DR Congo: ‘Heavy-handed and irresponsible response’ to protests could lead to further conflict, warns UN rights chief
Security forces standby in Kinshasa during demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)...
Burma: Protect Civilians in Northern Fighting
The Burmese military and ethnic armed groups in northern Burma should commit to protecting civilians and expediting aid in the face of escalating rights abuses and civilian displacement, Human Rights Watch said on Dec 22.
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
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
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....
