all journalists in Russia who’re detained solely for doing their jobs,” Mr. Haq stated.
Afghanistan: Extra assist desperately wanted following string of disasters
UN assist groups and companions continued to mobilize on Friday in Afghanistan after devastating storms and flash floods tore throughout central and jap areas, leaving dozens lifeless and a whole bunch of houses destroyed.
In an replace, UN refugee company (UNHCR) famous that the most recent emergency adopted flash floods in Might, that prompted almost 700 casualties and large injury.
UNHCR Spokesperson Babar Baloch stated that humanitarian groups had been at work within the hardest-hit provinces of Nangarhar, Laghman and Kunar. These are the areas with excessive numbers of susceptible displaced individuals and refugee returnees.
Mr. Baloch stated that at the very least 40 individuals had been killed by this week’s flooding, with greater than 340 injured and 1000’s extra displaced.
Widespread injury
“Many roads, bridges, houses and public buildings have been broken or destroyed. Sadly, it’s anticipated that figures will rise when extra areas turn into accessible to rescue and evaluation groups.”
Six emergency groups have been deployed to date however many areas stay inaccessible, hindering aid efforts, Mr. Baloch stated.
Some emergency provides have been prepositioned and are prepared for distribution in Afghanistan, however UNHCR warned that the nation continues to face one of many world’s worst humanitarian crises, with almost 24 million individuals in want of assist this yr.
Because the yr started, disasters have affected over 145,000 individuals throughout 33 out of 34 provinces, the UN company stated, highlighting vital funding shortfalls.
In whole, UNHCR wants greater than $200 million for its operations this yr that are solely 44 per cent funded thus far.
UN officers urge decriminalisation of anti-LGBTIQ+ legal guidelines
A joint assertion from two prime UN officers launched on Friday highlights the dangerous impression of legal guidelines which criminalise consenting sexual acts by members of the LGBTIQ+ group, stating that such laws value lives and infringes primary human rights.
The 2 officers – OHCHR’s Volker Türk and Winnie Byanyima, Government Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) – said that such laws should be “consigned to history” and famous that many international locations are beginning to take action.
“The Japanese Caribbean Supreme Court docket put it clearly: ‘The criminalization of same-sex sexual expression between consenting adults is intrusive by its very nature and thereby offends the appropriate to liberty and private privateness,’” they stated.
HIV issue
Mr. Türk and Ms. Byanyima stated criminalisation insurance policies towards LGBTIQ+ individuals create “justified concern” amongst members who each want and supply well being companies.
Additional, they famous that international locations with such legal guidelines have decrease provision and use of HIV prevention companies and HIV care and remedy companies.
“Criminalizing international locations have considerably decrease charges of each information of HIV standing and HIV viral suppression amongst all individuals residing with HIV,” the assertion stated.”
Mr. Turk’s and Ms. Byanyima’s joint assertion stated the regular progress in decriminalising legal guidelines aimed on the LGBTIQ+ group must proceed as it’s essential to human rights and well being safety.
“Anti-rights insurance policies, proposals and propaganda should be challenged head-on,” they stated. “Collectively, we name on all international locations to take away all punitive legal guidelines towards lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals.”
