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IssuesImpunity for serious human rights and international humanitarian law violations remains...

Joint Statement: Sri Lanka’s Flawed Plans for a ‘Truth Commission’

Joint Statement: Sri Lanka’s Flawed Plans for a ‘Truth Commission’

We, nine international human rights organizations, have grave reservations about the Sri Lankan government’s proposed National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. Our concerns echo many of those already raised by victims of conflict-related abuses and their families. Sri Lanka has a long history of convening similar bodies, none of which has provided justice, truth or reparation to the many people who have engaged with them. The latest initiative risks repeating the mistakes of the past, exposing victims to renewed security threats and re-traumatization without any realistic chance of a different outcome. There have not been any genuine confidence-building measures, or steps to ensure a safe and conducive environment for such a commission to function effectively.

Thailand/Laos: Investigate the killing of Lao refugee and put an end to transnational repression of human rights defenders

Thailand/Laos: Investigate the killing of Lao refugee and put an end to transnational repression of human rights defenders

In response to news on 17 May 2023 of the fatal shooting of Bounsuan Kitiyano, a 56-year-old Lao human rights defender and a refugee recognized by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in a border town in northeastern Thailand, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and nine other organisations urge the government of Thailand to independently, effectively and promptly investigate this incident and ensure effective remedy to the victim’s family and loved ones. 

Thailand: Law to address torture and enforced disappearance is an important step toward justice but its full enforcement is critical

Thailand: Law to address torture and enforced disappearance is an important step toward justice but its full enforcement is critical

Today, more than 15 years after Thailand became a State Party to the UN Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT), its long-delayed Act on Prevention and Suppression of Torture and Enforced Disappearance comes into effect. The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and Amnesty International welcome the law’s entry into force. Both organizations urge the authorities to follow this positive step with measures both to enforce the law and to make further international human rights commitments protecting against torture and ill-treatment and enforced disappearance.

Laos: After 10 years, civil society worldwide is still asking: “Where is Sombath?”

Laos: After 10 years, civil society worldwide is still asking: “Where is Sombath?”

Ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Lao civil society leader Sombath Somphone, we, the undersigned civil society organizations and individuals, renew calls on the Lao government to determine his fate and whereabouts and deliver justice, truth, and reparation to his family. We deplore the Lao authorities’ repeated failure to act on their human rights obligations to thoroughly investigate Sombath’s disappearance and provide adequate, effective, and prompt reparation for Sombath and his family over the past decade.

Venezuela: the authorities must stop undermining judicial independence

Venezuela: the authorities must stop undermining judicial independence

On 26 April 2022, the Venezuelan National Assembly elected in 2020 appointed 20 justices to the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supremo de Justicia, TSJ). Most of these appointments were politically motivated. As a result, the process violated international human rights law and standards on judicial independence.

Nepal: 15 Years On, Act on Peace Agreement Pledges

Nepal: 15 Years On, Act on Peace Agreement Pledges

Nepal has made no progress on justice for crimes under international law in the 15 years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Amnesty International, International Commission of Jurists, Human Rights Watch and TRIAL International said today.

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