Analysis
Submission to UN Secretary-General shows ongoing reprisals against Saudi human rights defenders who cooperate with the UN
May 18, 2020
On 1 May 2020, MENA Rights Group and ALQST submitted a report to the UN Secretary-General (UNSG), providing updated information on seven individuals who were subjected to reprisals by the Saudi authorities over the past year. This was submitted ahead of the presentation of UNSG’s annual report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the United Nations (UN) before the Human Rights Council, in September 2020.
Egypt supports 270 recommendations made during latest UPR whilst denying known human rights violations
March 13, 2020
Following the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Egypt in November 2019, Egypt notified the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the recommendations it wishes to implement in the upcoming years. The UPR outcome was formally adopted on March 12, 2020.
Iraqi authorities must implement accepted UPR recommendations
March 12, 2020
Following the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Iraq in November 2019, Iraq notified the Human Rights Council (HRC) of the recommendations it wishes to implement in the upcoming years. During the adoption of the UPR outcome, which took place on March 12, Iraq accepted most of the recommendations including on issues related to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. However, recommendations relating to the ratification of additional human rights treaties, discrimination against women, LGBT rights, and the application of the death penalty were merely noted.
Kuwait’s human rights record examined by UN Member States
February 05, 2020
During its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on January 29, 2020, Kuwait received about 300 recommendations from 122 states on issues including the right to nationality, the rights to freedom of expression, opinion and peaceful assembly. States also used this opportunity to address the situation of Kuwait’s marginalised population including the Bidoon and migrant workers.
MENA Rights Group highlights systematic practice of enforced disappearance in Saudi Arabia in general allegation to the UN
December 24, 2019
MENA Rights Group has submitted a general allegation to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) highlighting obstacles to the implementation of the 1992 Declaration on the Protection of all Persons from Enforced Disappearance (Declaration) in Saudi Arabia.
Iraqi draft laws on torture and enforced disappearances fall short of international human rights standards
December 11, 2019
Inadequate legislation pending before Iraq’s Council of Representatives
Egypt’s Universal Periodic Review highlights international concerns over the country’s human rights record
November 21, 2019
On November 13, 133 states made over 370 recommendations on issues such as torture, the death penalty and the detention of human rights defenders.
Iraq’s human rights record examined by UN Member States amid crackdown against demonstrations
November 18, 2019
During its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on November 11, Iraq received nearly 300 recommendations from 111 states on issues including torture, enforced disappearances, and the application of the death penalty. States also used this opportunity to address the restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in view of the recent human rights violations that have been committed by security forces since the beginning of anti-government demonstrations on October 1.
Reprisals against individuals cooperating with the UN continue unabated in the MENA region
September 20, 2019
On September 19, 2019, UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Andrew Gilmour presented his annual report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN before the Human Rights Council. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Human Rights Council resolution 12/2, adopted on October 1, 2009, which invites the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) to publish an annual report on the issue of reprisals against individuals cooperating with UN mechanisms. This mechanism was established 1990 when the former Commission on Human Rights began adopting annually a resolution calling for States to refrain from acts of intimidation and reprisal.
Only available in French
Réforme de l’état d’urgence, l’ONU demande à la Tunisie de revoir sa copie
September 02, 2019
Plusieurs Rapporteurs spéciaux au titre des procédures spéciales de l’ONU ont demandé à la Tunisie de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour corriger les inconsistances du projet de loi n° 91/2018 relative à l'organisation de l'état d'urgence. Article 19 Middle East & North Africa et MENA Rights Group avaient souligné les nombreuses insuffisances du texte dans une communication adressée à la Rapporteuse spéciale des Nations unies sur la promotion et la protection des droits de l'homme dans la lutte contre le terrorisme.
Iraq must halt reintroduction of controversial draft laws harmful to fundamental freedoms
July 15, 2019
Two draft laws currently pending before Iraq’s Council of Representatives risk further restricting fundamental freedoms in the country, MENA Rights Group says in appeal to UN Special Rapporteurs.
Human rights situation in Mauritania examined by UN committee
July 11, 2019
During its review of Mauritania, the UN Human Rights Committee raised issues including impunity for crimes committed in the 1980s and 1990s, the shortcomings of the state’s anti-torture legislation and violations to fundamental rights and freedoms.