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Joint Open Letter to G20: Call for an end to violations in Kashmir and release of human rights defenders

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ATTN: Representative of G20 member countries, guest countries and invited international organizations We, the undersigned organizations, would like to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding human rights violations occurring in Indian-administered Kashmir (IAK) including the unlawful detention and persecution of human rights defenders and journalists.
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UAE: Release all those unjustly imprisoned before COP28

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Arabic Authorities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) should release all those unjustly imprisoned in the country before the start of COP28, which will be held at Expo City Dubai between 30 November and 12 December 2023.
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Bahrain: Human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja begins hunger strike

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The prominent Danish-Bahraini human rights defender and prisoner of conscience Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja, who has been arbitrarily detained in Bahrain since 2011 after leading peaceful protests calling for fundamental freedoms and rights in Bahrain, began a hunger strike on Wednesday 9 August.
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Afghanistan: Assault on civic space persists two years after Taliban takeover

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On 15 August 2021, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan and unleashed a systematic assault on civic space.
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Bangladesh: End Political Prosecution of Rights Leaders

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10 Years of Reprisals Against Odhikar Officials for Documenting Violations The Bangladesh authorities should cease their continued criminalization and harassment of Bangladesh human rights group, Odhikar, 21 human rights groups said today.
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Laos: Ensure the Immediate Release of Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Lu Siwei

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Lao authorities have reportedly arrested and detained well-known Chinese human rights lawyer Lu Siwei since 28 July 2023.
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Bangladesh: Opposition face arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force around protests

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CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) are extremely concerned about reports of arbitrary arrests and excessive force against opposition activists around mass sit-in protests in Bangladesh.
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Cambodia: Civil society condemns human rights violation during election

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The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation condemn the pattern of intimidation and retaliation against media workers, civil society, and political opponents in the run-up to, during, and after  elections in Cambodia.
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Guatemala: Respect the rule of law ahead of the second round of elections

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Ahead of the second round of the presidential elections scheduled for 20 August 2023, the global civil society alliance CIVICUS calls on the Guatemalan authorities to respect the rule of law and democratic values to prevent a political crisis.
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Vietnam: Stop the arbitrary arrest and detention of environmental human rights defenders

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We, the undersigned organisations, express grave concern over the recent arbitrary arrest, detention, and silencing of several environmental human rights defenders (EHRDs) speaking out against harmful business operations supported by the government.
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Guatemala: Respect fundamental rights ahead of Presidential elections

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CIVICUS, a global alliance of civil society, is gravely concerned of increasing attacks and restrictions on democratic and civic freedoms in the wake of Guatemala’s 25th June presidential elections.
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Bahrain: Chronology of the persecution of human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja

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Bahraini human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja is a prominent member of Bahraini civil society and well known human rights activist in the gulf.
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Sri Lanka: Release youth activist Nathasha Edirisooriya and drop charges

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CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, urges the government of Sri Lanka to immediately release youth activist and stand-up comedian Nathasha Edirisooriya and drop the charges against her unconditionally.
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India: UN body demands immediate release of Khurram Parvez

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Indian authorities should immediately release Kashmiri human rights defender Khurram Parvez, a group of United Nations (UN) human rights experts has said.
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Thailand/Laos: investigate the killing of Lao refugee and put an end to transnational repression of human rights defenders

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In response to news on 17 May 2023 of the fatal shooting of Bounsuan Kitiyano, a 56-year-old Lao human rights defender and a refugee recognized the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in a border town in northeastern Thailand, we, the ten undersigned organizations, urge the government of Thailand to independently, effectively and promptly investigate this incident and ensure effective remedy to the victim’s family and loved ones.
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Human rights croups call for the urgent release of Vietnamese climate leader, Dang Dinh Bach

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CIVICUS joins calls for the release of Vietnamese climate leader, Dang Dinh Bach and stand in solidarity with civil society in the frontlines of Vietnam’s just energy transition   We, the undersigned climate justice and human rights advocates worldwide, call for the immediate release of prominent environmental lawyer, Dang Dinh Bach, who is serving a five year prison sentence in Vietnam on trumped-up tax evasion charges after advocating for the country’s movement away from coal.
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Bangladesh: Stop targeting Odhikar and its leadership

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Respect the Fundamental Rights to Freedom of Association and Expression Bangladeshi authorities must end reprisals against Odhikar and its leadership and respect the fundamental rights to freedom of association and expression.
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Cambodia: Disqualification of opposition party reveals government’s zero commitment to free and fair elections

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The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation strongly condemn Cambodia’s National Election Committee (NEC)’s decision to bar the Candlelight Party (CP) - the country’s main opposition party–from contesting in the upcoming general election in July 2023.
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India: End reprisals against the Jammu & Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) & human rights defenders in Kashmir

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Sixteen human rights organisations today called on the Indian authorities to immediately stop the reprisals against human rights defenders and organisations in Jammu and Kashmir, especially Khurram Parvez, Irfan Mehraj, and the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS).
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Bangladesh: End crackdown on journalists and online critics, and protect freedom of expression

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On World Press Freedom Day, CIVICUS joins five other civil society organisations in expressing alarm over the increasing attacks against Bangladeshi journalists and online critics, exercising their right to freedom of expression.
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India: Oxfam targeted again with accusations of foreign funding and influencing

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CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, is extremely concerned about the Indian authorities’ latest investigation against Oxfam India for alleged violations of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).
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Sudan: Protect civilians as armed conflict escalates

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The international community including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the African Union, Arab League  and the United Nations should act in a timely manner to prevent a civil war in Sudan, global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, said  today.

Sudan: As violent clashes continue, Sudan’s international partners must call for accountability and justice

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Since April 15, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sovereign Council and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, alias Hemedti – leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have, in their quest for power, engaged in deadly clashes across Sudan.
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Eswatini: Over 390 orgs call for an investigation into the murder of activist, Thulani Maseko

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Representatives of the undermentioned civil society organisations are still reeling with shock over the brutal killing of Eswatini human rights defender, Thulani Maseko.
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Afghanistan: Free Girls Education Activist Matiullah Wesa

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The abduction and detention of human rights defender and education campaigner, Matiullah Wesa, in Afghanistan is a clear attempt by the Taliban to curtail all opposition to their restrictions on the education of women and girls, global civil society alliance, CIVICUS said today.
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Civil society in a world of crisis: 2023 CIVICUS State of Civil Society Report

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ARABIC Civil society faces a world of challenges in 2023.
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Philippines: Drop all charges against human rights defenders accused of rebellion

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Global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, expresses its concerns over the judicial harassment of seven activists falsely accused of rebellion in Baguio City, the Philippines.
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Malaysia: End escalating harassment of Mentega Terbang Filmmakers

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We, the 74 undersigned organisations and individuals, strongly condemn the harassment and intimidation of the artists and filmmakers behind the movie Mentega Terbang who have faced police questioning, death threats and property vandalisation.
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Mexico: Illegal digital surveillance against journalists and activists

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Joint statement with members of the Open Government Partnership The undersigned members of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Steering Committee express their deep concern over the reports of alleged illegal digital surveillance against Mexican journalists, activists, and other human rights defenders, as highlighted in a letter signed by the core group of civil society organizations that lead the OGP process in Mexico, and validated by Citizen Lab.
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Rwanda: questionable trial after journalist's death

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CIVICUS and 85 other organisations reiterate the call for an independent investigation Rwandan authorities must allow an independent, impartial and effective investigation into the death of the Rwandan journalist John Williams Ntwali, 86 civil society organizations and media associations said today, reiterating a January 31 appeal.
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Egypt: Solidarity statement with poet Galal El Behairy on the 5th anniversary of his arbitrary arrest and his announcement of a hunger strike

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The undersigned organisations express their full solidarity with poet Galal El Behairy on the fifth anniversary of his arbitrary arrest and detention solely on the basis of his peaceful expression, an anniversary on which he has announced a hunger strike.
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Chinese authorities must release “Blank Paper” protesters and allow free expression on COVID-19 pandemic

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Chinese On International Women’s Day, 25 organisations call on the Chinese government to release and drop all charges against editor Cao Zhixin (曹芷馨), writer Li Siqi (李思琪), accountant Li Yuanjing (李元婧), and teacher Zhai Dengrui (翟登蕊).
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Tunisia: CIVICUS calls on President Kais Saied to stop targeting political opponents and migrants

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The ongoing arrests and intimidation of activists and members of the political opposition, journalists and activists is another strategy by President Kais Saied to silence critics and further restrict civic space, global civil society alliance CIVICUS said today.
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Rights groups reiterate their call on Moroccan authorities to end the persecution of Taoufik Bouachrine, and other critical journalists

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Arabic The undersigned rights groups reiterate their call on Moroccan authorities to immediately end the persecution and detention of prominent independent newspaper editor Taoufik Bouachrine, and scores of Moroccan journalists and human rights defenders imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression.
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Honduras: 100+ orgs call for access to justice & measures of non-repitition

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Honduras: One month after the murder of two defenders of the Guapinol and San Pedro Rivers, CIVICUS joins human rights organisations calling for compliance with international obligations to guarantee access to justice and measures of non-repetition
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Cambodia: Media and civil society groups disturbed by revocation of media outlet’s license

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We, the undersigned media and civil society organizations, are deeply disturbed by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s order to revoke the license of Voice of Democracy (VOD), one of the last remaining independent media outlets in Cambodia.
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Nicaragua: CIVICUS welcomes release of political prisoners but calls for lifting of all restrictions to civic space

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Global civil society alliance, CIVICUS welcomes the release of 222 political prisoners who had been detained and convicted under trumped-up charges by Nicaraguan authorities.

Call for an independent investigation into the death of Eswatini’s human rights activist, Thulani Maseko

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Representatives of the undermentioned civil society organisations are shocked to hear about the brutal killing of Eswatini human rights defender Thulani Maseko.

Civil society groups demand Indonesia to implement cohesive policy and approach to not legitimise Myanmar junta in ASEAN

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On the 2nd anniversary of Myanmar's attempted coup, we, the undersigned, call on Indonesia as the Chair of ASEAN to not legitimise the Myanmar junta at any cost.

Resist Myanmar’s digital coup: International community must dismantle military dictatorship — or reap repercussions

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Today marks two years since the Myanmar military initiated a deadly coup, ripping the country out of democratic transition.
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Thailand: End unjust pre-trial detention against youth pro-democracy activists

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Photo credit: FORUM ASIA CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Asia Democracy Network (ADN) are deeply concerned about the condition of youth pro-democracy activists who have been on hunger-strike from prison for more than a week.
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Maldives: Police should scrap plan to use taser guns

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We, the undersigned organisations, call on the government of the Maldives to immediately halt preparations for the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to be issued Taser guns or any other form of conductive energy devices (CEDs).
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Sri Lanka: End Arbitrary Detention of Student Activist

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Wasantha Mudalige Held 150 Days Under Draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act The Sri Lankan government should immediately end the arbitrary detention of Wasantha Mudalige, a student activist who was arrested on August 18, 2022, 7 human rights organizations said today.
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Cambodia: Blocking of music video another blow to freedom of expression

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CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA), and Asia Democracy Network (ADN) are appalled that the Cambodian authorities have ordered for a music video by a rapper that recounts a deadly government crackdown on a workers’ protest nine years ago to be removed from a social media page.
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Afghanistan: International community must urge Taliban to lift ban on women’s access to employment

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CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, is appalled by the decision of the Taliban to ban women from employment in local and international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
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Peru: Avoid violence and create enabling conditions for civic freedoms

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CIVICUS expresses concern about the use of excessive force by security forces against protesters in Peru following the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo.
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#FreeSherifOsman: UAE must not extradite political commentator to Egypt, where he would face torture

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Arabic We, the undersigned organisations, urge the authorities of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) not to deport Sherif Osman to Egypt, where he would be at high risk of being subjected to torture and other human rights violations.
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African Commission must promote and protect human rights for all

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Arabic | Kiswahili | Portuguese  African Commission’s rejection of observer status applications by three human rights organisations threatens its ability to discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights for all.
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Bahrain: Court decision to uphold reprisal charges against Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja another violation of his rights

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A recent decision by Bahrain’s Second Criminal Court to uphold two separate criminal charges against leading human rights defender Abdul-Hadi Al-Khawaja demonstrates the Bahraini authorities have no intention of relenting in their attacks against human rights defenders, global civil society alliance, CIVICUS, said today.
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Laos: After 10 years, civil society worldwide is still asking: “Where is Sombath?”

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**Photo: Prachatai Ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the enforced disappearance of Lao civil society leader Sombath Somphone, we, the undersigned civil society organizations and individuals, renew calls on the Lao government to determine his fate and whereabouts and deliver justice, truth, and reparation to his family.

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