BREAKING NEWS: PAX GAEA WORLD POST HUMAN RIGHTS HEADLINES 12/4
John Bolton Resigns as U.S. Ambassador to U.N.
By Peter Baker and William Branigin
President Bush today accepted the resignation of John R. Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, expressing deep disappointment that "a handful" of senators had blocked his confirmation last year. Bolton, 58, submitted a resignation letter Friday after it became clear that he was unlikely to win a new confirmation battle in the Senate, where Democrats won a narrow majority in the Nov. 7 midterm elections. Washington Post (12/4)
Global warming to gay rights
The worldwide trend of recognizing same-sex marriage will likely continue.
By Paula L. Ettelbrick
WHILE STATE after state in the U.S. closes its doors to the prospect of same-sex marriage, lesbian and gay relationships have been gaining acceptance in the rest of the world. Last month, South Africa joined the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada and Spain in opening civil marriage to same-sex couples, allowing them equal economic benefits, legal rights and social status as families. The law, passed by an astounding 230-41 margin in Parliament, was in response to an equally notable unanimous decision last year by the South African Constitutional Court. It ruled that the post-apartheid constitution ensures the dignity and equality of all people — and that includes lesbian and gay couples wishing to affirm their love and commitment through civil marriage.( PAULA L. ETTELBRICK is the executive director of the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission) Los Angeles Times (12/4)
Human Rights Watch starts work in Saudi Arabia
RIYADH, Dec 4 (Reuters) - A delegation from the U.S.-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has arrived in Saudi Arabia on the first extensive fact-finding mission by such a group in the conservative Muslim country. Delegation members told a gathering of prominent Saudis and foreign diplomats late on Sunday that they would spend three weeks interviewing government officials, organisations and individuals. The main issues they will focus on include the criminal justice system, political rights, the status of women and foreign worker rights. "We hope we can encourage a process of change," HRW executive director Kenneth Roth said. "The government seems, at least at the rhetorical level, interested in reform." Reuters AlertNet (12.4)
Libya: Security Agency Detains Critic
No Contact with Boufayed Since November 5
(New York, December 4, 2006) – Libya's internal security agency has held an outspoken critic of Libyan leader Muammar al-Qadhafi in incommunicado detention for almost a month, Human Rights Watch said today. Libya's Internal Security Agency detained Idrees Mohamed Boufayed, a doctor who had been living in Switzerland for the past 16 years, on November 5 during a visit to Libya, his family and Libyan organizations abroad report. They have not seen or heard from him since. Human Rights Watch (12/4)
posted by Dave Carroll @ 12/04/2006 03:44:00 PM
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