Afghan residents prayed and lit candles on Wednesday (December 4) after six people, including the head of a Japanese aid agency, were killed in a gun attack on an NGO vehicle.

Prayers held after gunmen kill head of Japan aid agency, five others in Afghanistan

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">Five weeks of unrest</a> over inequality and shabby social services have left at least 26 dead and more than 13,500 injured, prosecutors said. Riots have hobbled the capital's public transport system, once the envy of Latin America, and caused billions in losses for private business.

The deal, struck between ruling party and opposition lawmakers, acknowledged the government had done too little, too late to stem the crisis. "The country is confronting a crisis of violence and vandalism that threatens our democracy," begins the two-page document.

A fresh round of attacks and rioting earlier this week sent Chile's peso plummeting to a new low against the dollar at the market close on Wednesday. Forecasts for economic growth and unemployment are increasingly grim.

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-may-have-violated-protocols-chiles-president-pinera-263751">Sebastian Pinera </a>urged Congress earlier on Wednesday to push forward with bills he introduced weeks ago to ramp up intelligence gathering and toughen penalties against still-rampant looting and destruction.

"Violence is causing harm that may become irreparable to the body and soul of our society," Pinera said from the La Moneda presidential palace.

Lawmakers agreed in the Wednesday-night deal to push forward with "resolve" the security reforms, urging Pinera to use the "constitutional tools" at his disposal to quell the violence, while protecting human rights.

Similar riots have erupted in countries across Latin America, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-holds-another-national-strike-as-week-of-protests-rolls-on-264843">Colombia</a>, Ecuador and Bolivia in recent months as unrest has spiraled into violence and demands for political, social and economic reforms.

Chile´s Interior Ministry reported that police arrested 915 people Tuesday, while the number of "serious incidents" overnight had nearly doubled from the previous day.

Vandals looted a major hotel in the seaside tourist city of La Serena, turning over tables, ripping paintings off walls and breaking windows. Protesters also targeted upscale areas of Santiago, marching through a shopping mall in the ritzy mountainside suburb of La Dehesa earlier in the week and another in Las Condes on Wednesday.

Officials had shut key commuter metro stations by mid-afternoon Wednesday throughout the capital's business area, known as Sanhattan for its gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores, as protests grew.

Pinera's efforts to quell the violence have so far come up short, despite promises to beef up pensions, the minimum wage and healthcare benefits. The country's normally fractious political parties have agreed to work together on a new constitution, though differences remain.

Protests appear driven by mistrust that politicians will keep their promises to bring significant change, and enduring fury over police handling of demonstrators.

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy.

Chilean lawmakers agreed late on Wednesday to fast-track reforms to beef up security, warning that a resurgence in violence and vandalism was threatening to derail the country's 30-year-old democracy. Five weeks of unrest over inequality and shabby social services have left at least 26 dead and more than 13,500 injured, prosecutors said. Riots have hobbled the capital's public transport system, once the envy of Latin America, and caused billions in losses for private business. The deal, struck between ruling party and opposition lawmakers, acknowledged the government had done too little, too late to stem the crisis. "The country is confronting a crisis of violence and vandalism that threatens our democracy," begins the two-page document. A fresh round of attacks and rioting earlier this week sent Chile's peso plummeting to a new low against the dollar at the market close on Wednesday. Forecasts for economic growth and unemployment are increasingly grim. President Sebastian Pinera urged Congress earlier on Wednesday to push forward with bills he introduced weeks ago to ramp up intelligence gathering and toughen penalties against still-rampant looting and destruction. "Violence is causing harm that may become irreparable to the body and soul of our society," Pinera said from the La Moneda presidential palace. Lawmakers agreed in the Wednesday-night deal to push forward with "resolve" the security reforms, urging Pinera to use the "constitutional tools" at his disposal to quell the violence, while protecting human rights. Similar riots have erupted in countries across Latin America, including Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia in recent months as unrest has spiraled into violence and demands for political, social and economic reforms. Chile´s Interior Ministry reported that police arrested 915 people Tuesday, while the number of "serious incidents" overnight had nearly doubled from the previous day. Vandals looted a major hotel in the seaside tourist city of La Serena, turning over tables, ripping paintings off walls and breaking windows. Protesters also targeted upscale areas of Santiago, marching through a shopping mall in the ritzy mountainside suburb of La Dehesa earlier in the week and another in Las Condes on Wednesday. Officials had shut key commuter metro stations by mid-afternoon Wednesday throughout the capital's business area, known as Sanhattan for its gleaming skyscrapers and designer stores, as protests grew. Pinera's efforts to quell the violence have so far come up short, despite promises to beef up pensions, the minimum wage and healthcare benefits. The country's normally fractious political parties have agreed to work together on a new constitution, though differences remain. Protests appear driven by mistrust that politicians will keep their promises to bring significant change, and enduring fury over police handling of demonstrators.

Chilean lawmakers warn democracy at stake as violence spikes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-awakened-graffiti-across-shattered-city-reflects-protest-intensity-264674">Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations"</a> as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests.

The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago.

"We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco.

The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-chiles-violent-unrest-enters-into-fifth-week-death-toll-rises-to-23-263990">a series of reforms</a> to help prevent police misconduct.

Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chilean-security-forces-intentionally-attacked-protesters-to-punish-them-amnesty-263950/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders."

Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training.

"We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights.

She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force.

Chile's national police committed "serious human rights violations" as weeks of violent demonstrations across the South American country claimed 25 lives, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday in a report calling for reform of the force. HRW said the police, known as Carabineros, "committed serious human rights violations, including excessive use of force in the streets and abuses in detention," during the protests. The New York-based rights group had received hundreds of disturbing reports of abuse, including cases of beatings and sexual assault, Jose Miguel Vivanco, HRW's director for the Americas, told a press conference in Santiago. "We believe that the abuses are not isolated cases, they are not coincidences," said Vivanco. The rights groups said in a statement it met with President Sebastian Pinera in Santiago on Tuesday, recommending a series of reforms to help prevent police misconduct. Watch: Chilean security forces 'intentionally' attacked protesters to 'punish' them The reforms were needed "in the wake of compelling evidence of excessive use of force and abuses against demonstrators and bystanders." Among its recommendations is a thorough reform of the Chilean police, including reviewing detention protocols for identity checks, setting up internal control mechanisms and strengthening police training. "We recognise the value of the Human Rights Watch report and the recommendations that have been made to us," said Lorena Recabarren, the Chilean minister with responsibility for human rights. She said the findings "concern us and, of course, are ones we receive with pain."

'Serious' human rights violations occurred during Chile protests: Human Rights Watch

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gay-saudi-journalists-detained-in-australia-after-asylum-bid-263362">The detention of liberals</a>,&nbsp;in the midst of a much-hyped liberalisation drive,&nbsp;underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power.

In a sweeping crackdown that began on November 16, authorities raided the homes of nine journalists, bloggers and activists across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Hail,&nbsp;and seized their laptops and mobiles, rights group ALQST said.

"Saudi authorities have carried out a new wave of arrests of journalists and activists, women and men, over the past few days, in a continuation of their previous crackdowns on civil society," ALQST said in a statement.

"At the same time, the authorities have stepped up their harassment of existing prisoners of conscience by means of continued torture, sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse."

Prisoners of Conscience, a Saudi group that tracks political prisoners, put the number of people detained at 10.

The charges against them were unclear and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities.&nbsp;

Prisoners of Conscience said writer Suleiman al-Nasser was among those detained on "the grounds of his intellectual opinions", as was blogger Fuad al-Farhan for his "intellectual activities".

Many of those held had given up writing or maintained a low public profile amid Prince Mohammed's widening crackdown on dissent that has seen dozens of activists, businessmen and clerics arrested since 2017.

Saudi Arabia, which has taken over the G-20 presidency as it prepares to host the gathering next year, has faced intense global criticism since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

The killing sparked unprecedented scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record, including its crackdown on women activists, many of whom have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi prosecutors deny the accusations.

Riyadh has faced pressure from Western governments to release the women, most of whom were detained in summer last year in a wide-ranging crackdown just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists.

In April this year, Saudi Arabia mounted a fresh crackdown that sent shock waves through the kingdom.

Authorities arrested at least nine writers and academics, including two US citizens, in what appeared to be a targeted crackdown on supporters of the detained women activists, campaigners said.

Such arbitrary crackdowns are amplifying public fears as aggressive hyper-nationalism takes root that promotes veneration of the kingdom's rulers.

Prince Mohammed has eased social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, allowing mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas as he seeks to open up the country to foreign tourists while curtailing the freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years.

Saudi Arabia has detained at least nine academics, writers and activists, campaigners said Monday, the latest in a series of crackdowns on intellectuals over the past two years. The detention of liberals, in the midst of a much-hyped liberalisation drive, underscores what observers call increasing repression and authoritarianism under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's de facto rule as he consolidates his grip on power. In a sweeping crackdown that began on November 16, authorities raided the homes of nine journalists, bloggers and activists across multiple cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Hail, and seized their laptops and mobiles, rights group ALQST said. "Saudi authorities have carried out a new wave of arrests of journalists and activists, women and men, over the past few days, in a continuation of their previous crackdowns on civil society," ALQST said in a statement. "At the same time, the authorities have stepped up their harassment of existing prisoners of conscience by means of continued torture, sexual harassment and other kinds of abuse." Prisoners of Conscience, a Saudi group that tracks political prisoners, put the number of people detained at 10. The charges against them were unclear and there was no immediate comment from Saudi authorities. Prisoners of Conscience said writer Suleiman al-Nasser was among those detained on "the grounds of his intellectual opinions", as was blogger Fuad al-Farhan for his "intellectual activities". Many of those held had given up writing or maintained a low public profile amid Prince Mohammed's widening crackdown on dissent that has seen dozens of activists, businessmen and clerics arrested since 2017. Saudi Arabia, which has taken over the G-20 presidency as it prepares to host the gathering next year, has faced intense global criticism since the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The killing sparked unprecedented scrutiny of the kingdom's human rights record, including its crackdown on women activists, many of whom have accused interrogators of sexual harassment and torture. Saudi prosecutors deny the accusations. Riyadh has faced pressure from Western governments to release the women, most of whom were detained in summer last year in a wide-ranging crackdown just before the historic lifting of a decades-long ban on female motorists. In April this year, Saudi Arabia mounted a fresh crackdown that sent shock waves through the kingdom. Authorities arrested at least nine writers and academics, including two US citizens, in what appeared to be a targeted crackdown on supporters of the detained women activists, campaigners said. Such arbitrary crackdowns are amplifying public fears as aggressive hyper-nationalism takes root that promotes veneration of the kingdom's rulers. Prince Mohammed has eased social restrictions in the conservative kingdom, allowing mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas as he seeks to open up the country to foreign tourists while curtailing the freedom of expression.

Saudi Arabia: 9 academics, writers detained in new crackdown

A total of 657 children have been killed in Syria since the beginning of the year, UNICEF said on Thursday (November 21), making 2019 another bleak year for Syrian children after more 8 years of conflict.

Nearly 700 children killed in Syria since beginning of 2019 - UNICEF

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday that police may have broken protocols in responding to a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-facing-charges-of-violating-childrens-rights-during-chile-protests-263502">month of protests</a>, and prosecutors will investigate whether they violated human rights.

His comments came after Amnesty International released a report denouncing a "deliberate policy" of wounding protesters during the unrest that broke out last month and has so far resulted in 22 deaths.

"If those protocols were not met, and I think it is possible that in some cases they were not met, that will be investigated by the prosecutor's office and will be sanctioned by the courts of justice," Pinera said in a meeting with foreign media.

Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite, among other issues.

The National Institute of Human Rights has reported about 2,000 injuries, while health organisations claim that more than 280 people have suffered eye damage from shotgun pellets.

No police officers have been killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-police-suspend-use-of-birdshot-against-protesters-after-outcry-over-eye-injuries-263242">the demonstrations</a> but the human rights institute said some 1,600 officers have been wounded.

The prosecutor's office reported that from October 31, around 1,089 criminal investigations have been opened into allegations of police violence, 24 for alleged instances of torture and nine for cases of alleged sexual abuse or rape.

Pinera has previously condemned what he said were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-pinera-condemns-police-violence-as-unrest-stretches-for-over-four-weeks-262781">abuses committed by police</a>, and promised,&nbsp;"there will be no impunity" for both protesters and security forces.

Watch: After several weeks of protests, Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-several-weeks-of-massive-protest-chilean-lawmakers-agree-on-referendum-262587/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Chile's police had on Tuesday announced they would suspend the use of birdshot against protesters, following an outcry over the more than 200 demonstrators who have suffered eye injuries.

The Amnesty report released Thursday said Chilean security forces are "carrying out widespread attacks using unnecessary and excessive force with the intention of injuring and punishing protesters."

"The intention of the Chilean security forces is clear: to injure demonstrators in order to discourage protest, even to the extent of using torture and sexual violence against protesters," Amnesty's Americas director Erika Guevara-Rosas said in a statement.

The report also found 23 instances of human rights violations, which it said were "not isolated or sporadic incidents, but reveal a consistent pattern of violations throughout the country, indicating the modus operandi of the security forces."

The Chilean government "categorically rejects" the Amnesty report, Chile's human rights under-secretary Lorena Recabarren said in a press conference, while the Chilean police said that it had no "intention to harm" protesters.

Demonstrations continued in the capital Santiago on Thursday as well as in the port city of Valparaiso and in Concepcion, southern Chile's largest city.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday that police may have broken protocols in responding to a month of protests, and prosecutors will investigate whether they violated human rights.

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera said on Thursday that police may have broken protocols in responding to a month of protests, and prosecutors will investigate whether they violated human rights. His comments came after Amnesty International released a report denouncing a "deliberate policy" of wounding protesters during the unrest that broke out last month and has so far resulted in 22 deaths. "If those protocols were not met, and I think it is possible that in some cases they were not met, that will be investigated by the prosecutor's office and will be sanctioned by the courts of justice," Pinera said in a meeting with foreign media. Furious Chileans have been protesting social and economic inequality, and against an entrenched political elite, among other issues. The National Institute of Human Rights has reported about 2,000 injuries, while health organisations claim that more than 280 people have suffered eye damage from shotgun pellets. No police officers have been killed in the demonstrations but the human rights institute said some 1,600 officers have been wounded. The prosecutor's office reported that from October 31, around 1,089 criminal investigations have been opened into allegations of police violence, 24 for alleged instances of torture and nine for cases of alleged sexual abuse or rape. Pinera has previously condemned what he said were abuses committed by police, and promised, "there will be no impunity" for both protesters and security forces. Watch: After several weeks of protests, Chilean lawmakers agree on referendum Chile's police had on Tuesday announced they would suspend the use of birdshot against protesters, following an outcry over the more than 200 demonstrators who have suffered eye injuries. The Amnesty report released Thursday said Chilean security forces are "carrying out widespread attacks using unnecessary and excessive force with the intention of injuring and punishing protesters." "The intention of the Chilean security forces is clear: to injure demonstrators in order to discourage protest, even to the extent of using torture and sexual violence against protesters," Amnesty's Americas director Erika Guevara-Rosas said in a statement. The report also found 23 instances of human rights violations, which it said were "not isolated or sporadic incidents, but reveal a consistent pattern of violations throughout the country, indicating the modus operandi of the security forces." The Chilean government "categorically rejects" the Amnesty report, Chile's human rights under-secretary Lorena Recabarren said in a press conference, while the Chilean police said that it had no "intention to harm" protesters. Demonstrations continued in the capital Santiago on Thursday as well as in the port city of Valparaiso and in Concepcion, southern Chile's largest city.

Police may have violated protocols: Chile President Pinera

The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/desperate-hong-kong-protesters-explore-sewers-in-campus-escape-bid-263209">Hong Kong</a> and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory.

The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that has been used by security forces to suppress the protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months.

China had expressed its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-decries-hong-kong-protesters-violence-calls-263164">"strong indignation" last month</a> when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure.

The Senate's Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favourable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong.

It also mandates sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials who commit human rights abuses including "extrajudicial rendition."

This summer's protests in which millions marched were sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions from Hong Kong to the authoritarian mainland.

Watch: Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-unprecedented-violence-in-hong-kong-263019/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Senate "sent a clear message to Hong Kongers fighting for their long-cherished freedoms: We hear you, we continue to stand with you and we will not stand idly by as Beijing undermines your autonomy," Republican Senator Marco Rubio said.

Passage of the bill marks "an important step in holding accountable those Chinese and Hong Kong government officials responsible for Hong Kong's eroding autonomy and human rights violations."

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee's top Democrat, Robert Menendez, added that the legislation "makes it clear that the US will stand firmly and unambiguously with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Hong Kong."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-protesters-defy-lams-surrender-warning-as-authorities-struggle-to-free-university-campus-263094">The protests and the resulting crackdowns</a> have turned parts of Hong Kong into violent battlegrounds for weeks. On Tuesday protesters occupying a university defied warnings to surrender, as skirmishes between police and demonstrators continued.

The Senate bill updates the original Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992.

Senator Ben Cardin noted how Hong Kong has enjoyed a special economic status for years, one that relied on authorities "protecting democracy and human rights" in the territory.

"That was the commitment. And if they don't comply with that, the special status should no longer be available," Cardin said.

The House and Senate will now harmonize the texts into a single bill to pass Congress and go to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in Hong Kong and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory.

The US Senate unanimously adopted legislation Tuesday supporting "human rights and democracy" in Hong Kong and threatening to revoke its special economic status, signalling anger with Beijing about a crackdown on protests in the Chinese territory. The lawmakers also approved a measure that would ban the sale of tear gas, rubber bullets and other equipment that has been used by security forces to suppress the protests that have rocked Hong Kong for months. China had expressed its "strong indignation" last month when the US House of Representatives passed a similar measure. The Senate's Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would require the US president to annually review the favourable trade status that Washington grants to Hong Kong. It also mandates sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials who commit human rights abuses including "extrajudicial rendition." This summer's protests in which millions marched were sparked by a now-abandoned attempt to allow extraditions from Hong Kong to the authoritarian mainland. Watch: Unprecedented violence in Hong Kong The Senate "sent a clear message to Hong Kongers fighting for their long-cherished freedoms: We hear you, we continue to stand with you and we will not stand idly by as Beijing undermines your autonomy," Republican Senator Marco Rubio said. Passage of the bill marks "an important step in holding accountable those Chinese and Hong Kong government officials responsible for Hong Kong's eroding autonomy and human rights violations." The Senate Foreign Relations Committee's top Democrat, Robert Menendez, added that the legislation "makes it clear that the US will stand firmly and unambiguously with the legitimate aspirations of the people of Hong Kong." The protests and the resulting crackdowns have turned parts of Hong Kong into violent battlegrounds for weeks. On Tuesday protesters occupying a university defied warnings to surrender, as skirmishes between police and demonstrators continued. The Senate bill updates the original Hong Kong Policy Act of 1992. Senator Ben Cardin noted how Hong Kong has enjoyed a special economic status for years, one that relied on authorities "protecting democracy and human rights" in the territory. "That was the commitment. And if they don't comply with that, the special status should no longer be available," Cardin said. The House and Senate will now harmonize the texts into a single bill to pass Congress and go to President Donald Trump's desk for his signature.

United States Senate passes bill supporting human rights and democracy in Hong Kong

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht.

"We have seen ISIS level of horror and brutality in Kashmir, 30 years before the West was even introduced to the brutalities of radical Islamic terror. I am glad these hearings are happening here today because when my family and everyone like me lost our homes our livelihood and our way of life the world remained silent," Vashisht told a Congressional hearing on Human Rights organised by Tom Lantos HR Commission in Washington on Thursday (local time).

"Where were the advocates of human rights when my rights were taken away?" Vashisht asked the panelists who were present at the hearing."Where were they on the night of January 19, 1990, when there were voices blaring from all mosques in Kashmir that they wanted Kashmir with Hindu women but without Hindu men?"

"Where was the saviour of humanity when my feeble old grandfather stood with kitchen knives and an old rusted axe ready to kill my mother and I in order to save us from the much worse fate that awaited us?" she questioned further.

She then said, "My people were given three choices by the terrorists: flee, convert or die on the same fateful night.

"Around 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled right after the night of horror. They survived. Those who didn`t were killed. Today, 30 years later, I am still not welcome in my home in Kashmir. I am not allowed to follow my faith there. My house in Kashmir is illegally occupied as most others in my communities. And those which were not occupied have been burnt down or ransacked," she told the hearing.

Meanwhile, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Representative from Texas, in response to Vashisht asked for a pathway to ensure human rights in the region."We should try to find a pathway to at least do the basics to ensure human rights in the region. Why not allow the members of the US Congress to visit both parts of the Jammu and Kashmir-- in India as well as Pakistan," Lee said.&nbsp;

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht.

Kashmir has witnessed a similar level of horror and brutality as inflicted by the Islamic State in Syria, prior to the time when the West and other international communities were apprised about the worst human rights situation in the Valley, claimed Kashmir columnist Sunanda Vashisht. "We have seen ISIS level of horror and brutality in Kashmir, 30 years before the West was even introduced to the brutalities of radical Islamic terror. I am glad these hearings are happening here today because when my family and everyone like me lost our homes our livelihood and our way of life the world remained silent," Vashisht told a Congressional hearing on Human Rights organised by Tom Lantos HR Commission in Washington on Thursday (local time). "Where were the advocates of human rights when my rights were taken away?" Vashisht asked the panelists who were present at the hearing."Where were they on the night of January 19, 1990, when there were voices blaring from all mosques in Kashmir that they wanted Kashmir with Hindu women but without Hindu men?" "Where was the saviour of humanity when my feeble old grandfather stood with kitchen knives and an old rusted axe ready to kill my mother and I in order to save us from the much worse fate that awaited us?" she questioned further. She then said, "My people were given three choices by the terrorists: flee, convert or die on the same fateful night. "Around 400,000 Kashmiri Hindus fled right after the night of horror. They survived. Those who didn`t were killed. Today, 30 years later, I am still not welcome in my home in Kashmir. I am not allowed to follow my faith there. My house in Kashmir is illegally occupied as most others in my communities. And those which were not occupied have been burnt down or ransacked," she told the hearing. Meanwhile, Sheila Jackson Lee, a Representative from Texas, in response to Vashisht asked for a pathway to ensure human rights in the region."We should try to find a pathway to at least do the basics to ensure human rights in the region. Why not allow the members of the US Congress to visit both parts of the Jammu and Kashmir-- in India as well as Pakistan," Lee said.

Kashmir witnessed ISIS-level horror before the West was apprised on it: Columnist Sunanda Vashisht

Once a staunch defender of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;activists in court, Liu Zhengqing has sunk into a depression since being barred by Chinese authorities in January.

"I have been unemployed at home," the 55-year-old told AFP, adding that it is especially hard to find work given his age.

"I am totally dependent on savings."

Liu is one of at least a dozen Chinese&nbsp;rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;to have their licenses cancelled or revoked since 2018 in what activists say is an effective way for authorities to silence them without attracting as much attention as an arrest.

"The ongoing disbarment continues to serve as an effective tactic by the Chinese government to further diminish the space for&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;advocacy," said Yaqiu Wang, a researcher at&nbsp;Human Rights&nbsp;Watch.

"Disbarment is to deprive the livelihood of&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;and their families," she told AFP.

In&nbsp;China, authorities can revoke a lawyer's license to punish behaviour such as bribing judges, but also ambiguous offences such as "seriously disrupting court order".

A license can also be cancelled if they do not practise in a six month period -- which is not uncommon for&nbsp;rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;who have been detained or arrested.

The growing number of disbarred&nbsp;rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;follows one of the largest clampdowns on&nbsp;China's legal profession in the country's recent history.

Police sweep launched on July 9, 2015, saw more than 200 Chinese&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;and activists detained or questioned in a huge operation -- later dubbed the "709 crack down", that&nbsp;rights&nbsp;groups called "unprecedented."

But Chinese authorities have changed their approach since then, noted Xie Yang, a&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;lawyer who says he was tortured in police custody during his detention in that crackdown.

Instead of detaining&nbsp;lawyers, "they will just revoke your license", he told AFP.

It's an effective method, he added.&nbsp;"A lot of people do not dare speak up."

Widespread disbarment over the past two years has been "an even better deterrent than arresting&nbsp;lawyers", agreed Sui Muqing, another Chinese lawyer who was detained during the "709 crack down".

While most&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;do not see themselves at risk of arrest, he said, disbarment is something that every lawyer could face.

Though the role of Chinese&nbsp;rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;is sometimes limited in&nbsp;China, they serve important functions beyond legal defence.

Friends and family are not generally allowed to visit detained individuals before sentencing, but&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;mostly are, making them a crucial link between those arrested and the outside world.

Lawyers&nbsp;can also raise awareness of the case or share information with reporters.

Human rights&nbsp;attorneys sometimes have large followings on Chinese social media, which they use to connect with ordinary people to raise awareness of&nbsp;rights&nbsp;abuses in&nbsp;China, said Wang, of&nbsp;Human Rights&nbsp;Watch.

By removing&nbsp;human rights&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;the government can appoint their own&nbsp;lawyers, who may be under pressure to &nbsp;"defend the interests of the government,&nbsp;not their clients," she explained.

The silencing effect of disbarment can be seen in the case of Huang Qi,&nbsp;China's first "cyber-dissident", who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in July.

Huang, who ran a website that reported on sensitive topics including local corruption, lost two of his&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;before he went to trial: Liu and Sui.

By the time he was sentenced, there was so little access to Huang that even his mother -- who said she was prevented from leaving her house the day of his trial, was not informed of the court's decision.

Overall, the aftermath of the 2015 police sweep has ushered in a period of more repressive policies towards&nbsp;lawyers, several&nbsp;rights&nbsp;attorneys in&nbsp;China&nbsp;told AFP.

While some have had their licenses revoked or cancelled, others remain in detention.

Wang Quanzhang, who was charged with "subversion of state power" in 2016, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in January.

And like other activists and dissidents in&nbsp;China, some&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;remain under surveillance or face ongoing restrictions even after they are released from detention.

Jiang Tianyong, who took on high-profile cases including those of Tibetan protesters, is "still under house arrest" after he served his jail sentence in March, wrote Jiang's wife, who regularly posts about her husband on Twitter.

"You can tell that they are becoming increasingly strict in their control," said one Chinese&nbsp;rights&nbsp;lawyer, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

In the aftermath of the "709 crack&nbsp;down", Chinese authorities can repress&nbsp;lawyers&nbsp;for making critical comments online, even those on topics such as industrial accidents, not just&nbsp;human rights, he said.

"In reality, you make such comments because you hope the country will become better," he told AFP.&nbsp;

But now, "you cannot speak at all".

Once a staunch defender of rights activists in court, Liu Zhengqing has sunk into a depression since being barred by Chinese authorities in January. "I have been unemployed at home," the 55-year-old told AFP, adding that it is especially hard to find work given his age.

Once a staunch defender of rights activists in court, Liu Zhengqing has sunk into a depression since being barred by Chinese authorities in January. "I have been unemployed at home," the 55-year-old told AFP, adding that it is especially hard to find work given his age. "I am totally dependent on savings." Liu is one of at least a dozen Chinese rights lawyers to have their licenses cancelled or revoked since 2018 in what activists say is an effective way for authorities to silence them without attracting as much attention as an arrest. "The ongoing disbarment continues to serve as an effective tactic by the Chinese government to further diminish the space for human rights advocacy," said Yaqiu Wang, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Disbarment is to deprive the livelihood of human rights lawyers and their families," she told AFP. In China, authorities can revoke a lawyer's license to punish behaviour such as bribing judges, but also ambiguous offences such as "seriously disrupting court order". A license can also be cancelled if they do not practise in a six month period -- which is not uncommon for rights lawyers who have been detained or arrested. The growing number of disbarred rights lawyers follows one of the largest clampdowns on China's legal profession in the country's recent history. Police sweep launched on July 9, 2015, saw more than 200 Chinese human rights lawyers and activists detained or questioned in a huge operation -- later dubbed the "709 crack down", that rights groups called "unprecedented." But Chinese authorities have changed their approach since then, noted Xie Yang, a human rights lawyer who says he was tortured in police custody during his detention in that crackdown. Instead of detaining lawyers, "they will just revoke your license", he told AFP. It's an effective method, he added. "A lot of people do not dare speak up." Widespread disbarment over the past two years has been "an even better deterrent than arresting lawyers", agreed Sui Muqing, another Chinese lawyer who was detained during the "709 crack down". While most lawyers do not see themselves at risk of arrest, he said, disbarment is something that every lawyer could face. Though the role of Chinese rights lawyers is sometimes limited in China, they serve important functions beyond legal defence. Friends and family are not generally allowed to visit detained individuals before sentencing, but lawyers mostly are, making them a crucial link between those arrested and the outside world. Lawyers can also raise awareness of the case or share information with reporters. Human rights attorneys sometimes have large followings on Chinese social media, which they use to connect with ordinary people to raise awareness of rights abuses in China, said Wang, of Human Rights Watch. By removing human rights lawyers the government can appoint their own lawyers, who may be under pressure to "defend the interests of the government, not their clients," she explained. The silencing effect of disbarment can be seen in the case of Huang Qi, China's first "cyber-dissident", who was sentenced to 12 years in prison in July. Huang, who ran a website that reported on sensitive topics including local corruption, lost two of his lawyers before he went to trial: Liu and Sui. By the time he was sentenced, there was so little access to Huang that even his mother -- who said she was prevented from leaving her house the day of his trial, was not informed of the court's decision. Overall, the aftermath of the 2015 police sweep has ushered in a period of more repressive policies towards lawyers, several rights attorneys in China told AFP. While some have had their licenses revoked or cancelled, others remain in detention. Wang Quanzhang, who was charged with "subversion of state power" in 2016, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison in January. And like other activists and dissidents in China, some lawyers remain under surveillance or face ongoing restrictions even after they are released from detention. Jiang Tianyong, who took on high-profile cases including those of Tibetan protesters, is "still under house arrest" after he served his jail sentence in March, wrote Jiang's wife, who regularly posts about her husband on Twitter. "You can tell that they are becoming increasingly strict in their control," said one Chinese rights lawyer, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal. In the aftermath of the "709 crack down", Chinese authorities can repress lawyers for making critical comments online, even those on topics such as industrial accidents, not just human rights, he said. "In reality, you make such comments because you hope the country will become better," he told AFP. But now, "you cannot speak at all".

Depressed and unemployed': China's rights lawyers battle disbarment

Egypt has been trying to deflect criticism of its human rights record and prison conditions ahead of a U.N. review in Geneva on Wednesday that comes in the wake of thousands of new arrests.

The crackdown, which rights activists say was the most intensive campaign of arrests for years, came after rare protests against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and other cities in late September.

More than 4,400 were detained, among them prominent activists, lawyers, academics and political figures, according to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms.

Around 3,000 are still being held under charges including using social media to spread false news, joining a banned terrorist group, and protesting without a permit, ECRF said.

In late September, Egypt's public prosecution acknowledged the arrest of not more than 1,000 people accused of involvement in the protests.

Some of the detained are in Cairo's Tora prison, where relatives and lawyers say inmates are often held in poor conditions and denied adequate healthcare.

Tora is the prison complex in which former president Mohamed Mursi, whose overthrow in 2013 was led by Sisi, suffered a fatal heart attack in June during a courtroom hearing.

U.N. experts said on Friday the prison regime may have led directly to Mursi's death after he was held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and was denied life-saving care for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Thousands more are at severe risk, the experts said, adding that two senior former aides of the banned Brotherhood were "effectively being killed by the conditions under which they are held and the denial of medical treatment".

Egyptian officials have denied mistreating prisoners or neglecting their health.

On Sunday, Egypt's State Information Service released a video of an inspection of Tora by officials from the state security prosecution service. It included interviews with two prisoners who said they were largely satisfied with conditions.

A series of photos at the start of the film showed the officials visiting a well-stocked pharmacy and grocery shop and tasting food in the prison refectory.

On Monday, selected local and foreign journalists were invited to visit Tora, where they were shown a football match for prisoners, farm animals, and a metal workshop, but were not allowed to talk to inmates, according to one reporter present. Reuters was not invited on the visit.

State TV has also aired a short programme on the detention system with a commentary saying that prisons are being modernised in line with international standards.

Criticism from Western powers keen to develop security and economic ties with Sisi's Egypt has been muted, and the session in Geneva provides a rare forum in which they can pose questions publicly.

The U.N. Human Rights Council will be reviewing Egypt's record for the first time in five years, as part of the forum's regular appraisal of all U.N. member states.

Advance questions cover prison conditions, torture and the recent arrests of activists, among other issues. One rights lawyer, Mohamed al-Baqer, was interrogated over his engagement with the U.N. review following his detention, according to a question submitted by Liechtenstein.

International rights group Amnesty International called on states "to vehemently condemn the vicious crackdown by authorities against NGO workers and civil society".

It said that since accepting 237 out of 300 recommendations at its last review in 2014, Egyptian authorities had "adopted even more repressive measures that further restricted basic rights and freedoms".

Egypt has been trying to deflect criticism of its human rights record and prison conditions ahead of a U.N. review in Geneva on Wednesday that comes in the wake of thousands of new arrests.

Egypt has been trying to deflect criticism of its human rights record and prison conditions ahead of a U.N. review in Geneva on Wednesday that comes in the wake of thousands of new arrests. The crackdown, which rights activists say was the most intensive campaign of arrests for years, came after rare protests against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and other cities in late September. More than 4,400 were detained, among them prominent activists, lawyers, academics and political figures, according to the Egyptian Commission for Rights and Freedoms. Around 3,000 are still being held under charges including using social media to spread false news, joining a banned terrorist group, and protesting without a permit, ECRF said. In late September, Egypt's public prosecution acknowledged the arrest of not more than 1,000 people accused of involvement in the protests. Some of the detained are in Cairo's Tora prison, where relatives and lawyers say inmates are often held in poor conditions and denied adequate healthcare. Tora is the prison complex in which former president Mohamed Mursi, whose overthrow in 2013 was led by Sisi, suffered a fatal heart attack in June during a courtroom hearing. U.N. experts said on Friday the prison regime may have led directly to Mursi's death after he was held in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day and was denied life-saving care for diabetes and high blood pressure. Thousands more are at severe risk, the experts said, adding that two senior former aides of the banned Brotherhood were "effectively being killed by the conditions under which they are held and the denial of medical treatment". Egyptian officials have denied mistreating prisoners or neglecting their health. On Sunday, Egypt's State Information Service released a video of an inspection of Tora by officials from the state security prosecution service. It included interviews with two prisoners who said they were largely satisfied with conditions. A series of photos at the start of the film showed the officials visiting a well-stocked pharmacy and grocery shop and tasting food in the prison refectory. On Monday, selected local and foreign journalists were invited to visit Tora, where they were shown a football match for prisoners, farm animals, and a metal workshop, but were not allowed to talk to inmates, according to one reporter present. Reuters was not invited on the visit. State TV has also aired a short programme on the detention system with a commentary saying that prisons are being modernised in line with international standards. Criticism from Western powers keen to develop security and economic ties with Sisi's Egypt has been muted, and the session in Geneva provides a rare forum in which they can pose questions publicly. The U.N. Human Rights Council will be reviewing Egypt's record for the first time in five years, as part of the forum's regular appraisal of all U.N. member states. Advance questions cover prison conditions, torture and the recent arrests of activists, among other issues. One rights lawyer, Mohamed al-Baqer, was interrogated over his engagement with the U.N. review following his detention, according to a question submitted by Liechtenstein. International rights group Amnesty International called on states "to vehemently condemn the vicious crackdown by authorities against NGO workers and civil society". It said that since accepting 237 out of 300 recommendations at its last review in 2014, Egyptian authorities had "adopted even more repressive measures that further restricted basic rights and freedoms".

Egypt seeks to parry human rights criticism after mass arrests

A prominent human rights organisation warned in a statement on Monday that whoever wins Sri Lanka's presidential election this Saturday would face significant challenges in terms of ensuring justice for past and future crimes. 
 
"Whoever is elected president will be under domestic and international scrutiny to ensure that Sri Lanka meets its human rights obligations," Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), said. 
 
The watchdog emphasised Sri Lanka's commitments under Resolution 40/L.1 of the UN Human Rights Council to set a time-bound implementation strategy of the pursuit of justice for the victims of alleged war crimes during the decades-long internal conflict. 
 
While there have been certain positive proceedings in this regard,&nbsp;such as the return of land seized by the military during the conflict to its rightful owners,&nbsp;the government has failed to make progress on other pledges, the HRW said. As an example, HRW mentioned how the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations were established but never put to work. 
 
The most crucial setbacks, however, have been in the judicial realm, according to the HRW. There exists a so-called Prevention of Terrorism Act in Sri Lanka that has long been linked to arbitrary detention and torture and it is still not replaced. There also has not been any progress in establishing a transitional justice mechanism to promote "reconciliation, accountability and human rights" in the country. 
 
Sri Lanka was marred in an armed conflict between its government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam from 1983-2009 during which war crimes were allegedly committed by both sides.

A prominent human rights organisation warned in a statement on Monday that whoever wins Sri Lanka's presidential election this Saturday would face significant challenges in terms of ensuring justice for past and future crimes.

A prominent human rights organisation warned in a statement on Monday that whoever wins Sri Lanka's presidential election this Saturday would face significant challenges in terms of ensuring justice for past and future crimes. "Whoever is elected president will be under domestic and international scrutiny to ensure that Sri Lanka meets its human rights obligations," Meenakshi Ganguly, the South Asia director of Human Rights Watch (HRW), said. The watchdog emphasised Sri Lanka's commitments under Resolution 40/L.1 of the UN Human Rights Council to set a time-bound implementation strategy of the pursuit of justice for the victims of alleged war crimes during the decades-long internal conflict. While there have been certain positive proceedings in this regard, such as the return of land seized by the military during the conflict to its rightful owners, the government has failed to make progress on other pledges, the HRW said. As an example, HRW mentioned how the Office on Missing Persons and the Office for Reparations were established but never put to work. The most crucial setbacks, however, have been in the judicial realm, according to the HRW. There exists a so-called Prevention of Terrorism Act in Sri Lanka that has long been linked to arbitrary detention and torture and it is still not replaced. There also has not been any progress in establishing a transitional justice mechanism to promote "reconciliation, accountability and human rights" in the country. Sri Lanka was marred in an armed conflict between its government forces and the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam from 1983-2009 during which war crimes were allegedly committed by both sides.

Future Sri Lankan president to face challenges in ensuring justice: Human Rights Watch

Israel's supreme court on Tuesday upheld a government decision to expel a senior Human Rights Watch official over his alleged support of a boycott of the country, the ruling said.

Israel has sought to expel Omar Shakir, director for Israel and the Palestinian territories for the New York-based rights group, for more than a year.

It will now be up to the government whether to follow through and deport Shakir, a US citizen, who brands the move a bid by Israel to silence and delegitimise critics of its treatment of the Palestinians.

"If it proceeds, I have 20 days to leave &amp; it’ll join ranks of Iran, North Korea &amp; Egypt in blocking access for @hrw official," Shakir tweeted after the decision was announced, referring to Israel.

It would be the first expulsion of its kind under a 2017 law allowing the deportation of foreigners who support boycotting Israel, though there have been cases of people being denied entry under the measure.

The case against him was initially based on alleged statements in support of a boycott he made prior to taking up his post, HRW says.

The government later added new statements it alleges are in support of a boycott.

Human Rights Watch says it has criticised Israel's human rights record but has never advocated a boycott and the same is true for Shakir since he joined the organisation.

Israel's ministry of strategic affairs, which probes potential violations of the 2017 law, alleges Shakir's activism, particularly related to the country's occupation of the West Bank, has amounted to calls for a boycott.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-parliament-slams-boycott-israel-movement-as-anti-semitic-219486">BDS movement</a>, that is, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions,&nbsp;calls for a boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians.

Israel's supreme court on Tuesday upheld a government decision to expel a senior Human Rights Watch official over his alleged support of a boycott of the country, the ruling said.

Israel's supreme court on Tuesday upheld a government decision to expel a senior Human Rights Watch official over his alleged support of a boycott of the country, the ruling said. Israel has sought to expel Omar Shakir, director for Israel and the Palestinian territories for the New York-based rights group, for more than a year. It will now be up to the government whether to follow through and deport Shakir, a US citizen, who brands the move a bid by Israel to silence and delegitimise critics of its treatment of the Palestinians. "If it proceeds, I have 20 days to leave & it’ll join ranks of Iran, North Korea & Egypt in blocking access for @hrw official," Shakir tweeted after the decision was announced, referring to Israel. It would be the first expulsion of its kind under a 2017 law allowing the deportation of foreigners who support boycotting Israel, though there have been cases of people being denied entry under the measure. The case against him was initially based on alleged statements in support of a boycott he made prior to taking up his post, HRW says. The government later added new statements it alleges are in support of a boycott. Human Rights Watch says it has criticised Israel's human rights record but has never advocated a boycott and the same is true for Shakir since he joined the organisation. Israel's ministry of strategic affairs, which probes potential violations of the 2017 law, alleges Shakir's activism, particularly related to the country's occupation of the West Bank, has amounted to calls for a boycott. The BDS movement, that is, Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, calls for a boycott of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians.

Israel supreme court upholds expulsion of Human Rights Watch official

At least 13 people were killed and more than 30 injured in the Syrian town of Tel Abyad on Turkey's border after a car bomb exploded in a market on November 2, according to Turkish state media and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Explosion in Syria Kills 13 & Injures 30

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

The secretive militias, whose support from America's Central Intelligence Agency is originally rooted in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban across Afghanistan and have seen increasing activity as the war against the insurgents intensifies.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed "strike groups" committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays.

In many cases, the raids, usually in Taliban-controlled areas, were accompanied by airstrikes that "indiscriminately or disproportionately" killed civilians, HRW said in a report.

Sometimes, troops detained men and didn't tell families where they were being held.

Night raids, where special forces troops blast doors and rush a building under the cover of darkness, are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants.

"In ramping up <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/11-taliban-terrorists-killed-9-wounded-in-afghanistans-jawzjan-province-258383">operations against the Taliban</a>, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances," said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW's associate Asia director.

"In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate airstrikes."

Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan's beleaguered national security forces.

Part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and therefore, have less oversight.

Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as "death squads."

Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to the rights watchdog.

Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels and mujahideen fighting Soviet troops.

After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January–September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018.

A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-3000-afghan-civilians-killed-or-wounded-this-year-un-report-239373"> UN report </a>earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians was killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year.

The tally,1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30, represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday.

US-backed Afghan paramilitary groups operating with impunity are summarily executing civilians during botched nighttime raids and are responsible for the disappearances of suspects, a rights group said Thursday. The secretive militias, whose support from America's Central Intelligence Agency is originally rooted in the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980s, have long hunted the Taliban across Afghanistan and have seen increasing activity as the war against the insurgents intensifies. Human Rights Watch (HRW) documented 14 cases from late 2017 to mid-2019 in which it said CIA-backed "strike groups" committed serious abuses during night raids, such as one in the southeastern province of Paktia in which a paramilitary unit killed 11 men, including eight who were home for the Eid holidays. In many cases, the raids, usually in Taliban-controlled areas, were accompanied by airstrikes that "indiscriminately or disproportionately" killed civilians, HRW said in a report. Sometimes, troops detained men and didn't tell families where they were being held. Night raids, where special forces troops blast doors and rush a building under the cover of darkness, are a popular tactic that combines surprise, overwhelming firepower and night-vision equipment to stun occupants. "In ramping up operations against the Taliban, the CIA has enabled abusive Afghan forces to commit atrocities including extrajudicial executions and disappearances," said Patricia Gossman, the report author and HRW's associate Asia director. "In case after case, these forces have simply shot people in their custody and consigned entire communities to the terror of abusive night raids and indiscriminate airstrikes." Afghan authorities and US forces have increased the use of paramilitary groups to combat a resurgent Taliban that has been hammering Afghanistan's beleaguered national security forces. Part of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), paramilitary forces do not fall under normal command chains and therefore, have less oversight. Speaking to HRW, one diplomat referred to them as "death squads." Afghan militias have largely been recruited, trained, equipped, and overseen by the CIA, according to the rights watchdog. Ties date back to the 1980s, when the CIA was funnelling money and equipment to Afghan rebels and mujahideen fighting Soviet troops. After a lull during the Taliban regime in the 1990s, the CIA re-established ties with warlords and militias fighting the insurgency following the September 11, 2001 attacks. The CIA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. According to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government watchdog, Afghan special forces conducted 2,531 ground operations from January–September this year, more than the total of 2,365 for all of 2018. A UN report earlier this month found an unprecedented number of civilians was killed or wounded in Afghanistan from July to September this year. The tally,1,174 deaths and 3,139 injured from July 1 until September 30, represents a 42 per cent increase over the same period last year.

Afghan militias killing civilians with impunity: Human Rights Watch

Exposing Ilhan Omar's Double Standards On Human Rights & Racism.

Gravitas: Exposing Ilhan Omar's whataboutery on Armenian genocide

The Foreign Ministry of China on Wednesday said that Beijing had asserted their dismay to Australia in view of the comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's about the abuse of human rights in China.

"She [Payne is] commenting on Xinjiang issues for her political needs. This is not good and does not benefit the improvement and development of the two countries' relations. China has already lodged stern representations with Australia about this, to say that this way of doing things is very inappropriate", Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Payne during a speech in Sydney on Tuesday said that Australia expects accountability from China on pressing issues like human rights, further adding that silence on these issues goes against Australia's national interests.

"We hope that the Australian side can reflect on and learn the lessons of the recent disturbances in Sino-Australian relations, and meet China halfway. Don't do anything which is like taking one step forward and two steps back", Shuang said in Beijing.

Stressful relations between Australia and China have disrupted bilateral trade worth more than $123.48 billion last year.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)

The Foreign Ministry of China on Wednesday said that Beijing had asserted their dismay to Australia in view of the comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's about the abuse of human rights in China.

The Foreign Ministry of China on Wednesday said that Beijing had asserted their dismay to Australia in view of the comments made by Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne's about the abuse of human rights in China. "She [Payne is] commenting on Xinjiang issues for her political needs. This is not good and does not benefit the improvement and development of the two countries' relations. China has already lodged stern representations with Australia about this, to say that this way of doing things is very inappropriate", Geng Shuang, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry said. Payne during a speech in Sydney on Tuesday said that Australia expects accountability from China on pressing issues like human rights, further adding that silence on these issues goes against Australia's national interests. "We hope that the Australian side can reflect on and learn the lessons of the recent disturbances in Sino-Australian relations, and meet China halfway. Don't do anything which is like taking one step forward and two steps back", Shuang said in Beijing. Stressful relations between Australia and China have disrupted bilateral trade worth more than $123.48 billion last year. (With inputs from Reuters)

China lodges ''stern representations'' with Australia over human rights comment

Pakistani women rights activist Gulalai Ismail, who is currently in the United States on Thursday said that her father was picked up by "men wearing militia dress" in Peshwar. 
 
"My father has been picked up by men wearing Militia dress from outside of Peshawar High Court an hour ago," Ismail tweeted.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My father has been picked up by men wearing Malitia dress from outside of Peshawar High Court an hour ago.
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gulalai_Ismail/status/1187329908403507200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ismail managed to escape Pakistan to seek political asylum in the United States in September after being accused of treason. She reached the US months after she was arrested and released for holding a protest demonstration outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. 
 
During a chat with the media in New York last month, Ismail had voiced her concerns about her parents' safety in Islamabad. "I am still worried about my parents back home and the underground network that secretly protected me when I escaped," Gulalai said. 
 
She has now become the new face of hope for the oppressed minorities in Pakistani, raising voice against Islamabad's atrocities on the roads of New York. 
 
Last month, Ismail was seen on the streets of the city, highlighted the plight and miseries that minorities are facing for decades and demanded that the Pakistani Army end human rights violations. "There's a dictatorship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by the Pakistani military establishment," Ismail had said. 
 
According to a report in Dawn, a non-bailable warrant was issued against her by a Pakistani court in a case pertaining to maligning national institutions. Ismail had deemed the non-bailable arrest warrant as an act of appeasement before the country's intelligence agency ISI. 
 
The order issued states that the court would initiate the process to declare her a "proclaimed offender" if the "suspect" does not appear before the court on October 21, the report had said.

Pakistani women rights activist Gulalai Ismail, who is currently in the United States on Thursday said that her father was picked up by "men wearing militia dress" in Peshwar.

Pakistani women rights activist Gulalai Ismail, who is currently in the United States on Thursday said that her father was picked up by "men wearing militia dress" in Peshwar. "My father has been picked up by men wearing Militia dress from outside of Peshawar High Court an hour ago," Ismail tweeted. My father has been picked up by men wearing Malitia dress from outside of Peshawar High Court an hour ago. — Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) October 24, 2019 × Ismail managed to escape Pakistan to seek political asylum in the United States in September after being accused of treason. She reached the US months after she was arrested and released for holding a protest demonstration outside the National Press Club in Islamabad. During a chat with the media in New York last month, Ismail had voiced her concerns about her parents' safety in Islamabad. "I am still worried about my parents back home and the underground network that secretly protected me when I escaped," Gulalai said. She has now become the new face of hope for the oppressed minorities in Pakistani, raising voice against Islamabad's atrocities on the roads of New York. Last month, Ismail was seen on the streets of the city, highlighted the plight and miseries that minorities are facing for decades and demanded that the Pakistani Army end human rights violations. "There's a dictatorship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province by the Pakistani military establishment," Ismail had said. According to a report in Dawn, a non-bailable warrant was issued against her by a Pakistani court in a case pertaining to maligning national institutions. Ismail had deemed the non-bailable arrest warrant as an act of appeasement before the country's intelligence agency ISI. The order issued states that the court would initiate the process to declare her a "proclaimed offender" if the "suspect" does not appear before the court on October 21, the report had said.

'Father picked up by men in militia dress', Pakistani rights activist Gulalai Ismail

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that until the abrogation of Article 370, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-rahul-gandhi-to-rally-for-maharashtra-assembly-polls-on-sunday-255572">Valmiki community in Jammu and Kashmir was deprived of basic rights</a>. 
 
The Prime Minister, while addressing a rally here asserted that his government took requisite measures to ensure normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions. 
 
"Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is not just a piece of land for us but is the crown of India. Looking at the security needs, we took the necessary steps. We have also tried our best to ensure normalcy in the area, amidst all the negative powers in and around the area," he said while addressing a public meeting in Jalgaon ahead of Assembly elections in Maharashtra. 
 
"You will be surprised to know that for 70 years, our Valmiki brothers in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were also deprived of human rights. Today, I bow in front of Lord Valmiki that I am getting the privilege to embrace my brothers," the Prime Minister added. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-inaugurate-kartarpur-corridor-on-november-8-harsimrat-kaur-badal-255511">Prime Minister Modi</a> also targeted the opposition parties for criticising the Centre for taking the decision to repeal Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "today, unfortunately, some political parties and some politicians in our country are politicizing this decision taken in the national interest." 
 
"One should listen to the statements given by the Congress-NCP leaders pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. They think just the opposite of what the entire country thinks of Jammu and Kashmir. Their thinking is the same as the neighbouring country," PM Modi added. 
 
"Can these leaders, who are trying to fool the people with their crocodile tears, bring back Article 370 in Kashmir? Will the people of India allow them to? Will the people of India accept it?," he questioned while addressing a public rally. 
 
He also took veiled dig at NCP chief Sharad Pawar saying, "I was shocked to see a video in which a prominent leader who has been on TV and newspapers for years got angry and hit a man with his elbow who was sitting next to him stage and while he was being garlanded he tried to put his head in the garland. Just think that the people who hit his own party member for trying to take a photo just think what will he do with the general public." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chennai-culminating-india-china-informal-summit-pm-modi-leaves-for-delhi-255490">Prime Minister also spoke on the menace of corruption in India</a> and said "In the last 5 years, every area, every community and every department has seen growth. There has been no corruption in the last five years. Devendra Fadnavis Ji and his team have taken Maharashtra on the road of progress and belief in the last five years." 
 
In his concluding remark, the Prime Minister said that his government is working in full capacity to fulfil&nbsp;the dreams of every poor person in Maharashtra and the country by 2022. 
 
He further pledges to connect every house in the entire country including Maharashtra with water. "Three and a half lakh crore rupees will be spent on the Water Life Mission to fulfil&nbsp;this resolution," he adds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that until the abrogation of Article 370, Valmiki community in Jammu and Kashmir was deprived of basic rights. The Prime Minister, while addressing a rally here asserted that his government took requisite measures to ensure normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that until the abrogation of Article 370, Valmiki community in Jammu and Kashmir was deprived of basic rights. The Prime Minister, while addressing a rally here asserted that his government took requisite measures to ensure normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh regions. "Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is not just a piece of land for us but is the crown of India. Looking at the security needs, we took the necessary steps. We have also tried our best to ensure normalcy in the area, amidst all the negative powers in and around the area," he said while addressing a public meeting in Jalgaon ahead of Assembly elections in Maharashtra. "You will be surprised to know that for 70 years, our Valmiki brothers in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were also deprived of human rights. Today, I bow in front of Lord Valmiki that I am getting the privilege to embrace my brothers," the Prime Minister added. Prime Minister Modi also targeted the opposition parties for criticising the Centre for taking the decision to repeal Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, saying, "today, unfortunately, some political parties and some politicians in our country are politicizing this decision taken in the national interest." "One should listen to the statements given by the Congress-NCP leaders pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. They think just the opposite of what the entire country thinks of Jammu and Kashmir. Their thinking is the same as the neighbouring country," PM Modi added. "Can these leaders, who are trying to fool the people with their crocodile tears, bring back Article 370 in Kashmir? Will the people of India allow them to? Will the people of India accept it?," he questioned while addressing a public rally. He also took veiled dig at NCP chief Sharad Pawar saying, "I was shocked to see a video in which a prominent leader who has been on TV and newspapers for years got angry and hit a man with his elbow who was sitting next to him stage and while he was being garlanded he tried to put his head in the garland. Just think that the people who hit his own party member for trying to take a photo just think what will he do with the general public." Prime Minister also spoke on the menace of corruption in India and said "In the last 5 years, every area, every community and every department has seen growth. There has been no corruption in the last five years. Devendra Fadnavis Ji and his team have taken Maharashtra on the road of progress and belief in the last five years." In his concluding remark, the Prime Minister said that his government is working in full capacity to fulfil the dreams of every poor person in Maharashtra and the country by 2022. He further pledges to connect every house in the entire country including Maharashtra with water. "Three and a half lakh crore rupees will be spent on the Water Life Mission to fulfil this resolution," he adds.

Valmiki community in J&K was deprived of basic rights until abrogation of Article 370: PM Modi

While months of anti-government protests have taken a toll on businesses across Hong Kong, from luxury retailers and hotels to shops and restaurants, Keita Lee's pop-up stall is thriving

Gas masks and hard hats: Hong Kong hardware store capitalises on protests

The U.S and the Dodgy Human rights record and uses Democracy to target rivals

U.S and Rights: One theme, many versions

Around 570 migrants from an overcrowded camp on the island of Lesbos arrived in the port of Piraeus on Monday where buses waited to take them to a camp on the mainland.

Migrants moved from Lesbos camp reach manland

The death toll from mass protests in Baghdad and cities across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-death-toll-rises-to-73-over-3000-injured-rights-commssion-253886">southern Iraq rose to 93</a> on Saturday as the unrest entered its fifth day, Parliament's Human Rights Commission said.

Nearly 4,000 people have also been injured since the protests against chronic unemployment, poor public services and widespread corruption erupted in the capital on Tuesday, the commission said.

It was not immediately clear whether the latest deaths were from Friday's huge protests or fresh demonstrations on Saturday.

The authorities have imposed a virtual blackout of the internet and confirmation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-at-least-60-people-dead-cleric-sadr-demands-government-resign-253833">protest casualties</a> in the provinces&nbsp;has trickled in slowly.

Sadr's statement piled new pressure on Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as he battles to quell the unrest.

It came after Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani urged authorities in a midday sermon to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless immediate and clear steps are taken.

The death toll from mass protests in Baghdad and cities across southern Iraq rose to 93 on Saturday as the unrest entered its fifth day, Parliament's Human Rights Commission said.

The death toll from mass protests in Baghdad and cities across southern Iraq rose to 93 on Saturday as the unrest entered its fifth day, Parliament's Human Rights Commission said. Nearly 4,000 people have also been injured since the protests against chronic unemployment, poor public services and widespread corruption erupted in the capital on Tuesday, the commission said. It was not immediately clear whether the latest deaths were from Friday's huge protests or fresh demonstrations on Saturday. The authorities have imposed a virtual blackout of the internet and confirmation of protest casualties in the provinces has trickled in slowly. Sadr's statement piled new pressure on Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as he battles to quell the unrest. It came after Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani urged authorities in a midday sermon to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless immediate and clear steps are taken.

Death toll nears 100 due to mass protests in Iraq: Rights panel

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-launches-probe-into-venezuela-rights-abuses-252441">labour violations</a>, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday.

The Commission of Inquiry carried out by the International Labour Organization followed a complaint in March 2018 by the Venezuelan business association Fedecamaras.

The association accused Maduro's socialist government of systematically breaching the rights of unions and trade groups seen as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised as Venezuela's president by more than 50 countries including the US.

The commission, which went to Venezuela in July, called for "the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, threats, persecution, stigmatisation, intimidation or any other form of aggression against employers' and workers' organisations that do not support the government," an ILO statement said.

The commission also demanded "the immediate release of any employer or trade unionist who may be in prison as a result of carrying out the legitimate activities of their workers' or employers' organisation."

Maduro's government has three months to challenge the inquiry and can take the case to the UN's International Court of Justice.

The Venezuela Commission of Inquiry is only the 13th such probe in the ILO's 100-year history.

Venezuela is suffering from a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-playlist-humanitarian-crisis-in-venezuela-244667">punishing economic crisis </a>and a political standoff between Maduro's government and the National Assembly led by Guaido.

The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease labour violations, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday.

Venezuela's government should "immediately" cease labour violations, including detentions of workers who do not support President Nicolas Maduro, a UN agency commission said on Friday. The Commission of Inquiry carried out by the International Labour Organization followed a complaint in March 2018 by the Venezuelan business association Fedecamaras. The association accused Maduro's socialist government of systematically breaching the rights of unions and trade groups seen as supporters of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who has been recognised as Venezuela's president by more than 50 countries including the US. The commission, which went to Venezuela in July, called for "the immediate cessation of all acts of violence, threats, persecution, stigmatisation, intimidation or any other form of aggression against employers' and workers' organisations that do not support the government," an ILO statement said. The commission also demanded "the immediate release of any employer or trade unionist who may be in prison as a result of carrying out the legitimate activities of their workers' or employers' organisation." Maduro's government has three months to challenge the inquiry and can take the case to the UN's International Court of Justice. The Venezuela Commission of Inquiry is only the 13th such probe in the ILO's 100-year history. Venezuela is suffering from a punishing economic crisis and a political standoff between Maduro's government and the National Assembly led by Guaido. The oil-rich country suffers from hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods from food to medicine, a crisis that has forced some 3.6 million people to flee since 2016.

Venezuela must end worker abuses: U.N. inquiry

Grief, fear and anger have enveloped the town of Chunian in Pakistan's eastern, Punjab province after the bodies of three missing children were found in a district which has seen numerous cases of child abuse and abductions in recent years.

Pakistani town grapples with grim history of child abuse and abduction

Activists from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-unrest-protesters-plan-shopping-mall-sit-ins-after-hill-top-human-chains-249585">Hong Kong</a> and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

Beatrice Li and Andy Li, the two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-seeks-trump-us-congress-support-249535">activists from Hong Kong</a>, brought used tear gas canisters, solid rubber batons, smoke grenade, rubber rocket and other arms used by the Hong Kong Police against the protesters to the side event to establish their claim.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>They said that the residents of Hong Kong are denied fundamental rights and are living in fear of being targeted.

"Hong Kong police has physically and verbally assaulted the journalists and other citizens", said Beatrice Li, an activist from Hong Kong adding that the use of lethal and chemical weapons is causing health issues for residents.

Meanwhile, Andy Li, Human Rights activist from Hong Kong said, "If the Chinese government has already committed atrocities in other lands which they do not have legal control of, we cannot imagine what would have happened if they are allowed full legal control over the Hong Kong land."

"The people of Hong Kong have realised that the government of Hong Kong is accountable to China, not to its own people," he added.

Since June, millions of Hong Kong people began to mobilise against an extradition bill that would allow dissidents to be sent to face trial in China, whose criminal justice system is rife with human rights abuses.

Instead of listening to the demands of the people, the Hong Kong government has engaged in a coordinated suppression of Hong Kongers rights and freedoms, including those of assembly, expression and the press.

The Hong Kong Police Force has moreover used escalating tactics of state violence to suppress largely peaceful political protests.

According to data, 1,453 people have been arrested from June 09 until September 16.

Dolkun Isa of&nbsp;World&nbsp;Uyghur Congress, said people in Xinjiang have been suffering China's brutalities for the past many decades.

He also showed sympathy for Hong Kong people saying that China is breaking the democratic values of Hong Kong by interfering in its internal affairs."Hong Kong people don't want to be Xinjiang", he added.

Activists from Hong Kong and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday.

Activists from Hong Kong and Xinjiang shared a platform to raise their voice against human rights violations by China on the sidelines of the 42nd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday. Beatrice Li and Andy Li, the two activists from Hong Kong, brought used tear gas canisters, solid rubber batons, smoke grenade, rubber rocket and other arms used by the Hong Kong Police against the protesters to the side event to establish their claim. They said that the residents of Hong Kong are denied fundamental rights and are living in fear of being targeted. "Hong Kong police has physically and verbally assaulted the journalists and other citizens", said Beatrice Li, an activist from Hong Kong adding that the use of lethal and chemical weapons is causing health issues for residents. Meanwhile, Andy Li, Human Rights activist from Hong Kong said, "If the Chinese government has already committed atrocities in other lands which they do not have legal control of, we cannot imagine what would have happened if they are allowed full legal control over the Hong Kong land." "The people of Hong Kong have realised that the government of Hong Kong is accountable to China, not to its own people," he added. Since June, millions of Hong Kong people began to mobilise against an extradition bill that would allow dissidents to be sent to face trial in China, whose criminal justice system is rife with human rights abuses. Instead of listening to the demands of the people, the Hong Kong government has engaged in a coordinated suppression of Hong Kongers rights and freedoms, including those of assembly, expression and the press. The Hong Kong Police Force has moreover used escalating tactics of state violence to suppress largely peaceful political protests. According to data, 1,453 people have been arrested from June 09 until September 16. Dolkun Isa of World Uyghur Congress, said people in Xinjiang have been suffering China's brutalities for the past many decades. He also showed sympathy for Hong Kong people saying that China is breaking the democratic values of Hong Kong by interfering in its internal affairs."Hong Kong people don't want to be Xinjiang", he added.

Geneva: Activists from Hong Kong, Xinjiang raise concerns over human rights violations by China

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-raises-the-minimum-age-for-brides-to-end-child-marriage-250308">Indonesian</a> President Joko Widodo's decision to&nbsp;delay&nbsp;a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-delays-law-criminalising-sex-outside-of-marriage-250820">criminalise&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;and gay&nbsp;sex</a>&nbsp;was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new&nbsp;bill.

The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote&nbsp;delayed.

Critics warn the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people.

The&nbsp;bill&nbsp;also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape.

However, the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam.

"Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone.

He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from&nbsp;sex&nbsp;outside&nbsp;marriage&nbsp;or same-sex&nbsp;relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect.

Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia.

The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation".

Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking.

Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just&nbsp;sex.

Rights groups welcomed the&nbsp;delay&nbsp;and urged the president to block the&nbsp;bill&nbsp;altogether.

An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd"&nbsp;bill&nbsp;had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening.

Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation.

Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said.

"Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo's decision to delay a planned vote in parliament on a new penal code that would criminalise sex outside marriage and gay sex was met by relief from some but sparked criticism from conservative Muslims who back the new bill. The president said earlier on Friday that 14 articles needed further review by parliament and ordered the vote delayed. Critics warn the bill violates free speech rights and discriminates against religious minorities, women and LGBT people. The bill also includes penalties for insulting the president's dignity and a four-year jail term for abortions in the absence of a medical emergency or rape. However, the bill still has significant support in the world's biggest Muslim-majority country, which has seen a growth in conservative interpretations of Islam. "Indonesia is not a liberal country," Nasir Djamil, a politician for the Prosperous Justice Party, an Islamic opposition party, said by telephone. He accused the president of coming under the influence of foreign governments, noting Australia's travel advice warning its citizens of risks they could face from sex outside marriage or same-sex relations in Indonesia if the rules take effect. Australians are a significant tourist market for Indonesia. The proposals were described by Indonesia's biggest Muslim group, Nahdlatul Ulama, as a reflection of "the character and the personality of the Indonesian people and the nation". Conservative groups have emerged as a growing force in secular Indonesia, promoting stricter interpretations of Islam that sometimes make their way into lawmaking. Euis Sunarti, who advocates for conservative family values, even pressed for the new draft to go further and outlaw all expressions of homosexuality, not just sex. Rights groups welcomed the delay and urged the president to block the bill altogether. An online petition started by gender rights activist Tunggal Pawestri calling for the president to veto the "absurd" bill had been signed by over 560,000 people as of Friday evening. Amnesty International Indonesia campaigner Puri Kencana Putri urged the president to review articles that call for the death penalty for treason and to review the law on blasphemy while demanding greater public participation during the deliberation. Arus Pelangi, an advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, said it would fight to strike down articles containing "the potential for gross human rights violation, especially against the LGBT community", the head of its legal division Riska Carolina said. "Regardless of the morality of the majority, the minority has the right to live as citizens in this country and we just want to live quietly," she said.

Delay in bill criminalising sex outside marriage divides Indonesians

Member of the European parliament Neena Gill has slammed Pakistan for not able to protect minorities in the country, human rights violation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and its lack of action on terrorism.

Speaking during a discussion on Kashmir, Gill said, "To those members who have spoken today of their indignation towards India, I am astonished by your partiality, oversight and lack of any real empathy with the Kashmiris. Why do I say partial?"

"When Pakistan took the same measures in Gilgit and Baltistan, we didn’t speak up. When they gave away territory, which wasn't theirs, to China, we didn't speak up. Or when Sikhs and other minority women are abducted and forced to convert, we don't speak up. The fact is, there are human rights violations in PoK and very many honourable colleagues look the other way," Gill added.&nbsp;

Weeks ago a Sikh girl in Pakistan's Punjab province, Jagjit Kaur, was abducted and converted to Islam causing an international outcry.

Rapping Islamabad for its support to terror, Neena said, "The solution to Kashmir will come when state-sponsored terrorism and global misinformation by Pakistan ends, then dialogue will follow."

"Pakistan may talk the talk but it does not walk the walk when it comes to human rights... And I say to those colleagues concerned about rescinding of Article 370, you focus on one part and ignore the other issues that are dear to the hearts of many of us. Not only will it improve the rights of LGBT, women, minorities, it will also improve environmental protections amongst others and ban the outrageous triple talaq divorce," she added.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been trying to rake up Kashmir globally but hasn't found any traction. Last month at the United Nations Security Council it tried to rake up issue via China but other members of the UNSC did not support for an emergency session on Kashmir. &nbsp;

Member of the European parliament Neena Gill has slammed Pakistan for not able to protect minorities in the country, human rights violation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and its lack of action on terrorism.

Member of the European parliament Neena Gill has slammed Pakistan for not able to protect minorities in the country, human rights violation in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir and its lack of action on terrorism. Speaking during a discussion on Kashmir, Gill said, "To those members who have spoken today of their indignation towards India, I am astonished by your partiality, oversight and lack of any real empathy with the Kashmiris. Why do I say partial?" "When Pakistan took the same measures in Gilgit and Baltistan, we didn’t speak up. When they gave away territory, which wasn't theirs, to China, we didn't speak up. Or when Sikhs and other minority women are abducted and forced to convert, we don't speak up. The fact is, there are human rights violations in PoK and very many honourable colleagues look the other way," Gill added. Weeks ago a Sikh girl in Pakistan's Punjab province, Jagjit Kaur, was abducted and converted to Islam causing an international outcry. Rapping Islamabad for its support to terror, Neena said, "The solution to Kashmir will come when state-sponsored terrorism and global misinformation by Pakistan ends, then dialogue will follow." "Pakistan may talk the talk but it does not walk the walk when it comes to human rights... And I say to those colleagues concerned about rescinding of Article 370, you focus on one part and ignore the other issues that are dear to the hearts of many of us. Not only will it improve the rights of LGBT, women, minorities, it will also improve environmental protections amongst others and ban the outrageous triple talaq divorce," she added. Pakistan has been trying to rake up Kashmir globally but hasn't found any traction. Last month at the United Nations Security Council it tried to rake up issue via China but other members of the UNSC did not support for an emergency session on Kashmir.

I'm astonished by your partiality: European parliamentarian raises issue of human rights violation in PoK 

Hong Kong <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-seeks-trump-us-congress-support-249535">democracy activists urged members of the US&nbsp;Congress</a> on Tuesday to pass legislation to combat human rights abuses in the city, rejecting any suggestion that such a move would be inappropriate US&nbsp;involvement in another country's affairs.

"This is not a plea for so-called foreign interference. This is a plea for democracy," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/stand-up-to-beijing-hong-kong-singer-tells-us-lawmakers-companies-250172">singer and activist Denise Ho</a> told a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

The panel of witnesses also urged members of the commission, which includes senators and members of the House of Representatives from both parties, to take actions that might affect Hong Kong's economy.

"Beijing should not have it both ways, reaping all the economic benefits of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-hills-shine-with-protest-lights-in-festival-themed-rally-249521">Hong Kong</a>'s standing in the world while eradicating our sociopolitical identity," said Joshua Wong, secretary-general of Hong Kong's Demosisto party and leader of the "Umbrella Movement."

Members of Congress at the hearing also pushed for a look at Hong Kong's special trade status.

"The United States and other nations have options precisely because Beijing benefits from Hong Kong's special status a special status which has made Hong Kong an international financial centre built on the promises that China made to the world with regards to Hong Kong, which they seek to break," said Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican co-chairman of the commission.

The former British colony has been rocked by more than three months of sometimes violent clashes, with demonstrators angry over what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in Hong Kong's affairs, despite a promise of autonomy.

Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system.

China in 1997 promised to guarantee the freedoms for 50 years.

The trigger for the unrest was an extradition bill, now withdrawn, that would have allowed people to be sent from Hong Kong to mainland China for trial.

The legislation was introduced in the US&nbsp;Senate and House earlier this year that would require an annual review of the special treatment Washington gives Hong Kong, including trade and business privileges.

The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would also make officials in China and Hong Kong, who have undermined the city's autonomy, vulnerable to sanctions.

Another bill introduced in the House last week with support from Republicans and Democrats, the "PROTECT Hong Kong Act," would bar commercial exports of some crowd-control items to the Hong Kong police force.

The legislation has not come up for a vote, but the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees are both holding hearings this week expected to address relations with China on issues including Hong Kong.

President Donald Trump, who has been waging a tit-for-tat tariff war with China for more than a year, has suggested China should "humanely" settle the problem before a trade deal is reached.

Some industry groups worry that the legislation could threaten the delicate trade talks.

"Hopefully we will be able to pass some of this legislation to make it clear to the regime in Beijing that democracy is an important value," said Senator Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

Hong Kong democracy activists urged members of the US Congress on Tuesday to pass legislation to combat human rights abuses in the city, rejecting any suggestion that such a move would be inappropriate US involvement in another country's affairs.

Hong Kong democracy activists urged members of the US Congress on Tuesday to pass legislation to combat human rights abuses in the city, rejecting any suggestion that such a move would be inappropriate US involvement in another country's affairs. "This is not a plea for so-called foreign interference. This is a plea for democracy," singer and activist Denise Ho told a hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China. The panel of witnesses also urged members of the commission, which includes senators and members of the House of Representatives from both parties, to take actions that might affect Hong Kong's economy. "Beijing should not have it both ways, reaping all the economic benefits of Hong Kong's standing in the world while eradicating our sociopolitical identity," said Joshua Wong, secretary-general of Hong Kong's Demosisto party and leader of the "Umbrella Movement." Members of Congress at the hearing also pushed for a look at Hong Kong's special trade status. "The United States and other nations have options precisely because Beijing benefits from Hong Kong's special status a special status which has made Hong Kong an international financial centre built on the promises that China made to the world with regards to Hong Kong, which they seek to break," said Senator Marco Rubio, the Republican co-chairman of the commission. The former British colony has been rocked by more than three months of sometimes violent clashes, with demonstrators angry over what they see as creeping interference by Beijing in Hong Kong's affairs, despite a promise of autonomy. Hong Kong returned to China in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” formula that guarantees freedoms not enjoyed on the mainland, including an independent legal system. China in 1997 promised to guarantee the freedoms for 50 years. The trigger for the unrest was an extradition bill, now withdrawn, that would have allowed people to be sent from Hong Kong to mainland China for trial. The legislation was introduced in the US Senate and House earlier this year that would require an annual review of the special treatment Washington gives Hong Kong, including trade and business privileges. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act would also make officials in China and Hong Kong, who have undermined the city's autonomy, vulnerable to sanctions. Another bill introduced in the House last week with support from Republicans and Democrats, the "PROTECT Hong Kong Act," would bar commercial exports of some crowd-control items to the Hong Kong police force. The legislation has not come up for a vote, but the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees are both holding hearings this week expected to address relations with China on issues including Hong Kong. President Donald Trump, who has been waging a tit-for-tat tariff war with China for more than a year, has suggested China should "humanely" settle the problem before a trade deal is reached. Some industry groups worry that the legislation could threaten the delicate trade talks. "Hopefully we will be able to pass some of this legislation to make it clear to the regime in Beijing that democracy is an important value," said Senator Angus King, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

China should not have it both ways: Hong Kong's Joshua Wong to US Congress

In Iran, how women's life changes after the fight for human rights.

Iran: How women's life changes after fight for human rights

Do The U.S. & China Have Any Locus Standi To Take Moral High Ground On Human Rights?

WION Edit: Exposing the rights abuses of China & The U.S.

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