The UN is concerned about the human rights situation and deepening conflicts, particularly Russia's war against Ukraine
Kyiv • UNN
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern about the political course of a number of countries and the escalation of violence in the world. Particular attention was paid to the wars in Ukraine and other countries, and women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran.
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk sharply condemned discrimination and disinformation, drawing attention to the "direction" in the field of human rights in which countries in different parts of the world are moving. In the context of the international order, he mentioned Ukraine and the situation related to Russian aggression.
UNN reports with reference to the official page of the UN Human Rights Office.
Details
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said in Geneva on Monday that he was "deeply concerned" by the escalation of violence around the world, the human rights situation, and the direction of political processes in North America, Europe, and beyond.
In his criticism, Volker Türk does not name anyone - neither heads of government nor presidents of influential corporations around the world.
Russia's military aggression against Ukraine
Türk addressed the topic of Ukraine, noting that three years after the full-scale Russian invasion, people continue to suffer terribly.
Relentless attacks with glide bombs, long-range missiles, and drones leave civilians in a state of constant insecurity and fear. In the occupied territory, the Russian Federation continues to severely restrict the fundamental rights and freedoms of Ukrainians. I am alarmed by continued reports of extrajudicial executions and widespread and systematic torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian forces. This situation is horrific.
Regarding the number of military conflicts in the world
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights recalled a number of military conflicts in the world: Sudan, DR Congo, Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Myanmar, Haiti, Yemen. In addition, he recalled the events in Syria and the activities of ISIS in the Middle East. He also recalled the situation in South American countries, particularly in Colombia.
Against the backdrop of the latest data on the situation in the DR Congo, the UN representative noted the following:
The recent escalation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is now drawing in regional players and devastating entire communities in North and South Kivu. Horrific reports of rape, sexual slavery, and summary executions are emerging.
We cannot allow the fundamental global consensus around international norms and institutions, painstakingly built over decades, to collapse before our eyes.
Changes in policy towards human rights
Volker Türk pointed to changes taking place at national and international levels, drawing attention to the region where the United States is located.
I have followed recent election campaigns in Europe, North America and beyond with growing concern. Unilateral phrases, devoid of substance, simplify complex issues and are often based on scapegoating, disinformation and dehumanization.
He drew attention to the policy towards migrants:
Migrants and refugees are widely referred to as illegals, criminals, parasites or worse. We have heard these terms before. Cases of excessive use of force and deaths of people of African descent at the hands of law enforcement officers continue, often rooted in systemic racism.
He also emphasized that members of the LGBTIQ+ community, especially transgender people, continue to face high levels of violence, persecution, and discrimination in all regions of the world.
Volker Türk recalled the difficulties for people with disabilities.
People with disabilities face discrimination, prejudice, and stigmatization every day.
Women's rights in Afghanistan and Iran
In Afghanistan, women and girls are subjected to state-sponsored gender apartheid, unparalleled in the modern world. I am deeply concerned about the long-term future of a country that is engaged in national-scale self-mutilation.
He called for the repeal of the hijab law, as well as all other laws and practices that discriminate against women and girls in Iran.
Türk also noted that he was deeply concerned by the significant increase in the number of executions last year in Iran.
Recall
93 countries supported the draft resolution, initiated by Ukraine and European countries, condemning Russia's aggression. The United States refused to support the Ukrainian resolution, offering instead its own project for a "quick end to the conflict."