U.N. mission to probe suspected human rights abuses in Venezuela
The Human Rights Council created a mission to investigate cases in the beleaguered country from the past five years.
Human Rights
Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to every person. Their modern legal foundation is the International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of three key documents: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The U.N. and its agencies work to protect and promote these rights globally.
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As temperatures rise, climate gains status as top threat to human rights
The U.N. human rights chief says the climate crisis is a top threat and U.S. detention of migrant children is alarming.
U.N. panel ties Western nations to human rights abuses in Yemen
Human rights experts cited a 'pervasive lack of accountability' in the Saudi-led alliance backed by Western governments.
U.N. calls for peace and justice in Yemen after airstrikes hit compound
First responders struggled to reach the scene where some survivors were believed to still be trapped under the rubble.
New accord to protect defenders of environment and human rights
The aim is to better support advocates and to hold perpetrators of violence and intimidation accountable.
U.N. experts conclude U.S. racism is a complicit factor in mass shootings
A U.N. working group called on U.S. leaders to recommit to human rights, including equal protection under the law.
Experts say Myanmar's foreign arms trade fuels human rights abuses
A U.N. fact-finding mission urged the international community to sever ties with Myanmar’s military.
Europe's first legally binding treaty on violence against women turns 5
The treaty, which took effect in 2014, builds on efforts to protect women and girls from violence since the 1990s.
China dismisses rebuke at U.N. Human Rights Council over Uyghurs
The condemnation came from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan and New Zealand, along with 17 European nations.
Council of Europe keeps Russia as member despite Crimea annexation
Europe's leading human rights organization approved by majority vote a joint declaration that tries to appease Russia.
Two Reuters journalists held in Rohingya case are freed in Myanmar
The journalists were imprisoned since Dec. 2017 for investigating killings of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys.
U.N. rights chief calls for guarantees on Libyan humanitarian corridors
The U.N. fears more air raids and heavy shelling in residential areas could cause more deaths and destroyed neighborhoods.
Myanmar court keeps journalists locked up in Rohingya case
The U.N. and other organizations urged the nation to immediately release the two Reuters journalists.
U.N. and Israel in clash over human rights in Gaza border protests
A panel found Israeli soldiers used live ammunition against thousands of unarmed protesters, killing 189 Palestinians.
Human rights agenda seen to be 'losing ground' around the world
The Human Rights Council began with warnings of broken norms despite some powerful movements for social justice.
Hatred stirred by populism brings deadliest year yet for journalists
In the past year at least 80 journalists were killed, 348 were detained in prison and 60 were taken as hostages.