Human Rights

OSCE anti-trafficking Co-ordinator sees positive developments during official visit to Kazakhstan

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OSCE Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, Ruth Freedom Pojman, the Deputy Head of OSCE Centre in Astana, Jeannette Kloetzer and the Chairperson of the Committee on the Protection of Children’s Rights, Raisa Sher, examine official government child protection records during the official visit in Astana,2 April 2014.

Thailand: Southern Separatists Target Women

Burning, Beheadings of Bodies Mark Renewed Terror Campaign

Separatist groups in Thailand’s southern border provinces have killed at least five Thai Buddhist women, mutilating three of their bodies, since February 2014, Human Rights Watch said.

Uganda: End Delay in Death-in-Custody Case

Complete Investigation; Send Officers to Trial

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions should complete investigations into the August 2010 killing of a suspect in police custody and ensure that a trial begins expeditiously, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to officials at both offices. Three implicated police officers were arrested in 2010, charged with murder, and spent six months in prison, but they were released on bail in early 2011.

Bangladesh: Find Killers of Labor Activist

2 Years On, Union Organizer’s Death Unsolved

The Bangladeshi government should publicly explain what efforts have been made to investigate the abduction, torture, and killing of the labor rights activist Aminul Islam two years ago, including alleged links to state officials, Human Rights Watch said. While police have filed charges against a missing suspect, there have been no apparent efforts to investigate allegations that members of Bangladeshi security forces were part of the conspiracy to kill the labor activist.

United States: Ban Landmines, Don’t Just Clear Them

Conclude Years-Long Review and Join Mine Ban Treaty

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A Norwegian People's Aid clearance expert at a site in the town of Tibnine, South Lebanon.

Nepal: Increased Pressure from China Threatens Tibetans

Authorities Increase Surveillance and Abuses Against Refugees

Nepal has imposed increasing restrictions on Tibetans living in the country as a result of strong pressure from China, Human Rights Watch said in a new report published. The new Nepali government should make it clear to China that it will accept Tibetans who flee persecution as refugees and will not restrict basic rights of peaceful expression, assembly, and association.

China: Investigate Police Violence at Eco-Protests

Reports of Injuries Suggest Excessive Use of Force

The Chinese government should impartially investigate apparent excessive use of force by police against environmental protests in Maoming, Guangdong province, Human Rights Watch said. A police crackdown against hundreds of Maoming residents demonstrating against a new petrochemical plant on March 30 and 31, 2014, resulted in dozens of casualties.

Russia: New Assault on Advocacy Groups

Proposal to Ramp Up ‘Foreign Agents’ Registrations

The upper chamber of Russia’s parliament is working on new amendments to force advocacy groups to register as “foreign agents,” Human Rights Watch said. Under the new proposal, the Justice Ministry could register groups as “foreign agents” without their consent.

UK: Migrant Domestic Workers Face Serious Abuse

UK Government Should Abolish ‘Tied Visa’ to Protect Workers, Prevent Forced Labor

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A domestic worker holds up her UK Overseas Domestic Worker visa. Following changes to the immigration rules in April 2012, workers entering the UK on this visa are not permitted to change employer, making them more vulnerable to abuse.

Thailand: Separatists Targeting Teachers in South

March Sees More Teachers Killed; Investigate Security Force Abuses

Separatist insurgents in Thailand’s southern border provinces should immediately end attacks on teachers and other civilians, Human Rights Watch said. Since January 2014, insurgents have killed three ethnic Thai Buddhist teachers in the conflict-ridden region.