Costa Rica Faces UN Complaint Over Detention of Migrant Children Deported from U.S.

A coalition of international legal organizations has filed a complaint with the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, accusing Costa Rica of unlawfully detaining migrant minors deported from the United States. The lawsuit, filed on April 17, was led by attorneys from the Global Strategic Litigation Council, the Instituto Internacional de Responsabilidad […]

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UN and Rights Groups Raise Alarm Over Judicial Independence in the Maldives

The United Nations has voiced serious concern over recent judicial developments in the Maldives, following the suspension of three Supreme Court justices—a move widely seen as undermining the independence of the judiciary. On April 18, UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, publicly criticized disciplinary actions taken against Justices Azmiralda […]

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One Man’s Ordeal Triggers Test of US Constitution

This week, US federal court judges pushed back on the Trump administration’s abusive deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who, along with over 200 others accused of gang membership, was unlawfully transferred to a maximum security prison in El Salvador a month ago. The Trump administration admits transferring Abrego Garcia in contravention of a court order […]

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Nearly 200 Students and Journalists Stand Trial Over Istanbul Protests

In Istanbul, a trial commenced for 189 individuals, predominantly university students, arrested during anti-government protests following the March 19 detention of opposition Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. The charges include participating in banned demonstrations, disobeying police orders, and in some cases, carrying arms. Notably, four photojournalists and three reporters who were covering the protests are also facing […]

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UN Experts Condemn Public Executions in Afghanistan, Demand Immediate Moratorium on Inhumane Punishments

The United Nations has strongly condemned the Taliban’s recent use of public executions and corporal punishment in Afghanistan, calling for an immediate moratorium on such practices, which they say violate fundamental human rights and international law. The statement follows the public execution of four individuals on April 11, 2024, across Badghis, Nimroz, and Farah provinces, […]

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UN forum tackles slavery reparations for Africa, people of African descent

They urged greater collaboration between governments, civil society and regional organizations to create a system that would compensate Africa and the African diaspora for the enduring legacies of colonialism, enslavement, apartheid and genocide between the 16th and 19th centuries. “Africa was under siege,” said Hilary Brown, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) about […]

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US Federal Court Halts Deportations to Third Countries Without Due Process

A U.S. federal judge has issued a sweeping injunction against the Trump administration’s practice of deporting noncitizens to countries other than their country of origin without first giving them a chance to raise safety concerns — a move hailed as a major check on executive immigration policy. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy ruled […]

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Haiti crisis could impact regional and global stability

As heavily armed gangs expand their control and public institutions are facing intense pressure, delivering humanitarian aid on the ground is becoming harder as funding is dwindling. “Haiti has not received the level of attention or funding that is so desperately needed,” said Ms. Pope. Just returned from a high-level visit in Haiti, Ms. Pope urged […]

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Mozambique Faces Global Scrutiny Over Post-Election Crackdown: Over 300 Killed, Thousands Detained

Mozambique is grappling with the deadliest post-election unrest in its history, with over 300 fatalities reported since October 2024. The violence erupted following the disputed presidential election, which saw Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party declared the winner amid allegations of electoral fraud. Widespread Crackdown on Protests In the aftermath, protests led by opposition […]

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Ensuring Essential Sun Protection for Persons with Albinism

Luisinho, a 26-year-old man with albinism whom I interviewed in Mozambique, faced a heartbreaking choice: either continue working outdoors under life-threatening sun exposure or quit his job selling second-hand clothes, thereby pushing himself and his family deeper into poverty. He needed to make this choice because he could not afford adequate sun protection. Luisinho’s experience […]

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