The Latest News Last updated Monday, June 30, 2003 News Archive   |   Latest Reports from Human Rights Watch Contribute to HRW   |   Join the HRW Mailing List Current Events Focus on Human Rights Background on War in Iraq  (June, 2003) Russian Federation / Chechnya: Renewed Catastrophe  (June, 2003) Afghanistan: Human Rights Watch Key Documents  (May, 2003) September 11 Attacks: Crimes Against Humanity The Aftermath (November, 2002) India: Gujarat Massacre Cases Sabotaged New York, June 30, 2003) - The ringleaders of massacres committed in 2002 are still roaming free in Gujarat, Human Rights Watch charged in a new report released today. Kazakhstan: Abuse Worsens AIDS Crisis Drug users, sex workers targeted in one of world's worst AIDS epidemics    (Russian) (New York, June 30, 2003) - Human rights abuse against injection drug users and sex workers in Kazakhstan is fueling one of the fastest growing AIDS epidemics in the world, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. Military Commissions Shouldn't Be Used Pentagon Rules Shortchange Justice (New York, June 25, 2003) No one should be tried before the U.S. military commissions authorized by President Bush unless their rules are significantly changed, Human Rights Watch said today. In a new briefing paper, Human Rights Watch said use of the commissions under current military orders and instructions will fall far short of international due process standards. Bush Administration Rules Out Using Cruel Treatment to Fight Terrorism (New York, June 26, 2003) The President and the Defense Department have today unequivocally rejected the use of any techniques to interrogate suspects that would constitute "cruel" treatment prohibited by the US Constitution. What Mr Blair should say to the Russian President Four years ago, Putin's determination to crush the separatist rebels in Chechnya by force helped to elect him by a landslide. In the meantime, the effect of his anti-terrorist campaign has proved catastrophic. United States: L.A. Jail Should Lift Chaplain Ban (New York, June 26, 2003) The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department should reverse its decision to bar a chaplain from the Men’s Central Jail, Human Rights Watch said today. Citing privacy concerns, the department revoked Javier Stauring’s access to the jail on June 20, one day after he publicly criticized detention practices for youths in the jail. Canadian Officials Should Challenge Kazakh Leader (Toronto, June 25, 2003) Canadian officials should challenge Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbaev on the country’s deteriorating human rights record, Human Rights Watch said today. Council of Europe Steps Up ICC Support (Brussels, June 25, 2003) The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe's (PACE) passage of a resolution supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) marks a decisive benchmark of support for the ICC, Human Rights Watch said today. Afghanistan: Karzai Fails on Press Freedom (New York, June 24, 2003) - President Hamid Karzai is failing an important test on freedom of expression in Afghanistan by allowing the continued detention of two editors of a Kabul newspaper on politically motivated charges, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S. Again Uses Enemy Combatant Label to Deny Basic Rights (New York, June 23, 2003) The Bush Administration’s designation of Ali Saleh Kahlah al-Marri, a Qatari national living in the United States, as an "enemy combatant" threatens basic rights safeguards, Human Rights Watch said today. The Justice Department announced today that it was dropping criminal charges against al-Marri and that he would instead be held without charge by the U.S. military. Canada: Vancouver Authorities Downplay Rights Abuses (New York, June 23, 2003) — The city of Vancouver’s attempt to discredit Human Rights Watch only highlights the city’s failure to address concerns about an anti-drug crackdown in its Downtown Eastside, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S. and Pakistan Should Both Press Human Rights (New York, June 21, 2003) - The U.S. and Pakistani presidents should discuss democratic reform and an end to rights abuses in Pakistan, and reform of U.S. laws and policies introduced after September 11 that infringe on the rights of non-U.S. citizens, many of them Pakistani, Human Rights Watch urged today. Egypt’s New Chill on Rights Groups (New York, June 21, 2003) The Egyptian government’s refusal to allow two human rights groups to register as legal entities casts a shadow over their capacity to work, Human Rights Watch said today. U.N. Must Address West Africa’s “Downward Spiral” (New York, June 20, 2003) The U.N. Security Council should hold governments in West Africa accountable for their support of abusive regimes and rebel groups, Human Rights Watch said in a briefing paper presented to the Security Council today. Members of the Security Council are scheduled to begin an eight-day trip to the region on June 28. Iraq: Donors Must Learn From Afghanistan (New York, June 20, 2003) – International donors to Iraq’s reconstruction should avoid the mistakes made in Afghanistan by ensuring that human rights are a central part of the country’s transition, Human Rights Watch said today on the eve of a donor meeting in New York. Iran: End Vigilante Attacks (New York, June 20, 2003) Iran should take measures to end violent attacks on students demonstrating against government policies and prosecute those responsible, Human Rights Watch said today. U.K.: “Inconsistent” Blair urged to speak out on Chechnya   (Letter) (London, June 20, 2003) British Prime Minister Tony Blair must send a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the worsening situation in Chechnya, Human Rights Watch said today. Without Rights Reforms, Saudi Media Blitz Will Fail (New York, Jule 19, 2003) Without basic human rights reforms, Saudi Arabia's new media campaign in the United States will not change public opinion about the kingdom, Human Rights Watch said today. Nepal: Bhutanese Refugees Rendered Stateless (New York, June 18, 2003) The announcement by the governments of Bhutan and Nepal that only a handful of Bhutanese refugees will be allowed to return to their country with full citizenship rights could render tens of thousands of refugees stateless, six international humanitarian and rights groups said today. U.K. Dodges Refugee Responsibilities (New York, June 18, 2003) Governments attending the European Council meeting in Thessaloniki, Greece, should reject the United Kingdom's so-called "new vision" proposal to send asylum seekers to processing centers abroad, Human Rights Watch said in a 20-page briefing paper released today. Press Freedom in Morocco Set Back by Journalist Jailing (Washington D.C., June 18, 2003) The affirmation Tuesday of a 3-year prison term for journalist Ali Mrabet is a grave blow to press freedom in Morocco, Human Rights Watch said today. A Rabat appeals court upheld a lower court verdict that also banned the independent weeklies that Mrabet directs, Demain and its Arabic sister Douman. U.S.: Court Allows Secret Arrests (New York, June 17, 2003) Tuesday’s federal court decision on post-September 11 arrests opens the door to widespread secret detentions on immigration charges, Human Rights Watch said today. The ruling overturns a lower court decision ordering the government to release the names of detainees swept up in the investigation of the September 11 attacks. Vietnam's Crackdown on Cyber-dissidents (New York, June 17, 2003) - The Vietnamese government should drop criminal charges against cyber-dissident Pham Hong Son, Human Rights Watch said today. Son is slated to be tried in Hanoi on June 18 on charges of spying. Iraq: U.S. Should Investigate al-Falluja (New York, June 17, 2003) With major military operations continuing in al-Falluja, U.S. authorities should investigate the apparent use of excessive force against Iraqi protesters there on April 28 and 30, Human Rights Watch urged in a new report released today. EU Strengthens ICC Support (Brussels, June 16, 2003) By adopting a revised Common Position on the International Criminal Court (ICC), the European Union (EU) reinforced its support for international justice, Human Rights Watch said today. Asian Security Talks Risk Giving Green Light to Repression (New York, June 16, 2003) - Asian regional security talks taking place in Cambodia this week may encourage human rights abuses in the name of fighting terrorism, Human Rights Watch warned today in a letter to participating governments. Rumsfeld Wrong to Attack Belgian Human Rights Law (Brussels, June 13, 2003) U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld was wrong to attack Belgium's "anti-atrocity" law, Human Rights Watch said today. Political Restrictions Mar Pre-Election Environment in Cambodia (Phnom Penh, June 13, 2003)-The Cambodian government must act immediately to allow opposition parties access to broadcast media and to repeal restrictions on public demonstrations and party meetings in the weeks before the July 27 national election, Human Rights Watch said today. ICC to Gain First Chief Prosecutor (New York, June 12, 2003) The inauguration of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) first chief prosecutor will enable the court to launch investigations into genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in coming months, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S. State Department Trafficking Report Undercut by Lack of Analysis (New York, June 11, 2003) The U.S. State Department's third annual trafficking in persons report fails to meaningfully evaluate governments' efforts to combat trafficking in persons, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch Launches German Web Site (New York, June 12, 2003) - Human Rights Watch today announced the launch of a new German web site, which features human rights news as well as reports on the latest human rights developments around the world. U.N.: Defend ICC in "Open Meeting" (New York, June 11, 2003) United Nations member states should use the rare opportunity of tomorrow's "open meeting" of the United Nations Security Council to voice their opposition to U.S. attacks on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Human Rights Watch urged today. Letter to Department of Defense General Counsel Haynes (June 10, 2003) -- Human Rights Watch wrote to Department of Defense General Counsel William Haynes, urging him to revise rules that pertain to legal representation for defendants before U.S. military commissions. Mexico: Court Ruling a Victory for International Justice (New York, June 10, 2003) The Mexican Supreme Court decision to uphold the extradition of Ricardo Miguel Cavallo will reinforce the principle of “universal jurisdiction” in international law, Human Rights Watch said today. Cavallo, a former Argentine military official, faces prosecution in Spain for atrocities committed during Argentina’s military dictatorship. U.S. Pressure on Croatia and Slovenia Undermines Justice (New York, June 10, 2003) The Bush administration's pressure on Croatia and Slovenia in pursuit of a special exemption from the International Criminal Court (ICC) while rightly insisting on cooperation with the Yugoslav war crimes tribunal is blatant hypocrisy, Human Rights Watch said today. India: Justice Eludes Families of the "Disappeared" in Punjab (New York, June 10, 2003) India's National Human Rights Commission must fulfill its mandate to investigate forced disappearances in Punjab, Human Rights Watch said today. Thailand: Bush Should Press Thaksin on Extrajudicial Executions, Burma (New York, June 9, 2003) -- President George W. Bush should use his June 10 meeting with Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to raise concerns about the recent wave of extrajudicial killings in Thailand and the need for pressure on the Burmese military government to release Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Human Rights Watch said in a letter today to the U.S. president. Rights Conditions Decline in Zimbabwe (New York, June 9, 2003) Human rights conditions have deteriorated markedly in Zimbabwe over the last few months, Human Rights Watch said in a new briefing paper published today. U.N. Congo-Burundi Mission Should Prioritize Civilian Protection (New York, June 6, 2003) The U.N. Security Council must focus on wartime violence against civilians in its upcoming mission to the Great Lakes region of Africa. Human Rights Watch Welcomes New Board Members (New York, June 5, 2003) Armed with diverse experience and distinguished careers, three new members of the Board of Directors will help promote the cause of protecting human rights around the world, Human Rights Watch said today. Indonesia: Conditions Decline in Aceh (New York, June 5, 2003) Human rights conditions in the separatist province of Aceh are deteriorating quickly, Human Rights Watch warned in a briefing paper, "Aceh Under Martial Law: Human Rights Under Fire," released today. Serbia: Link U.S. Aid to More Progress on War Crimes (New York, June 5, 2003) The U.S. government should press Serbia for additional human rights improvements before it decides to certify Belgrade for continued U.S. aid, Human Rights Watch said today. West Africa: Taylor Indictment Advances Justice (New York, June 4, 2003) Liberian President Charles Taylor should be arrested by the government of any country he travels to, now that his indictment has been announced by the Sierra Leone Special Court, Human Rights Watch said today. The Liberian president was attending peace talks in Ghana when the indictment was "unsealed." Bangladesh: Revoke "Shoot-at-Sight" (New York, June 4, 2003) The Bangladesh government must revoke authority granted to the police to "shoot-at-sight" as part of its anti-crime campaign, Human Rights Watch said today. Burma: Release Aung San Suu Kyi, Investigate Attacks (New York, June 3, 2003) - Burma should immediately release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other recently detained activists and allow the United Nations to conduct an independent investigation into attacks that left several dead and dozens injured, Human Rights Watch said today. Basra: British Forces Fail to Provide Security (New York, June 3, 2003) Nearly eight weeks after British forces entered Basra, they still have not addressed basic security needs in Iraq's second largest city, Human Rights Watch said today. Israel/PA/United States: Roadmap Needs Rights Component (Jerusalem, June 3, 2003) Wednesday's summit among U.S. President George W. Bush and Prime Ministers Mahmud Abbas and Ariel Sharon should insert human rights protection into the "roadmap," Human Rights Watch said today. Uzbekistan: Torture Death in Prison (New York, June 3, 2003) Another Uzbek prisoner was tortured to death, contradicting U.S. claims that Uzbekistan is making progress on human rights, Human Rights Watch said today. U.S.: Justice Department Report Confirms 9-11 Detainee Abuses (Washington D.C., June 2, 2003) The Bush Administration should take immediate action to remedy the human rights violations documented by the Department of Justice’s internal investigation of its treatment of non-citizens detained after September 11, Human Rights Watch said today. Peru: Investigate Use of Lethal Force (New York, May 30, 2003) Peru’s government should immediately investigate the reported use of lethal force by the security forces to quell protests taking place throughout the country, Human Rights Watch said today. Iraqi Suspect in Mass Killings Released (New York, May 30, 2003) The mistaken release of Sheikh Mohammad Jawad al-Naifus from custody in Iraq is a major setback in the effort to bring mass murderers to justice, Human Rights Watch said today. G-8: Learn Lessons For Iraq Reconstruction (New York, May 30, 2003) - The "Group of Eight" world leaders gathering in Evian should learn lessons from Afghanistan when it comes to rebuilding Iraq, Human Rights Watch said today. The G-8 summit is expected to pledge international support for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. Nepal Endangers Tibetans with Efforts to Force Return to China (New York, May 30, 2003) Nepali officials should immediately release a group of imprisoned Tibetans to the protection of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Human Rights Watch said today. On May 29, Nepali officials sought to turn the group over to Chinese authorities intent on returning them to China, where they would have faced the risk of persecution. Russia: St. Petersburg Summit Should Not Eclipse Chechen Suffering (New York, May 30, 2003) World leaders should not ignore human rights violations in Chechnya at the upcoming summit with Russia, Human Rights Watch said today. More...