News archive: June 2014
4 June 2014
On 2 June, Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that African Union peacekeepers from the Republic of Congo who are stationed in the Central African Republic have been accused of committing human rights abuses, including torture, killings and detentions. The allegations were made by witnesses, local officials and residents who were interviewed during an investigation by HRW. (more…)
Source: Reuters | African Union peacekeepers accused of abuses in Central African Republic: HRW
4 June 2014
At the 13th IISS Asian Security Summit on 31 May, Vietnam’s Defense Minister, General Tanh, delivered a speech stating – according to Vietnam Breaking News – that in order to manage risks that may cause disputes, all countries should share the same perspective on international responsibilities. (more…)
Source: Vietnam Breaking News | Minister calls on nations to share responsibility
Source: TalkVietnam | Defence minister calls on countries to share responsibility for peace
3 June 2014
A confidential report that was obtained by The Guardian Australia documents the desperate state of healthcare for families in Australian detention facilities on Nauru. The report writes that children on Nauru do not receive an adequate health screening and that up to 50 percent of them could carry latent tuberculosis. Furthermore, it raises serious worries that Nauru does not have a child protection framework in place, that there is a significant risk that children are sexually abused and that most pregnant women have a depression. (more…)
Source: The Guardian | Nauru detention: serious health risks to children revealed in confidential report
Source: The Guardian | Nauru: Human Rights Commission will accept leaked report as evidence
3 June 2014
On 28 May, at the United States Military Academy at West Point, president Barack Obama pledged to build up military support with equipment and training to moderate Syrian rebel groups. The proposal still needs to be approved by Congress, but a senior administration official said that ‘what we’re saying today … is not only do we want to continue to increase the assistance that we provide to the Syrian opposition, but we do want to have this discussion with Congress about the potential for there to be a role for the US military in that effort.’ (more…)
Source: Reuters | U.S. pledge of support for Syria's moderate rebels in early stages – official
Source: The Guardian | US nears decision on training Syrian rebels
Source: The Wall Street Journal | Obama Close to Authorizing Military Training of Syrian Rebels