Afghanistan’s Torture Problem: Daily Brief
Syrians forcibly transferred to Turkey; 6 months later, no justice for Beirut blast; India cracks down on activists; South Africa should include migrants in vaccine distribution; South Korea redefines family units; US should pass Equality Act; ICC to issue verdict against LRA leader Dominic Ongwen; Uighur women describe abuses in camps; WHO calls for global cooperation in vaccine distribution.
A UN review has found detainees in Afghanistan continue to face torture and ill-treatment in government facilities, with almost no access to lawyers. Even children as young as 10 are at risk of being tortured.
Turkey and the Syrian national army have illegaly transferred 63 Syrian nationals to Turkey where they face charges that could result in life in prison.
Lebanon’s authorities publicly promised that the investigation into the #BeirutBlast that killed more than 200 people and devastated half the city would take five days, but six months later, the public is still waiting for answers.
India's government is cracking down on freedom of speech and association by bringing politically motivated charges against activists protesting discrimination of marginalized groups.
South Africa is sending mixed signals about making the Covid-19 vaccine accessible to all adults in the country.
South Korea's government should get serious about diversity and reform its laws to include single parents, unmarried couples, and same-sex couples in any legal definition of family, and ensure all families can access social services and subsidies.
United States legislators have an opportunity to prohibit discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation or gender identity by passing the Equality Act.
Tomorrow, the ICC will issue a verdict against former Lord Resistance Army leader Dominic Ongwen.
In a damning media report, Chinese Uighur women speak about rape and other abuses they faced in China’s internment camps in Xinjiang.
And finally, the World Health Organization has urged rich countries to stop hoarding the Covid-19 vaccine, calling for more cooperation to ensure all countries can access the vaccine for their citizens.