Diplomacy
Ireland Criticized at Universal Periodic Review
March 21, 2012
Various aspects of Ireland's human rights record came under fire during Ireland's recent Universal Periodic Review session in Geneva. Of note, Iran expressed concern about incidents of racism, xenophobia and discrimination against Muslims in the country.HRW Weighs in on Canadian Immigration Bill
March 21, 2012
In a letter to Members of the Canadian Parliament, Human Rights Watch said that a bill that would require one-year, mandatory detention for people in certain categories who arrive irregularly would violate Canada's binding international legal obligations.Lamy Calls for European-Inspired Global Governance
March 14, 2012
Pascal Lamy's speech at Oxford University on March 8 looked at the challenges to global governance and steps needed to "streamline" the global governance "system."China Defends Restrictive Internet Policies at Human Rights Council
March 11, 2012
During a panel discussion on the promotion and protection of freedom of expression on the internet hosted by the UN Human Rights Council last week, China said that freedom of expression is not absolute and that terrorism, racism, xenophobia, gaining political advantages, and "violent information that corrupts people's minds" were reasons to control access to the internet.EU Makes Serbia an Official Candidate for Membership
March 6, 2012
Leaders of the 27 EU states have approved Serbia's candidacy for membership in the Union in recognition of its long-awaited capture of major war crimes suspects and steps the country has taken to improve relations with Kosovo.EU Officials Debate Impact of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreemen
March 6, 2012
European Commission officials spent several hours last week trying to persuade members of the European Parliament to approve the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). According to IPWatch, "scepticism still remains about its potential impact on digital freedoms and access to generic medicines in developing countries – including from the Parliament member who will author the legislative report.G-20 Considering $2 Trillion Bailout for Europe
March 4, 2012
According to Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega, the Group of 20 major economies may be close to providing nearly $2 million of financing for the International Monetary Fund to prevent further fallout from the euro-zone’s sovereign debt crisis.Discussions Help Pave Way for Serbia's Membership in European Union
March 4, 2012
EU Minister for European Affairs Nicolai Wammen has welcomed the outcome of EU-brokered discussions between Serbia and Kosovo on the issue of integrated management of crossing points and Kosovo's participation in regional meetings, two developments that constitute an important step on Serbia's road toward EU membership.CERD Looks at Racial Discrimination in Canada
February 29, 2012
Last week, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination considered the combined reports of Canada regarding that nation's implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.Venezuela and Pakistan Proposed as Members of UN Human Rights Council
February 22, 2012
According to UN Watch, sources close to the United Nations have revealed that the governments of Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Pakistan are slated to run unopposed for seats on the UN's 47-nation Human Rights Council this year.A JOINT PROGRAM OF
