Rahel Gettu’s Post

Advocating for Accountability in Yemen: Watch for Human Rights and Justice4Yemen Coalition at UPR   February 15, 2024   The Watch for Human Rights (Watch4HR) proudly presented a Joint UPR Statement as an active member of the Justice4Yemen Coalition, supported by the DT Institute, during this week's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) cycle in Geneva. At the Human Rights Council meeting, our coalition addressed critical issues related to human rights violations in Yemen, encompassing the ongoing conflict, detentions, forced disappearances, and their impact on civilians. We have actively engaged in two vital platforms: UPR Pre-sessions and the exchange with NGOs and EU Member States.   The statement highlights pivotal human rights issues, with a specific focus on children's rights, and expressing concerns about arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture. As part of the coalition, we put forth the following key recommendations: Conduct impartial and transparent investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law by all parties involved in the conflict. Publicize the findings and ensure accountability by holding perpetrators responsible for all violations and abuses. Ensure that any peace agreement or political settlement in Yemen includes provisions for transitional justice, accountability, and reparations, in consultation with victims, survivors, and civil society. The full statement can be found here.   https://lnkd.in/gXcZfjkf In our commitment to broaden our advocacy efforts, we collaborated with numerous local and international organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), among others, to further contribute to the UPR with joint recommendations. This collective statement encompasses submissions made by civil society organizations, addressing accountability and redress, arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances, women’s rights and gender equality, children, and armed conflict, blocking and impeding humanitarian access, refugees, asylum seekers, migrants, and internally displaced people, persons with disabilities, freedom of expression, journalists, and human rights defenders. You can view the full joint recommendations here. https://lnkd.in/gTJ27rmM “Since the outbreak of the conflict in Yemen, it has become clear that the national justice system lacks the capacity and willingness to investigate human rights violations and deliver justice, especially for marginalized groups and victims of the conflict. It is crucial to strengthen international accountability mechanisms and uphold human rights to ensure lasting peace.” Akram Alshwafi, Director, Watch for Human Rights #العدالة_من_أجل_اليمن #حقوق_الإنسان #UPR2024 #UPR    #Justice4Yemen #HumanRights #UPR2024 #UPR

Great List of Human Rights Organizations! thanks Haiqi Wan

Yesterday was Africa Human Rights Day and here is an excellent profile of 23 African Rights NGOs leading the fight against rights abusing regimes, businesses and more: "African NGOs played a critical role in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, and today, they are at the forefront of the struggle to promote and protect human rights across the continent. They play a pivotal role in building a culture of human rights in Africa by raising awareness, advocating for policy change, providing legal and humanitarian support, and holding authorities accountable. Despite facing significant challenges, including political repression and restrictions, limited resources and security risks, their dedication and resilience have made them powerful agents for change. The following profiles highlight the work of 23 African NGOs that focus on human rights issues at the national, regional and pan-African levels. They are from 13 African countries: Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, The Gambia, Uganda and Zimbabwe."

Advocating for Human Rights in Yemen: Justice4Yemen Coalition at UPR 🌍 We are at Musaala For Human Rights, honored to present a Joint UPR Statement as part of the Justice4Yemen Coalition, supported by the DT Institute during this week's UPR cycle in Geneva. We addressed critical human rights issues, focusing on ongoing conflict, detentions, forced disappearances, and their impact on civilians. Our evaluation builds on the previous UPR cycle, with a focus on children’s rights, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture. Engaged in pre-sessions and an exchange meeting with EU member states and NGOs, collaborating actively with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), and others. 🔗 View our full UPR contributions here: https://lnkd.in/ez469SGc #Justice4Yemen #HumanRights #UPR2024 #UPR #Yemen

🌍 Advocating for Human Rights in Yemen: Justice4Yemen Coalition at UPR 🌍   Honored to present a Joint UPR Statement as part of the Justice4Yemen Coalition, supported by the DT Institute during this week's UPR cycle in Geneva. We addressed critical human rights issues, focusing on ongoing conflict, detentions, forced disappearances, and their impact on civilians. Our evaluation builds on the previous UPR cycle, with a focus on children’s rights, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture. Engaged in pre-sessions and an exchange meeting with EU member states and NGOs, collaborating actively with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), and others. 🔗 View our full UPR contributions here. https://lnkd.in/gPG3SrsY #Justice4Yemen #HumanRights #UPR2024 #UPR

🌍 Advocating for Human Rights in Yemen: Justice4Yemen Coalition at UPR 🌍 Honored to present a Joint UPR Statement as part of the Justice4Yemen Coalition, supported by the DT Institute during this week's UPR cycle in Geneva. We addressed critical human rights issues, focusing on ongoing conflict, detentions, forced disappearances, and their impact on civilians. Our evaluation builds on the previous UPR cycle, with a focus on children’s rights, arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, and torture. Engaged in pre-sessions and an exchange meeting with EU member states and NGOs, collaborating actively with Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS), and others. 🔗 View our full UPR contributions here. https://lnkd.in/gPhrMkTH #Justice4Yemen #HumanRights #UPR2024 #UPR

3. Government Actions Some governments are trying to help by: - Putting economic pressure (called sanctions) on countries that abuse human rights [14]. - Sending peacekeepers to protect people in dangerous areas [15]. - Making agreements to fight climate change, which affects human rights [16]. How Can We Make Things Better? 1. Working Together Globally Countries and organizations need to work together more. By sharing resources and ideas, we can tackle big problems like authoritarianism and climate change [17]. 2. Supporting Local Communities We should give more support to local groups fighting for human rights. They often understand the problems best and know what solutions will work in their areas [18]. 3. Making Fair Laws and Policies Governments should create laws that protect everyone, especially groups that have been treated unfairly. This includes laws against discrimination and policies that help refugees and people affected by climate change [19]. Conclusion While there are many challenges to human rights today, there's also hope. By working together globally, supporting local efforts, and creating fair laws, we can build a world where everyone's rights are respected. Each of us can play a part by staying informed, speaking out against injustice, and supporting organizations that fight for human rights [20]. References: [1] NAACP. (2023). Criminal Justice Fact Sheet. [2] World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Gender Gap Report 2023. [3] Human Rights Watch. (2023). #OutRight: LGBT Rights. [4] UNHCR. (2023). Syria Emergency. [5] UNHCR. (2023). Ukraine Emergency. [6] IPCC. (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. [7] Amnesty International. (2023). Belarus 2022. [8] Human Rights Watch. (2023). Myanmar: Events of 2022. [9] Amnesty International. (2023). China 2022. [10] United Nations. (2023). Human Rights. [11] Pew Research Center. (2023). Views on Race in America. [12] Oxfam International. (2023). Yemen Crisis. [13] OutRight Action International. (2023). Global Issues. [14] European Council. (2023). EU Sanctions Map. [15] United Nations Peacekeeping. (2023). Where We Operate. [16] United Nations. (2023). Paris Agreement. [17] United Nations. (2023). Global Issues Overview. [18] Fund for Global Human Rights. (2023). Our Approach. [19] United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals. [20] Amnesty International. (2023). How to be a Human Rights Activist._

Global Human Rights Today: Challenges We Face and How We Can Make Progress Introduction: rights are the basic freedoms and protections that everyone should have, no matter who they are or where they live. But today, many people around the world are struggling to enjoy these rights. This article looks at some of the biggest challenges to human rights, what's being done to help, and how we can work together to make things better for everyone. What Are the Main Problems? 1. Unfair Treatment of Different Groups In many countries, people are treated unfairly because of their race, gender, or who they love. For example: - In the United States, Black people are much more likely to be sent to prison than white people, even for similar crimes [1]. - Women often get paid less than men for doing the same job [2]. - In over 60 countries, it's still illegal to be gay or transgender [3]. 2. People Forced to Leave Their Homes War and natural disasters are forcing millions of people to flee their homes. For instance: - The war in Syria has been going on for over a decade, forcing millions to live in refugee camps with little food, water, or healthcare [4]. - Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused the biggest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II [5]. - Climate change is making some places unlivable. Rising sea levels might force entire island nations to relocate in the future [6]. 3. Governments That Don't Allow Freedom Some countries are becoming less free. Their leaders don't allow people to speak out, protest, or disagree with the government. For example: - In Belarus, the government has arrested thousands of people who protested against unfair elections [7]. - In Myanmar, the military took over the government and has committed terrible acts against minority groups [8]. - China has been accused of putting over a million Uyghur Muslims in camps and taking away freedoms in Hong Kong [9]. What's Being Done to Help? 1. International Organizations Groups like the United Nations and human rights organizations are working to solve these problems. They investigate abuses, put pressure on governments, and help victims. However, they sometimes struggle to make big changes because powerful countries can block their efforts [10]. 2. Local Groups and Movements People in communities around the world are standing up for their rights. For example: - The Black Lives Matter movement has raised awareness about racism globally [11]. - Local groups in war-torn countries like Yemen are providing aid and speaking out against violence [12]. - LGBTQ+ rights groups in countries where being gay is illegal are working in secret to help people and change laws [13].

3. Government Actions Some governments are trying to help by: - Putting economic pressure (called sanctions) on countries that abuse human rights [14]. - Sending peacekeepers to protect people in dangerous areas [15]. - Making agreements to fight climate change, which affects human rights [16]. How Can We Make Things Better? 1. Working Together Globally Countries and organizations need to work together more. By sharing resources and ideas, we can tackle big problems like authoritarianism and climate change [17]. 2. Supporting Local Communities We should give more support to local groups fighting for human rights. They often understand the problems best and know what solutions will work in their areas [18]. 3. Making Fair Laws and Policies Governments should create laws that protect everyone, especially groups that have been treated unfairly. This includes laws against discrimination and policies that help refugees and people affected by climate change [19]. Conclusion While there are many challenges to human rights today, there's also hope. By working together globally, supporting local efforts, and creating fair laws, we can build a world where everyone's rights are respected. Each of us can play a part by staying informed, speaking out against injustice, and supporting organizations that fight for human rights [20]. References: [1] NAACP. (2023). Criminal Justice Fact Sheet. [2] World Economic Forum. (2023). Global Gender Gap Report 2023. [3] Human Rights Watch. (2023). #OutRight: LGBT Rights. [4] UNHCR. (2023). Syria Emergency. [5] UNHCR. (2023). Ukraine Emergency. [6] IPCC. (2022). Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. [7] Amnesty International. (2023). Belarus 2022. [8] Human Rights Watch. (2023). Myanmar: Events of 2022. [9] Amnesty International. (2023). China 2022. [10] United Nations. (2023). Human Rights. [11] Pew Research Center. (2023). Views on Race in America. [12] Oxfam International. (2023). Yemen Crisis. [13] OutRight Action International. (2023). Global Issues. [14] European Council. (2023). EU Sanctions Map. [15] United Nations Peacekeeping. (2023). Where We Operate. [16] United Nations. (2023). Paris Agreement. [17] United Nations. (2023). Global Issues Overview. [18] Fund for Global Human Rights. (2023). Our Approach. [19] United Nations. (2023). Sustainable Development Goals. [20] Amnesty International. (2023). How to be a Human Rights Activist._

Join us for an online briefing on the "Guide and Guidelines on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in Africa" co-organised by DefendDefenders, un ohchr east africa regional office, UN Women and Equality Now. Use the link below to register and be part of the webinar on Thursday, 11 July 2024, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM East African Time. https://lnkd.in/dH9scRNC Women Human Rights Defenders (#WHRDs) across Africa face unique and significant challenges, including threats, arbitrary detention, gender-based violence, discrimination, and targeted attacks. To address these challenges, the "Guide and Guidelines on the Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in Africa" was developed in 2023 by Equality Now and UN Women under the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme. This comprehensive resource provides practical advice and steps for the protection of WHRDs. Recognizing the importance of popularizing the Guide and Guidelines and disseminating it among WHRDs, the aforementioned organizations have partnered to convene this webinar. Our goal is to equip WHRDs across Africa with knowledge and tools for effective advocacy, engagement with State actors, and human rights mechanisms at the regional and international levels for the adoption of legal and policy frameworks for increased protection of WHRDs. Please find the link for the Guide and Guideline Protection of Women Human Rights Defenders in #Africa here: https://lnkd.in/dR37QNgw We look forward to your participation and valuable contributions to this important discussion. (Further information on how to access the webinar will be provided upon registration) Languages: English (with simultaneous interpretation in French and Arabic) #SafeguardingWHRDs Ford Foundation Open Society Foundations Mama Cash Wallace Global Fund Amnesty International Human Rights Foundation WHRDMENA Coalition Front Line Defenders AfricanDefenders (Pan-African Human Rights Defenders Network) Ann-Murray Brown 🇯🇲🇳🇱 Confidence Staveley Democracy Fund Elizabeth LeClair Rosette Gladys Nandutu