Human Rights

DR Congo: Intelligence Agency Says Holding Activist

Allow Christopher Ngoyi Immediate Access to Lawyer, Family

Democratic Republic of Congo authorities should immediately provide information on the whereabouts of and any charges against human rights activist Christopher Ngoyi Mutamba, Human Rights Watch said on January 27, 2015. Ngoyi is feared to have been forcibly disappeared since his arrest on January 21, 2015.

UN experts say post-2015 negotiations must emphasize human rights, accountability

607944Malcolm_Evans_1_0_0.jpg
Chair of the Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture Malcolm Evans.

Burma: “Peaceful Assembly Law” Fails to End Repression

Cease Arrests of Peaceful Protesters, Amend Laws

The authorities in Burma should stop arresting peaceful protesters and immediately and unconditionally free those imprisoned, Human Rights Watch said on January 26, 2015. Burma’s donors should press for amendments to Burmese law so that it protects the rights to freedom of assembly, association, and expression.

Egypt: Protesters Killed Marking Revolution

Prosecutors Should Investigate Excessive Use of Force

The death of at least 20 people in Egypt during clashes with security forces surrounding the commemoration of the 2011 uprising underscores the need for an independent investigation into the authorities’ excessive use of force.A woman and 17-year-old girl were killed ahead of the January 25 anniversary while participating in apparently peaceful protests, and at least 18 died on the anniversary.

NGOs, media freedom and EU role at the heart of Hungary human rights debate

20150122PHT12506_original.jpg
Budapest, Hungary.

Central Asia: Security Council commends UN centre's work for preventive diplomacy

12-12-2012unrcca.jpg
UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) in Turkmenistan’s capital of Ashgabat.

UN human rights office urges probe into excessive use of force in DR Congo protests

01-20-2015Democratic_Congo.jpg
Police officers trying to maintain calm during demonstrations in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

DR Congo: Deadly Crackdown on Protests

Halt Unlawful Shootings, Arrests

2014_AFR_DRC_Protest_Crackdown_NEW.jpg
Police take away youth during protests against proposed changes to the electoral law in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo on January 19, 2015.

Saudi Arabia: King’s Reform Agenda Unfulfilled

New Leadership Should Prioritize Improving Country’s Human Rights Record

King Abdullah’s reign brought about marginal advances for women but failed to secure the fundamental rights of Saudi citizens to free expression, association, and assembly. Abdullah’s successor, King Salman, should halt persecution of peaceful dissidents and religious minorities, end pervasive discrimination against women, and ensure greater protections for migrant workers.

Central Africa: UN agency delivers food to thousands of refugees on Nigeria-Chad border

08-05-2014Lake_Chad_0.jpg
Nigerians on the island of Choua in Chad's inaccessible lac region.