Twelve Others Remain in Detention, One Missing
The Libyan government’s release on May 27 of political prisoner Jum`a Boufayed, whose whereabouts were unknown for 15 months, is a welcome step, Human Rights Watch said today.
Link to hrw.org

Tags: Libya

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Poor Disaster Response Reflects Government Political Oppression
Despite welcome and improved access to the Irrawaddy Delta area affected by Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese military government is still using red tape to obstruct some relief efforts when it should accept all aid immediately and unconditionally, Human Rights Watch said today. The government’s response to the humanitarian disaster [...]

Tags: Burma, Myanmar

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Stop Arbitrary Arrests, Beatings of Alleged FNL Members
Burundian police and judicial officials should immediately release the scores of persons still detained solely as suspected members of a movement long opposed to the government, Human Rights Watch said today. They should also instruct security forces to cease such arrests.
Link to hrw.org

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Amnesty International today challenged world leaders to apologize for six decades of human rights failure and re-commit themselves to deliver concrete improvements.

“The human rights flashpoints in Darfur, Zimbabwe, Gaza, Iraq and Myanmar demand immediate action,” said Irene Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, launching AI Report 2008: State of the World’s Human Rights.
“Injustice, inequality and [...]

Tags: UN, Video

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Reason for Fighting Cannot Reduce Penalties
The decision by Sierra Leone’s war crimes court to reject sentence reductions for two convicted militia members because they fought for a “legitimate cause” is crucial in ensuring justice for all victims of human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said today.
Link to hrw.org

Tags: Sierra Leone

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Repressive Law Renewed in Place of Promised Reforms
The Egyptian government’s abrupt extension by two years of the country’s decades-old state of emergency shows contempt for the rule of law, Human Rights Watch said today. Parliament rushed through the extension on May 26 with little debate and despite vociferous objections from the opposition and rights groups.
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Protection of Civilians Necessary for Lasting Peace
The United Nations Security Council should address protection of civilians, justice, and human rights during its upcoming visit to Africa from June 1-10, 2008, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the council. Human Rights Watch highlighted critical issues that needed to be addressed at each of [...]

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Security Council Can Correct Historic Inaction on Sexual Violence
The United Nations Security Council has a unique opportunity to correct its historic failure to address sexual violence against women and girls in conflict, Human Rights Watch said today.
Link to hrw.org

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CNC Linked to Broadcast of Anti-Government Demonstrations
Egyptian authorities have enforced media licensing laws to punish a company associated with broadcasting information critical of the government, Human Rights Watch said today.
Link to hrw.org

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Statement by Amnesty International to the United Nation Human Rights Council’s first thematic special session on the world food crisis.
Mr. President,
Amnesty International welcomes the convening of the Human Rights Council’s first thematic special session on the world food crisis.
We believe that the world food crisis is a global human rights emergency that has been fuelled [...]

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