Human Rights Activist Seeks Asylum
Source: ChronAP Texas News

A prominent human rights activist Cipriana Jurado from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico is seeking asylum in the U.S. following the shooting death of her friend, a fellow human rights activist, in January. The asylum seeker has publicly criticized the militarization of Ciudad Juarez and fears if she stays in Mexico she will be shot to death.

American Muslim Hearings Stir Controversy
Source: The New York Times

Republican Representative Peter King convened hearings on Capitol Hill about homegrown Islamic terrorism threats and whether American Muslims are doing enough to prevent radicalization within their communities. The hearings have stirred partisan controversy with some comparing the probe to modern-day McCarthyism while others view King’s efforts as a necessary national security measure.
 

Treatment Denied for Burmese Activist 
Source: The Irrawaddy

Pro-democracy activist Thet Thet Aung has reportedly been denied medical treatment in a Burmese prison. Aung’s mother claims officials have refused to discuss her daughter’s health. There are 34 doctors for the country’s more-than 248,000 prisoners. Nearly 150 political prisoners have died in Burmese prisons since 1987, the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners reports.

Court Hears Khmer Rouge Appeal
Source: Voice of America

Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge tribunal will hear appeals in the case of Kaing Kek lev, a former official who oversaw the deaths of 12,000 people at Tuol Sleng prison. Kaing Kek Iev, also known as Duch, received a 19-year commuted sentence following his 2009 trial. Prosecutors are seeking a 45-year sentence from the tribunal’s Supreme Court.  

Indigenous, Afro-Hondurans Seek Rights Protection 
Source: Latinamerica Press

Thousands of delegates from Honduran indigenous and Afro-descendent groups held an assembly in February to make the national government aware of their concerns, including the privatization of education, infringement upon their lands and freedom of press. The assembly issued a declaration, urging President Lobo to implement and enforce protections of their rights.

Colombian Authorities Rescue Kidnapped Workers
Source: CNN

Colombia’s Defense Ministry announced that 21 oil workers, all Colombian nationals and members of the area’s indigenous communities, were kidnapped. The authorities rescued the workers and stated that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia is responsible for the kidnappings. The President warned FARC to stop violence or they will end up in prison or dead.

Peaceful Protestors Still Held
Source: News From Africa

Sudanese authorities continue to detain peaceful demonstrators who were arrested earlier this year. The demonstrators have reportedly faced torture and abuse, including sexual harassment. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of the prisoners and other recently arrested demonstrators as well as an investigation into the alleged mistreatment.

Rights Violations Increase in Zimbabwe
Source: Human Rights Watch

Human rights violations are rising as a result of the Zimbabwean government’s failure to adequately respond to killings and political violence, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports. HRW issued a 40-page report detailing the lack of investigations or prosecutions in many cases. The government should conduct credible investigations and prosecute those responsible, it urges.

Offer Ends Greek Hunger Strike
Source: Athens News

The Greek government extended a “state of tolerance” to a group of undocumented immigrants following a 44-day hunger strike. The agreement provides a six-month renewable authorization for each of the migrants and the right to travel to their home countries. The offer does not guarantee the workers permanent residence, stated Interior Minister Yiannis Ragousis.

Groups Slam Britain Over Trade
Source: The Guardian

A coalition of human rights groups has criticized Prince Andrew and the British government for supporting trade with non-democratic regimes. Leaders are not following through on commitments to fighting corruption around the world, critics allege. They are calling for investigations into the government’s foreign policies, including delays in carrying out the country’s global Bribery Act.  

Kuwaiti Women Awarded More Rights
Source: Gulf News

A new bill passed by the Kuwaiti Parliament expands women’s rights as wives, mothers and workers under the present civil service law. New rights include child support when a husband is incapacitated, a fully paid 70-day maternity leave and full pay when accompanying a sick child during a hospital stay.

Iraq Frees Anti-Government Protesters
Source: Amnesty International

Iraqi authorities have released four anti-government demonstrators who were arrested for protesting in Baghdad against unemployment, government corruption and poor social services. At least six others are known to be detained. Amnesty International is calling for their immediate release and requests Iraqi authorities to respect freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. 

U.S. Calls On Sri Lanka
Source: BBC News

The U.S. has cautioned Sri Lanka to investigate the thousands of civilian deaths at the end of the civil war in 2009. The government insists atrocities were committed by Tamil Tigers. If Sri Lanka fails to meet international standards regarding the investigation, the U.S. insists that an international commission may be required to investigate.

Tajikistan Parenting Law: Too Far?
Source: Eurasianet

The Tajik legislature is expected to pass a controversial parenting bill that bans children from attending religious ceremonies until they are 18 but helps to prevent child labor. Critics, including Muslim and Christian organizations, say that the religious portion of the bill destroys religious freedoms. Concurrently, most critics support the bill’s condemnation of child labor.