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Statements , Press Conferences | OHCHR , UNOG
OHCHR reaction to US sanctions imposed on Special Rapporteur Albanese
SOUNDBITE (English) Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson, UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR): "The High Commissioner was very clear in his call yesterday. He is calling on the United States to promptly reverse the sanctions that they have imposed against the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ms. Francesca Albanese. UN Special Rapporteurs are an essential part of the human rights ecosystem. They address very sensitive, often divisive issues, and this is part of their mandate. This is why they were given this mandate by Member States themselves. In the face of fierce disagreement, it is crucial that Member States engage substantively, constructively, rather than resort to punitive measures like this. The High Commissioner is very clear that any attacks and threats against UN special procedures mandate holders, other UN experts, any part of the UN human rights ecosystem, as well as the International Criminal Court and its officials must stop.
The solution is not less, but more debate and dialogue on the very real human rights concerns that they address."
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UN rights chief Volker Türk remarks at the opening of the 63rd session of the Human Rights Council (HRC63)
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Press Conferences | UNITAR , WMO
UNITAR: GA resolution on the merger of the United Nations System Staff College into the United Nations Institute for Training and Research; WMO: Air Quality and Climate Bulletin released; WHO: Ukraine update
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Press Conferences , Edited News | WMO
Powerful El Niño heightens extreme-weather risks through 2027, as countries brace for impact - WMO
Fuelled by extraordinarily warm waters across the tropical Pacific Ocean, the El Niño climate pattern is expected to intensify in the coming months. Forecasters are almost certain that it will persist through February next year, with unusually warm conditions expected across the globe.
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Press Conferences | IFRC , UN WOMEN , WFP , WHO , WMO , OCHA
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Launch of the 2026 Arms Trade Treaty Monitor report
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Press Conferences | ICRC , OHCHR , UN , UNICEF
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