“Treat Us Like Human Beings”‏ - Human Rights Watch

THE WEEK IN RIGHTS June 20, 2013 Follow us on: “Treat Us Like Human Beings” – Abuse and HIV in Tanzania ©2013 Human Rights Watch  “They were three police officers,” said Mwamini, a sex worker. “They beat me with their hands, and kicked me. They were saying, ‘What are you doing here, you’re a prostitute, a dog, you are a pig!’” After the attack, she had her injuries treated at a hospital, but lied about her profession, fearing the staff would turn her away if they knew the truth. A nurse had once refused to treat her for a sexually transmitted infection because of her sex work.  In Tanzania, HIV appears to be increasing among sex workers, LGBTI people, and people who inject drugs. But these same vulnerable groups have become increasingly distrustful of the police and medical professionals, fearing beatings or humiliation if they seek treatment.  Read more >> share on:   In Sudan, Satellite Images Confirm Villages Destroyed Satellite images show the total destruction of villages during the April attacks in Central Darfur. How can the Sudanese authorities claim there’s nothing they can do when their own security forces were involved and the war crimes suspect Ali Kosheib, wanted by the International Criminal Court, is on the loose?  See the Latest News in Africa >> share on:   Brazil Should Investigate Use of Violence against Protesters Authorities have an obligation to re-establish order when violence erupts during public protests. But that doesn’t give security forces license to violate protesters’ or bystanders’ rights, or make them immune from punishment when they go too far.  See the Latest News in the Americas >> share on:   In Vietnam, Escalating Persecution of Bloggers Vietnam’s strategy of repressing critics big and small will only lead the country deeper into crisis. The latest arrests and assaults on bloggers show how afraid the government is of open discussion on democracy and human rights.  See the Latest News in Asia >> share on:   Welcome to Russia’s Syria doublespeak By Anna Neistat  CNN’s Global Public Square Blog  While world leaders managed to produce a joint communique on Syria at the end of the G8 summit, the closing media remarks made it clear that Vladimir Putin hasn’t actually moved an inch on the issue. The Russian president once again lashed out at the European Union and the United States for considering arms shipments to the Syrian opposition. At the same time, he made it clear that Russia will continue supplying a range of weapons to the Syrian government.  See the Latest News in Europe/Central Asia >> share on:   SATELLITE IMAGES Satellite images confirm the destruction of villages in Darfur.  Click here, scroll down >> VIDEO Director Jeremy Teicher talks about his fictional film, Tall as a Baobab Tree, in which a West African family struggles with the decision, and financial need, to sell their 11-year-old daughter into an arranged marriage. Watch Now >> TWEET of the WEEK New @StateDept report lists 10 countries using child soldiers: Burma, CAR, Chad, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, S Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Yemen.  Follow Jo Becker, children's rights advocacy director >> Thank you for supporting Human Rights Watch. Follow us on: