News

• LGBT activism reduced to private meetings

  2012-02-03 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  Issues related to the rights of LGBT people are rarely a research subject in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The LGBT community seems to have ‘disappeared’ from the public discourse since the violent attacks against the organisers of the Queer festival in 2008, according to a legal analysis we published recently.

• Manifestation for Ales Bialiatski

  2012-02-01 -
  

  “Ales just did his job, and when human right activists in Belarus today do their job they will end up in prison” said Joanna Kurosz from Civil Rights Defenders when speaking during a manifestation in support of Ales Bialiatski, in Stockholm on January 31 2011.

• Ales Bialiatski’s appeal dismissed

  2012-01-24 - Belarus
  

  On January 24, the Minsk city court upheld the 4.5-year verdict against Ales Bialiatski, Chair of Human Rights Centre Viasna. ”The Belarusian regime is using the process against Ales Bialiatski to silence human rights defenders in the country, said Joanna Kurosz, Programme Director at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Libel case against Oleg Orlov discontinued

  2012-01-23 - Russia
  

  On January 20, the criminal proceeding against Oleg Orlov was discontinued. “We are happy that our colleague is finally free from charges. This should have happened a long time ago, said Joanna Kurosz, Programme Director at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Igor Kalyapin accused of revealing state secrets

  2012-01-19 - Russia
  

  Igor Kalyapin, one of our Russian partners, has been accused of disclosing state secrets and risks several years in prison. Kalyapin is among the most courageous human rights defenders in Russia today, said Joanna Kurosz, Programme Director at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Fines for visiting websites

  2012-01-11 - Belarus
  

  According to a new amendment Belarusians can be fined EUR 100 for visiting a banned website, among them the site of Viasna. -This is another step taken by Alexander Lukashenka’s regime to suppress freedom of speech on the internet, said Joanna Kurosz at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Protect civil society – stop NGO law

  2011-12-22 - Southeast Asia
  

  The Cambodian government should abandon the fourth draft law on NGOs. Read the statement we signed together with a group of international human rights organisations.

• Verdict against journalists shows lack of rule of law in the Horn of Africa

  2011-12-21 - East Africa
  

  Civil Rights Defenders condemns the conviction of the Swedish journalist Martin Schibbye and Johan Persson. The terrorist legislation that was used during the trial was turned into a tool to prevent free speech in Ethiopia.

• Popular protest against NGO law

  2011-12-21 - Southeast Asia
  

  On December 20, Cambodians from the country’s 24 provinces carried a 230 meter long “kramar”, a traditional scarf, with over 10,000 signatures requesting the Parliament to stop the bill that restricts civil rights and freedoms.

• We trained judges in freedom of speech

  2011-12-20 - Moldova
  

  In December, we organised a workshop on the new freedom of expression law for judges in Moldova. Percy Bratt, chairman of our Board, was one of the trainers. “Strengthening the legal system is central, because that’s where the rights are protected”, he commented afterwards.

• Increased pressure on human rights defenders and journalists in Dagestan

  2011-12-20 - Russia
  

  On December 15th the founder of the Dagestani independent newspaper Chernovik, Gadzhimurad Kamalov, was shot to death by a masked gunman. The murder represents yet another serious blow to independent journalism and freedom of speech in the violent republic of Dagestan.

• Persecution of Viasna continues

  2011-12-02 - Belarus
  

  On November 29 Ales Bialiatski, Chair of Viasna, appealed the verdict of the Pershamaiski District Court in Minsk, sentencing him to four and a half years in prison and confiscation of property for tax evasion. Civil Rights Defenders believes that the decision is a pretext for the regime to silence human rights defenders.

• Anti-gay bill postponed

  2011-12-01 - Russia
  

  The legislative assembly of St. Petersburg has decided to postpone the hearing of the anti-gay bill for the second time. “Protesters all over the world have shown that this is not a bill that belongs in a European country in 2011″, said Ninke Liebert, at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Hate speech and threats after publication of LGBT-video

  2011-11-29 - Montenegro
  

  Civil Rights Defenders condemn the hate speech and threats which were caused by a videoclip about rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. We urge the Montenegrin authorities to properly investigate these crimes.

• Important judgment in the fight against hate speech

  2011-11-28 - Moldova
  

  A court in Chisinau has convicted a website for hate speech against LGBT people. The case is an important step forward in the work for equal rights in Moldova, and demonstrates that incitement to discrimination and violence will not be tolerated.

• Drop all charges against Ales Bialiatski

  2011-11-25 - Belarus
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and Östgruppen condemn the verdict against Ales Bialiatski, Chairperson of Human Rights Centre Viasna. A protest letter was submitted to the Belarusian Embassy in Stockholm on November 25.

• Long wait for fair trial

  2011-11-25 - Serbia
  

  The right to a fair hearing and access to court are the most frequent problems regarding the right to fair trial in Serbia, according to a report published by Civil Rights Defenders in collaboration with Youth Initiative for Human Rights.

• Ales Bialiatski sentenced to prison

  2011-11-24 - Belarus
  

  Ales Bialiatski, Chariman of the human rights organisation Viasna, was sentenced for tax evasion to four and a half years in prison and confiscation of property. An unacceptable verdict according to Civil Rights Defenders.

• Stop NGO law

  2011-11-22 - Southeast Asia
  

  We urge the Cambodian authorities to immediately withdraw the drafted NGO law. The law violates the rights to freedom of association and expression, Civil Rights Defenders and several other human rights organsiations say in a joint statement.

• We are looking for a Programme Officer for Russia

  2011-11-20 - Sweden
  

  We are looking for someone who will work operationally with human rights issues in Russia and the North Caucasus. You will be responsible for managing and developing our long-term collaborations with human rights organisations in Russia.

• Protest against homophobic law

  2011-11-16 - Russia
  

  A new anti-gay bill was accepted at a first reading in the regional parliament of Saint Petersburg. We protest against the bill since it severely limits the rights of LGBT people. You can do that too, by signing a petition.

• Our Rights displayed at film festival

  2011-11-09 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  On November 9 the Pravo Ljudski film festival opens with Civil Rights Defenders’ photo exhibition Our Rights at Kino Meeting Point in Sarajevo.

• Jagodina Mayor convicted of hate speech

  2011-11-08 - Serbia
  

  Dragan Markovic Palma, Mayor of Jagodina and President of the parlamentary party United Serbia has been convicted of hate speech. Civil Rights Defenders welcomes the verdict but worries about the fact that the Mayor’s reaction to is was new hate speech.

• Polish Ambassador feels guilt for Bialiatski’s case

  2011-11-02 - Belarus
  

  The Belarusian authorities used extraordinary precautions to prevent people from attending the trial against human rights defender Ales Bialiatski. The Ambassador of Poland, Leszek Szerepka, came to the trial and expressed his country’s guilt for the case of Ales Bialiatski.

• Belarus closes borders before trial

  2011-11-01 - Belarus
  

  Representatives from human rights organisations, including Civil Rights Defenders, have been denied visa for travel to Belarus and cannot attend the trial of Ales Bialiatski. The fact that Belarus is closing the borders for international observers reinforces our concern that Ales Bialiatski will not get a fair and just trial.

• Natalia Estemirova’s murder investigation in conflict with the law

  2011-10-28 - Russia
  

  The investigation of Natalia Estemirova’s murder continues along a false path, according to an independent report by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Memorial and Novaya Gazeta.

• Gerald Nagler rewarded for his work for human rights

  2011-10-26 - Sweden
  

  Gerald Nagler, founder of the Swedish Helsinki Committee for Human Rights, was presented the Austrian Cross of Honour for Science and Art by the Republic of Austria on October 18.

• Jailed human rights defender awarded the Per Anger prize

  2011-10-25 - Sweden
  

  This year, the Swedish Government and the Living History Forum have awarded their prize in memory of Per Anger to Iranian human rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi. This is in recognition of her fight for human rights and women’s freedom, with personal courage and despite repeated serious infringements of her freedom.

• Pride parade banned in Minsk

  2011-10-21 -
  

  The Executive Committee of Minsk City banned the Pride parade, despite the fact that President Alexander Lukashenko had said that he is not against a parade, if it is organised in the outskirts of the city.

• Law amendments a threat to civil society

  2011-10-20 - Belarus
  

  In a joint statement, we urge the upper chamber of the Belarusian Parliament to quash the recent legislative amendments that impose limitations on freedom of assembly and association and severely restrict the work of Belarusian civil society groups.

• Ashton’s reply regarding NGO law

  2011-10-19 - Southeast Asia
  

  The EU has demanded from the Cambodian Government to ensure that a law on NGOs encourages, rather than restricts, the growth of civil society, says Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

• Cautious openness towards democratic values

  2011-10-18 - Moldova
  

  In 2009-2010 Moldova saw improvements in terms of human rights. However, several grave problems remain. Moldova has no law against discrimination and persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, elderly, women and ethnic and religious minorities often face discrimination.

• We condemn the attack on the Helsinki Committee

  2011-10-14 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  Civil Rights Defenders strongly condemns the attack on the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina and its staff. We urge the presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well being of those threatened.

• Seventh Pride festival in Minsk

  2011-10-13 - Belarus
  

  On October 11, the International Day of Coming Out, Pride was opening in Minsk. “A provocation for those who do not want to recognize the political rights of LGBT people”, said Siarhei Androsenka, from Minsk Gay Pride.

• Banned parade may strengthen Serbian LGBT-community

  2011-10-11 - Serbia
  

  Despite months of planning and intense dialogue with state authorities the Belgrade Pride parade 2011 was banned. The ban, however, may bring some positive effects. Listen to an interview with Boban Stojanovic and Goran Miletic, two of the organisers.

• The fear is still alive – after five years

  2011-10-07 - Russia
  

  On October 7 it has been five years since the murder of Anna Politkovskaja and no one has been convicted. “The Russian authorities send very clear signals that you should not dig into irregularities if you don’t want to get in trouble”, said Robert Hårdh, in an interview with Göteborgsposten.

• Russia responsible for disappearance

  2011-10-04 - Russia
  

  The European Court of Human Rights has found Russia responsible for the enforced disappearance of a Chechen man in October 2004. The judgment is an important result of our cooperation with Russian Justice Initiative.

• Ban on Pride violates fundamental right

  2011-10-03 - Serbia
  

  On September 30 the Serbian authorities decided to cancel the Belgrade Pride parade, due to threats from extremist right-wing groups. “There was no political will to support Pride”, said Goran Miletic, Civil Rights Defenders.

• Pride in Belgrade banned

  2011-09-30 - Serbia
  

  The National Security Council of the Serbian Parliament (Savet za nacionalnu bezbednost) has banned all public manifestations during the weekend, including Pride, on the grounds of national security. The Pride organisers have gathered to discuss what should be the next step.

• Queer culture grows every year

  2011-09-29 - Russia
  

  September 15, the Third International Queer Culture Festival opened in St. Petersburg. The ceremony attracted many visitors, despite protests from religious youth groups.

• Continued harassment of Viasna

  2011-09-29 - Belarus
  

  Uladzimir Labkovich, legal adviser at Human Rights Center Viasna, was detained in Minsk in connection to a manifestation in support of Ales Bialiatski, on September 25. The arrest is yet another example of the harassment of Viasna employees.

• Law violates the principle of equality

  2011-09-21 - Russia
  

  The Arkhangelsk Oblast Council of Deputies has passed amendments and additions to the regional law, stating that public actions aimed at promotion of homosexuality among minors are not allowed. We consider the law to be discriminatory and violating the fundamental principle of equality of rights of all people.

• Campaign to release Ales Bialiatski

  2011-09-21 - Belarus
  

  On Sunday September 25th, Ales Bialiatski turns 49. There is an obvious risk that he will spend this birthday and many more in prison. We are now launching a campaign for his release. Support our cause, and help us empower human rights defenders in Belarus.

• Dawit Isaak ten years in prison

  2011-09-20 - East Africa
  

  On September 23 it was ten years since the Swedish-Eritrean journalist Dawit Isaak was arrested in Eritrea. Today we don’t even know if he is alive. -We have to intensify the diplomatic efforts, , said Percy Bratt during a manifestation.

• Alarming situation in Belarus

  2011-09-20 - Belarus
  

  We are deeply concerned about the widespread human rights violations in the aftermath of the presidential elections, said Civil Rights Defenders and several other human rights organisations in a statement to the Human Rights Council today.

• Queer Culture Festival for diversity

  2011-09-14 - Russia
  

  Together with our partner, Coming Out, we arrange the third international Queer Culture Festival, September 15-25. The festival takes place in St Petersburg with the goal to support the right to self-expression, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Put pressure on Moldova regarding Discrimination bill

  2011-09-12 - Moldova
  

  On September 13 Moldovan Prime Minister Vlad Filat is visiting Sweden. Civil Rights Defenders urges the Swedish Government to bring up the proposed Law against discrimination to discussion.

• Support the Belgrade Pride

  2011-09-08 - Serbia
  

  We urge the Serbian president to fully support the Belgrade Pride on October 2. A vulnerable group such as the LGBT population in Serbia cannot exercise their freedom of assembly without public support and recognition, Civil Rights Defenders said in a letter to the serbian President Tadic, the Prime Minister Cvetkovic and the Mayor of Belgrade, Djilas.

• Bialiatski still in jail

  2011-09-05 - Belarus
  

  A month has passed since the arrest of Ales Bialiatski, president of the Human Rights Centre Viasna. Bialiatski was arrested in Minsk on August 4, and remains in detention on charges of tax evasion.

• Human rights violations in Burma must be stopped

  2011-09-02 - Southeast Asia
  

  The fact that Sweden has so far refused to support a UN-led Commission of Inquiry on human rights violations in Burma is absolutely staggering for a country that claims to stand up for human rights worldwide, said Civil Rights Defenders and several other human rights organisations in SvD.

• Letter to Carl Bildt on Cambodian Law on NGO:s

  2011-08-29 - Southeast Asia
  

  In an open letter we urge Minister for Foreign Affairs Carl Bildt to increase the pressure on the Cambodian government to abandon plans for a repressive law on NGO:s. We have previously warned that the law’s real purpose is to give the government a tool to silence inconvenient voices.

• Next generation human rights defenders

  2011-08-22 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  Together with Youth initiative for Human Rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina we successfully organised the first school of civil liberties and activism in Sarajevo, August 1-19. Young activists from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina were provided with knowledge and confidence to react on human rights violations.

• New law could silence inconvenient voices in Cambodia

  2011-08-22 - Southeast Asia
  

  On August 2 the authorities closed down Sahmakum Teang Tnaut that works on land and housing rights. About a hundred protesting farmers were interrogated by the police, and on TV a smearing campaign was launched against NGO:s. Simultaneously a new law is prepared that will give the government a tool to silence inconvenient voices.

• Ales Bialiatski’s detention prolonged

  2011-08-15 - Belarus
  

  On the 12th of August Ales Bialiatski, chair of the Human Rights Center Viasna, was officially charged with “Concealment of profits on an especially large scale” (Paragraph 2, Article 243 of the Belarusian Criminal Code) and his detention has been prolonged by two months.

• Petition to release Ales Bialiatski

  2011-08-11 - Belarus
  

  Civil Rights Defenders in a coalition of international human rights organisations, are deeply concerned about the arrest of Ales Bialiatski on allegations of large-scale tax evasion. We sent a petition to the Belarusian prosecutor’s office asking to release Ales pending the investigation against him.

• Ahmed Agiza released from prison

  2011-08-11 - Sweden
  

  We welcome the news that Ahmed Agiza has been released from Egyptian prison after 10 years, and hope that Sweden will take its responsibility and offer both Agiza and Mohammed Alzery full redress for the violations that the two men have suffered.

• Call for immediate and unconditional release of Ales Bialiatski

  2011-08-08 - Belarus
  

  On 4 August 2011, Ales Bialiatski, Chair of the Human Rights Center Viasna in Belarus, was detained in Minsk. We call upon the Belarusian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ales Bialiatski and to stop the criminal persecution of human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers and activists in Belarus.

• Human Rights Defender risks up to seven years in prison

  2011-08-05 - Belarus
  

  Ales Bialiatski, chair of the human rights organisation Viasna, was arrested on August 4th by the Belarus Department of Financial Investigations, suspected of gross tax evasion. According to Belarusian law he risks up to seven years imprisonment.

• Ales Bialiatski arrested

  2011-08-04 - Belarus
  

  Ales Bialiatski, chair of the human rights organisation Viasna, was arrested today. Very little is known at the moment about where he is held and the reasons for his arrest.

• Peaceful demonstrators arrested in Nizhny Novgorod

  2011-08-04 - Russia
  

  On July 31, sixteen peaceful protesters were arrested at a rally for freedom of assembly in Nizhny Novgorod. The same day several dozen people were also arrested in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. We call for the immediate release of all peaceful protesters.

• Protest against attack on Islamic Centre

  2011-08-02 - Serbia
  

  Serbian authorities are urged to react against the assault on the Islamic Center in Novi Sad, and to find those responsible and prosecute them.

• Courage to leave the closet

  2011-07-29 - Sweden
  

  Human Rights Defenders and LGBT activists from all over the world gather in Stockholm during Pride. We have invited ten activists from six countries with the aim to support their struggle against discrimination and their quest for the rights that some of us take for granted.

• Estemirova’s murder must be investigated properly

  2011-07-14 - Russia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and several other human rights organizations call for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the murder of Natalia Estemirova. July 15 is the second anniversary of her death and Russian authorities have not brought anyone to justice for the murder.

• Release peaceful protesters

  2011-07-13 - Belarus
  

  Several human rights organizations including Civil Rights Defenders condemn the recent arrests of peaceful demonstrators in Belarus. We call upon the Belarusian authorities to immediately release all detained protesters and respect the right to freedom of assembly to all its citizens.

• Threats must be taken seriously

  2011-07-01 - Russia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders is concerned about the threats against Olga Sadovskaja at the Committee Against Torture in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. In a letter sent to Swedish and European policymakers we ask them to raise the threats against human rights defenders in all discussions with Russia.

• Allow Keymir Berdiyev return to Sweden

  2011-06-17 - Central Asia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and Human Rights Watch call on Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to investigate the deportation of Keymir Berdiyev to Turkmenistan. In a joint letter they urge Sweden to allow him return for his asylum application to be reconsidered.

• Government must stop discrimination

  2011-06-16 - Moldova
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and Nondiscrimination Coalition urge the Government and the Parliament of Moldova to adopt an anti-discrimination law. In a joint letter, we require the Moldovan Prime Minister to put an end to homophobic statements in public debate.

• Chairperson of Memorial acquitted of libel

  2011-06-15 - Russia
  

  On June 14 a Russian court acquitted Oleg Orlov, Chairperson of Memorial Human Rights Centre, on charges of libel against Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov.

• Russia unwilling to investigate crimes

  2011-06-14 - Russia
  

  Four new rulings by the European Court of Human Rights confirm Russia’s reluctance to effectively investigate serious human rights violations in Chechnya. The cases have been brought before the court by Civil Rights Defenders together with Russian Justice Initiative.

• Harassment of activists in Nizhny Novgorod

  2011-06-11 - Russia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders calls on the senior EU officials participating at the EU-Russia summit in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, to address the pressing situation for human rights defenders working in Russia.

• Summons of MANS assists criminals

  2011-06-10 - Montenegro
  

  We are concerned about the police interrogation of the Executive Director of MANS after a video of national security agents mingling with criminals was published on the organization’s web. This puts pressure on human rights defenders and is directly assisting criminals in silencing those who dare to speak about corruption.

• Stop discrimination against human rights defenders

  2011-06-10 - Serbia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and several other human rights organizations condemn the prosecution of Belgzim Kamberi, Chairman of the Human Rights Board in Bujanovac in Serbia, and urge the prosecutor to shut down the case.

• Attack on Human Rights Defender

  2011-06-09 - Russia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders is deeply concerned about the recent attack on the human rights defender Bakhrom Khamroev, staff member of the well known human rights organisation Memorial in Russia. Bakhrom Khamroev was seriously beaten by unidentified men outside his apartment in Moscow on June 6th.

• Victory for justice

  2011-06-07 - Russia
  

  On June 1 the Criminal Court in Vienna sentenced three men for murder of the Chechen refugee Umar Israilov who was assassinated in Vienna on January 13 in 2009.The trial highlights the prevalence of violence and the arbitrariness in the Chechen judiciary.

• Verdict in Israilov case is expected

  2011-05-31 - Russia
  

  A coalition of human rights organisations, among them Civil Rights Defenders, regrets Russia’s lack of cooperation with the Austrian judiciary, in the case against the alleged murderers of Chechen refugee Umar Israilov. A verdict is expected June 1st.

• No change for the better in Belarus

  2011-05-28 - Belarus
  

  Former presidential candidates Mikalai Statkevich and Dmitzry Us have been sentenced to six and five and a half years of imprisonment respectively for organising mass riots. The political opposition is being effectively dismantled by the Belarusian regime.

• 27-29 May:Conference “Justice in the Balkans: Equality for Sexual Minorities”

  2011-05-25 - Serbia
  

  On May 27-29 we co-organise a conference on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons in the Western Balkans. We hope to achieve a better understanding of the relation between human rights protection and equal rights of all people, irrespective of sexual orientation or gender identity.

• The new state of Southern Sudan – success or failure? NOTE! CANCELLED!

  2011-05-20 - East Africa
  

  CANCELLED! Due to the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud Lloyd Himaambo’s flight to Sweden is cancelled. This means we have to cancel tonight’s seminar. We are very sorry about any inconvenience this may cause you.

• Moldovan Pride started without incidents

  2011-05-05 - Moldova
  

  Colorful balloons rose to the sky during the flashmob, held at the same spot where a bus with Pride participants was attacked three years ago.

• Where is the blogger Dieu Cay?

  2011-05-03 - Southeast Asia
  

  On World Press Freedom Day we want to draw attention to Dieu Cay, who was Vietnam’s most influential bloggers when he was arrested in April 2008. His voice for democracy in Vietnam and against widespread corruption was silenced. Today, nobody knows where he is being held.

• Letter to Reinfeldt – raise human rights with Putin

  2011-04-20 - Sweden
  

  Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit Stockholm on April 27. We urge Sweden’s Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt to discuss with him the difficult situation that human rights defenders in Russia are facing. During the 2009 EU summit Reinfeldt raised this issue with President Medvedev and there is cause for a follow-up.

• Education in human rights for Law students

  2011-04-15 - Macedonia
  

  On April 15th to 17th, we are organising the fifth Moot court competition for law students from the Western Balkans. The students are trained in the procedures of the European Court. Five judges from the European Court will sit on the jury.

• Read out latest newsletter (No.2, April-June, 2011)

  2011-04-12 -
  

  In this issue: Violence and oppression after Belrusian election, One hundred cases against Russia settled in court, Chiranuch Premchaiporn faces 50 years in prison, and much more. To read more – click here or go to Newsletter (under Activities), where you also find previous newsletters.

• Head of partner organisation arbitrarily arrested

  2011-04-07 - Russia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders is concerned about the continued harrassment and intimidation of human rights defenders in Russia. Igor Kalyapin, head of our Russian partner organisation Committee Against Torture, along with nearly forty others, were arbitrarily arrested on March 31, 2011.

• Government withdrew Anti-discrimination bill from Parliament

  2011-04-01 - Moldova
  

  Civil Rights Defenders is deeply concerned over the latest developments connected to the proposed anti-discrimination law in Moldova. The Moldovan government has now withdrawn the bill from the parliament.

• Constitutional Court chips away at institutions

  2011-03-30 - Russia
  

  The Russian Constitutional Court has ruled that the State cannot institutionalise a person with disabilities if there is no one who can become their guardian in the community. The two cases behind this decision were lodged in cooperation between MDAC, IPAR and Civil Rights Defenders.

• National Human Rights Commission misses the target

  2011-03-25 - Sweden
  

  Civil Rights Defenders is positive toward the idea of establishing a National Human Rights Commission. But the way the Commission is modelled, in the current proposal, it will not contribute to a more effective protection of human rights.

• Serbian prisons are overcrowded



  2011-03-23 - Serbia
  

  Almost twice as many people are crammed in Serbian prisons as the buildings are designed for, Civil Rights Defenders and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia write in a new report. This leads to problems for both inmates and staff.



• Open letter to Moldovan MP’s

  2011-03-21 - Moldova
  

  In an open letter to Moldovan MP’s we call for a swift adoption of the anti-discrimination law.

• Developments in North Africa will affect Sub-Saharan countries

  2011-03-14 - East Africa
  

  Poverty and oppression in combination with unresolved tensions and widespread impunity contributes to an unstable situation in many African states. The question is how long it takes before the open struggle for democracy and human rights we now are witnessing in North Africa and the Middle East spreads to sub-Saharan countries. Blog post by Robert Hårdh from March 14th, 2011.

• Petition to the UN Human Rights Council: Speak up on Belarus!

  2011-03-10 - Belarus
  

  Civil Rights Defenders has signed a petition together with other NGOs to urge the UN Human Rights Council to adopt a resolution on Belarus. We think it is of outmost importance that the Council unequivocally condemns the human rights violations that took place after the Belarusian Presidential election in December 2010.

• Women human rights defenders are tortured and raped

  2011-03-08 - Southeast Asia
  

  The world must pay attention to the brave Burmese women whose struggle for human rights places their lives and health at risk. On the International women’s day we urge the international community not to reconsider its stance against the Burmese government too soon.

• Complete Torture Case Investigation

  2011-03-07 - Russia
  

  Russian authorities need to investigate a case of disappearance and torture in Chechnya and punish those responsible, Human Rights Watch, Front Line, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), and Civil Rights Defenders said today.

• New report on the violence against journalists in Belarus

  2011-02-25 - Belarus
  

  According to a newly released report, the behaviour of the Belarusian authorities after the Presidential election in December, 2010, shows that the Belarusian Government does not fulfill the country’s obligations regarding freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.

• Open letter to Lukashenko

  2011-02-23 - Belarus
  

  In an open letter to the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko we urge the authorities to repeal the warning against Ales Bialiatski and to refrain from further pressure on human rights defenders.

• Ales Bialiatski warned – continued activities can lead to prosecution

  2011-02-16 - Belarus
  

  Ales Bialiatski, President of the human rights organisation “Viasna”, was officially warned by the General Prosecutor’s Office for alleged violation of Article 193.1. The General Prosecutor’s Office also made clear that continued activities could lead to prosecution.

• One hundred cases against Russia in the European Court

  2011-02-11 - Russia
  

  The European Court has found Russia responsible for the deaths of two Chechen men and the disappearance of one. These two latest verdicts mean that Russia has been convicted of serious human rights violations in 100 cases, as a result of our cooperation with Russian Justice Initiative.

• The Belarusian bumblebee battle against gravity

  2011-02-09 - Belarus
  

  If the Belarusian dictator regime is going to land in democratic reforms, Sweden and the EU must keep the pressure on Lukashenka and not bargain with him with something that does not belong to him – the rights of his citizens, writes Robert Hårdh, executive director at Civil Rights Defenders, in a op-ed on Dagens Arena.

• Human rights organisation searched by the KGB

  2011-01-21 - Belarus
  

  On Monday the 17th of January the Committee for State Security, KGB, searched the Human Rights Centre Viasna for the third time in just one month. Events related to the Belarusian election on the 19th of December 2010 were stated as reasons in the search warrant. Ales Bialiatski, President of Human Rights Centre Viasna, was taken by the KGB but released the same day.

• Appeal to the EU to discuss human rights with Turkmenistan

  2011-01-20 - Central Asia
  

  Together with a group of leading human rights organisations we urged the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso and the European Commissioner for Energy Günther Oettinger to include a discussion on respect for human rights in their meeting with President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow of Turkmenistan.

• Access denied to trial against Roma minor

  2011-01-12 - Serbia
  

  The trial against the Roma minor in the village Jabuka in Serbia has started, We were again denied access to the court. We request that the boy is held in detention with other minors, and not with adults

• OSCE must take urgent measures regarding Belarus

  2011-01-11 - Belarus
  

  We appeal to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Participating States to condemn the human rights violations in Belarus that have followed the presidential elections of December 19, 2010. Read more and sign the appeal.

• Minor in detention for more than six months

  2011-01-04 - Serbia
  

  Together with our partners we urge the Serbian authorities to make sure that the trial against the Roma boy B.J. be concluded as soon as possible, as the legal maximum of detention of minors has already been exceeded. We also insist to be allowed presence at the hearing.

• Belarus, our sister

  2010-12-30 - Belarus
  

  Our Human Rights Lawyer Goran Miletic calls for Serbian authorities to react upon the violations of basic human rights in Belarus, in a blog published in Pescanik on 23 December 2010.

• Continued crackdown on civil society and opposition in Belarus

  2010-12-27 - Belarus
  

  The harassment of human rights organisations, independent media and political opposition continued during the Christmas holidays. Several raids were conducted by KGB of both offices and apartments belonging to civil and political activists.

• Assault on human rights defender in Serbia

  2010-12-23 - Serbia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders is deeply concerned about the recent attacks on Branko Zivkovic, human rights defender and journalist in Serbia. We urge the responsible authorities in Serbia to use all mechanisms available to adequately protect human rights defenders.

• Open letter to Lukashenko

  2010-12-21 - Belarus
  

  Together with a number of organisations, we strongly condemn the crackdown on demonstrators, arrests and beatings of journalists, human rights defenders and opposition candidates, which happened in the aftermath of the Presidential elections on 19 December 2010 in Belarus.

• Protesters beaten and arrested

  2010-12-20 - Belarus
  

  Vladimir Nyaklyaeu, Lukashenko’s biggest challenger, was severely beaten, and taken to hospital with a concussion on Sunday night. Later that night, a group of men stormed into his hospital room, wrapped him in a blanket and abducted him. We follow the developments in Belarus with great concern.

• Belarus: Don’t let us be taken in by the dictator’s Potemkin village

  2010-12-19 - Belarus
  

  On Sunday December 19, a presidential election is held in Belarus, Europe’s last dictatorship. On the surface this election is more democratic than the previous ones. But appearances are deceptive – the improvements achieved are only cosmetic. Read our op-ed article in Svenska Dagbladet on 19 December.

• Demolition of Roma barracks in Belgrade

  2010-12-17 - Serbia
  

  Four Roma families were left without a roof over their heads at temperatures below zero when their barracks were demolished.Together with our partners in the coalition against discrimination we condemn in the strongest terms the authorities´ treatment of these people.

• Media coverage for presidential candidates restricted in Belarus

  2010-12-17 - Belarus
  

  Even though the state-owned media became more accessible to the candidates compared to previous elections; the attention was still focused on one candidate, the incumbent, and other candidates and parties were marginalized according to the latest report of the Belarusian Association of Journalists’ (BAJ) report.

• Serbia guilty of violating the European Convention on Human Rights

  2010-12-17 - Serbia
  

  Between 2001 and 2007 Zivota Milanovic from Jagodina, Seriba, member of Hindu Vaishnava religious community, was attacked five times because of his religious beliefs. Youth Intitative for Human Rights Serbia (YIHR) has in cooperation with Civil Rights Defenders been working actively on the case.

• Petition to the President of Belarus

  2010-12-10 - Belarus
  

  Support our petition to the President of Belarus. We urge the President to fulfil the country’s obligations i regard to the respect of human rights.

• Call for follow-up mission to the North Caucasus

  2010-12-09 - Russia
  

  Together with a group of human rights organisations we urge the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to follow-up on the human rights situation in the North Caucasus.

• Human Rights Day – an important reminder

  2010-12-09 - Kosovo
  

  On the occasion of the Human Rights Day on December 10, and in view of the upcoming Kosovo parliamentary elections on December 12, Youth Initiative for Human Rights and Civil Rights Defenders call upon all political parties in Kosovo to increase their efforts in promoting the respect for human rights.

• Denied access to court

  2010-12-08 - Serbia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and its partners Lawyers Committee for Human Rights and Regional Center for Minorities were yesterday denied access to a court session in Pancevo, when demanding to monitor a case of principal importance. The case involves a Roma juvenile boy who is accused of having killed his Serbian friend.

• Information campaign to increase voting

  2010-12-08 - Kosovo
  

  In the 2009 municipal elections Kosovo Serbs surprised everybody with their high turnout, and won in three municipalities where they were in majority. In the wake of the elections on December 12, we have initiated a cooperation with Kosovo Media Association aimed at trying to repeat this positive trend.

• Efforts to increase voter turnout

  2010-12-07 - Kosovo
  

  On December 12, 2010, parliamentary elections will take place in Kosovo, after a turbulent autumn. We have intensified our efforts to increase the participation of three specific groups that previously had a very low election turnout; the youth, the Serbian community and the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities.

• Police raid of TV station in Macedonia

  2010-11-26 - Macedonia
  

  On 25th of November the TV station A1 in Skopje was raided by the police. We urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, and the political parties to stop abusing their position for their own political promotion.

• Aung San Suu Kyi freed but not free

  2010-11-14 - Southeast Asia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders welcomes the release of the Burmese Nobel Peace laureate and opposition’s leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Saturday. She was released when her house arrest expired, just days after Burma’s first election in over 20 years, a process that lacked a democratic foundation.

• Macedonia guilty of unlawful detention

  2010-11-04 - Macedonia
  

  The right to liberty and security was violated when 72 persons were unlawfully held in detention, says the European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) in a case submitted by our partner, the Macedonian Helsinki Committee in co-operation with Civil Rights Defenders.

• Human Rights Defender from Uzbekistan receives the Per Anger Prize

  2010-11-01 - Central Asia
  

  Jelena Urlajeva (Elena Urlaeva) from Uzbekistan is awarded the Per Anger Price of 2010, for her peaceful and unselfish struggle for Human Rights in Uzbekistan. Risking her life for human rights. The ceremony will take place at Human Rights Forum (MR-dagarna) in Örebro the 15th of November.

• Human Rights Watch joins us in appeal for Roma

  2010-10-29 - Kosovo
  

  Human Rights Watch appeals to European states to stop sending Roma back to Kosovo. In a report they point out that Roma who left for Western Europe but were sent back face serious human rights problems. We recently wrote an Op-Ed with the exact same message.

• A continuation of EU sanctions

  2010-10-28 - Belarus
  

  On Thursday the 21st of October, EU diplomats agreed on a continuation of EU sanctions against Belarusian authorities. The sanctions were introduced in 2006, after violence and election-rigging in relation to the presidential elections, and included a travel ban to the EU for leading Belarusian officials.

• Documentation Center regarding North Caucasus

  2010-10-25 - Russia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders has adopted a resolution on the establishment of the Natalia Estemirova Documentation Center together with a group of nine leading Russian and international human rights organizations.

• Presidential elections in Belarus

  2010-10-20 - Belarus
  

  The 19th of December the presidential elections will take place in Belarus. Together with our Belarusian colleagues we will monitor the situation extra carefully during the remaining two months.

• Turkmen human rights defenders’ life threatened in Austria

  2010-10-18 - Central Asia
  

  The life of Turkmen human rights defender Farid Tukhbatullin is in danger. Farid Tukhbatullin has received threats from the Turkmen authorities at several occasions during the previous years, and his relatives in Turkmenistan have been harassed.

• Police protected Pride participants

  2010-10-10 - Serbia
  

  A Pride parade was held today, for the first time ever in Serbia. Great efforts where required from the police in order to guarantee security for the participants. The Serbian authorities have sent a clear signal that the rights of LGBT persons are taken seriously.

• Kyrgyz human rights defenders need Sweden’s support

  2010-10-10 - Central Asia
  

  In an Op-Ed article in the daily Svenska Dagbladet we urge the Swedish government to take action to protect human rights defenders at risk – both directly and through the agency of international bodies such as the EU and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

• New attempt to organise Pride in Belgrade

  2010-10-07 - Serbia
  

  On Sunday October 10th a new attempt will be made to carry out a Pride parade in Belgrade. Robert Hårdh, Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders, will be in the Serbian capital to participate in the parade.

• We demand increased protection of Human Rights Defenders in Central Asia

  2010-10-05 - Central Asia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders, together with other NGOs, demand that the situation of the human rights defenders in Central Asia becomes a priority issue at the upcoming OSCE Summit in Astana.

• Intimidation of Russian NGOs

  2010-10-05 - Russia
  

  A series of coordinated inspections of around 40 NGOs, unprecedented in its scale and intensity, were carried out in Russia between the 13th and 16th of September.

• Stop deporting Roma to Kosovo

  2010-09-27 - Sweden
  

  Sweden and other EU countries are deporting Roma to Kosovo in full knowledge that these people face abject poverty and systematic discrimination. We are calling for an immediate halt to the deportation and we urge the government to make every effort to get other EU Member States to follow suit.

• 15th anniversary of BAJ

  2010-09-24 - Belarus
  

  In September our colleagues at the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) are celebrating their 15th anniversary. The organisation is open not only for journalist but also for other people who contribute to journalistic activity and free distribution of information.

• 10th anniversary of Human Rights Network

  2010-09-21 - Serbia
  

  Our partner the Network of Committees for Human Rights in Serbia (CHRIS) was founded in 2000 in order to provide free legal aid to citizens whose human rights had been violated.

• Court hearing starts with violations

  2010-09-20 - Russia
  

  The trial against Oleg Orlov, chairperson of our partner organization Memorial in Russia, started with serious violations. Civil Rights Defenders considers this to be another sign that the courts in Russia are politically controlled.

• Queer Culture Festival opened despite Government pressure

  2010-09-17 - Russia
  

  Despite all the obstacles, the International Festival of Queer Culture opened successfully on September 16. In the last minute, the organisers had been forced to find a new location for the opening ceremony and the photo exhibition.

• Pride Parade in Belgrade

  2010-09-09 - Serbia
  

  On October the 10th there will be a new attempt to organize a Pride Parade in Belgrade, Serbia.

• Belarusian journalist found dead

  2010-09-07 - Belarus
  

  On September 3rd Aleh Byabenin was found dead in his country house. The first investigation considers suicide even though Aleh’s family and friends suggest that there was nothing in his behavior or in his life that points towards a suicide.

• NGO:s call for more transparent EU-Belarus dialogue

  2010-09-06 - Belarus
  

  EU could positively influence relations with Belarus and improve the image of the Dialogue Period among Belarusian citizens by providing more feedback on what is going on, and thereby making the dialogue process more transparent, says a group of NGO:s.

• Discrimination finally prohibited in Montenegro

  2010-09-02 - Montenegro
  

  A law on the prohibition on discrimination has adopted in Montenegro, much because of the work of Civil Rights Defenders and our partners Youth Initiative for Human Rights and Center for Democracy and Human Rights.

• The Russian LGBT movement breaks new ground

  2010-08-24 - Russia
  

  In mid September the second international queer culture festival takes place in St Petersburg. The aim is to put focus on the right to be who you are, and to encourage people to think outside the box. Our support to the LGBT movement in Russia is showing results.

• Stockholm Pride – a reminder of equal rights

  2010-07-26 - Sweden
  

  Stockholm Pride was organised July 26 – August 1. The event serves as an important opportunity to remind about the right to life, personal security, and protection against discrimination of all people.

• Russia Responsible for Torture and Disappearance

  2010-07-16 - Russia
  

  The European Court of Human Rights has found Russia responsible for the disappearance and torture of a Chechen man detained at his home by Russian federal troops in year 2000. The victims family was awarded 106,000 EUR in respect of material and moral damages.

• Mapping the Srebrenica Genocide

  2010-07-09 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  On Sunday July 11th it is the 15th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica. Together with our partners we have created an educational material that describes the crime.

• Pressure on human rights defenders in Montenegro

  2010-07-02 - Montenegro
  

  On June 25 two human rights defenders in Montenegro where brought in for interrogation by the Police without legal basis for the action. Civil Rights Defenders believe that the action represents pressure against those who express critical opinions about the fight against corruption and organised crime in Montenegro. Read our letter to the Prime Minister [...]

• Repressive measures remain in Belarus

  2010-06-24 - Belarus
  

  Fundamental civil and political rights remain seriously restricted. The persecution of independent journalists and human rights defenders will most likely intensify on the eve of the Presidential elections, according to our latest report.

• Threats for commemoration of murdered youth

  2010-06-15 - Serbia
  

  Our partner Youth Initiative for Human Rights received a threatening letter, calling them pro-fascist and saying that everyone who took part in a march marking the 15th anniversary of murdered youth in Tuzla, should move to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

• Deficiencies in implementation of transitional laws

  2010-06-15 - Serbia
  

  Serbian authorities are still not doing enough toward ensuring implementation of recently enacted laws and enabling unobstructed operation of independent institutions, according to findings in a report by Youth Initiative for Human Rights and Civil Rights Defenders.

• Author of report attacked in media

  2010-06-01 - Kosovo
  

  The daily Express tries to blot our report on freedom of expression by drawing parallels between the life of the author of the report and the report itself. Together with a number of organisations we demand an end to the attempts to silence free speech in Kosovo.

• Freedom of expression is strongly limited in Kosovo

  2010-05-25 - Kosovo
  

  Together with YIHR in Kosovo we released a report which scrutinizes parts of Kosovo governance structures. Robert Hårdh, Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders, attended the presentation of the report in Pristina.

• Police arrested LGBT demonstrators in Minsk

  2010-05-18 - Belarus
  

  Seven Belarusian LGBT-activists were recently fined for participating in a demonstration for the rights of sexual minorities. It is unacceptable that these people’s basic rights are not respected, says Robert Hårdh, Executive Director of Civil Rights Defenders.

• Chechen president associated with murder and torture

  2010-05-12 - Russia
  

  In the near future a trial will be held in Vienna against two of the Chechen President’s employees, suspected of the murder of refugee Umar Israilov. Civil Rights Defenders and several other human rights organisations call on the Russian authorities to closely follow  the trial.

• Albania condemned for violating the right to a fair trial

  2010-05-10 - Albania
  

  On April 20 the European Court of Human Rights condemned Albania for having violated the right to a fair trial and the prohibition against torture in the case Lika and Laska vs Albania.

• Time to strengthen freedom of press and speech in Kyrgyzstan

  2010-05-04 - Central Asia
  

  On May 4, in a joint statement, a number of human rights and media organisations – among these, Civil Rights Defenders – urge the provisional government in Kyrgyzstan to implement several measures to strengthen freedom of press and speech in Kyrgyzstan.

• Gay Pride a test for Pro-European Coalition in Moldova

  2010-04-30 - Moldova
  

  From April 29th until May 2nd Gay Pride is arranged in Moldova. A demonstration on Sunday May 2nd has been forbidden with reference to protests from religious and other groups. The event will be an important test for the new coalition government Alliance for European Integration.

• Macedonian team winner in this year’s moot court competition

  2010-04-27 - Macedonia
  

  Team Prima Iustiniana from the law faculty at the University of Skopje in Macedonia was the winning team of this year’s moot court competition. Team Radomir Lukic from Novi Sad in Serbia was ranked second in the competition.

• Execution despite negotiation of a moratorium

  2010-04-21 - Belarus
  

  In March, two prisoners were executed in Belarus, despite ongoing negotiations with the Council of Europe on the introduction of a moratorium. According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee Belarus is acting in breach of its international obligations, Viasna says.

• Court rules against lustration law

  2010-04-20 - Albania
  

  On March 23, 2010 the Albanian Constitutional Court decided to abolish the controversial Lustration Law (targeting former officials of the communist regime) as incompatible with the Albanian constitution. The abolition is a success for our partner Albanian Helsinki Committee (AHC).

• Belarus executions condemned

  2010-04-17 - Belarus
  

  Civil Rights Defenders, together with over 50 other human rights organisations, condemn the Belarus execution of Andrei Zhuk and Vasily Yuzepchuk.

• Montenegro pays compensation for torture

  2010-04-16 - Montenegro
  

  The court in Podgorica has sentenced the Montenegrin government to pay 20 000 Euros in damages to Saban and Arif Rizvanović, who were tortured by Yugoslav soldiers in 1993. The case is a great success for our partner HLC.

• Human rights defenders arrested at protest against Srebrenica Declaration

  2010-04-13 - Serbia
  

  Nine people from our partner organisation, Youth Initiative for Human Rights, were arrested by the police while protesting against the content of the Srebrenica Declaration. They were detained for several hours without getting information of what they were suspected of.

• Success for the Gay Straight Alliance

  2010-03-30 - Serbia
  

  2009 was an important year for the LGBT movement in Serbia. For the first time cooperation between LGBT organisations and other human rights organisations was established to integrate LGBT issues in all human rights work, Civil Rights Defenders partner, Gay Straight Alliance, says in its Annual Report.

• Urging Belarus dictator to stop harassment

  2010-03-26 - Belarus
  

  Civil Rights Defenders and three other human rights organisations urge Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenka to stop harassment of those defending human rights in Belarus.

• Human rights defenders arrested for protest against death penalty

  2010-03-23 - Belarus
  

  Four leading human rights defenders in Belarus were arrested on Tuesday afternoon following a demonstration against the death penalty. The protest was a response to the unexpected execution of two men on death row last week.

• Great victory in work for rights of mentally disabled

  2010-03-16 - Russia
  

  The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that Russia must pay a record compensation to a man with mental disabilities who has been illegally detained. This is a great victory for us and our partner Mental Disability Advocacy Center.

• Law on mass media a setback for freedom of speech

  2010-03-13 - Belarus
  

  A year after Belarus imposed a law regulating mass media the legal basis for free media to act in Belarus is decisively weakened. The positive changes in the media field were neither systematic nor definitive.

• Human rights defenders against death penalty

  2010-03-12 - Belarus
  

  In January 2010 the human rights organization Viasna and the Belarusian Helsinki Committee launched the campaign “Human rights defenders against death penalty.” The campaign aims to disseminate objective information and in the long term work for abolition of the death penalty.

• Sexual orientation and gender identity must be included in anti-discrimination law

  2010-03-10 - Macedonia
  

  In a letter to the Prime Minister of Macedonia Civil Rights Defenders call on the Macedonian government to withdraw the current Anti-discrimination bill, which does not include protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Albania adopts all-inclusive anti-discrimination law

  2010-03-02 - Albania
  

  Albanias new all-inclusive anti-discrimination law bans discrimination on the grounds of various characteristics, such as political, religious or philosophical beliefs, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity.

• Video pointing at alleged ill-treatment of prisoners

  2010-03-01 - Montenegro
  

  Our partner Youth Initiative for Human Rights in Montenegro is demanding an independent investigation of alleged ill-treatment of prisoners in the Institution for Enforcement of Criminal Sanctions (ZIKS). Civil Rights Defenders previously sent a letter on this subject to the Prime Minister of Montenegro.

• 2010 will be a year of trials for Moldovan media

  2010-02-22 - Moldova
  

  In the end of 2009 there was a break in the trend as the authorities initiated  a reform process of Moldovan media. 2010 is however predicted to be a year of trials, according to a report that we have published in cooperation with Independent Journalism Centre.

• Russia sentenced to pay considerable damages for disappearance in Chechnya

  2010-02-18 - Russia
  

  The European Court of Human Rights has ruled against Russia to pay EUR 120,000 in damages to the families of two Chechen men, Zurab Iriskhanov and Abu Aliyev, who were arrested in their homes in Samashki and Grozny in 2002 and have not returned since.

• Human rights defenders threatened for helping victim of domestic violence

  2010-02-12 - Albania
  

  The address to a shelter for victims of domestic violence was revealed on TV, endangering the safety of the victims as well as the staff of the shelter. In a letter we urge the Minister of Justice to protect victims of domestic violence as well as human rights defenders  in Albania.

• Allegations of torture in prison must be investigated

  2010-02-10 - Montenegro
  

  Together with our partner we have monitored and reported about torture and degrading treatment,  in Montenegrin prisons among other. Read our letter to the Montenegrin Prime Minister.

• Activists’ Detention Unjustified

  2010-02-09 - Russia
  

  The Russian authorities should investigate the arbitrary detention of three human rights advocates in Chechnya and hold those responsible accountable, Amnesty International, Civil Rights Defenders, Front Line, and Human Rights Watch said today.

• Macedonia gets Law on legal aid

  2010-02-04 - Macedonia
  

  On January 7, 2010, a new law on legal aid came into force in Macedonia. The adopted law represents a major step forward in improving access to justice for vulnerable social groups.

• Work for disabled people’s rights awarded

  2010-02-03 - Albania
  

  Civil Rights Defenders partner Albanian Disability Rights Foundation (ADRF), has received the “Albanian Leadership Award 2009″ for its efforts within civil society. The prize is awarded to highlight positive role models and innovations that strengthen ethical standards in Albanian society.

• Authorities try to stop independent media before elections

  2010-01-22 - Belarus
  

  The Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) expresses concern over the media situation in Belarus before the local elections in April. It will be very difficult for the few independent media that exists in the country to provide objective information after threats to close down media from the Media Ministry.

• Russia ratifies protocol 14

  2010-01-19 - Russia
  

  Russia has ratified protocol 14 of the European Convention, which aims at making the work of the court more effective. This is an important step which, in the long run, will shorten processing times for the hundreds of thousands that have turned to the court asking for justice.

• Journalist Association accused of breaking the law

  2010-01-18 - Belarus
  

  Belarusian Ministry of Justice accuses the independent Association of Journalists, BAJ, of breaking the laws. One can only speculate if this is a consequence of BAJ’s increasingly successful lobbying, says Erik Esbjörnson at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Yet another lost year for Belarus

  2010-01-12 - Belarus
  

  During 2009, the regime has once again imprisoned political prisoners. The authorities continue to deny state registration to political parties and non-governmental organisations and foreign journalists are refused accreditation.

• Bosnian Constitution discriminates

  2010-01-04 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  The European Court for Human Rights has ruled that Bosnia and Herzegovina discriminated against Jews and Roma by forbidding them to stand for key elected posts, including parliament and the presidency.

• Discrimination against Roma children in primary school

  2009-12-28 - Macedonia
  

  In Macedonia, Roma children are placed in special classes and the segregation is widespread in many areas, Macedonian Helsinki Committee says in its latest monthly report on the human rights situation in the country.

• Decent housing for Kolonia settlers

  2009-12-23 - Kosovo
  

  One of the most significant achievements for Civil Rights Defenders in 2009 is our contribution to resolving the housing situation for one of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian communities in the region of Gjakova, Kosovo.

• Investigative newspaper under threat

  2009-12-22 - Moldova
  

  The Moldovan newspaper Ziarul de Garda (ZdG) and its employees have been subjected to several threats after publishing reports on corruption. We, and several media and human rights organisations, call on the Moldovan authorities to investigate the alleged threats.

• Politically peaceful year in Montenegro

  2009-12-21 - Montenegro
  

  Systemic violations do not exist in the area of human rights in Montenegro, according to the report by Youth Initiative for Human Rights in cooperation with Civil Rights Defenders. However, there are problematic aspects related to freedom of expression and discrimination, among other.

• Human Rights Defenders Must Return to Chechnya

  2009-12-18 - Russia
  

  People in Chechnya must not be left without access to justice. In a joint statement with several other human rights organisations we underline our obligation to continue to act against human rights violations in the North Caucasus and to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.

• A Truth Commission Strengthens Rule of Law

  2009-12-14 - Serbia
  

  A truth commission in the Western Balkans would contribute to the democratisation process and to strengthening of the rule of law. This was the expressed opinion of the participants at a recently arranged conference in Brussels by, among others, the Humanitarian Law Centre, our cooperation partner.

• Lifting of Sanctions Towards Belarusian Officials Extended

  2009-12-10 - Belarus
  

  Read more about the human rights situation in Belarus in the report from the human rights organisation Viasna.

• Serbian government must act on journalist attacks

  2009-12-08 - Serbia
  

  Civil Rights Defenders strongly condemns the attacks on authors of the TV show ‘Insider’ and requests immediate action in bringing those responsible to justice.

• Russia Held Responsible for Human Rights Violations

  2009-12-02 - Russia
  

  According to the European Court of Human Rights Russia bears responsibility for six forced disappearances in Chechnya in 2003. All six men were detained illegally and must be presumed dead.

• Law on free legal aid lacks crucial components

  2009-12-01 - Macedonia
  

  A new law on free legal aid is in process in the Macedonian parliament. But the law lacks crucial components that would guarantee access to justice for all groups in the society. Together with our partner we are now working on having some amendments adopted to the law.

• Homophobic statements from Minister for Human Rights

  2009-11-30 - Montenegro
  

  The first conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered person’s rights in Montenegro resulted in the Minister for Human Rights saying in a tv-interview that the existence of homosexuals in Montenegro is “not good news”.

• Death threats against Bosnian journalist

  2009-11-27 - Bosnia Herzegovina
  

  The journalist Bakir Hadziomerovic has received a death threat for his reporting on corruption and organised crime. We urge the authorities to investigate the case and bring those responsible to justice

• Independent Radio Station Accredited in Belarus

  2009-11-18 - Belarus
  

  -We welcome the accreditation of European Radio for Belarus. We hope this will mark a breach in the Belarusian authorities policy of clamping down on independent media and that they will take further steps towards ensuring freedom of expression in Belarus, said Robert Hårdh, executive director at Civil Rights Defenders.

• Moldovan court defends right to information

  2009-11-16 - Moldova
  

  The  Moldovan Supreme Court has decided that the Main Tax Inspectorate has to disclose information to the media organisation Association of Independent Press. It is a positive trend that Moldovan courts to a greater extent defend the right to information.

• Jail for joke about donkeys in Azerbaijan

  2009-11-12 -
  

  The two bloggers Adnan Hajizada and Emin Millis were sentenced to four and a half years in prison, in total, for huliganism at a court in Baku, capital of Azerbaijan.

• Laws Troublesome From a Human Rights Perspective

  2009-11-10 - Sweden
  

  During the last few years a number of new laws have been adopted in Sweden that are troublesome from a Human Rights perspective. Read Civil Rights Defenders’ UPR-submission here.

• Journalist brutally attacked by businessman

  2009-11-10 - Albania
  

  A well known albanian journalist was brutally attacked following a series of reports about tax evasion, unlawful privatisation and oil smuggling. We demand from the authorities to investigate the case and bring those responsible before justice.