Global Concerns: Migration deaths at sea, physical inactivity, and Iraq’s executions

The Human Rights Council in Geneva is facing criticism as the number of migrant deaths at sea reached record levels in 2023, despite commitments made in the 2018 Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. Special Rapporteur Siobhán Mullally reported that at least 8,565 people lost their lives on migration routes worldwide, with drowning accounting for slightly more than half of the deaths.

Ms. Mullally emphasized the importance of search and rescue operations to prevent further tragedies, particularly for victims of trafficking at sea. The situation is especially dire for Rohingya refugees, with nearly 4,500 embarking on dangerous sea journeys in 2023, resulting in 569 reported dead or missing.

In a separate development, a new study by the World Health Organization revealed that nearly one third of adults worldwide did not meet recommended levels of physical activity in 2022. The trend is projected to rise to 35 percent by 2030, posing a significant threat to global health. Physical inactivity puts adults at greater risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia, and certain cancers.

Moreover, experts have raised concerns about the arbitrary executions of prisoners in Iraq, especially those based on confessions obtained through torture under counterterrorism laws. The experts suggest that these executions may amount to crimes against humanity, as they are carried out in disregard of reported irregularities in the administration of justice.

The experts are calling on the Iraqi government to halt all executions, ensure fair trials for prisoners on death row, particularly those accused of terrorism offenses, and conduct thorough and impartial investigations. The alarming reports underscore the importance of upholding human rights and promoting safety and well-being for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.