Topic: United Nations Human Rights Council

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Saudi woman sentenced to lashes days after women win right to vote

A Saudi woman has been sentenced to 10 lashes for driving, just days after King Abdullah granted women the right to vote and run for municipal office. A quick look at Saudi Arabia's human rights record.
Opinion: The decade since 9/11 has eroded – and confirmed – American values

US actions over the past 10 years have called into question America’s commitment to justice, freedom, and respect for human rights. But the decade has also confirmed how resilient the country's democratic values really are.
The Monitor's View: After war in Libya, a need to assert nonviolence for Arab Spring

From Gandhi to Martin Luther King Jr. to Egypt's peaceful revolution, civil resistance has been proven successful. Syrians especially need to stick to nonviolent tactics now after Libya's war.
Syrians in the street laud Libyan rebels

Syrian protesters praised Libyan rebel advances in Tripoli as the Syrian regime's crackdown continued unabated, despite Western sanctions that are beginning to bite.
Bahrain stages trials of opponents, despite new US criticism

Five of the six trials were held before a military tribunal. The US last week added Bahrain to its list of human rights abusers, which the kingdom called a regrettable 'rush to judgment.'
Female Saudi doctor appeals to top court for right to choose a husband

Samia fled to a women's shelter rather than be forced by her male relatives to marry a less educated cousin. Her case illustrates women's growing fight against Saudi Arabia's guardianship system.
Syria, under pressure, drops bid for UN rights council. Is that progress?

Syria cuts a deal and gives up its quest for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, for now. Some see a victory for higher standards on human rights, but critics of the body say the selection process is still flawed.
UN council issues tepid rebuke of Syria. Does it want to avoid another Libya?

The UN Human Rights Council barely backed a watered-down condemnation of Syria for its attacks on civilian protesters. The pushback suggests some nations worry that the West overstepped its bounds in pressing for strong action against Libya – and want to avoid a repeat.
Amid brutal crackdown, Syria poised to join UN Human Rights Council

But diplomats and human rights advocates are calling for Syria to be kept off the council when the UN General Assembly votes on new members next month.
In Israel, Goldstone's Gaza war retraction triggers 'earthquake' of vindication

South African Judge Richard Goldstone's recent retraction of accusations of Israeli war crimes during its war with Hamas in Gaza two years ago is still rippling throughout Israel.
Ban Ki-Moon: I am willing to take any measures for human rights

UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon discusses intervention in Libya, the situation in Yemen and Syria, and the argument between Bahrain and Iran. He reiterates Israel's human rights violations and the importance of the peace process. He speaks finally of his hopes for the Arab region.
Libya no-fly zone: Moment of reckoning for the United Nations?

The United Nations' early response to the Libya crisis shows it can be relevant, some say. Now the Security Council is poised to take up a no-fly zone.
Beaten BBC journalists reveal details of Qaddafi's torture apparatus

Three BBC journalists detained outside Zawiyah said they were beaten and subjected to 'mock executions.' The UN is investigating separate allegations of torture.
How Qaddafi helped fuel fury toward Africans in Libya

During the past few weeks of uprising in Libya, hundreds of African migrant workers have been detained, beaten, or harassed by Libyans due to reports that African mercenaries are fighting for Muammar Qaddafi.
At the heart of the Arab revolts: a search for dignity

When Muammar Qaddafi recently asked Libyans to rely on his 'moral authority,' an ever more sophisticated Arab generation widely read the request as an insult to their intelligence.
US says Qaddafi must go, as action against Libya quickens

Hillary Clinton says Muammar Qaddafi must leave office 'now, without further violence or delay.' Global pressure intensifies with talk of no-fly zone and court inquiry into alleged crimes.
UN Security Council hits Qaddafi with sanctions, war crimes investigations

The unanimous Security Council decision increases international pressure on Col. Muammar Qaddafi's regime in Libya as President Obama calls for Qaddafi to leave power immediately.
Libya: US closes embassy in Tripoli, sanctions loom

Libya death toll could be in the thousands. The international community is responding in several ways, including at a meeting Friday of the UN Human Rights Council, which set up a commission of inquiry into the violence.
Obama weighs 'full range of options' for Libya's Qaddafi

President Obama condemns the Libyan government's violence and criticizes their claims that the uprisings in Libya and across the region have been driven by foreign powers.
In Rwanda, a rebel commander's case that no one wants to try

Two years after Rwanda arrested Congolese rebel commander Gen. Nkunda, it still doesn't know what to do with him – he knows too many secrets that could come out if he is tried.
Turkey releases report on flotilla incident, accusing Israel

Turkey publicizes its internal report on the flotilla debacle in response to Israel's Turkel Commission investigation report on Sunday.
Israel's Gaza flotilla probe findings could hurt Israel-Turkey ties

An Israeli investigation into last year's Gaza flotilla raid reinforces the government's position in a spat with Turkey that has brought bilateral ties between two US allies to the breaking point.
Opinion: By admitting its human rights problems, the US helps other nations admit theirs

When the US had its own human rights record reviewed by the UN, the usual repressive regimes took the opportunity to condemn others while glossing over their own abuses. But history shows that human rights reporting can and does advance the cause of human rights worldwide.
Rwanda is no US when it comes to press freedom – but it's also no Somalia

Rwanda got a bit of a raw deal to be ranked near the bottom of Reporters Without Borders' annual press freedom list this year, says guest blogger Jina Moore.
Israeli Navy intercepts activists' Gaza-bound boat. This time, no deaths.

The encounter was being closely watched, four months after Israeli commandos raided a similar Gaza-bound boat for Turkey killing nine activists.