Human Rights

Rights office calls on Russia and Ukraine to observe rules of war, after alleged POW executions

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A soldier stands guard at a Ukrainian military checkpoint on the contact line in Bakhmut, where Wagner Group mercenaries have been fighting alongside Russian army forces.

Singapore: OHCHR calls on authorities to halt imminent trafficking execution

The Spokesperson for UN human rights office OHCHR, on Tuesday urged the Government of Singapore to “urgently reconsider” carrying out the execution of a man convicted for allegedly using his phone to coordinate the trafficking of cannabis.

Ethiopia: Companies Long Ignored Gold Mine Pollution

Provide Effective Remedy to Oromia Residents who Suffered Harm

A company operating a gold mine in Ethiopia, Midroc Investment Group, and the Swiss refinery Argor-Heraeus that sourced its gold took no action over media reports about pollution from the mine for years, Human Rights Watch said on April 26, 2023. An assessment carried out at the Ethiopian government’s request found that local residents had experienced serious health effects. Midroc resumed operations, apparently with a license from the government, but without any apparent steps to reduce pollution even though the government had said it was suspending its license until pollution issues were resolved.

Peru: Egregious Abuses by Security Forces

Investigate Commanders, Senior Officials

Peru’s military and police likely carried out extrajudicial or arbitrary killings and committed other egregious abuses against demonstrators and bystanders during protests from December 2022 through February 2023, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on April 26, 2023. The abuses occurred against the backdrop of deteriorating democratic institutions, corruption, impunity for past abuses, and persistent inequality.

Iran: Security Forces Kill, Torture, Abuse Children

Young Protesters Unlawfully Detained

Iran’s security forces repressing widespread protests have unlawfully killed, tortured, sexually assaulted, and disappeared children as part of a pattern of serious violations, Human Rights Watch said on April 25, 2023.

First Person: Why indigenous peoples can help save the planet

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Naw Ei Ei Min, Executive Council Member of the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact.

EU: Major Step For ‘Deforestation-Free’ Trade

Companies Required to Respect Environment, Human Rights in Supply Chain

The European Union is adopting an important new law to require EU-based companies to ensure that their imports and exports are “deforestation-free” and uphold human rights, Human Rights Watch said on April 19, 2023. The law establishes the legal requirements for European businesses regarding biodiversity loss and human rights abuses embedded in their international supply chains.

Australia: Press Vietnam on Poor Rights Record

Use Bilateral Dialogue for Serious Engagement on Free Speech, Political Prisoners

The Australian government should press Vietnam’s leadership to end its systemic human rights violations at the upcoming dialogue between the two countries, Human Rights Watch said on April 20, 2023. The Australia-Vietnam 18th bilateral human rights dialogue is scheduled for April 24-25, 2023, in Hanoi.

Tai Ji Men Case Discussed at ANU Religion Conference 2023

The Tai Ji Men Case: A Landmark Case of Serious Human Rights Violations in Taiwan

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During the conference on religion at the Australian National University, Tai Ji Men dizi (disciples) and members of the Federation of World Peace and Love enthusiastically exchanged ideas with scholars from different parts of the world.

Yemen: UN envoy welcomes mass prisoner release, urges push for political solution to war

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The Al Gahmalyya neighbourhood in Taiz City, Yemen, has been severely damaged as a result of years of conflict.