Mexican Official Detained for His Safety
Source: The Washington Post

A Mexican human rights official was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to protect him from military retaliation in his native country. The official, who may seek asylum in the U.S., cited nearly two-hundred instances of soldiers who have tortured and murdered civilians.

Peace Officer Blasts Mixed Races
Source: Green Left

A Louisiana Justice of the Peace has refused to issue marriage licenses to mixed race couples. The officer claims to be acting out of concern for any children borne by the mixed couples. The A.C.L.U. denounced the action and is encouraging the Louisiana judiciary to take action against the officer.

Nepal Ignores Calls for Justice
Source: Human Rights Watch

Three years after the end of Nepal’s armed conflict, many citizens still await justice as promised by their government. Those responsible for a decade of killing, torture, and kidnapping have not been tried or punished for their crimes. Political instability persists, and the nation has yet to make progress in the peace process.


XinJiang Criminal Trials a Sham
Source: The West Australian

At least twelve Chinese nationals were sentenced to death for their alleged association with the July 5, 2009 killings in the far west province of XinJiang. The Chinese government conducted the trial under closed proceedings, threatening lawyers to stay out of the case. Human Rights Watch claims the proceedings fell short of global due process standards.

Chilean Bill Protects Refugees’ Rights
Source: The Santiago Times

The Chilean legislature is likely to pass a “no rejection” law affording refugees more protection, in accordance with U.N. policies. The law would decriminalize refugees’ illegal entry and aim to keep refugee families intact. Chile has become a destination for Haitian and Palestinian asylum-seekers in recent years.
                      

Colombia Fails to Meet U.N. Goals
Source: Colombia Reports

A U.N. assessment revealed that Colombia is not achieving its Millennium Development Goals. The goals represent U.N.-established human rights objectives that 189 nations have pledged to accomplish. While Colombia has demonstrated initiative in implementing education requirements, it lags in combating poverty, in part due to the worldwide economic crisis.

Ugandan Bill Sentences Homosexuals to Death
Source: Human Rights Watch

In Uganda, homosexual acts are a criminal offense punishable by lifetime imprisonment. A new bill in parliament proposes even harsher measures against homosexuals. One such measure includes the death sentence for “aggravated homosexuality,” which applies if one partner is a minor, disabled, or HIV-positive.

Hunt for FDLR Is Harming Civilians
Source: Mail & Guardian

Various humanitarian organizations criticized the DR Congo government for failing to protect civilians while hunting for the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (“FDLR”). The DR Congo began a military campaign to drive out the FDLR in January 2009, but since then, at least 7,000 women have been raped and at least 1,000 civilians have been killed.

The United Kingdom recently introduced a bill to increase the accountability and effectiveness of local police forces. The bill proposes a new offense that targets persons who pay for sex with prostitutes “controlled for gain.” Critics argue that police will have difficulty enforcing a law that requires the determination of a prostitute’s trafficked status.

Greek Police Accused of Murder
Source: The Sofia Echo

Greek police are again under investigation for immigration-related human rights violations. The police are accused of abusing and causing the death of a male Pakistani immigrant. Although the immigrant’s autopsy report was inconclusive, his friends and relatives believe the death was caused by police brutality.

Foreign domestic workers are common employees in Gulf households. Under the sponsorship system in many Gulf countries, a domestic worker’s legal, visa, and employment statuses are tied to his/her employer. The International Labor Organization criticized the sponsorship system as creating vulnerability and allowing for abuse and exploitation of domestic workers.

Death Penalty for Iranian Protestors
Source: BBC

Three Iranians, who were detained and accused of participating in post-election protests in June 2009, have been sentenced to death. Amnesty International denounced the sentences and criticized the fairness of the judicial process for the accused. A higher court must confirm the death sentences before they can be carried out.