Human Rights

‘Barbaric’ sexual violence perpetrated by Islamic State militants in Iraq – UN

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A Yazidi family receives WFP food assistance in Erbil, Iraq.

Tunisia: Suspension of Associations Arbitrary

157 Associations Suspended Outside the Legal Process

The Tunisian government’s suspension of more than 150 organizations across the country for alleged links to terrorism was disproportionate and arbitrary. On July 22, 2014, a government spokesperson said the authorities had issued suspension notices to 157 associations. The government has also closed two radio stations, on similar grounds.

Northern Iraq: UN rights experts urge action to avoid mass atrocity, potential genocide

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Iraqi refugee children who fled from Tal Afar and found shelter in schools, mosques and unfinished buildings in the area of Sinjar, in Ninawa governorate.

Egypt: Rab’a Killings Likely Crimes against Humanity

No Justice a Year Later for Series of Deadly Mass Attacks on Protesters

The systematic and widespread killing of at least 1,150 demonstrators by Egyptian security forces in July and August 2013 probably amounts to crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said in a report based on a year-long investigation. In the August 14 dispersal of the Rab’a al-Adawiya sit-in alone, security forces, following a plan that envisioned several thousand deaths, killed a minimum of 817 people and more likely at least 1,000.

EU increases humanitarian assistance for Ukrainian conflict-affected population

The European Commission is giving additional funding of €2.5 million to assist the most vulnerable people affected by the continuing fighting in Eastern Ukraine. This humanitarian aid is geared towards helping to register and relocate internally displaced people (IDPs), provide shelter, food, water, healthcare, psycho-social assistance and protection in preparation for the coming winter.

Following Argentina ‘Grandmother’ reunion, UN experts urge support for families of disappeared

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Mother of an Argentinean "desparecido" or "disappeared" tells her story during a visit to Buenos Aires in June 2011 by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Egypt: Human Rights Watch Delegation Refused Entry

Authorities Block Cairo Release of Report on Mass Unlawful Killings

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Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, in Beirut, Lebanon.

Kuwait: 5 Critics Stripped of Citizenship

Part of Broader Crackdown on People Pressing for Reform

Kuwaiti authorities have stripped five critics of their citizenship as part of a wider crackdown on people seeking reform. The Kuwaiti government should immediately restore their citizenship and end the practice.

UN agency chief warns that northern Iraq is facing 'cultural cleansing'

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UNHCR distributing aid near Duhok in northern Iraq's Kurdistan region.

Ugandans Celebrate Gay Pride After Anti-homosexual Law Overturned

Ugandans celebrating the repeal of the country's controversial anti-homosexuality act gathered on the shore of Lake Victoria Saturday for a gay pride parade and rally – in sharp contrast to a similar rally two years ago that was broken up by police, this year the country's LGBT community was promised protection.