News Clips- December 2, 2016

SG addresses the SC. VOTE: 15-0-0 Security Council meeting - Non-proliferation/Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

The UN Security Council meets on non-proliferation in the DPRK
Credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elias

Civil Society

  • Reports indicate that Facebook has developed a censorship software to use in the Chinese market. [Guardian]
  • The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders denounced the numerous travel bans imposed on human rights activists in Egypt. [OHCHR Press Release]
  • Ahead of elections in Gambia that took place on Thursday, President Jammeh banned international phone calls, internet usage, and demonstrations. [Guardian]
  • Merera Gudina, an opposition leader in Ethiopia, was arrested in his home this week after returning from a meeting with members of the European Parliament. [Al Jazeera]
  • The family of Jian Tianyong, a human rights defender in China, stated this week that they believe authorities may have detained him. [Guardian]
  • Authorities have continued to use force against indigenous persons in the United States protesting against the construction of a pipeline. [Guardian]

Armed Conflict and Violence

  • UN representatives this week said Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar may be the victims of crimes against humanity. [Al Jazeera]
  • With recent reports of extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances, and torture in Burundi, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on the government to allow a UN police convey to monitor the situation. [UN News Centre]
  • Activists in Syria reported this week that 21 people died after an area housing displaced persons was bombed. [Washington Post]

Politics

  • In response to new United Nations Security Council sanctions, North Korea has stated that it will pursue a “tough” response. [Al Jazeera]
  • As of this week, Canada no longer requires visas for individuals visiting from Mexico. [Guardian]
  • The Colombian senate approved this week the new peace accord negotiated between the Colombian government and the Farc. [BBC]

Activities of Human Rights Bodies and States