News by region: EUROPE

Praising advances in Serbia, UN official urges political will to solidify human rights gains

18 June – Visiting Serbia at “an important and transformative moment” in its history, the United Nations human rights chief today urged a steadfast focus on fundamental rights as she hailed a succession of political advances that augur well for the country itself and for the future of the wider region.

Hungary must revoke amendment threatening judicial independence – UN rights chief

18 June – The top United Nations human rights official today urged the Hungarian Government to revoke a constitutional amendment that threatens the judiciary’s independence and endangers the country’s system of checks and balances.

Senior UN officials urge restraint, dialogue to defuse tensions fuelling protests in Turkey

18 June – Urging “maximum restraint” amid widespread anti-Government protests in Turkey, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Navi Pillay, the world body’s human rights chief, called today for constructive dialogue to defuse tensions in the country.

UN expert urges Montenegro to resolve pending cases of violence against journalists

17 June – Calling for effective accountability in all cases of violence against journalists, the United Nations independent expert on the right to freedom of expression today urged Montenegro to set up an inclusive mechanism to resolve and prevent cases of attacks against reporters and media outlets.

Georgia must seize opportunity to improve conditions of displaced persons – UN expert

17 June – A United Nations independent expert today praised Georgia for its commitment to improve the living conditions for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and stressed that the country must continue making advancements to ensure they can live in safety and dignity.

UN expert urges Belarus to cooperate on improving human rights situation

14 June – An independent United Nations expert today urged the Government of Belarus to grant his request for an official visit the country and to engage with his mandate to improve its human rights situation.

International support key for positive relations between Serbia and Kosovo – UN envoy

14 June – Strong support from the international community is needed to ensure ‘positive momentum’ is sustained between Serbia and Kosovo, a United Nations envoy told the Security Council today.

Homelessness serious threat to refugees in Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia – UN report

7 June – Homelessness and the threat of homelessness are two of the most serious conditions affecting refugees and asylum-seekers living in Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia, according to a report released today by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Civil society organizations must not face reprisals from Russia – UN experts

6 June – United Nations independent experts today voiced grave concern over reports that two non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been charged by the Russian Government for providing evidence to the UN Committee against Torture.

UN rights office calls on Turkish government to ensure freedom of assembly

4 June – The United Nations human rights office urged the Government of Turkey to guarantee that its citizens have the right to assemble freely and in a peaceful manner, following days of violent clashes between protestors and police.