Syria: Horrific missile attack on market in city of al-Bab requires immediate independent investigation
An immediate independent investigation must be launched into the Friday morning missile shelling on the city of al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, northern Syria, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement. The shelling resulted in the death or injury of about 50 civilians.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., at least five missiles targeted several civilian sites in the city of al-Bab, most notably the old Souq al-Hal market, which is usually crowded with shoppers at such a time. The attack killed 15 civilians, including five children, and injured over 35 others.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3dET4b3
An immediate independent investigation must be launched into the Friday morning missile shelling on the city of al-Bab in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, northern Syria, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement. The shelling resulted in the death or injury of about 50 civilians.
At approximately 11:00 a.m., at least five missiles targeted several civilian sites in the city of al-Bab, most notably the old Souq al-Hal market, which is usually crowded with shoppers at such a time. The attack killed 15 civilians, including five children, and injured over 35 others.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3dET4b3
Tunisia: Imprisonment of journalist Saleh Attia another sign of the reduction in freedoms
The Tunisian military court’s decision to imprison journalist Saleh Attia for three months on vague and false charges is unfair, biased, and deeply concerning, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement. People should not be tried for expressing opposing and critical opinions.
The imprisonment of Attia, the owner and editor of the local newspaper “rayaljadid,” is entirely consistent with the Tunisian authorities' crackdown on freedoms, which began in July 2021, when President Kais Saied announced the exceptional measures.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3wk0LK7
The Tunisian military court’s decision to imprison journalist Saleh Attia for three months on vague and false charges is unfair, biased, and deeply concerning, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement. People should not be tried for expressing opposing and critical opinions.
The imprisonment of Attia, the owner and editor of the local newspaper “rayaljadid,” is entirely consistent with the Tunisian authorities' crackdown on freedoms, which began in July 2021, when President Kais Saied announced the exceptional measures.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3wk0LK7
Saudi Arabia: UN intervention required to protect prisoners of conscience from maximum sentence for criticising authorities
In light of the recent escalation of cases of arbitrary detention of individuals exercising their legitimate rights, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention should dispatch a field mission to Saudi Arabia, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Given the recent unfair judicial rulings against several political prisoners in the country, the Saudi authorities seem to be taking a harsher stance toward critics, opinion makers, and human rights defenders.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3AJ5NT3
In light of the recent escalation of cases of arbitrary detention of individuals exercising their legitimate rights, the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention should dispatch a field mission to Saudi Arabia, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Given the recent unfair judicial rulings against several political prisoners in the country, the Saudi authorities seem to be taking a harsher stance toward critics, opinion makers, and human rights defenders.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3AJ5NT3
Denmark’s headscarf ban proposal is discriminatory, inciteful, and dangerous
The proposal by Denmark’s government-formed commission to impose a ban on the wearing of hijabs and headscarves in primary schools is fundamentally counter-productive, dangerous, and inciteful, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement on Friday. This conclusion is wholly premised on flawed and prejudiced views of Muslim monitories in Denmark and would contribute to fueling discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance against an already vulnerable group.
On Thursday, Denmark’s Kommissionen for den Glemte Kvindekamp (Commission for the Forgotten Women's Struggle) – appointed last year by the sitting Social Democratic government – made a total of nine recommendations related to minority ethnic girls in Denmark.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3Tj4Rw4
The proposal by Denmark’s government-formed commission to impose a ban on the wearing of hijabs and headscarves in primary schools is fundamentally counter-productive, dangerous, and inciteful, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said in a statement on Friday. This conclusion is wholly premised on flawed and prejudiced views of Muslim monitories in Denmark and would contribute to fueling discrimination, xenophobia, and intolerance against an already vulnerable group.
On Thursday, Denmark’s Kommissionen for den Glemte Kvindekamp (Commission for the Forgotten Women's Struggle) – appointed last year by the sitting Social Democratic government – made a total of nine recommendations related to minority ethnic girls in Denmark.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3Tj4Rw4
Euro-Med Monitor hosts UN experts for webinar on Israeli evasion of accountability
Israel’s assault was an act of aggression, violating the integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory and the besieged Gaza, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese said in a webinar organised by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.
Euro-Med Monitor hosted Albanese and other experts, including James Heenan, the Head of the UN Human Rights Office in the oPt, Richard Falk, Euro-Med Monitor’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Ramzy Baroud, a Palestinian-American journalist. The speakers discussed Israel’s decades-long evasion of accountability and its ongoing rights violations practised against the Palestinians, especially in light of the recent Breaking Dawn military attack on Gaza and crackdown on the six Palestinian civil society organisations.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3e2T5py
Israel’s assault was an act of aggression, violating the integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory and the besieged Gaza, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese said in a webinar organised by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor.
Euro-Med Monitor hosted Albanese and other experts, including James Heenan, the Head of the UN Human Rights Office in the oPt, Richard Falk, Euro-Med Monitor’s Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Ramzy Baroud, a Palestinian-American journalist. The speakers discussed Israel’s decades-long evasion of accountability and its ongoing rights violations practised against the Palestinians, especially in light of the recent Breaking Dawn military attack on Gaza and crackdown on the six Palestinian civil society organisations.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3e2T5py
Palestinian Territories: Detainee Khalil Awawdeh suffers from acute dyspnea and time is running out to save him
Palestinian administrative detainee Khalil Awawdeh is suffering from an acute case of dyspnea and severe problems in all his vitals due to his continued hunger strike. His time is rapidly running out, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Awawdeh's health condition has become more critical than ever as he has been on hunger strike since 3 March (more than 170 days) in protest of the Israeli authorities’ refusal to release him.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3TuOlZS
Palestinian administrative detainee Khalil Awawdeh is suffering from an acute case of dyspnea and severe problems in all his vitals due to his continued hunger strike. His time is rapidly running out, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Awawdeh's health condition has become more critical than ever as he has been on hunger strike since 3 March (more than 170 days) in protest of the Israeli authorities’ refusal to release him.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3TuOlZS
Good news on Euro-Med Monitor’s joint efforts towards ceasing human rights violations – August 2022
Since the beginning of the last decade, human rights violations have been escalating in the Middle East and North Africa. People have taken to the streets to protest against the dire political and economic conditions, and armed conflicts have ravaged some countries. Governments in the region have used violent tactics to subdue and silence dissenting voices and have systematically targeted political activists and journalists.
In August 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 neighbouring countries. The crisis exposed the discriminatory double standards of European politicians, officials, journalists, and celebrities, who called for embracing Ukrainian refugees because they share their ethnicity, colour, and religion, unlike asylum seekers and migrants from regions outside Europe.
More: https://bit.ly/3q7fbtB
Since the beginning of the last decade, human rights violations have been escalating in the Middle East and North Africa. People have taken to the streets to protest against the dire political and economic conditions, and armed conflicts have ravaged some countries. Governments in the region have used violent tactics to subdue and silence dissenting voices and have systematically targeted political activists and journalists.
In August 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 neighbouring countries. The crisis exposed the discriminatory double standards of European politicians, officials, journalists, and celebrities, who called for embracing Ukrainian refugees because they share their ethnicity, colour, and religion, unlike asylum seekers and migrants from regions outside Europe.
More: https://bit.ly/3q7fbtB
Jordan: Rise in juvenile suicide cases necessitates scrutiny of juvenile justice system
The hostility and isolation experienced by vulnerable children held in juvenile detention centres (JDCs) in Jordan has proven to have a lasting negative impact on both their psychosocial and educational development, said Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. It is therefore crucial to provide Jordanian youths in JDCs with a safe and rehabilitative environment that will help facilitate their reintegration into society and mitigate violent or otherwise aggressive behaviour.
In recent years, Jordan has seen an increase in delinquent behaviours among juveniles. According to the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), the average number of juveniles detained and sentenced was 270 in 2020, a year Jordan witnessed a 31 percent rise in its juvenile suicide rate.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3emcuSC
The hostility and isolation experienced by vulnerable children held in juvenile detention centres (JDCs) in Jordan has proven to have a lasting negative impact on both their psychosocial and educational development, said Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. It is therefore crucial to provide Jordanian youths in JDCs with a safe and rehabilitative environment that will help facilitate their reintegration into society and mitigate violent or otherwise aggressive behaviour.
In recent years, Jordan has seen an increase in delinquent behaviours among juveniles. According to the Jordanian Ministry of Social Development (MoSD), the average number of juveniles detained and sentenced was 270 in 2020, a year Jordan witnessed a 31 percent rise in its juvenile suicide rate.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3emcuSC
Euro-Med’s Comm. Chief at ME Council Webinar: Security pretexts for Gaza blockade are “contradictory and entirely ridiculous”
Euro-Med Monitor’s Chief of Programs and Communications, Muhammed Shehada, recently called Israel’s security pretexts for its Gaza blockade “contradictory and entirely ridiculous” considering that, “It’s now relatively easier for a Gazan to get a permit to work daily inside Israel than to get a permit to study, work, live, or marry in the West Bank”.
The 29 August webinar, entitled “Gaza’s Unending Nightmare”, was organised by the Middle East Council for International Affairs and featured Shehada as well as Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, Dalal Iriqat, Assistant Professor at the Arab American University (AAUP), and ME Council Fellow Omar Rahman.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3AR168J
Euro-Med Monitor’s Chief of Programs and Communications, Muhammed Shehada, recently called Israel’s security pretexts for its Gaza blockade “contradictory and entirely ridiculous” considering that, “It’s now relatively easier for a Gazan to get a permit to work daily inside Israel than to get a permit to study, work, live, or marry in the West Bank”.
The 29 August webinar, entitled “Gaza’s Unending Nightmare”, was organised by the Middle East Council for International Affairs and featured Shehada as well as Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch, Dalal Iriqat, Assistant Professor at the Arab American University (AAUP), and ME Council Fellow Omar Rahman.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3AR168J
Installing special surveillance system at University of Bahrain will turn campus into security barracks
The public University of Bahrain’s announcement of a tender to install a large number of security cameras on campus is concerning and will likely contribute to the restriction of freedoms, said Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor in a statement.
The Tender Board, an independent regulatory body in charge of supervising the practices of government tenders and auctions, announced last Thursday that it had received eight bids for a tender to install security cameras at the University of Bahrain, with the lowest bid amounting to about 631,000 Bahraini dinars (approximately $1.67 million), and the highest bid to about 2.5 million Bahraini dinars (approximately $6.6 million).
Press release: https://bit.ly/3x1yTuW
The public University of Bahrain’s announcement of a tender to install a large number of security cameras on campus is concerning and will likely contribute to the restriction of freedoms, said Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor in a statement.
The Tender Board, an independent regulatory body in charge of supervising the practices of government tenders and auctions, announced last Thursday that it had received eight bids for a tender to install security cameras at the University of Bahrain, with the lowest bid amounting to about 631,000 Bahraini dinars (approximately $1.67 million), and the highest bid to about 2.5 million Bahraini dinars (approximately $6.6 million).
Press release: https://bit.ly/3x1yTuW
Germany: Euro-Med Monitor welcomes court ruling against Deutsche Welle after firing of Arab journalists
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor applauds a German labour court’s decision that the dismissal of Palestinian-Jordanian journalist Farah Maraqa by Deutsche Welle (DW) was legally unjustified.
The court ruled that her contract termination was illegal and ordered Deutsche Welle, an official German media network, to reinstate Maraqa immediately and reimburse her for the period during which she was barred from working.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3eqp7Mk
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor applauds a German labour court’s decision that the dismissal of Palestinian-Jordanian journalist Farah Maraqa by Deutsche Welle (DW) was legally unjustified.
The court ruled that her contract termination was illegal and ordered Deutsche Welle, an official German media network, to reinstate Maraqa immediately and reimburse her for the period during which she was barred from working.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3eqp7Mk
Libya: Smugglers’ abuse of Egyptian migrants, including children, calls for cooperation to combat human trafficking
The discovery of 287 Egyptian migrants, including more than 90 children, held in a warehouse in eastern Libya should underscore the importance of combating smuggling and human trafficking networks, as well as raise social awareness of the dangers of exploitative migration routes and this type of persecution, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
On Sunday evening (4 September), Euro-Med Monitor closely followed the Tobruk Security Directorate raid on the warehouse, which is located at a farm south of the city. Security forces discovered the migrants locked up in a deplorable humanitarian situation and transferred them to Tobruk’s emergency centre in preparation for their deportation to Egypt.
Press releaes: https://bit.ly/3QqmCXy
The discovery of 287 Egyptian migrants, including more than 90 children, held in a warehouse in eastern Libya should underscore the importance of combating smuggling and human trafficking networks, as well as raise social awareness of the dangers of exploitative migration routes and this type of persecution, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
On Sunday evening (4 September), Euro-Med Monitor closely followed the Tobruk Security Directorate raid on the warehouse, which is located at a farm south of the city. Security forces discovered the migrants locked up in a deplorable humanitarian situation and transferred them to Tobruk’s emergency centre in preparation for their deportation to Egypt.
Press releaes: https://bit.ly/3QqmCXy
Jordan: Over 750,000 refugees risk facing a stifling humanitarian crisis due to lack of funding
The international community must act quickly in response to a recent warning issued by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Jordan regarding a significant lack of funding, which will likely have a direct impact on services provided to refugees, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Securing funds for humanitarian operations is critical for the continuation of providing vital services to the approximately 760,000 refugees registered with UNHCR Jordan.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3BsyhB6
The international community must act quickly in response to a recent warning issued by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Jordan regarding a significant lack of funding, which will likely have a direct impact on services provided to refugees, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Securing funds for humanitarian operations is critical for the continuation of providing vital services to the approximately 760,000 refugees registered with UNHCR Jordan.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3BsyhB6
Euro-Med Monitor at HRC: EU Commission must halt expansion of asylum seeker surveillance programme
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Monitor and Youth Parliament for SDG warned against the EU Commission’s planned expansion of its asylum seeker surveillance programme, citing its biased and groundless manner.
The mass surveillance project, named PeDRA (Processing of Personal Data for Risk Analysis), started in 2016 with the collaboration of Frontex and the European police agency Europol. Initially intended to prevent terrorist attacks and human trafficking, the current expansion plan raises serious concerns about the privacy of migrants and asylum seekers.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3dnqwTL
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Monitor and Youth Parliament for SDG warned against the EU Commission’s planned expansion of its asylum seeker surveillance programme, citing its biased and groundless manner.
The mass surveillance project, named PeDRA (Processing of Personal Data for Risk Analysis), started in 2016 with the collaboration of Frontex and the European police agency Europol. Initially intended to prevent terrorist attacks and human trafficking, the current expansion plan raises serious concerns about the privacy of migrants and asylum seekers.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3dnqwTL
Tunisia: Dangerous new presidential decree legitimises invasion of privacy, criminalisation of dissidents
Tunisian President Kais Saied’s issuance of a new decree allowing security services to violate Tunisians’ digital privacy is reprehensible and opens the door wide to restricting media work and criminalising practices related to freedom of opinion, expression, and publication, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Decree No. 54 of 2022 on “fighting crimes related to information and communication systems” represents a serious and unprecedented attack on freedoms in the country. As the decree is based on broad provisions that impose arbitrary and unnecessary obligations and sanctions on communication service providers and users, it directly affects individuals’ fundamental rights.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3BTKTkU
Tunisian President Kais Saied’s issuance of a new decree allowing security services to violate Tunisians’ digital privacy is reprehensible and opens the door wide to restricting media work and criminalising practices related to freedom of opinion, expression, and publication, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Decree No. 54 of 2022 on “fighting crimes related to information and communication systems” represents a serious and unprecedented attack on freedoms in the country. As the decree is based on broad provisions that impose arbitrary and unnecessary obligations and sanctions on communication service providers and users, it directly affects individuals’ fundamental rights.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3BTKTkU
Euro-Med Monitor at HRC: European countries must stop arms export to conflict parties in Yemen
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Monitor and Youth Parliament for SDG said European countries are obligated to stop arms sales to the conflict parties in Yemen under relevant agreements such as The Geneva Conventions, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the EU Common Position, which all prohibit the export of arms that may cause foreseeable violations of international law.
EU Member States of the Human Rights Council must prohibit the export of arms to countries involved in the Yemen conflict, as well as any activities that may prolong the conflict.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3S37ZLt
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Monitor and Youth Parliament for SDG said European countries are obligated to stop arms sales to the conflict parties in Yemen under relevant agreements such as The Geneva Conventions, the Arms Trade Treaty, and the EU Common Position, which all prohibit the export of arms that may cause foreseeable violations of international law.
EU Member States of the Human Rights Council must prohibit the export of arms to countries involved in the Yemen conflict, as well as any activities that may prolong the conflict.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3S37ZLt
Euro-Med Monitor to HRC: Establish international mechanisms to rescue victims of enforced disappearance in Syria and Yemen
The Human Rights Council should adopt and implement the recommendation of the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an independent international mechanism for missing persons in Syria, as well as additional mechanisms to combat this crime in other conflict countries, particularly Yemen.
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Monitor and IRDG said, “Conflict parties in Syria and Yemen continue to practice large-scale enforced disappearances in violation of international humanitarian law, with sheer impunity and evasion of accountability and transparency”.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3Uw11QY
The Human Rights Council should adopt and implement the recommendation of the United Nations Secretary-General to establish an independent international mechanism for missing persons in Syria, as well as additional mechanisms to combat this crime in other conflict countries, particularly Yemen.
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Monitor and IRDG said, “Conflict parties in Syria and Yemen continue to practice large-scale enforced disappearances in violation of international humanitarian law, with sheer impunity and evasion of accountability and transparency”.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3Uw11QY
Independent study should be crucial in changing Meta’s policy of restricting Palestinian content
Meta Platforms, Inc. must address the serious flaws in its system and a biased policy that impeded millions of users’ freedom of publication and expression during the violent events in the Palestinian territories in May 2021, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Euro-Med Monitor reviewed an independent study conducted by the Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) on the policies of the Meta company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The study concluded that, due to biased practices and censorship of Arabic content during the May 2021 events, Meta’s actions negatively impacted Palestinian users’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly, political participation, and non-discrimination, in part by restricting users’ ability to share information as it happens.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3fkaQRC
Meta Platforms, Inc. must address the serious flaws in its system and a biased policy that impeded millions of users’ freedom of publication and expression during the violent events in the Palestinian territories in May 2021, Euro-Med Monitor said in a statement.
Euro-Med Monitor reviewed an independent study conducted by the Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) on the policies of the Meta company, which owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The study concluded that, due to biased practices and censorship of Arabic content during the May 2021 events, Meta’s actions negatively impacted Palestinian users’ rights to freedom of expression, assembly, political participation, and non-discrimination, in part by restricting users’ ability to share information as it happens.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3fkaQRC
At HRC: Euro-Med Monitor highlights plight of unaccompanied minor asylum seekers in Europe
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and Youth Parliament for SDG said that 71% of all child asylum seekers who arrived in European countries in 2021 were unaccompanied, which exacerbated their suffering and made them even more vulnerable to exploitation.
The statement said that asylum seekers, particularly unaccompanied minors, face a multitude of violations across European Member States, especially in Italy, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3BQiniY
In a joint statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 51st session, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor and Youth Parliament for SDG said that 71% of all child asylum seekers who arrived in European countries in 2021 were unaccompanied, which exacerbated their suffering and made them even more vulnerable to exploitation.
The statement said that asylum seekers, particularly unaccompanied minors, face a multitude of violations across European Member States, especially in Italy, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3BQiniY
In meeting with UN IOM, Euro-Med Monitor raises issue of expelled migrants and asylum seekers in MENA
Euro-Med Monitor’s team met Thursday in Geneva with the International Organisation for Migration’s incoming Senior Regional Advisor to the Director General for Middle East and North Africa, Othman Belbeisi, to discuss the situation of migrants in Libya, the Gulf region countries, Lebanon, and Europe.
Several topics were discussed, including IOM’s voluntary return programmes, the pushback by officials of asylum seekers and migrants who reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, the grim conditions at Libyan detention centres, and the inhumane living conditions of migrant workers in the Gulf.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3LVNfTM
Euro-Med Monitor’s team met Thursday in Geneva with the International Organisation for Migration’s incoming Senior Regional Advisor to the Director General for Middle East and North Africa, Othman Belbeisi, to discuss the situation of migrants in Libya, the Gulf region countries, Lebanon, and Europe.
Several topics were discussed, including IOM’s voluntary return programmes, the pushback by officials of asylum seekers and migrants who reach Europe via the Mediterranean Sea, the grim conditions at Libyan detention centres, and the inhumane living conditions of migrant workers in the Gulf.
Press release: https://bit.ly/3LVNfTM