Human Rights

Australia: Climate Protesters’ Rights Violated

The authorities in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) are disproportionately punishing climate protesters in violation of their basic rights to peaceful protest, Human Rights Watch said on June 22, 2022. New anti-protest laws currently before parliament in the states of Victoria and Tasmania would also invoke harsh penalties for non-violent protest.

A New Project to Empower and Improve the Livelihoods of Women and Girls in Liberia

The World Bank Board has approved a financing package to improve economic livelihoods and access to social services for women and girls in targeted communities, foster positive social norms, and strengthen the government's capacity to advance women and girls’ empowerment in Liberia. The Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) is financed by the International Development Association (IDA) in the amount of $44.60 million ($17.80 million grant and $26.80 million concessional credit).

Iran urged to halt imminent finger amputation of eight prisoners

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A view of Tehran, Iran's capital city.

Sudan: New Deadly Attacks in West Darfur

Strengthen Public Reporting on Individuals, Entities Committing Abuses

New attacks by armed Arab assailants on civilians in west Darfur since April 2022 have left hundreds dead, thousands displaced, and hundreds of civilian homes scorched, and property looted, Human Rights Watch said on June 22, 2022.

Landmines: US Moves Closer Toward Global Ban

Geographic Exception to Mine Ban Is Unnecessary

The Biden administration’s pledge not to use antipersonnel landmines anywhere in the world except on the Korean peninsula is a major step forward but does not go far enough to prohibit this indiscriminate weapon, Human Rights Watch said on June 21, 2022.

EU job-seeking aid worth €1.5 million for dismissed workers in Greece

Workers made redundant in six companies producing household appliances in Attica, Greece, should receive €1.5 million in EU aid.

On Tuesday, the Committee on Budgets approved Greece’s request for funding from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF). In their decision, MEPs acknowledge that “expenditure for new household appliances in Greece was strongly impacted first by the economic crisis from 2008 to 2016 and second by the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Nearly 37 million children displaced worldwide – highest number ever recorded

Ahead of World Refugee Day, UNICEF urges governments to strengthen protection and access to services for refugee, migrant and displaced children

Conflict, violence and other crises left a record 36.5 million children displaced from their homes at the end of 2021, UNICEF estimates – the highest number recorded since the Second World War. This figure includes 13.7 million refugee and asylum-seeking children† and nearly 22.8 million children who are internally displaced due to conflict and violence.

‘Militarised approach’ to policing peaceful protests, only increases risk of violence: UN human rights expert

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Protests against racism and police violence were held in New York City after the death of George Floyd on 25 May 2020.

China: US Law Against Uyghur Forced Labor Takes Effect

Robust Customs Enforcement of Import Ban Crucial

The United States government should vigorously enforce a new law that aims to prevent imports linked to forced labor by Uyghurs and other persecuted groups in China, Human Rights Watch said on June 20, 2022. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which goes into effect on June 21, 2022, gives US authorities increased powers to block the import of goods linked to forced labor in China.

Rights experts alarmed by violent civil society crackdown in Iran

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A view of a neighborhood in Tehran, Iran.