Poland’s Judges Under Attack: Daily Brief
A draconian new law threatens Poland’s judges’ independence; Germany calls for UN sanctions to enforce Libya ceasefire; post-election repression in Algeria; Burkina Faso faces growing displacement crisis; World Bank postpones loan decision for Tanzania’s education system; young rappers and musicians in Bangladesh express support for Rohingya refugee children.
New draconian restrictions on judges in Poland could result in the punishment or even firing of judges who criticize the government’s restrictions on the courts or who perform their obligations in carrying out judgements of the EU Court of Justice. The law is the latest in a long line of attacks by the government on courts and judges.
German foreign minister Heiko Maas has called for a UN sanctions resolution against continuing military attacks in Libya and violations of an arms embargo. Meanwhile, the head of the Libyan national oil corporation, Mustafa Sanalla, has urged UN Security Council members to call out those foreign powers meddling in the Libya conflict.
Algeria’s post-election repression continues with dozens of people detained for taking part in peaceful protests. The protesters are calling for a more pluralistic and inclusive system of governance.
A surge in atrocities by militant groups in northern and eastern Burkina Faso and large-scale military operations against these armed groups have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes. The country is now facing the world’s fastest growing displacement crisis, the Norwegian Refugee Council has warned.
The World Bank has postponed its decision on granting Tanzania a $500 million loan to fund its secondary education strategy, following pressure from activists who oppose the country's policy of banning pregnant girls and young mothers from attending state school.
And lastly: Amnesty International has released a music video featuring young rappers and musicians in Bangladesh’s Cox Bazar, home to nearly a million Rohingya refugees, telling their government that education is not at odds with repatriation. The video is part of a petition addressed at Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to grant the thousands of children living in the camp access to education.