April 2005
Sudan: U.N. Refers Darfur to International Criminal Court
In a historic step toward justice, the United Nations Security Council passed a late-night resolution referring Darfur to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on March 31, 2005. This resolution gives the ICC authority to investigate and prosecute those most responsible for massive human rights violations committed in the western Sudanese region. Human Rights Watch played a crucial role in building support for the referral, from our initial
research on the ground, early calls for accountability, and extensive advocacy with the press and diplomats worldwide. This month's referral of Darfur to the ICC by the U.N. Security Council is, we must hope, the beginning of the end of Darfur's awful nightmare and a belated start to ensuring justice and accountability for the crimes committed against the people of Darfur. Human Rights Watch now looks to the ICC prosecutor to respond swiftly and assume the responsibilities entrusted to him.
See more on Darfur.
United States: Supreme Court Abolishes Juvenile Death Penalty
On March 1, 2005, marking a landmark decision for human rights, the United States Supreme Court abolished the death penalty for juvenile offenders. Relying on the opinions of international and domestic human rights groups - including an amicus brief by Human Rights Watch - the Court found that the death penalty was unconstitutionally cruel for people who were under the age of eighteen at the time of their crimes. Prior to the decision, the United States was one of only six countries in the world that allowed the juvenile death penalty. Human Rights Watch has long argued that juvenile offenders should not be subject to the same punishment as adults, particularly given their unique capacity for rehabilitation. We applaud the Court's decision, but continue to spotlight the brutality of "life without parole" sentences, which condemn juvenile offenders to languish for a lifetime in adult prisons with little access to education or rehabilitation. Read more about this issue.
Democratic Republic of Congo: HRW Pressure Moves Congo to Arrest Leaders
After intense pressure from Human Rights Watch, other human rights organizations and the United Nations, the Congolese government has begun to arrest dangerous rebel leaders in the lawless Ituri region of Congo. Human Rights Watch has consistently reported on the massacre, torture, rape, and mutilation of tens of thousands of civilians by rebel groups during the course of the country's bloody conflict. We spoke out against the Congolese government's recent decision to reward rebel leaders by installing them as generals into its newly integrated army; we found that many of these same rebel leaders have ordered, tolerated, or personally committed horrific crimes against civilians. Echoing our call, the United Nations Security Council issued a statement expressing concern over the government's decision to promote some of the worst rebel leaders. We are now pressing the government to continue its arrest of militia leaders and formally indict and prosecute those in custody. We are insisting that those responsible be held accountable for their long record of horrendous atrocities against Congolese civilians. See more on Congo.
Chechnya: European Court Finds Russia Guilty
In the first international ruling addressing abuses by the Russian government during the conflict in Chechnya, the European Court of Human Rights found Russia guilty of serious human rights violations in Chechnya. The Court ruled in three cases on behalf of Chechens whose family members had been killed in aerial bombings and tortured by Russian forces. It found that Russia had used disproportionate force in its military operations, indiscriminately targeted civilians, and failed to adequately investigate civilian deaths. Human Rights Watch provided significant assistance to the prosecution in the preparation of these cases. Our publications, including numerous interviews with eyewitnesses, were used during the trials. We continue to demand an end to Russia's impunity, most recently by pressing the international community to hold Russia accountable for the disappearances of thousands of Chechen civilians. Read more
United States: HRW-backed Torture Amendment Passes the House
The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed an amendment offered by Representative Edward J. Markey that reaffirms the government's opposition to torture and prohibits the use of U.S. funds for the practice of "extraordinary rendition." The amendment bans the transfer of individuals to the custody of other countries where they are likely to be tortured - a practice that the Bush Administration has increasingly authorized since September 11. Human Rights Watch has spotlighted the administration's flawed justification for renditions: "diplomatic assurances" from the receiving countries, which are essentially unenforceable promises that they will not torture transferred suspects. We worked closely with Representative Markey, Human Rights First and Amnesty International to urge the House of Representatives to pass the amendment. While the bill is an important first step, we continue to promote legislation that will put an end to this brutal and unlawful practice. Learn more about renditions.
IN THE NEWS:
Accountability for U.S. Torture
Afghanistan Researcher John Sifton writes in The Nation that American veterans are well positioned to hold the U.S. government accountable for condoning the use of torture.
Struggle for Afghan Women's Rights
In Chatham House's The World Today, Nisha Varia, Asia researcher for the Women's Rights Division, argues that women in Afghanistan are still lacking rights and that the country's upcoming parliamentary elections will be a true test of the Afghan government's commitment to women.
Nepal's Abuses Fuel Civil War
In the International Herald Tribune, deputy director of the Asia Division Sam Zia-Zarifi, argues that ongoing human rights violations by the Royal Nepali Army against the civilian population in Nepal have only weakened the monarchy's position against Maoist insurgents.
Fair Trial for Iraq's 'Chemical Ali'
In the Daily Star, Joe Stork, Director of the Middle East Division in Washington, discusses the Iraqi Special Tribunal case against "Chemical Ali" - a close associate of Saddam Hussein. Ali's trial is the first major test of the tribunal's ability to bring justice to victims of Hussein's regime.
Justice for Women in Pakistan
Pakistan Researcher Ali Dayan Hasan, writing in Dawn, advocates for an overhaul of Pakistan's judicial and policing systems, with a focus on women's human rights.
