Infamous Arms Dealer Stands Trial
Source:  The New York Times

Victor Bout, a reputed Russian arms dealer, is standing trial in New York where he is charged with conspiring to kill Americans and materially supporting a foreign terrorist organization. The so-called “Merchant of Death” is one of recent history’s most prolific weapons’ traffickers and has been accused of fueling numerous bloody conflicts throughout the world.
 

Activists Seek Charges Against Calderon
Source: The Los Angeles Times

Activists and legal scholars are urging the International Criminal Court to investigate Mexican President Felipe Calderon, members of his cabinet, and drug cartel leader Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. The group alleges that leaders of both the Mexican government and the cartels are responsible for the human rights abuses resulting from the on-going drug wars.

U.N. Urges Reform in Thailand
Source: Bangkok Post

U.N. Rapporteur Frank La Rue is advocating for Thailand to amend laws allowing the imprisonment of people who make defamatory, insulting, or threatening statements against the country’s monarchy. The laws do not correspond with international human rights norms, La Rue said in a statement. The laws call for prison terms of up to 15 years.

Freedom for Burmese Political Prisoners
Source: BBC

Burmese officials released roughly 200 political prisoners including journalists, monks, and a comedian in a show of amnesty in October. However, activists say hundreds of individuals remain in detention. The Burmese government must free many more of its political prisoners for serious reforms to take place, Amnesty International maintains.

Costa Rica Hosts Afro-Descendant Summit
Source: Latinamerica Press

In October, young leaders gathered in Costa Rica for the First World Afro-Descendant Youth Summit. The Summit’s goal was to organize young leaders to “promote a united agenda to advance equality,” for these marginalized people and was part of the United Nation’s International Year for People of African Descent.

Chile Expels Argentinean Fugitive
Source: CNN

The Chilean government recently arrested and expelled international fugitive and human rights violator Alejandro Duret to Argentina. Duret, a former military officer, fled from Argentina to Chile after an Argentine court sentenced him to imprisonment for his role in the torture and disappearance of a political opponent during Argentina’s “dirty war.”

Senegal: Efforts Against Female Circumcision
Source: The New York Times

A Senegalese social movement called Tostan is having a major impact on discouraging female circumcision. The group has convinced various communities to stop the practice through a program of education and consensus building about the practices’ dangers—while avoiding demonization. The Senegalese government has pledged its support for Tostan.

Free Legal Services for Inmates
Source: allAfrica.com

Ugandan death row inmates will have access to free legal services as part of a human rights project aimed at abolishing the death penalty. The Foundation for Human Rights Initiatives program also seeks to mitigate harsh sentences handed down by Uganda’s High Court. The British High Commissioner to Uganda supports the project.

Russian Journalists Fear Attacks
Source: Amnesty International

A rally in St. Petersburg marked the fifth anniversary of the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya. Attacks on journalists and human rights activists in Russia have increased, but police investigations are rare, Amnesty International reports. Journalists say they are losing interest in reporting on corruption and human rights violations out of frustration and fear.  
 

E.U. Seeks Death Penalty Ban
Source: The Sofia Echo

The European Union (E.U.) reiterated its support for a worldwide ban on the death penalty as part of World and European Day against the Death Penalty in October. A statement said the practice is incompatible with human dignity. The E.U. was the first regional body to ban the trade of items used for capital punishment. 

Bahrain Arms Sale Sparks Concern
Source: Gulf Times

Several lawmakers in the U.S. have proposed resolutions to prevent the Pentagon from selling Bahrain military arms until its human rights conditions improve. Protests in Bahrain have persisted since February, with hundreds of protesters arrested and jailed by police. Some protesters were tried in special courts while others have been sentenced to death.

Doha Embassy to Curb Trafficking
Source: Gulf News 

Nepal’s recently established embassy in Qatar signals a new relationship between the two countries. Nepali officials hope that the embassy will assist Qatar with hiring Nepali workers. Many Nepalese are promised lucrative positions in Arab countries like Qatar but find themselves trafficked by recruitment agents and forced to accept lower-paying jobs.

U.S. Military Assistance to Uzbekistan
Source:  Khaleej Times

Soon after the U.S. Senate approved military assistance programs for Uzbekistan, Human Rights Watch asked U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to oppose the aid programs. Secretary Clinton has previously acknowledged the numerous human rights abuses that have occurred in Uzbekistan. But the country also provides key transportation routes and a harbor for U.S. troops. 
 

Kyrgyzstan Denies Ban on Hijabs
Source: EurasiaNet

While the Kyrgyzstan government denies issuing a ban against wearing hijabs in public schools, Muslim groups claim girls who wear hijabs in school are discriminated against. Islam is growing in Kyrgyzstan, significantly affecting the country’s politics. Hijabs are a difficult topic for rights activists who must balance religious rights with women’s freedom.