Série “Prisonniers Politiques 2, Épisode 3 – Chang Weiping: symbole de la croisade de Pékin contre les avocats
France Culture, 1 December 2021
Florian Delorme reçoit Raphaël Viana David, responsable du programme Asie au Service International pour les Droits de l’Homme (ISHR) dans l’émission “Cultures Monde” de France Culture. “Pour beaucoup d’avocats, quand la RSDL [résidence surveillée dans un lieu désigné] a été adoptée en 2012, cela ne faisait qu’inscrire dans le droit chinois une pratique existante d’interrogatoire de police corsée dans des lieux illégaux afin d’extraire des aveux”, d’après Raphaël Viana David. Réécouter l’émission
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Over 40 Human Rights and Foreign Policy Organizations Call on Formula 1 Star Lewis Hamilton to Raise Human Rights Concerns at the Saudi Grand Prix
Speedway Digest, 01 December 2021
ISHR was one of 41 signatories on a joint letter to Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton. The letter asks Hamilton to make demands in five specific areas: women’s rights, labor rights, prisoners of conscience, the war in Yemen, and democracy. Read the full story here.
No turning back: Women human rights defenders remain steadfast in perilous times
openDemocracy, 29 November 2021
A 2021 reprisals report by the International Service for Human Rights noted: “When comparing WHRD cases to those of other named individuals, the data from the Secretary General reports suggests that WHRDs tend to more frequently report travel restrictions, instances of surveillance, online harassment and defamation campaigns, profession-related reprisals, and threats and intimidation.” Read the full story here.
Will the UN Human Rights Council “sacrifice” or silence Civil Society?
The European Times, 19 November 2021
ISHR is one of many civil society organisations voicing their concerns about the “efficiency” process of the United Nations Human Rights Council. “On 6 December 2021, the Council can reinforce civil society participation or hinder it by renewing the so-called efficiency measures. We must be part of the negotiations. We want any actions undertaken to be informed by and answer to our demands and concerns. Civil society participation can’t be an afterthought. The Council must not sacrifice civil society engagement to meet budget and cash flow shortfalls.” declared Salma El Hosseiny from ISHR. Read the full story here.
Chine: la «résidence surveillée dans un lieu désigné, arme totale contre les défenseurs des droits humains»
Libération, 4 November, 2021
“Des cas de privations de sommeil et de nourriture, des passages à tabac et des interrogatoires interminables ont été rapportés par d’anciens détenus”, précise Patrick Poon de l’ONG The 29 Principles. Spécialisée dans la défense des avocats des droits de l’homme, l’organisation s’est associée à Safeguard Defenders et à International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) pour alerter la communauté internationale sur les cas d’avocats placés en RSDL, comme Chang Weiping. «Au-delà d’être une grave violation des droits de l’homme, la RSDL vise à créer un effet de peur au sein du mouvement des droits humains en Chine. Maintenant, on sait que si on se fait arrêter, on risque de disparaître sous RSDL, avec un impact physique et mental grave sur les victimes», dit Raphaël Viana David de l’ISHR. Lire l’article ici.
‘Newspeak’ as a harbinger of a new world order? Chinese language struggle weakens human rights ‘without us realizing it’
Mondial Nieus, 20 October 2021
China is increasingly intervening in the UN Human Rights Council. The last session of the Human Rights Council took place from 13 September to 11 October. Sarah Brooks tracked it: During that session, there were about 50 moments when States could intervene. “China has effectively done that in 48 of those 50 possibilities.” Brooks is programme director at International Service for Human Rights, an NGO that closely follows the discussions at the Human Rights Council in Geneva and also participates in them as a member of civil society. “Attack is the best defense, or so it seems to be the adage of Chinese diplomacy these days. Such a hyperactive approach requires an enormous amount of resources, manpower and energy.’ Read the full story here.
Egypt: 11 rights groups call for release of veteran journalist “Tawfiq Ghanem”
Middle East Observer, 29 October 2021
ISHR is one of eleven human rights organisations that signed a joint statement calling on Egypt to immediately release journalist Tawfik Ghanem, who has been arbitrarily detained for 150 days solely because of his media work. The undersigned organisations are concerned that Tawfik Ghanem is being denied access to necessary healthcare in prison or outside facilities for diagnosis and treatment. Read the full story here.
维权律师传遭超期羁押 人权团体吁北京废除监视居住
Deutsche Welle, 27 October 2021
专门关注人权情势的“国际人权服务社”与保护卫士丶the Rights Practice丶The 29 Principles在24日发布一个倡议活动,呼吁中国政府废除指定居所监视居住的相关法律,并希望各国政府透过双边交流管道,要求中国政府停止用指定居所监视居住来对付人权运动者。请点此以阅读全文章。To read an English version of this article, click here.
Biden’s China-U.N influence challenge
Politico, 21 October 2021
The United States returned to the United Nations Human Rights Council under the Biden administration strategy to combat China’s growing influence across key U.N. agencies. In July, ISHR reported China’s presence as “a member of all eight of ECOSOC’s functional commissions, both standing committees, and all four expert bodies composed of governmental experts [and] there is also a Chinese expert on every ECOSOC body. Read the full story here.
Five-year prison terms for Hong Kong students deepen fears of retroactive use of national security law
China Digital Times, 20 October 2021
Five former Chinese University of Hong Kong students were sentenced to almost five years in prison for their involvement in 2019 protests against the National Security Law. Foo Hoi-Ching, wrote a letter to the court, which was then translated on Twitter. Sarah Brooks of ISHR, backed Hoi-ching’s letter on Twitter, stating “Read this translation all the way through. Respect this student’s articulate and compelling refusal to accept a flawed law and faulty justice. And reflect on the fact that a nearly 5 years’ sentence is nearly 20% of her life.” Read the full story here.
Human rights organisation condemns new UAE Team Emirates women’s team
Cycling Weekly, 15 October 2021
ISHR expressed its concerns over the recent announcement that UAE Team Emirates are acquiring a UCI women’s team for 2022, when considering that the UAE is “a regime that systematically discriminates against women in law and in practice”. Read the full story here.
الإمارات المتهمة بانتهاكات لحقوق الإنسان تترشح لعضوية مجلس حقوق الإنسان
Almayadeen.net, 13 October 2021
Phil Lynch, Director of ISHR, gave an interview making the following points: “Members of the UN Human Rights Council should uphold the highest standards in the promotion and protection of human rights, and cooperate fully with the UN human rights mechanisms. The UAE manifestly fails on both of these tests, with human rights defenders like Ahmed Mansoor subject to arbitrary detention and ill-treatment for his work to promote human rights, and the UAE frequently engaging in acts of intimidation or reprisal against victims, witnesses and human rights defenders who provide testimony, evidence or information to the UN. If UAE is elected to the Human Rights Council, it is imperative that other states ensure that this results in the Emirates being subject to heightened human rights scrutiny, rather than enabling the UAE to use its membership to hide from scrutiny or avoid accountability.” Watch the full video here.
Saudi Arabia Accused of Sabotaging UN Probe of War Crimes in Yemen
WallStreetWindow, 11 October 2021
Following the United Nations Human Rights Council vote to discontinue a probe into war crimes in Yemen, ISHR stated, “States that voted no or abstained on [the] resolution to ensure continued international monitoring of the human rights crisis in Yemen support impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and voted against the rights, dignity, and future of the Yemeni people”. Read the full story here.
As US returns to the UN Human Rights Council, it confronts an increasingly forceful China
South China Morning Post, 10 October 2021
Madeline Sinclair of ISHR, spoke about the importance of competitive elections, following the United States’ expected return to the United Nations Human Rights Council during the upcoming election. Read the full story here. (Full PDF version here)
Saudi Arabia Accused of Sabotaging UN Probe of War Crimes in Yemen
Common Dreams, 8 October 2021
Following the United Nations Human Rights Council vote to discontinue a probe into war crimes in Yemen, ISHR stated, “States that voted no or abstained on [the] resolution to ensure continued international monitoring of the human rights crisis in Yemen support impunity for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and voted against the rights, dignity, and future of the Yemeni people”. Read the full story here.
Rights groups urge UNHRC to set up system for collecting evidence on EJKs
Inquirer.net, 7 October 2021
ISHR was one of the human rights groups apart of a joint oral statement calling on the United Nations Human Rights Council to establish an investigative mechanism to collect evidence of human rights violations in the Philippines. Read the full story here.
UN Votes to end Yemen war crimes probe in narrow defeat at Human Rights Council
RT, 7 October 2021
The United Nations Human Rights Council is ending the mandate of independent investigation and inquiry of war crimes in Yemen. ISHR condemned those who voted in favor of ending the mandate on Twitter. Read the full story here.
77 MPs, Trade Unions, NGOs, academics call on British government to save Bahraini hunger striker
Middle East Monitor, 2 October 2021
ISHR was one of many NGOs to write to Foreign Secretary Liz Tress, along with numerous British lawmakers, trade unions, and prominent academics, expressing concern for imprisoned Bahraini human rights defender, Dr Abduljalil AlSingace. Read the full story here.
Human Rights Council adopts Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Seychelles, Latvia, Singapore, and Sierra Leone
Africa News, 1 October 2021
The human rights council adopted the outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review outcomes of Seychelles, Latvia, Singapore, and Sierra Leone. The International Service for Human Rights was one of the civil society organizations that took the floor on the Universal Periodic Review outcome of Sierra Leone. Read the full story here.
High Commissioner for Human Rights tells Human Rights Council that Human Rights situation in Belarus continues to worsen
Mirage, 25 September 2021
The Human Rights Council held an interactive dialogue on the human rights situation in Belarus, the report of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, and the Commission of the Inquiry of Burundi. Multiple countries and non-governmental organizations spoke in the discussions. ISHR spoke during the conclusion of the dialogue with the Commission of the Inquiry of Burundi. Read the full story here.
Egypt rights groups denounce Biden’s decision to grant Sisi military aid
Middle East Monitor, 14 September 2021
Following US President Biden’s decision to grant Egypt $170 million in military aid, ISHR was one of 14 human rights groups to sign a statement labeling the decision as a “terrible blow to the Biden administration’s stated commitment to human rights and to the rule of law”, while also calling on Congress to pressure Biden to refrain from similar future decisions. Read the full story here.
China Makes Sure Everyone Writes Taiwan’s Name Just So—Even a Colorado High School
Wall Street Journal, 11 September 2021
Beijing has long used its rising clout to challenge governments and multinationals over its claim that Taiwan is part of China. It’s also increasingly pushing around the runts of global diplomacy (…) over the issue. “They are consistent and bullish about it,” said Eleanor Openshaw, whose nonprofit, the International Service for Human Rights, closely follows the committee. “And they will not sleep until an NGO makes a change that they seek.” Read the full story here.
100+ organizations voice concern at low ambition of biodiversity negotiations
WebWire, 8 September 2021
Joint call – signed by ISHR – at IUCN World Conservation Congress demands governments act to secure a nature-positive world by 2030. “Human rights defenders and local communities are at the forefront of climate and nature action,” said Phil Lynch. “They have solutions to offer.” Read the full story here.
This isn’t about music, it’s about ‘freedom’: Why songs chanted at Cuba protests matter
USA Today Entertainment, 22 July 2021
ISHR raised the cases of Anamely Ramos who was detained and harassed by the Cuban government for writing poems demanding freedom for other detained, and of Omara Ruiz Urquiola who was beaten and detained by the police during a peaceful protest in Cuba. Read the full story here.
Two Changsha Funeng activists jailed for two, three years
Radio Free Asia, 22 July 2021
As authorities confirmed sentences handed to Liu Dazhi and Wu Ge Jianxiong, ISHR along with the Chinese Human Rights Defenders network and several NGOs co-signed a statement underlining these men’s human rights work for marginalised groups. Read the full story here.
China and the UN: effective investment or undue influence?
The Geneva Observer, 22 July 2021
The Geneva Observer talked to ISHR’s Sarah Brooks, lead author of ‘China in the UN Economic and Social Council’, a new briefing note that aims to ‘provide a comprehensive overview of China’s presence and influence in ECOSOC.’ Read the full story here.
Chinese power politics – Beijing’s influence in the UN is growing
World Today News, 19 July 2021
As China is deliberately expanding its power in the UN, ISHR’s Sarah Brooks laments the passivity of many countries, and calls for States that represent a different worldview to commit themselves much more strongly to the UN, to submit top candidacies for top positions themselves and to support each other. Read the full story here.
Pekings Einfluss in der UNO wächst
SFR, 19 Juli 2021
China sei mittlerweile im ganzen UNO-Apparat überaus aktiv und besetze mehr Spitzenpositionen als die drei Vetomächte USA, Frankreich und Grossbritannien zusammen, sagt Programmdirektorin Sarah Brooks: «Das UNO-Engagement von China ist gezielter und entschlossener als das vieler anderer Länder.» Weiterlesen.
Comment Pékin a réussi à impliquer l’ONU pour financer la Route de la soie
Le Temps, 16 juillet 2021
ISHR a publié un rapport qui décrit la manière dont la Chine cherche à imposer son modèle de développement au sein des Nations Unies, notamment au sein de l’ECOSOC. Lire l’article ici.
China’s lawyers forced to endorse socialism
Law Society Gazette Ireland, 9 July 2021
ISHR, as well as, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), Judicial Reform Foundation, and Lawyers for Lawyers, have each commemorated the 9 July, 2015, crackdown that saw an estimated 300 lawyers and human rights defenders arrested, summoned or briefly detained. The incident has become known as the ‘709 Crackdown’. Read the full story here.
UN rights boss signals she may move on Xinjiang without China nod
Reuters, 25 June 2021
The United Nations human rights chief should document her own findings on the plight of Uyghurs in Xinjiang even without China’s blessing for a visit, ISHR said along with other NGOs and diplomats, amid signs that her patience may be running out. Read the full story here.
UN rights boss signals she may move on Xinjiang without China nod
National Post, 25 June 2021
The United Nations human rights chief should document her own findings on the plight of Uyghurs in Xinjiang even without China’s blessing for a visit, ISHR said along with other NGOs and diplomats, amid signs that her patience may be running out. Read the full story here.
Algeria: Joint Letter – Algerian Authorities’ Alarming Crackdown On Pro-Democracy Forces During HRC 47
All Africa, 25 June 2021
ISHR, together with 81 domestic and international civil society groups, called on States to address the worsening human rights situation in Algeria, which has involved cracking down on peaceful Algerian protesters, journalists, civil society groups, human rights defenders, trade unionists, lawyers, and even political parties. Read the full story here.
Australia is accused of hypocritically demanding world government respect human rights during the coronavirus pandemic while locking its citizens at home and leaving 36,000 stranded overseas
Mail Online, 24 June 2021
While Australia has warned other countries against using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to trample on human rights, ISHR’s Phil Lynch said Australia’s abandonment of its citizens abroad had “revealed values of insularity, isolationism and discrimination” and that “a human rights-based approach to COVID requires that all measures be reasonable, necessary and proportionate.” Read the full story here.
Australia warns world not to trample on human rights during pandemic
The Sydney Morning Herald, 24 June 2021
While Australia has warned other countries against using the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse to trample on human rights, ISHR’s Phil Lynch said Australia’s abandonment of its citizens abroad had “revealed values of insularity, isolationism and discrimination” and that “a human rights-based approach to COVID requires that all measures be reasonable, necessary and proportionate.” Read the full story here.
CSW welcomes statements by UN members and NGOs on human rights in China
Independent Catholic News, 24 June 2021
Over 20 NGOs issued a joint statement delivered by ISHR at the UN Human Rights Council on 22 June, requesting that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet “urgently strengthen remote monitoring and initiate public reporting on the human rights situation across China, focusing especially on Uyghur and Tibetan regions and Hong Kong.” Read the full story here.
President Should Act to Unshackle Freedoms
Mirage News, 1 June 2021
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt should immediately end a crackdown on freedom of association, independent groups, and peaceful dissent, 63 organisations including ISHR said in a public statement recommending a series of actions Egypt should take to make tangible improvements in the human rights situation in Egypt and to ensure that it complies with its international obligations. Read the full story here.
Rape, Humiliation, and Torture: A Uyghur-Kazakh Survivor Speaks Out
Bitter Winter, 1 June 2021
Gulbahar Jalilova whose 15 month torment while interned by the Chinese government for offenses she is still ignorant of, has left her traumatised and afraid for her life, described her ordeal in a recent webinar organised by ISHR in an attempt to raise the volume on behalf of those still suffering in the camps. Read the full story here.
Sahara occidental: des organisations internationales condamnent la campagne répressive marocaine
Algérie Presse Service, 13 mai 2021
Plusieurs organisations internationales de défense des droits humains ont condamné la violente agression subie récemment par le militant sahraoui Hassanna Moulay Badi, dans la ville occupée d’El Ayoun, appelant à mettre fin à la campagne répressive menée par les autorités d’occupation marocaines contre les Sahraouis.Dans une déclaration conjointe, la Fédération internationale des droits de l’Homme, l’Organisation internationale contre la torture et le Service international des droits de l’Homme, soulignent que “cette agression contre le membre du Bureau exécutif de la Ligue pour la protection des prisonniers sahraouis se présente comme partie de la campagne de répression croissante lancée par les autorités d’occupation marocaines contre les défenseurs des droits humains sahraouis depuis la violation du cessez-le-feu par le Maroc le 13 novembre 2020”. Lire l’article ici.
UN to hold event on rights situation in Xinjiang today
Big News Network, 12 May 2021
ISHR was part of a broad coalition of UN member states and civil society organisations that held an online event to raise awareness and discuss the human rights situation prevailing in China Xinjiang province. Read the full story here.
Crushing dissent
The Express Tribune, 10 May 2021
A recent report by the International Service for Human Rights has revealed that almost half of the countries serving on the 47-member UN Human Rights Council were responsible for reprisals against human rights activists, lawyers and members of civil society that collaborated with UN bodies regarding rights abuses. Read the full story here.
Nearly half of UN rights council states behind activist reprisals: report
Dawn, 6 May 2021
A fresh report from ISHR analysed hundreds of cases over the past decade where people who assisted United Nations bodies in investigating and highlighting rights abuses were subjected to various forms of intimidation and reprisals by states. Read the full story here.
Nearly half of UN rights council states behind activist reprisals
Dhaka Tribune, 6 May 2021
A fresh report from ISHR analysed hundreds of cases over the past decade where people who assisted United Nations bodies in investigating and highlighting rights abuses were subjected to various forms of intimidation and reprisals by states. Read the full story here.
报告:近半数联合国人权理事国对倡议人士进行报复
德国之声,2021年5月6日
国际人权服务社(ISHR)研究发现,联合国人权理事会成员国当中,有半数国家对倡议人士和律师等人进行报复,包括巴林丶委内瑞拉丶越南丶中国等国。请点此阅读全文。
West Africa: Indigenous Peoples Cry for Protection – As Human Rights Defenders Zoom On West Africa
All Africa, 15 April 2021
ISHR participated in a 3-day online meeting about “Securing the Firewall and Connecting the Unconnected: Frontline Defenders Across West Africa.” Read the full story here.
China’s Myanmar Mess
The Diplomat, 16 March 2021
ISHR’s Sarah Brooks co-wrote an op-ed with Debbie Stothard exposing how China’s non-action on the Myanmar coup is going against Beijing’s own interests. Read the full story here.
China says door to Xinjiang ‘always open’, but U.N. rights boss should not prejudge
Reuters, 2 March 2021
Bachelet said on Friday that she hoped to clinch agreement with Chinese officials about a visit. Louise Arbour was the last U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit China, in September 2005. ISHR’s Sarah Brooks said: “After more than two years of spinning their wheels on a visit, the High Commissioner and her team, and the governments at the Human Rights Council, need to shift gears to take decisive action”. Read the full story here.
U.N. Human Rights Council starts work to address a ‘pandemic of human rights abuses’
The Week, 28 February 2021
David Kaye addressed the Human Rights Council pointing that the U.S. left a vacuum that allowed China to increase its influence on the Council. He also said the U.S. needs to account for its own human rights abuses — something he thinks it’s not prepared to do. ISHR’s Salma El Hosseiny highlighted that last year, the U.S. successfully lobbied the Council into watering down a resolution calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate police brutality in the the country, and replacing it with a less extensive report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Read the full story here.
专访:各国应善用联合国机制对抗中国势力
德国之声, 2021年2月26日
在受到德国之声的专访中,国际人权服务社的亚洲计画专员海彦 (Raphael Viana David) 探讨中国在联合国人权理事会上的影响力。请点此以阅读全文章。
UN Human Rights Council starts work to address a ‘pandemic of human rights abuses’
PRI, 23 February 2021
As the US rejoins the UN Human Rights Council, human rights experts says that it should hold allies — and itself — accountable for human rights violations. ISHR’s Salma El Hosseiny highlights that last year, the US successfully lobbied the Council into watering down a resolution calling for the establishment of an independent commission of inquiry to investigate police brutality in the the country, and replacing it with a less extensive report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights. ‘We look forward to seeing the United States constructively engage in good faith with this process, with the report, and with genuine self-reflection and commitment toward change.’ Read the full story here.
45 human rights and foreign policy organizations call on Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton to speak out against the Saudi government’s human rights abuses
Speedsway Digest, 23 February 2021
ISHR joined dozens of human rights organisations who called on Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to boycott a Grand Prix set to be held in Saudi Arabia later this year and speak out against the kingdom’s human rights abuses. Read the full story here.
Saudi F1 race: Activists urge Lewis Hamilton to speak out on human rights
The Middle East Eye, 22 February 2021
ISHR joined dozens of human rights organisations who called on Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to boycott a Grand Prix set to be held in Saudi Arabia later this year and speak out against the kingdom’s human rights abuses. Read the full story here.
Jailed Chinese lawyer wins top human rights prize
The News, 12 February 2021
An imprisoned Chinese lawyer who worked on high-profile rights cases and advocated to abolish the death penalty received the Martin Ennals Award, awarded by a Jury of 10 leading rights organisations, including ISHR. ISHR’s director Phil Lynch hailed the prize as ‘symbolic’. ‘It highlights how critical the role of committed lawyers is in building a movement to uphold dignity, ensure equality and give everyone in society a fair say in their future,’ he said.Read the full story here.
Jailed Chinese lawyer wins top human rights prize
The Straits Times, 12 February 2021
An imprisoned Chinese lawyer who worked on high-profile rights cases and advocated to abolish the death penalty received the Martin Ennals Award. ISHR’s director Phil Lynch, a member of the Jury, hailed the prize as ‘symbolic’.‘It highlights how critical the role of committed lawyers is in building a movement to uphold dignity, ensure equality and give everyone in society a fair say in their future,’ he said. Read the full story here.
Jailed Chinese lawyer wins top human rights prize
New Age World, 12 February 2021
An imprisoned Chinese lawyer who worked on high-profile rights cases and advocated to abolish the death penalty received the Martin Ennals Award. ISHR’s director Phil Lynch, a member of the Jury, hailed the prize as ‘symbolic’.‘It highlights how critical the role of committed lawyers is in building a movement to uphold dignity, ensure equality and give everyone in society a fair say in their future,’ he said. Read the full story here.
Jailed Chinese lawyer Yu Wensheng wins human rights award
Reuters, 11 February 2021
A jailed Chinese lawyer who defended other human rights lawyers arrested in a sweeping crackdown against activism has won an international human rights award. ISHR’s director Phil Lync, one of the members of the jury, said the award showed that ‘unjustly imprisoning Yu Wensheng’ and other human rights defenders ‘will not go ignored’. Read the full story here.
Jailed Chinese lawyer Yu Wensheng wins human rights award
Kdal, 11 February 2021
A jailed Chinese lawyer who defended other human rights lawyers arrested in a sweeping crackdown against activism has won an international human rights award. ISHR’s director Phil Lync, one of the members of the jury, said the award showed that ‘unjustly imprisoning Yu Wensheng’ and other human rights defenders ‘will not go ignored’. Read the full story here.
New Zealand Steps into Australia-China Dispute
The Diplomat, 8 February 2021
After a senior New Zealand minister advised Australia to ‘show respect’ and act more diplomatically toward China, ISHR’s Phil Lynch said he was proud of Australia for standing up to China. Read the full story here.
Biden administration to rejoin UN Human Rights Council
Geneva Solutions, 8 February 2021
After the US announced it would rejoin the Human Rights Council as an observer, ISHR’s Phil Lynch commented that ‘the interrelated challenges of climate change, the coronavirus pandemic and profound inequalities mean that now, more than ever, we need multilateralism, the UN and an international order founded on respect for human rights and the rule of law.’ Read the full story here.
Daily Telegraph newspaper’s ‘New Xi-land’ jab as China declares New Zealand ‘an example for Australia’
Newshub, 28 January 2021
China is heaping praise on New Zealand as “an example for Australia in how to deal” with foreign affairs after Trade Minister Damien O’Connor suggested Australia practice “more diplomacy” with China. To which ISHR’s director responded that “perhaps the New Zealand Government should be less craven and unprincipled on China and share the burden a little more .” Read the full story here.
EU-China Investment Agreement draws pushback over ILO standards and Human Rights concerns
Geneva Observer, 21 January 2021
The landmark EU-China Comprehensive Agreement concluded in late December is drawing a stiff backlash from civil society advocacy groups as well as in the European Parliament over the alleged failure by Brussels to secure stronger commitments from Beijing to address the country’s poor track record on labor standards and widespread human rights violations. ISHR’s Sarah Brooks said the EU is relying too much on goodwill and that there have to be robust commitments on human rights. Read the full story here.
Droits humains: une photographe, un avocat et une militante des droits des femmes à l’honneur
TV5 Monde, 19 janvier 2021
ISHR est membre du Jury du Prix Martin Ennals dont les finalistes pour 2021 sont Soltan Achilova, une photojournaliste qui travaille au Turkménistan; Loujain al-Hathloul, militante des droits des femmes en Arabie saoudite récemment lourdement condamnée; et Yu Wensheng, qui a abandonné sa carrière florissante d’avocat d’affaires en Chine pour défendre l’un de ces avocats détenus, avant d’être lui-même arrêté. Lire l’article ici
UN rights body picks Fiji politician in first ever presidential vote
Deutsche Welle, 15 January 2021
‘The comprehensive defeat of Bahrain and Uzbekistan demonstrates that there should be no place among the Council’s president or vice presidents for representatives of states that restrict, criminalise and commit reprisals’ against rights defenders,’ ISHR’s director Phil Lynch told AFP. Read the full story here.
Les Fidji élues à la présidence du Conseil des droits de l’homme
24 Heures, 15 janvier 2021
«La défaite de Bahreïn et de l’Ouzbékistan démontre qu’il ne devrait y avoir aucune place parmi le président ou les vice-présidents du Conseil pour les représentants des Etats qui restreignent, criminalisent et exercent des représailles contre ceux qui défendent les droits de l’homme», a indiqué à l’AFP Phil Lynch, directeur d’ISHR. Lire l’article ici
In First, UN Rights Body To Vote On President After Standoff
NDTV, 15 January 2021
The UN Human Rights Council held an unprecedented secret ballot to pick its president after China and others blocked a candidate from Fiji considered a rights champion, sources and analysts said. ‘We understand… that Bahrain came forward after being encouraged by states including China, Saudi Arabia and Russia,’ ISHR’s director Phil Lynch told the press. Read the full story here.
In first, UN Human Rights Council to vote on president after standoff
Deccan Herald, 15 January 2021
The UN Human Rights Council held an unprecedented secret ballot to pick its president after China and others blocked a candidate from Fiji considered a rights champion, sources and analysts said. ‘We understand… that Bahrain came forward after being encouraged by states including China, Saudi Arabia and Russia,’ ISHR’s director Phil Lynch told the press. Read the full story here.
中俄欲选“自家人” 联合国人权理事会主席难产
RFI 法广, 2021年1月14日
国际人权服务社(International Service for Human Rights)执行长菲利普・林区对媒体表示:中国等国害怕斐济主导下的人权理事会过于积极行动。请点此以阅读全文章。
Reports that Russia & China oppose the candidacy of Ambassador Khan to be President of the UN Human Rights Council
Fiji Village, 10 January 2021
ISHR’s director Phil Lynch told Reuters that it’s understood that Saudi Arabia, China and Russia were all supportive of a Bahraini candidacy and opposed to a Fijian candidacy. Read the full story here.
Power struggle leaves U.N. rights body without leader
Euractiv, 8 January 2021
‘It’s understood that Saudi Arabia, China and Russia were all supportive of a Bahraini candidacy and opposed to a Fijian candidacy,’ said ISHR’s director Phil Lynch, citing Fiji’s record, with Ambassador Khan backing probes into abuses in Belarus and Yemen last year. Read the full story here.
Power struggle leaves U.N. rights body without leader
Reuters, 8 January 2021
‘It’s understood that Saudi Arabia, China and Russia were all supportive of a Bahraini candidacy and opposed to a Fijian candidacy,’ said ISHR’s director Phil Lynch, citing Fiji’s record, with Ambassador Khan backing probes into abuses in Belarus and Yemen last year. Read the full story here.