The Ugandan Anti-Homosexuality Bill violates human rights
Uganda: The draft “Anti-Homosexuality Bill” introduced on October 14, 2009 in Uganda’s parliament would violate human rights and should be withdrawn immediately, a group of local and international human rights organizations.
Abortion amendment in USA
USA: A restriction on abortion coverage was added in November 7th, 2009 to the health care bill. The provision would block the use of federal subsidies for insurance that covers elective abortions. The Obama White House is refusing to weigh in on an amendment that represents perhaps the most restrictive anti-abortion measure introduced in a generation. Read more.
Obama announces he will lift ban on HIV+ visitors to the U.S.
USA: President Obama announced in October 30, 2009 the end of a 22-year ban on travel to the United States by people who had tested positive for the virus that causes AIDS. At a White House ceremony, he announced that a rule canceling the ban would be published in November 2, 2009 and would take effect after a routine 60-day waiting period.
Regional meetings in preparation for the fifty-fourth session of the Commission on the Status of Women
A series of regional meetings has been organized by the United Nations regional commissions — ECA, ECE, ECLAC, ESCAP, ESCWA — in preparation for the fifty-fourth session of the Commission on the Status of Women, from 1-12 March 2010, in New York. See the agenda.
Delhi High Court has struck down the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code
India: The New Delhi High Court decriminalized homosexual intercourse between consenting adults, by striking down section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.
International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia
May 17th has become the International Day against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) since the WHO Assembly declared as invalid the code 302.0 of the International Diseased Classification, in 1990. Almost 20 years later, IDAHO was celebrated in a wide range of creative ways all over the globe. Some of the initiatives can be seen here.
Regional Highlights – News6
Afghanistan: Taliban shoot dead Afghan politician who championed women’s rights
Thousands of child abuse cases in Ireland
Ireland: For decades, thousands of Irish children suffered soul-crushing lives of forced labor, beatings and molestation in institutions run by Roman Catholic religious orders.
Pink Chaddi Campaing, India
The Pink Chaddi Campaign in India has recruited more than 21 thousand people. Read more about the campaign here.
Relevant meetings – News 6
The UN Conference against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, held in Geneva during April 2009, was a follow up to the Conference in Durban, South Africa, in 2001, and its Declaration and Plan of Action (DDPA).