Mexican Authorities Accused of Torture A convicted murderer in Mexico claimed that he was tortured into confessing. The claim has spurred human rights organizations to accuse the security forces under the administration of outgoing Mexican President Felipe Calderon of using torture. In addition to torture, authorities are accused of extrajudicial executions and the disappearance of suspects.
Coal
Miner’s Claim Rejected in Canada | Child Soldiers Fight in
Burma The Burmese Army and Kachin Independence Army continue to force child soldiers to fight, often deploying them on the frontlines. The UN and other human rights groups have brokered deals with the Burmese army to end the use of child soldiers, but change has been slow and rebel groups continue to recruit unchecked.
Vietnam
Amends Constitution |
Colombia Upholding Freedom of Press Accusing Chilean Mapuche of Murder Chilean police arrested members of the Mapuche indigenous people for the murder of two landowners. However, the Mapuche deny there is a link between themselves and the murders. The Mapuche criticize the government for not holding police officers that have killed Mapuche activists accountable while vigorously investigating the Mapuche for crimes they allegedly commit. | Increased Access to Justice for Children
ICC Opens War Crimes Investigation Focusing on Northern Mali, the ICC opened its investigation into crimes that have been committed since January 2012. The alleged crimes include rape, murder, mutilation, executions without trial, and torture. The continued clashes coupled with drought have uprooted thousands of civilians. The ICC vowed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation. |
Mercury Treaty Adopted in Geneva A total of 140 countries have agreed to adopt a treaty limiting
the production and use of mercury in products. Mercury is often released
in industrial operations and poses a risk to the environment and human
health. The treaty will be signed by delegates in October and will be the
first binding treaty on mercury. Italy Rejects Greek Asylum
Seekers | Democracy 101 for Syrian Refugees In an attempt to introduce Syrian refugees to democracy, Turkey held a vote in the Kilis refugee camp for residents over the age of 18 to elect representatives to help administer the camp, which holds 14,000 people. Turkey also ensured that women in the camp could vote and further required a woman candidate for each position.
Iran
Turns to Public Hangings |
Human Rights Incorporated in
Schools NATO
Halts Afghanistan Prisoner Transfers In Afghanistan, NATO has stopped transferring prisoners to local prisons after reports of abuse and torture occurring in the prisons surfaced. A 2011 UN human rights report detailing similar problems first prompted NATO to stop prisoner transfers, but they resumed a few months later. Afghan authorities deny the allegations of abuse. | Thursday, February 7, 2013 6:00pm- 8:00pm. New York City Bar presents: The Dangers of Rights Lawyering
in China and the Role of American Law Firms: A Conversation with Chen
Guangcheng and Professor Jerome Cohen; Presentation of City Bar Honorary
Membership to Chen Guangcheng
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