Human Rights

Human rights: persecution in Syria, Pakistan and Iran, censorship in Sudan, Iraq

Parliament passed three separate resolutions, condemning violence and persecution against Christians in Syria, Pakistan and Iran, calling for protection for journalists and free access to the internet in Sudan and condemning acts of terrorism and sectarian violence in Iraq.

Greenpeace International bail appeals refused as Brazil President speaks out

Appeals for bail by lawyers for Phil Ball and Kieron Bryan, both British citizens, were refused by the Regional Court of Murmansk.

After latest Lampedusa tragedy, Ban calls for action to protect human rights of migrants

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Italian coastguards help a group of boat people found floating in a crowded craft near Lampedusa Island.

Things we learnt in Strasbourg: Lampedusa, Sakharov Prize, smoking and extremism

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In a session marked by the tragedy off the coast of Lampedusa, Parliament held a minute of silence for the victims and then debated with the Commission how to improve how refugees are received in the EU. Political extremism was strongly condemned and new rules were approved for shale gas extraction, flight crew working time and the recognition of professional qualifications. This year’s Sakharov Prize is awarded to Malala Yousafzai for her fight for girls’ education in the face of the Taliban.

Death Toll Rises from Migrant Accidents Near Italian Island

Divers have found an additional 20 bodies from last week's shipwreck near the Italian island of Lampedusa, raising the death toll to 359.

UN Slams Iraq Over Prisoner Executions

The United Nations human rights office is condemning the execution of at least 42 people in Iraq on terrorism charges over the past two days and calling on the Iraqi government to halt executions.

After Lampedusa tragedy, UN refugee agency urges European Union to revisit migration polices

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The death toll from the tragedy off Lampedusa stands at over 300, but searchers fear there may still be more.

Human Rights Watch: Syria Rebels Committed Crimes Against Humanity

A prominent human rights group has accused Syrian rebels of committing crimes against humanity during a recent offensive on an area held by forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.

http://www.voanews.com/content/syria-rebels-committed-crimes-against-hum...

Witness: And Then They Took His Land

Pierre’s Story in Côte d’Ivoire

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California and Louisiana Death Row Conditions Result in Torture, Report Finds

Discrimination Evident in Both States at All Junctures of Death Penalty Process

Prisoners on California and Louisiana’s death row are being held in conditions that amount to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or torture under international law, according to a new report by the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).