english

Vatican enjoys diplomatic immunity, European human rights court says, dismissing alleged child-abuse victims

The Vatican enjoys sovereign immunity that protects it from sexual-abuse lawsuits in local courts, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled, after a case was put forward by 24 people who claim to be victims. On Tuesday, the top court dismissed a case submitted by two dozen people who claim to be survivors […]

english

Europe’s top human rights organization calls on Poland to change criminal definition of rape

In a statement released on Thursday, the Council of Europe called on Poland to change its definition of rape to ensure women are better protected, warning that, currently, the law could let assailants walk free. Europe’s top human rights body urged the EU member state to alter its current legal definition of rape over concerns […]

english

UN warns unchecked AI & machine-learning tech can ‘violate human rights, damage lives’ as it calls for safeguards against abuse

The UN’s human rights chief has called for a moratorium on the use of some artificial intelligence tech, such as bulk facial recognition, until there are “adequate safeguards” against its potentially “catastrophic” impact. In a statement on Wednesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet stressed the need for an outright ban on AI […]

english

Environmental threats are biggest obstacle to human rights, UN chief warns

The triple threats of climate change, pollution, and nature loss are posing the greatest threat to human rights worldwide, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned, calling for greater action. Speaking at a conference on Monday in Geneva, Michelle Bachelet stressed that global environmental threats are “directly and severely impacting a broad […]