human rights

Iraq to vote on bill including death penalty for same-sex acts

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Iraq to vote on bill including death penalty for same-sex acts

Iraqi lawmakers are considering a bill that would introduce harsh punishments for same-sex relations, including the death penalty or life in prison. This has raised concerns among rights groups and Western diplomats who fear it would harm Iraq’s political and economic relationships. The bill also prohibits the promotion of homosexuality and imposes severe penalties for violations. Diplomats have lobbied against the bill, warning that its passage could have catastrophic consequences for international relations with Iraq.

Second man who jumped from Limassol apartment out of danger, as Anisur’s body to be taken to Bangladesh

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Second man who jumped from Limassol apartment out of danger, as Anisur’s body to be taken to Bangladesh

The second man who jumped from a fifth-floor apartment during a migrant raid in Limassol is now out of danger, while efforts are being made to repatriate the body of the 19-year-old who died during the operation.

The European Parliament’s achievements through the eyes of the Cypriot MEPs

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The European Parliament’s achievements through the eyes of the Cypriot MEPs

The European Parliament has been instrumental in enacting reforms to enhance the lives of people in Europe, including managing the COVID-19 pandemic by endorsing the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism and contributing to the NextGenerationEU financial plan. Key achievements also include advancements in Green and Digital Transitions, implementing measures for health, welfare, and daily experiences of EU citizens, and supporting young people through initiatives like the European Year of Skills.

Limassol migrant death: Flatmate refutes police account

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Limassol migrant death: Flatmate refutes police account

An eyewitness to a police raid in Cyprus refuted the police’s version of events, claiming that officers broke into the apartment without a search warrant and used force on the residents. The raid resulted in the death of a 19-year-old worker from Bangladesh who fell while attempting to escape. The injured man is under police surveillance in the hospital, and there are calls for clarification on legal protocols and use of force during the raid. An independent inquiry has been launched to investigate the circumstances of the young man’s death.

2023 figures show EU aid keeps failing human development and equality

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2023 figures show EU aid keeps failing human development and equality

– OECD DAC unveiled early figures for 2023 Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending by donor countries.
– Donor countries are failing to meet the original objectives of ODA to promote human development and fight inequalities.
– EU ODA increase in 2023 is largely driven by inflated figures, with a substantial portion going to in-donor refugee costs.
– ODA levels to least developed countries (LDCs) have not recovered from cuts in 2022.
– EU donors keep failing to meet the targets of allocating at least 0.7% of their GNI to ODA by diverting funds for domestic interests.

ANALYSIS-Not just growth and nationalism: India’s Modi campaigns on foreign policy

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ANALYSIS-Not just growth and nationalism: India’s Modi campaigns on foreign policy

India’s ruling party credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi for stopping the Russia-Ukraine war two years ago to rescue and repatriate nearly 20,000 stranded Indian students. The video shared by Modi on YouTube has gained nearly 650,000 views. Foreign policy has become a key focus in the upcoming general election, with Modi’s global stature being a significant factor.

Cyprus-Greece alliance on migration reassessment

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Cyprus-Greece alliance on migration reassessment

Interior Minister of Cyprus, Constantinos Ioannou, met with Greek Minister of Migration and Asylum, Dimitris Kairidis, to discuss migration issues. Ioannou informed Kairidis about his plan to create an informal alliance for reassessing the Syrian regime’s status and to coordinate with other countries. Kairidis expressed Greece’s willingness to participate in the initiative. They also talked about managing migration flows, providing reception conditions, integration procedures, and establishing a joint funding advocacy team through the new Migration and Asylum Pact.

Rights groups file new case against German arms export to Israel

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Rights groups file new case against German arms export to Israel

Human rights lawyers filed a lawsuit against the German government’s approval of exporting 3,000 anti-tank weapons to Israel, citing concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The lawsuit was supported by the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights and Palestinian human rights organizations. The lawyers called for a suspension of the export licenses as a provisional legal protection measure. Germany has defended its arms export policy, considering factors such as human rights and humanitarian law. In the past, German lawyers have filed complaints against officials for aiding genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has denied accusations of genocide or violations of humanitarian law, stating that they are fighting against Hamas.

Op-Ed – Migration: we delivered

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Op-Ed – Migration: we delivered

The European Parliament has passed new legislation on migration and asylum, after more than ten years in the making. The legislation aims to provide a consistent framework across all Member States, secure borders, protect human rights, and combat trafficking. The package also addresses issues like secondary movements, external borders, and crises. While it won’t solve all issues overnight, it represents a significant step forward. The focus now is on implementing the agreements and improving returns for those who do not qualify for protection.

Court dismisses lawsuits over 2013 Laiki Bank haircut

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Court dismisses lawsuits over 2013 Laiki Bank haircut

Limassol district court dismissed four consolidated lawsuits against the now-defunct Laiki Bank of Cyprus, the Central Bank of Cyprus, and the Republic of Cyprus concerning the 2013 haircut. The court ruled that the defendants were not aware of the consequences of their actions at the time, and the restructuring measures did not leave depositors in a worse situation than if the bank had undergone liquidation. The court also found that the allegations of constitutional and human rights violations lacked substantiation.