Texas Photo Identification Law Blocked                                        Source: The New York Times

The Justice Department blocked a Texas law requiring voters to present a pre-approved form of photo identification before voting at their polling location. The Justice Department found that the law may unduly burden eligible Hispanic voters and deter them from voting, thereby violating the Voting Rights Act.  

Colorado Bill Protects Juveniles' Rights 
Source: Colorado Springs Gazette

The Colorado House of Representatives passed a bill restricting juveniles from being charged as adults for mid-level felons. Under the legislation, prosecutors may only charge juveniles as adults for serious felonies and requires the decision to be reviewed by a judge. The bill comes amidst concerns that prosecutors have too much power when charging juveniles.

China Deports North Korean Refugees
Source: The Bangkok Post

China deported 31 North Korean refugees that were arrested last month while trying to flee North Korea during the mourning period for Kim Jong-Il. The refugees were sent back despite international pressure from South Korea and the United States. The refugees are likely to be treated as traitors and will face severe retribution.

50,000 Burmese Lose Voting Rights
Source: The Irrawaddy

The Burmese government is set to remove 39 of the 110 polling stations from the Kachin region for security reasons. The resurgence of fighting in 2011 between the Kachin Independence Army and government forces was the basis for the decision. Fifty-thousand previously eligible voters will be denied their right to participate in the democratic process.

Cuba Releases Political Dissidents
Source: BBC News

As Cuba awaited the visit of Pope Benedict XVI at the end of March, authorities released and dropped charges against members of the dissident group, “Ladies in White.” Members of the group were arrested when trying to stage a march in Havana. The Ladies in White advocate for the release of Cuba’s political prisoners
 

Argentina Legalizes Abortions
Source: Latinamerica Press

Argentina’s Supreme Court ruled that abortions resulting from rape are no longer illegal. The justices addressed the need for hospitals to establish the necessary procedures to ensure confidentiality and privacy for these patients. Women’s organizations applauded the decision while the Catholic Church condemned the ruling as a threat to innocent life.

Eritrea Urged to Recognize Human Rights
Source: News from Africa

Over 40 countries petitioned Eritrea to end human rights abuses against its citizens. Some of the violations include arbitrary detention and torture, restrictions on freedom of religion, and inhumane prison conditions. States and human rights organizations urged the Human Rights Council to mandate a special procedure to monitor and record human rights violations in Eritrea.


Discrimination in South Africa
Source: Human Rights Watch

Refugees living in South Africa face discrimination from both local communities and the government. Though the South African Constitution and international human rights law require the government to provide universal health care, discrimination in the health care sector is pervasive. Refugees are frequently denied medical care and are sometimes abused by staff.

Trafficking Pregnant Women to Greece
Source: The Sofia Echo

In Bulgaria, three people have been arrested for allegedly trafficking pregnant women to Greece. Authorities believe the women were trafficked to Greece by a possible crime ring to sell their newborn children. The three who were arrested are being held under house-arrest for 72-hours while the investigation is underway.
 
 

Court Rules Kettling Tactics Lawful
Source: BBC News

The European Court of Human Rights has held that kettling, a tactic used by police to contain and control crowds, is not a violation of the right to liberty and security under the European Convention of Human Rights. The decision dismisses the claims of individuals subjected to kettling tactics used during the 2001 London protests.

New Police Code in Bahrain
Source:  GulfNews 

Bahrain has issued a new code of conduct for its police. The code limits police officers’ ability to use force and institutes a zero-tolerance policy regarding torture and mistreatment. Approximately 50 police officers who were accused of mistreating protesters during last year’s protests are currently being prosecuted.


Syrian Opposition Also Abusing Rights
Source: Al Arabiya

Human Rights Watch reported that Syria’s armed opposition is perpetrating human rights abuses on those suspected of supporting the Assad regime. These abuses include kidnapping, torture, and extra-judicial killings. An estimated 9,100 people have been killed in Syria since the government crackdown began last year.

Afghan Prison Invasively Search Women
Source: The New York Times

Women visiting relatives at an American-funded prison in Kabul must undergo invasive body-cavity searches. After repeated requests to end the practice, the United States has cut off all funding until the practice stops. Rights activists worry that a decreased Western influence would weaken Afghan rights defenders ability to fight for minority rights.
 

Nepal Arrests Tibetan Protesters
Source: Hindustan Times

One hundred Tibetans were arrested in Nepal during protests marking the 53rd anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China. Nepal, home to 22,000 Tibetan refugees, does not allow Tibetan demonstrations under its “one China” policy. The Human Rights Organization of Nepal found there was no official protest and that many detainees were simply walking outside.