Copycat Cruelty in New UK Asylum Policy: Daily Brief

The UK government is reportedly planning to fly asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing in an “offshoring” system reminiscent of the disastrous Australian scheme, an abusive and costly system that has harmed thousands of people. NGOs have called the UK government move a "cruel and nasty decision".

A new 56-page report finds that the administration of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, more than halfway into its five-year term, has not fulfilled election promises to reform the criminal justice system to address threats to free expression. The government has reduced its repression of free speech and the media, so reporters say they no longer fear state censorship or worry about facing criminal cases or fines for doing their jobs. Yet, the government has often relented to pressure from politicians and powerful religious groups, instead of upholding free speech and association.

The US released its annual human rights report this week, “2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices”, looking at the records of other countries around the world. It had some telling omissions, as well…

Guatemalan president Alejandro Giammattei will appoint a new attorney general in the coming days. The person will succeed Attorney General Consuelo Porras, who, during her four years in office, has undermined investigations into corruption and human rights abuses, and brought arbitrary criminal proceedings against journalists, judges, and prosecutors.

For the first time in two years, the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in New York will be back with a full program of in-person screenings. This year’s edition highlights activism and features courageous individuals around the world standing up to powerful forces and demanding change.