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Human Rights
When Gaby, a 27-year-old indigenous Awajún transgender woman, returned to Mamayaque, she confronted the pervasive violence against women and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
“Human rights … is the strongest tool that we have in our hands to be a voice of those who don't have power and to speak truth to those who have the power and to make sure that they understand that yes, that there are limits to power.”
Volker Türk has the greatest respect for those able to hold onto hope when all appears to be lost. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, he has devoted his life and career to helping the world’s most vulnerable people.
“What has always struck me was encounters with people who are extremely resilient … who actually see hope, including in the most atrocious circumstances, and who just keep doing the right thing.”
In this episode, Volker reflects on holding rulebreakers to account, the strength displayed by refugees, and why the best ideas often arrive in the dead of night.
"[...] for me refugees almost become... They epitomize, they represent us in our humanity."
Photo:©UN/Anthony Headley
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was in the spotlight at the fifth annual AI for Good Global Summit. The Summit is the leading action-oriented UN platform to promote AI to advance global development priorities. In his vision statement Human Rights: A Path for Solutions, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk says “As AI use continues to evolve and impact our daily lives, it’s crucial that we ensure its development benefits everyone." UN Human Rights provides guidance on adopting a human rights-based approach to the development and deployment of technologies, including AI, ensuring they uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.
The protection of hospitals is crucial for the welfare of sexual violence survivors. The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (19 June) highlights the role of hospitals as sanctuaries of safety and recovery for all, particularly for those who have endured sexual violence. International humanitarian law safeguards health facilities against attacks, underscoring the principles of distinction and proportionality. The international community must safeguard these structures, as they are essential for the support of sexual violence survivors.
Hate speech is a marker of discrimination, abuse, and violence, often targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, or religion. Digital platforms only amplify it. As young people are often most affected by hate speech, especially online, they must be part of the solution. Governments, local authorities, religious, corporate and community leaders must promote tolerance and inclusivity and challenge hate speech. As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), let’s work to promote human rights education, involve young people in decision-making, and counter intolerance.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) is the annual event dedicated to opposing elder abuse and recognizing the dignity and rights of older individuals. This year's theme, "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies," underscores the urgent need to protect older individuals during crises. It calls for prioritizing their safety in emergency plans, developing inclusive policies, and providing education for responders and caregivers. By highlighting these issues, we can create a more protective environment for older persons and ensure that no one is left behind during emergencies.
Current practices in measuring sexual orientation and gender identity in population censuses vary widely, with some countries including questions related to these aspects while others do not, reflecting ongoing debates and evolving social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues globally.
International Albinism Awareness Day, celebrated annually on 13 June, was launched 10 years ago. Due to their unique physical appearance caused by the lack of melanin in their hair, skin and eyes, persons with albinism have been subject to marginalization and social exclusion, and even persecution fed by superstition. This year we celebrate the strides made through the tireless efforts of albinism groups from around the world and reflect on the continued legal, policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism.
The World Day Against Child Labour (12 June) serves as a driving force in the growing global effort to combat this type of work that deprives children of their childhood. This year's theme, "Let's deliver on our commitments: End Child Labour," calls on the international community to strengthen the implementation of two core conventions on the issue- Convention No. 182 and Convention No. 138. Through Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7, the world has pledged to eliminate child labour in all its forms by 2025. Let's work together for a world free of child labour! #EndChildLabour
Although Sri Lanka’s war ended 15 years ago, families of the disappeared are still waiting for truth, justice and reparations. Without knowledge of the fate and whereabouts of loved ones, enforced disappearances haunt entire communities, undermining the country’s efforts for reconciliation, human rights groups say. A report from the UN Human Rights Office said Sri Lanka must confront the legacy of enforced disappearances by holding those responsible to account. Working closely with victims, the OHCHR Sri Lanka accountability project is supporting the process.
All persons have an equal right to live free from violence, persecution, discrimination, harassment and stigma, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons. Ensuring the full spectrum of human rights and freedoms for all individuals lies at the core of the United Nations mission. It's crucial for progress in development, peace, security, and humanitarian efforts, aligning with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international agreements. For this reason, the UN System has launched a new website highlighting the organization's work on behalf of LGBTIQ+ people.
“[...] yet we are here seeing unfolding under our watch, our eyes, one of the fastest evolving looming famines, which has been completely fabricated. It's man-made. And which can easily be reversed through political will and political decision. It is deeply frustrating, but it's outrageous and makes me very angry [...] ”
Philippe Lazzarini holds one of the most challenging positions in the whole of the United Nations. As head of UNRWA, he is leading the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Following the devastating terror attacks by Hamas and others on 7 October, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have brought unspeakable death and destruction. 2.2 million Palestinians are in the midst of an epic humanitarian catastrophe. In this episode, Philippe Lazzarini reflects on the trauma of the past months and the human cost of war.
“Ceasefire, ceasefire, ceasefire. If we have a ceasefire and the opening of the crossing, and we can flood assistance to the Gaza Strip, we would be able to prevent this catastrophe.”
Photo credit: ©UNRWA/Hussein Owda
As of 20 April 2024, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Pakistan estimate that over 550,000 Afghans returned to Afghanistan under coercive conditions since last September. Over 31,000 Afghans were detained in Pakistan during the same period. Afghanistan will struggle to absorb the high number of returnees. IOM provides legal aid to displaced Afghans while leading a border consortium of humanitarian partners. The Organization calls for countries to halt forced returns until safe, dignified, and voluntary returns are ensured.
Diego Luna, the Mexican actor, producer, and advocate for freedom of expression, believes that independent journalism is essential, especially in countries like Mexico with a high level of impunity. The documentary film "State of Silence," produced by Luna and directed by Santiago Maza, portrays the risky reality that many Mexican journalists live in. For Luna and Maza, documentary films are a powerful tool to defend media freedom and spark change.