• India: Rape Victim’s Death Demands Action
    Dec 29, 2012
    Press release
    The death on December 29, 2012, of a 23-year-old student who was gang raped and assaulted should spur decisive action by the Indian government to combat sexual violence, Human Rights Watch said today. The attack catalyzed massive nationwide demonstrations and reopened public debate about reforming India’s inadequate laws and practices concerning sexual assault.
  • Cambodia: Sham Court Cases Undermine Rights
    Dec 27, 2012
    Press release
    Two criminal cases decided in Phnom Penh on December 27, 2012, demonstrate the Cambodian government’s flagrant misuse of the justice system to undermine rights.
  • Cambodia: Investigate Government Cover-Up
    Dec 22, 2012
    Press release
    The Cambodian government should appoint an independent commission to investigate allegations that a ruling party municipal governor shot and wounded three women workers, Human Rights Watch said today. On December 14, 2012, the Svay Rieng provincial court closed the case against then-Bavet Municipality Governor Chhouk Bandit for allegedly firing into a crowd of striking factory employees at an industrial park in Bavet’s Special Economic Zone for foreign enterprises on February 20.
  • Philippines: Milestone Law Criminalizes Forced Disappearances
    Dec 21, 2012
    Press release
    The new law that criminalizes enforced disappearances in the Philippines is the first of its kind in Asia and a major milestone in ending this horrific human rights violation, Human Rights Watch said today. President Benigno S. Acquino III signed the law today.
  • Laos: Investigate ‘Disappearance’ of Prominent Activist
    Dec 20, 2012
    Press release
    The Lao government should urgently investigate the feared forced disappearance of Sombath Somphone, a prominent social activist.
  • Vietnamese Bloggers Recognized for Commitment to Rights
    Dec 20, 2012
    Press release
    Five Vietnamese bloggers are among an extraordinary group of 41 people from 19 countries who have received the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award recognizing writers who demonstrate courage and conviction in the face of political persecution.
  • China: 12 Win Prestigious Free Speech Prize
    Dec 20, 2012
    Press release
    Twelve writers, journalists, and activists from China have won the prestigious Hellman/Hammett award for 2012 in recognition of their efforts to promote free expression despite government persecution for their work.
  • Sri Lanka: Free or Charge Detained Students
    Dec 20, 2012
    Press release
    The Sri Lankan authorities should immediately release or credibly charge four ethnic Tamil students from Jaffna University who have been detained since early December 2012, Human Rights Watch said today. The Terrorist Investigation Department (TID) arrested the students amid unrest in the northern city of Jaffna following a security crackdown in late November against attempts to commemorate dead leaders of the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
  • Thailand: Rebels Escalate Killings of Teachers
    Dec 17, 2012
    Press release
    Separatist insurgents in Thailand’s southern border provinces should immediately end all attacks on teachers and schools, Human Rights Watch said today.
  • Philippines: Landmark Law Crucial for Women’s Health
    Dec 16, 2012
    Press release
    The Philippines’ expected passage of a reproductive health law will be a massive step forward to promote women’s health and lives, Human Rights Watch said today. The prime objectives of the Reproductive Health Bill, which is scheduled for a final vote during the week of December 17, 2012, include increasing access to a range of reproductive health services and reducing maternal deaths.