United Nations

UN Agent Assesses "Human Rights" Impact of Sanctions

September 23, 2015

UN Independent Expert on human rights and international sanctions Idriss Jazairy has called for an assessment of the effects of international sanctions on the enjoyment of "human rights" - a term often used by the UN to refer to economic, social, and cultural rights - of people living under the targeted regimes.
UN Appointee: Trade Agreements Conflict with Human Rights Law

September 23, 2015

In a recent report, UN Independent Expert Alfred de Zayas calls for national leaders to perform human rights impact assessments before and after adopting multilateral investment treaties and pushes for a UN conference to amend these treaties to take into account international human rights law.
US Defunds UN Agency over Whistleblower Issues

September 23, 2015

George Russell writes that the US State Department has removed its funding from the World Intellectual Property Organization ("WIPO") over allegations that the leadership of the UN agency has retaliated against whistleblowers and has failed to meet ethical standards.
Saudi Appointment to UNHRC Post Draws Condemnation

September 21, 2015

The nongovernmental organization UN Watch has criticized the selection by the Asian regional group at the UN Human Rights Council ("UNHRC") of a diplomat from Saudi Arabia, a country often criticized for its human rights violations, to head up the UNHRC's Consultative Group, which recommends appointments of human rights investigators.
US Adopts Term "Sexual Rights" for Use at UN

September 18, 2015

While cautioning that the US does not recognize the term as a concept enshrined in international human rights law, Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Richard Erdman recently announced at a meeting of UN Women that the US will adopt the term "sexual rights" - often interpreted in the international community to include abortion - in discussions on rights and development.
UN Creates Partnership to Push Sustainability Agenda

September 17, 2015

The UN has announced a new initiative, called the Sustainable Energy for All Partnership, that will seek to push the international organization's energy agenda following the adoption of its long-term Sustainable Development Goals.
UN Agent: Sovereign Debt Principles Are Legally Binding

September 16, 2015

The UN Independent Expert on the effects of foreign debt and human rights Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky argues that a recently adopted UN General Assembly resolution attempting to grant "rights" to debtor countries to restructure their obligations represents customary law and general principles of international law and is therefore legally binding.
Activist Calls for Link Between SDGs and UN Climate Deal

September 16, 2015

Human rights activist and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson has called on countries to agree to a strong climate change accord at negotiations in Paris in December in order to avoid "undermining" the UN's proposed Sustainable Development Goals ("SDGs"), set to be adopted later this month.
Employees: UN Faces No Accountability for Abuse

September 15, 2015

The Guardian reports that current and former UN employees have criticized the international organization for its negative treatment of whistleblowers, sparking calls for the UN to create an independent "public accountability mechanism" overseen by member countries that would monitor reported abuse.
UNGA Vote Promotes Sovereign Debtor Rights

September 14, 2015

The UN General Assembly ("UNGA") has adopted a set of principles, opposed by countries including the US, the UK, and Germany, recognizing a right of debtor countries to restructure their debts and seeking immunity, except in limited circumstances, for governments from domestic court decisions relating to sovereign debt repayment.