UN Updates

The report of SR in the field of cultural rights expands on impact of fundamentalism and extremism on the cultural rights of women

The Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights has released her second report on the impact of fundamentalism and extremism on the enjoyment of cultural rights of women. The report calls attention to cultural rights and equality of women, that are routinely violated through imposition of strict dress codes, restrictions on reproductive rights, and […]

SR on rights of people with disabilities releases report on the challenges faced by girls and young women with disabilities in relation to SRHR

The Special Rapporteur on rights of people with disabilities has released a report on the challenges faced by girls and young women with disabilities with respect to sexual and reproductive health and rights. The report calls for putting an end to forced sterilization and other procedures that infringe up on sexual and reproductive integrity of […]

36th session of the HRC adopts resolution to condemn use of death penalty for several crimes including consensual same-sex relations

Chaired by Benin, Belgium, Costa Rica, France, Mexico, Republic of Moldova, Mongolia, and Switzerland, the HRC adopted a resolution advancing equality and non-discrimination in the application of death penalty, particularly in the domain of adultery and same-sex relations. This is the first mention of adultery in any UN resolution, either by the HRC or the […]

First-ever Opinion Tribunal set up on Myanmar

The Rome based Permanent People’s Tribunal (PTT) has set up its first Opinion Tribunal on Myanmar. The people’s tribunal was set up in response to the requests made by Myanmar’s Rohingya and Kachin victims who have alleged genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity by the troops of Myanmar government. The Tribunal on Myanmar is […]

UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights issues General Comment No. 24 on human rights and business activities

The UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights has issued a new General Comment No. 24 on State Obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the Context of Business Activities. Emerging from the belief that business activities, especially those of multi-national corporations, can have a significant and often adverse […]

UN entities release joint statement on discrimination in healthcare settings

Several entities of the UN have released a joint statement on ending discrimination in health care settings. The statement calls for review of laws that criminalize or otherwise prohibit gender expression, same sex conduct, adultery and other sexual behaviors between consenting adults; adult consensual sex work; drug use or possession of drugs for personal use; […]