Zimbabwean authorities clamp down on critics; school closures could lead to “generational catastrophe”; refugee children in Greece at risk of abuses; the Indian government continues to impose harsh restrictions on Jammu and Kashmir; Cambodian authorities arrest outspoken labor unionist; and a trade deal between the European Union and Brazil could save the Amazon – if used wisely.

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Scores of people have been arrested in Zimbabwe, as authorities have mounted an unprecedented clampdown on pro-democracy campaigners, opposition political party members, journalists and ordinary citizens voicing concern over rising corruption and a worsening economic crisis. The crackdown has prompted a #ZimbabweanLivesMatter campaign on social media. Meanwhile, Zimbabwean's President Emmerson Mnangagwa has vowed to “flush out the bad apples”.

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres has warned that the world faces a “generational catastrophe” because of school closures in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, as he launched a global “Save our Future” campaign today.

Far from protecting unaccompanied child refugees, Greece’s “protective custody” regime puts them at risk of severe abuse, including sexual violence and harassment and long-term psychological harm.

One year after the Indian government revoked the autonomous constitutional status of Jammu and Kashmir, Indian authorities continue to impose harsh restrictions on freedom of movement and expression. The government’s restraints on access to information, health and education have been intensified by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The arrest of outspoken trade union leader and rights activist Rong Chhun is the latest example of the Cambodian government’s increased repression of labor unionists, human rights defenders, and other critics.

The European Union should send a clear and categorical message to Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro that the Mercosur trade deal ratification can‘t be considered until Brazil commits to fighting deforestation in the Amazon and to ending impunity for violence against forest defenders.

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