“The safety of civilians, homes, schools, and hospitals must be guaranteed. They are not targets.” Denise Brown said. statementWe emphasize that international humanitarian law must be respected.
Mr Brown said the attack came a day after he returned from the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine, which has been under relentless shelling in recent days.
“I have witnessed the terrible consequences of the intensified attacks by the Russian Federation forces on thousands of people who have been forced to flee for their lives, abandoning all their possessions,” she said.
“There are many elderly people who are afraid they will never be able to go back.”
She also praised humanitarians who “work tirelessly to support people amidst human tragedy.”
Nigeria calls for release of musician facing execution on blasphemy charges
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 was sentenced to death by hanging for composing a song and sharing it on the social messaging service WhatsApp.
“Despite the fact that his death sentence was overturned by the Court of Appeal, we are deeply concerned that Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case will be re-prosecuted under the same legal framework, namely the Kano State Sharia Criminal Code. Expert: “Sentence will be confirmed.” said.
abolish the death penalty
Despite Nigeria’s Supreme Court taking up the issue, experts are deeply concerned that Mr. Sharif-Aminu has been imprisoned for too long for exercising his human rights.
Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, religion or belief, as well as the right to participate in cultural life and social development through artistic expression without fear of imprisonment, reprisal or execution, they said.
They urged the Supreme Court to prioritize Mr. Sharif-Aminu’s case and recommended that Nigeria enact a moratorium on the death penalty with a view to abolishing it entirely.
The three special rapporteurs who issued the statement were appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, the UN’s highest human rights body. They operate in a private capacity, are not UN employees, and do not receive salaries for their work.
A rainbow flag flutters in the wind in San Francisco’s Castro District. Credit: Benson Kua
Respect human rights on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia
The United Nations secretary-general called for commitment to building a world of respect, dignity and human rights for all in a message to mark the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, which is observed on Friday.
António Guterres applauded the courageous work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) activists fighting to prohibit discrimination and ensure equality before the law.
“But there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction,” he warned. “The new laws codify old prejudices, exploit fear and incite hatred.”
He said the theme of this year’s World Day celebrations – “No one is left behind: equality, freedom and justice for all” – is a reminder of the obligation to respect the human rights and dignity of all people.
“We need action around the world to make these rights a reality,” the UN Secretary-General said, calling for an end to the criminalization of same-sex relationships, discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community and harmful practices.
