human rights

ICC prosecutor’s move against Netanyahu and Gallant is ‘scandalous’, Israeli minister says

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ICC prosecutor’s move against Netanyahu and Gallant is ‘scandalous’, Israeli minister says

The International Criminal Court prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister and Defence Minister, as well as three leaders of Hamas, over alleged war crimes. Israel’s Foreign Minister called the request “scandalous” and opened a special war room to counteract the move, which he believes is aimed at tying Israel’s hands in exercising its right to self-defence. Katz also plans to urge foreign ministers of leading countries to oppose the prosecutor’s decision.

In divided Iran, president’s death met by muted mourning and furtive celebration

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In divided Iran, president’s death met by muted mourning and furtive celebration

Iran declared five days of mourning for President Ebrahim Raisi, but the response was subdued compared to previous senior figure deaths. Despite prayers and mourning, most shops remained open. Raisi’s crackdown on anti-establishment protests in 2022-2023 led to opposition celebrating his death. Critics do not expect significant change in the regime after his passing. Raisi’s legacy is divisive, with supporters praising his work ethic and opponents condemning his role in past executions. Many Iranians believe another hardline figure will replace him, continuing the current regime’s policies.

Establishing fate of missing , ‘top priority’ for govt

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Establishing fate of missing , ‘top priority’ for govt

Fact: There are still 758 Greek Cypriots missing out of 1,510, according to government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis.

Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent

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Cyprus receives LGBT human rights score of 34 per cent

Cyprus was given a score of 34 per cent for the human rights situation and living standards of its LGBT population.

Prisoners , ‘scared for their safety’ anti-torture report finds

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Prisoners , ‘scared for their safety’ anti-torture report finds

The Nicosia central prisons in Cyprus are overcrowded, with some accommodation blocks operating at more than 300 percent of their design capacity. Prisoners are forced to sleep on mattresses on the floor and urinate in bottles due to lack of access to toilets at night. The report also highlighted instances of violence against prisoners, including staff slapping prisoners and using wooden sticks to intimidate them. Additionally, there were concerns raised about racist behavior, inter-prisoner violence, and the development of informal prisoner hierarchies within the prison.

Diplomats urge LGBT rights progress in Cyprus

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Diplomats urge LGBT rights progress in Cyprus

– Diplomatic missions in Cyprus issued a joint statement in support of human rights for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.
– The statement praised Cyprus for progress in recognizing and protecting LGBTQI+ rights, including legislation criminalizing conversion therapies.
– Encouraged Cyprus to consider removing legislative exclusion of same-sex couples in civil union from adoption and to make progress on legal gender identity recognition and recognition of same-sex marriages conducted abroad.
– Highlighted the need for continued work towards a reality where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation.

Hate breeds hate

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Hate breeds hate

A man who once advocated against violence shot the prime minister of his country because he disagreed with his views. The prime minister, Robert Fico, had fueled social divides and extremism in Slovakia, moving from left to far right. Despite accusations of corruption and forced resignation in 2018, Fico regained support during the pandemic by leading protests against pandemic measures and vaccines. His actions led to chaotic and violent demonstrations, ultimately resulting in an attempted assassination. This incident highlights the dangers of populist leaders who sow hatred and division in societies, emphasizing the need to uphold democracy.

‘Inhuman and degrading treatment of migrants in Cyprus’

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‘Inhuman and degrading treatment of migrants in Cyprus’

People sent to Pournara migrant reception centre in Cyprus were placed in containers without electricity or hot water, crammed next to each other in unhygienic conditions.

Turkey convicts former pro-Kurdish party officials over 2014 Kobani protests

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Turkey convicts former pro-Kurdish party officials over 2014 Kobani protests

Fact: Former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas was sentenced to more than 40 years in jail for instigating protests in 2014 triggered by an Islamic State attack on the Syrian Kurdish town of Kobani.

Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

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Gaza death toll: how many Palestinians has Israel’s attack killed

Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed more than 35,000 people, mostly civilians, and driven most of the enclave’s 2.3 million people from their homes. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported a death toll of 34,844, with 21,058 counted from bodies arriving at morgues and 3,715 reported online by family members. The ministry estimates that around 10,000 bodies are uncounted. The credibility of the death toll is supported by public health experts and the World Health Organization, although there are specific questions about certain casualties. Hamas does not control the figures, as the Health Ministry also answers to the Palestinian Authority ministry in the West Bank. Israeli officials have questioned the figures, but the military has acknowledged their reliability. Israel estimates that 14,000 Hamas fighters and 16,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed in the war. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 70% of the dead are women and children under 18, with children representing slightly over 40% of all those killed.