Ensure Independent Inquiry for Kazakhstan: Daily Brief
- Independent investigations key to justice for Kazakhstan’s January violence;
- Imprisoned Tibetan monk’s health in peril;
- Japanese construction company should cut dealings with Myanmar military;
- Justice needed for indigenous people’s killings in Democratic Republic of Congo;
- UK energy price hikes harm families;
- Tunisia’s secret detention centers.
In January, thousands protested increased gas prices in Kazakhstan. The demonstrations were met with brutal repression from security forces. Kazakhstan announced investigations into the violence, but the government has a long history of such efforts failing to bring justice. A hybrid investigation, with international experts joining national investigators, offers the best opportunity for these new investigative efforts to be more successful.
China wrongfully imprisoned Tibetan monk and religious philosopher Go Sherab Gyatso: there are no indications he committed any crime, but Chinese authorities have systemically targeted Tibetan scholars. Go Sherab Gyatso’s health is reportedly deteriorating, and the government should release him and grant him comprehensive medical care.
Japan-based construction giant Yokogawa Bridge Corporation, should end its partnership with a Myanmar military-owned conglomerate. Otherwise, it will be helping to fund military atrocities and risking its own reputation. Just over a year ago, the Myanmar military overthrew the government and detained the democratically elected civilian leaders. Since then, Myanmar’s security forces have killed more than 1,500 people, including about 100 children, and detained over 10,000, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners. Foreign companies should end ties with Myanmar’s military enterprises.
Democratic Republic of Congo authorities have failed to fully investigate the killing of at least 66 Indigenous Iyeke people, many of whom were children. During these attacks in Bianga district, assailants burned over 1,000 homes, as well as schools, health centers and churches. A year on and no one has been charged for the killings, which have gone largely unreported in the media.
By allowing energy providers to hike prices by over 50%, the UK government is putting the human right to an adequate standard of living at risk for millions. Utility costs hit families with children hardest as they struggle to pay for necessities like food, housing and heating. Although the UK tries to position itself as a climate leader, reliance on gas that fuels the climate crisis and drives millions into fuel poverty belies that image.
Tunisian authorities are using what they are calling assigned residences to conceal secret detentions on the pretext of a state of emergency. Secret detentions have increased during President Kais Saied’s tenure. A state of emergency does not justify the state’s failure to reveal a person’s place of detention.