Medical And Health

Iran must release scholar held for peaceful criticism of election - 27 October 2009

Dr Mohammad Maleki has been held incommunicado since his arrest in August. Amnesty International has expressed grave concern for his health as he is suffering from serious illnesses.

Peru one step closer to legalising abortion - 23 October 2009

The Peruvian Congress' has decided to stand by its proposal to decriminalize abortion in cases where women and girls become pregnant as a result of rape or incest.

Migrant workers treated as 'disposable labour' in South Korea - 21 October 2009

Many migrant workers in South Korea are beaten, trafficked for sexual exploitation and denied their wages for long periods despite the introduction of rules to protect their rights.

Ugandan 'anti-homosexuality' bill threatens liberties and human rights defenders - 16 October 2009

The draft "Anti-Homosexuality Bill" introduced on Wednesday in Uganda's parliament would violate human rights and should be withdrawn immediately.

Displaced Sri Lankans trapped between the military and the impending monsoon - 8 October 2009

A quarter of a million Sri Lankans now being held in de facto detention camps are facing a humanitarian disaster as monsoon rains threaten to flood camps.

Thousands unite to end maternal mortality in Sierra Leone - 23 September 2009

Over 4,000 people gathered in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Tuesday to attend the launch of Amnesty International's campaign to end maternal mortality in the country.

VIDEO: Maternal mortality in Sierra Leone - 22 September 2009

A woman faces a higher risk of dying in child birth in Sierra Leone than almost anywhere in the world.

Maternal death rate in Sierra Leone is a "human rights emergency" - 21 September 2009

In Sierra Leone, one in eight women risk dying during pregnancy or childbirth - one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.

Dominican Republic delivers "huge blow" to women's right to life - 18 September 2009

The Dominican parliament has voted in favour of constitutional changes that could lead to a total ban on abortions, a move Amnesty International says will put women and girls at risk and increase mate

Obama renews Cuba trade embargo - 15 September 2009

US President Barack Obama has extended the trade embargo against Cuba - missing an opportunity to improve the human rights situation for people on the island.