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Egypt - Human Rights Organizations Under Attack  (December 8)

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The Latest News  from Human Rights Watch   Last updated
Thursday, December 31
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State of Emergency Declared in Niger Delta
(New York, December 31, 1998) — Human Rights Watch condemns the fatal shooting by soldiers of at least three Ijaw youths holding a peaceful demonstration yesterday in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta. Another twelve deaths are reliably reported but their names not confirmed. Following the demonstration, which was to demand the withdrawal of oil companies operating in Nigeria, Military Administrator of Bayelsa State declared a state of emergency, imposed a dusk to dawn curfew, and banned all meetings. At least twelve demonstrators were arrested and taken to an army camp outside Port Harcourt.
No Limits on Irian Jaya Dialogue Says Rights Group
(New York, 29 December 1998)--In a new report issued today, Human Rights Watch called on those concerned about developments in Indonesia to look beyond Jakarta to rising political tensions in Irian Jaya.
International Corporations Violate Women's Rights in Mexico
(New York, 29 December 1998)--In a report released today, Human Rights Watch documents the Mexican government's failure to enforce its own labor laws in the export processing (maquiladora) sector. In violation of Mexican labor law, maquiladora operators oblige women to undergo pregnancy testing as a condition of work. Women thought to be pregnant are not hired.
HRW Condemns Arrests of Human Rights Workers
(New York, December 23, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today strongly condemned the arrest of two Cambodian human rights workers in Cambodia's port city of Sihanoukville. Meas Minear and Kim Sen, staff members of the Cambodian human rights organization Licadho, were arrested on December 21 after they monitored demonstrations and received complaints from citizens in Sihanoukville angered about the dumping of industrial material thought to be toxic. The waste had been shipped from Taiwan to a site about fifteen kilometers from Sihanoukville.
INS Violates Rights of Detained Children
(New York, December 22, 1998)--While most children around the country are celebrating the season's holidays at home with their families, this week hundreds of children in the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will be spending Christmas in detention, separated from family and loved ones.
No Justice in China
(New York, December 21, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today condemned the harsh sentences given Chinese dissidents Xu Wenli and Wang Youcai after summary trials.
Serbian State-run University Censors Internet
(New York, December 21, 1998) Human Rights Watch today condemned a new clampdown on the Internet in Serbia, part of a concerted effort by President Slobodan Milosevic to stifle free expression and academic freedom. The university administration's order prevents students, professors, and researchers throughout Serbia from accessing a website from OpenNet, the Internet branch of Belgrade's independent Radio B92.
Leaders Call on President Clinton to Support International Ban on Child Soldiers
(December 21, 1998) In a letter made public today, a broad group of U.S. leaders called on President Clinton to support an international prohibition on the use of child soldiers. The letter, identifying the use of children as soldiers as "one of the most alarming and tragic trends in modern warfare," was signed by the leaders of forty human rights, religious, peace, humanitarian, child welfare, veterans and professional organizations.
China Once Again Using Activists As Bargaining Chips
(New York, December 20, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today welcomed the release of Liu Nianchun, one of China's most prominent labor activists, but stressed that China should not be praised for sending one more dissident into enforced exile abroad. It noted that the Chinese government is on the verge of sending another to prison for openly challenging one-party rule: on Monday, veteran dissident Xu Wenli is to be tried on subversion charges in Beijing.
Chinese Government Must Release Pro-Democracy Activists
December 18, 1998: Human Rights Watch today strongly condemned the Chinese government's treatment of three pro-democracy activists, Xu Wenli in Beijing, Wang Youcai in Hangzhou, and Qin Yongmin in Wuhan.
Pinochet Must be Prosecuted, Says Rights Group
(London, December 17, 1998) - Human Rights Watch today expressed confidence that a new panel in the House of Lords would also deny immunity to former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. The Nov. 26 decision of a previous Lords' panel was overturned because of the possible bias of one of the judges.
Avoid Harm to Iraqi Civilians, Says Rights Group
(December 16, 1998, New York) -- Bill Clinton and Tony Blair must take all possible steps to protect civilians from injury in the attack on Iraq, Human Rights Watch urged today.
Iranian Writer Escapes Possible Murder Attempt
(New York, December 16, 1998) - An Iranian writer escaped an apparent attempt on his life on December 13, the latest in a spate of killings of Iranian intellectuals and opposition figures. Human Rights Watch urged the government to take stronger measures to ensure the safety of independent Iranian writers and critics.
Report Documents Brutal Treatment in Russian Orphanages
(Moscow, December 16, 1998)--Thousands of Russian children abandoned to state orphanages are exposed to appalling levels of cruelty and neglect, according to a 213-page report released in Moscow by Human Rights Watch. The report is a year-long investigation accompanied by a series of powerful color photographs providing further evidence of malign neglect and inhuman treatment.
Violence and Abuse Endemic in Brazil's Prison System
(Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 15, 1998 ) -- Beatings, torture and even summary executions are commonplace in the Brazilian penal system, according to a Human Rights Watch report released today.
Clinton Urged to Press Human Rights on Mideast Trip
(New York, December 11, 1998)--Human Rights Watch today called on President Clinton to use his visit to the Israel and the Palestinian Authority-controlled territories to make clear his unequivocal commitment to ensuring that fundamental human rights are not sacrificed to security concerns.
Interference with Kosovo Forensic Team "Unacceptable"
(New York, December 11, 1998) Human Rights Watch today denounced recent attempts by Serb police to bar independent Finnish forensic investigators from exhuming the grave site at Gornje Obrinje as the unacceptable obstruction of efforts to curtail war crimes in Kosovo.
On 50th Anniversary, U.S. Lags on Human Rights Issues
(New York, December 10, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today called the United States "a laggard" in human rights, and urged the U.S. government to make the issue a higher priority on its foreign policy agenda.
HRW Launches Campaign to Defend Egypt's Human Rights Activists
(New York, December 10) -- On the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights Watch denounced attacks by Egyptian officials on the local human rights community.
HRW Hails U.N. Award to Ugandan Advocate
(New York, December 10, 1998)--Human Rights Watch today congratulated Angelina Acheng Atyam on her receipt of the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights.
Background Briefing on Indonesia: Urgent Action Needed to Halt Communal Violence
(December 9, 1998)Human Rights Watch calls on the Indonesian government to act immediately to prevent further communal violence. A series of attacks on churches and mosques since November has led to a dramatic increase in communal and religious tension across Indonesia.
British Decision on Pinochet Hailed
(London, December 9, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today hailed the decision by the British Home Secretary to allow extradition of Chilean ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet to go forward.
Another Missing Iranian Writer Dead Under Suspicious Circumstances
(New York, December 9, 1998) Human Rights Watch urged the Iranian government to investigate the recent death of an Iranian writer under suspicious circumstances.
Torture and Abuse Widespread in Serbian Detention Facilities
(New York, December 8, 1998) -- At least 1,000 ethnic Albanians are currently believed to be in Serbian prisons and police stations, according to Human Rights Watch. In Detention and Abuse in Kosovo, released today, Human Rights Watch charges that many have been subjected to beatings and torture to extract confessions or to obtain information about the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), and are being tried on charges of "terrorism."
Government Action Imperils Egypt's Human Rights Community
(New York, December 3, 1998) -- In a letter to Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak made public today, Human Rights Watch condemned the detention of Hafez Abu Sa'da, a lawyer and secretary-general of the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights (EOHR).
Rights Group Hails Headway in International Justice in 1999
(Washington, December 3, 1998) -- In its annual world report released today, Human Rights Watch praised major advancements in human rights over the last fifty years, but called for an international system of justice to anchor that progress in permanent institutions. Human Rights Watch also criticized U.S. policy on human rights as "subject to large blind spots," and noted that "human rights concerns rarely ranked with the [Clinton] administration's other interests."
Chinese Government Must Free Pro-Democracy Advocates
Human Rights Watch today called for the immediate release of Chinese pro-democracy advocates detained Monday and urged a strong and immediate response by the international community. At least five dissidents involved in trying to organize the Chinese Democracy Party were taken into custody.
"No Chance" of Chilean Trial for Pinochet
(New York, December 2, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today presented a detailed refutation of the idea that Chile is capable of meting out justice to Gen. Augusto Pinochet.
Rights Guarantees Should Be In All Israeli, Palestinian Agreements
(New York, November 30, 1998) --Human Rights Watch called upon donor governments meeting in Washington today to incorporate human rights guarantees in all their agreements with Israel or the Palestinian Authority. In a letter released today, the New York-based human rights group urged that all new aid, trade, or security treaties include explicit provisions for monitoring and preventing human rights violations by Israeli or Palestinian forces.
U.S. ‘Neutrality' on Pinochet Blasted
(New York, November 25, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today criticized the U.S. government for failing to support international efforts to extradite Augusto Pinochet to Spain. It also urged the White House to declassify documents that could assist in the prosecution of the ex-Chilean dictator.
HRW Deplores Pattern of Harassment and Killing of Opposition Figures in Iran
(New York, November 25) In an open letter sent today to Iran's President, Hojatoleslam Mohammad Khatami, Human Rights Watch expressed its shock about the killing by unknown assailants of opposition figures Darioush and Parvaneh Forouhar, in their Tehran home on Sunday November 22, 1998.
House Of Lords' Decision On Pinochet Hailed
(London, November 25, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today hailed the House of Lords' decision to reject immunity for Chilean ex-dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Authorities Must Free Malaysian Activist
(November 24, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today urged Malaysian authorities to release activist Tian Chua from detention pending a hearing before a magistrate on November 30.
East Timor Massacre Reports Still Unconfirmed, Both Sides Must Respect Rights
Human Rights Watch today urged all parties to the conflict in East Timor to respect humanitarian law after reported abuses by both the Indonesian army and East Timorese independence supporters near the town of Alas, Manufahi district, East Timor.
Italy Urged to Prosecute PKK Leader Ocalan
(November 21, 1998, New York)—Human Rights Watch today urged the Italian authorities to deny the asylum request of Abdullah Ocalan, the leader of the Workers' Party of Kurdistan (PKK), noting that those believed responsible for crimes against humanity are ineligible for asylum under international law.
Were Chemical Weapons Used in Bosnia?
(Washington, November 19, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today released the results of a 2-year investigation of allegations that a chemical agent was used against Bosniaks fleeing Srebrenica during the war in Bosnia and Hercegovina in July 1995.
HRW Calls On Britain to Extradite Pinochet If Lords Rule He Is Not Immune
(New York/London, November 18, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today called on the British Home Secretary, Jack Straw, to hold General Augusto Pinochet for extradition if the House of Lords rules that he is not immune from prosecution as a former head of state.
Egyptian Government Urged to Act Now on Torture
(New York, November 17) -- In a letter to President Hosni Mubarak made public today, Human Rights Watch appeals to the Egyptian government for urgent measures to halt torture by police and security forces.
Guyana Plans to Opt Out of Human Rights
Washington, D.C., November 16, 1998) -- In a letter released today, two human rights groups urged the Guyanese government to abandon plans to withdraw from a leading international human rights treaty.
Jakarta Killings Need International Response
(November 13, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today called on Indonesia’s major donors and APEC leaders to urgently make personal calls to Indonesian President Habibie and General Wiranto, asking them to investigate excessive use of force by soldiers confronting angry mobs in Jakarta.
Why Chile Won't Prosecute Pinochet
(London, November 11, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today denounced suggestions by Augusto Pinochet's lawyers that the ex-dictator could be prosecuted in Chile.
APEC Leaders Should Press Human Rights in Malaysia
(November 11, 1998) -- Human Rights Watch today urged all government leaders attending the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Kuala Lumpur on November 17-18 to raise concerns about the deterioration of human rights in Malaysia.
Algeria : Lift Economic Siege against Critical Newspapers
(New York, November 10, 1998) — Human Rights Watch today called on the government of Algeria to end the politically motivated financial pressures against four private dailies that have led to a three-week-long strike by seven of the country’s leading newspapers.
Avoid Harms to Iraqi Civilians
(November 10, 1998, New York) -- Bill Clinton and Tony Blair should take all feasible steps to protect civilians from injury in the event of an attack on Iraq, Human Rights Watch said in letters to the U.S. president and U.K. prime minister today.
Civilian Guards Pose Threat in Indonesia
(November 10, 1998) Human Rights Watch today expressed deep concern over the Indonesian army's use of 125,000 civilian guards to help with security during a meeting of the country's highest legislative body.
U.N. Must Take Action on Human Rights in Burma
As the United Nations General Assembly this week begins its annual consideration of human rights in Burma, Human Rights Watch urges U.N. member states to call on the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) to immediately and unconditionally release opposition supporters and to ease restrictions on freedom of expression, association, and assembly.
Chile Still Limiting Free Expression
(Santiago de Chile, November 6, 1998) -- Eight years after Chile regained democracy, legal restrictions on free expression are more pervasive than in any other democratic society in the Western hemisphere, according to a report published today by Human Rights Watch.
Pinochet Extradition Hearings
(London, Nov. 6, 1998)—The House of Lords has completed two days of hearings about the detention of Augusto Pinochet. Lawyers for the Crown, representing Spanish authorities who are seeking extradition, presented arguments and answered questions from the five-member panel of judges. The lawyers for Pinochet, who will argue against extradition, have not yet pled their case.
Yugoslavia Blocks War Crimes Investigation
(New York, Nov. 5, 1998)—Human Rights Watch strongly condemned the Yugoslav government for denying visas to a team of investigators from the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).
Use of International Law Against Pinochet Urged
(New York, November 4, 1998) - Human Rights Watch today called on the House of Lords to follow international law in its decision on extraditing former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet.
Afghanistan - Letter to Karl Inderfurth, Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs
We were greatly troubled to learn that a State Department official will be meeting today with Gen. Abdul Malik Pahlavan of Afghanistan.
An Analysis of the Wye River Memorandum
Human rights and security concerns are in no way mutually exclusive. Unfortunately, this point appears to have been forgotten during the negotiation of the Wye River Memorandum, signed by Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization on October 23. Instead the memorandum presents human rights as an afterthought, without any provisions for monitoring or enforcing human rights standards.
Human Rights Watch On Malaysia: It's Not Just The Trial
As the trial of Anwar Ibrahim opens in Kuala Lumpur, Human Rights Watch said the Malaysian government was responsible for a wide range of human rights violations in its efforts to remove Mr. Anwar from political power.
Survivors Describe Taliban "Killing Frenzy"
(New York, November 1, 1998) -- An August massacre of civilians by Taliban troops in Mazar-i Sharif is one of the worst atrocities of Afghanistan's long civil war, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today.
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