Human Rights Watch urges Security Council ambassadors to use the open debate on June 26 to discuss ways in which the United Nations Security Council can more effectively ensure the protection of civilians in armed conflict.

Human Rights Watch writes to Chairman of the African Union (AU), H.E. Jean Ping, preceeding the AU summit. We urge more attention to be paid to the countries of Somalia, Guinea, Chad, the DRC, and Zimbabwe. A call for action is also included asking to assist Senegal in moving forward with proceedings for former President of Chad, Hissène Habré.

As the Security Council's Working Group on children and armed conflict prepares to discuss Chad on September 5, we wish to highlight the deteriorating rights climate for children in Chad, and urge you specifically to press for the full implementation of the Working Group's previous conclusions of September 24, 2007 (S/AC.51/2007/16). The need to take concrete action is especially urgent as the conflict in Chad enters its fourth year and the use and recruitment of children persists with all armed forces and groups involved in these abuses.

Human Rights Watch writes in advance of the Security Council’s mission to Africa on June 1-10, 2008, urging the Council to use this opportunity to address pressing human rights issues in Sudan, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia.

We write to draw your attention to Senegal’s long delay in opening proceedings against the former President of Chad, Hissène Habré. We appeal to the African and international communities to encourage Senegal to discharge the mandate it was given by the African Union, and to respect the decision issued by the United Nations Committee against Torture almost two years ago, calling for the trial of Hissène Habré.

Human Rights Watch writes to urge Dr. Ihsanoglu to use his position as Secretary General of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to support measures at the upcoming Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference in Dakar, Senegal on March 13-14 that would improve and strengthen the 1999 OIC Convention on Combating International Terrorism. In particular, the OIC should consider two amendments to the Convention to narrow its overbroad definition of terrorism and make absolutely clear that there is no sanction in Islam for deliberately attacking civilians, whatever the circumstances or justifications.

Human Rights Watch welcomes the news that African governments have responded so rapidly to the call for troops for the hybrid force. However the statement that these pledges mean the operation “would not need to resort to non-African troops” raises a number of substantial concerns. In our view, fielding the most capable force in the shortest time possible must be your overriding objective.

Human Rights Watch writes to members of the Security Council in advance of their mission to Africa from June 14-21. This letter addresses important concerns regarding Sudan/Darfur, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in connection with the Security Council's visits to Khartoum, Abidjan, and Kinshasa, respectively. It also addresses important issues in Chad, Somalia, and northern Uganda, especially in connection with UN-African Union meetings in Addis Ababa and Accra.