Podcasts about United Nations special rapporteur

Listen to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. Francesca speaks about her mandate in the context of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and the increasing threat to the international legal order. She also shares her experiences of repression and human rights violations she witnessed during her visit to Germany in February 2025.In conversation with Francesca Albanese are Fiona Thorp, Legal Fellow in the Palestine Team at ECCHR, and Chantal Meloni, Senior Legal Advisor in the International Crimes and Accountability program. ECCHR has worked on cases relating to crimes committed by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians for over a decade. Recently, ECCHR has filed several requests for provisional measures against German exports of weapons of war and other military equipment to Israel, which are used in attacks on the Palestinian population in Gaza. We have also compiled a detailed Q&A on the topic of genocide in Gaza and on the arrest warrants against Israeli Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former-Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.Let's stay in touch! You want to stay up to date on ECCHR's cases, events and publications? Subscribe to our newsletter.Or support our work with your donation! image © Laura Fiorio

Violence against women and girls is a persistent and escalating crisis and remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. From femicide and domestic abuse to online harassment and conflict-related sexual violence, the scale and severity of gender-based violence continues to deepen across every region. Despite international commitments to gender equality, many legal frameworks are still insufficient, impunity persists, and survivors are too often met with stigma rather than support. In her address to the IIEA, Reem Alsalem, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, explores global trends in the fight to end such violence, highlighting both promising practices and persistent gaps. About the Speaker: Ms. Reem Alsalem was appointed United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, its causes and consequences in July 2021 by the UN Human Rights Council. She is an independent consultant on gender issues, the rights of refugees and migrants, transitional justice, and humanitarian response. She has consulted extensively for United Nations departments, agencies, and programmes such as UN-Women, OHCHR, UNICEF, and IOM, as well as for non-governmental organisations, think tanks, and academia. Previously, she worked as an international civil servant, serving with the UNHCR in thirteen countries. During her service, she planned, implemented, and monitored programmes that served to protect persons that were survivors of gender-based violence, particularly women and girls. She was also a visiting professional with the Prosecutor's Office of the ICC from January to March 2009 and a visiting Researcher with the Feinstein International Centre of Tufts University in December 2008. She holds a Master's in International Relations from the American University in Cairo and a Masters in Human Rights Law from the University of Oxford.

This episode features a conversation with Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, who details the legal and political realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She argues that Israel's 57-year occupation is unlawful and functions as a vehicle for annexation and repression, characterizing it as apartheid. Albanese asserts that Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza, as part of a long-term plan to create a Greater Israel devoid of Palestinians, and that this is increasingly extending to the repression of Jewish citizens who oppose the occupation. She critiques the international community's insufficient response, highlighting the need for accountability through sanctions and divestment, and stresses the importance of recognizing Palestinian rights – including the right to self-determination, an end to apartheid, and reparations – before pursuing political solutions like a two-state solution. Ultimately, she emphasizes the urgent need to halt the ongoing destruction and potential erasure of the Palestinian people and to shift focus towards protecting their fundamental human rights. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-palestine/francesca-albanese Ms. Francesca Albanese is an international lawyer, specialised in human rights and the Middle East. Since May 2022, she has served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 (oPt).

In this episode of Occupied Thoughts, FMEP Fellow Hilary Rantisi speaks with Gina Romero, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, about the many human rights - including freedom of expression, assembly, association, and the right to education - that have been both invoked and repressed as part of the protests against Israel's war in Gaza on college campuses in many countries and the reactions to them. Gina Romero authored a comprehensive report that covers these protests, human rights, and campus repression, and includes recommendations for the protection of students, rights, and democracy itself. The report is entitled:"Recommendations for universities worldwide for the second semester of 2024: Safeguarding the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association on campuses in the context of international solidarity with the Palestinian people and victims." For more, see https://fmep.org/resource/protect-students-dont-repress-them-the-hostile-environment-for-human-rights-on-college-campuses/ Original music by Jalal Yaquoub.

Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, discusses the resumption of violence in the region and what it means for the people of Gaza.

The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been broken, as Israel launched overnight air strikes on Gaza that Hamas says has killed more than 400 people - sparking fears the region could be plunged into all out war once again. Francesca Albanese is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and her opinions have sparked controversy in the past.  Israel officially banned her from entering the country in February 2024 after she wrote in a tweet “the victims of 7/10 were not killed because of their Judaism, but in response to Israel's oppression”. Israeli officials condemned these words as “anti-semitic” and called on the UN to “public disavow” Ms Albanese. In this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Ms Albanese about how she came to her conclusion that Israel is committing genocide, whether Hamas' attack on October 7th was an act of genocide and what the international community can do to stop the bloodshed. Produced by Calum Fraser, Rob Thomson and Ka Yee Mak.   

Around the world, lawyers – particularly those representing human rights defenders, political prisoners, and upholding the rule of law – face threats of disbarment, harassment, and prosecution simply for doing their jobs. Jan. 24 marked International Day of the Endangered Lawyer, which focused on Belarus this year. The Belarusian government has developed a toolkit of repression to silence members of the legal profession, with hundreds of lawyers facing disbarment or exile, and at least six sitting in jail based on dubious or politically-motivated charges. What tactics is the Belarusian government using? How can the international community best respond to support the legal profession and the rule of law? Joining the show to discuss the situation in Belarus are Nils Muiznieks, Maksim Polovinko, and Margaret Satterthwaite. Nils is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Belarus. He is a political scientist and human rights expert based in Latvia. Maksim is an expert of the Right to Defense project, until 2020, he was Editor-in-Chief of the magazine Jurist, and an event organizer for the Belarussian legal community. Margaret is a Professor of Clinical Law at NYU Law and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers Show Notes: Nils Muižnieks (LinkedIn) Maksim PolovinkoMargaret Satterthwaite (LinkedIn – X) Paras Shah (LinkedIn – X)Nils and Margaret's Just Security article with Aloysia Sonnet (LinkedIn) “Solidarity Needed Amid Stranglehold on Belarusian Lawyers”Just Security's Belarus coverageJust Security's Rule of Law coverageMusic: “Broken” by David Bullard from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/david-bullard/broken (License code: OSC7K3LCPSGXISVI)

The growing trend of “foreign agents" laws have targeted prodemocratic civil society groups and activists around the world. As a result, hostile narratives are established that stigmatize these groups, impeding the inherent rights of freedom to assembly, expression, and speech. These narratives often lead to “foreign agents” laws by authoritarian regimes, ultimately stifling the many benefits that civic groups bring to societies. Gina Romero, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association, sits down with NED Vice President for Studies and Analysis Christopher Walker to discuss stigmatizing narratives that target civil society and activists, their impact, and how civic groups can respond. In this conversation, Ms. Romero highlights the key findings of her recent report on protecting the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association from stigmatization. For further insights on “foreign influence laws”, watch Ms. Romero's short video on the rights to peaceful assembly and association and read the Forum's resources on Foreign Agents Laws. You can find additional resources on the Countering Authoritarian Influence research hub and join the conversation with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Harbinger Showcase is a weekly podcast featuring highlights from Canada's #1 coast-to-coast community of politically and socially progressive podcasts.On this week's episode Desmond Cole speaks with United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese on THE BREACH SHOW, the panel examine the weather phenomenon of Fire Season and the end of "cheap nature on THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE, the Council of Canadians detail the ways grassroots activism plays a role in the struggle to implement a national Pharmacare program on FREE CITY RADIO and the Wrong Boys celebrate their 10 year anniversary on SRSLY WRONG.The Harbinger Media Network includes 77 podcasts focusing on social, economic and environmental justice and featuring journalists, academics and activists on shows like The Breach Show, Tech Won't Save Us, Press Progress Sources & more.Harbinger Showcase is syndicated for community and campus radio and heard every week on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, at CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, on CJUM 101.5FM and CKUW 95.9FM in Winnipeg, at CiTR 101.9FM and CFRO 100.5FM in Vancouver, at CJTM in Toronto and at CJBU 107.3FM in Sydney, Nova Scotia.Financial support on this episode is courtesy of THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE. Find out more about Calgary's #1 podcast albertaadvantagepod.com.Find out more about the network, subscribe to the weekly newsletter and support our work at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Harbinger Showcase is a weekly podcast featuring highlights from Canada's #1 coast-to-coast community of politically and socially progressive podcasts.On this week's episode Desmond Cole speaks with United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese on THE BREACH SHOW, the panel examine the weather phenomenon of Fire Season and the end of "cheap nature on THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE, the Council of Canadians detail the ways grassroots activism plays a role in the struggle to implement a national Pharmacare program on FREE CITY RADIO and the Wrong Boys celebrate their 10 year anniversary on SRSLY WRONG.The Harbinger Media Network includes 77 podcasts focusing on social, economic and environmental justice and featuring journalists, academics and activists on shows like The Breach Show, Tech Won't Save Us, Press Progress Sources & more.Harbinger Showcase is syndicated for community and campus radio and heard every week on CKUT 90.3FM in Montreal, at CFUV 101.9FM in Victoria, on CJUM 101.5FM and CKUW 95.9FM in Winnipeg, at CiTR 101.9FM and CFRO 100.5FM in Vancouver, at CJTM in Toronto and at CJBU 107.3FM in Sydney, Nova Scotia.Financial support on this episode is courtesy of THE ALBERTA ADVANTAGE. Find out more about Calgary's #1 podcast albertaadvantagepod.com.Find out more about the network, subscribe to the weekly newsletter and support our work at harbingermedianetwork.com.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, sits down with Desmond Cole to discuss Canada's ‘crystal clear' complicity in the Israeli destruction of Gaza and the ‘hope that remains in this darkness.'

Host Dinah Jansen covers campus news headlines including the recent passing of The Honourable Murray Sinclair, the installation of Shelagh Rogers as Queen’s University’s 16th Chancellor on November 11th, recent NSERC accolades for two university scholars, and the University’s recent celebration of this year’s Distinguished Service Award recipients. Campus News Reporter Ali Al-Safadi follows with a report on the Queen’s Palestinian Law Association’s November 7th 2024 event featuring a talk by Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in the Palestinian territories. Safadi then follows with a rundown of the AMS Fall Trustee Elections and Fall Referenda results.

In the podcast, Reem Alsalem, the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Violence Against Women and Girls, discusses her role and mission to address and combat violence against women and girls globally. She highlights the complexity and scope of her work, including engagement with both governments and non-state actors, and emphasizes her commitment to centering survivors' voices and adapting her focus as new forms of violence emerge. Alsalem speaks on critical issues such as the dangers of digital and online violence, the exploitative nature of prostitution, and the pervasive effects of pornography, which she frames as significant contributors to violence against women and harmful gender norms. She also reflects on her personal motivations rooted in her experiences growing up in the Middle East, her career with the UN Refugee Agency, and her belief that faith can be a powerful ally in advancing human rights. Alsalem encourages a holistic approach, calling for collective responsibility to challenge harmful stereotypes and support survivors worldwide. https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-violence-against-women Special Guest: Reem Alsalem.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, about the concerns over escalating violence in the Middle East. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since our last episode on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, we wanted to do an update on where international law currently stands in the conflict. This year, the conflict has triggered several legal cases at international courts, including at the International Court of Justice, which has accused Israel of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.In this episode, we speak with Aslı Ü. Bâli, a Professor of Law at Yale University who teaches international law and human rights in the Middle East, and Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on The Occupied Palestinian Territories.

This is a devastating interview with Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dubliner Mary Lawlor is a veteran human rights champion with a fascinating backstory, including a stint in her youth selling encyclopaedias in Canada. After a meeting with Amnesty International co-founder Sean MacBride, Mary got involved in the early days of Amnesty International Ireland, becoming one of their first volunteers while she was running a Montessori school. She served as a board member for several years, including as Chairperson, before serving as the Director of the organization for 12 years. In 2001 Mary founded Frontline Defenders, an internationally respected organisation that supports the security and protection needs of human rights defenders at risk worldwide. In 2015, Mary was appointed Adjunct Professor in the School of Business Trinity College Dublin, and in 2020 she was named the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.She is the recipient of numerous awards, including the French government's National Order of the Legion of Honour and an honorary doctorate of Laws from Trinity College Dublin. Subscribe, share, rate, review and donate to support this podcast. Thanks to patrons who chip in at www.loveandcourage.org Host Ruairí McKiernan is a well-known social innovator, charity founder, campaigner, counsellor, consultant, and author. Find out more via: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn and check out his book Hitching for Hope. He also has another podcast called Creative Souls of Clare.

Abby Martin is joined by Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, to discuss the mounting legal case against Israel, ICC issuing arrest warrants, and her UN report "The Anatomy of a Genocide" that compiled the evidence of Israeli crimes in Gaza. WATCH the video version of this episode :: https://youtu.be/RSYCsBr1ajg?si=VFqcupSsfBaQfX71 VIDEOS + MERCH + SOCIALS + PATREON + EXCLUSIVE CONTENT :: https://linktr.ee/empirefiles TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS TO EMPIRE FILES :: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/754f1a9c-c2cf-4dd5-8f55-05f4604944c0

Zu Gast im Studio: Francesca Albanese, italienische Rechtswissenschaftlerin mit Spezialisierung auf Internationales Recht und Menschenrechte. Seit 2022 ist sie UN-Sonderberichterstatterin für die besetzten Gebiete Palästinas (englisch: United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories). Ein Gespräch über Francescas Job als Sonderberichterstatterin und ihre Qualifikation dafür, ihr Job als Anwältin, ihre Erfahrung in Palästina und Israel, ihr Dasein als "persona non grata" in Israel, die Besatzung der palästinensischen Gebiete, Hamas und Terrorismus, Antisemitismus, der 7. Oktober, dessen Ursachen und die Folgen, Francesca bevorzugte Reaktion Israels auf den Terrorangriff, der aktuelle Krieg in Gaza, ihre Haltung zum Vorwurf des Genozids, Kolonialismus, eine Ein-Staaten-Lösung, ein Gespräch mit Netanjahu + eure Fragen Bitte unterstützt unsere Arbeit finanziell: Konto: Jung & Naiv IBAN: DE854 3060 967 104 779 2900 GLS Gemeinschaftsbank PayPal ► http://www.paypal.me/JungNaiv

A memorial service has been held at the Washington National Cathedral to honour seven World Central Kitchen aid workers killed earlier this month by Israeli airstrikes. It comes as a United Nations Special Rapporteur has called for an arms and oil embargo on Israel.

Culture is fundamental to who we are as human beings. Yet it is missing from global efforts to resolve the most pressing human issues of our time. Discover why recognising the importance of culture can open the door to a more equitable, sustainable, and connected world – and hear about priorities for action.  Our host, Christine Wilson, is joined in the studio by Professor Alexandra Xanthaki, the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. We also travel to Brazil, where Pedro Affonso Ivo Franco tells us about his work as an International Consultant for Culture, Creativity and Development and how, amid the vibrant rhythms of Maracatu, culture creates new opportunities for communities.  In this first episode of ‘Our World, Connected', Christine, Alexandra and Pedro discuss topics such as locally-led development, cultural and human rights, and whether culture deserves its own Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Dive deeper: The Missing Foundation: Culture's place within and beyond the SDGs – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/missing-foundation-report  Pedro's essay on the Cambinda Estrela Cultural Centre and Maracatu - https://www.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/ch4ig_essays_ivofranco_1_web.pdf   Alexandra's role as the UN Special Rapporteur and latest reports -https://www.ohchr.org/en/special-procedures/sr-cultural-rights   Follow British Council Research and Insight: Newsletter – https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight/subscribe  Twitter – https://twitter.com/InsightBritish   Explore our insights: Website - https://www.britishcouncil.org/research-insight

In this episode, Xavier Bonilla has a dialogue with Sima Samar about her life and work for women's rights. They discuss her reasoning for writing her memoirs, history of modern Afghanistan, impact of Islam, and the rule of the Taliban. They talk about her work in medicine and human rights advocacy, women's rights in Afghanistan, becoming Vice President and Minister of Women's Affairs of Afghanistan. They also discuss her work on the human rights commission, being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009, women's rights around the world, the future of Afghanistan, and many more topics. Sima Samar is a human rights advocate, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and global influential female figure. She received her MD from Kabul University Medical College. Since 2002 she has been the Chairperson of the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) which holds human rights violators accountable and sets the human rights agenda in Afghanistan. She is also the Chairperson of the Commission for the Prevention of Torture and was the Chairperson of the Asia Pacific Forum of National Human Rights Institutions (APF).Prior to her appointment as the chair of AIHRC, she was the Vice President of the Interim Administration of Afghanistan and the first Minister of Women's Affairs. She served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Sudan between 2005 and 2009 and has been appointed as a member of the United Nation's Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation. Samar also served as member of High Level Panel for Internal Displacement.Her commitment to her community is evident through her NGO Shuhada Organization's work in operating 55 middle and high schools for girls and boys in Afghanistan, and three schools in Quetta, Pakistan for Afghan refugees. In addition to this Shuhada operates 12 clinics and three hospitals in Afghanistan and one hospital in Quetta for refugees, dedicated to providing education and healthcare, particularly focusing on women and girls. Website: https://shuhada.org.af/ Get full access to Converging Dialogues at convergingdialogues.substack.com/subscribe

Al Jazeera targeted. Benjamin Netanyahu says the network will no longer broadcast from Israel because it threatens national security. The channel says that's inflammatory slander. What's really behind the ban? And what does it mean for Israel's war on Gaza? In this episode: Irene Khan, United Nations Special Rapporteur. Mansour Shouman, Gazan Aid Activist. Daniel Levy, President, U.S./Middle East Project. Host: Hashem Ahelbarra Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube

Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, discusses the humanitarian situation in Gaza amid heightened warnings over the risk of famine in the enclave.

Professor Ben Saul- Challis Chair of International Law, The University of Sydney & United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counter Terrorism.

Today, on Speaking Out of Place, we discuss the recent International Court of Justice ruling on the Gaza genocide case, which found that Israel is plausibly engaging in genocide in Gaza.We discuss the case and its implications, as well as the colonial backdrop of the international law behind it, with former UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Michael Link, Palestinian human rights attorney, scholar, activist, and teacher Noura Erakat, and Burmese scholar and dissident in exile, Maung Zarni. We also address the recent decision of a number of countries to defund the UN Relief Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees, which was established by the United Nations in 1949. Finally, we talk about what global civil society can and must do to effect change where international law cannot.​​Noura Erakat is a human rights attorney and an Associate Professor at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.  She is a Co-Editor of Jadaliyya. Her book, Justice for Some: Law and the Question of Palestine (Stanford University Press, 2019)  narrates the Palestinian struggle for freedom as told through the relationship between international law and politics during five critical junctures between 1917-2017 to better understand the emancipatory potential of law and to consider possible horizons for the future. Erakat's research interests include human rights law, humanitarian law, refugee law, national security law, social justice, critical race theory, and  the Palestinian-Israel conflict. Until his retirement in December 2022, Michael Lynk taught labor law, constitutional law and international and Canadian human rights law at the Faculty of Law, Western University in London, Ontario for more than 20 years.From 2016 to 2022, he served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. He has authored and edited several books, including most recently Protecting Human Rights in Occupied Palestine: Working Through the United Nations (Clarity Press, 2022), co-authored with Richard Falk and John Dugard, and International Law and the Middle East Conflict (Routledge, 2011), co-edited with Susan Akram, Michael Dumper and Iain Scobbie.Maung Zarni is a research fellow at the (Genocide) Documentation Center - Cambodia, co-founder of FORSEA.com, a progressive activist and intellectual platform for Southeast Asian activists, and Burmese coordinator of the Free Rohingya Coalition. He has 30-years of engagement in activism, scholarship, politics, and media.  An adviser to the Genocide Watch, Zarni served as a member of the Panel of Judges in the Permanent Peoples Tribunal on Sri Lanka ('s) genocidal crimes against Eelam Tamil (2013) and was the initiator of the Permanent Peoples Tribunal on Myanmar (2017).His most recent monographs are “The Enemy of the State” speaks: Irreverent Essays and Interviews” (2019) and “Essays on Myanmar's Genocide of Rohingyas” (2018). With Uzbek-British filmmaker and war-correspondent Shahida Tulaganov, Zarni co-produced the 50-minutes educational film "Auschwitz: Lessons Never Learned" (2020) ( https://vimeo.com/469954700 ) and served as a leading expert in "EXILED: A film by Shahida Tulaganov (2017)", a historical documentary about the Rohingya genocide (https://exiledthefilm.com/) For his scholarship and activism, Zarni was recognized with the Cultivation of Harmony Award by the Parliament of the World's Religions in 2015 and shortlisted for Sweden's Right Livelihood Award in 2018.  

Israel is driving ahead with its genocidal war on Gaza despite failing to destroy Hamas. As the world watches, Israel is carrying out its slaughter of Palestinians with western-supplied weapons without restraint. So, is this a pivotal point in history for both the Palestinian people and Israel? HOST: Neave Barker GUESTS: Michael Lynk, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian territory. Tamer Qarmout, Professor of Public Policy specialising in Gaza at the Doha Insitute for Graduate Studies. Raz Segal, associate professor at Stockton University, and specialist in Holocaust and Genocide studies. Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads and YouTube 

Ben Saul is the Challis Professor of International Law at the University of Sydney, Australia, whose internationally recognized work has focused specifically on the intersection of human rights, terrorism, and international law. The United Nations Human Rights Council voted to appoint Saul as the newest Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, which has become one of the most visible and urgent special rapporteur mandates at the Human Rights Council. He began his three-year tenure, which can be extended to six years, on November 1, 2023. Lawfare Associate Editor Hyemin Han sat down with Saul for an interview about his priorities for his tenure, the intellectual frameworks and perspectives he brings to his role, and to get his perspective as Special Rapporteur on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For too long, Indigenous peoples were sidelined from the climate negotiations process, despite being among the most directly affected by climate change. That changed at COP 26 in Glasgow, when for the first time in the history of the UN climate conferences, indigenous representatives were invited to engage directly and share experiences with governments. Indigenous leaders, however, argue that there is still a long way to go towards having their rights sufficiently recognized. “We see that at least we have some spaces that we occupy, and mechanisms which allow better participation, but we still have to do much more at the national levels,” said Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, former United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, in the latest episode of Climate +. Tauli-Corpuz said she and other Indigenous representatives are calling for Indigenous peoples' rights, territories, and knowledge to be recognized in countries' national climate mitigation plans (known as nationally determined contributions, or NDCs). Tauli-Corpuz, who is a member of the Kankanaey Igorot people of the Cordillera Region in the Philippines, also shared her own experiences of being targeted by the government as an environmental defender, why direct access to climate finance is still a pain point for Indigenous communities, and what needs to happen to safeguard Indigenous peoples' rights in the face of the renewable energy transition. The Climate + podcast is supported by the World Bank. To learn more about efforts to end poverty on a livable planet, visit: https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/the-world-bank-at-cop28

We take our right to citizenship for granted, as an inalienable right, but is it? This episode focuses on the complex interplay between citizenship, human rights, and state powers in a post-9/11 world. The conversation features insights from Professor Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms While Countering Terrorism) and Mohammed Tasnime Akunjee, who bring their extensive experience in human rights law and terrorism-related legal defense, respectively. Key topics include the evolution of citizenship concepts, challenges in maintaining human rights in the face of terrorism, and the impact of legal and ethical dilemmas in this context. The discussion also explores specific cases such as the Shamima Begum case and the broader implications for society and law. Hosted by Dr. Yasmin Brunger, the episode offers a deep dive into critical contemporary issues in legal and human rights domains.

Many countries allow the manufacture and export of pesticides that are banned for use in their own countries. Recently France and Belgium have introduced laws preventing the export of such agrochemicals if their use is banned in the European Union. The European Commission is currently considering whether to introduce similar laws. Grace Livingstone reports from Paraguay where some small farmers living near soya plantations say heavy pesticide spraying is affecting their health and livelihoods. We hear from the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Toxics, Marcos Orellana, who says that global pesticide regulations should be tougher. And we speak to Emily Rees of CropLife International, which represents the agrochemical industry, who says different climates and soil conditions require different pesticides. Produced and presented by Grace Livingstone. (Image: a tractor spraying soybean crops. Credit: Getty Images/BBC)

Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territories, on the truce between Israel and Hamas and how likely sanctions are for the participants afterwards.

Some of the biggest risks to human rights in the twenty-first century come from governments misusing surveillance technology originally designed to combat counterterrorism. These spyware tools are manufactured around the world, including in the United States, the European Union, China, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. The technology is difficult to detect and allows access to a target's communications, contacts, and geolocation and metadata. It can even delete information or plant incriminating data on a person's phone. Now, nations are using it to spy on politicians, journalists, human rights activists, lawyers, and ordinary citizens with no links to terrorism. As a reminder, this is Part 2 of a conversation with Fionnuala Ni Aoláin. Fionnuala recently completed her tenure as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Counterterrorism.For nearly six years, she examined global and country counterterrorism practices and how they do or don't comply with human rights standards. To hear Part 1 of our discussion, including Fionnuala's insights from her experience documenting the conditions at the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and in prisons and sprawling camps in Northeast Syria, please tune in to last week's episode, which you can find in the show notes and on our website. Show Notes:Fionnuala Ní Aoláin (@NiAolainF)Paras Shah (@pshah518) Viola Gienger (@ViolaGienger)Part 1 of our conversation with Fionnuala Fionnuala and Adriana Edmeades Jones' Just Security article “Spyware Out of the Shadows”  Just Security's Ending Perpetual War Symposium Just Security's counterterrorism coverageJust Security's technology coverageThe U.N. Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and human rights' website (including reports during Fionnuala's term, which ended Oct. 31)Music: “The Parade” by “Hey Pluto!” from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/hey-pluto/the-parade (License code: 36B6ODD7Y6ODZ3BX)Music: “Gnome” by Danijel Zambo from Uppbeat: https://uppbeat.io/t/danijel-zambo/gnome (License code: MIZAQ1JSL9JRTUN8)

On this day, November 24, in legal history, a pivotal event unfolded in Czechoslovakia, marking a significant turning point in the country's journey towards democracy. In 1989, the leaders of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, under mounting pressure and facing an undeniable surge for change, resigned from their positions. This resignation was a direct response to the widespread protests and political movements demanding democratic reforms, a wave that had been sweeping across Eastern Europe following the decline of Soviet influence in the region.Central to this movement in Czechoslovakia was Vaclav Havel, a distinguished playwright and political dissident, who emerged as a leading figure in the opposition. Havel, who had long been an outspoken critic of the Communist regime, played a crucial role in the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful series of protests that ultimately led to the end of 41 years of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia. His actions, characterized by non-violent resistance and powerful advocacy for human rights, not only symbolized the yearning for freedom and democracy but also inspired a nation to strive for these ideals.The resignation of the Communist Party leaders on this day was a landmark victory for the Velvet Revolution and paved the way for significant legal and political changes in Czechoslovakia. This event marked the beginning of a transition from a one-party system to a parliamentary democracy, a transition that culminated in the election of Vaclav Havel as the first democratically elected President of Czechoslovakia in December 1989. His presidency represented not only a new era for Czechoslovakia but also symbolized the triumph of democratic principles over authoritarian rule in the post-Cold War era.The United Nations Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos A. Orellana, has initiated an investigation into three companies historically linked to DuPont, along with the governments of the Netherlands and the United States. This probe concerns the human rights and environmental impacts stemming from the release of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a Fayetteville, North Carolina plant. In letters sent to these entities, Orellana expressed deep concern over the apparent disregard for human rights and environmental protections demonstrated by DuPont de Nemours Inc., the Chemours Co. LLC, and Corteva Agriscience LLC in their handling of PFAS, known for their potential harmful effects.Chemours responded with details of their efforts to control PFAS release at their Fayetteville Works factory, including significant pollution control measures and water treatment systems, which have cost over $200 million. They also highlighted a barrier wall to prevent chemical migration to local waters and provided data showing decreasing PFAS levels in the adjacent Cape Fear River. Corteva, on the other hand, clarified that it is an independent agricultural company and has neither produced nor sold the PFAS in question, though it inherited some liabilities related to PFAS under a 2021 settlement.The Netherlands detailed its compliance with international law in its dealings with Chemours, including requesting U.S. EPA permission for PFAS waste export from a Dutch Chemours plant to the North Carolina facility, a move highlighted by Orellana as potentially exacerbating the problem.Orellana criticized the U.S. for inadequate health and environmental protections, alleging that American regulatory failures have deprived North Carolina communities of essential information to prevent harm and seek reparation. He pointed out that legal actions against the companies have been insufficient, with enforcement and remediation measures falling short. This, according to Orellana, undermines the community members' rights to information and effective remedies. As of the report, responses from the U.S. government and DuPont were not immediately available on the UN's website.You will remember we reported on 3M's $10.3 billion PFAS settlement back in September, it appears likely as more is learned about PFAS that more litigation and ultimately more settlements will be in the offing. UN Probes DuPont, Chemours Over Human Rights Harms From PFASA $25 million settlement between Apple Inc. and the Department of Justice (DOJ) over allegations of hiring bias against U.S. citizens has underscored a broader dilemma in Big Tech regarding compliance with immigration laws. The case highlights a disconnect between the Department of Labor (DOL) and the DOJ in enforcing these laws, particularly in the context of sponsoring foreign workers for lawful permanent residency. Apple's case is the second major enforcement action against a U.S. employer for biases in sponsoring foreign workers, following a similar case with Facebook in 2021.Under the PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) program, companies sponsoring foreign workers must meet additional DOL recruiting requirements, which some attorneys find outdated, such as advertising in Sunday print newspapers. Despite adherence to DOL regulations, companies like Apple find themselves scrutinized by the DOJ for potential recruitment failures. The DOJ alleged that Apple took measures to depress applications from U.S. workers, including requiring paper applications and not advertising PERM positions on its external website.Large tech firms are particularly vulnerable to such scrutiny due to their heavy use of the PERM process and the H-1B visa program. For many foreign workers employed in the U.S. on temporary visas, progress toward permanent residency is crucial for renewing their temporary status, especially given the long wait times for green cards. The DOJ's position is that employers are not permitted to deter job applications based on citizenship or immigration status. However, this has raised concerns among immigration attorneys who argue that complying with the letter of DOL laws might still invite DOJ enforcement actions, creating a challenging environment for employers to navigate.The Apple case, following the Facebook settlement, signifies a growing enforcement trend by the DOJ and raises questions about the consistency and clarity of regulations governing the sponsorship of foreign workers for permanent residency. It also suggests the need for federal agencies to harmonize their approaches and update recruitment mandates to reflect modern hiring practices.Apple's Hiring Bias Case Reveals Big Tech Foreign Worker DilemmaThe Biden administration has defended the race-conscious admissions policy of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in a recent legal challenge. In a brief filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, the administration argued that the academy's affirmative action policies are crucial for ensuring a diverse and effective military force, which is integral to national security. This stance comes despite the U.S. Supreme Court's June ruling that struck down similar race-conscious admissions policies used by civilian colleges.The lawsuit, filed by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), a group founded by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum, alleges that West Point's practices discriminate against white applicants, violating the equal protection principle of the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment. However, the Justice Department contends that SFFA lacks legal standing to sue and points out critical differences between civilian universities and military academies in their use of race in admissions.The administration emphasizes that diversity in the Army officer corps, fostered in part by West Point's admissions practices, results in a more effective, lethal, and legitimate force in the eyes of the nation and the world. The lawsuit seeks to end an exemption that allows military academies to consider race as a factor in admissions, an issue the Supreme Court did not address in its recent ruling.The Justice Department's brief highlights the racial disparities in the Army, noting that while Black and Hispanic people make up a significant portion of active duty enlisted personnel, they are underrepresented in officer positions. In contrast, white individuals constitute a larger percentage of officers compared to their representation in the enlisted corps. The case, which will have arguments heard on December 21, raises crucial questions about the role of race in military academy admissions and its impact on the composition and effectiveness of the U.S. military.Biden administration defends West Point's race-conscious admissions policy | ReutersThe 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans is proposing a rule requiring lawyers to certify their use of artificial intelligence (AI) in drafting legal briefs. This proposed rule, a first among the nation's 13 federal appeals courts, aims to regulate the use of generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT. Lawyers would need to confirm that any AI-generated text in court filings has been reviewed for accuracy, particularly citations and legal analysis. Failure to comply could result in filings being stricken and potential sanctions.This move comes as the legal community increasingly grapples with the implications of AI in the courtroom. The need for such a rule was highlighted by an incident in June, where two New York lawyers faced sanctions for submitting a brief with fictitious case citations generated by ChatGPT. The 5th Circuit's initiative follows similar actions by district courts in its jurisdiction, including the Eastern District of Texas, which recently announced a rule requiring lawyers to verify any computer-generated content.These measures reflect a growing awareness of the potential inaccuracies in AI-generated legal content and the importance of ensuring that AI tools do not replace the critical thinking and problem-solving skills required in legal practice. The 5th Circuit is currently seeking public comment on this proposal until January 4.US appeals court proposes lawyers certify review of AI use in filings | Reuters Get full access to Minimum Competence - Daily Legal News Podcast at www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Will there ever be peace in the middle east? And if so, how can it be accomplished? This is one of the great questions of our time. Multiple, deadly wars have been fought to try and achieve lasting harmony between people who have been divided for generations. It is at the heart of the latest atrocities that the people in Gaza and Israel have been suffering through, for more than a month. But the problem, says Dr Francesca Albanese, The United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian Territories, is that everyone, from politicians to soldiers, have often been fighting for the wrong thing. Today, she joins Samantha to discuss what is needed to stop the seemingly unending suffering in the Palestinian territories, and Israel.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will there ever be peace in the middle east? And if so, how can it be accomplished? This is one of the great questions of our time. Multiple, deadly wars have been fought to try and achieve lasting harmony between people who have been divided for generations. It is at the heart of the latest atrocities that the people in Gaza and Israel have been suffering through, for more than a month. But the problem, says Dr Francesca Albanese, The United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights in the Palestinian Territories, is that everyone, from politicians to soldiers, have often been fighting for the wrong thing. Today, she joins Samantha to discuss what is needed to stop the seemingly unending suffering in the Palestinian territories, and Israel.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that we have more than enough food to feed everyone on the planet and then some?  Join Food Sleuth Radio host and Registered Dietitian, Melinda Hemmelgarn, for her interview with Michael Fakhri, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food. Fakhri is a  professor at the University of Oregon,  School of Law where he teaches courses on human rights, food law, development, and commercial law. He is also the director of the Food Resiliency Project in the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center.  Fakhri discusses the political roots of hunger and famine, the multiple benefits of agroecology, the ethics of patenting of seeds, violence in the food system, and the relationship between the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the pesticide industry.  Related website:  https://law.uoregon.edu/directory/faculty-staff/all/mfakhri Violence in the food system: https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2023-02/flyer-violenceFoodSystems-PRINT.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1U128rbc6v2p27a-B6BAgGrEbtLev7IgRiQEaVhJmyjP0gqmwnEDgMnvgSeeds report: https://www.ohchr.org/en/stories/2022/03/seeds-central-peoples-food-systems-cultures-and-human-rights 

Gaza Fundraiser here:https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-appeal-for-gaza?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer In this Reboot Republic podcast, Rory and Tony, talk to Professor Balakrishnan Rajagopal, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, a lawyer by training, he is an expert on many areas of human rights. He outlines how Israel is committing genocide and war crimes in its attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure in Gaza. He also explains that there is more the UN can do to put pressure on Israel, such as the UN General Assembly 'unseating' Isreal, putting an embargo on arms to Isreal, and implementing the Uniting for peace resolution to get a ceasefire. We also discuss the loss of home and domicide (the destruction of home) in Gaza, and the trauma of homeloss, the growing public international community outcry for peace. We also discuss the wider global affordable housing crisis, and legalizing a right to housing as a challenge to the neoliberal commodification of housing. The 'What's Happening with The Ditch' Pod is out now here:https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-exclusive-92526741

Newly appointed United Nations rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Ben Saul joins Mark and Marija to discuss the Israel-Gaza conflict. How does international humanitarian law apply to the Israel-Gaza conflict? What responsibilities do all parties have to protect civilians? And with influential voices both inside and outside of Israel calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside, will his government last beyond the current crisis? On this episode of Democracy Sausage, United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights and counter-terrorism Professor Ben Saul joins Professor Mark Kenny and Dr Marija Taflaga to discuss international law in the current conflict.Ben Saul is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism. He is a Professor and the Challis Chair of International Law at the University of Sydney.Marija Taflaga is the Director of the ANU Centre for the Study of Australian Politics and a Lecturer at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.Mark Kenny is a Professor at the ANU Australian Studies Institute. He came to the University after a high-profile journalistic career including six years as chief political correspondent and national affairs editor for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and The Canberra Times.Democracy Sausage with Mark Kenny is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We'd love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to democracysausage@anu.edu.au.This podcast is produced by The Australian National University. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Francesca Albanese speaks, we need to listen. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, she is an expert international lawyer - and here she provides the detailed legal argument against Israel's massacre in Gaza.She offers a comprehensive take down of any legal basis for the current onslaught.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-owen-jones-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode we speak with Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. We ask her about the underlying dynamics of the conflict between Israel and Palestine and whether anyone will be held accountable for the atrocious war crimes being committed against civilians. And, with a rapidly rising death toll and no ceasefire in sight, we ask if the UN has once again failed the Palestinian people.

Professor Ghassan Abu Sitta - Plastic surgeon in Al Shifa hospital in Gaza City. Fionnuala Ni Aolain, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights while Countering Terrorism.

Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, discusses the latest on the Israel and Hamas conflict. She also talks about her understanding of the situation on the ground. Albanese spoke to Bloomberg's Stephen Carroll and Lizzy Burden on Bloomberg Radio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel's military occupation has morphed the entire occupied Palestinian territory into an open-air prison, where Palestinians are constantly confined, surveilled and disciplined, UN Special Rapporteur for the oPt Francesca Albanese demonstrates in a new report to the Human Rights Council. While the report finds that since 1967, over 800,000 Palestinians, including children as young as 12, have been arrested and detained under Israeli military rules, Albanese notes that Israel's “carceral regime” haunts Palestinian life even outside of prisons. With blockades, walls, segregated infrastructure, checkpoints, settlements encircling Palestinian towns and villages, hundreds of bureaucratic permits and a web of digital surveillance, Palestinians are confined to a carceral continuum across strictly controlled enclaves. Join us as we learn more about the nature of Israel's carceral regime and its relationship to international law with three leading human rights experts: Francesca Albanese, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967. Sahar Francis, Palestinian human rights defender, lawyer and the General Director of the Palestinian human rights organisation Addameer Prisoner Support and Human Rights Association. Nery Ramati, Israeli human rights attorney defending Palestinian children. He was a partner in Gaby Lasky and Partners Law Office, a leading human rights office in Israel, specialising in freedom of expression and protest. 

Brian Friel's classic play Dancing at Lughnasa has opened at the National Theatre in London. Telling the story of the five Mundy sisters, two of the actors, more recently on our screens in Derry Girls – newly-Bafta nominated Siobhan McSweeney (AKA Sister Michael) and Louisa Harland (AKA Orla McCool) - join Nuala McGovern in the Woman's Hour studio. UN experts have warned the UK government that its treatment of unaccompanied asylum seeker children is increasing the risk that they could be trafficked and is breaching international law. A statement issued yesterday expressed concern about the fate of children who had gone missing and has urged that the government does more to protect them. Siobhán Mullally is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking. Laura Trevelyan and 6 members of her family earlier this year travelled to Grenada to issue a public apology to the people of the Caribbean Island for her family's links to the slave trade. The Trevelyan family is donating more than £100,000 in reparations. Now Laura is campaigning full time on the Caribbean's fight for reparatory justice. And later this month she is launching a new group composed of families in Britain, with similar backgrounds, ancestors who were slave owners. Yesterday a 19-year-old who stabbed another teenager to death in a quiet Somerset town was found guilty of murder. Joshua Delbono stabbed 16-year-old Charley Bates in Radstock, Somerset, on 31 July last year. It was Delbono's mother Donna who called the police and told them her son had killed Charley. This is a very serious crime which perhaps made it a clear cut decision for Donna Delbono to call the police but what about when it comes to other issues, if you knew your teenage child was taking or dealing drugs, stealing, or maybe drink driving - Would you ever call the police on your child? If, so at what point would you do it? Former detective superintendent Shabnam Chauhdri and former Conservative MP, parent and now criminal barrister Anna Soubry discuss. You may well have heard of Emmeline Pankhurst who was a leading figure in the suffragette movement, which called for the right for women to vote….But what about Kitty Marshall - one of Emmeline Pankhurst's bodyguards? Emelyne Godfrey's new book Mrs Pankhurst's Bodyguard shines a light on Kitty Marshall and how she helped Mrs Pankhurst to evade the clutches of the authorities as a member of the Women's Social and Political Union's elite team ‘the Bodyguard'. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Kirsty Starkey

Eight people, including two small children, died in the St. Lawrence River near the Mohawk Territory of Akwesasne last week, while trying to cross from Canada into the U.S. Matt Galloway talks to Marjorie Skidders, editor of the Indian Time Newspaper in Akwesasne; and François Crépeau, a professor at McGill University's Faculty of Law, who served as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Migrants from 2011 to 2017.

Psalm 113:5-7 When you hear that God is enthroned on high, it's easy to assume that he must therefore be totally disconnected from the harsh realities of our world. The psalmist makes it clear that the opposite is true. Mighty and exalted as he undoubtedly is, God is also intimately concerned about what is happening here in the world. So much so that he not only looks down at what is going on but takes action to rectify the situation. The whole Bible shows a concern for the poor. The law of Moses insisted on the poor being protected and supported. The prophets continually reminded people of their duty to care for the most vulnerable, and Jesus went out of his way to reach out to the weak and marginalised. In every society there are poor people, and yet the majority of us try to get on with life as if they don't exist. God calls us to care for the poor in our society. After a visit to the UK in 2018, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Philip Alston, expressed great concern that “14 million people, a fifth of the population, live in poverty. Four million of these are more than 50 per cent below the poverty line, and 1.5 million are destitute, unable to afford basic essentials.” That's an incredibly shocking statement and it is deeply worrying that the situation has only got worse with the pandemic and the recent sharp down-turn in the economy. Children are amongst the most vulnerable members of our society and so we have a special responsibility to care for them. Child Poverty Action Group has defined child poverty as existing when parents can't afford to pay for basics such as food, housing and clothes - it affects one in four children in the UK. 46 per cent of children from black and minority ethnic groups are in poverty in the UK, compared with 26 per cent of children in white British families. God is still in the business of lifting the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump, and he looks to us to make it happen. QUESTION In what ways are you able to help the poor in your community? PRAYER Lord God, I thank you that you care for the poor and vulnerable. Help me to find ways to reflect your love to all those who are marginalised in my community. Amen

   Slam the Gavel welcomes Anna Tsekenis-Shehas to the podcast. She is a 54-year-old mother of two adult daughters, a graduate of New York University's College of Arts and Science, a former Department Manager and Assistant Buyer for Macy's East, and a former Account Manager for the Swatch Group USA.   She is both a victim of, and a witness to, the violations of law, and abuse of power of officers of the court and their accomplices. Judge Culley actually took away Anna's property rights, forced an illegal transfer of $9 million of NYC real estate, and made her and her younger daughter HOMELESS and PENNILESS.    Anna is speaking out and blowing the whistle on the manipulation of our courts and is doing so in the public interest and to raise a red flag about the injustices that are taking place within our court system under color of law.     A victim of the violations of law of New York State Justice Anna Culley, and as such she has initiated the petition calling on New York State lawmakers to impeach Judge Anna Culley for those violations of law; for denying litigants their due process by falsifying material facts on her judgements and subsequent orders; and for abuse of office in issuing Contempt of Court orders and eviction orders for her favored litigants. New York State lawmakers need to address the violations of law of Judge Anna Culley during this legislative session AND she must be removed from the bench as soon as possible and certainly before December 31, 2028, the end of her elected term of office.     Anna has also submitted a letter of testimony to the United Nations Special Rapporteur, Ms. Reem Alsalem, in response to the Special Rapporteur's call for input on the subject of custody cases, violence against women and violence against children.Anna can be found on Facebook: Anna Tsekenis-Shehas and can be reached through her LinkedIn profile page: Anna Shehashttps://chng.it/6rPfmrG67XSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.comSupport the showSupportshow(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng aka Dr T, is a globally renowned doctor and human rights defender and a bestselling author of “Dr T: A Guide to Sexual Health and Pleasure”. Born in Qwaqwa in the Free State, she credits her success to the guidance and nurturing that her mother continues to give her. Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng is the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng is an advocate for sexual and reproductive health rights (including adolescent health, transgender affirming health, abortions) with experience in legislative reform, policy, healthcare provision, and health communication. Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng was recently named one of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers Advisory group. The Cheeky Natives sat in conversation with Dr T to talk about her book, its genesis, her work as a medical doctor and her role as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to health. The conversation touched on the way Dr T approaches her advocacy and activism. It was a delightful conversation with an important figure in our global imagination

This week, Mary Lawlor joins the podcast to discuss her role as the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and her determination that anti-corruption activists should be included as⁠—and offered the protection of⁠—human rights defenders. Read her recent report, At the heart of the struggle: Human rights defenders fight corruption.