Latest Geneva News
Swiss court acquits former Belarusian security operative in case of enforced disappearances
GENEVA (AP) — A court in northern Switzerland on Thursday acquitted a former security Belarusian operative over the enforced disappearances of three of President Aleksander Lukashenko's political opponents in the late 1990s, said an advocacy group that spearheaded the case. Judges...
UN rights experts decry war crimes by Russia in Ukraine and look into genocide allegations
GENEVA (AP) — Independent U.N.-backed human rights experts said Monday they have turned up continued evidence of war crimes committed by Russian forces in their war against Ukraine, including torture — some of it with such “brutality” that it led to death — and rape of women aged up to 83...
Human rights in Russia have 'significantly' worsened since Ukraine war began, UN-backed expert says
GENEVA (AP) — The rights situation in Russia has “significantly deteriorated” since President Vladimir Putin launched his war against Ukraine in February last year, an expert commissioned by the U.N.’s top human rights body said in her first report on the country on Monday. ...
UN says Nicaragua's human rights violations and persecution of dissidents are on the rise
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Nicaragua has increased human rights violations and persecution of the opposition as it ratchets up its efforts to stifle dissent, a United Nations group of experts monitoring the country said Tuesday. The Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua told the U.N....
The Taliban have waged a systematic assault on freedom in Afghanistan, says UN human rights chief
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The Taliban have waged a systematic assault on the freedom of Afghanistan's people, including women and girls experiencing “immeasurably cruel” oppression, the U.N.'s human rights chief said Tuesday. United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk...
Southern Swiss region rejects a plan to fast-track big solar parks on Alpine mountainsides
GENEVA (AP) — Voters in a southern Swiss region on Sunday rejected a plan to allow large solar parks on their sun-baked Alpine mountainsides as part of the federal government’s push to develop renewable energy sources. The referendum in the Valais canton centered on economic and...
UN Geneva complex shuts briefly after 'intruder' breaks into security perimeter in 'minor' incident
GENEVA (AP) — The sprawling U.N. compound in Geneva was briefly shut down Friday after an intruder broke through the security perimeter, a spokesperson said. Alessandra Vellucci said the incident lasted no more than about half an hour, and that U.N. security teams and Geneva police...
Swiss police warn that heat wave raises danger of falling ice, rock in the Alps
GENEVA (AP) — Police in southwest Switzerland warned Wednesday that a heat wave has increased the risk of falling rock and ice in the Alpine region, where it’s been particularly deadly this year for mountaineers and hikers. Most of the victims have been foreigners. Valais...
UN affirms concern over forced repatriation of North Koreans following criticism from rights groups
GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. human rights office expressed grave concern over the forced repatriation of North Koreans from China and elsewhere after facing criticism from rights groups for its “unacceptable silence” on the issue. Taking aim at U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights...
Free food fridges take off in parts of Europe in eco-friendly bid to fight waste
GENEVA (AP) — That head of lettuce you forgot to make a salad with starting to wilt? Did you buy too much bread before heading out for a holiday? In an effort to help eco-conscious consumers, a Geneva nonprofit is ramping up its rollout of street-side, free-access public...
