US Violating International Human Rights Norms
Source:Reuters

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights claimed that the US Border Patrol uses excessive and disproportionate force while controlling immigration at the Mexican border, violating international human rights norms. The statement followed an incident in which a teenager was lethally shot seven times in the back after throwing rocks at the border.

Court Enjoins Medicaid Funding Law
Source: Evansville Courier & Press

The US Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit ruled that Indiana cannot withhold Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood because they provide abortions. An Indiana law passed in 2011 denied the organization Medicaid funds, including for general health services. The court ruled that the law effectively came in between patients and their doctors.

Sri Lankan Child Soldiers Freed
Source: Xinhua General News Service

The Sri Lankan government has reintegrated all former Tamil Tiger child soldiers who received rehabilitation services back into society. The children initially were arrested, but were not subject to legal proceedings as they were deemed victims, and not perpetrators. The External Affairs Ministry reported that all former child soldiers have been reunited with their families.

Positive Human Rights Dialogue in Burma
Source: The Irrawaddy

The US and Burmese governments held their first dialogue on human rights issues this month. Both sides noted that the meeting was positive and aimed at helping the Burmese government address outstanding concerns in human rights. The US State Department hopes that this marks the beginning of ongoing discussions between the US and Burma.

Former Argentinean Governor Arrested
Source: MercoPress

Mario Benjamin Menendez, a former general and governor in Argentina, was arrested for human rights abuse for his involvement in “La Escuelita,” where government dissidents and leftists were tortured. “La Escuelita” was part of “Operation Independence,” which facilitated a military coup and subsequent dictatorship era in Argentina during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
  

Abortion Legalized in Uruguay
Source: BBC World News

The Uruguayan Senate passed legislation that allows women to have abortions within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy. The predominantly Roman Catholic country is split among those who believe the law will save lives, and others who believe Uruguay should have promoted adoption instead. Cuba is the only other Latin American country where abortion is legal.

Armed Conflict Prevents Humanitarian Assistance
Source: Allafrica.com

A new report on South Kordofan, Sudan reveals that conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Malnutrition is on the rise with approximately 81% of the households living on one meal per day. The Enough Project encouraged the African Union to negotiate peace between the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N to enable humanitarian assistance for the region.

Violence Continues in Northern Nigeria
Source: The New York Times

Violence in northern Nigeria persisted as a radical Islamic sect, Boko Haram, continued its assaults in a bid to create an Islamic state. Nigeria’s security forces responded fiercely, killing some civilians in the process. Human Rights Watch warned that both the Islamic sect and the security forces might be guilty of crimes against humanity.

French Cabinet Supports Gay Marriage
Source: BBC News

French President Francois Hollande approved a bill that would legalize gay marriage in France, and extend adoption rights to gay couples. France currently allows civil unions, but only allows married couples to adopt children. The Catholic Church and a coalition of 1,000 mayors oppose the bill, which will be debated by Parliament in January.
 
 

EU Delays Boardroom Gender Quota
Source:Malta Today

The European Commission has halted legislation requiring EU corporations to ensure women make up at least 40% of executive boards. Women currently represent less than 15% of EU companies’ board members. Many EU countries oppose the legislation, arguing the issue is better handled on a country-level than at the EU.

Support Swells for Refugees’ Education
Source: Gulf News

A massive international effort is underway in Jordan to provide schooling for the children of the more than 200,000 Syrian refugees displaced in Jordan. A new school in Zaatari refugee camp has enrolled 2,300 students, while 18,000 were absorbed into existing Jordanian schools. The Bahrain government is building a school for 5,000 more in Jordan. 

Internet Law Could Impact Region
Source: Al Jazeera

The King of Jordan has endorsed proposed Internet laws that critics fear will stifle free expression and the country’s nascent technology industry. These laws could have an outsized effect on exchange of ideas throughout the region, as Jordan produces or hosts over 75% of all Arabic-language content on the Internet.

Peaceful Protestors Punished in Azerbaijan
Source: UPI.com

After evidence surfaced concerning corruption in the ruling party of Azerbaijan, protestors peacefully gathered in Baku, the nation’s capital. More than a dozen protestors were arrested and sentenced to prison. Human Rights Watch has called for the immediate release of the protestors and an investigation into allegations of ill treatment.

 

Kazakhstan’s Human Rights Qualifications Questioned
Source: Euroasianet.org

Freedom House voiced its concerned about Kazakhstan’s bid to sit on the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC). UNHRC rules require member states to “uphold the highest standards” on human rights. Freedom House asserts that Kazakhstan has a history of human rights violations, including suppressing political opposition, religious freedom, and independent media sources.