Human Rights

UN: Expose Abuses of Women in Detention in North Korea

Women Prisoners Face Physical and Sexual Abuse by Interrogators and Prison Guards

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women should press the North Korean government to stop security officials and prison guards from physically and sexually abusing female prisoners, Human Rights Watch said on NOv 06. On November 8, 2017, the UN committee will meet with North Korean government officials during its 68th plenary session.

UN advocate vows to give 'visibility' to victims of sexual exploitation and abuse

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The Victims’ Rights Advocate for the United Nations, Jane Connors, briefing the press at UN Headquarters.

UN Security Council: Refer Burma to the ICC

Countries Should Develop Comprehensive Strategy for Justice

The United Nations Security Council should refer Burma to the International Criminal Court (ICC) because of Burma’s failure to investigate mass atrocities against ethnic Rohingya, Human Rights Watch said in releasing a new question-and-answer document on Nov 03. UN member countries should also pursue processes for gathering criminal evidence to advance prosecutions in the ICC and other courts.

Mali: Defense Ministry Promises Abuse Inquiry

Justice Ministry Should Conduct Criminal Investigations

The Mali Defense Ministry’s stated commitment to investigate serious alleged abuses by the security forces during operations in central Mali is a meaningful step toward accountability, Human Rights Watch said on Nov 03.

UN report concludes ISIL committed ‘international crimes’ during Mosul battle

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Pictured here the destruction in 17 Tammuz district, western Mosul, Iraq, one of the most important districts in Mosul.

'Injustice against journalists costly for society,' says UNESCO chief on International Day

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A crowd of journalists in Maluku transit camp, on the outskirts of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where citizens of that country, deported from Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, have gathered.

Iraq: Anbar Displaced Barred from Going Home

Iraqi security officials are preventing displaced families from returning home to retaken areas over perceived ties to the Islamic State (also known as ISIS), Human Rights Watch said on Nov 02. Iraqi authorities also are evicting other families in an attempt to force them back to their homes, even when these families fear their home areas will be unsafe or their homes were destroyed by fighting.

Turkey: Arrest of Civil Society Leader Arbitrary, Punitive

Jailing of Osman Kavala Shows Deepening Threat to Civic Groups

An Istanbul court decision on November 1, 2017, to imprison a businessman and civic leader is an example of the politicized and arbitrary nature of Turkey’s justice system, Human Rights Watch said on Nov 02.

OSCE/ODIHR builds capacity of Montenegro’s parliament to conduct gender-sensitive analysis of legislation

Mainstreaming gender in the legislative process in Montenegro was the focus of a workshop for 32 members and secretaries of Montenegro’s parliamentary committees held in Podgorica on 30 and 31 October 2017. The event was organized by the OSCE Mission to Montenegro with expert support from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

Declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU on the occasion of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, 2 November 2017

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the European Union commends the work of journalists in uncovering abuses of power, shining a light on corruption and human right violations, and questioning received opinion, often putting themselves at risk of intimidation, violence and death.