Amnesty International’s Global Round-Up: Latest Human Rights News
Sudan: Amnesty International welcomes UN Commission of Inquiry
Amnesty International welcomes the establishment by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan of a five-member commission to
inquire into the human rights situation in the Darfur region of Sudan.
The commission has strong expertise in human rights and international law. In addition to the President, Antonio
Cassese, the other members are Diego Garcia-Sayán, Mohammed Fayek, Jilani and Thérese Striggner Scott. They will be
supported in their work by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The commission's mandate is set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1564 (2004) which requires it to investigate
reports of violations by all parties of international human rights and humanitarian law; determine whether or not acts
of genocide have occurred; and identify the perpetrators of such violations with a view to ensuring that those
responsible are held accountable.
Amnesty International calls on all relevant parties to provide the necessary assistance for the commission to carry out
its functions.
UK: An inquiry into Finucane - but what kind?
The UK authorities have finally announced that an inquiry into the 1989 killing of Patrick Finucane in Northern Ireland
will be established. However, instead of announcing a public judicial inquiry under the Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence)
Act 1921, the UK authorities have stated that the inquiry will be held on the basis of legislation to be introduced
shortly.
Sudan: Amnesty International welcomes UN Commission of Inquiry
Policies and practices of the Government of Zimbabwe are undermining peoples' access to food, and violate Zimbabwe's
obligations under international human rights law.
Colombia: Violence Against Women -- Scarred Bodies, Hidden Crimes
By sowing terror and exploiting women for military gain, the security forces, army-backed paramilitaries and the
guerrilla have turned the bodies of thousands of women and girls into a battleground.
Serbia: Official silence greets homophobic poster campaign
The Serbian right-wing group, Obraz, launched an anti-gay and lesbian poster campaign across Serbia in July this year as
part of their continuing homophobic activities.
Zimbabwe: Amnesty International welcomes acquittal of Morgan Tsvangirai
Amnesty International today welcomes the acquittal of Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change,
on charges of treason.
China: Move to reduce executions?
The Supreme People's Court will in future review all death sentences passed in China, according to the Court's
vice-president, Huang Songyou, quoted in the official Chinese media.
Zimbabwe: Report launch
Ahead of World Food Day, Amnesty International invites journalists to the launch of its latest report: Zimbabwe: Power
and hunger - violations of the right to food.