By Besir Ozbek, Floriane Borel, and Mitch Paquette
Each week students at the University of Essex Human Rights Centre prepare an overview of the past week’s human rights related news stories from around the world.
International
UN Court judge quits the Hague citing political interference – The Guardian
Human trafficking cases hit a 13-year record high, new UN report shows – UN News
Early warning, early action: changing the way disasters are managed – ReliefWeb
Africa
Central African Republic reaches peace deal with armed groups: UN – Al Jazeera
Nigeria: Deadliest Boko Haram attack on Rann leaves at least 60 people murdered – Amnesty International
Belgium agrees to take in former Ivory Coast president – The Guardian
Human Rights Council Should Create Independent Fact-Finding Group for Sudan – Human Rights Watch
Djibouti: scores feared dead after two migrant boats overturn – The Guardian
Europe
Dutch liability for Srebrenica massacre should be overturned – court advisor – Reuters
Mother of three-year-old is first person convicted of FGM in UK – The Guardian
Italian coastguard blocks migrant rescue ship in Sicily port – Reuters
Russia: Heartless charges against activist who supported detained colleague – Amnesty International
EU Leaders Drag Their Feet on Hungary Sanctions – Human Rights Watch
UK: Anger Over Plans To Allow Ministers To Change Immigration Laws Without Going Through Parliament – Right Info
Latin America and the Caribbean
Colombia: Five armed conflicts – what’s happening? – ICRC
Venezuela: Focusing on humanitarian needs in a highly polarized environment – ICRC
European nations set to recognize Guaidó as Venezuela’s leader – The Guardian
El Chapo Trial: The 11 biggest revelations from the case – New York Times
MENA
Assad regime found liable for war reporter Marie Colvin’s death in landmark $300m US lawsuit – The Telegraph
Yemen’s warring parties meet on ship to discuss stalled troop withdrawal – Reuters
UAE: Pope Should Raise Rights Issues on Visit – Human Rights Watch
USAID assistance in the West Bank and Gaza has ceased – U.S. official – Reuters
Syrians trapped in Rukban call on UN for safe passage – Al Jazeera
North America
Jail or Bail? There’s a New Option – New York Times
Poor students more likely to play football, despite brain injury concerns – NPR News
Kentucky attorney general warns abortion bill is unlawful – ABC News
Oceania
Australia says last asylum-seeker children will soon leave Nauru – Reuters
Behrouz Boochani: detained asylum seeker wins Australia’s richest literary prize – The Guardian
PNG civil society group wants change on Papua policy – Radio NZ
Why nearly 2 million people are demanding an independence vote for West Papua province – ABC News
‘Progress is incredibly slow’: Australia lagging on disability rights – The Sunday Morning Herald
South and South-East Asia
India’s ‘invisible’ workers march for better pay, job security – Reuters
Hong Kong: Court ruling a setback in fight for equality for transgender people – Amnesty International
Myanmar: Peaceful Critics Prosecuted – Human Rights Watch
Philippines: Peace advocate gunned down in yet another targeted killing – Amnesty International
China: Rights Website Founder Sentenced to 5 Years – Human Rights Watch
Pollution prompts Bangkok to close schools for the week – Reuters
Disclaimer: The views expressed herein are the author(s) alone