HRD acquitted
Wednesday 29.9.2021 Guatemala - Latest Developments -
Guatemalan civic space continues to shrink during Giammattei’s government
On 23rd July 2021, Guatemalan Attorney General Consuelo Porras removed the country’s lead anti-corruption prosecutor, Juan Francisco Sandoval, from his position as head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity (FECI). Read more | Read in Spanish
Sunday 1.8.2021 Burundi - Latest Developments -
Prominent HRD Germain Rukuki released
Human rights defender Nestor Nibitanga released; Germain Rukuki’s conviction overturned and released; lawyer Tony Germain Nkina sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of one million Burundian francs (approximately US$ 500); main opposition party CNL raise concerns over the alleged abductions of party members; National Communication Council (CNC) lifted the ban on the BBC and a local news website, Ikiriho Read more
Friday 21.5.2021 United Kingdom - Latest Developments -
#KilltheBill protests continue amid police violence; Extinction Rebellion co-founder arrested
#KilltheBill protests against the policing bill continue across the UK, as protesters advocate for the protection of peaceful assembly rights. Meanwhile, the controversial bill has been declared in violation of international rights standards. Amid these developments, climate defenders from Extinction Rebellion remain under threat, with the arrest of the group's co-founder. In other concerning developments, Conservative MPs launched a complaint against independent race equality think tank Runnymede Trust, after the trust made critical comments about the governments controversial Race and Ethnic Disparities report. In addition, 200 UK NGOs have condemned government cuts to the aid budget which will have devastating consequences for the sector.
Read more
Thursday 15.4.2021 Honduras - Latest Developments -
Lenca leader killed and several defenders facing criminalisation in Honduras
On 16th March 2021, during its 46th session, the Human Rights Council adopted the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) outcome for Honduras. Read more | Read in Spanish
Wednesday 14.4.2021 Oman - Latest Developments -
Omani authorities target online activists and environmental rights defenders
Online activist Muslim Al-Badi, surrenders himself to authorities to complete the one year and three months remainder of his sentence; several environmental activists arrested; Three online activists arrested; Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Oman bans voice chat application, Clubhouse Read more
Friday 9.4.2021 Poland - Latest Developments -
“I am not safe here”: Women’s rights activists under attack for work on abortion rights
As reported previously, protests have been ongoing since October 2020 when the Constitutional Tribunal (CT) ruled to impose a near-total ban on abortion. In the latest developments in relation to this, womens' rights activists and organisation's advocating for the right to abortion, including the Polish Womens Strike, have been facing violent threats. Threats ranged from bomb threats to death threats sent via email. Messages include “Do you support abortion? Wait, you are about to die!” or “You have five days left”. The senders are alleged to be religious fundamentalists defending “true Catholic values”. In addition, a massive anonymous anti-abortion billboard campaign against women’s rights activists was seen across Poland. In relation to Poland's withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention, Sejm voted to send the citizens' initiative bill to the parliamentary committee on justice, human rights and foreign affairs for further review. However, leaked government documents expose the government’s plans to replace the Istanbul Convention with an alternative convention which bans abortion and homosexual marriage. Meanwhile independent media and journalists remain under threat. Read more | Read in Polish
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
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
Wednesday 10.2.2021 Democratic Republic of the Congo - Latest Developments -
Rights groups: increase in violations in 2020
Rights organisations have raised concern at the increase of human rights violations in the country in 2020. In its annual report, titled 'The return of the predators' and published on 2nd November 2020, Congolese press freedom organisation Journaliste en Danger (JED) said they had documented 116 press freedom violations, up from 85 the previous year. The majority of violations, which includes one journalist killed and tens of journalists detained, were perpetrated by state actors (authorities and security forces), followed by members and supporters of political parties and armed groups. Read more | Read in French
Friday 4.12.2020 Guinea - Latest Developments -
Controversial presidential elections: at least 21 killed in post electoral protests and violence
Controversial and disputed presidential elections took place in Guinea on 18th October 2020, after a constitutional referendum in March 2020 and a new Constitution, allowing incumbent president Alpha Condé run for a third term Read more | Read in French
