Human Rights Watch

The European Commission has proposed a substantial delay in the implementation of its landmark anti-deforestation law. The proposed delay of the EUDR would enable at least one more year of deforestation and human rights violations. Quote from Richard Pearshouse ⤵️

I just published an op-ed on Euronews calling on Ursula von der Leyen to make a clear statement in support of the EUDR. Delays or amendments would be bad for the environment, bad for human rights - and bad for businesses that have stepped up to comply and were counting on stability and continuity of the rules as they are. The statement from Barry Callebaut Group is a case I highlighted 👇 https://lnkd.in/eSCdaQzi « Decades of unfulfilled pledges show that without penalties for non-compliance and without binding rules to ensure a level playing field, companies will not — and arguably, cannot — do what it takes. An open letter calling for timely implementation of the EUDR from the confectionary giant Barry Callebaut echoes these points. “It is undeniable that EUDR requires a lot of effort and resources for compliance,” Callebaut wrote, but “these efforts are essential to drive sustainable transformation in the cocoa supply chain.” Callebaut also stressed the text of the law should not be revised, as it may leave the company’s efforts to conform “inadequate.” In other words, companies that have sought to align with the new rules should not be sent back to square one so that laggards can be accommodated. The same goes for EU trading partners. Indeed, while some countries like Brazil have been vocally critical, others are quietly making progress. »

An anti-deforestation regulation set to kick off in the European Union this December is getting pushback, with several governments and industry lobbies pushing to delay the regulation. Learn more ⤵️

As mass violence grips large areas of Myanmar’s Rakhine State, people have been trying to flee to Bangladesh. The international community can help by boosting aid, but they also need to address the roots of the problem – the junta in Myanmar. More in Andrew Stroehlein's Daily Brief:

Nobody should have to worry about whether they'll be able to vote safely. As US elections approach, voter intimidation and harassment are on the rise. Learn more about safeguarding voters and election officials ⤵️ https://bit.ly/3XMIClh

Since September 23rd, Israeli attacks have killed more than 800 people in Lebanon, including more than 50 children. HRW Lebanon researcher Ramzi Kaiss breaks down what’s been happening in Lebanon and Israel’s role in the escalating violence.

A big shout out to the Human Rights Watch team for launching our recent iteration of the #StopBombingCivilians campaign, joining a growing call by human rights activists worldwide for governments to endorse the 2022 Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences arising from the use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas. As we have seen from this week in Lebanon as well as places like Gaza, Ethiopia, Sudan and Ukraine, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas is having a devastating impact on civilians. Big thank you to Ziva Juneja & Maria Andrea Zita, our campaigners, for strategically leading this work as well as Bronte Price & Chelsea Marshall, MBA for their thoughtful creative and advertising program. To Victoria R. Strang, M.Div in leading the faith work. And a big shout out to programmatic partners like Ida, Mary and Nīa Knighton in Crisis, Conflict and Arms as well as Allan Ngari and the team in South Africa. Human Rights Watch is a proud partner and founding member of the International Network on Explosive Weapons (INEW). More here: https://lnkd.in/e95vyAKg

What’s been happening in Gaza for nearly a year now has been apocalyptic for people living there. But rather than take serious steps to try to stem Israeli atrocities, many governments are instead nervously watching them expand to Lebanon. More in Andrew Stroehlein's Daily Brief:

"How many people might drown at sea or be intercepted by Libyan forces while the 'Geo Barents' is detained at port?" A Médécins Sans Frontières (Doctors without Borders or MSF) ship rescued 206 people last week — then Italy blocked them from sailing anew. HRW's Judith Sunderland was on board ⤵️

Israeli strikes across Lebanon, a search-and-rescue boat detained in Italy, Rohingya refugees fleeing violence. Catch up on this week's human rights headlines below ⤵️