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191 results for "human rights"
French lawmakers unanimously voted to officially erase slavery-era laws that defined enslaved people as property, taking a historic step toward acknowledging colonial wrongs. While the laws were superseded over 170 years ago, the formal repeal represents meaningful progress in confronting France's past.
French lawmakers voted 254-0 to finally repeal the Code Noir, a 1685 law that classified enslaved people as property and had survived 176 years after slavery ended. The unanimous decision marks a symbolic step toward confronting France's colonial past. ##
After eliminating trachoma and other neglected tropical diseases, Malawi is leading African nations to make disease prevention a human rights issue at the UN. Twenty-five African countries have now eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, proving progress is possible.
French lawmakers are voting to formally repeal Code Noir, a 1685 law that classified enslaved people as property and remained in France's legal code for 178 years after slavery was abolished. The move marks a historic step toward acknowledging France's colonial past.
A major luxury yacht company is being held accountable for using illegally sourced teak linked to Myanmar's military junta. The prosecution sends a clear message that environmental laws protecting forests and human rights matter.
On May 7, the UK, US, and Norway each took action against foreign interference operations, marking an unprecedented moment of democratic unity. Three separate cases sent a clear message: authoritarian overreach won't be tolerated on their soil.
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Judge Thumba Pillay turned 90 this month, two decades after his groundbreaking decision forced South Africa's government to provide life-saving HIV medication to prisoners. His courage during a time when officials denied treatment to dying inmates changed thousands of lives.
After years of house arrest on treason charges called politically motivated, Cambodia's former opposition leader Kem Sokha has received a royal pardon. The move signals a potential shift in a country long criticized for silencing political voices.
Mexico has achieved historic constitutional recognition of Afro-Mexican peoples, marking a major first step toward addressing centuries of systemic inequality. UN experts are now calling for concrete action to turn this progress into real change for these communities.
A federal judge ruled that sanctions blocking a UN expert from banking violated free speech rights. The Treasury Department lifted the restrictions this week, restoring her access to financial services.
The UN courts that prosecuted war crimes from Yugoslavia and Rwanda officially closed this week, marking the end of a historic chapter in international justice. Over three decades, these tribunals convicted 155 people and paved the way for today's International Criminal Court.
Ukrainian human rights defender Oleksandra Matviichuk received the European Order of Merit for her tireless work protecting freedom and democracy. Her emotional speech celebrated Ukraine's return to Europe after three centuries.
Libya is bringing together diverse voices for its fourth national reconciliation session, focused on healing and unity. The four-day gathering prioritizes including cultural groups, youth, women, victims, and people with disabilities in shaping the country's path forward.
Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah just graduated with a Master of Laws from the University of Connecticut, specializing in international human rights. The Ghanaian media personality is now being discussed as a potential candidate for Parliament back home.
Botswana has officially removed laws criminalizing same-sex relationships from its penal code, marking a major human rights victory in Africa. The move follows years of advocacy and a 2019 court ruling that declared the old laws unconstitutional.
Thirty-seven countries took a major step toward accountability by establishing a tribunal to prosecute Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The historic agreement brings hope for justice to victims and their families.
India's Allahabad High Court ruled that parents cannot interfere in their adult children's choice of partner, even without formal religious ceremonies. The landmark decision reinforces constitutional rights to personal liberty and individual autonomy.
Over 100 Nobel Prize winners are demanding freedom for Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner facing critical health issues in Iran. Her case highlights the growing global movement supporting human rights defenders risking everything for justice.
Thirty-six countries just agreed to establish a special court that will prosecute Russia for its decision to invade Ukraine. The new tribunal fills a crucial gap in international law, allowing justice for the fundamental act of aggression.
Eight EU nations have already banned harmful conversion practices targeting LGBTIQ+ people, and now the European Commission is calling on the remaining 19 countries to follow their lead. Nearly a quarter of LGBTIQ+ citizens in the EU have faced these debunked treatments, but momentum is building toward ending them for good.
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