In a landmark decision, an African regional body has found the Kenyan government guilty of violating the rights of the country's indigenous Endorois community, by evicting them from their lands to make way for a wildlife reserve.
The decision, by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, creates a major legal precedent by recognising, for the first time in Africa, indigenous peoples’ rights over traditionally owned land and their right to development.
Read the full press release and download the decision (PDF).
For more information about the case see our legal cases page.
To view and use photos see the MRG photo gallery on Flickr.
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Minority Rights Group International on Friday called on the Iranian authorities to ensure a fair trial of seven Bahá'í leaders charged with a series of criminal offenses, including ‘acting against the security of the country' and conducting ‘propaganda activities against the Islamic order.'
Charges were made against the seven leaders at their first court appearance last month and their trial has been fixed for 7 February, 2010.
A year ago, the world was shocked by reports of Rohingya refugees being beaten and tortured by Thai soldiers. On 20 January 2009, the head of the Thai military promised an investigation into the alleged abuses. One year later, the public is still waiting for the facts to emerge.
‘We should remind the government about this promised investigation,' said Chris Lewa of the Arakan Rohingya National Organization, which advocates for the rights of the Rohingya. Read more...