Friday, February 28, 2014
UN Security Council Holds Urgent Meeting on Ukraine
The United Nations Security Council held Friday what its President described as an "urgent" meeting on the situation in Ukraine, with the body's members noting that it is important for all political actors in the strife-torn country to exercise maximum restraint and pursue inclusive dialogue. "The Security Council…reviewed with concern the recent developments in Ukraine," said Raimonda Murmokaité, Permanent Representative of Lithuania, which holds the rotating presidency of the 15-nation body for February.
The Council held closed-door consultations at the request of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN, which appealed in a letter on Friday to the Council President for an urgent meeting "due to the deterioration of the situation in the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea, Ukraine, which threatens the territorial integrity of Ukraine."
On Saturday, 22 February, Members of the Parliament of Ukraine -- which had been witnessing mass protests since last November -- voted to remove President Viktor Yanukovych, and an arrest warrant has reportedly been issued for his arrest. The move came after more than 100 people were killed last week in the latest wave of deadly clashes in the capital, Kiev.
Speaking to the press after the consultations, Ambassador Murmokaité said the Council had been briefed by UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Oscar Fernandez-Taranco.
"Support was expressed for the unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. The Council agreed that it was important that all political actors in Ukraine exercise maximum restraint and called for an inclusive dialogue recognizing the diversity of the Ukrainian society," said the Council President.
Amid the rapidly unfolding events in Ukraine, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for an inclusive political process to enable the country to emerge from the crisis, one which reflects the aspirations of its people and preserves its unity and territorial integrity.
"He reiterates his call for non-violence and urges all Ukrainians to express their differences peacefully and through dialogue, and to seek a durable solution through compromise," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement issued in New York earlier this week.
In addition, this past Tuesday, the Secretary-General dispatched Robert Serry to Kiev as his Senior Advisor to assure all citizens of Ukraine of the UN's support and also convey that he expects all key international actors to work collaboratively to help the country during the crisis.
Mr. Serry has held meetings with, among others, the new Speaker of Parliament, the Vice Prime Minister, the acting Minister of Finance, and the acting Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the situation and concerted efforts to bring about a stable and prosperous future.
(adapted from a UN press release)
February 28, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Violence in Venezuela
The United Nations human rights chief today condemned the recent violence in Venezuela, and urged the Government to ensure respect for freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. “The inflammatory rhetoric from all sides is utterly unhelpful and risks escalating the tense situation in the country,” High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay stressed. “It is time for all sides to move beyond verbal aggression and towards meaningful dialogue. This crisis will only be resolved if the human rights of all Venezuelans are respected.”
In a news release issued by her office (OHCHR), Ms. Pillay also voiced deep concern at the reported excessive use of force by the authorities in response to protests, including yesterday in the capital, Caracas. She unequivocally condemned the violence leading to death and injuries, irrespective of the perpetrators, and called on all sides to renounce violence.
At least 140 people have been injured and 13 people have died since the beginning of the unrest, according to the General Public Prosecutor. Noting that 11 police and intelligence officers have been arrested in connection with violence during the protests, Ms. Pillay urged an impartial, full and independent investigation into every case of death and injury, and for those responsible to be brought to justice. OHCHR said that, according to the latest known official figures, 579 people have been arrested since the unrest in the country began earlier this month.
“I am concerned that a very large number of people have been arrested and we have reports indicating that some of them are being held incommunicado. I urge the authorities to ensure that people are not penalised for exercising their rights to peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression,” said the High Commissioner. “Those who are being detained merely for exercising these rights must be promptly released. All cases must be handled according to international standards of due process.” She added that concrete action by the authorities, including through full and independent investigations, releasing peaceful protestors who have been detained, as well as disarming armed groups, will go a long way towards defusing tensions and paving the way for resolving the crisis.
Earlier this week, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced his sadness at continuing reports of violence and loss of life amid protests in the South American nation, and urged that all efforts be made to lower the tensions and prevent further violence.“He hopes for concrete gestures by all parties to reduce polarization and create the necessary conditions to engage in a meaningful dialogue so that calm can be fully restored in the country as soon as possible,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a statement.
(UN press release)
February 28, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
WTO News
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) established two new panels this week.
First, the DSB established a panel at the request of Denmark, on behalf of the Faroe Islands, to consider economic measures regarding Atlanto-Scandian herring and Northeast Atlantic mackerel imposed by the European Union (EU) against the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands is a self-governing territory forming an integral part of Denmark and covered territorially by Danish WTO membership. In Denmark's view, the EU measures are inconsistent with basic provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and have no justification under WTO law. WTO members reserving third-party rights include Turkey, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, China, United States, Japan, Australia, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Iceland, Russia and India. For more information, see WTO case no. DS469.
The second panel established by the WTO DSB this week is a compliance panel under Article 21. 5 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU). In this case, the WTO DSB established the panel at the request of the United States to examine China's compliance with a 2103 arbitrator's decision establishing a reasonable time for compliance with the WTO Appellate Body Report in the case of Antidumping and Countervailing Duties on Grain-Oriented and Flat-Rolled Electrical Steel from the United States. Members reserving third-party rights were Japan, the European Union, Russia and India. For more information on this dispute, see WTO case no. DS414.
Costa Rica also notified the WTO Safeguard Committee this week that it has initiated a safeguard investigation on pounded rice to determine whether an increase in imports of the pounded rice are causing or threatening to case serious injury to a domestic industry.
(cgb)
February 28, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, February 27, 2014
March 1 is "Zero Discrimination Day"
Zero Discrimination Day,” to be marked on 1 March, is a worldwide call to promote and celebrate everyone’s right to a full life with dignity – no matter what they look like, where they come from or whom they love, declared the United Nations agency leading the world’s HIV/AIDS response, as it kicked off celebrations with a major event in Beijing. With strong calls for tolerance, unity and compassion, Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), launched Zero Discrimination Day at an event supported by the China Red Ribbon Foundation, Hanergy Holding Group, Chinese Government, civil society and celebrities.
“The AIDS response itself has taught the world tremendous lessons in tolerance and compassion. We know that both the right to health and the right to dignity belong to everyone,” Mr. Sidibé told participants at the event, which wrapped up with more than 30 business leaders signing a pledge to eliminate discrimination in the workplace. “Working together, we can transform ourselves, our communities and our world to reach zero discrimination,” he added, in remarks that evoked the symbol for the UNAIDS Zero Discrimination campaign – the butterfly – widely recognized as a sign of transformation.
Working with Nobel Peace Prize winner and UNAIDS Global Advocate for Zero Discrimination Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the agency launched the #zerodiscrimination campaign in December 2013 on World AIDS Day. “People who discriminate narrow the world of others as well as their own,” she said. “I believe in a world where everyone can flower and blossom.” Events similar to the Beijing launch are planned in countries around the world for the days leading up to Saturday.
Many international celebrities have joined the call for zero discrimination, recording video messages and taking photographs with the butterfly sign. The personalities include UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador Annie Lennox, international football star David Luiz, actress and activist Michelle Yeoh and Princess Stephanie of Monaco.
The private sector is also playing an important part in commemorating Zero Discrimination Day in South Africa, where as part of a longstanding partnership with UNAIDS, the Standard Bank is conducting a social media drive around the day. In addition, the almost 3.5 million subscribers of Airtel, the largest mobile telephone service provider in Malawi, will receive a message promoting “zero discrimination” on 1 March.
Elsewhere, in Myanmar, two major football teams in collaboration with the Myanmar National Football League and Federation will make a pledge supporting zero discrimination during a match at the national football stadium in Yangon.
In Minsk, Belarus, an interactive dialogue on promoting zero discrimination in the region will take place with young people; participants will include pop singer Teo. A similar event organized by people living with HIV as well as lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) people will take place in a central park in the city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
(UN press release)
February 27, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Uganda Newspaper Publishes Names of Gays
The United Nations human rights office said today that the publication by a Ugandan newspaper of the names and photos of people it claims are homosexual violates basic rights to privacy and dignity, and called on media outlets to refrain from actions that fuel hatred and violence.
A Ugandan tabloid on Tuesday named the country’s “200 top homosexuals,” a day after President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act into law, criminalizing and imposing life imprisonment for homosexuality, same-sex marriage and “aggravated homosexuality.”
“The publication by a newspaper in Uganda of the names and photos of people it claims are homosexual not only violates the right to privacy, it also demonstrates the very real danger that the new anti-homosexuality law will encourage acts of violence and harassment against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people,” said a spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Cécile Pouilly recalled that the High Court of Uganda has previously ruled that publishing such lists amounts to a violation of the rights to dignity and privacy protected by the Ugandan Constitution. “We reiterate that media organisations should refrain from fuelling hatred and attacks on the basis of sexual orientation,” stated Ms. Pouilly. “We further reiterate our call upon the Ugandan authorities to take urgent steps to protect all persons from discrimination and violence regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”
OHCHR urged the authorities to review the criminal legal provisions targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and make sure that attacks against them are investigated, and alleged perpetrators prosecuted. Both Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay spoken out against the new law and urged Uganda to repeal it.
(UN press release)
February 27, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Nominations Open for GLS Awards
The Global Legal Skills Conference in Verona Italy will include award presentations to individuals, institutions, publishers, and organizations that have advanced global legal skills education around the world. The 2014 awards follow similar awards presented at University of Costa Rica Faculty of Law during the 2012 GLS Conference in Costa Rica.
February 26, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Costa Rica Files New ICJ Case Against Nicaragua
Costa Rica and Nicaragua know how to keep the International Court of Justice busy.
In addition to earlier cases between these two countries, we have the case filed in 2011 of Certain Activities carried out by Nicaragua in the Border Area (Costa Rica v. Nicaragua). And we have a counter-claim that Nicaragua brought against Costa Rica, Construction of a Road in Costa Rica along the San Juan River (Nicaragua v. Costa Rica). Those two cases were consolidated in April 2013, and we saw a couple of rulings on the indication of preliminary measures.
The latest case added yesterday to the ICJ docket is Costa Rica's action against Nicaragua with regard to a "[d]ispute concerning maritime delimitation in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean." Click here for the ICJ press release.
We're happy to see that these nations are choosing to bring their disputes to the ICJ. It's so much better than going to war, and it shows faith in the quality of justice delivered by the International Court of Justice.
(mew)
February 26, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Uganda Urged to Repeal its Anti-Homosexuality Legislation
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged Ugandan authorities to revise or repeal the country’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill, one day after he said it violates basic human rights and endangers lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country. “The Secretary-General reiterates that everyone is entitled to enjoy the same basic rights and live a life of worth and dignity without discrimination,” his spokesperson said, adding that this concept is embedded in the UN Charter, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Ugandan Constitution.
President Yoweri Museveni yesterday signed into law the bill which calls for a 14-year jail term for a first conviction and imprisonment for life for the offence of “aggravated homosexuality.”
Mr. Ban convoyed his concerns yesterday about the bill, which was not yet signed at the time, to Ambassador Richard Nduhuura, Permanent Representative of Uganda to the UN, and has expressed the UN’s support “to achieve change on this matter.” Both he and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have decried the principles of the law which “could fuel prejudice as well as encourage harassment and violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.”
In today’s statement, Mr. Ban’s spokesperson noted that Michel Sidibé, Executive Director of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), also spoke out against the law saying it may obstruct effective responses to the virus.
Mr. Ban has appealed for the complete and universal decriminalization of homosexuality, still a criminal offence in some 76 countries, stressing that human rights must always trump cultural attitudes and societal strictures.
(UN press release)
February 25, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Strengthening the Rule of Law
Stressing that the rule of law is at the heart of the work of the United Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council last week that it is vital to ensure that the Organization makes the most of its assistance in this area to help post-conflict countries build the foundations for long-term peace and stability. “When public institutions fail to deliver justice or protect the people’s rights, insecurity and conflict prevail,” Mr. Ban said in his remarks to an open debate on strengthening the rule of law in the maintenance of international peace and security. Nearly 70 delegations were expected to take part in the debate, which will culminate in a Presidential Statement from Council members.
He noted that, at the national level, reconciliation and enduring peace require strong rule of law through responsive and inclusive institutions. “People must be able to trust that their institutions can resolve disputes promptly and fairly, and provide equitable access to basic services, including justice and security. “At the international level,” he continued, “adherence to the rule of law is critical for conflict prevention and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Mechanisms to combat impunity and ensure accountability – including UN-assisted criminal tribunals – reinforce the primacy of law.” That is why strengthening the rule of law is now an integral part of the mandates of peacekeeping operations and special political missions, said Mr. Ban, noting that 18 UN missions worldwide currently mandate rule of law support.
(Adapted from a UN press release)
February 25, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Monday, February 24, 2014
Life Imprisonment for Gays in Uganda
The President of Uganda today signed a law that imposes a sentence of up to life imprisonment for being gay.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay have spoken out against the anti-homosexuality law signed into force today in Uganda, saying it violates basic human rights and endangers lesbians, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in the country.
The law criminalizes and imposes life imprisonment for homosexuality, same-sex marriage and “aggravated homosexuality,” according to a news release issued by the High Commissioner’s Office (OHCHR).
“Disapproval of homosexuality by some can never justify violating the fundamental human rights of others,” Ms. Pillay said. “This law will institutionalize discrimination and is likely to encourage harassment and violence against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation. “It is formulated so broadly that it may lead to abuse of power and accusations against anyone, not just LGBT people,” she warned.
Ms. Pillay stressed that Uganda is obliged, both by its own Constitution and by international law, to respect the rights of all individuals and to protect them from discrimination and violence. “This law violates a host of fundamental human rights, including the right to freedom from discrimination, to privacy, freedom of association, peaceful assembly, opinion and expression and equality before the law – all of which are enshrined in Uganda’s own Constitution and in the international treaties it has ratified.”
The High Commissioner expressed deep concern that the law could also threaten the critically important work of human rights defenders in the country, urging the Government to take immediate steps to ensure that they are not prosecuted for their advocacy.
Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said the Secretary-General is “seriously concerned” about the negative impact of the new law and shares the High Commissioner’s view that it violates human rights. “It will institutionalize discrimination, restrict the vital work of human rights activists, and could trigger violence. It will also hamper potentially life-saving efforts to stop the spread of HIV,” Martin Nesirky told reporters in New York.
Mr. Ban has appealed for the complete and universal decriminalization of homosexuality, still a criminal offence in some 76 countries, stressing that human rights must always trump cultural attitudes and societal strictures.
Mr. Nesirky added that the Secretary-General intends to raise the anti-homosexuality law in his meeting today with the Permanent Representative of Uganda to the UN, Richard Nduhuura.
(mew)(adapted from a UN press release)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Russia Declares Discrimination to be an Olympic Sport
The Olympic Games are over but Russia's Anti-Gay-Propaganda Law still remains. This video shows Russia winning the Gold Medal for anti-gay hate. Uganda, which today enacted a law providing for a sentence of 14 years to life imprisonment for consensual homosexual activity, could easily tie for Gold in Discrimination. Pay special attention to the end of the video, which lists criminal penalities in different countries for being gay.
The vidoe was release two days before the Sochi Winter Olympics began and it quickly went viral with more than million views. The video was produced by Berserk, and released in partnership with the Russia Freedom Fund, Athlete Alley, and CoPilot.
(mew)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New Law in Libya Restricts Free Expression
Libya’s new law could place undue restrictions on freedom of expression and opinion, the United Nations human rights office warned last week while also expressing concern about an increasing number of attacks against journalists in recent months. The warning coincided with the third anniversary of the 2011 Libyan uprising which overthrew Muammar al-Qadhafi and began a democratic transition in the country.
The new Law No. 5 imposes prison sentences on any person “undermining the February 17 Revolution” and for “publicly insulting one of the legislative, executive or judicial authorities.” “Law No. 5 of 2014 certainly appears to go against the spirit of the [revolution],” Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), told reporters in Geneva.
She highlighted that one of the key documents adopted soon after the revolution was the Constitutional Declaration, which states that freedom of opinion, freedom of communication, liberty of the press, printing, publication and mass media, and freedom of assembly shall be guaranteed by the State in accordance with the law. “We call upon the General National Congress to reconsider these legislative amendments to ensure compliance with international human rights standards, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Libya has ratified,” Ms. Shamdasani said.
OHCHR said it is ready to assist authorities in revamping the legislation through its human rights division at the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The UN human rights office also condemned recent violence against journalists in the country and called for impartial, speedy, and effective investigations into the attacks. OHCHR has received reports of “killings, intimidation, abductions and other attacks” against journalists and media workers in the country. Among these, three separate incidents of journalists being abducted in Sabha, Tripoli and Benghazi, and attacks on TV stations Libya Al-Ahrar and al-Aseema in Benghazi and Tripoli respectively.
Looking forward to the beginning of the process of drafting the constitution in Libya, OHCHR said it hopes that Libya will use this opportunity to build upon the commitments made in the Constitutional Declaration and “firmly enshrine human rights principles, including the right to freedom of expression and opinion, in the legal system.”
(adapted from a UN press release)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
New Kenyan Law Denies Property to Women Upon Divorce or Death of Spouse
United Nations human rights experts have urged Kenya to repeal sections of its Marriage and Property Act which effectively strip women of marital property upon divorce or death of their spouse, unless they can prove they made a contribution to the acquisition of the property during their marriage.
"It is expected that very few women will be able to demonstrate such a contribution under the new provisions, since few Kenyan women have land title deeds in their own names and even less hold deeds jointly with men," warned independent expert Frances Raday, who currently heads the UN Working Group on discrimination against women in law and practice. Calling the provisions "serious retrogressive steps" in the protection of women's equal access to land and property, Ms. Raday stressed in a news release issued by the Geneva-based Working Group, that they are also in violation of Kenya's international and regional human rights obligations. "They clearly discriminate against Kenyan women and are squarely at odds with equality provisions enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution."
The Act, which came into force on 16 January 2014, could result in many Kenyan women losing access to the lands where they live and farm. Many rural households in Kenya are headed by women, who rely on the land not only to produce food, but also on the income generated by it to access health care services and educational opportunities for themselves and their families.
"Women will effectively have no security of tenure, or place to live with their children if their husband leaves them or dies, which will also increase their risk of experiencing violence," said Ms. Raday, adding: "The passage of the Act will have a detrimental impact on the right to food, the right to adequate housing and the right to an adequate standard of living for Kenyan women, children and communities."
Ms. Raday's appeal has been endorsed by a host of other UN independent experts, including: Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Magdalena Sepúlveda; the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier De Schutter; the Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, its causes and consequences, Rashida Manjoo, and the Special Rapporteur on adequate housing, Raquel Rolnik.
"We regret the promulgation of this legislation in its current form and urge the Government of Kenya to repeal discriminatory sections of this Act, and to continue with the country's advances towards full equality between men and women as established in the Kenyan Constitution," the group of experts stated.
According to the news release, the Special Rapporteurs have engaged with the Kenyan Government concerning the provisions of the Act in question, and expressed their readiness to assist the authorities in reviewing and bringing the Act into line with international human rights standards.
Special rapporteurs are appointed by the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Council to examine and report back, in an unpaid capacity, on specific human rights themes.
(Adapted from a UN Press Release)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Internet Freedom in Turkey
The United Nations human rights office has expressed concerns about a bill allowing Turkey’s telecommunications authority (Turkish Telecommunications Directorate) the power to block websites without having to seek a court order and to penalize Internet providers if they fail to cooperate. Briefing journalists in Geneva, Rupert Colville, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), said last week that the Office is concerned that the legislation “may lead to breaches of human rights, in particular the right to freedom of expression and opinion, and the right to privacy.”
Law 6518, which contains the amendments, was adopted by the Turkish parliament last week. According to news sources, there is pressure on Turkish President Abdullah Gul, a Twitter user, to not sign it. The law would also require Internet service providers to store data on web users’ activities for two years and make it available to the authorities upon request, without a judicial order.
“The law as it stands appears to be incompatible with Turkey’s international human rights obligations, in particular those related to freedom of expression and the right to privacy,” Mr. Colville said.
Back in May 2013, Turkey enacted Law 5651 which places broad restrictions on Internet use. Since the law came into force, approximately 37,000 websites have reportedly been denied operation by court orders and administrative blocking orders, according to OHCHR.
“We call on the authorities to review laws No.5651 and 6518 to bring them in line with international human rights standards,” Mr. Colville said, “in particular the rights to freedom of expression and opinion, and the right to privacy.”
In 2010, Turkey agreed to “align all articles of the Penal Code and other laws with international standards, particularly with regard to freedom of expression,” as stipulated in its Universal Periodic Review before the Human Rights Council.
The UN General Assembly affirmed last November 2013 that people have the same rights “online” that they do “offline.”
The OHCHR also reiterated its call on authorities to ensure police forces do not resort to excessive use of force and other human rights violations while discharging their duties during demonstrations. The Office originally urged authorities to exercise restraint last summer when protesters expressed their dissatisfaction with the redevelopment of the historic Taksim square, resulting in clashes with police that reportedly led to hundreds of people injured or arrested.
(Adapted from a UN press release)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
UN-AU Agreement on Preventing Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Africa
At the end of January the United Nations and the African Union (AU) signed a landmark agreement on the prevention of and response to conflict-related sexual violence in Africa.
“All good forces must work together to combat the horrible scourge of sexual violence in war and conflict,” said the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Bangura, who co-signed the document with Ambassador Smaïl Chergui, of Algeria, Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union.
The agreement focuses on key areas, such as combating impunity for perpetrators, capacity building and training to enhance the capacity of peacekeepers and security actors. It also strengthens national policies, legislation and institutions working on conflict-related sexual violence.
“National ownership, leadership and responsibility are absolutely essential if we are to protect women and girls, but also men and boys, from these barbaric crimes,” Ms. Bangura said. “I am confident that this framework of cooperation will help us in this fight.” The agreement also emphasizes the importance of services for survivors, empowering women and girls, and countering the stigma of survivors.
The document was signed on 31 January, the final day of the 22nd African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The meeting was attended by leaders from 54 African Member States and UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson who said that “peace, development and human rights, as well as the rule of law, are inextricably linked.” He added that the UN aims to deepen its partnership with the AU, and that Africa will always find a ready and willing partner in the Organization as it progresses on the road of economic development to provide peace, more jobs, greater equality and better living conditions.
(Adapted from a UN press release)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Jessup Results from Armenia
The Russian-Armenian (Slovonic) University has won the 2014 Armenian Rounds of the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. They advance to the White and Case International Rounds to be held in Washington D.C. in April 2014. Jessup is the world's largest moot court competition, with over 550 teacms competiting in 80 countries. Regional and national rounds are now taking place. Read more at the website for the International Law Students Association, which sponsors the Jessup Competition. You can also visit the White and Case Facebook Page for Jessup or the LinkedIn Group for Fans of the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition.
(mew)
February 24, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Sunday, February 23, 2014
University of Sofia Wins Bulgarian Jessup National Competition
Sofia University has won the Bulgarian National Rounds of the Phillip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition. They will represent Bulgaria at the international rounds in Washington D.C. in April.
The Philip C. Jessup Competition is organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). It is the world's largest moot court competition, with over 550 law schools in more than 80 countries around the world. Thousands of law students from around the world have worked on this year's Jessup Problem, which for 2014 concerns the conflict between maritime development and environmental conservation, criminal jurisdiction, and maritime salvage rights for underwater cultural heritage. More information about the Jessup Competition and the International Law Students Association is available by clicking here.
Hat tip to Nick Ouzonov
(mew)
February 23, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
University of Buffalo Wins Jessup U.S. Midwest Regional Round
The State University of New York at Buffalo Law School won the U.S. Midwest Regional Rounds of the Philip C. Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition earlier today.
Loyola Univesity of Chicago Law School was the runner-up of the Midwest Region.
Both teams advance to the international rounds that will be held in Washington D.C. from April 7-12, 2014.
Twenty-one teams competed in the U.S. Midwest Regional Rounds, which were hosted at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. The final round was heard in the Arthur Goldberg Courtroom, named for a former professor of The John Marshall Law School who later became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice and then resigned from that lifetime appointment to become the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Judges on the final round (pictured here, from left to right) Professor M. Cherif Bassiouni (DePaul University College of Law), Professor Mark E. Wojcik (The John Marshall Law School-Chicago), and Mr. Rohit Kapuria, an attorney with the Philadelphia office of Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP.
The Philip C. Jessup Competition is organized by the International Law Students Association (ILSA). It is the world's largest moot court competition, with over 550 law schools in more than 80 countries around the world. Thousands of law students from around the world have worked on this year's Jessup Problem, which for 2014 concerns the conflict between maritime development and environmental conservation, criminal jurisdiction, and maritime salvage rights for underwater cultural heritage. More information about the Jessup Competition and the International Law Students Association is available by clicking here, including information on how to support the good work of ILSA and the Jessup Competion.
Hat tip to Professor Ardath Hamann, the Moot Court Board of The John Marshall Law School, and to Joe Terrenzio, Jessup Coordinator for the International Law Students Association.
(mew)
February 23, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Congratulations to Professor Daryl Lim
Professor Daryl Lim of The John Marshall Law School in Chicago is a graduate of the National University of Singapore Faculty of Law, the London School of Economics, and Stanford Law School. He teaches intellectual property law and antitrust law and his scholarship has been published in leading law reviews in the United States, Europe, and Asia. His work is often cited, including in reports of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). His latest publication is Patent Misuse and Antitrust: Empirical, Doctrinal and Policy Perspectives, published by Edward Elgar Publishing.
Professor Lim is pictured here with some of the faculty colleagues who attended a book signing event held ealier today. From left to right are Professors William Ford, Jason Kilborn, Kim Chanbonpin, Karen Halverson Cross, Daryl Lim, Stuart Ford, and Mark Wojcik.
(mew)
February 20, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
World Day of Social Justice
In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed February 20 as the World Day of Social Justice. In 2008, the International Labor Organization adopted the Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. The Declaration focuses on guaranteeing fair outcomes for all through employment, social protection, social dialogue, and fundamental principles and rights at work.
The UN is urging a recommitment to efforts to eradicate poverty, promote full employment and decent work, achieve gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all in honor of the day. In the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon:
"As we seek to build the world we want, let us intensify our efforts to achieve a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable development path built on dialogue, transparency and social justice."
For more information on the World Day of Social Justice, click here.
(cgb)
February 20, 2014 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
