Women and Security

Iraq’s 2010 National Elections

Human Rights Watch — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 09:10:15 -0800

On March 7, Iraq's voters will head to the polls nationwide to select all 325 members of parliament. The election will be a key indicator on whether the country is moving toward greater political stability and respect for human rights and away from the sectarian violence that plagued Iraq after the last election, in 2005.

Women in Afghanistan Turn to Self-immolation Over Abuse

Human Rights Watch — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:54:02 -0800

Rachel Reid, who has been based in Afghanistan, explains the difficulties and stigma women face in in reporting domestic cases of abuse. She also talks about why the laws and police don’t adequately protect women.

CBS Evening News with Katie Couric Features Rape Kit Researcher

Human Rights Watch — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:06:42 -0800

As part of a special investigation into unprosecuted rape cases, CBS Evening News with Katie Couric features an interview with Sarah Tofte, researcher with the US Program at Human Rights Watch.

Part 1

UN Security Council: Create Senior Post on Women and War

Human Rights Watch — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:01:00 -0700

(New York) - The UN Security Council should urgently establish a high-level post to fill a leadership gap relating to women and armed conflict, Human Rights Watch said today. A special representative of the secretary-general assigned to this issue would be able to push for protection against sexual violence and to promote equal participation by women in peace talks.

Saudi Arabia: Women’s Rights Promises Broken

Human Rights Watch — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:42:41 -0700

(New York) - Saudi officials continue to require women to obtain permission from male guardians to conduct their most basic affairs, like traveling or receiving medical care, despite government assertions that no such requirements exist, Human Rights Watch said today. The government made its assertions most recently in June 2009, to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

UN Security Council: Protect Civilians in Armed Conflict

Human Rights Watch — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:36:48 -0700

(New York) - The United Nations Security Council should make sure that its existing commitments to protect civilians during armed conflict are actually carried out, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to council member states.

Letter to UN Security Council Regarding the Debate on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict

Human Rights Watch — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:01:25 -0700

Dear Ambassador,

We write to urge you 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.

Letter from Darfuri Women to the African Union and Arab League

Human Rights Watch — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 10:56:33 -0800

Today the International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for the arrest of General Omar al-Bashir. We, as survivors of the conflict in Darfur, ask you to support the process of international justice, to ensure that our people will see an end to impunity, and finally, peace.

Speak up about free speech

Charu Lata Hogg — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 09:44:08 -0800

In the week of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, three media workers – a journalist, a publisher and his wife – will complete nine months in prison in Sri Lanka. The three are being held under the country's sweeping anti-terror laws, aimed at the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, which has been fighting for an independent Tamil state for nearly three decades.

And what about Somali women?

Nada Ali — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:44:14 -0800

"They broke into the house and I panicked and ran and took shelter under the bed," said 15-year-old Malka (not her real name), describing the day the Somali Transitional Government forces came to her house.