No Life Sentences for Juveniles
Source: The New York Times

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that life sentences without parole for juveniles who have committed non-homicide offenses are unconstitutional.  This was the first time that an entire class of offenders was excluded from a given form of non-death penalty punishment.  The majority of justices said their decision was reaffirmed by national and international practices.

Honduran Judges Dismissed for Political Views
Source: Human Rights Watch

The Honduran Supreme Court approved the dismissal of four lower-court judges who were members of Judges for Democracy.  All the released judges opposed the 2009 coup, which ousted President Manuel Zelaya.  The high court cited public and academic critiques, as well as "undermin[ing] the dignity" of the judiciary as a basis for the dismissals.

Escalating Violence Feared in Thailand
Source: Human Rights Watch

As protests continue in Thailand, the government has designated certain areas for live fire.  Contrary to international rules governing the use of force, the government has allowed the army to use their weapons against Red Shirt protestors in places where there is a clear visual of terrorists.  Activists fear lethal retaliation.
 

Expression Fading in South Korea
Source: The Korea Herald

U.N. Special Rapporteur Frank La Rue expressed his concern over deteriorating rights to freedom of expression in South Korea.  One issue that La Rue highlighted was South Korea’s criminalization of defamation.  He stated that such criminal penalties will deter people from exercising their right to freedom of expression.

Colombia Groups Violate Children’s Rights
Source: Colombia Reports

On a recent report of the “most persistent violators of children’s rights,” the U.N. named Colombian guerilla groups F.A.R.C. and E.L.N.  In violation of the Code on Children and Adolescents, children are being used as intelligence spies, sex slaves, and as logistical support providers.  The report emphasizes that efforts to protect children have proven insubstantial and ineffective.


Haiti Prison Killings Cover-Up
Source: The New York Times

After the January earthquake, many Haitian inmates fled their already disastrous surroundings.  When those who did not manage to get out plotted their escapes, an investigation found that Haitian and U.N. officials may have resorted to lethal and illegal force to quell disruptions, leaving dozens of inmates dead and wounded.

Somali Parliament Under Attack
Source: Daily Nation

Rebels fired mortars at the Somali Parliament, killing 15 and wounding dozens.   Islamic insurgents launched their attack from their stronghold location in Mogadishu and African Union peacekeepers returned fire.  President Ahmed spoke of uniting the country’s warring factions to no avail.  Parliament has been crippled with many legislators living outside of the country.

Uganda To Help Mentally Disabled
Source: The New Vision

Uganda gave grants to twelve different districts for persons with disabilities.  The state minister for disabilities, Sulaiman Madada, stated, “you cannot talk about development when some people are being left behind.”  The twelve districts were chosen because they were found to be more friendly to people with disabilities.

Europe Ensures Right to Vote
Source: The Guardian

The European Court of Human Rights recently held that a Hungarian law, which placed an absolute ban on voting for mentally disabled people, constituted a violation of the right to free elections.  While it acknowledged the necessity of certain restrictions, the Court found the Hungarian law to be overly broad.


New Evidence in War Crimes Trial
Source: Expatica Netherlands

The diary of fugitive Bosian Serb military commander Ratko Mladic may be added into evidence in cases before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia.  The diary consists of eighteen notebooks documenting Mladic’s war time meetings in the early 1990s, including discussions of military objectives.   Mladic is charged with numerous human rights violations.

U.A.E. Launches Anti-trafficking Initiative
Source: Gulf News

The United Arab Emirates is taking a stand on the increasing problem of human trafficking.  Dr. Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State Foreign Affairs, says the U.A.E. is committed to becoming a leader in the international community to combat human trafficking through improved laws to prosecute traffickers, harsher penalties, and initiatives aimed at preventing future occurrences.

Call for Yemeni Journalist’s Release
Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International requests that Yemen release a journalist arrested earlier this month and sentenced to one year in prison.  The journalist was arrested for printing an article criticizing the government and accusing a state-owned utility of mismanagement.  Amnesty International declared the conviction unjust and called for the journalist’s immediate and unconditional release.

New License Requirements for Media
Source: Eurasianet

Azerbaijani officials have proposed a licensing plan for media websites.  Proponents of media rights strongly oppose this new idea.  Officials admitted that the purpose of the licenses is to gain more control over the media’s free speech and debate.  The licensing plan will specifically target Internet broadcasts of television and radio programs.

Fifty Hostages Released in Pakistan
Source: The Nation

Militants dressed as policemen kidnapped at least sixty people in the region of Kurram in northwest Pakistan.  The militants have released fifty of the hostages so far and negotiations are in progress for the release of the remaining ten.  Government officials suspect that the Pakistani Taliban is responsible for the kidnappings.