Euro-Med Monitor, Lebanese American University release joint paper on displacement in Yemen
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and the Institute for Migration Studies at the Lebanese American University have released a joint paper on displacement in Yemen as part of a program launched by the university to shed light on the plight of the displaced and refugees around the world.
The program, implemented by the university in cooperation with international organizations, seeks to provide comprehensive and reliable information about 12 refugee and displaced communities around the world to constitute a database for specialists, researchers, and journalists working on covering refugee and displaced issues.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5130
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and the Institute for Migration Studies at the Lebanese American University have released a joint paper on displacement in Yemen as part of a program launched by the university to shed light on the plight of the displaced and refugees around the world.
The program, implemented by the university in cooperation with international organizations, seeks to provide comprehensive and reliable information about 12 refugee and displaced communities around the world to constitute a database for specialists, researchers, and journalists working on covering refugee and displaced issues.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5130
Euro-Med Monitor, UN Women Palestine organize exhibition of paintings of Israeli airstrike survivor in Gaza
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and UN Women Palestine organized an art exhibition on Tuesday, showing paintings made by a survivor of an Israeli airstrike on Gaza during the Israeli military attack on the Strip in May 2021.
Titled "I am 22, I lost 22 people" and held at Euro-Med Monitor's regional office in Gaza, the exhibition showed paintings made by the fine artist and research intern at Euro-Med Monitor, Zainab al-Qolaq, who lost 22 members of her family, including her mother and three of her siblings in an Israeli airstrike on her home.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5133
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and UN Women Palestine organized an art exhibition on Tuesday, showing paintings made by a survivor of an Israeli airstrike on Gaza during the Israeli military attack on the Strip in May 2021.
Titled "I am 22, I lost 22 people" and held at Euro-Med Monitor's regional office in Gaza, the exhibition showed paintings made by the fine artist and research intern at Euro-Med Monitor, Zainab al-Qolaq, who lost 22 members of her family, including her mother and three of her siblings in an Israeli airstrike on her home.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5133
Yemen: Ending the siege of Taiz is an urgent humanitarian priority
The parties to the conflict in Yemen should urgently work to end the siege of the city of Taiz and take all possible steps to reduce the suffering of millions living there, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Thursday in a statement.
The difficult humanitarian conditions in Taiz necessitate prioritizing lifting the siege during the current talks, especially in light of the ongoing truce and the implementation of some of its provisions, such as stopping the military operations and conducting the first commercial flight from Sanaa International Airport in six years.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5139
The parties to the conflict in Yemen should urgently work to end the siege of the city of Taiz and take all possible steps to reduce the suffering of millions living there, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Thursday in a statement.
The difficult humanitarian conditions in Taiz necessitate prioritizing lifting the siege during the current talks, especially in light of the ongoing truce and the implementation of some of its provisions, such as stopping the military operations and conducting the first commercial flight from Sanaa International Airport in six years.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5139
Euro-Med Monitor hosts expert talk on outsourcing refugees to Rwanda
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor hosted a webinar titled Outsourcing refugee protection: UK and Denmark's plan to relocate refugees to Rwanda on Wednesday, examining the recent plans to outsource refugee protection outside European territory.
The objective of the discussion was a reminder that such bilateral agreements are incompatible with refugee and human rights and anti-trafficking laws, and perpetuate unequal and neo-colonialist power structures between countries, where, for instance, development aid is provided only in exchange for migration containment.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5143
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor hosted a webinar titled Outsourcing refugee protection: UK and Denmark's plan to relocate refugees to Rwanda on Wednesday, examining the recent plans to outsource refugee protection outside European territory.
The objective of the discussion was a reminder that such bilateral agreements are incompatible with refugee and human rights and anti-trafficking laws, and perpetuate unequal and neo-colonialist power structures between countries, where, for instance, development aid is provided only in exchange for migration containment.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5143
New drowning in the Mediterranean amid continued suspension of official rescue missions
Dozens of migrants and asylum seekers have died or gone missing after their boat sank off the Tunisian coast a few days ago, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement expressing deep regret.
A rubber boat sailed from the coast of the city of Zuwara in northwestern Libya carrying 100 migrants and asylum seekers before it sank last Monday off the coast of the state of Sfax, southeast of Tunisia. According to the International Organization for Migration, 24 people were rescued, and 76 others are still missing.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5147
Dozens of migrants and asylum seekers have died or gone missing after their boat sank off the Tunisian coast a few days ago, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement expressing deep regret.
A rubber boat sailed from the coast of the city of Zuwara in northwestern Libya carrying 100 migrants and asylum seekers before it sank last Monday off the coast of the state of Sfax, southeast of Tunisia. According to the International Organization for Migration, 24 people were rescued, and 76 others are still missing.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5147
Joint letter to the new President of the UAE: Release prisoners of conscience
On 30 May 2022, 14 human rights organizations called, in a joint letter, on the UAE President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to intervene immediately in favour of all prisoners of conscience in the country, close the case file permanently, and work to improve the human rights situation in the country.
More: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5150
On 30 May 2022, 14 human rights organizations called, in a joint letter, on the UAE President, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to intervene immediately in favour of all prisoners of conscience in the country, close the case file permanently, and work to improve the human rights situation in the country.
More: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5150
Iraqi Kurdistan: Discriminatory policies against prisoners of conscience, their lawyers
The authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan have continued to use arbitrary and discriminatory practices against prisoners of conscience and their lawyers, upon their arrest, during their trials, and during their detention, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Wednesday in a statement expressing deep concern.
The Kurdish authorities seem to ignore all calls to stop violations of individuals’ rights and improve the human rights situation in the region. They maintain their discriminatory and illegal practices, such as brutal arrests, spiteful accusations based on "information from a secret informant", forcing individuals to confess to crimes they did not commit, and delaying their appearance before the courts for long periods.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5154
The authorities of Iraqi Kurdistan have continued to use arbitrary and discriminatory practices against prisoners of conscience and their lawyers, upon their arrest, during their trials, and during their detention, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Wednesday in a statement expressing deep concern.
The Kurdish authorities seem to ignore all calls to stop violations of individuals’ rights and improve the human rights situation in the region. They maintain their discriminatory and illegal practices, such as brutal arrests, spiteful accusations based on "information from a secret informant", forcing individuals to confess to crimes they did not commit, and delaying their appearance before the courts for long periods.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5154
Good news on Euro-Med Monitor's joint efforts towards ceasing human rights violations – May 2022
Since the beginning of the last decade, human rights violations have escalated in the Middle East and North Africa, as people took the streets to protest against the dire political and economic conditions, and armed conflicts ravaged some countries. Governments in the region have used violent tactics to subdue and silence dissenting voices and systematically targeted political activists and journalists.
In May 2022, repressive regimes continued to target peaceful activists and journalists, suppress popular protests, and restrict public freedoms. In eastern Europe, the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and caused the displacement of millions of Ukrainians to neighboring countries. The crisis exposed discrimination and double standards by European politicians, officials, journalists, and celebrities, who called for embracing Ukrainian refugees because they share their ethnicity, color, and religion, unlike asylum seekers and migrants from regions outside Europe.
More: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5155
Since the beginning of the last decade, human rights violations have escalated in the Middle East and North Africa, as people took the streets to protest against the dire political and economic conditions, and armed conflicts ravaged some countries. Governments in the region have used violent tactics to subdue and silence dissenting voices and systematically targeted political activists and journalists.
In May 2022, repressive regimes continued to target peaceful activists and journalists, suppress popular protests, and restrict public freedoms. In eastern Europe, the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians and caused the displacement of millions of Ukrainians to neighboring countries. The crisis exposed discrimination and double standards by European politicians, officials, journalists, and celebrities, who called for embracing Ukrainian refugees because they share their ethnicity, color, and religion, unlike asylum seekers and migrants from regions outside Europe.
More: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5155
Tunisia: President Kais Saied dismisses, leads smear campaign against judges
Tunisian President Kais Saied's dismissal and defamation of judges is irresponsible. Inciteful speech against public and partisan figures and institutions since the announcement of the exceptional measures in July last year should be curbed, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Wednesday in a statement.
Earlier this month, at the meeting of the government he appointed last year, Saied dedicated his speech to attacking judges. He recited the charges—including adultery—under which he decided to dismiss 57 judges. He also alluded to certain judges but did not mention their names.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5165
Tunisian President Kais Saied's dismissal and defamation of judges is irresponsible. Inciteful speech against public and partisan figures and institutions since the announcement of the exceptional measures in July last year should be curbed, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Wednesday in a statement.
Earlier this month, at the meeting of the government he appointed last year, Saied dedicated his speech to attacking judges. He recited the charges—including adultery—under which he decided to dismiss 57 judges. He also alluded to certain judges but did not mention their names.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5165
Kuwait: Five-year prison sentence against activist Salman Al-Khalidi is arbitrary, must be rescinded
A Kuwaiti court has sentenced activist Salman Al-Khalidi to a five years' imprisonment on charges challenging his legitimate right to freedom of opinion and expression, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Thursday in statement expressing deep concern.
The Criminal Department of the High Court passed the sentence against the 23-year-old activist in absentia after he was convicted of insulting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and publishing false news for views he expressed on Twitter.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5169
A Kuwaiti court has sentenced activist Salman Al-Khalidi to a five years' imprisonment on charges challenging his legitimate right to freedom of opinion and expression, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Thursday in statement expressing deep concern.
The Criminal Department of the High Court passed the sentence against the 23-year-old activist in absentia after he was convicted of insulting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and publishing false news for views he expressed on Twitter.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5169
Syria: 11 killed by landmine explosion should draw attention to combating mines urgency
Eleven Syrian civilians have been killed and others injured due to a landmine explosion in their vehicle near the Daraa Governorate, southern Syria, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor expressed on Sunday with deep regret in a statement.
A landmine from the remnants of war exploded Saturday when a pick-up truck carrying more than 35 civilians ran over it. The victims included women and children who were heading to work in agricultural lands near the village of Deir al-Adas, northwest of Daraa. About 25 others were wounded, some with serious injuries.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5172
Eleven Syrian civilians have been killed and others injured due to a landmine explosion in their vehicle near the Daraa Governorate, southern Syria, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor expressed on Sunday with deep regret in a statement.
A landmine from the remnants of war exploded Saturday when a pick-up truck carrying more than 35 civilians ran over it. The victims included women and children who were heading to work in agricultural lands near the village of Deir al-Adas, northwest of Daraa. About 25 others were wounded, some with serious injuries.
Press release: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5172
Euro-Med Monitor’s project We Are Not Numbers launches new cohort of writers
Thirty-five Palestinian young men and women have been accepted into the 14th cohort of Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s project We Are Not Numbers (WANN).
On Thursday, the project held an induction day for the new writers who will join a six-month training program focused on writing, storytelling, public speaking, addressing the Western media, and other important topics, with experts and specialists from around the world.
More: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5176
Thirty-five Palestinian young men and women have been accepted into the 14th cohort of Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor’s project We Are Not Numbers (WANN).
On Thursday, the project held an induction day for the new writers who will join a six-month training program focused on writing, storytelling, public speaking, addressing the Western media, and other important topics, with experts and specialists from around the world.
More: https://euromedmonitor.org/a/5176
Sudan: High Commissioner's report vital to advance accountability efforts, restore civilian rule
Sudan's de facto authority should implement the recommendations of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on rights violations in the country after the military coup, including respecting and protecting human rights, especially the right to life, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Thursday in a statement.
International pressure on Sudan's de facto authority should be intensified to end the military coup of 25 October 2021, which has been followed by a brutal campaign against human rights, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on individuals and entities' civil and political rights.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3Htw4GZ
Sudan's de facto authority should implement the recommendations of the report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on rights violations in the country after the military coup, including respecting and protecting human rights, especially the right to life, freedom of opinion and expression, and freedom of peaceful assembly, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Thursday in a statement.
International pressure on Sudan's de facto authority should be intensified to end the military coup of 25 October 2021, which has been followed by a brutal campaign against human rights, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on individuals and entities' civil and political rights.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3Htw4GZ
EU Commission President must return Ben-Gurion University honorary doctorate
In an urgent letter to the European Parliament on Friday, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor demanded that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen withdraw her acceptance of an honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in Israel.
The Geneva-based human rights organization explained that von der Leyen’s acceptance of the BGU doctorate signals condoning the role Israeli academic institutions play in the ever-entrenched occupation of Palestine, as evidenced by BGU’s deep and multifaceted relations with the Israeli military and its discriminatory practices against pro-Palestinian activists.
More: https://bit.ly/3N7tLul
In an urgent letter to the European Parliament on Friday, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor demanded that EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen withdraw her acceptance of an honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University (BGU) in Israel.
The Geneva-based human rights organization explained that von der Leyen’s acceptance of the BGU doctorate signals condoning the role Israeli academic institutions play in the ever-entrenched occupation of Palestine, as evidenced by BGU’s deep and multifaceted relations with the Israeli military and its discriminatory practices against pro-Palestinian activists.
More: https://bit.ly/3N7tLul
Amid rising death toll, the EU won a ruthless race to the bottom against migrants and asylum seekers
This year was not easy for people on the move from the southern shore of the Mediterranean. The pandemic persisted, the levels of forced displacement increased, the structural problems of the European immigration policy endured with some worrisome new proposals and crises, and the European governments continued to violate people’s right to seek asylum.
The first direct consequence of European immigration policies, mainly the pushbacks and the lack of regular, accessible, and safe routes to enter Europe, has been an increasing death toll at European borders. Asylum seekers and migrants who tried to access the EU last year in search of safety and dignity struggled to merely survive.
More: https://bit.ly/3O5rnpa
This year was not easy for people on the move from the southern shore of the Mediterranean. The pandemic persisted, the levels of forced displacement increased, the structural problems of the European immigration policy endured with some worrisome new proposals and crises, and the European governments continued to violate people’s right to seek asylum.
The first direct consequence of European immigration policies, mainly the pushbacks and the lack of regular, accessible, and safe routes to enter Europe, has been an increasing death toll at European borders. Asylum seekers and migrants who tried to access the EU last year in search of safety and dignity struggled to merely survive.
More: https://bit.ly/3O5rnpa
Syria: Cross-border aid mechanism extension is necessary for the survival of millions
Permanent members of the UN Security Council should extend the cross-border aid to northwestern Syria, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Tuesday in a statement.
The continued flow of life-saving humanitarian aid across the Turkish border to northwestern Syria is of pivotal importance to more than four million Syrians—including one million children—living in those areas, the majority of whom are displaced.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3n5k6Kc
Permanent members of the UN Security Council should extend the cross-border aid to northwestern Syria, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Tuesday in a statement.
The continued flow of life-saving humanitarian aid across the Turkish border to northwestern Syria is of pivotal importance to more than four million Syrians—including one million children—living in those areas, the majority of whom are displaced.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3n5k6Kc
Bahrain: Arbitrary measures imposed on prisoners of conscience in Jaw Prison amid rising tuberculosis infections
The Bahraini authorities should take immediate measures to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in Jaw Prison and provide necessary medical care for those infected with the disease, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said today in a statement.
Euro-Med Monitor obtained information indicating at least two prisoners of conscience were infected with tuberculosis in Jaw Prison—Hassan Abdullah Habib Ali Ahmed and Mortada Muhammad Abd al-Ridha Jaafar Muhammad—creating fears of further spread of infection in light of apparent medical negligence and lack of clear information from officials regarding detainees’ health status.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3OEXJHq
The Bahraini authorities should take immediate measures to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in Jaw Prison and provide necessary medical care for those infected with the disease, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said today in a statement.
Euro-Med Monitor obtained information indicating at least two prisoners of conscience were infected with tuberculosis in Jaw Prison—Hassan Abdullah Habib Ali Ahmed and Mortada Muhammad Abd al-Ridha Jaafar Muhammad—creating fears of further spread of infection in light of apparent medical negligence and lack of clear information from officials regarding detainees’ health status.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3OEXJHq
Morocco: Investigate the killing of dozens of migrants during Melilla crossing
At least 18 migrants and asylum seekers have been killed and dozens of others injured after Moroccan security forces used excessive force against them while trying to cross into the Melilla enclave, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement expressing strong condemnation.
The Moroccan security forces carried out violent pushbacks against hundreds of African migrants and asylum seekers as they tried to cross the border to the Spanish city of Melilla on Friday morning.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3bjDS1S
At least 18 migrants and asylum seekers have been killed and dozens of others injured after Moroccan security forces used excessive force against them while trying to cross into the Melilla enclave, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement expressing strong condemnation.
The Moroccan security forces carried out violent pushbacks against hundreds of African migrants and asylum seekers as they tried to cross the border to the Spanish city of Melilla on Friday morning.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3bjDS1S
UK’s electronic tagging of asylum seekers will further exacerbate their suffering
A new British program that fits some migrants and asylum seekers with GPS tags to track their movements is a completely unnecessary, disproportionate, and biased tool that marks innocent people on the move as criminals, warned Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor in a statement on Tuesday.
Under the yearlong pilot plan that began on Wednesday 15 June, some of the people arriving in the UK via what the government deems “illegal methods” or “unnecessary and dangerous routes”—in small boats or the back of lorries, for instance—will be electronically tagged.
Press release: https://bit.ly/39Vdmvo
A new British program that fits some migrants and asylum seekers with GPS tags to track their movements is a completely unnecessary, disproportionate, and biased tool that marks innocent people on the move as criminals, warned Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor in a statement on Tuesday.
Under the yearlong pilot plan that began on Wednesday 15 June, some of the people arriving in the UK via what the government deems “illegal methods” or “unnecessary and dangerous routes”—in small boats or the back of lorries, for instance—will be electronically tagged.
Press release: https://bit.ly/39Vdmvo
Euro-Med Monitor at HRC: Enabling Iraqi IDPs to run, vote in elections is necessary to end their plight
The continued plight of Iraqi internally displaced persons (IDPs) has demotivated many from effectively participating in the election since they have not sensed any significant changes to their situation after the last two rounds, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and GIWEH said in a joint speech at Human Rights Council's 50th session.
The acute vulnerability, despair, and needs of Iraqi IDPs, who have been stuck in this limbo for over seven years, have made them easy targets for exploitation and manipulation, as candidates use money and false promises of resettlement or compensation to IDPs to garner their votes.
More: bit.ly/3ysVrpv
The continued plight of Iraqi internally displaced persons (IDPs) has demotivated many from effectively participating in the election since they have not sensed any significant changes to their situation after the last two rounds, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and GIWEH said in a joint speech at Human Rights Council's 50th session.
The acute vulnerability, despair, and needs of Iraqi IDPs, who have been stuck in this limbo for over seven years, have made them easy targets for exploitation and manipulation, as candidates use money and false promises of resettlement or compensation to IDPs to garner their votes.
More: bit.ly/3ysVrpv