land rights
Wednesday 15.9.2021 Fiji - Latest Developments -
Fiji government continues to silence dissent as impunity for torture persists
Over the last few months, the police harassed critics of a controversial land bill by detaining nine opposition politicians under the restrictive Public Order Act for questioning. A former surgeon with the Ministry of Health, Dr. Jone Hawea, was also taken in by police over his comments related to the government’s COVID-19 handling. A youth activist spoke publicly about the human rights violations he experienced in 2006 following the coup, highlighting the ongoing culture of impunity in Fiji. Read more
Thursday 9.9.2021 Nicaragua - Latest Developments -
Closure of 45 civil society organisations within one month in Nicaragua
As reported in the CIVICUS Monitor in previous updates, an unprecedented crackdown against civil society and political opposition has been ongoing in Nicaragua since the end of May 2021. Dozens of human rights defenders and members of the political opposition have been arrested on trumped-up charges. Business leaders, journalists and former allies of President Ortega have also been targeted. Read more | Read in Spanish
Thursday 9.9.2021 Cambodia - Latest Developments -
Prominent union leader convicted, as activists and journalists continue to be silenced in Cambodia
In recent months, the government has escalated its judicial harassment and attacks against human rights defenders, journalists, members of the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and peaceful protesters. Prominent union leader Rong Chhun received the maximum sentence for incitement, while additional charges were piled on Mother Nature Cambodia activists. Amidst continuing reprisals against journalists, the government formed a new committee with the power to ‘discipline’ journalists. This crackdown against fundamental freedoms has continued despite concerns and condemnations by UN bodies, the international community and civil society. Read more
Thursday 22.7.2021 Haiti - Latest Developments -
Haiti: President Moïse assassinated, launching country into further uncertainty
Overnight on 7th July 2021, a group of armed assassins gunned down President Jovenel Moïse after breaking into his residence in Port-au-Prince. Read more | Read in French
Friday 16.7.2021 Thailand - Latest Developments -
Civil society alarmed by rise of lese majeste cases and proposed NGO law in Thailand
In recent months civil society have continued to raise concerns about charges against activists for lèse-majesté or insulting the monarchy including children, restrictions to freedom of expression online and attempts to restrict freedom of information. There are also concerns around a proposed NGO law which could be used to muzzle civil society and the use of excessive force during protests. A land rights activist was also killed. Read more
Friday 9.7.2021 India - Latest Developments -
Death of Fr Swamy and increasing online restrictions highlights risk facing activists in India
Ongoing calls for the authorities to release human rights defenders and activists detained under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have escalated following the death in custody of Fr Stan Swamy, a Jesuit priest and human rights defender. UN experts have raised concerns about the arrest and detention of tribal rights activist Hidme Markam detained in February 2021. Social media companies, in particular Twitter, have been targeted by authorities to stifle dissent. Read more
Thursday 24.6.2021 Cambodia - Latest Developments -
Activists, journalists continue to face reprisals as COVID-19 law exacerbates violations in Cambodia
In recent months, environmental defenders have been charged and convicted for advocacy against environmental destruction. Opposition members, journalists and perceived dissidents continue to face reprisals from the government and from non-state actors. Read more
Thursday 20.5.2021 Mexico - Latest Developments -
World Press Freedom Day in Mexico marked by killing of journalist
On World Press Freedom Day, 3rd May 2021, independent reporter Benjamín Morales was found dead with gunshot wounds in Sonoyta, Sonora state. Local outlets reported that police said “a message” had been left with the journalist’s body, but its contents were not disclosed. Read more
Wednesday 19.5.2021 Colombia - Latest Developments -
Protests against tax reform lead thousands to the streets in Colombia, face brutal police repression
Since 28th April 2021, nationwide protests sparked by a proposed tax reform have been brutally repressed by Colombian law enforcement. Mobilisation has continued after nearly three weeks, with protests growing to encompass multiple grievances and demands for social justice. Read more | Read in Spanish
Tuesday 11.5.2021 Brazil - Latest Developments -
Dictatorship-era National Security Law used to intimidate critics in Brazil
On 29th April 2021, Brazil became the second country to surpass 400,000 coronavirus deaths, according to data by Johns Hopkins University. In April 2021 alone, the country lost nearly 85,000 lives – the deadliest month yet of the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more | Read in Portuguese
