Northern Ireland's Abortion Law Violates Human Rights, Court Rules
The decision by a Belfast High Court judge puts pressure on lawmakers to reconsider the near-total ban on pregnancy termination.
Human Rights
Observers Hope California Agreement Succeeds In Ending Indefinite Solitary
A settlement may mean the release of thousands of inmates from solitary confinement. The U.N. special rapporteur on torture says it's "a great achievement," but he'll have to see how it's implemented.
For Kazakhstan's LGBT Community, A Struggle For Recognition And Rights
The country's failed bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics disappointed LGBT activists. They'd hoped global attention would lead to greater tolerance in a country where they live in a "state of fear."
Before Obtaining Asylum, Refugees Must Show The Scars Behind The Stories
Like many medical professionals, Dr. Katherine McKenzie examines the wounds of her patients — but she doesn't treat them. The forensic physician evaluates asylum-seekers' claims of torture.
Malaysia, Cuba Taken Off U.S. Human Trafficking Blacklist
Many human rights advocates and U.S. lawmakers say the upgrade has more to do with politics than with the facts on the ground in those countries.
Executions In Iran Undergo 'Unprecedented Spike,' Amnesty Says
The rights advocacy group says it has credible reports that Iran executed at least 743 in 2014 and nearly as many so far this year, executing on average three people a day.
In Pakistan Death Row Case, A Rare Glimmer Of Hope
Asia Bibi, a 50-year-old mother of five sentenced to death in 2010 for insulting Islam, has been granted a reprieve — for now. Pakistan's Supreme Court will hear her appeal, but no date has been set.
In Yemen, Agony Continues As Civilians 'Bear The Brunt'
An Amnesty International researcher provides a rare glimpse of life in Yemen, which the U.N. says is in the grip of a "massive humanitarian crisis." Will a new ceasefire help bring relief?
Under Cover Of Conflict, Hamas Killed Palestinians, Amnesty Alleges
The human rights organization says Hamas deliberately killed at least 23 Palestinians during the war with Israel last summer. Those killed were accused by Hamas of collaborating with Israel.
Controversy Follows As Activists Cross North-South Korean Border
The symbolic gesture was aimed at reunifying two nations still technically at war. But an event staged in the name of peace ended up exposing some distrust that's lasted for decades.