Photo credit: news.un.org
Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, an extremist group linked with Al-Qaeda, has taken responsibility for a recent attack in Burkina Faso that occurred on August 24. Meanwhile, a separate incident in Pakistan on Wednesday has been attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).
Ben Saul, the UN-appointed Human Rights Council Special Rapporteur dedicated to safeguarding human rights while combating terrorism, has called on both nations to thoroughly investigate these violent incidents and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice through fair legal processes.
“All counter-terrorism efforts carried out by law enforcement, military, and security personnel must adhere to human rights regulations and applicable international humanitarian law,” Saul emphasized, outlining rights such as the right to life, protection against arbitrary detention, and freedom from torture and other cruel treatment.
Support for Victims
In addition to urging investigations, Mr. Saul encouraged the governments of Burkina Faso and Pakistan to provide aid and support to the victims of these attacks.
“I urge Burkina Faso to reinstate its collaboration with the global community to restore public safety, tackle the factors contributing to instability, and uphold international humanitarian standards,” he stated.
Furthermore, Mr. Saul has shared recommendations with both governments regarding ways to assist the victims and mitigate the violence of terrorism.
Special Rapporteurs, who operate independently of governments or the UN, are tasked with observing and reporting on diverse human rights issues. Their role is critical as they contribute to the monitoring of global human rights situations without receiving a salary from the UN.
Severe Conditions in Yemen Following Catastrophic Flooding
Turning to Yemen, the UN refugee agency UNHCR has raised concerns regarding the dire consequences of catastrophic flooding that has exacerbated the plight of millions who have already been displaced due to ongoing conflict in the region.
According to reports, flooding triggered by the collapse of three dams from heavy rainfall in the Al Mahweet governorate has severely impacted communities.
In the last month alone, confirmed fatalities rose to at least 97, with numerous others suffering injuries. UNHCR estimates that over 56,000 homes have been affected across 20 governorates, resulting in the displacement of more than 1,000 families.
The areas most significantly impacted include Hudaydah, Hajjah, Al-Taweela, and Marib.
“Impassable roads are isolating affected areas and hindering rescue efforts,” the UN agency noted.
Growing Needs and Food Insecurity
Recent evaluations by UNHCR reveal that approximately 85 percent of families in displaced and host communities in Yemen are currently unable to meet their essential food requirements.
“Many have resorted to extreme measures, such as decreasing meal sizes or entirely skipping meals,” the organization highlighted, stressing that “entire families” are now facing severe hunger on a daily basis in Yemen.
The prolonged conflict involving government forces and opposing factions, especially the Houthi rebels, has led to one of the gravest humanitarian crises in the world, with over 18 million individuals—including 4.5 million displaced persons—urgently requiring humanitarian aid. This population also includes more than 60,000 refugees and asylum seekers from the Horn of Africa.
Focused Attention on Human Rights Violations in Libya’s Tarhuna
In Libya, the UN human rights office OHCHR has issued warnings regarding mass killings, sexual violence, and abductions that took place in the city of Tarhuna since 2013, calling attention to ongoing impunity which threatens stability in the region.
A recent report by UN rights investigators details the brutal actions of an armed group in Tarhuna that gained power in 2011, following the fall of former President Muammar Gaddafi. This group, known as the Al-Kaniyat fighters, reportedly inflicted severe human rights violations on the local population, including torture and forced displacement.
Challenges in Achieving Justice
During a presentation in Geneva, OHCHR spokesperson Seif Magango expressed that the “failure to deliver justice” has facilitated renewed violence and serious rights violations both in Tarhuna and surrounding regions. This assertion is corroborated by a previous report commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council.
“The 2022 Fact-Finding Mission report revealed evidence of crimes in Tarhuna, including the discovery of mass graves containing numerous human remains, many of which were found handcuffed, blindfolded, and showing signs of torture,” he stated.
Additionally, Mr. Magango pointed out that the integration of Al-Kaniyat into both the former Government of National Accord and subsequently the Libyan National Army has posed significant obstacles to achieving accountability and justice for the victims.
Source
news.un.org