Human Rights

Yemen: Brazil-Made Cluster Munitions Harm Civilians

The Saudi Arabia-led coalition fired Brazilian-made rockets containing banned cluster munitions that struck near two schools in the northern Yemeni city of Saada on December 6, 2016, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 23. The attack on al-Dhubat...

UAE: Extend Labor Law to Domestic Workers

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announcement that it will transfer oversight for the recruitment of domestic workers from the interior ministry to the labor ministry is a positive step, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 22. The UAE should now include...

Iraq: Armed Groups Using Child Soldiers

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Commemoration monument for fallen YBŞ/HPG fighters in Sinjar.

Thailand: Cyber Crime Act Tightens Internet Control

Thailand’s new Computer-Related Crime Act (CCA) gives overly broad powers to the government to restrict free speech, enforce surveillance and censorship, and retaliate against activists, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 21. Despite concerns expressed by...

Lebanon: Syrian Refugee’s Account of Torture

A 31-year-old Syrian refugee in Lebanon was allegedly detained and tortured in February 2016, apparently on suspicion of being gay, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 21. The man, identified only as Shadi for his protection, told Human Rights Watch that...

UN rights chief calls for murder investigation after Philippine President admits to killing three people

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Housing in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. (file)

Central African Republic: Mayhem by New Group

A recently formed armed group called “Return, Reclamation, Rehabilitation,” or 3R, has killed civilians, raped, and caused largescale displacement over the past year in northwest Central African Republic. United Nations peacekeepers in the area have...

India: Killings in Police Custody Go Unpunished

Police in India often bypass arrest procedures and torture suspects in custody to death, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Dec 19. At least 591 people died in police custody in India between 2010 and 2015, according to official data....

Strengthen preventative measures for victims of forced labour, UN expert tells United States

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UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, Maria Grazia Giammarinaro.

Afghanistan: Torturer’s Deportation from UK Poses Threat to Witnesses

The deportation of Commander Faryadi Zardad from the UK to Afghanistan on December 14 poses a clear danger for witnesses who testified against the former warlord in his 2005 conviction for torture and hostage taking, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 15...