THE WEEK IN RIGHTS - Human Rights Watch

Having trouble viewing this email? Click here THE WEEK IN RIGHTS April 18, 2013 Follow us on: US Immigration Bill Game-Changing Yet Flawed Photo © 2013 Reuters  The Senate’s proposed immigration plan, announced Wednesday, is potentially game-changing. It could finally clear a path to legal status for millions of people.  If passed into law, the bill would make unauthorized immigrants less vulnerable to human rights abuses, and less fearful about reporting crimes and speaking out. It would address violations such as separation of families by deportation, and prohibit racial profiling by immigration authorities. Also, people deported without criminal convictions and youth who qualified under the proposed DREAM Act could seek legalization. However, the bill calls for tougher criminal prosecution of people who migrate without permission. This is unnecessary – they can simply be deported – and diverts resources from real security issues.  Read more >> share on:   Good News! Polluting Tanneries in Bangladesh Face Fines For probably the first time, Bangladesh’s government has leveled pollution-related fines against two leather tanneries in Hazaribagh, a Dhaka neighborhood so polluted with waste from its roughly 150 tanneries that residents and workers are plagued by serious health problems.  Read more >> share on:   Venezuela Should Respect Free Speech and Assembly Venezuelans are entitled to peacefully challenge the election results, by marching in the streets or by expressing their views in the media. President-elect Nicolás Maduro shouldn’t threaten to use an ‘iron fist’ to restrict and intimidate those who try to voice their opinions.  See the Latest News in the Americas >> share on:   In Russia, a Worker Exploited on Olympic Venues is Detained The Russian authorities unlawfully detained a migrant construction worker who was seeking to file a complaint for nonpayment of wages on Olympic venues in Sochi. Although he was released, authorities charged him with “minor hooliganism”.  See the Latest News in Europe/Central Asia >> share on:   Formula 1 Holds Grand Prix in Bahrain, Ignores Rights Abuses  Bahrain is already tightening the lid on protest as the Formula 1 race grows near. The Formula 1 organizers apparently prefer to bury their heads in the sand, risking holding their race against repression it has provoked.  See the Latest News in the Middle East/North Africa >> share on:   VIDEO US farm workers face sexual abuse. Many are particularly vulnerable because of their undocumented status.  Watch Now >> TWEET of the WEEK Next stop - 700,000 RT @hrw: Thanks to all of you for following: @HRW is now at 600,000! RT so we can start following you.  Follow Stephen Northfield >> VIDEO Bangladesh’s Toxic Tanneries  This video helped lead to change.  Watch Now >>