Human Rights

Jordan: A Strong Move for Justice Reform

Carry Out Recommendations Quickly

Proposals from a royal committee to reform Jordan’s justice system are an important step forward, Human Rights Watch said on Mar 14. The government and parliament should act swiftly to put the proposals into effect.

Iraq: Hundreds Detained in Degrading Conditions

Over 1,200 ISIS Suspects in Filthy Overcrowded Jails

photo_1__a_hole_in_the_ceiling_0_0.jpg
A hole in the ceiling of the second prison house, from a projectile that hit the building while the area was still under ISIS-control. Staff said the prison, holding 270 detainees, was structurally unsound and could collapse at any point.

South Sudan: UN expert urges action to end rights abuses in a country where 'impunity is the norm'

12-16-2016Civilians_1_0_0.jpg
Internally displaced persons (IDPs) line up early in the morning for a general food distribution at the UN Protection of Civilians Site, Malakal, South Sudan.

UN Human Rights Council discusses situations in DPRK, Iran, Myanmar and Burundi

02-27-2017-715076_2_0_0.jpg
The Human Rights Council chamber in Geneva.

Thailand: Finalize Disappearances Convention

Enact Legislation to Punish Torture, Enforced Disappearance

The Thai government should urgently take the final steps to ratify the international convention against enforced disappearance, Human Rights Watch said on Mar 13. The government should also end all delays in passing implementing legislation to criminalize torture and disappearances.

UN aid chief urges global action as starvation, famine loom for 20 million across four countries

03-10-2017Stephen_0.jpg
Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien (second right) visiting Ganyiel, Unity state, South Sudan, on 4 March 2017, is briefed on the ongoing humanitarian response to famine in the region.

Greece: Reject EU Pressure on Asylum Seekers

Proposed Law Changes Would Harm Vulnerable People

The Greek Parliament should resist external pressures and reject any changes to legislation based on the European Commission’s Joint Action Plan for the EU-Turkey agreement, that will further worsen the situation for people seeking safety and a better life in Europe, 13 nongovernmental organizations said on March 10 in an open letter.

UN: Boost Office Examining North Korea Abuses

Geneva Events on March 9-10 Spotlight Justice, Accountability

The United Nations Human Rights Council should strengthen the UN rights office documenting grave abuses in North Korea, Human Rights Watch said today. The Seoul office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights should be upgraded to include international criminal justice experts who can develop strategies to prosecute North Korean leaders responsible for human rights crimes.

Brazil: Military Police Muzzled

Laws Used to Suppress Calls for Police Reform

Brazilian authorities should reform laws that have been used to impose disproportionate punishments on military police officers who speak out publicly to advocate reform or voice complaints, Human Rights Watch said on Mar 09.

Thailand: Defamation Cases Dropped Against Activists

Permit Unhampered Rights Monitoring in South

The Thai military’s dropping of frivolous defamation lawsuits against three prominent activists should be the first step toward ending government intimidation, censorship, and retaliation against human rights defenders in southern Thailand, Human Rights Watch said on Mar 07.