Human Rights

Iraq's children caught in cycle of violence and poverty as conflict escalates, UNICEF warns

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A young boy stands next to a fence surrounding the football pitch at Al-Shuhadaa Stadium in the city of Iskandariya, Babil Governorate, Iraq.

Philippines: LGBT Students Face Bullying, Abuse

Discrimination and Lack of Support Undermine Right to Education

Students across the Philippines experience bullying and discrimination in school because of their sexual orientation and gender identity, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Jun 21. While Philippine law provides protections against discrimination and exclusion in schools, lawmakers and school administrators need to take steps to ensure they are fully implemented.

Brazil: Domestic Violence Victims Denied Justice

State of Roraima Fails to Investigate, Prosecute Abusers

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Staff from the Humanitarian Support Center for Women (CHAME, in Portuguese) listen to a woman in Boa Vista, Roraima, on February 17, 2017. CHAME provides legal, psychological, and social support to survivors of domestic violence.

Mexico: Investigate Spyware Attack

Rights Advocates, Journalists Targeted

Mexican authorities should ensure a prompt, thorough, and credible investigation into evidence that advanced spyware sold to the government targeted human rights defenders, journalists, and anti-corruption activists, Human Rights Watch said on Jun 20. The government should hold accountable anyone found responsible for using the spyware against activists and journalists.

US: New York Governor Signs Anti-Child Marriage Law

One of First States to Act; Others Should Follow

New York State has taken an important step toward ending child marriage, as Governor Andrew Cuomo on June 20, 2017 signed legislation to dramatically reduce the circumstances under which children can marry, Human Rights Watch said on Jun 20, 2017. Between 2001 to 2010, 3,850 children under 18 married in New York State.

UN rights chief calls for investigation into 'landscape of horror' in DR Congo's Kasai provinces

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An aerial view of the town of Kananga in DRC’s Kasaï-Central province outside which the remains of the two experts were found.

Combatting human trafficking in South and South-East Asia: fresh priorities needed, say EU Auditors

The EU’s policy for combatting human trafficking in South and South-East Asia should be more relevant to the needs of the region, and a fresh set of priorities is required, according to a new report from the European Court of Auditors.

The EU is particularly vulnerable to human trafficking as it is an attractive destination for victims from a wide range of countries. While fighting human trafficking remains the Member States’ responsibility, the EU is also committed to eradicating it and supports the Member States in this regard.

China: Tibet Propaganda Masks Repression

Illustrated Glossary Decodes Surveillance Systems and Abuses

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The Chinese term shehui zhili is normally translated into English as "social governance." The term highlights the government’s role in providing services and welfare to citizens as well as controlling them, and its cooperation with other stakeholders in society such as nongovernmental organizations and social organizations.

Sri Lanka: Minister Threatens Defender of Minority Rights

Investigate, Prosecute Attacks on Muslims, Christians

The Sri Lankan government should immediately repudiate statements by the country’s justice minister threatening to disbar a prominent lawyer for speaking out against attacks on religious minorities, Human Rights Watch said on Jun 19. The incident highlights the government’s failure to fully investigate and prosecute recent attacks on Muslims and Christians in the Buddhist-majority country.

Canada: Police Fail Indigenous Women in Saskatchewan

Abuse, Neglect Raise Safety Concerns; Fuel Mistrust of Law Enforcement

Indigenous women’s accounts of police abuse in Saskatchewan raise serious concerns about their safety in the province, Human Rights Watch said in a submission to the Government of Canada on Jun 19. The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, which launched in September 2016, should closely examine how policing failures and distrust of law enforcement endanger Indigenous women.