The International Day for Universal Access to Information 2020 focuses on to the right to information in times of crisis. It highlights how public access to information save lives, builds trust and helps formulate sustainable policies through and beyond the COVID-19 crisis. Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. It is also bound with the right to freedom of the press, since the media plays a crucial role in informing the public about issues of interest.
The International Day of Sign Languages (23 September) is a unique opportunity to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of all deaf people and other sign language users. The Day also emphasizes the principle of “nothing about us without us” in terms of working with deaf communities. In 2020, the World Federation of the Deaf is issuing a Global Leaders Challenge. The challenge promotes the use of sign languages by local, national, and global leaders in partnership with national associations of deaf people in each country, as well as other deaf-led organisations.
A new report highlights a sharp increase in the global number of protests during which the police and security forces violated media freedom. Between January and June this year, 21 protests around the world were marred by violations of press freedom, including protests in which journalists were attacked, arrested and even killed. The report suggests that a troubling new threshold has been crossed, revealing a growing threat to media freedom and freedom of access to information.
All parties to the conflict in Yemen - and the humanitarian catastrophe that it has created – are responsible for terrible crimes which should be investigated by an international criminal probe.Â
#NotGoingBack: Recover, rebound, reimagine
Significant breaches of human rights and other life-threatening and discriminatory disruptions have made part of the COVID-19 responses worldwide. The UN Secretary General has requested all UN entities to support the efforts of the in their own respective areas of expertise. So, to better inform the response going forwards, commissioned a report on how COVID-19 public health orders and restrictions on movement have impacted the response to HIV and human rights.
Freedom of religion or belief is the basic human right, which plays an important role to combat religious hatred, incitement and violence. However, acts of intolerance and violence in the name of religion or belief, against individuals, including against persons belonging to religious communities and religious minorities, continue around the world. The number and intensity of such incidents, often criminal in nature, are increasing. Through the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (22 August), the United Nations condemns the violence.
The will meet virtually from 17 August to 4 September 2020. The Committee is a body of which monitors implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The includes updates on reports received from the parties to the Convention. The Committee will discuss how to strengthen cooperation between United Nations bodies and other stakeholders, including organizations of persons with disabilities, in order to enhance the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
reports on human rights-centred recommendations, by a coalition of 50 cities worldwide, to guide leaders as they use digital technology in response to crises such as COVID 19.
We all can do something against racism. You too. Join and leading personalities from all over the world in denouncing mounting racial discrimination. UNESCO has been on the forefront of the fight against racism since its creation in 1945. In 1978, it adopted the Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice which reaffirms that “All human beings belong to a single species and are descended from a common stock. They are born equal in dignity and rights and all an integral part of humanity.”
There are an estimated 67 million domestic workers worldwide, the vast majority of whom are women. As they try to maintain their livelihoods, lack of access to social protection makes domestic workers especially vulnerable to the pandemic. Oscar-nominated actress rose to fame in the film Roma, where she starred as an indigenous domestic worker. As a Goodwill Ambassador, Ms. Aparicio defends the rights of indigenous peoples and domestic workers. For domestic workers, there are only two options, she explains: stop receiving income or risk exposure to COVID-19.
In Bangladesh, virtual courts ease COVID-19 risk
The researches, examines and provides visibility to the violence and discrimination experienced every day by gays, lesbian, bisexual, trans and other gender diverse persons around the wor
Older persons are among the more visible victims of the current health crisis. Although all age groups are at risk of COVID-19, older persons face higher risk of mortality and severe disease following infection, with an estimated 66% of people over 70 having underlying conditions. “No person, young or old, is expendable”, spelled out UN Secretary-General António Guterres in a video message launching a policy brief on older persons. The impact on health and long-term care services for older persons must confront the challenges they face, including access to medical treatment and care.
United Nations efforts to prevent trafficking in persons take an important step forward with the launch of the online training on the . Developed by and the , the free e-learning course explores the unique opportunities cabin crew have to observe passengers over the duration of their flights and potentially identify and assist human trafficking victims.