Human Rights

More than two years on, impact of Myanmar military coup ‘devastating’

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A woman holds her six-month-old son in front of their small makeshift home in Yangon, Myanmar.

Mozambique: Police Teargas Rapper’s Funeral Procession

Investigate Alleged Excessive Use of Force

Mozambican authorities should promptly and impartially investigate the police use of teargas on the funeral procession of a famous rap star on March 14, 2023, in Maputo, Human Rights Watch said on March 16, 2023. Edson da Luz, known as “Azagaia,” who died on March 9 from complications of a sudden illness, was known for his criticism of the government. Azagaia’s death was marked across Portuguese-speaking countries, with vigils in Angola, Mozambique, and Portugal.

Egypt: End Stranglehold on Nongovernmental Groups

Abolish Registration Deadline Until Law is Amended

The Egyptian government should abolish the April 11, 2023 registration deadline for the country’s draconian 2019 associations law until the law is amended to ensure that nongovernmental organizations can operate freely without intrusive government interference or harassment, Human Rights Watch said on March 16, 2023.

Myanmar: Social media companies urged to stand up to junta

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In an appeal to internet chat platforms to monitor content more carefully and allocate sufficient resources to do so, the rights experts warned that Telegram in particular had become “a hotbed of pro-military activity”.

Bahrain: 4 Arrested Over Tweets

Bahraini authorities arrested four people over social media posts in early March 2023, Human Rights Watch said on March 14, 2023. One of those arrested had called for reform of Bahrain’s parliamentary system ahead of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Manama.

Cambodia: Labor Leader, Activists Face Baseless Charges

Release Union President and Drop Case Against Members

Cambodian authorities should immediately and unconditionally release union president, Chhim Sithar, and drop the baseless criminal charges against her and eight other union members, Human Rights Watch said on March 14, 2023.

US Honors Women and Girls Who Protested in Iran

The U.S. State Department Wednesday honored women and girls who have led protests in Iran as it gave out its International Women of Courage awards.

Pace of Reform Toward Equal Rights for Women Falls to 20-Year Low

“Reform fatigue” poses obstacle to economic growth at a critical time

The global pace of reforms toward equal treatment of women under the law has slumped to a 20-year low, constituting a potential impediment to economic growth at a critical time for the global economy, a new World Bank report shows.

UN rights chief deplores Ukraine death toll one year after Russian invasion

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A mother in Bucha, Ukraine, buries her son whose body was found along with 450 others after soldiers retreated from the town.

Thousands of Refugee Students Cut off from Classes in Lebanon

University Cuts Ties with Organization that Criticized Decision

Thousands of Syrian refugee students in Lebanon are being cut off from classes, all, according to officials, in the name of “equality.”