World news in brief: UN secretary-general condemns religious hatred, threat to freedom in Sri Lanka, four youths executed in Somalia, Caribbean human rights office
The United Nations General Assembly has designated international day on 22 August, highlighting the need to support those affected by acts of violence based on their religion or beliefs.
The General Assembly resolution condemns acts of violence against individuals because of their faith, including attacks on homes, businesses, places of worship and cultural sites, and stresses the importance of upholding international law and protecting religious freedom.
Condemn hatred
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said Many individuals and communities around the world still face violence based on religious beliefs, which needs to be addressed urgently.
“Governments must protect all people and places of worship, implement comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and invest in educational initiatives that promote inclusion and equal rights,” Mr. Guterres said.
The UN secretary-general added that political leaders needed to condemn hate speech and “be clear that violence can never be the solution” and that digital platforms needed to ensure policies were consistent with international human rights standards.
“We must work together to stem the tide of hatred and promote tolerance, understanding and mutual respect,” said Mr. Guterres.
UN report warns of growing threats to freedoms in Sri Lanka ahead of elections
A new one report from the United Nations Human Rights Office, OHCHRreleased on Thursday highlights new threats to fundamental freedoms in Sri Lanka, citing regressive laws, recurring human rights violations and other issues.
The report highlights various laws and proposals introduced by the government since 2023 that would give sweeping powers to security forces while significantly restricting freedom of expression, opinion and association.
Head of OHCHR, Volker Türk speak This trend is worrying as Sri Lanka is moving towards a “critical pre-election period”.
“As the country moves towards presidential and parliamentary elections, we have an opportunity to recommit to the transformative changes that so many Sri Lankans want, including accountability and reconciliation,” said Mr. Türk.
Other highlights of the report
The report also discusses the lasting effects of the economic crisis in 2022, especially on vulnerable populations. Mr. Türk said economic policies should be guided by human rights obligations.
Persistent impunity for crimes committed during and after the civil war, which ended in 2009, including the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings, was also highlighted, and the OHCHR chief called on the next government to address the root causes of the conflict.
The report further highlights the persistent threats to journalists and civil society actors who support people in resolving social and family disputes, especially families of enforced disappearances.
As the State of Sri Lanka has not prosecuted the perpetrators, the report calls on the international community to support accountability through targeted sanctions and other measures in accordance with international law.
UNICEF condemns execution of four minors in Somalia
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced on Thursday that four young men in Puntland, Somalia were executed over the weekend for crimes they committed when they were under 18 and were accused of being linked to Al Shabaab, an armed group.
UNICEF said the sentences were issued by Military courts do not specialize in child justice proceedings.
Prevent the death penalty
“The Puntland Age Verification Committee, which includes representatives from the Puntland government, met with the young people and concluded that they were minors at the time of their arrest and that they should not face the death penalty,” they said in a statement released by the children’s fund.
UNICEF has asked the Puntland authorities to ensure that the children’s sentences comply with juvenile law because they came into contact with the armed group before they reached adulthood.
“Authorities are encouraged to make use of reintegration pathways for children associated with armed groups, which already exist and have been shown to be effective in protecting children’s rights,” UNICEF said.
The Children’s Fund added that it stands ready to work with the Somali government to implement the government’s action plans to strengthen the protection of children in armed conflict.
UN human rights chief welcomes agreement to establish regional office in the Caribbean
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk welcomed the signing of an agreement on Thursday with the Government of the Bahamas paving the way for a regional branch of his Office (OHCHR) in the Caribbean.
The office will be located in the Bahamas capital of Nassau and will serve all Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.
Mr. Türk speak The unanimous support of CARICOM countries for the establishment of this organization is a common recognition that human rights are the path to solutions. In this regard, he specifically mentioned their adoption of a consensus resolution at the United Nations. Human Rights Council in Geneva last November.
Furthermore, he was encouraged by the bloc’s willingness to strengthen cooperation with his Office to address many regional challenges, including climate change, the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (Sustainable Development Goals) and the full enjoyment of human rights, as well as the strengthening of their human rights structures.
“Together with my team, I look forward to working with all CARICOM countries, other UN stakeholders and other partners to advance human rights for all people in the region,” he said.
