In Belgium, a powerful explosion on Monday outside a historic synagogue in Liege caused significant damage. Three synagogues across Canada were attacked in separate shootings last week. In the United States, an attacker was shot dead after crashing their truck into a synagogue and its preschool in Michigan on Thursday.
He had reportedly lost family members in a recent Israeli strike on his former homeland in Lebanon.
Meanwhile on Friday, authorities in the Netherlands announced they were investigating an overnight arson attack on a synagogue in Rotterdam.
UN chief ‘strongly condemns’ attacks
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns these antisemitic attacks in no uncertain terms,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, told reporters on Friday.
“Houses of worship must be safe havens for all, and attacks on them strike at the core of our shared humanity,” he added.
The Secretary-General calls on authorities everywhere to ensure “the protection of religious sites, bring perpetrators to justice and work diligently to counter antisemitism and all forms of hatred.”
Rights violations persist in Syria despite the ‘willingness of Syrian government’ to change
Independent human rights investigators on Syria alleged on Friday that serious violations – including extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and abductions – have continued across the country, more than one year since the overthrow of the Assad regime.
Last March, Government armed forces and militia fighters killed more than 1,400 people – mostly Alawite civilians – in Latakia, Tartus, Homs and Hama.
Four months later, in mid‑July, more than 1,500 people, primarily Druze and Bedouin civilians, were killed in Sweida by government forces, armed groups and tribal fighters.
“Syrian survivors and affected communities deserve justice, compensation and guarantees of non‑recurrence,” said Fionnuala Ní Aoláin, a member of the panel of rights experts who report to the Human Rights Council in an independent capacity and are not UN staff.
Some optimism around transition
The Commission welcomed efforts for a “broad transition” toward inclusive governance, rule of law, and accountability initiated by Syrian authorities, including the setting up of two new national justice bodies – adding that disarmament and demobilization of non-State armed forces remains essential.
“We are encouraged by the willingness of the Syrian government to engage constructively with the international human rights system…and the extraordinary strength of Syrians who are working tirelessly to rebuild their institutions,” said Commissioner Monia Ammar.
Commission Chair Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro added that “only through sustained support can Syria complete its transition toward a political environment that guarantees human rights for all.”
Majority surveyed in new Eastern Europe and Central Asia study experience mistreatment during childbirth
Two in three women responding to a new study looking at mistreatment during childbirth reported at least one form of mistreatment, including non-consensual medical procedures, verbal and physical abuse, and significant breaches of privacy.
The report released on Friday by UNFPA, the UN sexual and reproductive health agency, found half of women surveyed (48.1 per cent) in Eastern Europe and Central Asia underwent obstetric procedures – such as episiotomies, Caesarean section, or the administration of oxytocin – without their informed consent.
Based on 2,600 who gave birth recently across 16 countries, the survey found that 24 per cent reported experiencing verbal abuse, including yelling and humiliation, while one in 10 endured physical or sexual abuse during labour or gynaecological examinations.
Transformation needed
Only two per cent of those mistreated officially reported their experience, often due to a lack of trust in accountability mechanisms or fear of retaliation.
“Obstetric violence is not just a clinical issue; it is a human rights violation that leaves women feeling powerless and distressed, with long-term impacts on their health and well-being.” said Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The report also issued a joint Call to Action, urging governments and medical communities across the region to implement comprehensive strategies to eliminate obstetric violence including mandating human rights-centred training for all healthcare personnel.
“We must work together to transform maternity care into a truly woman-centred, respectful, positive experience for all.” Ms. Bauer said.
