The ICJ has urged the Maoist Party to immediately desist from further intimidation against lawyers acting in the case of Arjun Lama (photo of his wife holding his picture).The ICJ aslo called on the Government to ensure the protection of human rights defenders acting on behalf of victims of both state and non-state actors.
Nepal-intimidation HR defenders stop-press release-2010 (full text in English, PDF)
The ICJ expresses deep concern and regrets the violence and associated loss of life in Bangkok on the evening of 10 April 2010.
We send our deepest condolences to the families of all those who were killed during these events, and urge all parties and individuals to pursue peaceful solutions to the current political conflict. The ICJ believes that peaceful reconciliation will be best served if all those involved respect the rule of law and comply with international standards, especially those relating to the use of force, full and transparent investigations into alleged human rights violations, and protection of fundamental rights including freedom of expression. In this public statement the ICJ highlights the content of these long-standing and widely accepted international standards.
Thailand-ICJ concern violence-press release-2010 (full text in English, PDF)
The ICJ welcomes important step taken by the Fundamental Rights Committee towards constitutionally guaranteeing fundamental rights in Nepal but also points out serious weaknesses.
Lawyer Somchai Neelapaijit began his career as a lawyer in 1977. Khun Somchai was known for speaking out against unjust practices by the police and advocating for reform of the justice system. He disappeared in 2004.
The ICJ expressed concern at the deteriorating situation in Sri Lanka and welcomed the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ emphasis on countering discrimination, including on the grounds of sexual orientation.
The ICJ also called on the Council to consider establishing a dedicated mandate – such as the Early-warning Commission – to identify the emergence of human rights violations in crisis situations and make recommendations to the UN to prevent human rights violations and ensure accountability of their perpetrators.
SriLanka-humanrightsviolations-web story-2010 (full text, PDF)
International and local human rights organizations have today urged the Nepali authorities to stop obstructing criminal proceedings over the alleged torture and murder of 15-year-old Maina Sunuwar by four army officers.
Nepal-Authorities must provide justice for torture and murder-press release-2010 (full text, PDF)
See also the open letter Government obstruction of justice and defiance of judicial authority
Nepal: Publish Reports on Violent Crackdowns on Protests
EU: ICJ publishes strategic litigation guide on children and immigration detention
Myanmar: Five years after the coup “justice system” remains an instrument of repression
Pakistan: Arbitrary arrest and sentencing of human rights lawyers Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha