United Nations Human Rights

Do you have a question for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights? This is your opportunity to get direct answers and to be featured in the lead-up to #HumanRightsDay on December 10. Share your question in the comments or send us a short video (15–30 seconds max) via direct message. Selected questions will be answered on video by the High Commissioner and included in the final Q&A video. Let’s talk about the human rights issues that matter most to you. #OurRightsOurFuture

As we kick off #16Days of activism against gender-based violence today, we highlight the urgent need to end the escalating violence women and girls face in conflict zones. Displacement, instability, and inequality expose women and girls to higher risks of exploitation and abuse in conflict settings. In 2023, four out of ten civilians killed in armed conflicts were women - double the proportion from 2022. Cases of conflict-related sexual violence increased by 50%. Women’s full participation in political and peace processes is essential to prevent gender-based violence. Violence in conflict settings is a grave human rights violation, with lasting impacts on survivors, families, and communities for generations. Without accountability mechanisms, such violence continues with impunity. We must recommit to ending gender-based violence in conflict and call for States to ensure accountability with survivor-centered approaches. Gender-based violence in conflict must become unthinkable. #NoExcuse: https://ow.ly/4N9U50UfcoC

Today marks 1,000 days since?#Russia?launched its full-scale armed attack on?#Ukraine. At least 12,162 civilians, including 659 children, have been killed since 24 February 2022. ?? https://lnkd.in/eRbAxmZ3

The journey towards #equality is far from over. People of African descent continue to face racial discrimination every day. In the past decade, we’ve made significant progress: legislative advancements, amplifying voices, recognising the contributions of people of African descent, and more. But deep, systemic challenges remain. The work must continue. Racial discrimination must end, and the time for it is now. Let’s renew our commitment to a more equal future for all, leaving no one behind. United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) #FightRacism #GlobalGoals

The horrific reality for people of #Gaza and #Israel since 7 October 2023 detailed in the United Nations Human Rights report. Close to 70% of those killed in Gaza are children and women. Unprecedented violations of the International humanitarian law give rise to concerns of atrocity crimes. The violence must stop immediately. ?? https://lnkd.in/eVaGZkNP

?? Journalists covering crises and emergencies face increasing attacks - and impunity remains shockingly high at 85%. ?? Join us on 12 November at Palais des Nations, room XXVI,?to explore the legal forces behind this impunity and share best practices to protect those who risk their lives to report the truth. Organized by OHCHR?jointly with France UNESCO, this event will bring together?Member States,?legal experts?and civil society organizations?to discuss restrictive laws, abusive litigation, and strategic solutions to support journalists?facing legal harassment. Don’t miss this critical conversation. ? Register here:?https://lnkd.in/enef5vBh ? ?? For more information: https://lnkd.in/dkQEjAgM ? #EndImpunity #ProtectJournalists #IDEI

Over the past ten years, the International Decade for People of African Descent has achieved?significant?progress in promoting equality and justice: ??Legislative progress? ??Regional meetings to shine a light on?the??experiences?of People of African descent ??Three sessions of the?Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, with hundreds of attendees?from around the world. ??Proclamation of int’l days honouring the rich heritage of people of African descent. ??A network of 150 alumni?from?the Fellowship programme for people of African descent.? ? However, challenges persist: systemic racism, racial profiling, economic inequality, underrepresentation, and gaps in education and healthcare.? ? As we conclude this decade, we urge States to commit to a Second International Decade: one that is transformative, inclusive, and centres the voices of people of African descent in shaping their future. ? Now is?the time to renew our commitment to justice, recognition, and sustainable development for all.? ? Join us to explore key achievements from the past decade, and how we can collectively advance the human rights of people of African descent:?https://ow.ly/k3Lv50TZCEP.?

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, we focus on the safety of #journalists and other media workers in crises and emergencies.?In 2024, 61 journalists have been killed worldwide, silencing voices that keep?conflicts, emergencies as well as?corruption, rights violations, and crises visible. OHCHR works alongside Committee to Protect Journalists and other global and local partners to end this dangerous cycle?of violence?and ensure safe spaces for journalists to speak the truth. Journalists need clear legal protections and swift accountability for those who threaten them. We are calling for: ? Increased monitoring and early warning of violations against journalists ? Increased?medical, psychological and legal?support for journalists under attack ? Stronger justice systems to hold perpetrators accountable. We?urge the adoption of national legislation to safeguard media freedom, in line with international human rights law. Let’s end impunity and protect press freedom. #EndImpunity #PressFreedom?#SafetyOfJournalists

The biodiversity crisis demands human rights solutions. ? Humanity is facing a mass extinction crisis of our own making that is decimating entire ecosystems, destroying the lives and livelihoods of the people who depend on them. This weeks’ #COP16 in Cali, Colombia is a critical opportunity to address?the biodiversity crisis in line with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. ? These steps need to be anchored in human rights law and ensure the protection of the people most affected, including Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, local communities, and peasants. ? States have human rights obligations related to the conservation, sustainable use and sharing of the benefits of biodiversity. The work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services?affirms that environmental action that is grounded in human rights leads to better outcomes for people and the planet.? ? To achieve peace with nature biodiversity action must be grounded in human rights and environmental human rights defenders must be able to meaningfully participate in environmental discussions free from fear said the Assistant Secretary-General at #COP16. Read the ASG's statement to the press: https://ow.ly/PoBm50TXqSr Read the ASG's full statement here: https://ow.ly/pcw550TXqSqR?

"Human rights and the rule of law provide a roadmap and a compass. Like young people around the world, the youth of Bangladesh are showing true leadership in the struggle for human rights. I stand with them," UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk following his visit to Dhaka University