Human Rights Defenders

Malaysia/Saudi Arabia: UPDATE - Human rights defender Mr Hamza Kashgari deported to Saudi Arabia where he risks being sentenced to deathposted on: 2012/02/13

Front Line Defenders expresses grave concern at the information it has received that human rights defender Mr Hamza Kashgari was deported from Malaysia to Saudi Arabia yesterday where he risks being sentenced to death on charges of “ apostasy”.

Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja Letter from Prison February 2012posted on: 2012/02/13

Open Letter written by Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja to Danish Foreign Minister on the eve of his hunger strike in which he demanded his freedom and that of the other detainees.

Zimbabwe: UPDATE – Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of the charges against three human rights defendersposted on: 2012/02/10

On 7 February 2012, three human rights defenders Ms Molly Chimhanda and Messrs Gilbert Mabusa and Fadzai December were successful in their application to have their case referred to the Supreme Court on the basis of the unconstitutionality of the criminal provisions used against them.

Tanzania: Arrest of sixteen human rights defenders following peaceful protest over government failure to resolve health crisisposted on: 2012/02/10

On 9 February 2012, sixteen human rights defenders were arrested in Dar es Salaam. Their arrest followed their participation in a peaceful protest against the Government’s failure to resolve the ongoing health crisis in the country.

Burundi: Arrest of human rights defender Mr Faustin Ndikumanaposted on: 2012/02/09

Human rights defender Mr Faustin Ndikumana was arrested on 7 February 2012 after he made public declarations on the issue of corruption in the judiciary

UgandA: 2009 'Anti-Homosexuality' Bill re-tabled in parliamentposted on: 2012/02/08

On 7 February 2012, the 'Anti-Homosexuality' Bill proposed first in 2009 was re-tabled at a parliamentary session in Kampala. The Bill contains harsh provisions which, if introduced, would severely limit the rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

Colombia: Update - Further death threats against members of CREDHOSposted on: 2012/02/03

Members of Corporación Regional para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos - CREDHOS (Regional Corporation for the Defence of Human Rights) have received further death threats.

The Struggle Continues – Andrew Anderson Analyses the Global Scenario for Human Rights Defenders

After the “Arab Spring” the struggle for human rights continues. As Front Line Defenders publishes its 2012 annual report Andrew Anderson analyses some of the main threats facing human rights defenders around the world.

Front Line Defenders Statement on Violence Against HRDs in the Americas 2012

The start of the new year has seen a dangerous turn for the worse for human rights defenders in the Americas. In the last 2 weeks alone, Front Line Defenders has documented a number of cases of killing, attempted killing, attacks and death threats to human rights defenders throughout the region.

Front Line Defenders is extremely concerned about the apparent increase in violence and intimidation against human rights defenders in the Americas region. As the region continues to deal with the legacy of the past and makes strides towards justice and accountability, it is more important than ever to ensure the safety and security of human rights defenders working on the front lines of securing political, social, cultural, economic and other human rights for the people of the region.

You can read more about these cases on the Americas page at www.frontlinedefenders.org and you can stay updated on news about human rights defenders around the world by signing up for the Front Line Defenders e-bulletin via the website.