Human rights

The annual World Report from Human Rights Watch lauded the US’ “vibrant civil society,” but found plenty of room for improvement as well, calling for further reform – especially in criminal justice, policing, and the detention of immigrants.

In a joint press conference with South Korean President Park Geun-hye, US President Barack Obama said North Korea would be welcomed to roundtable talks if it’s ready to give up its nuclear weapons.

The "police use-of-force" expert who wrote one of two reports that deemed the fatal police shooting of 12-year-old Tamir Rice in November was "reasonable" was also instrumental in clearing Colorado officers in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old girl.

Attorneys for prisoners held at the US military prison at Guantánamo Bay say they have had to purchase shoes, clothes, personal hygiene products and other basic items for detainees they represent. They accuse the prison of "pinching pennies."

US Department of Justice agents now have to acquire a search warrant before utilizing a cell-site simulator, the department said, though the new policy allows for exceptions. The devices, known as 'Stingrays,' trick phones into connecting to them.

Thousands of dissatisfied private renters in Britain have complained of their landlords abusing, assaulting, threatening and harassing them, research by Shelter has revealed.

A federal appeals court is set to hear arguments to determine if California's death penalty system – which opponents say is riddled with unfairness and arbitrary delays – constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of the Eighth Amendment.

Finland’s Finance Minister Alex Stubb has backed the British government’s agenda of reforming the UK’s relationship with Europe, calling the Conservative Party’s demands deliverable and constructive.

Human rights charity Reprieve has accused the UK Foreign Office of neglecting a British student held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who was allegedly tortured into falsely admitting to drugs charges.