Human Rights

‘American Dream’ quickly becoming an ‘illusion,’ says UN human rights expert

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A homeless man sits at the steps of a store in lower east side, Manhattan, New York City.

Iran: Free Ailing Labor Activist

Medical Issues After Possible Stroke

Iranian authorities should immediately release Reza Shahabi, a prominent labor activist, after he suffered a possible stroke in prison, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 16. Medical experts who examined Shahabi said that he should be released for medical reasons.

Laos: 5 Years Since Civil Society Leader’s ‘Disappearance’

Disclose Sombath Somphone’s Fate or Whereabouts

The government of Laos should immediately disclose the fate or whereabouts of the prominent civil society leader Sombath Somphone, who was forcibly disappeared in the capital, Vientiane, in December 2012, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 15.

Greece: Dire Risks for Women Asylum Seekers

In Lesbos Camp, Neglect Threatens Women’s, Girls’ Safety, Health

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Amal Adwan, 47, asylum seeker from Damascus, Syria in the Moria hotspot on Lesbos island. Hotspots on the Greek islands were originally designed for short-term stays, but since the EU-Turkey deal have become places of indefinite containment. September 30, 2017.

Sri Lanka Joins Global Landmine Ban

Others Should Reconsider Joining Treaty

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The Broken Chair, a statue in support of the bans on landmines and cluster munitions, stands outside the United Nations in Geneva.

Kenya: Sexual Violence Marred Elections

Prosecute Sexual Crimes; Address Victims’ Needs

Widespread sexual violence marred Kenya’s 2017 elections, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Dec 14. The Kenyan government should urgently take steps to protect women and girls, as well as men and boys, from sexual violence.

Burundi: Rights Defender Detained

Stop Intimidating Activists

Authorities in Burundi have been holding a human rights activist since November 21, 2017, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 13, 2017. The authorities should immediately release the activist, Nestor Nibitanga, or charge him with a credible offense. The police accused Nibitanga, via twitter, of “threatening state security.”

Singapore: Laws Chill Free Speech, Assembly

End Repressive Prosecutions, Regulations, and Civil Suits

The Singapore government’s use of overly broad criminal laws, oppressive regulations, and civil lawsuits severely curtails freedom of speech and assembly, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Dec 13.

Human Rights Day: UN officials pledge to advance human dignity, equality and rights

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A UN Human Rights Officer from the peacekeeping mission in Mali (MINUSMA) visiting the Sevare jail, in central Mali, to monitor the rights situation there.

Security tensions may have deepened rights violations in DPRK, Security Council told

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Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, High Commissioner for Human Rights, addresses Security Council meeting on the situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea via video conference.