#StandUp4HumanRights
It’s been 70 years since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the United Nations. It is a landmark document that sets out fundamental human rights to be universally protected – from freedom of expression, to the presumption of innocence, … Continue reading →
4 June – a Bad Day for Freedom of Speech
Fear of the truth is characteristic of all authoritarian regimes. 4 June is the day when this fear is exemplified in both China and Russia. It may be no coincidence that the governments of both countries have ambitions to take … Continue reading →
Albinism and Human Rights
People with albinism are subject to many harmful traditional practices that violate their human rights. In Africa in particular, violence is common, including killings and ritual attacks, trade and trafficking of body parts for witchcraft purposes, infanticide and abandonment of … Continue reading →
Amnesty says Britain still breaching human rights commitments
In its annual report “The State of the World’s Human Rights” published in April 2024, Amnesty International says: The UK government continued to pursue a policy agenda that breached its international human rights commitments and curtailed human rights protections. People … Continue reading →
Assisted Dying and Human Rights
Although suicide is not illegal in the UK under the Suicide Act 1961 [1], assisting someone to commit suicide is illegal: Criminal liability for complicity in another’s suicide. 2.-(1) A person who aids, abets, counsels or procures the suicide of … Continue reading →
China’s human rights record under scrutiny at UN meeting
China’s human rights record has come under scrutiny at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group Geneva. An unusually high number of more than 160 countries taking part in discussions, with each given just 45 … Continue reading →
Commission on the Status of Women
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality, the rights and the empowerment of women. A functional commission of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), it … Continue reading →
Coventry #LiftTheBan Day of Action
On 26 June an event in Broadgate was organised to show that Coventry fully supports the #LiftTheBan campaign calling for the right to work for those seeking asylum. It is a crucial time in the campaign as the Home Office … Continue reading →
Coventry People’s Experience of Human Rights on Instagram
#HumansOfCov explores the everyday experience of human rights on the 70th anniversary of the declaration.
Continue reading →Coventry Women’s Day 2017
For International Women’s Day 2017, the International Women’s Day website are asking people to “take groundbreaking action that truly drives the greatest change for women. “With women, men and non-binary people joining forces, each one of us can be a … Continue reading →
Coventry Youth Activists
Coventry Youth Activists (CYA) is a youth democracy and citizenship group that raises awareness of barriers in society faced by young disabled people – galvanising their response as a campaigns group. Their campaign in March 2019 is reducing the statistic … Continue reading →
Declaration of the Rights of the Child
Adopted by UN General Assembly Resolution 1386 (XIV) of 10 December 1959 WHEREAS the peoples of the United Nations have, in the Charter, reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights and in the dignity and worth of the human … Continue reading →
Educational Resources
Human Rights Education In 2008, the United Nations initiated a year of human rights learning to mark the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In the UK, UNA-UK teamed up with UNESCO Associated Schools to produce materials … Continue reading →
Elders call for UN Action on Israel and Palestine
The words of the Elders during the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel are still valid now that a cease fire is in place. Mary Robinson, Chair of The Elders and former President of Ireland, said: “The peoples of Israel … Continue reading →
European Convention on Human Rights
Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms as amended by Protocols No. 11 and No. 14 * Rome, 4.XI.1950 The governments signatory hereto, being members of the Council of Europe, Considering the Universal Declaration of Human Rights … Continue reading →
Female Gential Mutilation (FGM)
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a practice that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons, and it is internationally recognized as a human rights violation. Globally, it is estimated that 200 million girls and women alive today … Continue reading →
Fly the Flag for Human Rights campaign
To mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, artist Ai Weiwei has created a flag to celebrate universal human rights. Arts organisations and human rights charities invite you to Fly The Flag for human rights on … Continue reading →
Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS)
Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS) is the UK’s only Women, Peace and Security civil society network. We are a membership organisation of 17 NGOs and experts in the field of development, human rights, humanitarian and peacebuilding. We were founded to … Continue reading →
Human Freedom Index
The Human Freedom Index (HFI) presents the state of human freedom in the world based on a broad measure that encompasses personal, civil, and economic freedom. Human freedom is a social concept that recognizes the dignity of individuals and is … Continue reading →
Human Rights after Brexit
While most EU laws will be copied and pasted into UK law after Brexit (as stated in the EU Withdrawal Bill) there is one piece of legislation which will almost certainly not be included: the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Charter … Continue reading →
Human Rights and Sustainable Development – Videos of Mary Robinson’s Speeches
On 9 October 2018 she had made the following remarks highlighting the enduring relevance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in protecting the vulnerable against the effects of climate change as the UN marked the 70th Anniversary of the … Continue reading →
Human Rights and UK Government
According to the Public Law Project [1], the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill [2] disables important human rights safeguards by disapplying most of the Human Rights Act 1998 and requiring domestic judges to disregard international law and interim … Continue reading →
Human Rights Council
The Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them. … Continue reading →
Human Rights in Action
For six months starting in September 2019, Warwick University student Salome Kiknadze will run the Human Rights in Action project in conjunction with United Nations Association Coventry. She will be supervised by the World Federation of United Nations in Geneva, … Continue reading →
Human Rights in Action Application
Applications for this programme closed on 27 January 2019. The United Nations Association Coventry Branch are searching for a young person who is highly committed to human rights and is driven, creative, and well-organized. You will represent UNA Coventry on … Continue reading →
Human Rights in Action Recruitment
In the era of divisive media and in a polarised political landscape, there is a need for a reliable and well researched information source about the contemporary issues of discrimination and human rights. The innate human rights guaranteed to all … Continue reading →
Human Rights in Action Selection Process
A selection panel are currently reviewing applications by young people who want to represent UNA Coventry on the Human Rights in Action program 2019. We were delighted to receive 9 applications from young people who live in or near Coventry … Continue reading →
Human Rights In Action Training Program
Note the following refers to the 2018 programme. Details of the 2019 programme have yet to be announced. Do you firmly believe that all human beings were born equal? Are you committed to assisting the international community in ensuring that … Continue reading →
Human Rights Issues
The following list of human rights issues is taken from the OHCHR website. See their website for the latest list. Adequate Housing Special Rapporteur on adequate housing as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living, and … Continue reading →
Human rights up front
This article by Andrew Gilmour, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, was first published on the UNA-UK website. In November 2012, an independent review, commissioned by then-Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, issued a highly critical report. The subject was the UN’s … Continue reading →
Human Rights up Front (HRuF)
The Human Rights up Front (HRuF) initiative was launched by the UN Secretary-General in late 2013. Its purpose is to ensure the UN system takes early and effective action, as mandated by the Charter and UN resolutions, to prevent or … Continue reading →
Illegal Migration Bill breaches International Law
The Illegal Migration Bill, which has been passed by Parliament in the United Kingdom, is at variance with the country’s obligations under international human rights and refugee law and will have profound consequences for people in need of international protection, … Continue reading →
International Women’s Day 2016
International Women’s Day (held annually on March 8) is a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in the history … Continue reading →
International Women’s Day 2022
IWD 2022 campaign theme: #BreakTheBias Imagine a gender-equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively … Continue reading →
Kashmir Demonstration in Coventry
On 5 August a Presidential decree created by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi revoked the special status accorded to Indian-administered Kashmir in its constitution that had guaranteed special rights to the Muslim-majority state, including the right to its own constitution … Continue reading →
Kids Global Human Rights Art Competition 2018
What do human rights mean to you? And why should they be respected and defended? If you are between 10 and 14 years old, express yourself by taking part in this global art competition to celebrate the 70th anniversary of … Continue reading →
Mental Health and Human Rights
This page lists some resources on mental health and human rights. WHO QualityRights Initiative WHO published a paper in 2017 on “Promoting human rights in mental health” as part of the WHO QualityRights initiative on training to act, unite and … Continue reading →
Michelle Bachelet and Xinjiang visit
When UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet ended her six-day official mission to China, made in late May 2022 at the invitation of the Government, she was heavily criticised for failing to condemn crimes against humanity and other … Continue reading →
Nepalese Human Rights Campaigner to Visit Coventry
Founder and Chairperson of Prisoners Assistance Nepal, Indira Rana Magar, will be on a Speaking Tour of the UK in September 2019 and is available to speak in Coventry from 2 to 8 September. If you want her to speak to … Continue reading →
New Human Rights Flag
Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei has designed a light blue flag with a white footprint, to raise awareness about the importance of human rights. Designed to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the pale blue … Continue reading →
OHCHR
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spearheads the United Nations’ human rights efforts. We offer leadership, work objectively, educate and take action to empower individuals and assist States in upholding human rights. Its goal is to … Continue reading →
Pakistan court acquits man who killed sister after parents’ pardon
The Guardian reports that a Pakistani man sentenced to life in prison in 2019 for strangling his sister, a model on social media, has been acquitted of murder after his parents pardoned him under Islamic law. Waseem Azeem was arrested … Continue reading →
Parliament Discusses Female Genital Mutilation
The House of Commons discussed an amendment to the Children Act 1989 covering Female Genital Mutilation. It was given its third reading from 19:35 – 22:00 on 11 March 2019. A video is shown below. A full transcript of the debate … Continue reading →
Parliamentarians scrutinise UK’s human rights record ahead of UN review
The following article was published by UNA-UK on 3 April 2017 UNA-UK co-organised a parliamentary meeting on 27 March, examining whether the UK has lived up to its commitments on human rights ahead of a review by the United Nations next month. … Continue reading →
Report Claims to describe Israel’s Crimes Against Humanity in Gaza
A report published by Human Rights Watch, a group that investigates abuses of human rights in almost 100 countries, has published a report “Hopeless, Starving, and Besieged’: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in Gaza” that examines how Israeli authorities’ conduct … Continue reading →
Report on UK by UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights
Download the PDF here
Continue reading →Rights of the Child
Declaration of the Rights of the Child The first Declaration of the Rights of the Child, sometimes known as the Geneva Declaration of the Rights of the Child, was an international document promoting child rights adopted by the League of Nations in … Continue reading →
Take our Human Rights Quiz!
How much do you know about Human Rights? Our Human Rights Quiz will probe your knowledge! If you want a certificate based on your level of knowledge, please click on the button below to make a donation to the United … Continue reading →
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations … Continue reading →
UK government and global businesses in new £20 million partnership to educate girls in developing countries
On International Women’s Day 2022, Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched a new £20 million business partnership as the UK continues to lead global efforts to improve girls’ access to education in developing countries. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of … Continue reading →
UN Expert Condemns US Decision to “Jettison International Law”
This report was originally published by the UN Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights. GENEVA (19 November 2019) – The announcement by the US Secretary of State that Israeli settlements do not violate international law is a decisive … Continue reading →
UN experts call on Israel to stop forced Palestinian evictions
On 16 May, following the ordering by the Israeli Supreme Court to evict of over 1000 Palestinians from their homes, a group of UN human rights experts urgently called on Israel and the international community to stop the forced evictions, … Continue reading →
UN Human Rights Council Criticises “Prevent”
In his report submitted to the UN Human Rights Council in June 2017 regarding the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai criticised the “Prevent” strategy as … Continue reading →
UN response to UK Illegal Migration Bill
The Illegal Migration Bill will change the law to make it unambiguously clear that, if you enter the UK illegally, you should not be able to remain here. Instead, you will be detained and promptly removed either to your home country … Continue reading →
UN Statement on Human Rights Day
The following statement was made in Jerusalem on International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2023, by Lynn Hastings, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Today could have been a celebration of the 75th anniversary of … Continue reading →
UNA-UK offers passes to Commission on the Status of Women
The United Nations Association UK is offering four members ground passes to attend the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in New York from 11 to 22 March 2024. Established in 1946, CSW is the … Continue reading →
UNHCR
Interview with António Guterres António Guterres, who served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015, reflects on the dramatic acceleration of displacement around the world and calls for a surge in diplomacy for peace in … Continue reading →
UNHCR Virtual Art Gallery
In 2020 the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) challenged young artists to draw a world where kindness defeats Covid-19. They received 2,000 drawings from 100 countries. UNHCR animated seven of them. They created a virtual exhibition containing 35 of the winning … Continue reading →
United Nations expert says Israel committing genocide in Gaza
On 26 March 2024 United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, told the U.N.’s Human Rights Council in Geneva that she believes “the threshold indicating the commission of the crime of genocide against Palestinians as a … Continue reading →
Update on Campaign to find best UN Human Rights Commissioner
The new High Commissioner for Human Rights will begin their work on 1 September. UNA-UK are campaigning to find the best person for the job. Here is an update on their progress. The Job Description. Selection criteria for UN High … Continue reading →
Update on Human Rights up Front
We published an article about Human Rights up Front in 2016. Here is an update which was first published by United Nations Association UK on 23 October 2019. Today we grant the Sir Brian Urquhart Award for Distinguished Service to the UN … Continue reading →
US sanctions UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese over Israel criticism
On 9 July the United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, issued a press statement saying that, following President Trump’s Executive Order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, Rubio was now imposing sanctions on Francesca Albanese, the United Nations … Continue reading →
Very Simplified Universal Declaration of Human Rights
1 We are all born free. We all have our own thoughts and ideas. We should all be treated in the same way. 2 These rights belong to everybody. 3 We all have the right to life. 4 Nobody has … Continue reading →
Warwick University Student to Run Human Rights Project in Coventry
Law student Salome Kiknadze has been selected to deliver a Human Rights in Action programme in Coventry supported by the local branch of the United Nations Association and the World Federation of UNAs in Geneva. In order to win this … Continue reading →
What Rights Do Refugees Have?
Who is a Refugee? A refugee is a person who “owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, … Continue reading →
Widespread condemnation of overturning US abortion law
On 24 June 2022 the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, taking away the constitutional right to abortion, abandoning almost 50 years of precedent, and paving the way for states to ban abortion. UN … Continue reading →
Witchcraft & Human Rights Information Network
The Witchcraft and Human Rights Information Network (WHRIN) is a response to the widespread violations of human rights that take place around the world due to the beliefs in witchcraft and spirit possession. They aim to deliver greater understanding and … Continue reading →
Witchcraft and Human Rights
In September 2017 the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights organised a UN Experts Workshop on Witchcraft and Human Rights in Geneva. The organisers were Ms. Ikponwosa Ero, the Independent Expert on the enjoyment of human rights by persons with albinism, … Continue reading →
Women and Gender Equality
These notes and links might be useful for those who have seen the UNA Coventry presentation on Women, Gender Equality and the UN. Peace UN Charter https://www.un.org/en/about-us/un-charter/full-text UN founded in 1945 following failure of League of Nations to prevent second … Continue reading →
Women, Peace and Security Agenda
This programme is organised by Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). WILPF believes there are particular gendered dimensions to violence that have a disproportionate and differing impact on women. Although women are often active agents in peace and … Continue reading →
Women’s Day Resources
The following resources might be useful for anyone planning an event on International Women’s Day 8 March. United Nations Women’s Day Website www.un.org/en/events/womensday/ International Women’s Day Main Website International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of … Continue reading →
Women’s Day Video 2016
Below is the speech by UN Women Goodwill Ambassador Emma Watson entitled “HeForShe” on International Women’s Day 2016.
Continue reading →Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
More than 1200 delegates from 12 countries attended the International Congress of Women in the Hague in 1915, also known as the Women’s Peace Congress or just The Hague Congress, aimed at proposing how to end the First World War through negotiation. Two participants, Jane Addams and Emily Greene Balch, … Continue reading →
Yemen – The world’s biggest but forgotten humanitarian crisis
The UN’s Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, writes: More than three years since the escalation of the armed conflict, civilians continue to suffer horribly in Yemen. More than 22 million people — or three quarters of the … Continue reading →