World News Briefing: Human Rights Experts Urge U.S. to Protect Right to Peaceful Assembly, Attacks on Ahmadis in Pakistan, Promoting Sustainability at Paris Olympics
“The prohibition and The attacks on student demonstrations were a serious violation of the right to peaceful assembly. and freedom of expression are guaranteed by international human rights law, and must end immediately,” the experts said in a New information posted.
They added that their concerns had been conveyed to the US Government earlier. communicate.
Students across the United States have held anti-war camps and peaceful protests to show solidarity with the suffering Palestinian people in Gaza amid Israel’s military campaign in response to brutal October 7 attacks by Palestinian militants and other groups on Israeli communities.
The newsletter noted that many protests were broken up by law enforcement at the request of universities, often resulting in violence that left some protesters requiring medical attention.
Reports say students face serious consequences, including arrest, possible deportation, expulsion, loss of housing and excessive surveillance.
United Nations Dong Nhan Quy Association-The appointed experts called on academic institutions to avoid punitive actions against students exercising their fundamental rights and to consider readmission of expelled students.
Strongly oppose anti-Semitism
Experts also addressed accusations from some US politicians and university officials that the protests were anti-Semitic.
“It is inaccurate and absurd to categorically label all peaceful protests expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people or calling for a ceasefire in Gaza or criticizing Israeli policies as anti-Semitic,” they said.
“We strongly condemn anti-Semitism as a serious form of racial hatred and intolerance. and call on the authorities to properly investigate and take effective measures in accordance with international human rights law,” they stressed.
The experts include, among others, the special rapporteurs on Right to educationbecause cultural rightsand more freedom of opinion and speech.
Rights experts concerned about rise in attacks on Ahmadis in Pakistan
Meanwhile in Pakistan, independent human rights experts from the United Nations expressed deep concern about the increase in violence against Ahmadi Muslimsincluding allegations of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, attacks on places of worship, and restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association.
“We are concerned about continued reports of violence and discrimination against the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. We call on the Pakistani authorities to take immediate action to address this situation,” the experts said.
“Urgent measures are needed to respond to these violent attacks. and the broader climate of hatred and discrimination that feeds it.”
Experts appointed by the Human Rights Council cited specific incidents in recent months, including the extrajudicial killings of two Ahmadis on July 8 and a community leader on March 4.
They also noted that an alarming number of attacks on Ahmadi places of worship and cemeteries have been reported since the beginning of 2024, some of which have resulted in serious injuries to worshippers.
Ensure effective protection
“Ahmadiyya communities, their places of worship and cemeteries must be effectively protected from attacks and vandalism.“, experts said.
They also expressed concern about arbitrary arrests and detentions of Ahmadis during their religious festivals to prevent or hinder them from participating in religious activities.
Independent experts have praised a resolution passed by Pakistan’s parliament last month to ensure the safety of all citizens, including religious minorities, while stressing the need to address blasphemy laws and discriminatory provisions that endanger Ahmadis and other minorities.
Experts raising concerns include members of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detentiontogether with the special rapporteurs on extrajudicial execution; freedom of opinion and speech; freedom of religion; And freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
Appointed by the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and made part of the Special ProceduresSpecial Rapporteurs and Working Groups are tasked with monitoring and reporting on human rights in specific countries or thematic situations. They are independent of the United Nations and are unpaid.
Summit on Sport and Sustainable Development
And as the world prepares to gather in Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, Secretary-General António Guterres Call to celebrate sport as a force for positive change and sustainable development.
“Sport transcends borders, unites people and inspires us to act for a better world”, he said in a video message to the Sport for Sustainable Development Summit.
He called on athletes and officials to “set an example by” setting Sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Goals) is at the heart of its work through investments in education and economic and social inclusion programmes, particularly in developing countries.
He also called on them to promote gender equality, energy efficiency and respect for the planet.
“Together, let’s work together for a fairer, healthier and more sustainable world.”, Mr. Guterres emphasized.
‘Get moving’ for better health
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization of the United Nations (WHO) said it will also participate in the Paris Olympics, supporting the International Olympic Committee and France to help make this world’s premier sporting event healthy and safe for both spectators and athletes.
“From promoting physical activity to protecting people from a wide range of health threats, WHO is proud to contribute to the success of the Paris Games.,” stressed Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
WHO and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have launched the “Get Moving” physical activity campaign, leveraging the power of sport and the platform of the Olympic Games to motivate sports stars and the global public to move for better health.
In line with this campaign, the French Government has introduced a 30-minute daily physical activity programme for schoolchildren in France to ensure a lasting and healthy legacy from the Paris Olympics.
