Secretary General, Amnesty International. Ex Special Rapporteur on ExtraJudicial Executions (2016-2021). Ex Columbia Univ. Tweets on human rights. Views my own.
US veto of ceasefire resolution displays callous disregard for civilian suffering in face of staggering death toll. It is morally indefensible, a dereliction of the US duty to prevent atrocity crimes and a complete lack of global leadership. Just appalling
We have lost a friend and colleague: Rushdi Saraj, who worked with
@Amnesty
on a short film, was murdered today in an Israeli air strike. Rushdi was a talented film maker and a journalist - another victim of Israel bombing of Gaza
Petit cours de rattrapage a l’attention du Gouvernement de
#France
@GDarmanin
@EmmanuelMacron
: 1. le droit de manifester publiquement est une liberté fondamentale. Toute personne a le droit inaliénable de prendre part à des rassemblements pacifiques.
#IsraelPalestine
#Iraq
: The targeted killings of Qasem Soleiman and Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis are most lokely unlawful and violate international human rights law: Outside the context of active hostilities, the use of drones or other means for targeted killing is almost never likely to be legal (1)
Evacuation?? BUT WHERE? There is nowhere to go to.
@amnesty
is reiterating that Palestinians in Gaza are at grave risk of genocide. The international community has an obligation to act to prevent genocide.
I have written to Vladimir Putin over Aleksei
#Navalny
arbitrary arrest and deteriorating health condition. There is a real prospect that
#Russia
is subjecting him to a slow death. He must be granted immediate access to a medical doctor he trusts and he must be freed
#FreeNavalny
Sickening heartless decision of the richest countries in the world to punish the most vulnerable population on earth because of the alleged crimes of 12 people. Right after the ICJ ruling finding risk of genocide. Sickening.
We appeal to donors not to suspend their funding to
@UNRWA
at this critical moment. Cutting off funding will only hurt the people of
#Gaza
who desperately need support.
We
@Amnesty
have recorded the names of at least 100 persons, including 16 children, killed by security forces in Sistan and Baluchistan province since 30 September.
@UN_HRC
must help break systemic impunity by establishing an independent investigative and accountability mechanism
On my way back from Oslo
#NobelPeacePrize
thinking of
@mariaressa
and Dmitry Moratov returning to lawsuits, harassment and possible imprisonment, recalling their and other journalists' courageous struggles, past, present and future, so that we can be well, factually informed.
20 mois de travail sur le traitement en
#Chine
des minorités ethniques musulmanes du
#Xinjiang
; 100 pages de preuves détaillées de crimes contre l'humanité, de violations massives des droits humains et d'une realite dystopique effarante.
Ukrainian and Russian social media mobs and trolls: they are all at it today attacking
@amnesty
investigations. This is called war propaganda, disinformation, misinformation. This wont dent our impartiality and wont change the facts.
@amnesty
has documented tirelessly Russia aggression, war crimes in Ukraine: Today we report on Ukraine tactics endangering civilians. To those who attack us alleging biases against Ukraine, I say: check our work. We stand by all victims. Impartially
Deadliest period for journalists since CPJ began tracking in 1992. From October 7-27, at least 29 journalists have been killed in addition to harassment, detentions and other reporting obstructions
And now: communications blackout, that is news blackout
Several of these verified photos show M825 and M825A1 artillery shells, which are also labelled D528, the US Department of Defense Identification Code (DODIC) for white phosphorus-based rounds.
@Amnesty
gathered compelling evidence documenting the use of white phosphorus artillery shells by the Israeli army in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza, many of which may be considered unlawful indiscriminate attacks.
My latest public statement, calling on the Government of
#India
to take all necessary measures to protect journalist
@RanaAyyub
following campaign of death threats
They killed him. I am heartbroken. I am thinking of his wife and kids, his friends and colleagues. RIP courageous
#AlexeiNavalny
. May you find many wonderful rivers to swim in.
Congratulations to Ezra Acayan whose photo of the
#Philippines
deadly war on drugs wins 2nd prize in the World Press Photo Award. It stands for all the killings, state sponsored, state induced, state condoned, state ignored, in the Philippines and elsewhere.
The cries of people in Iran for justice have been heard by the
@UN_HRC
! This landmark UN fact-finding mission marks long-awaited turning point in tackling systematic impunity by the Iranian authorities.
#MahsaAmini
#Iranprotests
Men, women and children seeking safety are shot at; their boats pushed back towards High Seas. This is not Europe 1940 firing at refugees escaping Nazism. This is not the MS St Louis and its 900 Jewish passengers denied entry by the US & Canada in 1939. This is EUROPE IN 2020.
PHOTOS | Filipinos launch a day of protest to condemn the attack on press freedom after the denial of franchise to tv network ABSCBN. The event is also in support of the 4 Supreme Court petitions to junk the Anti-Terrorism Bill.
#DefendPressFreedom
#JunkTerrorLaw
SUPERBE news from the UK!
#Assange
will not be extradited to the US. This was the only valid decision under international human rights law. All my respects to
@NilsMelzer
@rebecca_vincent
and many others who have campaigned tirelessly for such an outcome.
@Amnesty
is deeply alarmed by the mounting civilian death tolls in Gaza, Israel and the occupied West Bank and urgently call on all parties to the conflict to abide by international law and make every effort to avoid further civilian bloodshed.
Ezra Acayan is the Winner of the 2017 Istanbul Photo Award for young photographer. Ginnalyn Soriano weeps over the body of her elder brother Julius, killed by the police in the context of the
#Philippines
war on drugs.
Aleksei Navalny was subjected to
#Novichok
poisoning. Few have survived it. His medical condition requires specialized care. Instead he is subjected to prison conditions, such a sleep deprivation amounting to torture.
#FreeNavalny
@amnesty
is redoubling its efforts campaigning for specialised medical care and the immediate release of Alexei
#Navalny
. Please JOIN US. He has committed no recognisable criminal offence and has been deprived of liberty because he is outspoken critic of the Russian authorities
The root causes of these repeated cycles of violence must be addressed as a matter of urgency. This requires upholding international law and ending Israel’s 16-year-long illegal blockade on Gaza, and all other aspects of Israel’s system of apartheid imposed on all Palestinians.
Farewell Benjamin Ferencz. The longest-living Nuremberg prosecutor. The tireless fighter for international law and accountability. A role model for so many of us. A man of steel, deep integrity, resilience, and such kindness. A giant.
The
@ICC
Prosecution has found that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the Crime Against Humanity of Murder was committed from at least 1 July 2016 to 16 March 2019 in the context of the
#Philippine
government’s “war on drugs” campaign
Palestinians protesters in occupied East Jerusalem faced repeated, unwarranted and excessive force by the Police. Direct cause: threats of forced eviction in
#SheikhJarrah
. Forcible transfer of the occupied population is a war crime under the Rome Statute
The international community must Call for a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to create a UN investigative and accountability mechanism on Iran government and religious authorities far too many crimes against the Iranian people
The notorious
#Evinprison
in Iran is reported to be on fire with gunshots heard. This must be terrifying. Lets recall that the authorities have the legal obligation to respect and protect the lives and well being of all the prisoners.
#JamalKhashoggi
: We know who killed him. We know who ordered his killing. We know who cleaned the crime scene. We know who and what surveilled him before his killing. We have the identity of every one of these men. And yet, 4 years on: impunity prevails. WHY?
I do not recall the
@ICRC
issuing such sharp public statements in relation to the conduct of warfare by one party to the conflict. "Even wars have limits." These limits have been transgressed. Shattered. With the blessing of many countries.
#Gaza
The human suffering is shocking. Thousands killed. People have limited access to food & water.
Hospitals are near collapse. Hospital corridors are full of wounded & displaced.
Destroyed infrastructure & homes will take years to rebuild.
❌ Even wars have limits.
Unbelievable… There is a serious risk of genocide and in response the US is proposing to airdrop supplies, while continuing to arm the perpetrator that has engineered the so-called humanitarian crisis, and continuing to veto ceasefire.
My latest reflections on
#Gaza
: Today’s diplomatic complicity in the catastrophic human rights and humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the culmination of years of erosion of the international rule of law and global human rights system.
Our joint
@Amnesty
@hrw
report: “WE WILL ERASE YOU FROM THIS LAND” - Amhara security forces rounded up Tigrayans in Western Tigray and forcibly transferred them east, towards Northwestern Tigray.
Why the sentence today is anything BUT Justice for
#JamalKhashoggi
: a) the hearings were held behind closed door even though none of the justification for holding a trial in camera under international law applied to this particular trial
Horrific: reportedly 100s of patients and medical workers killed in bombing of Baptist Hospital al-Ahli in Gaza. This is the cost of the US and EU unreserved support for Israel: more civilians killed; more war crimes; more, more, more.
Extraordinary protests in Iran; extraordinary courage of these women and men, burning headscarves, standing up to a brutal police, to excessive use of force, including lethal. In memory of Mahsa Amini who died in custody. Because of a loose hijab.
#NobelPeacePrize
2023: Iranian guests broke the protocol and offer an impromptu Persian Song. We are told that Narges Mohammadi and her cellmates are doing just that right now; singing to celebrate her Nobel prize.
NEW:
@Amnesty
calls for an immediate ceasefire by all parties in the occupied
#Gaza
Strip and Israel to prevent further loss of civilian lives
"In the face of such unprecedented devastation and suffering, humanity must prevail"
Many thanks
@NazaninBoniadi
for your incredible work. Let's hope indeed the
@UN_HRC
does the right thing and establish an international investigatory mechanism.
A year ago
@amnesty
Sec. General
@AgnesCallamard
& I called on
@UN_HRC
member states to support creation of impartial mechanism to collect, analyze, consolidate &preserve evidence of the most serious crimes committed in Iran.
Tomorrow, I hope they agree.
The decision of Israel NOT to investigate a murder is an additional violation of Shireen right to life, a clear violation of Israel obligation under international law. One amongst many. This is what repression and domination look like. Some lives simply dont matter:
#Apartheid
A journalist was murdered. An icon. She was shot while reporting. She wore a body armour and a helmet. Yet she was shot lethally. In which country will authorities conclude there is no suspicion of a criminal act? End
#Israelapartheid
While the international community is busy pretending Gaza is a humanitarian crisis, Israel continues to violate international law in total impunity. Humanitarian assistance air drop and a Gaza aid port won't address these violations. And they wont address engineered starvation.
At least one
@UNRWA
staff member was killed and another 22 were injured when Israeli Forces hit a food distribution centre in the eastern part of
#Rafah
south of the📍
#GazaStrip
Full Statement ⬇️
At least eight people were killed by Iran’s security forces as they again opened fire on mourners and protesters in at least four provinces. All member states of the UN Human Rights Council must take decisive action now and immediately convene a special session on Iran
We are calling on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution to ensure unimpeded access to life-saving humanitarian aid and secure the safe release of hostages.
#CeasefireForGazaNOW
Our campaign ran today in the
@nytimes
and the
@guardian
@amnesty
has documented tirelessly Russia aggression, war crimes in Ukraine: Today we report on Ukraine tactics endangering civilians. To those who attack us alleging biases against Ukraine, I say: check our work. We stand by all victims. Impartially
#Pentagon
statement on targeted killing of
#suleimani
: 1. It mentions that it aimed at “deterring future Iranian attack plans”. This however is very vague. Future is not the same as imminent which is the time based test required under international law. (1)
Ethiopia is engaged in ethnic cleansing and other atrocities in Western Tigray: Immediate actions are required to put an end to the abuses and to impunity. This includes the deployment of an AU-led international peacekeeping force to protect civilians.
What we are witnessing in
#Afghanistan
is a tragedy that should have been foreseen and averted. They had 20 years to plan for the protection of civil society on the frontline of a war for universal values. And this is what we get? Scenes of utter chaos.
Extraordinary statement by a Head of State (and we have had many this week at the UN): my “only” sin is
#EJK
. Translation: my only sin is imposing unthinkable sufferings on 1000s of vulnerable families, emboldening corrupt policing, destroying rule of law
The Israeli government must refrain from inciting violence and tensions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, especially around religious sites.
@Amnesty
calls on the international community to urgently intervene to protect civilians and prevent further suffering.
C’est honteux. Et c’est grave. Derriere cet amendement: La bêtise, l’ignorance, l’arrogance des nantis et des privilégiés de l’histoire, les préjugés, les discriminations.
Les sénateurs adoptent un « amendement UNEF » honteux, permettant de dissoudre les associations faisant des réunions non mixtes racisées. Même les groupes EELV, PCF et PS ont voté cela: une victoire pour l'extrême droite. via
@lemondefr
This is just devastating. Relentless. Entire families, children, doctors. Without warning, an Israeli air strike destroyed the four-storey building in the Gaza Strip where Dr Ayman Abu al-Ouf lived. A Covid19 expert. "His death is a catastrophe"
.
@amnesty
too received disturbing reports of IDF snipers targeting and killing people in the Latin Church. Places of worship are sanctuaries. Those targeted are civilians who have lost everything and have nowhere to go. Because nowhere is safe in Gaza.
#Ceasefirenow
The two murdered Christian women at the Latin Church in Gaza by an Israeli sniper are Nahida Anton and her daughter Samar Anton. Their home (below) was destroyed earlier last month by an Israeli air strike. Their numbers are added to the other 20,000 civilians murdered in the…
Seriously
@Twitter
?
@RanaAyyub
has spoken truth to power, denouncing hatred, discrimination, religious violence - and for these, you are silencing her? Shame.
Long thread on the human rights situation in the
#Philippines
. My heart cries out for
#ZaraAlvarez
, for her family, her friends, her colleagues, the people she served. WHAT WILL IT TAKE FOR THESE KILLINGS TO STOP? HOW MUCH MORE SORROW, GRIEF, PAIN CAN THE PEOPLE ENDURE?
The test for so-called anticipatory self-defence is very narrow: it must be a necessity that is “instant, overwhelming, and leaving no choice of means, and no moment of deliberation”. This test is unlikely to be met in these particular cases. (6)
Egyptian "citizens" attempted to derail and disturb the press conference, giving us all a small sense of the regime of fears and silencing in the country right now.
Full room for Sanaa's press conference on the fate of her brother Alaa Abdel Fatah, unjustly imprisoned by the Egypt government. Civil society organizations at
#COP27
and around the world are demanding that
@AlsisiOfficial
releases him immediately, we are demanding
#savealaa
A la veille de sa visite officielle en France, quelques faits sur Mohammed Bin Salman - le prince de la Honte, un prince meurtrier, un presque-roi qui réprime et assassine.
Many thanks to
@CNN
for corroborating that the two private jets HZ-SK1 and HZ-SK2 which brought the Saudi killing team to Istanbul are owned by the Saudi Crown and MBS.
For the
#Philippines
, the families of the 1000s of victims, the activists and journalists who relentlessly, despite all the risks, uncovered massive unlawful killings and impunity, denounced State incitement and demanded justice: the
#ICC
decision means vindication and hope
Thinking of all my friends and colleagues in
@Amnesty_UA
and all over
#Ukraine
on the front line of yet again a war in Europe. Diplomacy has failed thus far. Bombs are falling. Civilians will die. Are dying. There will be devastating consequences for human rights in the region
In other words, whoever targeted these two men would need to demonstrate that the persons targeted constitute(d) an imminent threat to others. An individual’s past involvement in “terrorist” attacks is not sufficient to make his targeting for killing lawful. (3)
OMG I am so so excited! dearest Maria There could not have been a better recipient for the
@NobelPrize
@mariaressa
CONGRATULATIONS! to you and Dmitry Muratov. And thank you to the Nobel Committee for recognising Press Freedom, and those on its frontline.
To be justified under international human rights law, intentionally lethal or potentially lethal force can only be used where strictly necessary to protect against an imminent threat to life. (2)
La société civile Afghane, les defenseurs/es, les activistes, tous ceux/toutes celles qui ont défendu les droits et les valeurs démocratiques pendant 20 ans doivent faire face au Taliban SEUL-E-S.
Mais ce qui préoccupe le Président, c'est le risque des flux migratoires.
The outcome of
#Iran
"election" was predictable. But nevertheless, that
#EbrahimRaisi
has risen to the presidency instead of being investigated for the crimes against humanity of murder, enforced disappearance and torture, is a grim reminder that impunity reigns supreme in Iran
A travesty of justice; a tragedy for the Philippines; but not the end of the fight and solidarity with and for
@mariaressa
and
#pressfreedom
. Dearest friend, I am appalled, angry, and so much in awe with your courage.
BREAKING NEWS. The Manila Trial Court convicts Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa and former researcher-writer Rey Santos Jr of cyber libel.
Soon on
#DefendPressFreedom
#CourageON
#HoldTheLine
Furthermore, drone killing of anyone other than the target (family members or others in the vicinity, for example) would be an arbitrary deprivation of life under human rights law and could result in State responsibility and individual criminal liability. (4)
These deaths are unlawful, the result of acts by Israel authorities which engineered famine. They knew the likely outcome of their actions but persisted. Over weeks and months. And all States that cut UNRWA funding, sold weapons and supported Israel bear responsibility too.
At least 10 children have reportedly died because of dehydration and malnutrition in Kamal Adwan Hospital in the Northern Gaza Strip in recent days.
Statement by
@AdeleKhodr
, on malnourished babies in
#Gaza
slowly perishing under the world’s gaze:
1/ The
#SaudiArabia
threat against me was brazen, it took place in a high level diplomatic setting and it was made public, confirmed by the UN. But such threats, far greater daily intimidation and violence stalk all those on the front lines of human rights advocacy.
Western diplomat tells me credible charges by UN officials that a senior
#Saudi
govt representative attempted to intimidate
#UN
investigator into
#Khashoggi
murder with threat merit an investigation
@AgnesCallamard
@UNHumanRights
Unprecedented cease fire call from a dozen International NGOs today at the Paris humanitarian conference for Gaza. We are all united in demanding, urging, pleading for a cease-fire now.
#CeasefireNOW
🔴 Conférence internationale humanitaire pour la population civile à Gaza
Nous sommes réunies avec d'autres ONGs humanitaires et de défense des droits humains pour réagir aux mesures annoncées ce matin par les chefs d'États.
Devastating. For Julian Assange whose rights have been violated and continue to be violated at every step.
For press freedom and for the public, who have a right to know. A Dangerous precedent
Ukrainian fighting tactics endanger civilians. The authorities should immediately locate its forces away from populated areas, or evacuate civilians from where the military is operating. Such tactics though do not in any way justify Russia war crimes.
#SaudiArabia
had repeatedly proven it will not deliver justice for
#JamalKhashoggi
. This is the last piece to the Saudi impunity puzzle, the final act of the parody of justice played in front of a global audience. The killers will walk free. Exonerated.
.
@Amnesty
has called for the
@IntlCrimCourt
investigation into Israel/OPT opened in 2021, to progress rapidly. States must lend their unconditional/unequivocal support to the ICC. Israel should cooperate with the investigation by providing access to the Prosecutor’s team.
#ICC
Prosecutor
@KarimKhanQC
was at the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip this weekend.
Watch his remarks on the current situation in Israel and the State of Palestine. 👇
“If Julian Assange ends up in a maximum security prison in the US... every other journalist around the world will think, ‘Should I really report this information I’ve been given? Should I really speak out about this denial of human rights or miscarriage of justice in any country?
One more lawsuit denouncing arms export to Israel. Today
@amnesty
Denmark, Oxfam Denmark, MS Action Aid Denmark, and Al-Haq filed a lawsuit against Denmark authorities for failing to comply with their obligations under international law
I suspect it took the key parties more time to reach agreement over the wording of the statement than actually investigate the killing. Intention matters but its possible absence does not absolve Israel of its responsibilities. Far from it
#ShireenAbuAkleh
“Bloody Friday” of Iran: At least 66 people, including children were killed on 30 September, the deadliest day on record since protests started spreading across Iran nearly three weeks ago.
Priti Patel's decision may not be surprising but it is to be denounced. Extraditing Julian Assange to the US would put him at great risk, including of torture through solitary confinement, and sends a chilling message to journalists the world over.
j) Bottom line: the hit-men are guilty, sentenced to death. The masterminds not only walk free. They have barely been touched by the investigation and the trial. That is the antithesis of Justice. It is a mockery.
COME ON Pent
#Duterte
, other leaders in the world: Breaking a
#curfew
, violating
#lockdown
does NOT justify lethal force under Intl law. Further for millions curfews and lockdown are more threatening to their dignity/wellbeing even than the virus itself
Israel has a horrific track record of committing war crimes with impunity in previous wars on Gaza. Palestinian armed groups from Gaza must refrain from targeting civilians & using indiscriminate weapons as they have done and most intensively now, acts amounting to war crimes
They call it
#Omicron
. I call it
#Greed
. They call it a new variant. I call it timeworn inequality. We won’t beat this pandemic until everyone has access to a vaccine.
The courage and resilience of the
#Philippines
people & civil society amaze me: 2 ex-officials and fishermen filed a complaint against
#China
Pent Xi Jinping before the ICC for crimes against humanity over environmental damage in the South China Sea ?
The use of drones on the territory of other States has also been justified on the basis of self-defence. Under customary international law States can take military action if the threatened attack is imminent, no other means would deflect it, and the action is proportionate (5)
#HRC51
extended the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on
#Ethiopia
to continue documenting violations of human rights and humanitarian law. Ethiopia must give full access to the Commission and fully support its work
Unimaginable loss. Our world in 2023. Our world in 2024.
@msalem66
from
@reuters
photo wins
@WorldPressPhoto
of the Year.
It shows Inas Abu Maamar (36) cradling the body of her niece Saly (5) who was killed, along with her mother and sister, when an Israeli missile struck…