Russia's bid to rejoin the UN Human Rights Council despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has raised important questions about the credibility and effectiveness of the council. Now, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is reviewing Russia's child rights record, shedding light on further human rights concerns in the country [366773d8].
Human Rights Watch has submitted a report to the committee, focusing on the rights to education, information, and freedom of expression in the context of Russia's war on Ukraine. The report highlights the damage and destruction of schools in Ukraine due to the conflict, the displacement of children, and the use of schools for military purposes by Russian forces. It also raises concerns about the Russian education system in occupied Ukrainian territories, the dissemination of disinformation, and the violation of children's rights based on sexual orientation and gender identity [366773d8].
The report calls on the Russian government to cease unlawful attacks on civilians, protect schools from military use, ensure access to unbiased information, and repeal discriminatory laws against LGBT people. This review by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child adds to the mounting international pressure on Russia to address its human rights violations [366773d8].
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has had severe humanitarian consequences, with children being particularly vulnerable. The review of Russia's child rights record provides an opportunity to shed light on the situation and hold the country accountable for its actions. It also underscores the importance of addressing human rights violations in the midst of geopolitical conflicts [366773d8].
A small group of Ukrainian child survivors of war will address a private session of the UN Security Council on Friday. The children, including Kira, 14, and Ilya, 11, will share their personal stories in an effort to remind Americans of the human costs of the conflict. Ukraine's prosecutor general estimates that 528 children have been killed and 2,134 are missing since the invasion began almost two years ago. Another 19,500 are believed to have been abducted and taken to Russia. The children's visit to the US is also aimed at raising awareness of Ukraine's fight for democracy and freedom. They hope to gather support for a petition calling on the UN to demand that Russia repatriates the abducted children [05fecf31].
In Indonesia, the UN Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) has expressed profound concern regarding the systematic occurrence of gross human rights violations against the Papuan people. The committee highlighted the lack of investigation and accountability for past human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The UNHRC also raised concerns about the lack of information and publicity regarding Indonesia's human rights violations. The committee provided recommendations to Indonesia's government, urging it to intensify efforts to eradicate impunity and guarantee accountability for past human rights violations. The UNHRC advised Indonesia to ensure that the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) receives adequate support and resources to effectively defend human rights. The committee also recommended Indonesia to prioritize the prompt investigation of all human rights violations, provide updates and information to families and victims, and ensure full reparations proportionate to the gravity of the damage [ef43d666].
In conclusion, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child is reviewing Russia's child rights record, focusing on education, freedom of expression, and the forcible transfer of children. The report submitted by Human Rights Watch highlights concerns about the impact of the conflict in Ukraine on children and calls on the Russian government to take action to protect their rights. This review adds to the international pressure on Russia to address its human rights violations [366773d8]. Meanwhile, Ukrainian children who have lost loved ones in the war are addressing the UN Security Council to share their personal stories and raise awareness of the human costs of the conflict. They also seek support for a petition urging the UN to demand the repatriation of abducted children [05fecf31]. Additionally, the UNHRC has expressed concern over human rights violations against the Papuan people in Indonesia, calling for accountability and reparations [ef43d666].