The Latest News Last updated Friday, May 31st, 2002 News Archive   |   Latest Reports from Human Rights Watch Contribute to HRW   |   Join the HRW Mailing List Current Events Focus on Human Rights Accountability and Transition in the Balkans  (May 22, 2002) Russian Federation / Chechnya: Renewed Catastrophe  (May 22, 2002) Afghanistan: Human Rights Watch Key Documents  (May 13, 2002) September 11 Attacks: Crimes Against Humanity The Aftermath (May, 2002) Crisis in Colombia (February 26, 2002) Kenya: Political Killers Admit to Official Backing (New York, May 31, 2002) Speaking for the first time, perpetrators of armed attacks in the run-up to the last general election in Kenya have said that they were backed by ruling party officials, Human Rights Watch revealed in a report released today. U.S.: Growing Problem Of Guantanamo Detainees (New York, May 30, 2002) As the U.S. administration prepares to send some 150 new detainees to Guantanamo Bay, Human Rights Watch warned that their legal status is growing more problematic by the day. Uzbekistan: Another Rights Defender Jailed (New York, May 28, 2002) Police in Uzbekistan have arrested a human rights defender who may be at risk for torture or ill-treatment, Human Rights Watch said today NATO, E.U. Should Challenge Russia on Chechnya (Brussels, May 27, 2002) Russia's conduct in Chechnya stands in the way of full integration into Western institutions, Human Rights Watch said today. In letters to NATO and the European Union, which are holding summits with Russia on May 28, Human Rights Watch said that the Russian military's record of abuse in Chechnya undermines the core values and strategic goals of both institutions. United States: Spare Texas Juvenile Offender (New York, May 24, 2002) Human Rights Watch called on the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole and Gov. Rick Perry to spare the life of Napoleon Beazley, who faces execution for a murder he committed at the age of seventeen. Beazley will be put to death on May 28 unless the Board recommends clemency and the governor acts on the recommendation. Congo: Kisangani Residents Again Under Fire (New York, May 24, 2002) Soldiers of the Rwandan-backed Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD) have been rounding up and summarily executing suspected backers of a short-lived mutiny in Kisangani, the third-largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Human Rights Watch said today. Algeria: Release Rights Defenders Facing Trial (New York, May 24, 2002) Algerian authorities should release human rights defenders Abderrahmane Khelil and Sid Ahmed Mourad from jail, Human Rights Watch said today. The two men face trial on Sunday, May 26. Bush to Russia: Address Abuses in Chechnya (Moscow, May 21, 2002) President Bush should speak strongly and publicly about human rights violations in Chechnya while visiting Russia, Human Rights Watch said today. Ecuador: Escalating Violence Against Banana Workers En Español (New York, May 22, 2002) Banana workers in Ecuador are facing an onslaught of illegal firings, violence, and intimidation as they try to exercise their rights to organize and strike, Human Rights Watch said today. Halt Mine-Laying by India and Pakistan Now New York, May 22, 2002) - India and Pakistan should halt the use of antipersonnel landmines along their common border, Human Rights Watch urged today. Ethiopia: Halt Crackdown on Oromo Students (New York, May 22, 2002) -- The Ethiopian government must halt the violent crackdown on students from Oromiya regional state, Human Rights Watch urged today. U.S. Decision to Certify Yugoslavia "Premature" (New York, May 21, 2002) - The Bush administration is seriously premature in certifying Yugoslavia for renewed U.S. aid, Human Rights Watch said today. Yugoslav Leaders "Stonewall" Tribunal on Archives Access Belgrade authorities must give the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia access to government archives, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch sent a letter urging Yugoslav Foreign Minister Goran Svilanovic to turn over files to the war crimes tribunal as Yugoslav leaders visited Washington, D.C. to press for aid money. Nigeria: Government Must Disband Vigilante Groups (Lagos, May 20, 2002) The Nigerian government should disband government-backed vigilante groups without delay, Human Rights Watch and the Centre for Law Enforcement Education (CLEEN) said in issuing a joint report on vigilantism today. Kyrgyzstan: Government Crackdown on Peaceful Dissent (New York, May 17, 2002) The Kyrgyz government should release an estimated ninety protesters rounded up by police yesterday as they gathered for a peaceful demonstration, Human Rights Watch said today. In a letter to Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev, Human Rights Watch also said that Kyrgyzstan's human rights situation was deteriorating rapidly. Peru: Amnesty for Embassy Siege Killings Unacceptable (New York, May 17, 2002) The Peruvian Congress should firmly reject proposed amnesty legislation covering commandos who killed fourteen guerrillas during the 1997 rescue of hostages in the Japanese Ambassador's residence, Human Rights Watch said today. Time to End the U.S. Embargo on Cuba (Washington, May 17, 2002) President George Bush should terminate the economic embargo on Cuba, Human Rights Watch said today. Describing the embargo as a failed policy, Human Rights Watch said that it imposes indiscriminate hardship on the Cuban people and impedes democratic change. East Timor: Stronger Judiciary Needed (New York, May 17, 2002) As East Timor prepared for independence on May 20, Human Rights Watch called on the new government to focus urgently on rebuilding the country's legal and judicial system. Uzbekistan: Concern about EBRD Decision on Tashkent (New York, May 17, 2002) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) should insist on concrete progress in human rights before holding its 2003 annual meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, a coalition of nongovernmental organizations said in an open letter to the president of the EBRD today. Eritrea: Cease Persecution of Journalists and Dissidents (New York, May 16, 2002) The Eritrean government should immediately release nine jailed journalists who have been in detention without charge since September 2001, Human Rights Watch said today. Sudan: Danforth Peace Initiative Progress (New York, May 15, 2002) The Danforth peace mission has resulted in major steps towards improving the human rights crisis in Sudan, Human Rights Watch said today. A report prepared for President Bush by former U.S. Sen. John Danforth, U.S. Special Envoy for Peace in Sudan was released today in Washington. Leading Liberian Lawyer Prevented From Leaving (New York, May 14, 2002) Tiawan Gongloe, one of Liberia’s most prominent human rights lawyers, was prevented from leaving the country and briefly detained on May 12, 2002. Human Rights Watch today condemned the Liberian government for its continuing persecution of human rights defenders, and expressed concern about Mr. Gongloe’s detention, for the second time in less than a month, and denial of his right to freedom of movement. Cuba: Carter's Historic Opportunity (Washington, May 12, 2002) Former President Jimmy Carter should speak out boldly about the need for human rights reform in Cuba, Human Rights Watch said today. Malaysia: Bush Should Urge Mahathir to Respect Rights (Washington, May 13, 2002) During his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, President Bush should make clear that the fight against terrorism does not give Malaysia a blank check to suppress political dissent and deny fundamental human rights. U.N. Criticizes Uzbekistan for Torture (New York, May 13, 2002) Human Rights Watch today welcomed the United Nations Committee against Torture's recommendations on torture in Uzbekistan. Afghanistan: U.S. First Lady Urged to Support Women (New York, May 10, 2002) Human Rights Watch today released a letter to U.S. first lady Laura Bush, urging her to increase support for Afghan women's security concerns. Kenya: New Media Law Curbs Free Speech (New York, May 10, 2002) Human Rights Watch today condemned Kenya’s parliament for passing a new law aimed at government control of newspapers. The new law imposes exorbitant publishing fees that could handicap newspapers economically and silence new voices. Human Rights Watch urged President Daniel arap Moi not to sign the law into effect. Western Europe: Rights Groups Condemn Racist and Anti-Semitic Violence (New York, May 9, 2002) Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are gravely concerned by the sharp increase in Western Europe of violent attacks on persons and property prompted by intolerance of religious, racial, cultural, and national differences. Israel: Decision to Stop Use of "Human Shields" Welcomed (Jerusalem, May 10, 2002) The Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) decision to prohibit the use of Palestinian civilians as "human shields" during military operations is an important step forward toward complying with the requirements of international humanitarian law, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S.: Maryland Death Penalty Moratorium Applauded (New York, May 9, 2002) Human Rights Watch applauded Maryland Governor Paris N. Glendening's decision today to impose a moratorium on executions in Maryland. Citing the need "to be absolutely sure of the integrity" of the death penalty process, Governor Glendening announced the moratorium would continue until an ongoing University of Maryland study on racial bias and the death penalty is completed and reviewed and acted upon by the state legislature. Afghanistan: Women Still Under Threat (New York, May 9, 2002) Afghan women continue to fear physical violence and insecurity even after the end of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Human Rights Watch said today. Israel/PA: Armed Groups Should Halt Attacks on Civilians (New York, May 9, 2002) The May 7 suicide bombing attack on a Tel Aviv pool hall is an atrocity that violates the most basic principles that the human rights movement stands for, Human Rights Watch said today. Colombia: FARC Responsible for Atrocities  En Español (New York, May 8, 2002) The main rebel group in Colombia must stop attacking civilians using gas cylinder bombs, Human Rights Watch told the rebel commander in a letter released today. Afghanistan: Rise in Factional Fighting Threatens Fragile Peace (New York, May 7, 2002) Human Rights Watch warned today that factional fighting in Afghanistan has risen to dangerous levels in recent weeks, threatening the process for the selection of Afghanistan's next government. Children's Summit Spotlights Governments' Failures (New York, May 7, 2002) The United Nations "Children's Summit" is in danger of simply ushering in another decade of broken promises, a caucus of children's advocates said today. Cuba: Dissident Release Hailed (New York, May 6, 2002) Human Rights Watch today applauded the release of political dissident Vladimiro Roca Atúnez, one of Cuba's most prominent pro-democracy activists. Roca was freed on Sunday, two months before the expiration of his five-year sentence for sedition. United States "Unsigning" Treaty on War Crimes Court (New York, May 6, 2002) The Bush Administration's decision to effectively withdraw the U.S. signature from the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court is an empty gesture that will further estrange Washington from its closest allies, Human Rights Watch said today. Spain and Morocco Abuse Child Migrants (Madrid, May 7, 2002) Moroccan migrant children in Spain are frequently beaten by police and abused by staff and other children in overcrowded, unsanitary residential centers, Human Rights Watch charged in a report released today. Burma: Release of Aung San Suu Kyi Welcomed, More Action Needed (New York, May 6, 2002) Human Rights Watch welcomed the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, General Secretary of the National League for Democracy (NLD), freed today from twenty months of de facto house arrest. Human Rights Watch called on the government of Burma to immediately take additional actions to restore basic human rights. Israel/Occupied Territories: Jenin War Crimes Investigation Needed   Hebrew  Français (Jenin, May 3, 2002) Evidence suggests that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) committed war crimes in the military operation in the Jenin refugee camp, Human Rights Watch charged in a report issued today after a week-long investigation. Human Rights Watch did not find evidence to support claims that the IDF massacred hundreds of Palestinians in the camp. Uzbekistan: Round-up of Women Linked to Islamic Groups (New York, May 1, 2002) The government of Uzbekistan is extending its crackdown against independent Muslims to include women, Human Rights Watch said today. Guatemala: Stop Violence and Intimidation against Rights Advocates (New York, May 1, 2002) The Guatemalan government must take effective measures to stop violence and intimidation against members of the country's human rights community, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to President Alfonso Portillo today. Two days ago, Guillermo Ovalle de León, a member of the Rigoberta Menchú Foundation, was shot to death, and in recent weeks other rights advocates have received death threats. Human Rights Groups Criticize State Department's Certification of Colombia (Washington DC, May 1, 2002) Human Rights Watch, the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA), and Amnesty International strongly object to the U.S. State Department's decision to certify the Colombian government's compliance with human rights conditions given the Colombian government's failure to take even minimal steps to meet the conditions. Liberia: Extend U.N. Arms Embargo   Français (New York, May 1, 2002) The United Nations Security Council should maintain the arms embargo against the Liberian government, Human Rights Watch said in releasing a new report about abuses in Liberia today. Cambodia: Prosecute Perpetrators of Political Violence (New York, May 1, 2002) - The Cambodian government should take immediate steps to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of political violence committed during commune-level elections held in February 2002, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. Saudi Arabia: Unveil the Justice System (New York, April 30, 2002) Saudi Arabia should open up its highly secretive justice system and end practices that deny fundamental due-process rights to criminal suspects, Human Rights Watch said today. Prolonged solitary confinement, confessions, and secret trials are regular features of the Saudi justice system. India: Gujarat Officials Took Part in Anti-Muslim Violence (New York, April 30, 2002) - State officials of Gujarat, India were directly involved in the killings of hundreds of Muslims since February 27 and are now engineering a massive cover-up of the state's role in the violence, Human Rights Watch charged in a new report released today. Hu Jintao Visit: No Progress on Human Rights in China (Washington, April 29, 2002) U.S. President George W. Bush and Congressional leaders should press for concrete steps to improve human rights when they meet with Chinese Vice President Hu Jintao this week, Human Rights Watch said today, pointing out the lack of any progress on human rights since Bush's visit to China in February. Hu Jintao, the likely successor to President Jiang Zemin, will pay his first visit to Washington on Wednesday, May 1. U.N.: New Human Rights Members Won't Solve Crisis (New York, April 29, 2002) - The election of new members to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights will likely deepen the crisis in which that body finds itself, Human Rights Watch said today. United Nations: Rights Commission Shields Abusers (Geneva, April 26, 2002) Decisive action is needed to break the grip of abusive governments on the United Nations' leading body for human rights, Human Rights Watch warned as the Commission on Human Rights concluded its annual meeting in Geneva. Leading Liberian Rights Lawyer Tortured by Police (New York, April 26, 2002) One of Liberia’s most prominent human rights lawyers, Tiawan Gongloe, has been brutalized in police custody and is hospitalized as a result, Human Rights Watch said today. Police guards remain near his hospital bed, and the police director has announced that Mr. Gongloe remains in police custody without charge pending an investigation. More...