Analysis
Iraq’s human rights record examined by UN Member States amid crackdown against demonstrations
November 18, 2019
During its Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on November 11, Iraq received nearly 300 recommendations from 111 states on issues including torture, enforced disappearances, and the application of the death penalty. States also used this opportunity to address the restrictions on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly in view of the recent human rights violations that have been committed by security forces since the beginning of anti-government demonstrations on October 1.
Reprisals against individuals cooperating with the UN continue unabated in the MENA region
September 20, 2019
On September 19, 2019, UN Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) Andrew Gilmour presented his annual report on reprisals against individuals who cooperate with the UN before the Human Rights Council. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Human Rights Council resolution 12/2, adopted on October 1, 2009, which invites the UN Secretary-General (UNSG) to publish an annual report on the issue of reprisals against individuals cooperating with UN mechanisms. This mechanism was established 1990 when the former Commission on Human Rights began adopting annually a resolution calling for States to refrain from acts of intimidation and reprisal.
Only available in French
Réforme de l’état d’urgence, l’ONU demande à la Tunisie de revoir sa copie
September 02, 2019
Plusieurs Rapporteurs spéciaux au titre des procédures spéciales de l’ONU ont demandé à la Tunisie de prendre toutes les mesures nécessaires pour corriger les inconsistances du projet de loi n° 91/2018 relative à l'organisation de l'état d'urgence. Article 19 Middle East & North Africa et MENA Rights Group avaient souligné les nombreuses insuffisances du texte dans une communication adressée à la Rapporteuse spéciale des Nations unies sur la promotion et la protection des droits de l'homme dans la lutte contre le terrorisme.
Iraq must halt reintroduction of controversial draft laws harmful to fundamental freedoms
July 15, 2019
Two draft laws currently pending before Iraq’s Council of Representatives risk further restricting fundamental freedoms in the country, MENA Rights Group says in appeal to UN Special Rapporteurs.
Human rights situation in Mauritania examined by UN committee
July 11, 2019
During its review of Mauritania, the UN Human Rights Committee raised issues including impunity for crimes committed in the 1980s and 1990s, the shortcomings of the state’s anti-torture legislation and violations to fundamental rights and freedoms.
Also available in French
French nationals accused of terrorism at risk of execution if not repatriated from Iraq
July 10, 2019
MENA Rights Group, in collaboration with a French criminal lawyer, have requested the intervention of the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions to ensure French nationals at risk of execution in Iraq be repatriated to their home country.
State of emergency draft bill in Tunisia still not in line with international standards
June 20, 2019
Article 19 Middle East & North Africa and MENA Rights Group request intervention of UN Special Rapporteur to ensure draft bill governing state of emergency in Tunisia is in line with international standards.
Qatar’s human rights record examined by UN Member States in Universal Periodic Review
May 28, 2019
During its review on May 15, 2019, Qatar received recommendations from 104 states on issues including counter-terrorism legislation, freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, women’s rights and the rights of migrant workers.
192 internally displaced persons disappeared from infamous Al Razaza Checkpoint in Iraq in a single day
May 10, 2019
Families of 192 individuals disappeared from Al Razaza Checkpoint in Al Anbar in October 2014 continue to call on the Iraqi authorities to reveal their fate and whereabouts.
Trump’s 'Fake News' Tirades Embolden Arab Leaders’ Crackdowns
May 03, 2019
Punitive Measures Hit Journalists, Activists and Ordinary Citizens Too.
Adoption of state of emergency draft bill in Tunisia would undermine fundamental human rights
April 16, 2019
MENA Rights Group has requested the intervention of the UN Special Rapporteur on protecting human rights while countering terrorism to ensure draft bill is in line with international standards.
Latest Cybercrime Law amendments once again risk curbing free speech in Jordan
April 11, 2019
Copy of draft law obtained by Jordanian civil society shows failure to address concerns raised by UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression.