Human Rights

US abortion debate: Rights experts urge lawmakers to adhere to women’s convention

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Abortion rights supporters march outside the Supreme Court of the United States in Washingon, D.C.

Uganda: President Pledges Rights Improvements

Promises to Halt Security Force Abuses; End Curbs on Journalists, Civil Society

President Yoweri Museveni should accelerate steps toward fulfilling his commitments to end abuses by security forces and restrictions on civil society and journalists in Uganda, Human Rights Watch said following its meeting with him on June 29, 2022. Uganda should hold to account high-level officials responsible for human rights violations and create and respect space for civil society and journalists to operate without interference by the authorities.

US Supreme Court Deals Blow to Climate Action

Ruling Limits Administration’s Ability to Restrict Carbon Emissions from Power Plants

In a significant setback for climate action, the United States Supreme Court ruled to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ability to restrict greenhouse gas emissions from power plants on June 30, 2022.

Rise of disinformation a symptom of ‘global diseases’ undermining public trust: Bachelet

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Social media has a huge influence in children’s lives and being constantly connected to the Internet also comes with many risks, including online exploitation and disinformation.

India: Free, Drop Charges Against Teesta Setalvad

Stop Harassing Activists for Defending Human Rights

The Indian authorities should immediately release the prominent human rights activist Teesta Setalvad, drop all charges against her, and stop their relentless attacks against her, Human Rights Watch said on June 28, 2022. The police said they are investigating Setalvad, and two former senior police officers who turned whistleblowers, for criminal conspiracy and forgery for their activities while pursuing accountability for the 2002 mob violence targeting Muslims in Gujarat state.

Morocco/Spain: Horrific Migrant Deaths at Melilla Border

Investigate Fully, Preserve Evidence, Ensure Dignified Treatment of the Dead

The deaths of at least 23 African men at the Melilla-Morocco border on June 24, 2022 requires an independent, impartial investigation capable of determining what occurred and who bears responsibility for such loss of life, Human Rights Watch said on June 29, 2022.

Put women’s rights ‘front and centre’ of climate policies: Bachelet

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Women wait for food aid at a distribution centre in Afgoye, Somalia.

Lebanon: Commitment Needed to Tackle Torture

Allocate Funds for Anti-Torture Unit; Strengthen Law, Investigations

The Lebanese authorities should effectively protect everyone, including people in detention, from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, 15 organizations said in a joint statement on the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture on June 27 ,2022. The authorities should also investigate all allegations of torture and ill-treatment and hold accountable members of the security forces responsible for such abuse.

Tanzania: Court to Rule on Education Ban for Pregnant Students

Amicus from Rights Groups to African Human Rights Court

A landmark case on Tanzania’s discriminatory ban against students who are pregnant, married, or are mothers at the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights could impact the rights of girls across Africa, the Initiative for Strategic Litigation in Africa, Women’s Link Worldwide, and Human Rights Watch said on June 26, 2022. The three human rights organizations submitted a joint amicus curiae brief to the court on June 17, 2022.

Actions to stem violence against women and girls ‘needed now more than ever’

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Amidst a spike in COVID-related violence against women and girls and a shortage of temporary shelters in Bangladesh, Romela Islam managed to escape her abusive marriage.