Weekly Digest HRW

Egypt: Investigate Forcible Return of Refugees to Sudan
Deported Men and Boys May Face Persecution in Sudan
(New York, May 30, 2008) – Egyptian authorities should investigate the forced return to Sudan of at least 11 Sudanese who were officially recognized as refugees and asylum seekers, Human Rights Watch said today. The forcible return (refoulement) of people to a country where they have a well-founded fear of persecution constitutes a breach of Egypt’s basic obligation under international refugee law.Read more
Egypt: Court Upholds HIV Sentences, Reinforces Intolerance
Five Convictions in Fear-Driven Crackdown a Blow to Health and Justice
(Cairo, May 29, 2008) – A Cairo appeals court’s decision to uphold the sentences imposed on five men jailed in a crackdown on people living with HIV/AIDS underscores the Egyptian government’s dangerous indifference to public health and justice, Human Rights Watch said today. The May 28 ruling upheld the maximum three-year prison terms for each of the five, following a months-long campaign targeting men with HIV/AIDS. A total of nine men have been sentenced to prison so far. Read more
Libya: Disappeared Political Prisoner Released
Twelve Others Remain in Detention, One Missing
(New York, May 29, 2008) – The Libyan government’s release on May 27 of political prisoner Jum`a Boufayed, whose whereabouts were unknown for 15 months, is a welcome step, Human Rights Watch said today.Read more
China: Rights Lawyers Face Disbarment Threats
Intimidation Overshadows Reforms to Law on Lawyers
(New York, May 30, 2008) – Two prominent Chinese lawyers who offered to represent Tibetans face the loss of their professional licenses as part of a recent drive to threaten lawyers and law firms, Human Rights Watch said today. The government’s unprecedented efforts to intimidate firms into refusing politically sensitive cases reflects the vulnerability of the legal profession, and overshadows the June 1, 2008, enactment of revisions to the Law on Lawyers, which is supposed to establish new procedural protections for lawyers.Read more
Burma: End All Conditions on Aid
Poor Disaster Response Reflects Government Political Oppression
(New York, May 29, 2008) – Despite welcome and improved access to the Irrawaddy Delta area affected by Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese military government is still using red tape to obstruct some relief efforts when it should accept all aid immediately and unconditionally, Human Rights Watch said today. The government’s response to the humanitarian disaster as primarily a national security matter shows political oppression taking priority over the needs of the people.Read more
Burundi: Release Civilians Detained Without Charge
Stop Arbitrary Arrests, Beatings of Alleged FNL Members
(Bujumbura, May 30, 2008) – Burundian police and judicial officials should immediately release the scores of persons still detained solely as suspected members of a movement long opposed to the government, Human Rights Watch said today. They should also instruct security forces to cease such arrests.Read more
Sierra Leone: War Crimes Ruling Bolsters Victim Protection
Reason for Fighting Cannot Reduce Penalties
(New York, May 28, 2008) – The decision by Sierra Leone’s war crimes court to reject sentence reductions for two convicted militia members because they fought for a “legitimate cause” is crucial in ensuring justice for all victims of human rights violations, Human Rights Watch said today.Read more
Egypt: Extending State of Emergency Violates Rights
Repressive Law Renewed in Place of Promised Reforms
(New York, May 28, 2008) – The Egyptian government’s abrupt extension by two years of the country’s decades-old state of emergency shows contempt for the rule of law, Human Rights Watch said today. Parliament rushed through the extension on May 26 with little debate and despite vociferous objections from the opposition and rights groups.Read more
UN: Africa Trip Should Focus on Human Rights
Protection of Civilians Necessary for Lasting Peace
(New York, May 28, 2008) – The United Nations Security Council should address protection of civilians, justice, and human rights during its upcoming visit to Africa from June 1-10, 2008, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the council. Human Rights Watch highlighted critical issues that needed to be addressed at each of the stops on the council’s tour.Read more
UN: Take Action Against Rape in War
Security Council Can Correct Historic Inaction on Sexual Violence
(New York, May 27, 2008) – The United Nations Security Council has a unique opportunity to correct its historic failure to address sexual violence against women and girls in conflict, Human Rights Watch said today. On May 27, 2008, John Holmes, UN under-secretary general for humanitarian affairs, is to address the council on the protection of civilians in conflict, and is expected to call for more consistent and better coordinated action to prevent sexual violence.Read more
Egypt: Satellite Company Punished for Protest Footage
CNC Linked to Broadcast of Anti-Government Demonstrations
(New York, May 24, 2008) – Egyptian authorities have enforced media licensing laws to punish a company associated with broadcasting information critical of the government, Human Rights Watch said today. Read more
Nepal: Urgent Need to Restore Rule of Law
Failure to Punish Those Responsible for Attacks and Killings Fuels Impunity
(New York, May 23, 2008) – The government’s failure to bring to justice armed groups and security forces responsible for a string of recent violent acts in Nepal does nothing to prevent further bloodshed, Human Rights Watch said today. After a decade of armed conflict in which both Maoists and security forces conducted abductions, torture, and killings with impunity, such lawless behavior has become the norm.Read more
Angola: Resume Negotiations with UN Rights Body
Government Seeks to Avoid Scrutiny Before Elections
(New York, May 25, 2008) – As a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Angola should reconsider its March 2008 order that the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Angola cease activities by the end of May 2008, Human Rights Watch said today.Read more
South Africa: Punish Attackers in Xenophobic Violence
Government Should Protect Victims to Ensure Justice
(Johannesburg, May 23, 2008) – The government should ensure that victims of xenophobic violence remain in South Africa to participate in bringing their attackers to justice, Human Rights Watch said today. Read more