Human Rights

Arab Gulf States: Attempts to Silence 140 Characters

Region-Wide Crackdown on Social Media Activism

Gulf governments have attempted to silence peaceful critics in response to a wave of online activism in recent years, Human Rights Watch said in an interactive website that began operating on Nov 01. The governments have responded to online criticism with surveillance, arrests, and other arbitrary punishments.

Central African Republic: Deadly Raid on Displaced People

UN Peacekeepers Should Offer Increased Protection

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A man inspects his burned hut in L’Évêché displacement camp, Central African Republic, on October 12. Seleka forces burned at least 435 huts in the camp.

Nigeria: Officials Abusing Displaced Women, Girls

Displaced by Boko Haram and Victims Twice Over

Government officials and other authorities in Nigeria have raped and sexually exploited women and girls displaced by the conflict with Boko Haram. The government is not doing enough to protect displaced women and girls and ensure that they have access to basic rights and services or to sanction the abusers, who include camp leaders, vigilante groups, policemen, and soldiers.

Ethiopia: State of Emergency Risks New Abuses

Directive Codifies Vague, Overbroad Restrictions

An Ethiopian government directive under a state of emergency contains overly broad and vague provisions that risk triggering a human rights crisis, Human Rights Watch said in a legal analysis on Oct 31. The government should promptly repeal or revise all elements of the directive that are contrary to international law.

New approaches required to prevent trafficking among conflict-induced migrants – UN human rights expert

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UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro.

EI leaders support women’s rights activism around the world

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Lebanon: New Law a Step to End Torture

Ensure New Investigations Unit Can Start Work Quickly

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A cut on the shoulder of a man who was allegedly detained and beaten by Lebanese army personnel following clashes in the southern Lebanese city of Saida in June 2013.

France: Unfinished Calais Efforts Leave Many at Risk

Scores of Unaccompanied Children, Adults Stranded as Relocation Ended

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Outside of the converted containers where unaccompanied children were being sheltered as demolitions began, hundreds more had not yet been registered by midweek.

South Sudan: UN human rights chief warns of ‘alarming rise’ in ethnic hate speech

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Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Côte d’Ivoire: Respect Rights of “No” Campaign for Referendum

Respecting Rights of Opposition Key to Democratic Process

The government of Côte d’Ivoire should respect the freedom of expression and association of political parties opposing a draft constitution in advance of a nationwide referendum on October 30, 2016. The draft constitution contains provisions that the opposition contends will significantly strengthen the power of the presidency.