Pope Francis urged respect for human rights in Sri Lanka as he began a two-nation Asia tour on the island Tuesday, bearing a message of peace and reconciliation after a decades-long civil war. His visit, days after the surprise election of a new president, will focus on unity in a country struggling to heal the wounds of a 37-year conflict that pitted troops against Tamil separatists. The Argentine pope's second visit to Asia will also take in the Philippines, a bastion of Christianity in the region, where he is set to attract one of the biggest-ever gatherings for a head of the Catholic Church. But in mostly Buddhist Sri Lanka, which has seen a rise in religious violence in recent years, he will focus on the role of the Church in a diverse society. "The great work of rebuilding must embrace... promoting human dignity, respect for human rights, and the full inclusion of each member of society," the pope said on his arrival in a wind-swept Colombo. Human rights are a hugely … [Read more...] about Pope urges respect for human rights on Sri Lanka trip
Tamil nadu state human rights commission
UN human rights chief urges murder inquiry into Duterte’s killing claim
President Rodrigo Duterte claims he killed three people as mayor of Davao City and has commanded thousands of killings in his war on drugs. The United Nations human rights commission has urged the Philippines to launch murder investigations into President Rodrigo Duterte claims he killed three people as mayor of Davao City and all killings in his war on drugs. Since July when Duterte assumed the presidency, there had been 6,000 people killed in the government's war on drugs, about a third died in police anti-narcotics operations and the rest by motorcycle-riding masked men and vigilante groups. Duterte told a gathering of businessmen last week that as mayor of Davao City he "personally" killed criminals as he prowled the streets. He later admitted killing three men, who were involved in a kidnapping case, during a police gunfight in late 1980s. "The Philippines judicial authorities must demonstrate their commitment to upholding the law and their independence from the executive … [Read more...] about UN human rights chief urges murder inquiry into Duterte’s killing claim
Vietnam pursues policy to protect human rights
Vietnam was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UN HRC ), the 2014-2016 tenure, on November 12 with 184 approval votes out of 193, the highest among 14 countries elected to the 47-member council this time. On this occasion, and to mark International Day for Human Rights (December 10), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who is a member of the Party Central Committee, wrote a news article on the country’s achievements in protecting and promoting human rights, as well as on its contributions to international cooperation in this field. The Deputy PM and FM affirmed that Vietnam’s bid to join the Human Rights Council has its roots in the consistent policy of the Party and State on protecting and promoting human rights and actively participating in international cooperation in this field. Vietnam’s election to the UN HRC with such a high vote is of great significance. First of all, it is the international community’s … [Read more...] about Vietnam pursues policy to protect human rights
The Human Rights Council UPR working group approves the Vietnam National Report
(VOVworld)- The 18th session of the Human Rights Council UPR working group on Friday approved the Vietnam National Report. Delegates praised Vietnam ’s cooperation, responsibility and efficiency in the report finalization. Speaking at the session, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Ha Kim Ngoc said Vietnam was appreciative of comments and recommendations by dialogue countries and emphasized the importance of the UPR in the review of member states’ human rights and to improve mutual understanding on the issue. He said Vietnam will analyze all inputs and advise member countries about its approval of the recommendation at the 26th session of the Human Rights Council this June. … [Read more...] about The Human Rights Council UPR working group approves the Vietnam National Report
Viet Nam celebrates human rights progress
Religious harmony: A new pagoda in a densely populated Catholic community in Nam Dinh Province. Two churches can be seen in the background. — VNS Photo Truong Vi After Viet Nam's election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh affirmed that the country had made spectacular progress protecting and promoting human rights in the course of its development. Viet Nam was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the 2014-16 tenure, on November 12 with 184 approval votes out of 193, the highest among 14 countries elected to the 47-member council this time. On this occasion, and to mark International Day for Human Rights (December 10), Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, who is a member of the Party Central Committee, wrote an article on the country's achievements in protecting and promoting human rights, as well as on its contributions to international cooperation in this field. The Deputy … [Read more...] about Viet Nam celebrates human rights progress