Reflecting on Pride Month As Pride Month comes to an end, let’s take a look at the celebrations and challenges faced by LGBTI communities around the world. Global Celebrations Countries like Angola, Botswana, and South Africa have decriminalized same-sex relations. Malawi, however, still upholds laws that criminalize consensual same-sex conduct. Leadership sentiments against same-sex relations … Read more
Recent Law Provides Hope for Prisoners in North-East Syria What did the Amnesty Law No. 10 of 2024 in North-East Syria Address? The recent decision by the Autonomous Administration of the North and East Syria Region to issue Amnesty Law No. 10 of 2024 offers relief to individuals convicted under broad counter-terrorism laws. Amnesty will … Read more
Reaction to Sentencing of Journalist Alsu Kurmasheva Reacting to the sentencing of RFE/RL Russian Service’s journalist Alsu Kurmasheva on unfounded charges of spreading false information by the Supreme Court of Tatarstan, Central Russia, Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director, emphasized: “This latest reprisal against an independent journalist is a clear demonstration of the lengths to … Read more
Concerns raised over denial of food rations to jailed former parliamentarian in Eswatini What’s the issue at hand? Former Eswatini MP Mduduzi Bacede Mabuza denied proper meal for the last four days Authorities refusing external food deliveries per his medical requirements What’s being done about it? Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, Vongai … Read more
Responding to the Deadliest Day in Bangladesh Protests Amidst ongoing violence and protests in Bangladesh, the death toll rises to a shocking 32 in a single day. Amnesty International’s Babu Ram Pant condemns the excessive force used by authorities, emphasizing the importance of respecting the right to protest: Absolute intolerance towards protest and dissent Callous … Read more
Responding to the ICJ Opinion on Israel’s Policies in OPT: Amnesty International’s Erika Guevara Rosas reacts to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion. What Does the ICJ Opinion State? The ICJ deems Israel’s occupation and annexation of Palestinian territories as unlawful. Discriminatory laws and policies against Palestinians violate the prohibition on racial segregation and … Read more
Escalating Crackdown on Human Rights in Mali Malian authorities have come under fire for the arbitrary detention of opposition leaders, including Youssouf Daba Diawara. Why were they detained? Youssouf Daba Diawara was charged with “opposing legitimate authority” for participating in an unauthorized protest. 11 opposition leaders were arrested and charged with “plotting against state authority” … Read more
Anna Błuś is Amnesty International’s Researcher on Gender Justice in Europe. Excitement is mounting ahead of the Paris Olympic Games, but in a country which proclaims its devotion to “égalité”, Muslim women athletes are being left out and discriminated against – simply because they refuse to give up their right to wear what they want. … Read more
Cambodia: World Heritage Committee must ensure UNESCO decision addresses Angkor forced evictions Member states at next week’s UNESCO World Heritage Committee must address human rights violations carried out by Cambodian authorities affecting thousands of families at the Angkor historical site, Amnesty International said. UNESCO Concerns and Draft Decision UNESCO draft decision expresses concern about possible … Read more
Reacting to the Lithuanian parliament’s decision to withdraw from the Convention on Cluster Munitions, Dinushika Dissanayake, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director of Research in Europe, emphasized the repercussions of this move. Why is Lithuania withdrawing from the Convention on Cluster Munitions seen as disastrous? The decision abandons the global consensus aimed at minimizing civilian harm … Read more