November 2010
Pakistan: Walk Against Honour Killing
LAHORE: There were slogans and chanting in front of the Lahore Press Club on Monday when more than 80 women rallied for about an hour to mark the International Women Human Rights Defenders’ Day.
The walk, arranged by Shirkat Gah, a non-governmental organisation working to protect women rights, started from the Press Club.
Kurdistan: A killing set honour above the law
DOKAN, Iraq — Serving small glasses of sugary tea, Qadir Abdul-Rahman Ahmed explained how things went bad with the neighbors. It was not true, he said, that his brothers had threatened to drown his niece if she tried to marry the young man down the street.
“We are not against humanity,” he explained. “I told my brother, if she wants to marry, you can’t stop her.”
But the couple should never have married without permission.
“The girl and the boy should be killed,” he said. “It’s about honor. Honor is more important for us than religion.”
Ghana: The witches of Gambaga
More than 1,000 women accused of witchcraft in northern Ghana live in refuges, where they have to pay for protection from the chief who runs them. Yaba Badoe visits a camp in Gambaga and follows two women as they return to their villages. Watch the video.
History of International Women's Day: Assasination of the Mirabel Sisters of the Dominican Republic
On December 17, 1999, the United Nations General Assembly designated November 25 (the anniversary of the day of the murder of the Mirabal sisters) as the annual date for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in commemoration of the sisters.
This day also marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. The end of the 16 Days is December 10, International Human Rights Day.
Brazil: Important steps taken to promote cultural rights but challenges remain, says UN Expert
(Veja abaixo a versão em português – Portuguese version, see below)
BRASILIA – The UN Independent Expert on Cultural Rights, Farida Shaheed, said Thursday that Brazil’s adoption, on 9 November, of a National Plan of Culture is a major breakthrough for the promotion and the protection of cultural rights in Brazil and underscored the need to strengthen efforts to make laws, plans and programmes a reality on the ground.
“The adoption of the National Plan of Culture gives new impetus for Brazil to make their laws and programmes a living reality on the ground,” the Independent Expert said, noting that “many stakeholders pointed out that effective implementation remains a major challenge to overcome.”
Pakistan: Family leads outcry at blasphemy death penalty
Campaigners in Pakistan say the case of Asia Bibi – the first woman to be sentenced to death for blasphemy – highlights the need for urgent reform of laws that are routinely used to persecute minorities and settle grudges. The 45-year-old Christian, who has at least two children, was sentenced to death by a court in Sheikhupura, near Lahore, after prosecutors accused her of insulting the Prophet Mohamed and promoting her own faith. Her family have rejected the allegations and launched an appeal. "We have never ever insulted the Prophet or Islamic scripture, and we will contest the charges," said her husband Ashiq Masih.
UN General Assembly: UN Member States Should Vote Against Proposed Resolution On “Vilification Of Religions”
London 19.11.10: ARTICLE 19 and the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) urge UN Member States to vote against the draft resolution proposed at the current session of the UN General Assembly on “combating religious hatred and vilification of religions”.
Iran: Women's Rights Lawyer Shadi Sadr Legal Award + Speech
The Katharine & George Alexander brings recognition to lawyers who have used their legal careers to help alleviate injustice and inequity. The 2010 Award winner is Shadi Sadr, Iranian Human Rights and Women's Rights lawyer, and WLUML Council Member. The Committee selected Shadi Sadr because of her ceaseless dedication to championing the cause of Iranian women and risking her freedom to defend those who are wrongfully accused and imprisoned.
Below is the text of Sadr's acceptance speech at Santa Clara University in California.
Indonesia: Woman Persecuted for "Shame" of Rape & Pregnancy
Rhaya is a 19-year-old from a poor family in Sumatra. She stopped school when she was 16, deciding to look for work as a domestic worker. Rhaya washed clothes in different houses while living at her sister Enny’s house. Enny, is the fourth wife of Abang Setia, with whom she has a young child.
Brunei: Marital Rape - Analysis of Current Laws
Marital rape: Are women protected from it? Although marital rape is not included in the current Penal Code, however, protection against sexual assault may be possible with the amendments made to the Islamic Family Law Order 2010 and Married Women Act Order 2010.