human rights

Independent investigators to probe man’s death during Limassol migrant raid

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Independent investigators to probe man’s death during Limassol migrant raid

Two criminal investigators will be appointed by the Independent Authority for the Investigation of Allegations and Complaints Against the Police to look into the death of Anisur Rahman, who fell from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol. The Attorney General has approved this request, and the investigators will focus on the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including the living conditions in the apartment and the reasons for the police search without a warrant.

Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes

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Pro-Palestinian protesters arrested at Yale, Columbia cancels in-person classes

Dozens of people were taken into custody during a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Yale University. More than 40 people were apprehended by police as they blocked traffic around Yale’s campus in New Haven, Connecticut, demanding the school divest from military weapons manufacturers. The protests at Yale and Columbia were in response to the latest escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which began on Oct. 7. The Columbia University president canceled in-person classes to deescalate tensions on its New York campus following the arrest of over 100 protesters who disrupted school activities. President Joe Biden has put the full force of the federal government behind protecting the Jewish community. Student organizers from the Columbia University encampment responded to claims of antisemitism in the pro-Palestinian protests, stating that some individuals did not represent their movement.

Earlier teaching of sex ed , ‘could have saved many children’

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Earlier teaching of sex ed , ‘could have saved many children’

Fact: Over 1,000 children in Cyprus are estimated to be victims of sexual abuse every year.

‘600-800 die per year’ in Cyprus due to poor air quality

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‘600-800 die per year’ in Cyprus due to poor air quality

– Between 600 and 800 deaths in Cyprus per year are due to poor air quality.
– The United Nations General Assembly’s resolution regarding the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment was accepted by a House human rights committee in Cyprus.
– The resolution requires the full implementation of multilateral environmental agreements.
– The Republic of Cyprus must immediately proceed with the preparation of all management plans for Natura 2000 areas and adopt active measures to undo previous violations.
– The right to a healthy environment is considered a fundamental human right that has not yet been enshrined in international conventions or in the Republic of Cyprus’ constitution.
– A recent European Court of Human Rights ruling found against Switzerland for failing to deal with climate change and recognize its impacts on human rights.

Call to suspend legal costs in Astrasol case

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Call to suspend legal costs in Astrasol case

Residents involved in the Astrasol case have been vindicated for the link between cancer incidents and pollution from a factory. However, due to procedural errors, they lost the case and are now facing payment of legal costs. They have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, highlighting the high toll of cancer in the area with 47 deaths and 67 illnesses.

Parliament to vote on environmental rights resolution

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Parliament to vote on environmental rights resolution

A Resolution plan for the adoption of Resolution A/RES/76/300 of the United Nations General Assembly regarding the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is being led by MP Alexandra Attalides in the upcoming Plenary Session of the Parliament. The resolution proposal was read out by Irene Charalambidou, the President of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights. The resolution includes a provision that the Republic of Cyprus must promptly prepare management plans for Natura 2000 areas and take immediate actions to address violations. Charalampos Theopemptou mentioned that there are 600-800 premature deaths in Cyprus annually due to poor air quality. Alexandra Attalides highlighted that the right to a healthy environment is a fundamental human right that is not yet enshrined in international conventions or the Constitution of Cyprus, despite aspects of it being recognized by EU laws. The European Court of Human Rights recently ruled on a case against Switzerland for failing to address climate change and its impact on human rights.

Italy arrests 13 prison guards over suspected torture of juvenile detainees

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Italy arrests 13 prison guards over suspected torture of juvenile detainees

Italian police arrested 13 prison guards on suspicion of torture and ill-treatment of juvenile detainees at the Cesare Beccaria juvenile detention centre in Milan. The investigation stemmed from reports by the prisoners’ rights ombudsman and involved testimonies from the detainees and camera footage from inside the prison. The alleged offences were committed from 2022 to the present day.

Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

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Israeli PM Netanyahu says he will fight any sanctions on army battalions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he will oppose any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units for alleged rights violations. The United States is reportedly considering sanctions on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the West Bank. The State Department has not confirmed these reports but has expressed concerns about human rights violations by Israeli military and police units. Netanyahu has vowed to fight against any sanctions on the IDF, while the Israeli military maintains that the battalion operates within the boundaries of international law.

Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

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Opinion: Unlawful government measures that cause anti-refugee hysteria and panic

The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.

Gesy , ‘requires fruitful contribution’ of all involved

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Gesy , ‘requires fruitful contribution’ of all involved

Fact: Nurses and midwives make up the largest single group of professionals inside Gesy.