Tag: Middle East

Cholera outbreak is ‘serious threat’ to whole Middle East — Global Issues

Imran Riza, who is also Resident Coordinator, said in a statement that “swift and urgent action is needed to prevent further illness and death. UN agencies and non-governmental organizations partners are coordinating closely with health authorities to ensure a timely and effective response.”

The outbreak was declared on 10 September by the Syrian Ministry of Health, following 15 confirmed laboratory cases, including one patient death, said Mr. Riza. A total of 936 cases of severe acute watery diarrhoea were reported between 25 August and 10 September, which led to “at least eight deaths”, he reported.

Most cases were reported from Aleppo (72.2 per cent), and Deir-ez-Zor (21.5 per cent), with cases also reported in Ar-Raqqa, Al Hasakeh, Hama and Lattakia.

The number of confirmed cholera cases so far is 20 in Aleppo, four in Lattakia and two in Damascus – both of those infected in the capital had travelled from Aleppo.

Euphrates link

“Based on a rapid assessment conducted by health authorities and partners, the source of infection is believed to be linked to people drinking unsafe water from the Euphrates River and using contaminated water to irrigate crops, resulting in food contamination”, said the UN Humanitarian Coordinator. “Cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity.”

He said the outbreak was an indicator of severe shortages of water throughout Syria, an issue the UN has “been sounding alarm bells on”, for some time.

Mr. Riza said that while the Euphrates levels were dropping with drought-like conditions and a national water infrastructure damaged by 11 years of war, “much of the already vulnerable population of Syria is reliant on unsafe water sources, which may lead to the spread of dangerous water-borne diseases, particularly among children.”

“Water shortages are forcing households to resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as changing hygiene practices or increasing household debt to afford water costs.”

Coordinated response underway

A closely coordinated water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health response is underway, the senior humanitarian official said, led by the Syrian health ministry with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN Children’s Fund UNICEF, working with a wide network of partners on the ground to respond.

“Since late August, health partners have been actively working to strengthen preparedness and response capacity for potential outbreaks in all affected governorates. Early warning surveillance has been intensified in areas where the outbreak has been reported and other high-risk areas, including in camps hosting internally displaced persons.”

Tests and treatment

Some 4,000 rapid diagnostic tests have been delivered to support the work of rapid response teams deployed to investigate suspected cases. Intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts have been also delivered to health facilities where confirmed patients are admitted, said Mr. Riza.

Partners have mobilized health and WASH supplies in the affected governorates. Chlorination activities to disinfect water are being scaled up and dosing rates are being increased in fragile and highly vulnerable communities to curb the spread of the disease.

Clean water is also being trucked to those areas impacted. Partners are similarly engaging with local authorities to begin periodic, focused water testing procedures and support the collection of water samples.

“The UN in Syria calls on donor countries for urgent additional funding to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading”, said Mr. Riza. “We urge all concerned parties to ensure unimpeded and sustained access to affected communities, as well as the support of neighbouring countries to expedite the necessary approvals to ensure the timely delivery of life-saving medicines and medical supplies.”

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Security Council calls for intensifying efforts to expand Yemen truce — Global Issues

Council members highlighted the tangible benefits of the agreement between the Government and Houthi rebels, now in its sixth month.

They include a 60 per cent reduction in casualties.  

Additionally, fuel coming through critical Huydadah port has quadrupled, while commercial flights from the capital, Sana’a, have allowed 21,000 people to receive medical treatment and unite with their families. 

Appeal for flexibility 

The landmark truce was first announced in April, and initially for two months.  It was renewed in June for another two months, and then again in August, marking the longest period of relative calm in Yemen in more than seven years of war. 

The Council called on the parties “to urgently intensify, and be flexible in, the negotiations under the auspices of the UN to agree on an expanded truce that could be translated into a durable ceasefire”.  

In addition to stepping up engagement with UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, the sides were urged to abstain from conditionality and to work towards implementing measures to tackle the economic and financial crises.  

‘Exceptional measures’ praised 

“The members of the Security Council welcomed the exceptional measures taken by the Government of Yemen to avert fuel shortages in the Houthi-controlled areas following a Houthi order that affected the established process for clearing fuel ships,” the statement said. 

“They called on the Houthis to refrain from such actions in the future and to cooperate with UN-led efforts to identify a durable solution to ensure the flow of fuel.” 

No military solution 

The Council has condemned all attacks that threaten to derail the truce, including a deadly Houthi offensive in Taiz late last month. Reiterating that there is no military solution for Yemen, members also condemned the recent military parade in Hudaydah. 

They expressed concern over recent instability in the south, the increase in civilian landmine casualties, and the lack of progress on the opening of the roads in Taïz, in line with UN proposals.  On the latter, they again called for the Houthis to “act with flexibility” in negotiations and immediately open the main Taïz roads.  

The Council reiterated its support for the UN Special Envoy and expressed determination that an expanded truce agreement will provide an opportunity to reach an inclusive, comprehensive political settlement. They also underscored the importance of the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women in the peace process.   

Humanitarian and environmental concerns 

Turning to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and the continued risk of famine, the Council encouraged donors to fully fund the UN response plan and support the Government’s efforts to stabilize the economy.  

Members also reiterated their deep concern over the catastrophic ecological, maritime, and humanitarian risk posed by the decaying Safer oil tanker. 

The vessel has been anchored just a few miles off the Yemen coast for more than 30 years but offloading and maintenance stopped in 2015 following the start of the war. 

Council members commended countries and the private sector for their pledges in support of  a UN plan to transfer the oil onboard the tanker to a temporary vessel. 

They called for the pledges to be dispersed, and for funding to be increased to prevent a catastrophe from occurring. 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

‘My children ask me, what is Syria?’ Za’atari refugee camp enters second decade — Global Issues

Adil Toukan came to Za’atari camp in April 2013, from the city of al-Sanamayn in the Daraa governorate in southern Syria, along with his wife and two young children.

Since then, he and his wife have had three more children, who know nothing about their home country. 

“My family and I went through a great deal of suffering when we left Syria. We crossed more than one security checkpoint and more than one country. 

Life is stable, in terms of the living conditions, security, and infrastructure. The educational situation is excellent [There are 32 schools in the camp, 58 community centres, and eight clinics in the camp].

Electricity is available for eight hours per day. There is a sewage network and a water network. There are asphalt roads and an internal transportation network.

We want our children to have a better life than us, in terms of education, study and work.”

‘No one came here willingly’

Qassim Lubbad, from Daraa governorate, came to the camp in May 2013. He is not optimistic about the situation in Syria. 

“Surely no one came here willingly. I came from Syria with five children and had three children here in the camp.

Everyone came because they were forced to seek safety and security. There was suffering. Families took different routes. We spent more than 72 hours moving from one village to another until we reached the border and entered Jordan. 

When I talk to my children about Syria, and tell them that we have family there, they ask me: What is Syria? I explain that a war broke out, and we came to the camp. I tell them that staying here in the camp is not our choice: when things calm down and the security situation improved, we will return to Syria.

They ask me about their future here and whether they will complete their studies and then marry and own homes here. I answer them that this matter is not in our hands, but in the hands of God, and that just as we came without prior planning, we can also return to Syria without prior planning”.

I hope that the situation will change for the better. I miss everything in Syria: the air and water, childhood, memories, parents and relatives”.

‘I want to become a policewoman to serve my people’

More than 20,000 births have been registered in Za’atari since it opened a decade ago. An entire generation of children has grown up there, and the camp has become their world. 

Ten-year-old Ghina was born in Syria and came with her family to Za’atari camp when she was only 6 months old.

“I study in the third grade. I love school here. I like mathematics and English, but my favourite subject is Arabic. My dream is to become a policewoman when I grow up, because I want to serve my people.

I miss my grandparents very much. They are still in Syria. I talk to them every day, and they show me pictures of our house and tell me about the past. I am so excited to see them.”

‘The situation in Syria is not good’

Fourteen-year-old Muhammad came to the camp when he was only four. He says he remembers coming to the camp.

I knew that we had come to the camp in search of safety and security. I do not want to return to Syria because the situation is not good. 

I want to be a doctor in the future, because medicine is a beautiful profession and a good career.”
 

Video player

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Execution of Gaza prisoners condemned by UN rights office — Global Issues

Five men were executed in the early hours of 4 September 2022, an act which, says the Office, was in stark violation of the State of Palestine’s own domestic law and its obligations under international law.

Three were convicted of murder and two of “collaboration” with Israel. According to media reports, the executions were the first in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 2017. 

In the OHCHR statement, Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office, said that none of the executed prisoners were given the opportunity to seek clemency or a pardon. 
 
Ms. Shamdasani urged the de facto authorities in Gaza to establish a moratorium on all executions, and called on the State of Palestine to take robust measures to abolish the death penalty in all its territory. 

A number of other international, as well as Palestinian rights groups, have reportedly condemned the death penalty, which was not approved by the Mahmoud Abbas, the President of Palestine.

In the statement, Ms. Shamdasani declared that there are “serious concerns that criminal proceedings resulting in the imposition of death sentences in Gaza do not meet international fair trial standards,” and noted that the approval of President Abbas is required by national law.

According to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), courts in Gaza have sentenced around 180 Palestinians to death, executing 33, since Hamas took control in 2007. Under the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, a General Assembly resolution aimed at abolishing the death penalty, Palestine is obliged to abolish executions.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Egypt prepares for flagship UN climate conference, in a year of unprecedented global weather shocks — Global Issues

Several COP27-related initiatives are underway in Egypt: they include projects related to sustainable transport, waste recycling, women’s health, the transition to clean energy, sustainable cities, adaptation measures in the water and agriculture sector, and the links between peace and climate.

“The Egyptian Government recognizes the huge responsibility of organizing a successful conference”, says Dr. Samir Tantawy, a climate change expert at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). “The summit needs to demonstrate the damage caused by the climate crisis, particularly in developing countries. For example, the Aswan Governorate, in southern Egypt, has experienced storms, snow and heavy rain for the first time. Developing countries need to be properly compensated”.

Beyond COP27, Egypt is working towards a 2050 national climate strategy, which is based around the reduction of emissions in all sectors, and adaptation to potential changes in the climate –  in agriculture, water resources, coastal areas, and health.

UN News/Khaled Abdul Wahab

The Egyptian governorates are witnessing workshops in preparation for the Climate Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The national strategy also aims to bring civil society, the government, and citizens together, at the local, regional, and national levels. A number of civil society organizations are participating in workshops and seminars to raise awareness of the summit, in the hope that it will help Egypt to achieve its climate strategy goals.

In preparation for the Climate Summit, the regional authorities in the Red Sea Governorate, in cooperation with a number of other state organizations, is holding a series of events aimed at raising awareness of environmental and sustainability concerns. These workshops will continue through to November, and the opening of the Conference.

Egypt’s hosting of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh is seen as a great opportunity to promote international climate action, and to unify the demands of African and developing countries, particularly when it comes to issues of financing, and adaptation to the effects of climate change.

UN News will provide full coverage of COP27, including news and features, and a daily episodes of our flagship news podcast The Lid Is On. Subscribe on all major podcast platforms.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

One third of Gaza Strip population in need of psychological and social support — Global Issues

Over three violent days in early August, until a ceasefire was reached on 7 August, Israeli Defence Forces launched some 147 air strikes against targets in Gaza while Palestinian militants unleashed around 1,100 rockets and mortars into Israel.

Briefing the Security Council on 8 August, Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, reported that 46 Palestinians had been killed and 360 injured, and 70 Israelis injured.

OCHA

Destruction following the Israeli airstrike during the escalation in August 2022

A heavy toll on children

17 Palestinian children were among those killed in Gaza in August, and the conflict is taking a heavy toll on all young people living in the Strip, said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, in a statement welcoming the ceasefire.

“For many children, this was their fifth conflict in the past 15 years. Many are already living with the long-term psychological effects of constant exposure to violence” noted Ms. Khodr.

After visiting a family in Gaza whose house was severely damaged in the conflict, Lynne Hastings, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said that “the humanitarian situation in Gaza is already deteriorating, and this latest escalation will only make matters worse. We stand ready to work with all parties to ensure that humanitarian needs are met.”

Living ‘in a state of frustration and psychological deterioration’

Speaking at a workshop organized by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Dr. Yousef Shahin, head of UNRWA’s Disease Prevention and Control Program, said that the Agency’s mental health and psychological support program, to treat more than 87,000 cases, is one of the most important such programs in the Gaza Strip.

“We are now working on the process of surveying cases, and if it is found that psychological support is needed, a file is opened, followed up, and treatment is provided. Common symptoms include depression and epilepsy, and there are other cases related to chronic physical diseases, which are of psychological origin”.

65 per cent live below the poverty line

For his part, Dr. Sami Owaida of the Gaza Mental Health Program attributed the psychological challenges faced by the residents of the Gaza Strip to the Israeli occupation and blockade of the Strip, which has lasted for over 15 years. “More than 65 percent of the population of Gaza live below the poverty line, and more than 60 percent are unemployed.”

Dr. Owaida’s comments were echoed by Dr. Ghada Al Jadba, Head of the UNRWA Health Program, who said that people in Gaza live “in a state of frustration and psychological deterioration as a result of the deteriorating economic, social and political conditions”.

“The conflict in May 2021 [in which much of Gaza City was destroyed, and hundreds were killed or injured], led to a psychological shock, on top of dealing with electricity and water cuts, high rates of poverty, and unemployment – all factors that led to the deterioration of the already worsening health and psychological situation of the residents of Gaza”.

More than two million people live in the Gaza Strip: there is only one mental health hospital, with a capacity of fifty beds, to serve the five governorates in the Strip.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Young Jordanians innovate to tackle food insecurity — Global Issues

Jordanians are dealing with multiple overlapping challenges including slow economic growth, high youth unemployment, water scarcity and increased cost of living.

With 63 per cent of its population under the age of 30, Jordan has one of the youngest populations in the world, and youth engagement and mobilization is crucial to finding solutions to food insecurity. 

This is why the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) launched the Youth in Food Security Innovation Programme, which saw a group of young Jordanians, aged between 18 and 26, presenting a wide range of ideas, from addressing the problem of solid waste, to recycling fruit and vegetable peel.

As part of the project, the participants received training on the implications of food insecurity, the opportunities and challenges directly linked to food security, the role of technology in shaping the future of food, and strategies for changing the traditional food chain.

UNICEF/ Nadia Bseiso

Aya Kraik, a participant in a WFP/ UNICEF youth innovation project in Jordan.

Reviving the soil

Aya Kreik, an architecture student in Amman is one of those young innovators. Ms. Kreik and her team succeeded in converting farms waste into organic fertilizers rich in nutrients, reviving the soil and encouraging farmers to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers.

“My innovation idea aims to increase plants’ immunity to diseases and helps the soil to retain water in a large proportion, which reduces the amount of irrigation water needed. A modern method for treating waste and does not produce greenhouse gases”. she explains. “We started our project at the beginning of the pandemic. With the lockdowns, we thought of ideas to become self-sufficient when it comes to food.”

“The Jordanian Capital, Amman, is a very crowded city and there are no available spaces for farming”, she adds. “In addition, not all people are interested in healthy and organic food, because of lack of awareness and high prices. So, we were determined to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of organic food”.

“I am proud of where I got to today. We are about to start the first multiple-output, women-led farm in Jordan,” declares Ms. Kreik. “We, young people, need to think out of the box and come up with new ideas related to environmental sustainability”.

UNICEF/ Nadia Bseiso

Alaa Al-Hijazeen and Nourhan Al Gharabli, participants in a youth innovation project by UNICEF/ WFP in Jordan.

Self-feeding plants

Banking and Finance graduate Alaa Al-Hijazeen and Business Intelligence student Nourhan Al Gharabli launched a startup that produces self-watering and self-feeding plants using a new type of hydrogel, consisting of self-absorbing polymers, that can transform moisture in the air into pure water.

“Our goal is not to make money”, says Alaa, “but to leave an impact and change people’s lives. Climate change is having direct impacts on food security, the air we breathe and the water we drink. We all need to take action.”

“Our next step is to turn this idea into a reality. And we are considering further exploring environmental businesses. Our environment is a great resource, and we can use it sustainably,” she adds.

UNICEF/ Nadia Bseiso

Alaa Thalji,participant in a WFP/ UNICEF youth innovation project in Jordan.

From peel to polymer

Agricultural engineer Alaa Thalji participated in the innovation training. Her project entails recycling the peels of fruits and vegetables to produce a chemical polymer that removes 99 per cent of heavy metals from water.

“I am an agricultural engineer, specializing in water treatment. I came up with the idea during my second year at university. I took a class called Environmental Chemical Pollutants, that introduced us to the dangers that pollutants pose to our health, and another class called Drinking Water Treatment, where our professor kept telling us how water containing heavy metals cannot be used for drinking purposes.

So, I thought about the many water sources that we unfortunately cannot make use of, and I started working on a chemical polymer that is organic and safe,” says Ms. Thalji. 
 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Managing Israel-Palestine conflict ‘no substitute’ for meaningful political process — Global Issues

“Such a strategy will require significant steps from all sides,” said Tor Wennesland.  It must involve strengthening the ability of the Palestinian Authority to engage with Israel on political, economic and security issues, as well as working towards the return of the legitimate Palestinian Government to the Gaza Strip, he affirmed.

He called for reducing tensions and violence across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, especially in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

“Unilateral steps that perpetuate negative trends need to stop”, he insisted.  The space for Palestinian economic activity and further improvements to access and movement in Gaza and the West Bank should also be expanded.

Video player

Ceasefire averts full-scale war

Describing gains, he reported that the ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, remains in effect and a “fragile calm” has been restored in Gaza.

The Erez and Kerem Shalom crossings have been open since 8 August and the United Nations is working with partners to ensure the urgent delivery of assistance to those most in need.

To be sure, the ceasefire prevented the situation from escalating into a full-blown war, he told ambassadors.

Unresolved drivers of conflict

Violence has increased across much of the occupied West Bank.  Israel’s settlement activity continues, along with demolitions and evictions, while fiscal and political challenges threaten the Palestinian Authority’s effectiveness in delivering public services. 

The West Bank and Gaza remain politically divided.  Gazans suffer under economic and movement restrictions linked with Israel’s “closure regime”, the nature of Hamas rule and the ever-present threat of violence.  “Unless these fundamental issues are addressed the cycle of acute crisis, followed by short-term fixes will persist,” he warned.

Regional dynamics

Turning to the Golan, he said the ceasefire between Israel and Syria was generally maintained, despite several violations of the 1974 Agreement on Disengagement of Forces. 

In Lebanon, the lack of progress with reforms, deadlock of Government formation and increasing strain on institutions such as the armed and security forces weighs heavily on State authority.

In the south, tensions persisted in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) area of operations, with at least four firing ranges – unknown to Lebanese authorities – observed in regular use south of the Litani River.

“This is a blatant violation of resolution 1701 (2006),” he explained, as are Israel’s regular and ongoing violations of Lebanon’s airspace.

A call to action

“The status quo is not a strategy,” he said. He urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders, regional countries and the broader international community to take firm action to enable a return to meaningful negotiations.

 

Video player

The ‘last standing pillar’ for refugees

Reinforcing that point, Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said the agency is the lifeline for one of the most underprivileged and desperate communities in the region.

“Going to school, getting health services or receiving a food parcel are, for many Palestinian refugees, their only sources of normality,” he said. 

For these refugees, UNRWA remains the “last standing pillar” of the international community’s commitment to their right to a dignified life and a just, lasting solution, he stressed.  He appealed to Member States that have reduced their funding to reconsider the impact of that decision on the region’s stability.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Israeli suppression of Palestinian rights organizations ‘illegal and unacceptable’ — Global Issues

During a raid last week, the Israeli army broke into and shut down the offices of seven Palestinian human rights and humanitarian groups operating in Ramallah, located in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). 

“These actions amount to severe suppression of human rights defenders and are illegal and unacceptable,” the experts said, encouraging UN Member States to use international law to end the abuses. 

‘Unlawful’ designations 

Last Thursday at dawn, Israeli forces raided the offices of seven Palestinian human rights groups causing extensive property damage and issuing military orders to shut them down.  

This followed Israel’s earlier characterization of those organizations as “terrorist” and “unlawful”. 

“These designations and declarations are illegitimate and unjustifiable and no concrete and credible evidence substantiating Israel’s allegations has ever been provided,” said the experts, echoing observations that they had made in April.  

Hurling accusations 

On 18 and 21 August, Israeli security service Shin Bet interrogated the directors of the Union of Palestinian Women’s Committees, Al-Haq and Defence for Children-Palestine – three of the seven shuttered organizations. 

The experts were particularly concerned over alleged threats made by Shin Bet against the organizations, including a public statement regarding Al-Haq’s director, Shawan Jabarin. 

“The Israeli Government has taken multiple measures to undermine civil society organiz

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Rights experts urge Iran to end ‘systematic persecution’ of religious minorities — Global Issues

The experts said they are deeply concerned at the increasing arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances of members of the Baha’i faith, as well as the destruction or confiscation of their properties, “in what bears all the signs of a policy of systematic persecution”. 

These acts were not isolated, they added, but formed part of a broader policy to target any dissenting belief or religious practice, including Christian converts, Gonabadi dervishes and atheists. 

Appeal for action 

“The international community cannot remain silent while Iranian authorities use overbroad and vague national security and espionage charges to silence religious minorities or people with dissenting opinions, remove them from their homes and effectively force them into internal displacement,” their statement said.   

The Baha’i community is among the most severely persecuted religious minorities in Iran, according to the experts. The faith was founded in the 19th century by an aristocrat called Baháʼu’lláh, who followers consider a prophet. 

The UN experts said this year has seen a marked increase in arrests of Baha’is, as well as targeting. By April, they had received reports that over 1,000 members were awaiting imprisonment, following their initial arrests and hearings. 

Raids and arrests 

Since July, security forces have raided the homes of more than 35 Baha’is in various cities across Iran.  Several persons also have been arrested, including three former leaders, who were later charged with “managing the unlawful [Bahá’í] administration”, which carries a 10-year sentence.  

One of the leaders, Afif Naimi, was forcibly disappeared for more than a month, until his fate and whereabouts were disclosed. 

This month, security and intelligence agents violently demolished at least eight homes belonging to Baha’i families in Mazandaran Province and confiscated 20 hectares of their land. Persons who tried to challenge the operations were arrested.  

The experts have previously written to the Iranian authorities about the situation of the Baha’i minority, recalling their February 2021 communication that raised concern over systematic violations of property and housing rights. 

‘State-sanctioned intolerance’ 

They added that more than 90 Baha’i students have been barred from enrolling in universities so far this year.  Last month, the Ministry of Education accused community members of being involved in espionage, propagating Baha’i teachings, and infiltrating educational institutions. 

The independent rights experts are seriously concerned that provisions of the Penal Code are being used to prosecute individuals on grounds of religious affiliation and based on allegations that they have expressed views considered critical or derogatory towards Islam. 

The experts have also repeatedly raised concerns about the criminalisation of blasphemy under the Penal Code, which carries severe penalties such as life imprisonment and capital punishment, contrary to international human rights law. 

“Such state-sanctioned intolerance furthers extremism and violence,” they said.  “We call on the Iranian authorities to de-criminalise blasphemy and take meaningful steps to ensure the right to freedom of religion or belief and freedom of opinion and expression without discrimination.” 

About UN experts 

The experts who issued the statement are Javaid Rehman, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran; Fernand de Varennes, Special Rapporteur on Minorities Issues, and members of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. 

Experts receive their mandates from the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and work on a voluntary basis. 

They are neither UN staff, nor are they paid for their work. 

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Exit mobile version