Human Rights

Egypt: Order to Shut Clinic for Torture Victims

Nadeem Center Provides Crucial Support

Egyptian authorities should revoke an order that would shut down the most prominent institution in Egypt providing regular medical services and counseling to victims of police torture and other violence.

‘Migrant-bashing has dangerously become the norm’ in Europe – UN rights expert

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In November 2015, refugees and migrants protest border restrictions near the Greek town of Idomeni, close to the border with the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

UN and partner agency inaugurate first child-friendly spaces in West Bank refugee camp

The first ever child-friendly spaces – a football pitch and a playground – were inaugurated on 17 February in Aida refugee camp in the West Bank’s town of Bethlehem by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the Lajee Center, a community-based grassroots creative cultural centre.

Darfur: amid fresh violence, thousands of displaced people now gathering near UN mission base

The number of civilians fleeing the recent conflict in the Jebel Marra area in Sudan’s Darfur region has jumped to 73,000 from 38,000, according to United Nations estimates, as some 30,000 people flocked to Sortony, where the displaced have been gathering next to a base operated by the African Union-UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID).

Fighting Over Child Soldiers in the Philippines

There are fresh allegations that the rebel New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is still recruiting children for use as fighters.

Iran: Kish Island Open, Closed Off to Women

Turning Away Female Spectators Violates Assurances Made by Volleyball Federation

Iranian authorities’ decision to prevent women from attending an international beach volleyball tournament this week, despite prior assurances, is a disappointing step backwards for women’s equal access to attend public sporting events. Iran is hosting the first men’s beach volleyball tournament in Iran, on Kish Island, from February 15 to 19, 2016.

Human rights are a litmus test for EU-Iran relations, say foreign affairs MEPs

After the nuclear deal with Iran there is room to develop EU-Iran relations, but not at the expense of human rights, said Foreign Affairs Committee MEPs in Tuesday’s debate with Iran's Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. Ways to end violence in Syria and Yemen, and Iran's relations with Saudi Arabia were also among the topics discussed.

Morocco: Tepid Response on Domestic Violence

Strengthen Laws; Provide Protection, Justice, Services

Moroccan police, prosecutors, judges, and other authorities often fail to prevent domestic abuse, punish the abusers, or assist survivors, Human Rights Watch said on February 15 in a letter to the Moroccan government. In part, that is because Moroccan laws don’t provide officials with guidance on responding effectively.

Palestine: Torture, Death of Hamas Detainee

Relatives Say Senior Officials Knew of Abuse

Hamas authorities in Gaza should investigate their military wing for the apparent torture and execution of Mahmoud Eshtewi. Eshtewi, a member of that military wing, was detained in secret locations for over a year.

Kenya: Unending Toll for Rape Survivors

Provide Reparations, Justice for Post-Election Violence Victims

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Fatma W. with her 7-year-old son born from rape. Fatma was 17 when she was gang raped at their home in Nairobi by three men who accused her family of hiding men from the “enemy” tribe. She stopped going to school after the rape. Fatma said her neighbors stigmatize her son because he was born from rape.

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