Credit: UN Photo/Manuel Elias
Civil Society
- Reports indicate that Facebook has developed a censorship software to use in the Chinese market. [Guardian]
- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders denounced the numerous travel bans imposed on human rights activists in Egypt. [OHCHR Press Release]
- Ahead of elections in Gambia that took place on Thursday, President Jammeh banned international phone calls, internet usage, and demonstrations. [Guardian]
- Merera Gudina, an opposition leader in Ethiopia, was arrested in his home this week after returning from a meeting with members of the European Parliament. [Al Jazeera]
- The family of Jian Tianyong, a human rights defender in China, stated this week that they believe authorities may have detained him. [Guardian]
- Authorities have continued to use force against indigenous persons in the United States protesting against the construction of a pipeline. [Guardian]
Armed Conflict and Violence
- UN representatives this week said Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar may be the victims of crimes against humanity. [Al Jazeera]
- With recent reports of extrajudicial executions, forced disappearances, and torture in Burundi, the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination has called on the government to allow a UN police convey to monitor the situation. [UN News Centre]
- Activists in Syria reported this week that 21 people died after an area housing displaced persons was bombed. [Washington Post]
Politics
- In response to new United Nations Security Council sanctions, North Korea has stated that it will pursue a “tough” response. [Al Jazeera]
- As of this week, Canada no longer requires visas for individuals visiting from Mexico. [Guardian]
- The Colombian senate approved this week the new peace accord negotiated between the Colombian government and the Farc. [BBC]
Activities of Human Rights Bodies and States
- The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights started its 159th Period of Sessions in Panama this week. [IACHR Press Release]
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights delivered a judgment against Cote d’Ivoire in which it found a violation of the right to participate in government. [AfCHPR Press Release]
- The government of Canada has begun consultations with territories, provinces, indigenous organizations, and civil society this week to discuss acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. [Government of Canada Press Release]