UN: Investigate Deadly Attacks on Afghan Civilians

Rights organizations call for accountability in Afghan civilian deaths; former US defense secretary dies before facing justice for role in war crimes and torture; Cuba silences critical voices; we need corporate responsibility laws; continuing gender-based violence in Senegal; an Iranian-German national is still wrongly detained in Iran; and French prosecutors open investigation into four companies operating in Xinjiang.

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Twenty leading Afghan and international human rights organizations demand justice and accountability for escalating attacks on civilians in Afghanistan. In a joint letter, they call for a United Nations-mandated fact-finding mission to investigate the attacks amid rising insecurity in the country. 

Donald Rumsfeld, the former US defense secretary, has died at age 88. He should have been investigated for authorizing torture and war crimes, along with other officials from the Bush administration. 

A new report shows that the Cuban government is committing systematic human rights abuses against independent artists and journalists, for speaking out or criticizing the government. 

10 years ago, the United Nations acknowledged businesses’ human rights responsibilities. But more is needed, and the next decade should focus on ensuring that companies live up to their human rights responsibilities. 

The hashtag #JusticePourLouise shows that Senegalese girls still face high levels of sexual and gender-based violence, especially in schools. The country should tackle school-related sexual violence in all its forms. 

July 2021 marks Jamshid Sharmahd’s eleventh month in arbitrary detention in Iran, without public charges or a set trial date. His detention is particularly alarming given his pre-existing health conditions.

In France, an investigation was opened against four major fashion retailers for concealing Beijing's crimes against humanity in Xinjiang. The companies are accused of profiting from the system of repression.