Experts: Crimea a Brief Distraction from Russia's Economic Woes

The annexation of Crimea will only temporarily distract Russians from worrying about the economy, a respected economist said, suggesting a rally in President Vladimir Putin's ratings may not last. The standoff with the United States and the European Union over the Black Sea region has won Putin support at home but Western sanctions and capital withdrawals by nervous investors are expected to damage the economy. A weaker rouble, leading to inflation, and slower growth may eventually...

Read complete article

~	UN human rights chief welcomes rape law reform in Lebanon, Tunisia, Jordan

~	Justice vital to help Iraqi victims of ISIL's sexual violence rebuild lives – UN report

~	'No sign of positive evolution' in Burundi, says head of independent UN rights probe

~	Following El Salvador visit, UN right expert urges authorities to protect people from gangs

~	UN rights experts warn new EU policy on boat rescues will cause more people to drown

~	'Racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism or Islamophobia are poisoning our societies' – UN chief

~	UN rights chief urges Kenyan leaders to act responsibly, avoid further violence

~	UN rights office 'deeply concerned' about deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza

~	UN rights expert urges restraint in security operation in Myanmar's Rakhine state

~	Protecting indigenous peoples' rights 'is protecting everyone's rights' – UN