Human Rights

Tunisia: Crackdown on Peaceful Protests

Tunisian police have used unlawful force to disperse apparently peaceful protests in at least three cities since September 1, 2015. The protests were organized against a proposed law to give corrupt businessmen and state officials from the Ben Ali era immunity from prosecution if they return the assets they plundered.

Mexico: Damning Report on Disappearances

Experts Dispute Official Account of 2014 Atrocity

Mexico should immediately address the failures of its investigation into the enforced disappearance of 43 students in September 2014, and bring those responsible to justice, Human Rights Watch said on September 6. The Attorney General’s Office should promptly investigate the claims of abuse and obstruction of justice made by an international group of experts that evaluated the government inquiry into the disappearances.

UNHCR chief issues key guidelines for dealing with Europe's refugee crisis

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A UNHCR staff member distributes blankets to people waiting to cross the Greek-FYR Macedonian border. UNHCR staff have been at the border since the start of the current crisis, monitoring the situation and helping the vulnerable.

UN urges Europe to admit 200,000 refugees from Syria, Iraq and other war zones

Declaring that Europe is facing “a moment of truth” with hundreds of thousands of people risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea, the head of the United Nations refugee agency on 4 September urged the European Union (EU) to admit up to 200,000 asylum-seekers fleeing conflict zones like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan.

EU: Five Steps to Tackle Refugee Crisis

How to Save Lives and Protect People

The European Union and its 28 member states should act immediately to address the human rights crisis resulting from years of mismanaging migration and asylum, Human Rights Watch said on September 4. With a humanitarian crisis on the Greek islands, a dysfunctional asylum system in Hungary, thousands of new arrivals in need of protection, and many deaths at EU borders, bold steps are needed at an EU summit on September 14, 2105.

Marietje Schaake: EU technology should not be used to violate human rights

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Marietje Schaake

Cluster Munitions Used in 5 Countries in 2015

But Treaty Grows Stronger as Countries Join, Destroy Stockpiles

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9N235 submunitions that failed to explode during a cluster munition attack collected and displayed in Starobesheve, photo taken on October 11, 2014.

UN human rights chief deplores new allegation of sexual abuse in CAR

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High Commissioner for Human Rights Ra’ad Zeid Al Hussein addresses a seminar on the fight against impunity in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the capital Bangui on 2 September 2015.

Civilians in Syria suffering ‘a living tragedy’ with no end in sight, UN human rights expert warns

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In the Tishreen camp for displaced persons in Aleppo, Syria, residents go about their daily lives.

ICC: Trial of Bosco Ntaganda for Congo Crimes

Hague Prosecutor, National Courts Should Close ‘Impunity Gap’

The opening of the trial of Bosco Ntaganda on September 2, 2015, at the International Criminal Court (ICC) sends the message that elusive suspects in grave international crimes may someday be brought to justice, Human Rights Watch said on september 1.