Gender stereotyping is a form of discrimination against women and a contributing factor to many violations of their rights, say experts at the Human Rights Council.

Warning of a regional war in the Middle East, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Syria foresees violent repercussions in Syria from events in neighbouring Iraq.

UN Human Rights Chief Navi Pillay says States must act to address impunity: that every act of violence against a journalist that goes uninvestigated and unpunished is an open invitation to further violence.

In her final speech to the Human Rights Council, after six years as High Commissioner Pillay said the Human Rights Office had to be protected from financial and political constraints to enable it to operate with integrity and free of political influence.