Protecting Human Rights during Peaceful Protests

2011 was a watershed year for the protest movement, with huge protests across the Arab world resulting in the toppling of long-standing regimes. ‘The Protestor’ was even named Time Person of the Year for 2011.

Policing freedom of assembly: gone too far?

Recently, on 9 February, 16 prominent human rights activists were arrested in Dar es Salaam on the grounds of unlawful assembly.

Policing demos in Tanzania: Gone too far?

At least two people were reportedly shot dead in Tanzania by police this week during a disturbance associated with a public demonstration.Earlier this month, 16 prominent human rights activists were arrested in Dar es Salaam on the grounds of unlawful assembly.

Policing & Human Rights: Time for real change in Uganda

A disturbing, constant pattern has been emerging in Uganda according to the annual reports of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC).

Police reforms must involve the people

As Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hands out bravery awards and medals to police and Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) personnel during the ongoing police-week, two young men prepare for their slow recovery in the southern district of Barisal.

Out of step with reality

At a recent meeting on internal security, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urged the ministry of home affairs (MHA) and the state governments to "carry forward the police reforms and modernisation to their logical conclusion".

Opportunity knocks but once

Perhaps more than any government in recent history, the UPA has sought to project Indian power beyond its own shores.

OpEd - Impunity Reigns in India

Once again, it seems India’s pledge to uphold the tenets of human rights has come to nothing. In January this year, Human Rights Watch (HRW) painted a damning picture of the state of human rights in its World Report.

OpEd - Heyns, The Final Straw For AFSPA?

Christof Heyns, the Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Killings described India as “a living document … [of] human rights jurisprudence respected worldwide.

Official Secrets Act being amended, secretly

After learning that the government is planning to amend the Official Secrets Act I filed a request under the Right to Information Act with the Ministry of Home Affairs seeking inspection of all papers relating to the amendments proposals.