The transgender community is advocating for inclusion as a protected group under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act. The Act protects against discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation, but fails to mention transgender individuals as a protected group. Nova Scotia’s justice minister has not yet decided on including a provision specifically for transgendered individuals.

Migrant Children Losing Basic Rights
Source: San Antonio Express

US-born children returning to Mexico with their parents often lose their rights. Mexico requires that official documents from another country are certified and translated, a requirement most parents are not aware of. In Mexico, these children live without Mexican citizenship and are therefore unable to access basic services, such as education or public health care.

Resettlement Proposal Rejected by UNHCR
Source: The Irrawaddy

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) declined to administer resettlement operations for Burma’s Rohingya community, citing that UNHCR resettlement programs are for refugees fleeing other countries and not for domestically displaced peoples. However, the UNHCR will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Rohingya community in Burma.

Cambodia Complies with ICJ Order
Source: Xinhua General News Service

Cambodia recently withdrew 485 military troops from a disputed border area near Thailand, complying with a 2011 order by the International Court of Justice. The withdrawal of troops should improve relations between Thailand and Cambodia, and could signify a period of peace over the disputed border.

Arrest in Indigenous Leader’s Murder
Source: MercoPress

Brazilian federal police arrested numerous individuals, including landowners, for the murder of Nisio Gomes, the leader of a Guarani group. Mr. Gomes and the tribe’s members returned to their land after ranchers had evicted them. The Guarani are Brazil’s largest indigenous tribe and claim they are forced from their lands with little protection from authorities.
 

Video Reveals Argentinean Police Torture
Source: BBC News  

A video was released showing police in Argentina suffocating and stripping detainees. Six officers were arrested and the judge in the case has indicated he is conducting further investigations. A national security minister has condemned the officers as “criminals,” and not representative of the police force.

Liberia Opposes Same-Sex Marriage
Source: Allafrica.com

Liberia’s legislature recently passed a bill that makes it illegal to “practice homosexuality.” Liberian lawmakers accused President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of failing to take a clear stand on the legalization of same-sex marriage. President Barack Obama promised to work with British Prime Minister David Cameron to limit aid to countries opposing same-sex marriage.

 

Rwandan President Enabling War Crimes
Source: The Guardian

The director of the US Office of Global Criminal Justice has warned that Rwandan President Paul Kagame could be charged with aiding and abetting crimes against humanity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The warning was issued on the heels of UN report documenting Rwandan military and political support to insurgents operating in eastern DRC.

Ukrainian Bill Sparks Outrage
Source: The New York Times

A bill introduced by the Ukrainian President’s representative in Parliament seeks to criminalize individuals who depict positive images of gay people. The bill would impose a prison term and a fine on any individuals who promote homosexuality. Many people view the bill as a reminder of Ukraine’s oppressive past when homosexuality was criminalized.
 
 

Gay Cleric Attacks Church’s Message
Source: The Guardian

The most senior gay cleric in Britain has criticized the Church of England over gay marriage. The cleric praised the government for promising to legalize gay marriage by 2015 and responded to the Church’s warning against gay marriage, instructing his followers to disregard the Church as it lacked integrity on the issue.

UAE Cracks Down on Activists
Source: The New York Times

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested nearly two-dozen activists as part of a widening effort to stifle Islamic opposition in the country. Among those detained is Mohamed al-Roken, a lawyer who defended several Emirati activists charged with threatening state security last year. The activists’ families are still unsure of where the activists are being held.

Syria Declared in Civil War
Source: Al Jazeera

The Red Cross has declared the Syrian conflict a civil war, triggering the application of the laws of war throughout the country. Under the laws of war, combatants, including government officials, have the right to use appropriate force to achieve their military goals, but could face prosecution for war crimes if committing human rights abuse.

Armenia Enacts Laws Promoting Democracy
Source: Public Radio of Armenia

The UN Human Rights Committee concluded a review on Armenia’s implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Several laws have been enacted to promote judicial reform, human rights, and women’s equality. Under the new Electoral Code, the country had its first transparent elections in May 2012.

 

Torture Goes Unchecked in Tajikistan
Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International issued a report claiming torture of detainees in Tajikistan is rampant and those responsible are not held accountable. Political activists and the destitute are the most vulnerable to police torture during the initial investigation. Officials responded that they are committed to human rights and the report was superficial.