E-CONNECT No.20

We have issued E-CONNECT No.20 on 4 October, 2016

Feature story

UN urge USA to end impunity for State violence against African Americans

USA_Oalkand 2010_(c) Thomas HawkUN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent presented its country visit report to the USA at the 33rd session of the Human Rights Council. The Working Group stated in the report that it “remains extremely concerned about the human rights situation of African Americans”, urging the Government to take measures against racial bias and disparities in the criminal justice system and structural racial discrimination. On 26 September, IMADR delivered the joint statement with the US Human Rights Network. More >>

“More needs to be done”, message to Sri Lanka to heal wounds from enforced disappearances

Sri Lanka_Enforced disappearances_(c) GroundviewsOn 20 September, IMADR held a side event on “Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka”. The event invited two family members of the disappeared and the journalist from Sri Lanka, as well as the members of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances. While acknowledging the recent positive steps taken by the Government, the event stressed the need for the Government to do more to establish and implement credible processes to address the issue of enforced disappearances. More >>

Targeted attack on freedom of expression in Okinawa, Japan

Okinawa_Along the borderline_(c) RyuFilmsIn follow-up to the visit of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, IMADR and All Okinawa Council for Human Rights produced the joint report “Targeted attack on freedom of expression in Okinawa”. The report identified disproportionate restrictions on the freedom of expression in Okinawa such as surveillance and excessive use of force against protesters, violation of the press freedom as well as persistent oppressive comments by government officials against the Okinawan media. More >>

IMADR in the world

Sri Lanka_Tea plantation_(c) ILO-Alan DowSri Lanka met UN anti-racism body after 15 years                                                               In August, Sri Lanka was reviewed by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD), for the first time after the end of the armed conflict. The Committee urged the Government to address root causes of the decades-long conflict. More >>

IMADR and its concerns

Work harder for gender equality, say MEPs_(c) European ParliamentGender integration in human rights bodies IMADR joined the call for action to promote gender parity within the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other treaty bodies including the CERD, international and regional organisations. More >>

IMADR at the UN

CERD91CERD holds the 91st session                             In November, the CERD will examine the periodic reports of Argentina, Italy, Portugal, Togo, Turkmenistan and Uruguay. The Committee will hold a consultation with civil society on 23 November. Contact us for further information.. More >>

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Publication

ICERD and CERD: A Guide for Civil Society Actors More >>