European Union in Lesotho’s Post

🕊️ Human Rights Day 🕊️   "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now" – Human rights are a powerful tool to prevent harm, protect dignity, and drive transformative change.   Yesterday, we celebrated the International Day of Human Rights Defenders. Today, on Human Rights Day, we continue to honour those who tirelessly fight for justice and equality.   The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders adopted by the General Assembly underscores the importance of protecting those who promote and protect human rights. We encourage governments to engage constructively with civil society activists.   Let's stand together and support human rights, and the ones who defend them, everywhere.   #BelgiuminSingapore #StandUp4HumanRights #OurRightsOurFuture #HumanRightsDay Ministry of Foreign Affairs Belgium United Nations Human Rights

Insanity. The Commission stands ready to brush away decades of cooperation, with its successes and failures, its lessons learned and its long-term partnerships, and leave the keys to investment banks and the private sector. An enormous risk that will surely leave behind those most in need, while weakening the EU's credibility. Development policy should not aim to open new markets for European companies, nor should it guarantee access to raw materials for their competitiveness. Its principal objective, as it stands in the Treaty, is to reduce and then eradicate poverty. Suggesting to wipe this out from the portfolio and priorities of the next Commissioner is an extremely worrying sign that the EU is turning its back on its values and international committments to jump with both feet into an uncertain and short-sighted competition game. Ironically, it risks repeating colonial patterns that the EU claims it wants to end.

🔴 The leaked Briefing Book of DG INTPA for the next European Commission shows a shocking turn toward prioritising competition and EU-centric interests! The multiple global crises faced by partner countries call for cooperation - not a race to exploit other countries' natural resources. ❌ DG INTPA's mandate is about supporting partner countries on their path to sustainable development, reducing poverty, and promoting human rights and equality… ...where are these priorities in the briefing for the next Commission? Read the full reaction 🔎 https://lnkd.in/dGx6GVwv

The European Commission's vision of international partnerships for the next five years is alarming, as it focuses on the EU's economic and geopolitical interests. It centers on the #GlobalGateway as the "EU's offer" with the #PrivateSector at the forefront and ignores the human development of #GlobalSouth countries. This is far from what global south countries need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals! ⚠️Such a neocolonial approach is unacceptable. For more on the Global Gateway, see our joint report with Counter Balance. https://ow.ly/YFkx50RlWjR

It is encouraging to see the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights working at normative refinement. Over the past few years, the ACHPR has produced valuable general comments, resolutions, and explanations that simplify human rights practice and advance normative standards. I wonder, however, if its protective mandate has been neglected. Delays in responding to communications and a substantial case backlog are serious enough to raise the possibility of denying justice through undue delays. https://lnkd.in/efFvfyCH

Why the United States leads the General Assembly is beyond me. There are more qualified countries by demonstration. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted by representatives with different legal and cultural backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for ALL peoples and ALL NATIONS. Article 22 Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality. Article 28 Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

🌐 Update from the UN Human Rights Council's Fifty-Sixth Session Today, at the fifty-sixth regular session of the UN Human Rights Council, critical global challenges demand our attention and action. 🔍 Key Updates: Conflict Toll: Since last year, civilian deaths in conflicts rose by 72%, with alarming increases in casualties among women and children. Humanitarian Crises: Gaza and Ukraine are facing dire humanitarian situations, underscoring the urgent need for peace and humanitarian access. Systemic Issues: We address systemic racism, economic crises in Sri Lanka and Lao PDR, and gender-based persecution worldwide. 💡 Our Role and Commitment: As UNA-OC, we advocate fiercely for human rights and international law. Our role is pivotal in promoting inclusivity, supporting civil society, and defending the rights of the most vulnerable. 🤝 Commitment to Action: We are dedicated to amplifying voices, driving policy change, and ensuring accountability. Together with global partners, we strive for a world where human rights are universally upheld. 🌍 Aligning with SDGs: Our efforts align with all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring inclusive and sustainable development globally. 🔗 Stay Updated: Background info ℹ: https://is.gd/cekpI1 Watch live 📺 webtv.un.org Let's stand united for human rights and justice. Together, we can build a better future. #HumanRights #UNHRC #GlobalChallenges #HRC56 #USAFORUN #UNA #UNAOCC #SaraBalkhHRambassador #ADVOCATES

Can rights be protected in conflict? 🕊️ As we recently marked Human Rights Day, it’s a crucial moment to reflect on the importance of protecting rights even in the most challenging contexts. In her thought-provoking blog, Shoko Noda, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the UNDP Crisis Bureau, delves into innovative strategies to uphold human rights during conflicts. Her insights remind us why rights must remain at the core of our efforts for peace and development. 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/exrmGayy

A quick recap attenting European Youth Week at the Parliment 🇪🇺🇧🇪 🌟Knowledgeable 🌟Fun 🌟Inspiring Thank you European Youth Forum European Union European Parliament #europeanyouthweek #levelup2024 #internationalrelations #brussels #belgium #europeanknowledge #swedenineu #YouthEmpowerment #EUYouth #YouthActivism #YouthLeadership #YouthEngagement #YouthVoice #FutureLeaders

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, José Francisco Calí Tzay, extends an invitation to participate in the Virtual Consultation regarding Mobile Indigenous Peoples. This event, scheduled for March 19-20, 2024, aims to contribute to his annual report to the General Assembly on the situation of Mobile Peoples, set to be presented in October 2024 during its 79th session. For registration and more information, please visit https://lnkd.in/dsDKy85E Open discussion with participants: 1) identity and recognition of mobile Indigenous Peoples. 2) current barriers and challenges facing mobile Indigenous Peoples. 3) best practices led by Indigenous Peoples, States and international organizations in supporting mobile Indigenous Peoples.