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Genocide against the Palestinians – Craig Mokhiber steps down

by Alfred de Zayas, Geneva

(1 November 2023) Craig Mokhiber has the courage that every international civil servant should have. He has stepped down from his post as Chief of the New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in protest against the failure of the United Nations to stop the genocide being perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinians.

Middle East

No takers for a West Asian war but war seems inevitable

by M.K. Bhadrakumar,* India

(31 October 2023) There is no question that smart power enhances foreign policy. Since the notion of “smart power” entered international diplomacy some two decades ago, a major regional power, Iran, is applying it to an actual conflict situation.

Progress and Retrogression in Human Rights

by Alfred de Zayas,* Geneva

(25 October 2023) Progress and retrogression characterize the reality of international law, international relations, and the concrete enjoyment of human rights by women and men throughout the planet. We hail the tides of opportunity, the times of liberation and expansion, but we should not be blind to recurrent abuses, crimes, and moments of disgrace.

WHO Reform

“WHO Pact undermines Swiss sovereignty”

Parliamentary interpellation by National Councillor Franz Grüter

(25 October 2023) (sv) The “WHO International Health Regulations” (IHR) are currently being revised with the exclusion of the Swiss Parliament and the public and are to be adopted by the “World Health Assembly” in May 2024. A Swiss negotiating delegation is also involved.

Multipolarity, an order still to be established

by Guy Mettan,* Geneva

(25 October 2023) Geneva readily positions itself as an international city, a humanitarian city, and a city of peace. Unfortunately, its commitment and tradition have been undermined since Switzerland decided, at the end of February 2022, to break its tradition of neutrality and move closer to NATO.

ICRC*

Israel and Occupied Territories: People caught in rising violence need your help

(25 October 2023) The hostilities that broke out Saturday 7 October are at a level that we have not seen in many years. They have the potential to cause even more suffering to civilians on both sides.