World News Summary: ‘Historic drought’ in southern Africa, human rights in Tunisia, accountability needed for murder of mine workers in Pakistan
In its appeal for help, the World Food Programme, WFPsaid the lives of more than 27 million people from Lesotho to Zimbabwe have been devastated, leaving 21 million children malnourished.
A record five countries have declared a state of national disaster because of the drought and requested international assistance: Lesotho, Malawi, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe – but Angola and Mozambique are also hard hit.
Famine may increase
For many communities, this is the worst food crisis in decades, WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri said: “What’s worse is that October is just the beginning of the peak, famine season.” of the hungry season is January so things will get worse.” before they get better.”
Mr Phiri explained that crops failed, livestock died and children were lucky to receive even one meal a day in the worst affected households.
To help, the UN agency needed $369 million but they only received 20% of that amount.
Human rights chief calls for maintaining ‘basic freedoms’ in Tunisia
UN human rights chief Volker Türk is calling on Tunisian authorities to defend the democratic process and “defend basic freedoms after the presidential campaign was marred by a crackdown on the opposition , independent activists and journalists,” his spokeswoman, Liz Throssell, told journalists in Geneva on Friday. .
In the weeks leading up to the October 6 election, she said, more than 100 potential candidates, members of their campaigns and other political figures, were arrested on various charges. , from falsified election documents to charges related to national security.
Of the 17 potential candidates, the Independent Electoral Authority accepted only three, while several presidential candidates were arrested and received long prison sentences for various crimes.
No respect for due process
“Such cases are worrying. “Their trials demonstrate a lack of respect for due process and ensuring a fair trial,” Ms. Throssell said.
In another related development, on September 2, electoral authorities refused to apply the Administrative Court’s ruling to readmit three disqualified candidates.
In an extraordinary session just days before the election, Tunisian lawmakers passed a law removing election disputes from the jurisdiction of the courts.
“Rejecting a legally binding decision by the court is contrary to fundamental respect for the rule of law,” Ms. Throssell emphasized, this development did not take place in the context of The broader picture is the growing pressure on civil society.
“We strongly call on Tunisia to recommit to transitional justice for the benefit of victims and to embark on much-needed rule of law reforms, in accordance with international human rights law, including the freedom of speech, assembly and association.” said, calling for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.
Pakistan condemned the attack on miners
United Nations Human Rights Office, OHCHR, condemned Last Friday, 20 mineworkers were killed and seven others injured in Pakistan’s Balochistan province. The attacks are believed to have been staged by armed elements using hand grenades and rocket launchers.
“This follows a number of similar attacks over the past few months, which appear to be aimed at stoking ethnic tensions and unrest in the province,” said OHCHR spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan.
Mr. Al-Kheetan called on the authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable, “in accordance with Pakistan’s international human rights obligations,” he emphasized.
Concerned about the ban
Separately, he expressed concern about the recent ban on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement under anti-terrorism laws.
“We call for this measure to be considered promptly, in accordance with international law, to ensure respect for the rights to freedom of expression and association and for members of administrative detention to be released safely,” he said. arbitrarily will be released.”
“We encourage the Pakistani authorities to continue to address the grievances of ethnic minorities through political dialogue,” Mr. Al-Kheetan concluded, calling for the provision of greater protection for those who protect human rights.
