Is China's National Security Law for Hong Kong the Beginning of a Surveillance Era?
On the 30th of June 2020, China passed the controversial National Security Law that had stirred nationwide pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong. The legislation, which criminalizes separatism, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign countries punishable with harsh penalties including life imprisonment, is likely to have a sweeping effect on the autonomy of the city. The [...]
UK Supreme Court extends whistleblower protections to Judiciary
The UK Supreme Court held on Wednesday that Warrington District Court Judge Claire Gilham is a “worker” entitled to whistleblower protections under Part IVA of the Employment Rights Act, allowing her case to move forward in the Employment Tribunal. The issue stems from austerity measures implemented over the course of several years, which resulted in the [...]
UN rights experts urge Brazil to reconsider austerity measures
UN human rights experts on Friday urged Brazil to reconsider its economic austerity measures. Specifically, the experts are focused on the negative impacts such measures might have on the countries most socially vulnerable, such as lower income, youth, women, and ethnic minorities. “Women and children living in poverty are among those hit hardest, as are [...]
Here's the international legal news we covered this week: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein on Friday warned Syria that air strikes, shelling and use of toxic agents in Eastern Ghouta likely...
A UN expert on foreign debt, finance and rights warned the Human Rights Council Wednesday that various austerity measures can lead to serious human rights consequences and should no longer be ignored. Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky, the...
Puerto Rico votes for statehood in referendum with low turnout
In a non-binding referendum with only 23 percent turnout, 97 percent of Puerto Rico voters opted for statehood Sunday. Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares announced the results Sunday and said he will communicate the results with the...
Puerto Rico files for bankruptcy protection under special law
The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico on Wednesday filed for bankruptcy protection for the territory following the expiration of provisions that had shielded it from litigation. The filing comes under Article 3 of...
Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló , on Friday approved a law to hold nonbinding referendum that would allow the US territory to vote on statehood. The referendum, to be...
Federal appeals court allow Puerto Rico pension bondholders case to proceed
The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled Wednesday that bondholders of Puerto Rico's Employee Retirement System deserve a hearing to determine if their case has merit to proceed. The lawsuit focuses on...
UN expert: Puerto Rico austerity measures will undermine human rights
A UN Independent Expert has warned that increasing austerity measures to the American territory will threaten residents' human rights. Juan Pablo Bohoslavsky , the Independent Expert, stated that "ensuring financial stability, controlling public debt and reducing...
