Human Rights | WPN World People News

Burmese authorities should urgently provide information on the whereabouts and well-being of two ethnic Kachin Baptist leaders who were apparently forcibly disappeared in Northern Shan State, Human Rights Watch and Fortify Rights said on Jan 16. Langjaw Gam Seng, 35, and Dumdaw Nawng Lat, 65, who had guided journalists reporting on Burmese airstrikes that allegedly severely damaged a Catholic church, were last seen on December 24, 2016 traveling to a military base.

Chinese authorities should immediately drop the politically motivated case against a Tibetan shopkeeper who has publicly supported education in the Tibetan language, Human Rights Watch said on Jan 15. A trial is expected to take place soon.

Recent car and suicide bombings claimed by the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) targeting crowded markets and hospitals in Baghdad amount to crimes against humanity, Human Rights Watch said on Jan 15. The Iraqi authorities should improve its implementation of the law to compensate victims of “military mistakes and terrorist actions” as part of its efforts against ISIS.

The movement, which called for "true legal and tax reform and salvation of Taiwan with conscience" and created quite an echo among all walks of life, was extended as the "1219 Redress Movement." The adherence of Tai Ji Men's grandmaster and disciples to the pursuit of justice for 20 years demonstrates that they do not compromise with the authoritarian regime of Taiwan. This unjust case should be ended so that the administrative system of the government can regain the trust of the people. This is also a vital historical moment of civic awakening. It is hoped that justice will be done and this country will become a better nation through the rule of law.

To resist state violence, urge true legal and tax reform and save Taiwan by promoting conscience, 23 organizations from different sectors in Taiwan organized a ceremony on the establishment of the tower of light on December 19 to commemorate the December 19 Human Rights Day.

Iran should immediately halt the execution of 12 men convicted of drug offenses, scheduled for January 14, 2017, in Karaj Central Prison, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said on January 13. The human rights organizations expressed concern that, despite repeated government promises, Iran has not made any tangible progress in reducing its alarming execution rate.

The Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and the United Nations humanitarian country team launched the nearly $400 million response plan on 13 January for the 2017-2019 period to meet the basic needs of 2.2 million Central Africans.

On January 12, 2017, longtime civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis visited FBI Headquarters and spoke to Bureau employees during a commemorative program heralding the legacy of the man who invited Lewis to join his civil rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Ethiopia plunged into a human rights crisis in 2016, increasing restrictions on basic rights during a state of emergency and continuing a bloody crackdown against largely peaceful protesters, Human Rights Watch said on Jan 12 in its World Report 2017. The state of emergency permits arbitrary detention, restricts access to social media, and bans communications with foreign groups.

The rise of populist leaders in the United States and Europe poses a dangerous threat to basic rights protections while encouraging abuse by autocrats around the world, Human Rights Watch said on Jan 12 in launching its World Report 2017. Donald Trump’s election as US president after a campaign fomenting hatred and intolerance, and the rising influence of political parties in Europe that reject universal rights, have put the postwar human rights system at risk.