News and Updates

Taiwan and South Korea call for 'comfort women' apology

18 November 2008

The Government of Japan must accept historical responsibility and apologise to the victims of Japan’s military sexual slavery system.

Malaysian court frees blogger

7 November 2008

Judge rules that the arrest of Raja Petra Kamarudin, under the Internal Security Act, was unconstitutional.

WOZA activists released on bail in Zimbabwe

6 November 2008

The leaders of Zimbabwean activist movement, Women of Zimbabwe Arise, have been released on bail after three weeks in detention.

Landslide UN vote in favour of developing an Arms Trade Treaty

4 November 2008

One hundred and forty-seven states voted overwhelmingly at the United Nations on Friday to move forward with work on the main elements of an Arms Trade Treaty.

Japan urged to restore dignity to WWII "comfort women"

3 November 2008

The UN Human Rights Committee has called on the Government of the Japan to restore dignity to the survivors of Japan’s military sexual slavery system.

Egyptian association for torture victims wins court case against closure

31 October 2008

A Cairo Administrative Court has rescinded the government’s decision to dissolve the Association for Human rights and Legal Aid.

Chuckie Taylor convicted of torture

31 October 2008

The son of former Liberian president Charles Taylor, could face between 20 years to life imprisonment for the crimes he committed in Liberia, while serving as the hea

Another stay of execution for Troy Davis

29 October 2008

Troy Davis was granted a provisional stay of execution on Friday, just three days before he was scheduled to be put to death.

European Parliament honours jailed Chinese activist

24 October 2008

Imprisoned Chinese activist Hu Jia has been awarded the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought by the European Parliament.

Contested land in Brazil handed to state

22 October 2008

Multinational Syngenta has given its experimental farm in Paraná state to the state government, ending a long standing violent conflict over the site.