World News Summary: More attacks in Ukraine, rights appeal for jailed Nigerian singer, International Day Against Homophobia
“The safety of civilians, homes, schools and hospitals must be guaranteed. They are not targets,” Denise Brown said in statementemphasized that international humanitarian law must be respected.
Brown said these latest attacks came a day after she returned from the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, which has been subjected to relentless shelling in recent days.
“I witnessed the horrifying consequences of increased attacks by the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation on thousands of people who had to flee for their lives, leaving behind everything they had,” she said. own”.
“Many older people fear they will never be able to return.”
She also praised humanitarians who are “working tirelessly to support people during this human tragedy.”
Nigeria calls for the release of a musician about to be executed for blasphemy
Independent United Nations human rights experts on Thursday called on Nigeria to immediately release a singer convicted of blasphemy in 2020.
Sufi Muslim musician Yahaya Sharif-Aminu has been sentenced to death by hanging for writing a song and sharing it on the social messaging service WhatsApp.
“Even though his death sentence was overturned by the court of appeal, we remain deeply concerned that Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case will be prosecuted again based on the same legal framework, the Penal Code Sharia of Kano State, with serious risks of death. The verdict will be confirmed,” experts said speak.
Abolish the death penalty
Although the Nigerian Supreme Court has considered the issue, experts say they remain deeply concerned that Mr. Sharif-Aminu has spent so long in prison for exercising his human rights.
Everyone, they said, has the right to freedom of expression, religion or belief, as well as to participate in cultural life and the development of their society through artistic expression without fear of imprisonment , revenge or execution.
They called on the Supreme Court to consider Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case as a top priority, and asked Nigeria to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, in order to completely abolish this punishment.
The three Special Rapporteurs who issued this statement were all appointed by the United Nations Eastern Human Rights Association, the Organization’s highest body for human rights. They act as individuals, are not employees of the United Nations, and do not receive a salary for their work.
A rainbow flag flutters in the wind in the Castro district of San Francisco. Credit: Benson Kua
Respect human rights on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
The UN Secretary-General called for a commitment to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all in his message to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. world, held on Friday.
António Guterres applauds the courageous actions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) activists fighting to outlaw discrimination and ensure ensure equality before the law.
“However, there is a worrying increase in the opposite direction,” he warned. “The new law is codifying old bigoted beliefs, exploiting fear and stoking hate.”
He said the theme of this year’s International Day – “No one left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – is a reminder of the obligation to respect human rights and dignity. price per person.
“We need action around the world to make those rights a reality,” the UN chief said, calling for an end to the criminalization of same-sex relationships as well as discrimination. treatment and harmful behavior towards the LGBTIQ+ community.
