| NEWS
STORIES |
| ANTI-TERRORISM |
Anti-terrorism bill approved in Nigeria
Nigeria 's cabinet approved a draft anti-terrorism law and sent it to the National Assembly, information minister Frank Nweke said, unveiling a bill which will make it easier for the government to ban radical organisations and arrest their members. Under the new law anyone convicted of a terrorist offence can be sentenced to up to 35 years in jail, according to a partial copy of the draft provided to reporters. Nigeria has never been a victim of international terrorism but a number of home-grown militant groups have been involved in the ethnic, political and sectarian violence which has left 20 000 people dead in the six years since the West African giant returned to civilian rule. The bill defines terrorism as any action that may seriously damage a country or an international organisation, unduly compel a government or an international organisation to perform or abstain from performing an action or seriously intimidate or destabilise a population.
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| ASYLUM |
UN refugee agency asks states to respect access to asylum
The United Nations refugee agency expressed consternation over the reported death of a 17-year-old boy from Cameroon in the Spanish North African enclave of Melilla and said all governments need to ensure that their immigration policies are carried out with respect for human rights. UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Jennifer Pagonis told a press briefing in Geneva that the UN agency trusts that the inquiry announced by Spanish authorities will shed light on these events. She said UNHCR advocates for immigration policies in all countries to include safeguards allowing refugees and asylum-seekers an effective opportunity to have access to asylum procedures. UNHCR also recommends that the border authorities continue to receive appropriate training on their responsibilities and the proper application of relevant international law.
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| CHILD RIGHTS |
Under age child recruitment on the increase in Sri Lanka
The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned to note the dramatic increase in child recruitment by the LTTE reported from their offices in the North and East. Despite the recent Security Council Resolution on Children and Armed Conflict adopted on 26 July 2005, and the decline in numbers of underage recruits post-tsunami, recent reports indicate that the LTTE is again recruiting significant numbers of children, according to the Commission. At the annual session held in Geneva of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights in April of this year, the Chairperson noted that recruitment numbers had gone down. The Commission now reports that there has been a disturbing increase in the numbers of underage recruits. Under International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law to which Sri Lanka is a party and Customary International Law the recruitment of children into armed conflict is prohibited. It is first and foremost recognised to be a violation of child rights, human rights and human dignity. Under international law, eighteen is set as the minimum age for all participation in hostilities, and any recruitment or use of children under the age of fifteen is considered a war crime.
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Do not undermine Child Protection in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Uganda – Opinion by Stella Ayo-Odongo
Uganda ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1990 thereby committing itself to promote children's rights at all levels. The UNCRC specifically calls for the development of appropriate guidelines for the protection of children from information and material injurious to their well-being. “As a country, we should put measures that will not only encourage positive reporting on children but will regulate the involvement of children as subjects in and creators of media – could this be in quote marks?” says Stella Ayo-Odongo, National Program Co-ordinator of Uganda Child Rights NGO Network.
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New Video and Photo Essay Tell Story of Uganda's Child “Night Commuters”
Human Rights Watch has documented the plight of Uganda 's lost generation of children in a new video, “Night Commuters: Uganda 's Forgotten Children of War.” A powerful photo essay by Bruno Stevens accompanies the video. The video, narrated by Dennis Haysbert, spotlights the phenomenon of tens of thousands of children in northern Uganda who walk miles every day to avoid abduction by rebel troops. The video shows the children embarking from their villages on long journeys in search of a safe place to sleep in urban areas. Human Rights Watch takes an unflinching look at the harrowing conditions of the children's lives through original footage and interviews. The situation in northern Uganda has resulted in a pervasive climate of fear. Since 1986, 30,000 boys and girls have been abducted in northern Uganda and forced to become child soldiers and sex slaves. The group that is responsible for these atrocities, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), has waged war against the Ugandan government for nearly two decades. |
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| CRIMINAL JUSTICE |
The Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2005 – Opinion by Olawale Fapohunda
The Administration of Criminal Justice Bill 2005 is a recognition that the old framework for justice and the laws of Nigeria have to be transformed to reflect the Constitution but specifically the demands of a democratic society writes Olawale Fapohunda, Managing Partner, Legal Resources Consortium. According to him , the Nigerian Criminal Justice System has frequently been described as ineffective, unjust and repressive. “Specifically, the perception of the police force is that it is corrupt; poorly paid, inadequately motivated officials, judicial officers particularly of the lower court are generally overworked and underpaid and lack the necessary infrastructure and equipment to enable them work efficiently. Transformation of the criminal justice system in Nigeria is therefore essential in bringing about legitimacy, accountability and efficiency, while at the same time striving to reduce the levels of crime and enhance stability and security. |
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UN panel adopts measure on preventing discrimination in criminal justice systems
The United Nations expert panel monitoring governments' efforts to ensure racial equality and non-discrimination has approved a recommendation outlining ways to prevent racial discrimination in national criminal justice systems and encouraging States to wipe out bigotry in their law enforcement ranks. Acting just before the second of its two annual sessions, the Geneva-based Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), which monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination by its 80 signatories and 170 State parties, approved the “general recommendation”. The Committee recommends searching for indicators attesting to such discrimination, as well as strategies to be developed to prevent discrimination in criminal justice systems and the steps to be taken to prevent racial discrimination with regard to victims of racism and to accused persons who are subject to judicial proceedings. |
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DEATH PENALTY |
Abolition of the death penalty in Kenya is essential for a Constitution that respects human rights
Amnesty International is calling on the government of Kenya to abolish the death penalty as they consider a new Constitution. Enshrining the abolition of the death penalty in the Constitution would be one of the most important steps Kenya could take in securing respect for the human rights of everyone under its jurisdiction. The organisation welcomes the decision taken by the government of Kenya not to carry out any death sentences during its tenure of office and to commute the death sentences of all those presently on death row to life imprisonment. There is clear evidence that Africa is moving towards universal abolition of the death penalty. Twelve of the 53 countries on the continent have permanently abolished the death penalty, most recently Senegal on 10 December 2004, UN Human Rights Day. Another 20 countries, including Kenya , have not carried out executions for more than 10 years.
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NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS |
If Human Rights Commission Bill becomes law in its current form, many obstacles will be faced says Ahmed Mujuthaba, Chairman of Humans Rights Commission, Maldives
Humans Rights Commission (HRC) Chairman Ahmed Mujuthaba said that if the current Human Rights Commission Bill passed by the People's Majlis becomes law in the way it is at present, then many obstacles will be faced in protecting human rights in Maldives . The Bill was passed at the Majlis session held on the 21st of July with the vote of 26 members. Mujuthaba said that the authority and independence provided by the current human rights commission regulations would be lost if the present Bill passed by the People's Majlis become law. When one of the most important articles in the Bill (22nd section about the commission observing cases in court) is omitted and the amendment brought to the point about the commission getting documents from matters under investigation, the legal authority of the human rights commission is weakened, Mujuthaba said.
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Scottish Human Rights Commission Bill
The Scottish Executive wants to ensure that human rights are respected in Scotland through the creation of a human rights culture. To help achieve this, following a public consultation the Executive announced in December 2001 that it would establish an independent and statutory Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC). That commitment was included in the Partnership Agreement. A further public consultation on details of the proposals was held in 2003. The general purpose of the SHRC will be to promote awareness and understanding of, and respect for, human rights. So that it can perform its monitoring and inquiry roles effectively, the SHRC will have legal powers to obtain information and to gain access to places of detention (such as prisons). However, the SHRC will not be able to investigate individual complaints, provide support to individuals for taking cases through the courts, or bring cases in its own name. The SHRC may also contribute to monitoring UK compliance with international human rights conventions, such as the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (ECPT) and the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). |
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UN Makes Statement on Maldives Situation
 The United Nations in the Maldives is aware of the concerns expressed by a number of human rights organizations regarding alleged human rights violations related to recent demonstrations and civil unrest. The UN regrets that events of 12-15 August lead to confrontation and encourages all stakeholders to ensure that dialogue continues towards democratic reform within a realistic timeframe. Human rights are a key concern for the United Nations in this country and across the globe. The UN is committed to creating a universal culture of respect for human rights and is closely monitoring the situation in the Maldives . Allegations of human rights violations, including those which inhibit the right to freedom of opinion and expression; protest within the law and the right to freedom of association are viewed very seriously by the UN.
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New security measures in the UK are a serious attack on human rights
The new measures, proposed by the United Kingdom (UK) government, targeting non-nationals considered to be threatening public order, national security and the rule of law, violate basic human rights and the UK 's international obligations, said Amnesty International. The Home Secretary Charles Clarke ordered an immediate review of his powers to exclude and deport non-British citizens suspected of "justifying or glorifying terrorism, seeking to provoke terrorist acts, fomenting other serious criminal activity, fostering hatred that might lead to inter-community violence. A global database will list foreigners who engage in different forms of "unacceptable behaviour", such as radical preaching and publishing websites and articles intended to foment "terrorism", to be vetted automatically before entering the UK . "The vagueness and breadth of the definition of 'unacceptable behaviour' and 'terrorism' can lead to further injustice and risk further undermining human rights protection in the UK. Instead of strengthening security, they will further alienate vulnerable sections of society," Halya Gowan, Europe and Cental Asia Programme Deputy Director at Amnesty International, said. |
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Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission expresses deepest regret over death of former commissioner Tom Donnelly
Commissioners and staff of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission are saddened to learn of the death of their former colleague, Tom Donnelly. Tom was a founding Commissioner and was involved in the establishment of the Human Rights Commission in 1999. He was totally committed to the work of the Commission in protecting and promoting human rights in Northern Ireland as a means of securing a more just and peaceful society. Despite his illness, which he bore bravely over the last two years, Tom rarely missed a meeting, even coming to the office straight from hospital on more than one occasion. He was determined to complete his term and sadly, was overcome by his condition almost immediately after his retirement in February 2005. Tom saw the development of a Bill of Rights for Northern Ireland as an important opportunity to establish confidence and improve relationships across communities. His background in trade union activity and politics ensured his support to staff and he was closely involved in the development of systems of governance within the organisation. He is remembered for his reliability, dedication, and steadfast commitment to improving protections and conditions for the most vulnerable people in Northern Ireland society. |
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| POLICE REFORM |
Nigerian police take course in Human Rights
Police in Nigeria , stung by reports of human rights violations, were attending a human rights workshop in Abuja . The seminar, sponsored by the government and civic groups, followed the recent release of a report by Human Rights Watch. The two-day workshop was attended by various civil rights groups, government officials, as well as members of Nigeria 's parliament. It is a part of what the government promises will be the reform of Nigeria 's police forces. The topics of discussion at the workshop ranged from human rights protection under international law to extra judicial killings by police officers. |
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RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE |
National Consultation on the Draft Forest Rights Bill, 2005
The age old prejudices against the forest dwelling tribal people of India persist and they are being criminalised and penalised for the failure of the State to address historical injustices to record and recognize their ancestral rights on land and effectively enforce the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, reports the Asian Centre for Human Rights. The National Consultation on the Draft Forest Rights Bill held in New Delhi on 7-8 August 2005 discussed many of these issues. The Draft Scheduled Tribes (Recognition of Forest Rights) Bill, 2005 initiated by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs of the government of India is an important initiative to address historic injustices against the tribal peoples. It seeks to provide rights to the forest dwelling tribal people whose rights have been extinguished after the Supreme Court stayed the regularisation of tribal villages in forest areas on 23 November 2001 in the case of Godavarman Thirumalpad vs Union of India in Interlocutory Application No.703 in Writ Petition No. 202/95.
In Defence of the Draft Forest Rights Bill, 2005 |
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| RIGHTS OF THE AGED |
Human rights laws in the UK 'leave elderly vulnerable'
 Older people are being left vulnerable to abuse because of failings in existing human rights laws, ‘Help the Aged' claims. Research by the charity identifies 'institutional cultures' which breach human rights, such as limited services with little choice, lack of hygiene and restricted access to food and water. But while protection exists in the form of the Human Rights Act (HRA), it says this does not cover the private sector, which provides more than 90 per cent of care home places and nearly 70 per cent of domiciliary care hours. Help the Aged is consequently calling on the government to press ahead with its planned Equality Bill, which would create a Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) that could champion older people's rights. The Equality Bill, which passed through the committee stage in July, would enshrine the principles of respect and protection of each individual's human rights as well as mutual respect between communities. |
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| RIGHTS OF THE DISABLED |
New term brings better access for disabled students in the UK from 1 September 2005
Thousands of disabled students in the UK will have new rights to better access on university and further education campuses under new laws in force from Thursday 1st September. Under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), universities and colleges must make ‘reasonable' changes to their premises to make them more user-friendly for Britain 's disabled students. A failure to do so could result in disabled students taking court action. Campuses will have to ensure that lecture halls, libraries, ICT suites and halls of residence are more user-friendly. This includes altering steps, providing lifts, dropping kerbs, and making sure better lighting and clear signage are provided where it is reasonable to do so. Over 22,000 disabled students applied through the University and College Admissions System (UCAS) last year. However, research by the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) in 2002 among young disabled people found that of those who had not gone on to further or higher education, 30% felt they were prevented from doing so for a reason relating to their impairment. In 2002, the Act introduced a fairer admissions process for disabled students and since 2003 universities and colleges have had a duty to provide extra equipment, note takers and British Sign Language interpreters for students who may need them to do their course. |
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UN inches closer to treaty on rights for disabled
U.N. members inched closer to completing an international treaty on the rights of the world's 600 million disabled during a two-week meeting in August, 2005. "The goal for completing is this time next year," New Zealand Ambassador Don MacKay told a news conference. But it could take until 2008 or 2009 before enough countries ratified the treaty for it to take effect, he added. A lot depends on what happens at the next working meeting, scheduled for January 2006, when delegates are expected to take up a draft document that MacKay intends to put together over the next few months, based on discussions over the past two weeks, he said. A U.N. committee that includes all 191 U.N. member-nations has been working since 2001 on a treaty to promote and protect the rights of the disabled. Participation is up to individual governments. Hundreds of outside groups from around the world are also involved. The pact would require nations ratifying it to adopt laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of any form of disability, from blindness to mental illness. |
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Progress towards treaty on human rights for people with disabilities
Australian Human Rights Commissioner and Acting Disability Discrimination Commissioner, Dr Sev Ozdowski, has welcomed progress made towards a new United Nations Convention on human rights for people with disabilities. The Commissioner said at least one in five people in Australia and around the world have some sort of disability, whether from birth, through accident or illness, or from the process of ageing. "All of us already have the same rights in theory. But in many countries there are clear needs for extra legal protection and recognition of rights for people with disabilities, and for more action in all societies to make those rights a reality," Dr Ozdowski said. Dr Ozdowski participated, as part of the Australian Government delegation, in the recent round of negotiations at the United Nations in New York , where a second reading of the draft Convention was completed. Further negotiations will be held early next year. |
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| WOMEN'S
RIGHTS |
Strong Women for Strong Women Campaign - New Zealand & Global
 Launched in July 2004 by UNICEF New Zealand, this 3-year fundraising and advocacy campaign is designed to address the gender discrimination and adverse cultural practices that girls and women experience in the developing world. Using multimedia events, Strong Women for Strong Women highlights three issues impacting girls: child protection (from abuse, labour, trafficking, and female genital mutilation, or FGM), gender parity in education, and HIV/AIDS. As part of the campaign's "Season for Strong Women", five New Zealand Drama School graduates performed solos - many of them sharing their own personal stories - at a local community theatre. The development of intercultural understanding through educational travel projects is another focus. The campaign aims "to communicate the message that not all women are lucky enough to have had 'support mechanisms' in their lives and that advantaged New Zealand women (and men!) should support their disadvantaged 'sisters', both overseas and in New Zealand.
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UN asks governments to protect migrant women workers
With the migration of workers becoming increasingly feminised, the United Nations has called on governments worldwide to take steps to protect women going to other countries to work. In a new report prepared for the upcoming summit of world leaders at the UN in mid September, Secretary-General Kofi Annan stressed the need for educating migrating women workers of their rights, allowing them residency status independent of men and the need for all member states to ratify international instruments prohibiting violence against women and their trafficking. "States should more systematically put in place targeted prevention measures, including comprehensive awareness-raising initiatives, to educate migrant women and the general public about the rights of women migrant workers," he said. |
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