HRD detained
Monday 22.3.2021 South Sudan - Latest Developments -
Report: abusive surveillance created a climate of fear and self-censorship
On 29th January 2021, South Sudan's Cabinet approved the processes to establish of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and other mechanisms for transitional justice as set out in the 2018 peace deal, the 2018 Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). Read more
Tuesday 16.3.2021 Sri Lanka - Latest Developments -
Ahead of new Sri Lanka resolution, civil society and UN highlight ongoing rights concerns
The Human Rights Council (HRC), which is currently holding its 46th session, is negotiating a new resolution on Sri Lanka on the implementation of the HRC’s recommendations related to reconciliation, accountability and human rights. Human rights groups have warned of a deteriorating human rights situation in Sri Lanka. In recent months, there have been restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly against civil society members, journalists in the North and East while human rights lawyer, Hejaaz Hizbullah remains in detention. Further a journalist is at risk of arrest for her Facebook posts, a former police investigator targeted for exposing human rights abuses is still in detention while a parliamentarian has been sentenced to a four year prison term for contempt of court. Read more
Friday 12.3.2021 Tanzania - Latest Developments -
2020 elections marred with gross irregularities spark growing concern for civic space in Tanzania
Tanzania’s general elections took place on 28th October 2020. Incumbent President John Pombe Magufuli claimed a landslide victory with a reported 84% of the vote in the presidential election. In the run-up to the elections, the fairness of the electoral process was repeatedly questioned by national and international observers, who pointed to an uneven playing field between the ruling CCM party and opposition parties. Several violations to civic space were documented in the lead up to, during and after the elections. Read more
Friday 12.3.2021 United Arab Emirates - Latest Developments -
Extensive report reveals new details of the gross human rights violations suffered by Ahmed Mansoor
New report reveals new details regarding the UAE authorities’ persecution of high-profile human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor; Human Rights Watch criticised the decision of a United Arab Emirates court to sentence a Jordanian resident of the UAE, Ahmed Etoum, to ten years in prison followed by deportation; Read more
Friday 12.3.2021 Kuwait - Latest Developments -
Blogger Musaed Al-Musallam facing extradition after Bosnia & Herzegovina reject asylum request
On 31st January 2021, the Gulf Centre for Human Rights (GCHR) reported that Musaed Al-Musallam, a noted Kuwaiti blogger, was at risk of being deported after being arrested at his home in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in April 2020 at the request of the Kuwaiti authorities; human rights defender Hadeel Buqrais summoned by the Electronic and Cyber Crime Combatting Department (ECCCD) in Kuwait in relation to several of her tweets defending civil and human rights in Kuwait, especially those of the Bedoon community. Read more
Thursday 11.3.2021 Cuba - Latest Developments -
Cuba reacts swiftly to popular song criticising revolution
In February 2021, a song criticising Cuba’s situation went viral on social media and elicited a strong reaction from the government. “Patria y Vida” by Cuban artists Yotuel Romero, Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona, Maykel Osorbo and El Funky touches on socio-political issues in the country, with lyrics condemning the Cuban revolution and government. Read more | Read in Spanish
Wednesday 10.3.2021 Senegal - Latest Developments -
Protests and clashes after arrest opposition leader: several killed, arrested, TV stations suspended
Tension has been on the rise in Senegal since the leader of political opposition party PASTEF (Patriotes du Sénégal pour le travail, l’éthique et la fraternité) and member of parliament Ousmane Sonko was accused of sexual assault and death threats. Sonko denies the accusations and accuses authorities of a 'political complot'. Protests and clashes erupted and security forces, killing eight people, journalists have been subjected to threats and political supporters and activists have been arrested.
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| Read in French
Tuesday 9.3.2021 Myanmar - Latest Developments -
Deadly violence against protesters by security forces as crackdown escalates in Myanmar
Over the last month, protesters demanding an end to the military's rule were met with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannon by security forces as they attempted to disperse protests. Laws have been amended by the military to restrict civic space and there have been ongoing arrests of political leaders, government officials, civil servants, activists, student leaders and doctors, as well as anti-coup protesters. Read more
Wednesday 3.3.2021 Cambodia - Latest Developments -
Persecution of activists, opposition continue as Cambodia tightens control of online space
Over the last few months, human rights defenders and activists have continued to be targeted, with many facing trumped up charges. The authorities have also continued the judicial harassment of former members of the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP). Journalists and musicians have been convicted while a new sub-decree for an internet gateway puts digital freedoms and privacy at risk Read more
Monday 1.3.2021 Chad - Latest Developments -
Increasing civic space restrictions months ahead of presidential poll
On 4th February 2021, authorities issued a ban on protests across the country, citing fears of public disorder. The ban followed a call by a coalition of opposition parties, human rights organisations and civil society organisations to mobilise on 6th February 2021 to protest against president Idriss Déby running for a sixth term in the upcoming April 2021 elections. On 6th February 2021, more than 100 people were arrested throughout the country. Read more | Read in French
