African Catholic Bishops Reject Vatican’s Same-Sex Blessings

[ad_1] The Roman Catholic bishops of Africa and Madagascar on Thursday issued a statement refusing to follow Pope Francis' declaration permitting priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples. Signed by Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on behalf of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, or SECAM, the statement said such unions were "contrary to the will of God." The move comes after Francis on December 18 approved a declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, which […]

January 12, 2024

Africa

Africa: South Africa’s Genocide Case Offers Glimmer of Hope for Justice

[ad_1] Proceedings at International Court of Justice due to open in The Hague tomorrow South Africa's case cites Gaza war crimes evidence gathered by Amnesty 'War crimes and crimes against humanity are rife, and the risk of genocide is real' - Agnès Callamard This week's International Court of Justice proceedings on a South Africa legal case alleging that Israel is breaching its obligations under the UN Genocide Convention could help protect Palestinian civilians, end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and […]

January 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: What Is the International Court of Justice and Why Does It Matter?

[ad_1] The profile of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) was raised in January, following South Africa's decision to bring proceedings against Israel for violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. Here is a primer on the ICJ, and what it does. What is the ICJ for, and how does it work? The ICJ, which is situated in the Peace Palace in The Hague, a city in The Netherlands, was established in 1945 as a way of settling disputes between […]

January 11, 2024

Africa

East Africa: Horn of Africa – Impunity Fueling Abuses

[ad_1] Nairobi — Civilians Bear Brunt of Global Inaction on Wartime Atrocities, Humanitarian Crises Horn of Africa governments grappled with rampant wartime atrocities and humanitarian crises throughout 2023 with meager international assistance, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2024. Unaddressed historical grievances and impunity for serious crimes continued to spur widespread violations against civilians in the region. The conflicts in Sudan and Ethiopia have had a staggering impact on civilians, resulting in massive loss of life, destruction […]

January 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: South Africa Is Taking Israel to Court for Genocide in Palestine. What Does It Mean for the War in Gaza?

[ad_1] South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice (ICJ, also known as the World Court) in The Hague claiming genocide has been committed against Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. A charge of genocide before the court in the midst of a heated armed conflict is exceptional. Likewise, the significance of South Africa's claim against Israel has immense cultural, diplomatic, historical, and political significance. Israel has rejected South Africa's claim and vowed to contest the case against […]

January 11, 2024

Africa

Africa: Barrage of Discriminatory Laws Stoking Hate Against LGBTI Persons

[ad_1] Last year witnessed a surge in discriminatory legislation directed against LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) persons across Africa, said Amnesty International today. In a new briefing looking at 12 African countries, Amnesty International documents how legal systems were increasingly weaponized in 2023 to systematically target and discriminate against LGBTI individuals. This includes instances where laws were egregiously employed to persecute and marginalize members of the LGBTI community, highlighting a distressing trend of legal mechanisms being used as […]

January 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: We Are Facing Extinction: Escalating Anti-LGBTI Sentiment, the Weaponization of Law and Their Human Rights Implications in Select African Countries

[ad_1] Across Africa, LGBTI persons find themselves contending with a disturbing regression of progress, facing relentless protests against their identities, and confronting formidable obstacles to their legal and social rights. The struggle for the realisation of rights of LGBTI people has been marked by significant challenges and a systematic denial of their basic human rights. This review documents the deteriorating state of human rights and a surge in fear and attacks among LGBTI persons, as well as increased oppression and […]

January 9, 2024

Africa

Africa – LGBTI People Face ‘Relentless’ Oppression After Surge in Discriminatory Laws – New Briefing

[ad_1] Last year saw a new wave of harsh anti-LGBTI legislation across Africa 31 countries still criminalise consensual same-sex sexual activity LGBTI people are threatened with arbitrary arrests, detentions and the death penalty in some places 'Africa is facing a deepening crisis of homophobic lawfare' - Tigere Chagutah LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) people across Africa are facing a catastrophic rollback on their fundamental rights following the introduction of discriminatory legislation in several countries, said Amnesty International today […]

January 9, 2024

Africa

Africa: Bad Case of Déjà Vu As Former Oil Executive to Lead COP29 Climate Negotiations in Azerbaijan

[ad_1] This week, it was announced that Azeri Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev, who spent over 20 years at Azerbaijan's state-owned oil and gas company SOCAR, has been appointed as the president of this year's UN climate talks. The decision means oil executives will lead consecutive UN climate talks after Sultan Al-Jaber, boss of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), ran COP28. Last year at least 2456 fossil fuel lobbyists were granted access to the COP28 summit in Dubai, signalling an unprecedented […]

January 6, 2024

Human Rights