Human Rights

Aid reaches thousands affected by Boko Haram violence in northern Nigeria – UN

Nigeria_Borno_OCHA_2015_7A6_0.jpg
Women IDPs, who were rescued by the army from Bama local government area (in March 2015) in Dalori camp in Maiduguri.

Over 26,000 people flee South Sudan into Uganda; influx sets single-day record

South_Sudan_Uganda_UNHCR-20_0.jpg
Refugees from South Sudan are transported from Elego town to the Numanzi Transit Center where meals and temporary accommodation are provided by UNHCR in Adjumani, northern Uganda.

France: Prolonged Emergency State Threatens Rights

Increase Oversight to Reduce Risk of Misuse

The decision by France’s parliament on July 21, 2016, to expand and prolong the country’s state of emergency for six months undermines human rights and the rule of law, Human Rights Watch said on July 22. The government should strengthen safeguards to ensure that the emergency powers are applied only to the extent strictly required.

World Bank, Sexual Violence Research Initiative to Make New Awards for Innovation in Preventing Gender-Based Violence

The World Bank Group and Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) announced a new open call for awards recognizing promising innovations aimed at preventing gender-based violence on July 22. Applications to the Development Marketplace for Innovation in Prevention of Gender-Based Violence must be received online by October 1, 2016.

Lebanon: 250,000 Syrian Children Out of School

Residency Rules, Child Labor Among Barriers for Refugees

2016-07-mena-lebanon-main_1_0_0.jpg
Bara’a, 10, originally from Ghouta, Syria, leaves for school from her informal refugee camp in Mount Lebanon.

Kenya: Disappearances, Deaths in Northeast

Government Should Investigate, Ensure Justice

Kenyan security forces have forcibly disappeared at least 34 people in the past two years during abusive counterterrorism operations in Nairobi and in northeastern Kenya, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Jul 19. Kenyan authorities should end the abuses in counterterrorism operations and promptly investigate the enforced disappearances and deaths of detainees in the northeast.

UN human rights chief urges Turkey to uphold rule of law in response to attempted coup

03-10-2016ZeidRights_2_0_0.jpg
High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein addresses the 31st regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Turkey: Protect Rights, Law After Coup Attempt

Mass Arrests, Website Shutdowns Raise Grave Concerns

The response of the Turkish government to an attempted coup will be a critical test of its commitment to defend democratic principles and human rights, including media freedom and respect for the rule of law.

On Nelson Mandela Day, UN urges action that inspires change for a better world

61396-Mandela_0_0.jpg
Nelson Mandela, then Deputy President of the African National Congress of South Africa, raises his fist in the air while addressing the Special Committee Against Apartheid in the General Assembly Hall.

Saudi Arabia: Male Guardianship Boxes Women In

Restricts Movement, Work, Health, Safety

Saudi Arabia’s male guardianship system remains the most significant impediment to women’s rights in the country despite limited reforms over the last decade, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Jul 16. Adult women must obtain permission from a male guardian to travel abroad, marry, or be released from prison, and may be required to provide guardian consent to work or get health care. These restrictions last from birth until death, as women are, in the view of the Saudi state, permanent legal minors.

Could not connect2