Greater Middle East

Syria rejects calls to join ICC

Syria has rejected calls from several nations to join the International Criminal Court according to a report adopted by the UN Human Rights Council, which again called for the regime to halt its violent crackdown on anti-government protests.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan: government denies UN torture allegations

The Afghan Ministry of Interior Affair and the National Security Directorate denied allegations of widespread torture of prisoners made earlier this week in a report by the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

Africa

Sudan to adopt “Islamic constitution”: Bashir

President Omar al-Bashir announced that Sudan will adopt an Islamic constitution based on sharia law now that the mostly Christian south has seceded. The creation of an Islamic state raises grave concerns the one million southerners living in Sudan.

Southern Cone

Chile: Mapuche march on Santiago to mark Columbus invasion

On Columbus Day/Día de la Raza, some 10,000 indigenous Mapuche and their supporters marched through Santiago, many dressed in traditional costumes and carrying flags, to demand freedom for political prisoners and restoration of traditional lands.

Mexico

Oaxaca: displaced Triqui struggle for the land

More than 20 displaced indigenous Triqui members of the Autonomous Municipality of San Juan Copala were arrested by local police in the “official” municipality of Oaxaca de Juárez for attempting to occupy lands they say were usurped by paramilitaries.

The Amazon

Bolivia cancels controversial Amazon highway —for now

Bolivian lawmakers voted to approve President Evo Morales’ decision to halt a controversial road project through the country’s eastern Amazon rainforest in order to consult with the local population. But protest marchers continue to advance towards La Paz.

The Andes

Colombian workers, students hit streets in nationwide protests

Tens of thousands of striking workers were joined by students in marches through Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and other cities across Colombia to demand the right to unionize, public health care and education, and an end to labor contracting.

The Caribbean

Haiti: protesters demand decent jobs and housing

Chanting “This has to change,” some 200 Haitians marked World Day for Decent Work with a march to the industrial park where most of Port-au-Prince’s low-wage assembly plants are located.