UN Human Rights chief kicks off high-stakes visit to China, Beijing cites COVID in limiting access The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet arrived in China on Monday, kicking off the first trip by a holder of the office since 2005 amid concerns that it could lead to an endorsement rather than scrutiny of China's rights record. World 23 May, 2022
Russia threatens to retaliate as Finland seeks NATO membership 'without delay' Putin, Russia's president, cited NATO's potential expansion as one of the main reasons he launched a "special military operation" in Ukraine in February. World 12 May, 2022
UN rights chief urges Belarus neighbours to protect asylum-seekers On Friday Polish border guards reported a fifth death - of an Iraqi man, probably from a heart attack - in the border area. World 24 Sep, 2021
In Taliban's 7-day march to power, a stunning string of wins In just seven days, any lingering dreams of a free Afghanistan died. As last week dawned, many clung to hope that the Taliban could be held back, though key trade routes had been seized, border crossings overtaken and swaths of remote areas clutched. But then, in just a week, militants won city after city, toppled the government and grabbed the grand prize of Kabul. World 18 Aug, 2021
UN rights chief: Reparations needed for people facing racism The UN human rights chief, in a landmark report launched after the killing of George Floyd in the United States, is urging countries worldwide to do more to help end discrimination, violence and systemic racism against people of African descent and “make amends” to them — including through reparations. World 29 Jun, 2021
Suu Kyi's trial set to start in Myanmar, junta rejects UN rights chief's statement The trial of Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi was set to start on Monday, as the junta that overthrew her elected government rejected criticism by the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights over its use of deadly force against protesters. World 14 Jun, 2021
Myanmar activists cancel new year festivities; U.N. urges end to 'slaughter' Opponents of military rule in Myanmar cancelled traditional new year festivities on Tuesday and instead showed their anger with the generals who seized power through low-key displays of defiance and small protests across the country. World 13 Apr, 2021
Ethiopian PM announces airstrikes in country's Tigray region NAIROBI: Ethiopia's prime minister on Friday said his government has carried out airstrikes against the forces of the country's well-armed Tigray region, asserting that strikes in multiple locations “completely destroyed rockets and other heavy... Women 07 Nov, 2020
UN to tackle gender equality, chief calls it 'greatest' rights challenge NEW YORK: Over the past week, 190 countries addressed the United Nations General Assembly, nearly all of them represented by presidents, prime ministers and ministers. Only nine of them were women. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio... Women 01 Oct, 2020
Outcry in Somalia as new bill would allow child marriage JOHANNESBURG: An outcry is rising in Somalia as parliament considers a bill that would allow child marriage once a girl’s sexual organs mature and would allow forced marriage as long as the family gives their consent. The bill is a dramatic... Women 12 Aug, 2020
UN rights office concerned about Jimmy Lai arrest, seeks review GENEVA: The UN human rights office voiced deep concern on Monday at the arrest of Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai and others under the new security law and urged authorities to ensure that the legislation is not being misused. Jeremy Laurence,... Women 10 Aug, 2020
China hits back at UN rights chief on Hong Kong legislation GENEVA: China said on Friday that “improper” remarks by the United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet regarding the national security legislation proposed for Hong Kong “grossly interfere in China’s sovereignty and internal... Women 20 Jun, 2020
