OHCHR | Feature Stories

Feature Stories

An entire life sentenced to death
On World Day against the Death Penalty, 10 October, we look at the gender-based biases and the intersectional discrimination that lead women to death row.
10 October 2018

Increased use of private security providers need closer monitoring
States need clearer guidelines and accountability mechanisms when it comes to managing private security providers, Christof Heyns, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.
27 June 2016

Armed drones: calls for greater transparency and accountability
The Human Rights Council brings the debate on the use of armed drones to the fore, urging States to be more transparent and to promptly investigate allegations of violations.
20 October 2014

To protect life- the principle of law enforcement
Law enforcement officials should conform to international human rights standards while using force, says Christof Heyns, Special Rapporteur on summary executions.
8 July 2014

Global security at stake: Transparency and accountability are crucial in drone warfare
In their reports to the General Assembly, two UN independent experts have focused on the use of armed drones and warn about their potential illegal use.
26 November 2013

"Hidden" victims: the children of parents on death row
The Human Rights Council, at its latest meeting in Geneva, has brought to the fore the human rights of children whose parents are on death row, urging States to provide appropriate protection and assistance.
10 October 2013

A call for a moratorium on the development and use of lethal autonomous robots
UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Christof Heyns calls for a moratorium on the development and use of lethal autonomous robots.
31 May 2013

Despite progress in abolishing the death penalty, thousands remain on death row
As the number of States with the death penalty on their statute books falls, still thousands of prisoners remain on death row. The UN Human Rights Office supports the United Nations in its campaign to end executions globally.
31 October 2012

Protecting the lives of journalists
“The most extreme form of censorship is to kill a journalist,” Special Rapporteur Christof Heyns said in his latest report to the United Nations Human Rights Council on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions at the 20th Session in Geneva.
6 July 2012

States must comply with regulations when using force during protests – UN Expert
States should comply with international human rights standards in order to protect lives during demonstrations, says the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions.
30 May 2011

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