WORLD NEWS

World News

Latest news from and about the homeland

In recent weeks Yemen’s Houthi armed group has shot down seven US Reaper drones worth over $200m. The drones destroyed between 31 March and 22 April mark Washington's most significant material loss.  Three of the drones were destroyed in the past week, suggesting an improvement in the Houthis’ ability to strike high-altitude US aircraft.  The drones were conducting surveillance or…

US court finds Libyan commander liable for war crimes

A federal US judge issued a default judgement against Khalifia Haftar, finding him liable for war crimes. 

Judge Leonie Brinkema's judgement paves the way for families in three separate civil suits to seek monetary compensation. 

The families filed their lawsuits under the Torture Victim Protection Act of 1991, a law that allows non-US citizens to seek compensation from individuals who, acting in an official capacity for any foreign nation, allegedly committed torture or extrajudicial killing.

South Africa calls for Israel to be declared 'apartheid state'

The South African government has called for Israel to be declared an 'apartheid state', following its continued occupation of Palestinian territories. 

The South African government expressed concerns that Israel continued occupation of "significant portions of the West Bank" and the developments of new settlements there "are glaring examples of violations of international law".

Nepal's Transitional Justice Bill limits prosecutions of war crimes

The Nepali government's bill to amend its current transitional justice laws will not fully provide justice to victims or meet Nepal's obligations under international law, says human rights groups.

Pope's apology over abuse at Church schools in Canada falls short

Pope Francis apologised and asked for forgiveness from survivors of Canada's church-run schools, with commentators noting it did not go far enough to address historic abuses.

During his tour of Canada, touted as his "pilgrimage of penance" the widely anticipated apology was received during a visit to the community of Maskwacis, Alberta.

Myanmar junta executes four democracy activists

 Kyaw Min Yu (L) Phyo Zeya Thaw (R)

Myanmar's military junta execution of four democracy activists,has drawn widespread condemnation, marking the country's first execution in decades.

The four activists were sentenceto death in secretive trials held in Januaray and April, the men were accused of helping a civilian resistance movement that has fought the military since last years coup and bloody crackdown on nationwide protests. 

UN court rejects Myanmar's efforts to obstruct Genocide case over Rohingya atrocities

The international court of justice has rejected Myanmar’s attempts to obstruct a case raised by Gambia, alleging the country of “[...] mass murder, rape, and destruction of  communities in Rakhine state.” 

Iraq accuses Turkey of deadly attack on tourists near Kurdish City

Nine tourists were killed following a shelling attack on a water park near the Kurdish City of Zakho with the Iraqi government holding Turkey responsible. 

The Iraqi government has accused Turkish forces of an attack on its citizens in a resort near the Kurdish city of Zakho (Southern Kurdistan). Turkey denied it had launched strikes against civilians and instead claimed that the Kurdistan Workers’ party (PKK), was responsible.

Myanmar soldiers admit human rights abuses

Soldiers in the Myanmar military have admitted to carrying out atrocities involving rape, torture and massacres of civilians, in interviews given to the BBC.

The testimony of 6 soldiers including a corporal, who have recently defected and are under the protection of the People's Defence Force (PDF), gives an insight into the military crackdown on those fighting to restore democracy.

Japan’s former leader assassinated in broad daylight

The former prime minister of Japan Shinzo Abe was shot dead whilst giving a speech in the city of Nara earlier this morning.

A 41-year-old man was arrested by Japan’s security services at the scene of the murder, where Abe was delivering a speech.

Video footage at the time shows gunshots being fired and the suspect apprehended with what appears to be a home-made gun.

EU resumes funding of Palestinian NGOs

The European Union (EU) has resumed funding of two prominent Palestinian organisations after a year-long suspension, following unfounded "terror" allegations made by Israel. 

 The European Commission sent letters several days ago to Al-Haq and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), informing them that their 13-month-long suspensions were lifted unconditionally and with immediate effect.