Topic: United Nations Human Rights Council

All Content

Is Assad scared of a war crimes trial? Assault on Homs suggests not. (+video)

Diplomats critical of Syria are using terms such as 'crimes against humanity' and 'war criminal.' But the Homs assault suggests Assad sees defeating the rebels as more vital for his survival.
Terrorism & Security
Syria's nonviolent opposition aligns with armed groups

The Syrian National Council announced that it has established links with the armed opposition faction, the Free Syrian Army, after months of hewing to nonviolence.
How the 'Friends of Syria' meeting showcases international weakness

The intervention in Libya had some experts declaring that henceforth there would be no retreat from an international 'responsibility to protect' civilians. But the Syria crisis has many reassessing the doctrine's stature.
As Syria crisis worsens, UN Security Council must act

Russia and China blocked the UN Security Council from acting on Syria in October. Now, Syria is showing signs of a civil war, and all roads point back to the security council. The council must demand a cease-fire, allow monitoring, and apply severe pressure on the regime.
As Syria death toll soars, so does US frustration with Russia

The death toll from the crackdown in Syria has topped 5,000, the top UN human rights official told the Security Council. With Russia blocking action, the US and others are voicing increasing frustration.
Kofi Annan: Despite flaws, UN Human Rights Council can bring progress

As Human Rights Day 2011 approaches, skeptics say the new UN Human Rights Council has not lived up to its mandate. Some suggest democratic nations should abandon it. At a time when we should be making it stronger, forsaking the Council is the wrong way to advance human rights.
Why Iran might be worried by Hillary Clinton's meeting with Syria exiles

The subject of the Geneva meeting between Hillary Clinton and Syria exiles was the transition to democracy. But the group's leader has been warning Iran a post-Assad Syria could be far less friendly.
Children increasingly the victims of Syria crackdown, UN report finds

November was the deadliest month of the revolt for children, with 56 killed, says the report. The UN rights council named a new Syria investigator but declined to refer the country to the Security Council.
Why Royal Dutch Shell oil is pulling out of Syria

Royal Dutch Shell said Friday that it will shut down all oil operations in Syria. On Friday, Syrian troops fired at anti-Assad demonstrators near Homs, Syria.
Global News Blog
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.
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.
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.
Terrorism & Security
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.
Terrorism & Security
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.