Will the UN Change Its Approach to Ethiopia? Daily Brief
United Nations Security Council should act on crisis in Ethiopia; #PandoraPapers expose hidden riches of billionaires & political leaders; when targeted killings become ‘tragic mistakes’; a dangerous development at Interpol; good news from India; and how members of the UN Human Rights Council can help end reprisals against human rights defenders.
Amid mounting international concern of the Ethiopian government's handling of the ongoing conflict in Tigray and other parts of the country, Ethiopia‘s parliament today confirmed incumbent Abiy Ahmed as prime minister for a five-year term. Over five million people in Tigray are dependent on humanitarian aid, and hundreds of thousands are a risk of starvation because the government is blocking aid deliveries to the region.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists released the Pandora Papers on Sunday, millions of leaked documents uncovering the offshore dealings of numerous world leaders, billionaires, public officials, and a global lineup of fugitives, con artists and murderers. "The Pandora Papers reveal the inner workings of a shadow economy that benefits the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of everyone else."
Since the 9/11 attacks, United States forces fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere have carried out targeted killings - often based on faulty intelligence - that frequently kill and injure civilians. Few of these killing have been investigated, and almost none resulted in compensation for the civilians harmed. A real reckoning is needed, says HRW's Deputy Washington Director Andrea Prasow in this comment, published by The Progressive Magazine.
Did you know that Interpol has re-added Syria to its communication network? The Assad regime has overseen crimes against humanity and destroyed the country, yet the international criminal police organization allows it to publish international arrest warrants (“red notices”) to further harass political opponents.
There's good news from India, as the country's Supreme Court has ordered vaccine access for mental health facilities. It is a significant victory that requires a holistic approach to implementation, argues HRW's expert Shantha Rau Barriga in this op-ed.
And lastly: members of the United Nations Human Rights Council are in a perfect position to stand up and protect human rights defenders. Here's some useful advice: