Human Rights

UN reaffirms importance of women's empowerment for global peace, security

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The Security Council held an open debate on women, peace and security, with a focus on the theme, “Displaced women and girls: leaders and survivors.”

Texas Voter ID Law Discourages Some Voters

The U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld the Texas voter identification law, which requires voters to show an approved form of picture ID in order to vote at a poll. Those who are already registered and who are qualified to vote by mail can still cast a ballot and the state provides free election certificates to those who can prove their U.S. citizenship and residence in Texas.

Citing ‘surge’ in executions, UN expert voices deep concern about right to life in Iran

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Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran Ahmed Shaheed briefs the press.

Bahrain: Free Activists Facing Free-Speech Charges

Bahrain authorities should drop all criminal charges against two prominent human rights activists, and immediately release them, Human Rights Watch and the Gulf Center for Human Rights said. The charges clearly violate their right to free expression. Bahrain should also immediately revoke all laws that violate freedom of speech, including those that criminalize insulting or defaming state institutions or the monarch.

Nigeria: Victims of Abductions Tell Their Stories

Horrific Abuses by Boko Haram, Lack of Government Protection

Women and girls abducted by the Islamist group Boko Haram are forced to marry, convert, and endure physical and psychological abuse, forced labor, and rape in captivity, Human Rights Watch said in a report released. The group has abducted more than 500 women and girls since 2009, and intensified abductions since May 2013, when Nigeria imposed a state of emergency in areas where Boko Haram is most active.

Protect Yourself from Electronic Spying with 'Surveillance Self-Defense'

EFF Releases Updated Guide to Privacy and Security for Internet Users Worldwide

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) launched its updated "Surveillance Self-Defense" report today, a comprehensive how-to guide to protecting yourself from electronic spying for Internet users all over the world.

Malaysia: End Political Case Against Anwar

Sodomy Prosecution of Opposition Leader Violates Rights

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Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Wan Azizah Wan Ismail leave after a news conference in Kuala Lumpur.

UK urges Iran to reconsider death penalty

Following the execution of Reyhaneh Jabbari, Foreign Office Minister, Tobias Ellwood MP, calls on Iran to end the use of the death penalty.

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Thailand: No Justice 10 Years After Tak Bai Killings

Failure to Prosecute Officers Undermines Rights Protections in South

The Thai government has yet to bring to justice police and military personnel responsible for the deaths of scores of protesters in Tak Bai in southern Thailand in 2004.

Iran: Stop Woman’s Execution

Legal Process Plagued With Irregularities

Iran’s judiciary should vacate the death sentence of Reyhaneh Jabbari and ensure that she receives a fair trial. She was convicted of murdering an older man in what she says was self defense. On September 29, 2014, prison authorities transferred Jabbari to a prison west of Tehran without explanation, raising fears that her execution was imminent, but then returned her to her original prison cell overnight.