Human Rights

Cambodia: Free ‘ADHOC Five’ Rights Defenders

Campaign Against Rights Monitoring Includes Threat to Expel UN Rights Office

The Cambodian Supreme Court’s decision to refuse bail to five detained human rights defenders is part of the government’s persecution of Cambodia’s rights groups, Human Rights Watch said. On November 30, 2016, the court upheld pretrial detention for four current and one former member of the Cambodian Human Rights and Development Association (ADHOC), in violation of their due process rights under international law.

Cuba: Free Graffiti Artist

‘El Sexto’ Held Incommunicado Without Charge

Cuban authorities should order the immediate release of Danilo Maldonado Machado, the graffiti artist known as “El Sexto,” Human Rights Watch said on November 30. Police arrested him after he posted a video of himself celebrating Fidel Castro’s death on social media.

US: Suspend Saudi Arms Sales

Promptly Publish Findings of Yemen Conflict Review

The United States should immediately halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia following numerous unlawful coalition attacks in Yemen, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to President Barack Obama. The review announced by the US government following the October 8, 2016 bombing of a crowded funeral hall should examine alleged unlawful airstrikes in which US forces may have taken part and its findings should be released publicly before Obama leaves office.

Egypt: Draft Law Bans Independent Civil Society Groups

Would Put Organizations Under Security Agencies’ Control

A new law drafted by Egypt’s parliament would effectively prohibit independent non-governmental groups in the country by subjecting their work and funding to control by government authorities, including powerful security agencies, Human Rights Watch said on Nov 28.

Uganda: Investigate Killings in Rwenzori Region

Cycles of Violence, Reprisals Need Justice

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The grave of Anna Kuguma, who was killed in Katumba, Kirumya sub-county in Bundibugyo district, Uganda, around February 27, 2016.

Burma: End Prosecutions for Critical Speech

Ruling Party Member Latest Charged Under Overly Broad Law

Burmese authorities continue to arrest and charge individuals, including members of the ruling party, for criticizing the military and government, Human Rights Watch said on Nov 27.

Burning trash to keep warm in Syria town cut off by war

UNHCR delivers winter clothing to residents of Qudsaya as part of a drive to provide life-saving aid to 4.6 million Syrians and Iraqis displaced across the region.

Keeping a 100-square-metre apartment with bare concrete walls and a dirt floor warm during a harsh Syrian winter is tough for 70-year-old Aisha.

Death of Child in Moria Fire a Disgrace for both EU and Greek Government

Following reports of the tragic death of a 6-year-old child and woman during a fire in Moria detention center last night on the Greek island of Lesvos, Save the Children is calling on the EU and the Greek government to urgently work to tackle overcrowding in refugee camps on the islands by moving people to safe and open facilities on the mainland.

OSCE promotes instruments to address current challenges and emerging trends in the identification and referral of trafficking victims

Aiming to develop more effective responses to address trafficking on a national level, NGOs, think tanks, private businesses, leading international organizations and academics gathered in Geneva this week for consultations organized by the Office of the OSCE Special Representative and Co-ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, and supported by the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF).

Orange the World: Parliament calls for stronger protection of women's rights

The world continues to be a dangerous place for women: one in three women in Europe has experienced violence, while 55% of women been sexually harassed in the past 12 months. To raise awareness the Parliament buildings in Brussels will be lit up in orange tonight in honour of 25 November being the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This week MEPs called on the EU to adhere to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

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