Peacekeepers of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (archive photo). Main news of the day | Thursday: Middle East, Kyrgyzstan, Russia UN
Main news of the day in the UN and in the world: UNIFIL peacekeepers were wounded as a result of Israeli shelling in Lebanon, the UN called on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to review the sentence of journalists, the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on human rights in Russia was extended for another year, Israeli forces and Palestinian groups are responsible for torture and violence.
UN peacekeepers in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) opened fire on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon early Thursday morning, the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said. UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura and nearby positions were repeatedly hit, the UN mission said in a statement. UNIFIL said two peacekeepers received non-life-threatening injuries and remain in hospital after an IDF tank fired at an observation tower at the mission’s headquarters in Naqoura.
Journalists Sentenced in Kyrgyzstan
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has expressed concern that two journalists in Kyrgyzstan, Azamat Ishenbekov and Makhabat Tazhibek kyzy, have been sentenced to five and six years in prison respectively on charges of “inciting mass unrest.” According to the OHCHR, there are concerns about due process. Two other journalists in the same case were given three-year suspended sentences. The OHCHR called on the authorities to review the case in line with international standards. While seven participants were acquitted, it remains problematic that a total of 11 journalists were arbitrarily detained for doing their work, the UN Office said.
Human Rights in Russia
Delegates to the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution that extends the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Russia, Mariana Katsarova, for another year. The document welcomes her recent report and expresses regret that she is not allowed to enter the country. The authors of the resolution call on the authorities of the Russian Federation to cooperate with UN human rights mechanisms, including by granting the Special Rapporteur entry and access to people in detention.
Crimes during the Gaza conflict
Israel is committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by destroying the healthcare system in Gaza. Hamas and other Palestinian groups are also guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. This is stated in a new report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel. The commission also investigated the treatment of Palestinian prisoners in Israel and Israeli and foreign hostages in Gaza. Experts have concluded that Israel and Palestinian groups are responsible for torture and sexual violence.