Articles by ARTICLE 19
Human Rights Council: NGO statement on the achievements and challenges of the 44th session
The 44th session of the HRC resulted in a number of welcome resolutions, on peaceful protests and freedom of opinion and expression among them, and country-specific discussions. However, several States escaped collective scrutiny this session.
Rights groups renew call for justice 1,000 days after murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
“The authorities should now establish Joint Investigation Teams with foreign police forces so that there can finally be an end to impunity in Malta, and full justice for Caruana Galizia”.
Joint statement in support of the mandate of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media
The Governments of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan and all OSCE participating States are urged to uphold their international commitments and to support the renewal of the mandate of Mr Harlem Désir, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media (RFOM), before it expires on 19 July.
Russian journalist convicted of “justifying terrorism” after speculating about motives behind bomb attack
Svetlana Prokopyeva, a reporter for “Radio Free Europe” and the liberal news radio station “Echo of Moscow”, was charged on 7 February 2019 because of critical comments she made about the Russian authorities in relation to a suicide bombing.
Bangladesh: More government critics, including a teenager, charged under Digital Security Act
A 15-year-old boy, university teachers and students, writers, journalists, and a cartoonist were among those charged under the Digital Security Act (DSA) for social media comments criticizing the Bangladesh government’s COVID-19 response.
One year on, internet shutdown imperils human rights in Myanmar
One year has passed but mobile internet networks are still restricted in nine townships in Myanmar’s Rakhine and Chin States. This unprecedented internet shutdown has adversely affected the lives of residents who are blocked from accessing vital information at a time when the world is facing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Italy should abolish prison sentences for criminal defamation convictions
On 9 June 2020, the Constitutional Court will hold a public hearing into criminal defamation legislation. Press freedom groups are urging the Court to abolish prison sentences as one crucial step towards reforming these laws.
US: Authorities must protect protesters and journalists, and end use of excessive force
ARTICLE 19 is deeply concerned at the disproportionate and inappropriate response by some US authorities to the social unrest ignited by the killing of George Floyd in police custody.