Federal agents arrested at least 28 human traffickers in San Antonio and Laredo, Texas. The smuggling ring is believed to be associated with Zetas, a violent and powerful Mexican drug cartel. Upwards of 200 immigrants per month were smuggled into the United States by the ring, charging the immigrants $2,500 per person.

Voting Laws Heavily Impact Hispanics
Source: San Antonio Express-News

Voting laws involving strict photo identification and proof of citizenship requirements, and citizenship-based purges could deter upwards of 10 million Hispanic citizens from voting in the upcoming presidential election, according to a report by The Advancement Project. The report, based on government data, pinpoints voting policies that may deter registration and participation for Hispanics.

Deported Sri Lankans Fear Torture
Source: BBC News

The UK has deported 25 Sri Lankans back to Sri Lanka. Human rights groups have expressed concern that the 13 Tamils sent back are in danger of being tortured upon their return because of suspected ties to separatist rebels. Both the UK and Sri Lankan governments insisted that those returning are not in danger.

First Draft of Human Rights Declaration Completed
Source: The Jakarta Post

Representatives of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) completed a draft of the region’s first human rights declaration, which was criticized for the lack of provisions protecting LGBTIQ and indigenous minorities. The draft is subject to review by ASEAN foreign ministers and will be submitted to ASEAN heads of state for endorsement at ASEAN’s November summit.

Forced Recruitment of Colombian Children
Source: Colombia Reports

The Vice President of Colombia, Angelino Garzon, chaired a commission on forced recruitment and announced that approximately 13 million of the nation’s children are vulnerable to forced recruitment by paramilitary groups. Vice President Garzon demanded the paramilitary groups to release children recruited by force. The commission found that the prevalence of illegal armed groups, such as FARC, is a major risk factor.
  

Ending Eviction of Argentina’s Indigenous
Source: Merco Press

According to the UN, Argentina is violating its federal law by evicting large numbers of indigenous people from their lands. Human rights groups claim that government officials in certain provinces threaten to usurp indigenous people’s lands. The UN Special Rapporteur called on Argentina to implement procedural legal safeguards for its indigenous population.

Maternal Deaths Persist in Africa
Source: NewsfromAfrica.com

A recent report revealed that Africa continues to fall behind in preventing maternal-related deaths. The report indicated that adolescent girls in low-income communities accounted for 1 in 8 births. Reducing maternal deaths is one of the Millennium Development Goals, leading UNICEF to encourage governments and donors to invest in maternal and child health.

Armed Rebel Groups Maintain Control
Source: Human Rights Watch

Armed Islamist groups in Mali have continued to consolidate their power through repressive tactics. The groups have resorted to stoning, flogging, public executions, and recruitment of child soldiers to control the local population. These repressive tactics were validated by the groups' interpretation of Sharia law. Human Rights Watch called on the groups to stop the abuses.

French Leader Supports Headwear Ban
Source: France 24

France recently banned full face-covering veils and now a leader of France’s far-right political party has called for a ban on religious headwear in public, including Muslim veils and Jewish skullcaps. The leader, known for her anti-immigration stance, won 18% of the votes in the recent presidential election. French President Hollande has denounced her comments.
 
 

UK’s Indeterminate Sentences Deemed Unlawful
Source: The Guardian

The European Court of Human Rights has found United Kingdom’s open-ended sentences unlawful, rejecting their use for the protection of the public. The sentences were introduced to rehabilitate prisoners, but rehabilitation efforts have largely failed, leading prisoners to face longer prison sentences than required. A new sentencing system is to be introduced later this year.

Bahrain Policemen Charged With Torture
Source: Al Jazeera

Bahrain government prosecutors have charged seven police officers for torturing and mistreating Shia medics after last year’s protests. Bahrain’s continuing unrest has largely pitted the country’s Shia majority against the ruling Sunni monarchy. The prosecution is regarded as the most significant government action against police abuse since protests began.

Graffiti Removal Angers Activists
Source: Al Arabiya

The Egyptian government has started to cover over the graffiti painted by protestors in Tahrir Square after last year’s revolution, where thousands of protesters battled security forces loyal to former president Hosni Mubarak. Activists lament that the loss of the graffiti infringes on their freedom of expression.

Nepal Government “Anti-Human Rights”
Source: The Himalayan Times

Human rights activist are urging Nepal’s political parties to come to a consensus regarding human rights in the new constitution. The activists also termed the incumbent government as an “anti-human rights” because they have been unable to hold elections and are accused of working against peace.

 

Bangladesh Women Discriminated in Divorce
Source: Reuters

Human Rights Watch issued a report detailing discriminatory family laws that negatively impact women. The report found that, in particular, Bangladesh divorce laws, which do not allocate equal shares of marital property to both husband and wife, often leave Bangladeshi women impoverished.

 International Law Weekend 2012

The American Branch of the International Law Association and the International Law Students Association is hosting the 2012 International Law Weekend in New York City on October 25-27, 2012. The theme of this year's meeting is "Ideas, Institutions, and Interests - Dynamics of Change in International Law." Register here.