Ethiopian Military Threatens Civilians: Daily Brief
Ethiopian military threatens civilians; drop charges against Hong Kong pro-democracy activists; UN should apply human rights-based framework for operating in Syria; repression in Tanzania mars election; South Korea should respect reproductive rights; and what Afghanistan's foreign donors' priorities should be.
Ethiopia's military has threatened residents in the Tigray region's capital, Mekelle, with artillery fire. Parties to a conflict must distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians, so if Ethiopia carries out its threat, it could be considered a war crime.
The Hong Kong government should drop charges involving pro-democracy activists Agnes Chow, Ivan Lam, and Joshua Wong, who have now been remanded in custody. Authorities should quash convictions in cases involving Hong Kong’s Public Order Ordinance, which places excessive restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Since the beginning of the conflict in Syria, the Syrian government has developed a policy and legal framework that allows it to divert humanitarian aid to fund atrocities, punish those perceived as opponents, and benefit those loyal to it. It's high time the UN activates its human rights framework for Syria.
Authorities in Tanzania killed at least four people and carried out serious abuses that marred the national elections in late October and early November. They now need to credibly investigate election-related abuses and end continuing repressive practices.
South Korea should end all forms of discrimination and stigma against single parents, particularly unwed mothers. Everyone has a right to decide for themselves if they want a family or not.
Afghanistan’s foreign donors meeting is starting today. They should prioritize funding for education and health, especially for girls and women, and for independent media.