Topic: Human Rights Watch

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Energy Voices Will oil pipeline attack push energy companies out of Iraq?

With violence on the rise, including a recent attack on a major oil pipeline, it may be only a matter of time before international oil companies lose their stomach for post-war Iraq, Graeber writes.
Africa Monitor Chad's former dictator to be tried in Senegal for atrocities

Hissène Habré will become the first world leader to be prosecuted for crimes against humanity by another country's government. Could his trial set a precedent for future cases?
Jail for journalist working on rape story in Somalia

Both Abdiaziz Abdinur, a contributor to The Monitor, and the woman who told him she was raped by men wearing government uniforms have received year-long sentences, prompting world concern.
Tunisia 'at a crossroads'

Prominent Tunisian opposition leader, Chokri Belaid, was assassinated on Wednesday, driving many to the streets. Officials fear the assassination may destabilize Tunisia's recent progress toward democracy.
Tunisia's double blow: political assassination, government dissolution

Still unstable two years after its revolution, Tunisia now must contend with the aftermath of a political leader's murder – including the formation of a new government.
Is China cleaning up its illegal 'black jails'?

Ten men have been sentenced to prison for illegally detaining people who traveled to Beijing to appeal to the government, in a possible sign the government is trying to rein in abuses.
As Iran's elections near, Ahmadinejad refuses to leave office quietly (+video)

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad cannot run again, but instead of easing his way out of office, he is stirring up controversy and clashing with other politicians.
Backchannels In the new Egypt, the police still hew to their old torturing ways

When Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt, torture of suspects and citizens was commonplace among Egypt's police. Under President Mohamed Morsi, not much has changed.
Myanmar's graffiti artists test edges of emerging democracy

Graffiti artists are on the frontline of an ongoing debate over where freedoms begin and end as Myanmar continues its transition.
Chaos and police brutality at Egypt's presidential palace (+video)

The chaos around Egypt's presidential palace yesterday resulted in police beatings and firebombings of the symbol of President Mohamed Morsi's rule.
What's in a name? Russian city mulls returning to its Stalinist moniker.

Volgograd will temporarily revert to its former name, Stalingrad, in commemoration of its WWII Soviet victory. But some see it as a Trojan horse for glorification of Stalinist times.
In Timbuktu, a giant task of reconnecting a remote city to the world

Before they left, Islamists in northern Mali cut Internet and phone connections. Restoring them is just the first step toward piecing Mali back together.
Boko Haram commander declares Nigeria cease-fire

A leader of the Islamist group Boko Haram announced a cease-fire, raising questions that the group may be split over whether to make peace.
Latin America Monitor Could Brazil's nightclub fire spur more regional accountability? (+video)

The deadly nightclub fire is not unique in a region plagued by multiple tragedies that are often the result of lax safety standards, poor oversight, and overcrowded conditions.
Opinion North Korea threatens US – what about its own people?

As North Korea threatens the US, South Korea, and world peace with hints of a third nuclear test, what about its threat to its own people? It has one of the worst human rights records in the world. The UN must open a 'commission of inquiry' into crimes against humanity.
On North Africa's western flank, long-simmering conflict causes unease

Morocco has strengthened its hold on the contested – and resource-rich – Western Sahara. But efforts to maintain the status quo could renew unrest, adding to the current instability across North Africa.
Can Mali use surge of patriotism to heal its political divides?

Patriotism is surging in Mali with a military campaign to oust Islamist gunmen from the north. Whether the feeling lasts could be vital to the country’s future, say observers.
War crimes in Syria: Time to appeal to International Criminal Court?

Fifty-seven countries on Monday urged the UN Security Council to ask the International Criminal Court at The Hague to investigate possible war crimes in Syria. The call comes as other groups report a spike in sexual violence in Syria.
Report: Rape a 'major reason' refugees flee Syria

The International Rescue Committee said in a report released today that Syria is facing a 'staggering humanitarian crisis.' More than 600,000 Syrians have fled the country.
Protests spread in Pakistan over Shiite killings

Minority leaders and even mainstream politicians are growing more bold in calling on the country's military to crack down on anti-Shiite militants.
For Saudi Arabia's foreign domestic workers, employers' word is virtually law

The execution of Sri Lankan maid Rizana Nafeek, accused of strangling a baby she was caring for, highlights the lack of legal protections for foreign domestic workers in Saudi Arabia.
Will China end prison labor camps?

'Reeducation through labor' has long allowed China to control dissent while circumventing the legal system. Critics worry about a cosmetic change that may make it harder to monitor human rights violations.
Opinion Israel's 'self-defense' argument against Hamas holds no water

Israel's ceasefire with Hamas is holding, but unless Israel completely lifts its blockade and includes Hamas in two-state negotiations, renewed rocket attacks from Gaza are likely. Should that happen, Israel would not be justified in arguing self-defense.
Sports in 2012: here are some Monitor highlights

It’s impossible to list all the records set in 2012, but here’s a short rundown of some heralded highlights, plus 20 of our favorites, including some you might have missed.
Pakistan militants attack Muslim pilgrims

More than 320 Shiites have been killed this year in Pakistan and attacks are on the rise, which suggests the government is 'indifferent,' according to New York-based Human Rights Watch.