On the heels of a damning report by Human Rights Watch, Nigeria's President Olusegun Obasanjo reversed a previous government position and publicly admitted that Nigerian police officers have committed killings and torture. This unprecedented declaration followed intense advocacy by Human Rights Watch and massive media coverage in Nigeria. In interviews with more than fifty victims and witnesses, we documented the brutal ill-treatment of criminal suspects, including torture and rape by police officers, and found that many suspects in custody have died as a result of their injuries. After initially denying our findings, the government responded to the public pressure generated by the report by convening a two-day human rights workshop for police. Human Rights Watch welcomes these positive steps, but continues to urge the government to properly investigate and prosecute past police abuses and support a national public awareness campaign to end police brutality. Read more about Nigera.
Chad: Habré Henchmen Ousted from Government
In a letter to Human Rights Watch, the Chadian government declared that it would remove all accomplices of former Chadian dictator Hissčne Habré from their posts in Chad's government. This action follows Human Rights Watch's July report identifying the 41 leading Habré-era figures, many of whom are accused of killings and torture, and demanding their removal from office. Further acting on our recommendations, the government has agreed to expedite a draft law to compensate victims of Habré's brutality and, once funds are secured, to construct a monument to memorialize those who were murdered. Habré lives in exile in Senegal where he was indicted in 2000 on charges of torture and crimes against humanity before the courts ruled that he could not be tried in that country. He faces similar charges in Belgium, where a judge is pursuing an investigation that may lead to his extradition. Read more about the Habré case.
Russia: Human Rights Envoy to Monitor Hazing in Army
The Russian Ministry of Defense said in June that it will allow Russia's human rights ombudsman to monitor abuses on military bases in Russia. Human Rights Watch had recommended this action in our work to protect newly recruited Russian soldiers from grossly abusive hazing rituals at the hands of senior soldiers. This practice of dedovshchina, or "rule of the grandfathers," has resulted in the death of dozens of young soldiers every year, and serious damage to the physical and mental health of thousands of others. Many conscripts commit or attempt suicide and thousands defect from their units. In addition to monitoring abuses, the Ministry of Defense announced that it would publish on its website the number of deaths in the Russian armed forces on a monthly basis. Human Rights Watch will continue our work to ensure that this commitment to the protection of Russian soldiers is fully realized. Read more about Russia.
IN THE NEWS:
No Excuse for Torture
In the Independent, London Director Steve Crawshaw urges the British government not to use the July 7 London bombings to justify the illegal deportation of terrorist suspects to countries that use torture.
It's Worth Bringing Tyrants to Justice
Executive Director Kenneth Roth argues in the International Herald Tribune for the arrest and prosecution of tyrannical leaders.
Workers Abused in U.S. Meatpacking Plants
In the Washington Post, Lance Compa, author of a Human Rights Watch report on meat and poultry workers, and Jamie Fellner, U.S. Program Director, expose the hazardous and exploitative working conditions faced by laborers in American meatpacking and processing plants.
Bush Administration Rejects Rules of War
In America Magazine, Senior Legal Advisor James Ross condemns the Bush administration's blatant disregard of the laws of armed conflict.
Regional Trade Pact Falls Short
Carol Pier, who tracks labor rights and trade for Human Rights Watch, reports on a regional trade pact, endorsed by the Bush Administration, that fails to protect workers' rights in Central America
