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Experts Criticize UNESCO for Failure to Consult Scholars
December 07, 2017
The Times of Israel reports that scholars affiliated with the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently issued a statement criticizing UNESCO for "failing to draw on expert scholarship and knowledge" in decisions on the religious affiliation of certain sites, including by ignoring the connection of sites in Jerusalem to Judaism.
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Observer Critiques UN on Freedom of Information
December 07, 2017
In a report to the UN General Assembly, UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression David Kaye criticized the UN and other international organizations for failing to keep pace with national governments in adopting "robust" freedom of information policies, thus preventing citizens across the globe from holding them accountable for their decisions.
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UN Agent: All Economic Sanctions Violate Rights
December 07, 2017
In a speech to the UN General Assembly, UN Special Rapporteur Idriss Jazairy warned that the imposition of economic sanctions on any country violates the economic, social, and cultural rights of the people in that country and called for governments to agree to a Declaration on Unilateral Coercive Measures and the Rule of Law containing global principles on the use of sanctions.
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UN Agent: IMF Must Focus on Economic Rights
December 07, 2017
In remarks to the UN General Assembly, UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order Alfred de Zayas called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to abandon its "Wild West" policies seeking to limit social spending and encourage privatization in favor of lending policies focused on economic, social, and cultural rights.
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NGO: Drone Use Must Comply with Rights Standards
December 07, 2017
In a recent briefing to the UN General Assembly, Amnesty International called on countries including the US and the UK to bring their armed drone programs in line with international human rights standards, including through the public disclosure of the criteria they apply when using armed drones.