Geneva, The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, through its spokesperson Liz Throssell, has expressed deep concerns over the escalating violence and human rights violations in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sri Lanka, and Ecuador. These statements highlight the urgent need for international attention and action in these regions.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the situation has become increasingly dire. Marking 100 days since the attack launched by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly Israelis, and about 250 hostages. The Israeli military response has led to over 23,000 Palestinian deaths, with a significant proportion being women and children. The UN has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire on human rights and humanitarian grounds.
The UN has criticized Israel for not upholding the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attacks. The High Commissioner warned of potential liability for war crimes and atrocity crimes. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are urged to protect civilians in Gaza and investigate reports of arbitrary detention, torture, and enforced disappearance.
In Sri Lanka, the UN is concerned about the security-based response to the country’s drug problem. Since December 17, approximately 29,000 people have been arrested on drug-related matters, with some allegedly subjected to ill-treatment and torture. The UN urges Sri Lanka to adopt public health policies grounded in human rights and to address the root causes of drug addiction.
Ecuador faces challenges with a surge in violence linked to organized crime groups. The government’s declaration of a 60-day state of emergency and deployment of the army have raised concerns. The High Commissioner calls for emergency measures to be proportionate and in line with international law, emphasizing the need for human rights to be central to policies addressing violence.
The UN Human Rights Office continues to monitor these situations closely and is committed to working with the respective countries on human rights issues.
Karachi, Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tesori hosted a ceremony to honor the franchise heads of the Sindh Premier League (SPL), highlighting the league’s role in fostering cricketing talent in the region. The event was part of a broader initiative to revitalize sports in Sindh, with a focus on cricket.
According to Sindh Governor House, Governor Tesori lauded the organizers for their efforts in setting up the SPL, underscoring its significance in identifying and nurturing local cricketing talent. He noted that similar events in the past have played a crucial role in talent development, and he expects the SPL to yield similar positive outcomes. The Governor also expressed his commitment to supporting cricket in every possible way, including discussions with the Prime Minister about restoring departmental cricket, which has been a vital part of the sport’s ecosystem in Pakistan.
Governor Tesori acknowledged the indispensable role of the media in making any sporting event successful and emphasized that the SPL will be instrumental in bringing to the forefront the cricketing talent of Sindh. In addition to promoting sports, he mentioned ongoing efforts to expand IT education in the region, with plans to start IT courses in Sukkur following Karachi.
The ceremony was attended by SPL CEO Chaudhry Shahzad Akhtar, SPL President Arif Malik, former cricketer and vice-chairman of the league Javed Miandad, along with other dignitaries including Jahanzeb Alam, Bilal Siko, Moin Khan, Abdul Razak, Umar Akmal, city dignitaries, and members of the media.
The inaugural season of the SPL is scheduled to take place from January 25 to February 5, marking a significant step in promoting cricket and uncovering new talent in Sindh.