Nepal: the ICJ urges strengthening of human rights provisions
The ICJ welcomes important step taken by the Fundamental Rights Committee towards constitutionally guaranteeing fundamental rights in Nepal but also points out serious weaknesses.
Sri Lanka : the ICJ shares the UN High Commissioner´s concern at the situation in the country
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)
Authorities must provide justice for torture and murder of 15-year-old Maina Sunuwar
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
ICJ urges the government and Nepal army to respect civilian jurisdiction in the case of Maina Sunuwar
The ICJ today urged action by the Government to ensure respect for civilian jurisdiction in the Maina Sunuwar case.
The Nepal Army has acknowledged that Maina Sunuwar died following prolonged torture at the Nepal Army’s Birendra Peacekeeping Training Centre in Panchakhal on 17 February 2004.
However, it has refused to recognize civilian court jurisdiction as established by the Supreme Court’s September 2007 decision, and to surrender Major Niranjan Basnet to the Kavre District Court pursuant to a 31 January 2008 arrest warrant.
Nepal-civilian jurisdiction-press release-2010 (full text, PDF)
Sri Lanka: the ICJ condemns attacks on the media and government restrictions on freedom of expression during recent presidential elections
The ICJ is alarmed by a campaign of intimidation against journalists and media outlets and at the continuing use of emergency laws to restrict freedom of expression following the re-election of President Rajapakse.
The ICJ calls for immediate Government action to reform these laws and to protect journalists from further harassment and attacks.
SriLanka-freedomexpession-news-2010 (full text, PDF)
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