News

ERT Publishes Report on the Human Rights of the Stateless Rohingya in Thailand

London, 6 February 2014

Today, at a launch event in Bangkok, Thailand, The Equal Rights Trust, in partnership with the Institute for Human Rights and Peace Studies at Mahidol University (IHRP), published its new report The Human Rights of Stateless Rohingya in Thailand. The report is part of a series developed by ERT which aims to document the situation of the Rohingya – one of the world’s most persecuted minority groups – both in their homeland, Myanmar, and in a number of other countries where they have fled seeking refuge: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Thailand.

European Court Holds France's Payment of a Supplementary Allowance to Algerian War Soldiers of Arab or Berber Origin Was Justified

London, 5 February 2014

On 23 January 2014, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), in the case of Montoya v France, found that the provision of a supplementary monetary award to Arab and Berber former auxiliary fighters during the Algerian war, but not those of European origin, was not a violation of the right to non-discrimination under Article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (the Convention) as the differential treatment of the particular group could be justified. 

Homophobic Bill in Uganda is Unconstitutional and in Breach of International Law

London, 21 January 2014

Following its recent approval by the Parliament of Uganda, The Equal Rights Trust (ERT) has repeated its call to the President of Uganda, Yoweri Museveni, not to sign the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. After writing to the President during the Bill’s passage through Parliament criticising the legislation, ERT has again written to President Museveni, urging him to exercise his power under Article 91 of the Constitution of Uganda not to assent to the Bill. Recent reports have emerged that the President has indicated his intention not to do so, criticising the manner in which the Bill was passed.

Nigeria Becomes the Latest Country to Pass Dangerous Anti-Gay Legislation
London, 15 January 2014
 
On 7 January 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act in secret. The Act imposes lengthy prison sentences on any person who attempts to enter into a same-sex marriage or civil union; who participates in a gay club, society or organisation; or who makes a public display of affection with a person of the same sex.
Important Recommendations for Achieving Equality for Roma Adopted by EU Council

London, 23 December 2013

On 9 December 2013, the Council of the European Union unanimously adopted the “Council recommendation on effective Roma integration measures in the Member States”. This is an important development in Europe, where the Roma continue to face widespread prejudice, discrimination and social exclusion. The Recommendation signifies a necessary and welcome commitment from the EU to taking action to tackle the inequality and discrimination faced by the Roma in Europe and, in particular, to addressing their socio-economic exclusion.

Homosexuals Face Life Imprisonment if Ugandan Bill Signed into Law

London, 23 December 2013

On 20 December 2013, the Ugandan Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, after it was unexpectedly scheduled for a vote when the majority of MPs were not present. The Bill, which makes same-sex sexual conduct an offence punishable by life imprisonment, was passed in Parliament despite Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi expressing concern that there was not a quorum. The news is the latest blow for the equality of all regardless of sexual orientation around the globe, and demonstrates the level of discrimination and prejudice faced by homosexuals in Uganda.

Australian High Court Declares Regional Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act As Of No Effect

London, 18 December 2013

On 12 December 2013, the High Court of Australia issued its judgment in The Commonwealth v Australian Capital Territory, a case relating to the status of the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013, a regional law enacted in October 2013 which permitted same-sex marriage in the Australian Capital Territories (ACT). As was expected, the High Court found that the Act was inconsistent with federal law on marriage, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. 

Criminalisation of Gay Sex Does Not Violate Constitutional Rights, Says Indian Supreme Court

London, 13 December 2013 On 11 December 2013, the Indian Supreme Court issued its judgment in Suresh Kumar Koushal and another v NAZ Foundation and others, an appeal of the much celebrated decision of the Delhi High Court in 2009 to overturn a sodomy law which had criminalised same-sex sexual conduct.

Christian Hoteliers in the UK Must Not Discriminate Against Homosexual Customers

London, 6 December 2013

On 27 November 2013, the UK Supreme Court issued its judgment in Bull and Another v Hall and Another, in which it ruled on whether Christian hotel owners discriminated against homosexual civil partners through a policy to only let double rooms to “heterosexual married couples”. In a decision which robustly defends the rights of same-sex couples to equal access to goods, facilities and services, the Court held that the policy directly discriminated against civil partners whose status, aside from their sexual orientation, was indistinguishable from that of married couples.  

New Report on Equality in Belarus Published by ERT

London, Thursday 28 November Today, at an event held alongside the European Union Eastern Partnership Summit taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania, The Equal Rights Trust (ERT), in partnership with the Belarusian Helsinki Committee (BHC), launched Half an Hour to Spring: Addressing Discrimination and Inequality in Belarus.

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