JAKARTA, 7 December 2022 — Indonesia’s recently passed new Criminal Code includes problematic articles that could unduly restrict the right to freedom of religion or belief, freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to privacy and sexual autonomy. This is a dismaying step backwards for the country, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) denounced today.

To mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery this year, ActionAid International launches #HerStory, an anti-modern slavery campaign to raise awareness of the prevalence of modern slavery, shed light on the impact it has on women and girls in particular, and amplify the voice of female survivors.

Ministers and high-level officials today renewed commitments from Asia-Pacific countries to boost regional cooperation in climate action, sustainable urban development, the protection of ecosystems and oceans, and implementing environmental rights principles; all critical elements to achieve the common goal of a healthy environment

This International Volunteer Day, UN Volunteers encourages all our partners to join us in using the slogan, “Together Act Now” – and the associated hashtag, #TogetherActNow - to focus on the remarkable and growing impact of volunteers.