Human Rights

UN raises humanitarian appeal to $347 million to help growing number of Syrians in need

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Syrian refugees arriving in Jordan are being sheltered at Za’atari camp.

Addressing Great Lakes meeting, Ban renews condemnation of armed groups in DR Congo

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Population flee their homes as fighting continued between FARDC and M23 rebels in the Rutshuru territory in July 2012.

OSCE media freedom representative concerned by arrest of social media activists in Belarus

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The OSCE's Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, opens a session on media freedom at the OSCE's Review Conference in Warsaw, Poland, 7 October 2010.

Indonesia: Clinton Should Raise Plight of Religious Minorities

Intolerance, Political Prisoners Should Be High on Agenda During Visit

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Shiite cleric Tajul Muluk sits in a courtroom during his trial in Sampang, Indonesia on July 12, 2012. Indonesian authorities have used a 1965 blasphemy law and laws on criminal defamation to prosecute members of religious minorities in violation of their basic rights.

European Year of Citizens: raising awareness of EU citizens' rights

2013 has been designated European Year of Citizens, with the aim of raising awareness of the rights linked to EU citizenship, under an agreement between Parliament and Council endorsed on Monday by the Civil Liberties Committee. Events will be organised during the Year to explain the rights of citizens who decide to go and live in another member state, in particular students, workers, businesspeople and retired persons.

Every citizen in the European Union enjoys a set of rights under the EU treaties, including the right to move and reside freely in another member state, the right to vote and stand as a candidate in European and local elections and the right to petition the European Parliament, but EU citizens are often unaware of these rights.

Afghanistan: Appoint Rights-Respecting Intelligence Chief

Asadullah Khalid, Linked to Abuses, Should Not Head Agency Implicated in Torture

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The Afghan government should drop reported plans to appoint a senior official linked to torture as head of the country’s main intelligence service.

On UN visit, basketball star Pau Gasol urges help for children affected by Sahel crisis

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Pau Gasol on visit to Chad is seen here with a mother of twins who is waiting for the full recovery of one of the children.

Iraq: Lack of Transparency in 26 Executions

Torture, Fair Trial Concerns Require Immediate Moratorium

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Iraq carried out at least 26 executions on August 27 and 29, 2012, but provided few details about the identity of those executed or the charges against them.

Syria: Government Attacking Bread Lines

Civilian Deaths at Bakeries Are War Crimes

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Latest violence in South Sudan’s Jonglei state threatens recent gains, UN warns

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