CLAIHR - Canadian Lawyers for International Human Rights’ Post

"In defence of fundamental rights and public liberties in Europe: A radically democratic plea from a legal perspective We find ourselves at a crucial moment for the defence of democratic principles and fundamental rights in Europe. The recent actions by German authorities, such as the prohibition of the Palestine Congress, the denial of entry to DiEM25 co-founder Yanis Varoufakis, and the detention and expulsion of Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, are clear indications of a concerning decline in respect for human rights and public liberties within the European Union (EU). In this plea, we aim to address these violations from a radically democratic and legal perspective, delving into European jurisprudential doctrine and relevant legislation, in order to urgently call for action in defence of democracy and fundamental rights in Europe."

Only through unwavering respect for fundamental rights and democratic principles can we build a truly democratic, free, and just Europe for all citizens. It is time to act with determination and firmness in defence of democracy and human rights in Europe. #Diem25 https://lnkd.in/deyVuFXR

The framers of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights foresaw scenarios where national courts would not handle cases involving abuse of executive power, and knew citizens would need an avenue of recourse after exhausting domestic mechanisms. The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights was an effort to institutionalize norms and human rights standards for Africans: https://lnkd.in/ejrjjcss These norms and standards have come under renewed strain in recent years, with captured or co-opted national judiciaries proving the continued need for the Court. Judicial independence is critical to maintaining the impartiality and integrity of electoral commissions. When courts are co-opted, however, they can rubber-stamp illegalities, entrench impunity, and weaken other oversight institutions: https://lnkd.in/easiXu4i

All African states are signatories to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights of 1981, which upholds fundamental civil and political rights, like the freedom of speech and assembly, the right to free and fair elections for citizens to select their representatives, equal treatment under the law and a fair trial, and the prohibition against torture. The framers of the African Charter foresaw scenarios where national courts would be unwilling or unable to handle cases involving the abuse of power by the executive branch. They recognized that in such cases, citizens needed an avenue to table their complaints and receive redress for wrongs committed after exhausting domestic mechanisms. The OAU, later the African Union, granted legal authority to uphold and interpret the African Charter to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. Today, the sheer number of cases in the Court’s docket shows that the Court continues to have the confidence of citizens around the continent as a “court of last resort” when they cannot pursue justice through domestic channels.

The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) distortion of UN Resolution 2758 to justify its Taiwan claims is a worrying sign of its broader strategy to manipulate international institutions. This tactic, mirrored in its attempts to undermine UN human rights mechanisms, seriously threatens the rules-based international order. It's time to call out the CCP China's double-speak and defend the universality of human rights, or the United Nations risks becoming another tool of authoritarianism. #GeopoliticalRisk #UN #China #Taiwan #HumanRights #InternationalSecurity https://lnkd.in/gZxpbHha

I am pleased to share that Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi) has submitted a detailed complaint to the UN regarding the severe human rights violations faced by Estonian political activist Aivo Peterson. Supported by a comprehensive legal analysis from Professor Douwe Korff, our submission highlights the misuse of state security legislation to suppress political dissent and non-violent activism. We urge the UN to take immediate action to halt these suppressive measures and ensure Mr. Peterson's rights are protected. #HumanRights #Justice #AivoPeterson #Estonia #UN #JPTi #EUInTheWorld #EUDiplomacy #foreignpolicy #europeanunion #europeanexternalactionservice

📢A coalition of civil society organizations - Agency for Legislative Initiatives, Transparency International Ukraine, Human Rights Centre ZMINA, Advocate of the Future and Ukrainian Bar Association - prepared a Shadow Report to Chapter 23 "Justice and Fundamental Rights" of the European Commission's Report on Ukraine in 2023. The final report in Ukrainian includes an update for August 2024. In addition, the Shadow Report is now available in English. 🔗You can find the document here: https://bit.ly/47iAkG4 The report has been prepared with the financial assistance of the European Union within the framework of the EU Project Pravo-Justice. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the UBA and other civil society organizations and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union. #TOP_news_UBA

💼 On November 12, Ukrainian human rights defenders, specifically representatives of Human Rights House Crimea member organisations, held an informational briefing in the Office of the EU Delegation to the UN. The briefing focused on key issues in documenting war crimes, protecting victims of the full-scale invasion, the challenges of reintegration, and the need to counter Russian propaganda. The key points highlighted by the human rights defenders were as follows: 📌 Ukraine's ratification of the Rome Statute requires improvements to the legal framework, specialist training, and interagency cooperation strengthening for effectively gathering evidence and accountability for perpetrators. Implementing international standards in national procedures for documenting and investigating crimes will promote justice and uphold human rights. 📌 Russia’s actions have resulted in a significant number of civilian casualties; however, Ukrainian legislation lacks a clear definition of those considered affected by armed conflict. The absence of a comprehensive system for tracking and supporting victims hinders assistance efforts, particularly for those needing medical care, rehabilitation, housing, or deferrals from military conscription. It is essential to define categories of victims and establish a harm accounting system to provide effective aid. 📌 The possible disbandment of the Ministry of Reintegration, information about which was published in the information space, may complicate efforts to reintegrate the occupied territories and coordinate the protection of the rights of citizens of these regions. Russian propaganda and Russification deepen societal divisions, complicating the reintegration of residents from occupied territories and potentially leading to conflict. A policy to prevent polarization is essential, fostering societal dialogue and reintegration. 📌 In response to Russian propaganda narratives about the human rights situation in occupied territories, it is vital to ensure access to truthful information. Russia seeks to manipulate public opinion and reduce support for Ukraine on the international stage. Actively disseminating verified facts on human rights violations will enhance international awareness, restore justice, and secure the right to the truth. 🤝 Thanks to Human Rights House Foundation for organizational and financial support for this advocacy trip. We continue to spread the facts about human rights violations in Ukraine and promote the restoration of justice!