Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Amnesty International –

In response to the sentencing of unionist and human rights defender Ali Mammeri, head of the independent National Union of Civil Servants in the Field of Culture and Art (SNFC), to 15 years in prison by the first instance criminal court of the Oum El Bouaghi tribunal, Nadege Lahmar, Algeria Researcher, said: 

“Ali Mammeri’s case is illustrative of the Algerian authorities’ use of unfounded and overbroad terrorism charges to crush peaceful dissent and undermine the activities of unions and other independent groups. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison solely for the peaceful exercise of his rights to freedom of association and expression, based on his union work, public advocacy for human rights, and private communications with exiled activists — which included sharing information that the authorities considered ‘classified’ regarding reprisals and restrictive measures against unions.

“Instead of investigating allegations that policemen repeatedly beat Ali Mammeri and stripped him naked to force a confession of involvement in criminal action, judicial authorities relied on his ‘forced confession’ to convict him.

“This travesty of justice and disregard for the rule of law must end. We call on the Algerian authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Ali Mammeri and quash his terribly unjust conviction and sentence. Authorities must conduct a prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigation into the allegations of torture and other ill-treatment of Ali Mammeri and bring to justice anyone suspected to be responsible.”

Source: Amnesty International –

Responding to the Latvian parliament’s vote to leave the Council of Europe convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention, Amnesty International’s Senior Campaigner on Women’s Rights, Monica Costa Riba, said: 

“Latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention would be a devastating blow to the protection and rights of the country’s women and girls and all people facing domestic violence. It sends a reckless and dangerous message to perpetrators that they can abuse an kill women and girls  with impunity. 

We urge the President of Latvia to do the right thing and use his veto to stop Latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention

“This decision has been driven by powerful anti-rights groups spreading harmful disinformation about this vital safeguard in order to demonize gender equality, women’s and LGBTI people’s rights.  

“We urge the President of Latvia to do the right thing and use his veto to stop Latvia’s withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention and advance measures to ensure its full implementation to protect women and girls from gender-based and domestic violence.  

“Amid persistent backlash we must come together to resist further assaults on women’s rights and gender equality in Latvia and across Europe”.  

Background 

The bill now awaits the President’s decision to either veto or sign it into law. If signed, Latvia will become the second country to withdraw from the Convention, following Türkiye’s widely condemned exit in 2021, and the first country in the EU to withdraw from a major Council of Europe human rights treaty.

The Convention entered into force in Latvia in May 2024 following its ratification in November 2023.  

The Istanbul Convention was adopted by the  Council of Europe Committee of Ministers on 11 May 2011 and entered into force on 1 August 2014. It is the first European treaty specifically targeting violence against women and domestic violence. 

The Convention sets out minimum standards on prevention, protection, prosecution and the development of integrated policies to counter violence against women and domestic violence.

To date, the Convention has been signed (45) and ratified (39) by a vast majority of Council of Europe Member States. On 28 June 2023 the European Union also ratified the convention.  

Only Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania and Slovakia have yet to join the convention.  

For more information contact [email protected]

Source: Amnesty International –

Climate change is getting worse and so are the threats it poses to human rights. The right to adequate housing is being violated on a massive scale, as homes, particularly those in informal settlements, are destroyed by the effects of climate change.

For example, South Africa has experienced devastating extreme weather and flooding over the past few years. People living in informal settlements – which are often built in low-lying, flood prone areas – are among the worst affected . These residents already face the challenges of living in poverty and a lack of access to essential services. Now they must confront additional threats to their human rights posed by climate change.

States have human rights obligations, which means they have the duty to upgrade informal settlements to help realize the right to housing. However, in many cases, this duty is not being met. It’s up to us to speak out and hold governments accountable.

Source: Amnesty International –

Ahead of the trial of prominent lawyer and human rights defender Ahmed Souab starting on 31October in Tunis, Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said: 

“Ahmed Souab is facing unfounded charges that carry heavy prison sentences, including ‘forming a terrorist organization’ and ‘spreading fake news,’ solely for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and carrying out his professional duties as a human rights lawyer. His arrest and subsequent prosecution are in retaliation for his criticism of the lack of due process and independence of the court regarding the ‘conspiracy case’ in which he was representing three defendants. 

Ahmed Souab should never have been detained in the first place, let alone be prosecuted.

Heba Morayef

“Ahmed Souab should never have been detained in the first place, let alone be prosecuted. His case is a chilling example of the Tunisian authorities’ broader authoritarian practices to target critics, lawyers, and human rights defenders who dare to speak out against persistent violations of judicial independence and the rule of law and executive overreach. Authorities are using bogus “terrorism” charges as a pretext to crackdown on peaceful dissent and severely restrict the right to a fair trial and create a pervasive climate of fear. This travesty of justice must stop.

“The Tunisian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Ahmed Souab and drop all the baseless charges against him. They must uphold their international human rights obligations and cease the targeting of lawyers for defending their clients or criticizing the judiciary. Authorities must uphold the rule of law including judicial independence and allow lawyers to freely carry out their professional functions without any harassment, intimidation or improper interference.” 

Source: Amnesty International –

‘It is time for Scotland’s political parties to prove they are serious about fulfilling basic everyday human rights’ – Sabrina Galella, Advocacy Manager, Amnesty International UK. 

Groups from across Scotland’s third sector have called on political parties to prove they are serious about tackling poverty and declining living standards in Scotland by backing a Human Rights Bill in their 2026 manifestos.  

The Civil Society Working Group on Incorporation – which represents over 20 charities and campaigning organisations – has launched its manifesto calling for a Bill that enshrines legal protections for everyday rights like decent housing and food in Scots law.   

Against a deeply concerning international and UK-wide roll-back on human rights, and while many people in Scotland experience human rights abuses on a daily basis, the CSWG has launched its manifesto for the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary Elections with three specific demands for the next Parliament and Government.  

1. Introduce a Scottish Human Rights Bill 

The Bill was promised. It was paused. It must now be introduced. 

This legislation would incorporate four international human rights treaties into Scots law, protecting women from discrimination (CEDAW), disabled people’s equal rights (CRPD), racial and ethnic groups from discrimination (ICERD), and everyone’s economic, social and cultural rights (ICESCR). It would also enshrine the right to a healthy environment.  

These treaties guarantee adequate living standards, healthcare, fair work, education, and social security.  

2. Implement the UNCRC Act to full effect  

In 2024, Scotland became the first in the UK to incorporate a UN rights treaty into law – the UNCRC Act. But recent legislation has introduced ‘carve-outs’ that lessen the impact of the Act for children, creating gaps in protection and accountability. 

The CSWG calls for the next Scottish Government to maximise the Act’s coverage and properly resource its implementation so that every child’s rights are upheld across all public bodies. 

3. Remove barriers to justice 

Rights that cannot be legally enforced are easily ignored. Currently, people face overwhelming barriers to justice, including lack of legal advice, unaffordable legal representation, and underfunded complaint systems. The CSWG demands urgent reform and a robust legal aid system to ensure that legal protections are accessible to all. 

Sabrina Galella, Advocacy Manager, Amnesty International UK said: 

‘We need systemic answers to systemic failures if we want to build the fair society we all deserve, and the manifesto demands those essential changes. This is the time to strengthen protections for everyone in Scotland, standing firm and united against anti-rights backlash.’  

Charlie McMillan, Director of the Human Rights Consortium Scotland, added:  

‘Scotland needs a strong and clear framework for protecting fundamental human rights, ensuring that our national legislation embeds internationally recognised standards of dignity, equality, and justice for all.’ 

‘The CSWG urges all political parties to commit and deliver on these reforms and build a fairer, more just Scotland where everyone’s human rights are respected, protected and fulfilled.’ 

Source: Chatham House –

Chatham House hosts Black History Month exhibition ‘Standing Firm in Power & Pride: The Black Experience in Britain’
News release
jon.wallace
30 October 2025

150 guests attended the opening reception for a remarkable exhibition showcasing the resilience, achievements, and struggles that shape Black British identity.

Chatham House’s EDI Working Group hosted a drinks reception on 22 October 2025 to celebrate the opening of a special Black History Month exhibition at the institute titled ‘Standing Firm in Power and Pride: The Black Experience in Britain’.

Over 150 people attended, including Chatham House members, representatives from the House of Lords, Cabinet Office, the Commonwealth Secretariat, London Stock Exchange Group and community organizations across London.

Curated by Sherece Rainford (Founder of Gallery OCA), alongside Joseph Osayande and Lisa Musumba of the EDI Working Group, the exhibition features the work of 12 Black artists from across Britain, and explores the resilience, achievements, and struggles that shape Black British identity.  

Expressed through a wide range of mediums – from photography to canvas paintings, and mixed media – the pieces explore the intersections of race, culture, migration, and belonging, and how these have influenced Britain’s social, political and cultural fabric. 

Artists exhibited included Ayobami Adelaye, Bethan Dadson, Caroline Chinakwe, Denisha Anderson, Holly Oluwo, Imhonigie Imoesi, Kadi Jatta, Monika Mabiki, Munyaradzi Chidakw, Stéfan Weil, Tom Oluade, and Yeside Linney.

The purpose of Standing Firm in Power & Pride is to honour legacies of resilience, amplify stories of empowerment, and inspire collective recognition of the enduring contributions of Black communities to Britain’s past, present, and future.

Sherece Rainford said: 

‘Encouraging reflection on identity, heritage, and empowerment, the exhibition invites viewers to engage with narratives often overlooked yet deeply woven into the nation’s history.’

Joseph Osayande, Deputy Head of Individual Membership at Chatham House and Chair of the EDI Working Group, said: 

‘This exhibition offers a deeper way of understanding themes like migration, populism, racism, international security, and global civil societies. Hosting events like these shows the intrinsic value of EDI. Chatham Houses’ support of diversity, equality and inclusion allows us to confront and explore the ever-changing world around us.’

Lisa Musumba, Outreach and Communications Coordinator of the Chatham House Africa Programme and Race and Ethnicity Co-Chair of the EDI Working Group, said: 

‘At a time when racialized exclusionary rhetoric is getting amplified across the world, it is important to have spaces like these to come together and celebrate the resilience of global Black communities.’

Chatham House’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Working Group coordinates, consults on and supports the delivery of EDI-related events and activities across the institute. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact the team.

Source: Amnesty International –

Reacting to a vote by the French Senate to introduce a consent-based definition of rape in the penal code, Lola Schulmann, Gender Justice Advocacy Officer at Amnesty International France, said: 

“The adoption of this law is a historic step forward. It is a long-awaited victory for victims of rape and the culmination of years of tireless campaigning by activists, feminist organizations and survivors of sexual violence. 

“Amending the penal code will have a broad educational impact, which is essential for establishing a culture of consent in our society and in the training of those involved in the legal system. 

This is a long-awaited victory for victims of rape and the culmination of years of tireless campaigning by activists and survivors of sexual violence

“Taking this final step towards amending the outdated law and recognizing that non-consensual sex is rape, will help to prevent and combat sexual violence and improve access to justice for victims of sexual violence. 

“The adoption of the law will be crucial to change attitudes about rape but it is not a silver bullet. A true paradigm shift will require substantial financial resources and a truly intersectional perspective in its implementation to put an end to impunity for gender-based and sexual violence.”

Background 

The bill, adopted by the Senate today, was voted at the National Assembly on 23 October. 

Sixteen European Union member states have already introduced consent-based definitions of rape in their legislation: Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden. Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and the UK also have similar definitions of rape in their legislation in line with international human rights law, including the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as “the Istanbul Convention”. 

Source: Amnesty International –

Visa systems in Europe’s Schengen area function like an obstacle course for human rights defenders from different parts of the world, preventing many from participating in key decision-making forums. These obstacles contradict the rights and values that Schengen states claim to uphold, Amnesty International said in a new report today. 

Closing the door? How visa policies in Europe’s Schengen area fail human rights defenders, documents the many obstacles that activists from 104 visa-restricted countries –mainly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East– face when trying to access short-term visas to travel to the area for advocacy, networking, or respite from the risks they face because of their work.  

These human rights defenders (HRDs) are mostly racialized as Black, Asian and/or Muslim, and the negative impact on their mobility amounts to indirect discrimination, according to the organization’s analysis. 

“The inability to access Schengen visas means that the voices and testimonies of human rights defenders from countries in the Global South are excluded from forums where decisions that deeply affect their lives are made,” Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.   

“While Schengen states are entitled to decide who enters their territory, the impact of their visa systems on human rights defenders from 104 countries represents a clear disconnect between what they have committed to, through their guidelines and other commitments to protect human rights defenders, and what they actually do.” 

The inability to access Schengen visas means that the voices and testimonies of human rights defenders from countries in the Global South are excluded from forums where decisions that deeply affect their lives are made

Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director for Research, Advocacy, Policy and Campaigns at Amnesty International.   

“Ensuring that HRDs have access to short-stay Schengen visas in a reliable, predictable, transparent, and timely manner is indispensable to realize their right to defend rights without discrimination.” 

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

30th October 2025 – Nairobi.

The Green Belt Movement and Greenpeace Africa firmly oppose the decision by the Government of Kenya to lift the logging ban in the Mau Forest Complex. The decision undermines years of progress in forest protection and exposes Kenya’s fragile ecosystems to renewed destruction. It also stands in clear contradiction to the government’s own pledges on environmental conservation and climate action.

The Mau Forest Complex is not just any forest. It is one of Kenya’s five major water towers, sustaining rivers, livelihoods and ecosystems across the Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza regions. Opening it up for logging threatens millions of Kenyans who depend on it for clean water, agriculture and stable weather patterns. To tamper with the Mau is to endanger the country’s food and water security.

According to the Forest Status Report 2024, Kenya loses an average of 84,716 hectares of forest every year to deforestation, while 14,934 hectares suffer degradation. The report also reveals that deforestation and forest degradation cost the economy an estimated KES 534 billion annually in lost ecosystem services, reduced rainfall, diminished water quality and soil erosion. These figures paint a grim picture of a country rapidly depleting its natural capital.

Even more concerning is that this decision comes only two years after the government launched the 15 Billion Tree Campaign, aimed at restoring Kenya’s landscapes and increasing tree cover by 2032. While the government may argue that the logging will be confined to plantations, the reality is that past practices have shown weak monitoring, non-transparent allocation and unsustainable extraction often spill over into conservation sites. Allowing logging within plantations located in critical water towers such as the Mau risks severe ecological damage, undermining the very restoration goals the country has set. It is deeply ironic to call on citizens to plant trees while sanctioning activities that destroy those that have taken decades to grow. Such policy inconsistency erodes public trust and makes a mockery of Kenya’s climate commitments.

Kenya’s tree cover currently stands at about nine percent, still below the constitutional target of ten percent. Instead of consolidating gains made through tree planting and restoration, this move risks reversing progress and deepening environmental degradation.

The Environment and Land Court ruling of 2023 that guided the initial lifting of the logging ban was explicit. Before any harvesting could resume, the government was required to create an implementation framework for proactive information sharing and genuine public participation in forest management. The court further ordered that the harvesting of 5,000 hectares of mature and over-mature plantation trees be supervised by a Multi-Agency Oversight Team, in full compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

There has been no public disclosure of any such framework, no evidence of compliance with these legal requirements and no indication that the weaknesses identified in the 2018 Taskforce Report on Forest Resources Management and Logging Activities have been addressed. The Taskforce had already highlighted governance gaps within the Kenya Forest Service, recommending stronger oversight, transparency in timber allocation and investment in private commercial plantations to ease pressure on public forests. These reforms remain unimplemented. This latest announcement therefore represents a serious breach of the court’s guidance and a setback for forest governance. It undermines Kenya’s credibility as a leader in climate action and forest restoration.

Kenya must reject the false choice between development and conservation. Sustainable growth depends on healthy ecosystems. Forests are not barriers to progress. They are the foundation of water security, agriculture, and economic resilience.

The Mau Forest Complex is too important to be treated as a political bargaining chip. Its destruction would jeopardise the stability of rivers that feed Lake Nakuru, Lake Victoria and numerous irrigation systems. It would worsen droughts, floods and food insecurity, undermining national resilience and climate adaptation efforts. This is not just environmental mismanagement; it is economic self-sabotage.

We make the following recommendations:

1. The government must immediately comply with the court order requiring an implementation framework for proactive information sharing by publishing the Strategic Plan, Forest Management Plans and Felling Plans and ensure meaningful public participation before any harvesting resumes.
2. Any harvesting should only occur under the full supervision of an independent Multi-Agency Oversight Team that includes civil society, experts and community representatives.
3. The Kenya Forest Service must increase its capacity to protect forests through recruitment, training and deployment of adequate forest guards and investment in monitoring systems to prevent illegal logging.
4. The Ministry of Environment and Forestry should accelerate investment in commercial plantations on private land to meet timber demand and relieve pressure on public forests.
5. The government should fully account for the economic cost of deforestation by incorporating the KES 534 billion annual loss into national planning and budgeting.
6. Any strategy to promote local furniture or timber industries must be built on sustainable raw material sources, not on the destruction of public forests.
7. The government should issue a public compliance report on the implementation of the court orders and the 2018 Taskforce recommendations, detailing the reforms achieved to date.

Kenya cannot claim to be pursuing the planting of 15 billion trees with one hand while destroying its public forests with the other. This contradiction renders the entire tree-planting initiative meaningless. It is time for the government to align its words with action and to show genuine commitment to conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development.

The Green Belt Movement and Greenpeace Africa call for an immediate halt to all harvesting activities in the Mau until the government fully complies with the law and reinstates transparent, accountable forest governance. The future of Kenya’s forests, water and people depends on it.

For any enquiries contact Job Mwangi at [email protected] and Sherie Gakii at [email protected]

About the Green Belt Movement

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) is an environmental organization founded in 1977 by the late Professor Wangari Maathai, Africa’s first female Nobel Peace Laureate. GBM works to empower communities, particularly women, to conserve the environment, restore degraded ecosystems and improve livelihoods through tree planting, advocacy and climate action. Over the decades, GBM has facilitated the planting of more than 51 million trees across Kenya, championed environmental justice and played a key role in advancing national and global climate policy. The organization continues to stand at the forefront of efforts to safeguard Kenya’s forests and natural heritage for current and future generations.

About Greenpeace Africa

Greenpeace Africa is part of the global Greenpeace movement, which works in over 55 countries to promote environmental justice, peace and the protection of the planet’s life-support systems. Established in Africa in 2008, Greenpeace campaigns for climate action, sustainable agriculture and the preservation of forests and oceans. In Kenya, Greenpeace works closely with communities and partners to advocate for transparent environmental governance, renewable energy and the protection of vital ecosystems such as forests and water towers. Its mission is to ensure that people and nature thrive together in a green, peaceful and just world.