environmental rights
Friday 17.11.2017 North Macedonia - Latest Developments -
Rise in anti-migrant sentiment poses a threat to civic space
As we've previously reported in the CIVICUS Monitor, despite signs of improvement for civic freedoms in Macedonia, threats against media workers and free speech activists remain a serious concern. In particular, over the past few months, tensions have been rising over a perceived increase in migration to Macedonia. Read more
Wednesday 15.11.2017 Bosnia & Herzegovina - Latest Developments -
Media workers blocked from recording in Republika Srpska National Assembly
As previously covered on the CIVICUS Monitor, political pressure on journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina has contributed to a culture of self-censorship. In addition, politicians have interfered with media workers' ability to carry out their work. On 13th September 2017, for example, an MP in the Republika Srpska National Assembly (RSNA), expelled two cameramen from a session where they were recording the opposition's boycott and blocking of parliament. Read more
Tuesday 14.11.2017 Nicaragua - Latest Developments -
Indigenous community judge murdered and HRDs face continuous threats
Activists and human rights defenders continue to be subject of harassment and intimidation Read more
Tuesday 7.11.2017 Peru - Latest Developments -
Indigenous communities demonstrate in defense of their land
In different areas of Peru, indigenous communities are protesting to demand the government recognition of their rights to their land. Read more
Tuesday 7.11.2017 Uganda - Latest Developments -
Opposing voices and views on presidential age limit removal not tolerated
In the early morning of 3rd October, unidentified individuals attacked the homes of two opposition members of parliament (MP) with suspected grenades just days after another opposition member, Moses Kasibante, experienced a similar incident on 27th September. Allan Ssewanya (MP for Makindye West), says one grenade was thrown into his home, while Robert Kyagulanyi (MP for Kyaddondo West), popularly known as Bobi Wine, said three grenades had exploded and smashed the window of his son’s bedroom. The MPs were among a group of 25 MPs suspended from Parliament on 27th September following chaos and a brawl during a motion over the controversial removal of the presidential age limit from the Constitution. In a Facebook post, Bobi Wine stated that no one had been hurt in the blast at his home, but that he had been receiving "death threats on an almost daily basis. In late October, Ugandan MPs were each given 29 million Ugandan shillings (US $8,000) as a payout for consultations with their constituencies on the constitutional amendment, in a move decried by critics as a bribe. A similar payment was offered to legislators in 2005 when President Museveni sought to remove a constitutional two-term cap for presidents Read more
Monday 6.11.2017 Albania - Latest Developments -
New law protects minority languages and expands their spheres of use
In a welcome step, Albania's first law to boost the status and rights of minorities in Albania, is the culmination of a long running campaign to bring minority rights inline with international standards. In addition to allocating extra funding for recognised ethnic minority communities, media outlets and affiliated civic groups, the law also officiates the use of minority languages for communications with Albanian authorities Read more
Friday 20.10.2017 Honduras - Latest Developments -
Changes to criminal code restrict citizens' right to peaceful assembly
Human rights defenders and journalists continue to work in a hostile environment while university students continue to be criminalise Read more
Friday 13.10.2017 Madagascar - Latest Developments -
Madagascar: "Almost if not all environmentalists are under threat"
As alerted by Front Line Defenders, environmental human rights defender Raleva was arbitrarily detained on 27th September in Vohilava village, and transferred 4 days later to a prison in Mananjary. Raleva, a member of the human rights organisation - Justice et Paix and Observatoire Independant des Droits Economiques, Sociaux et Culturels à Madagascar (OIDESCM), had been active in advocating for communities affected by the gold mining by a Chinese company Mananjary district. Raleva was arrested during a public meeting, organised by local authorities to announce the start of gold mining activities in Marokarima community, as he demanded that local authorities show the permit thereof, as the Head of District ordered earlier in 2017 the end of all gold mining activities in Mananjary district. He is accused of using the title of 'Head of District' during the public meeting. Read more
Tuesday 3.10.2017 Albania - Latest Developments -
Environmental concerns among civil society and citizens continue to cause tension
In a recent incident, a journalist investigating the dumping of hazardous waste into the Erzen river was attacked while filming. On 10th July 2017, Genci Angjellari, a prominent investigative journalist working for "Klan TV" was attacked by the manager of the company "Euroteam" after attempting to question her over the company's policy for dealing with medical waste. Read more
Friday 29.9.2017 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Intimidation, prosecution and detention: closing spaces for dissent in Thailand
The prosecution academics after conference in Chiang Mai has prompted an outcry from domestic and international civil society groups. In July, organiser Dr Chayan Vaddhanaphuti along with Pakawadee Veerapatpong, Chaipong Samnieng, Nontawat Machai, and Thiramon Bua-ngam were summoned by authorities after the 13th International Conference on Thai Studies held from 15th to 18th July 2017. Read more
