Human Rights Watch's 2012 World Report

Human Rights Watch released its 2012 World Report for the first time in Cairo, Egypt. The 676-paged report contains 6 thematic essays and covers human rights issues in more than 90 countries in Africa, Asia, Americas, Europe and the Middle East.

The introductory essay titled "Time to Abandon Autocrats and Embrace Rights: The International Response to the Arab Spring", written by the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch - Kenneth Roth - focuses on international reaction to the "Arab Spring" and takes western democracies and dictatorial regimes of the world to task for backing autocrats and strongmen of the Arab world and putting a lid on popular protests - in a bid to protect their interests rather than human rights.

Another thematic essay -"Europe's Own Human Rights Crisis" - touches on dwindling respect for human rights in Europe and the complicity of some European Union countries in rights violations in North Africa. It highlights concerns about rights violations in Europe's counterterrorism efforts, intolerance towards migrants and minorities (especially Muslims, Roma and undocumented African migrants) and the rise of populist right wing extremism in Europe.

The World Report 2012 contains compelling photographs from the Arab Spring and a lot of useful information about the state of human rights around the world.

When I first downloaded the report, I immediately rushed to the Table of Contents and browsed through the list of African countries covered. The report touches on many countries in the African continent and elsewhere.

It's somewhat impractical to expect such a report to cover all countries in the world.

However, the absence of Cameroon on the list of 19 Sub-Saharan and Southern African countries was disappointing - especially because in the wake of the "Arab Spring" - which appears to be the theme of the World Report 2012 - security forces in Cameroon brutally crushed a demonstration inspired by pro-democracy protests in North Africa and the Middle East. A few weeks later, the government reportedly ordered the suspension of twitter mobile for "security reasons". Although the service was restored one week later, the damage had already been done.

It is worthy to mention at this point that the absence of Cameroon in this report does not mean that the country has an admirable human rights report card. There are real human rights concerns in the central African country that are worth highlighting in every human rights world report.

Watch a video of the presentation of the report in Cairo.



*Photo: Human Rights Watch.

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Chinese-run companies abuse workers' rights in Zambia

"We are working in very bad conditions, horrible conditions."

[ A worker in one of Zambia's Chinese-run copper mines told Human Rights Watch].

It has been said that China is "taking over" Africa, in terms of business and exploitation of natural resources, including timber, copper, coal, just to name a few. Many Africans, including Zambian government officials, welcome China's increasing presence in Africa on grounds that China's investments have created jobs and other benefits in the region. Many have ignored the fact that "jobs" and "benefits" created by a country that has little regard for human rights and freedoms, come at a high price. Chinese-run businesses and companies routinely abuse workers' rights in Africa, in violation of national and international labor standards. A recent report published by Human Rights Watch on 3 November 2011 reveals that Chinese-run copper mining companies in Zambia violate workers' rights and Zambian national laws and regulations.

According to Human Rights Watch, abuses perpetrated by Chinese-run mining companies in Zambia include:

• Poor health and safety conditions.
• "Brutally long Shifts" of "arduous labor."
• Violation of workers' right to organize

Anyone interested in "human rights" must have heard that rights are commonly muzzled in China. Chinese companies have exported not only their expertise and goods to Africa - they have also exported rights violations.

Daniel Bekele, Africa Director at Human Rights watch points out that "many of the poor health and safety practices we found in Zambia's Chinese-run mines look strikingly similar to abuses we see in China."

Allegations of "brutally long" working hours and "slave wages" paid by Chinese-run corporations are disturbing; but even more disturbing are reports that employers terminate work contracts or threaten to fire workers who stand up for their rights and demand better working conditions. This is "coercion" - intended to intimidate and silence abused workers struggling to make a decent living for themselves and their families.

In October 2010, two managers in Chinese-run Collum coal mine in southern Zambia used shotguns to shoot at unarmed workers who were protesting poor labor conditions. The government of Zambia later dropped all charges against the mine shooting perpetrators.

The government of Zambia has failed to protect Zambian workers from abuse and exploitation.

It is true that China's hugh investment in Zambia has created jobs, but it is also true that many workers employed in Chinese-owned companies have been denied their rights as laid down in national and international law.

By failing to end abuse in Chinese-run mines, the Republic of Zambia, a member of the International Labor Organization (ILO), has picked business over "decent work" and human rights. The new government of President Michael Sata, elected in September 2011, should move quickly to restore the dignity of miners and bring abusive employers to justice.

Read the 122-page Human Rights Watch report titled, "'You'll Be Fired If You Refuse': Labor Abuses in Zambia's Chinese-State Owned Copper Mines".

*Photo: Internationalrivers.

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No impunity for arbitrary killing of Muammar Gaddafi

There is reason to believe that Muammar Gaddafi, former leader of Libya, was summarily executed on 20 October 2011 in custody of rebel forces in Sirte - in violation of the rule of law and laws of war. There should be no impunity for such a high profile arbitrary killing in a "liberated" Libya.

News of the capture of Muammar Gaddafi took the world by storm and there was great expectation that the strongman would face justice in a national or international court for crimes allegedly committed during his 42-year tyrannic rule and more recently during a brutal crackdown on popular protests that broke out in February.

A few minutes after news of the capture, it was reported that the "big fish" had been killed in a "cross fire" between fighters loyal to him and opposition fighters. This was confirmed by the Chairman of the National Transitional Council (NTC). However, shocking video footage of the capture revealed that Gaddafi was captured alive, beaten, wounded and possibly executed by the rebels.

Graphic video clips of a bloodied and inhumanely treated Gaddafi posted on the internet attracted condemnation from rights groups. New York-based Human Rights Watch reported that there is evidence that suggest that Gaddafi might have been summarily executed in the custody of opposition fighters from Misrata. The rights group urged the NTC to investigate the deaths of Gaddafi and his son.

According to Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and North Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, "there is ample evidence" to launch an investigation into the unexpected deaths of Muammar Gaddafi and his son Muatassim Gaddafi - captured alive on the same day.

Peter Bouckaert, Emmergencies Director at Human Rights Watch, was in Sirte to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Muammar Gaddafi and his son. Peter Bouckaert visited the scene of the battle that culminated in the capture of the Gaddafis and reported his findings in a video that was shared on Twitter by Kenneth Roth, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch.



There should be no impunity for arbitrary killing.

On 23 October 2011, doctors conducted an autopsy on the body of Muammar Gaddafi at a hospital in Misrata and confirmed that the toppled leader died of a gunshot wound to the head. It remains unclear who fired the fatal shot. This should be impartially investigated.

All Libyans are entitled to equal protection of the law. This includes all those accused of serious crimes, including captured supporters of Muammar Gaddafi.

*Photo source: The Guardian.

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"Dear Obama" responds to calls for help from LRA victims

The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is a notorious armed Ugandan rebel group that continues to terrorize civilians in Northern Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The LRA is reportedly responsible for unspeakable violations committed against civilians in central African region. These atrocities include mass rape, mutilations, mass killings, torture, kidnappings and the recruitment of child soldiers. The infamous leader of the rebel group - Joseph Kony - is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. For decades, right groups have demanded tougher action against the LRA. Finally, the Obama administration has responded to calls for help and taken noticeable steps to protect LRA victims.

In 2010, Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch urged President Obama to "get tough on human rights" and argued in favor of the "humanitarian use of force" against the LRA .

Human Rights Watch launched an aggressive campaign to inspire action against the LRA . The organization produced a compelling video titled "Dear Obama" - in which victims of LRA abuse, including men, women, girls and boys, make direct appeals to President Obama - literally begging for help.

The video was nominated for the 2011 Webby Awards.



To many skeptics, this was a long shot.

However, "dear Obama" responded to loud calls echoed by Human Rights Watch. He ordered the deployment of about 100 U.S. military personnel with "appropriate combat equipment" to Uganda to work together with forces in the region to remove Joseph Kony and his commanders from the region. According to a letter from President Obama to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, U.S forces will provide "information, advise and assistance" to regional partners. They "will not themselves engage LRA forces unless necessary for self defense."

According to Human Rights Watch, Obama signed a bill on 24 May 2010 that committed the U.S. to help arrest Joseph Kony and protect civilians in the region. More than 200 civilians have been killed and 3000 abducted during LRA operations since 2008.

Obama's decision to deploy forces to Uganda to help stop atrocities committed by the LRA has attracted blind criticism from opponents of his administration, some of whom have arguably never heard about the LRA prior to the president's bold move in the interest of human rights. According to Rush Limbaugh, a conservative American radio talk show host, Obama has sent troops to "wipe out Christians" in Africa. This is a laughable case of misinformation. The talk show host clearly failed do his homework on the subject.

On the other hand, rights advocates who are well-informed about atrocities committed by the LRA and understand the concept of "responsibility to protect", welcome Obama's decision to join efforts to bring Joseph Kony and his cronies to justice.

N.B: See photo of one victim of LRA brutality above. In February 2002, he was kidnapped, deformed and amputated by Kony's men. His ears, lips, nose and hands were chopped off. [Source]. Thousands more have suffered atrocities of varying proportions committed by the LRA .

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Help Human Rights Watch win a 2011 Webby Award

You'd recall that last year, I urged you to help Human Rights Watch win the 14th Webby Awards by voting for the organization's video on maternal mortality in India that was nominated for the prestigious award. It's that time of the year again and this time, the organization has been nominated for three Webby Awards. You're once again encouraged to  help Human Rights Watch win a Webby Award.

This year, 3 projects (2 videos and 1 photograph) by Human Rights Watch that expose rights violations in 3 countries have been nominated for the 15th Webby Awards. The nominated projects are:

1. Deadly Threats: Successors to the Paramilitaries in Colombia.
2. Dear Obama: Message from Victims of the LRA.
3. Exiled: Burma's Defenders.

The above projects are nominated under 3 Online Film & Video categories, namely:

• Documentary: Series
• News & Politics: Individual Episode
• News & Politics: Series

It's worth mentioning that when I voted earlier today, Human Rights Watch was leading in two of the above three categories: Documentary: Series (with 26 percent of the votes) and News & Politics: Individual Episode (46 percent of the votes).

The organization was third in the News & Politics: Series category.

Register now (or sign in using your Twitter or Facebook account) and vote for the 3 projects by Human Rights Watch. Your vote will help the organization win a 2011 Webby Award and show support for the organization's fight to protect and promote human rights worldwide.

Voting opened on 12 April 2011 and will close on 28 April 2011. You can vote in every category.

In 2010, Human Rights Watch won a Webby Award for best Documentary: Individual Episode.

Here's more information about how you can help Human Rights Watch win a 2011 Webby Award.

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President Obama urged to help arrest Joseph Kony

Joseph Kony. Source: Voices [Education Project].

This weekend's THE WEEK IN RIGHTS, a weekly email from Human Rights Watch to all its supporters, contained many human rights-related articles including a compelling article by Kenneth Roth, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, urging President Obama to "get tough on human rights" and help arrest Joseph Kony.

Joseph Kony is the rebel leader and commander of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), a ruthless rebel group that has committed well-documented carnage and untold atrocities in the DR Congo, Uganda, Sudan and Central African Republic.

In Congo, the LRA perpetrates atrocities such as mass rape and rape as a weapon of war - making the country arguably the worst place to be a woman. For decades, the rebels, under the leadership of Joseph Kony, have mutilated, slaughtered, kidnapped and raped civilians with impunity.

In 2005, arrest warrants were issued by the International Criminal Court for Joseph  Kony and four other LRA commanders. They are wanted at the Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Efforts have been made to bring the rebels to justice but they remain at large either due to inadequate resources or lack of political will to track them down.

Over the years, the United States has used force on "humanitarian grounds" in countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, but it remains to be seen whether the super power will intervene and take action against the LRA -  a rebel group that is responsible for one of the world's greatest humanitarian crisis. An intervention to help arrest Kony and protect civilians in the region would be justifiable on humanitarian grounds.

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Human Rights Watch honors Cameroonian activist

In November 2010, Human Rights Watch, an independent international organization dedicated to protecting human rights around the world, will honor six human rights activists, including a Cameroonian - Steave Nemande.

Steave Nemande is a medical doctor and President of Alternatives-Cameroon, a non-profit organisation promoting equality, tolerance and respect for "socially excluded" individuals in Cameroon, especially members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. It is worth mentioning that under the leadership of Steave Nemande, Alternatives-Cameroun, in collaboration with Human Rights Watch, recently urged the government of Cameroon to decriminalize homosexuality.

Nemande is a courageous medical doctor who defies the odds and promotes the rights of members of LGBT people in a region where homosexuality is widely criminalized, and where very few people stand up for the rights of others (thoughtless of homosexuals). Dr. Steave Nemande deserves this honor by an accredited international human rights organization like Human Rights Watch. Perhaps, this gesture would encourage other young Africans to step up to the plate.

The other human rights activists honored are:

• Liu Xiaobo, 2010 Nebel Peace Prize Laureate
• Sussan Tahmasebi, women's rights activist from Iran 
• Yoseph Mulugeta, former secretary general of Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) 
• Elena Milashina, an investigative journalist exposing human rights violations in Russia 
• Hossam Bahgat, founder of Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR)

Human Rights Watch notes that all six activists have courageously defended, and continue to defend human rights, in defiance of "substantial threats of violence or imprisonment."

All six will be awarded the Alison Des Forges Award for Extraordinary Activism - an award that "celebrates the valor of individuals who put their lives on the line protecting the dignity and rights of others."
*Photo: Elisabeth Rull. All Rights Reserved.

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The new Arthur Koenig Fellowship by Human Rights Watch

Good news! Human Rights Watch has rolled out a new fellowship - the Arthur Koenig Fellowship. This fellowship is largely similar to the other fellowships organised by the leading human rights organisation, but there's a twist.

The new Arthur Koenig Fellowship is designed to help people from "disadvantaged economic backgrounds" join the human rights movement. In other words, [only] people from disadvantaged economic backgrounds are eligible to apply for the Arthur Koenig Fellowship.

This is good news for the uncountable number of economically disadvantage people of conscience looking for a chance to join the international human rights movement.

You are encouraged to read more about eligibility and application procedure for the Arthur Koenig Fellowship on the official website of Human Rights Watch, and perhaps apply. The deadline for applications is 18 October 2010.

Good luck!

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Fellowships in International Human Rights: 2011-2012

Human Rights Watch, a leading organization dedicated to defending and protecting human rights around the world is currently accepting applications for its 2011-2012 Fellowship programme. The organization invites applications from recent graduates with Master's degrees in the field of law, international relations, journalism, or other relevant fields from universities around the globe.

Fellows for the fellowship programme work full-time for a period of one year in New York or London, monitoring human rights developments, investigating violations, drafting reports and engaging in human rights advocacy campaigns.

It is worth mentioning that the work is paid. The salary for the last fellowship, 2010-2011, was $55,000 plus benefits. According to Human Rights Watch, the salary for 2011-2012 fellows may be increased.

Detailed information about job description, eligibility and application procedure for the fellowship in International Human Rights is available on the official website of Human Rights Watch.

Application deadline for the Fellowships in International Human Rights is 8 0ctober 2010.

Good luck!

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George Soros grants $100 million to Human Rights Watch

"Human rights underpin our greatest aspirations" - George Soros

Human Rights Watch sent a fascinating email on September 8, 2010 to the organization´s supporters. The title of the email read - "George Soros's Gift, and Challenge, to Human Rights Watch." The email, signed by American Attorney and Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, Kenneth Roth, announced that George Soros will grant $100 million to Human Rights Watch.

Who is George Soros?

George Soros is a businessman (stock investor), philanthropist extraordinaire and proponent of liberal politics. He was born in Hungary in 1930 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1956. He has commendable track record of donating staggering sums of money to support causes or organisations that push for democracy, human rights and good governance.

According to Human Rights Watch, the grant of $10 million a year over a period of 10 years will be used to "expand and deepen" the presence of the Human Rights Watch around the world, by staffing offices and funding research that uncover human rights violations.

This grant highlights the value of human rights. Unspeakable human rights violations occur in many "forgotten parts of the world," and George Soros clearly understands the urgent need to document and report such violations, and pressure governments to hold perpetrators accountable. With such a hugh donation, Human Rights Watch would have more researchers on the ground to give voice to the voiceless.

On a side note: Last month, Human Rights Watch urged Cameroon to decriminalize homosexuality. It is worth mentioning that the organization rarely reports violations in Cameroon, perhaps due to insufficient resources. Personally, I would like to see Human Rights Watch use part of this generous grant from George Soros to carry out more research in Cameroon - documenting and reporting otherwise unreported human rights violations in the West African country, especially as the country gears up for elections in 2011.

As a "challenge," George Soros expects Human Rights Watch to raise another $100 million that would further facilitate the work of the organisation.

"Invest in human rights" by making a donation and help Human Rights Watch meet the George Soros challenge.

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U.S: Undocumented Immigrants face sexual abuse in detention facilities

Last week, a news release by Human Rights Watch, revealed that in the U.S., undocumented immigrants face sexual abuse, harassment and assault in detention facilities. The immigration debate in many countries, including the U.S., has taken a negative tone, but should illegal immigrants in detention be left at the mercy of guards who sexually abuse, assault and harass women in detention facilities?

According to Human Rights Watch, in May 2010, a guard at the T. Don Hutto immigration facility in Texas allegedly "groped women" in detention. It is worth mentioning that this alleged sexual abuse of women at the T. Don Hutto immigration facility in not the only reported incident.

In 2008, five undocumented immigrants - women - were assaulted by a guard, in their rooms at the Port Isabel Service Processing Center in Texas.

You might be tempted to think that undocumented immigrants in detention face sexual abuse only in detention facilities in Texas because the aforementioned cases occurred in Texas, but reports of sexual abuse, harassment and assault have been documented in detention facilities in many states - New York, Washington State, New Jersey, Wisconsin, California, and Arizona.

It is true that the frequency of sexual abuse of undocumented immigrants in detention in the U.S. cannot be measured because many cases go unreported, since many victims are deported while abusive guards, more often than not, go unpunished and ready to take on the next victim.

You would agree that undocumented immigrants, by virtue of being human, have inherent rights, and should not be left at the mercy of guards in detention facilities. Undocumented immigrants are a vulnerable group of people who should be fully protected by the State. More importantly, perpetrators of sexual abuse in detention facilities should be brought to justice! Impunity sends a wrong message to perpetrators and victims of sexual abuse.

In a recent report published on August 25, 2010, Human Rights Watch sheds light on reported incidents, as well as allegations of sexual abuse in immigration detention centres in the U.S. The rights group also makes recommendations on how the issue could be addressed.

It remains to be seen whether the U.S. Department of Homeland Security,  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Congress will make a moves in the right direction, based on recommendations by Human Rights Watch - to end sexual abuse, assault and harassment of undocumented immigrants in immigration detention facilities. 

Photo: AS IT STANDS.

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Police corruption fuels human rights abuses in Nigeria

In a news release published on August 17, 2010, Human Rights Watch took the Nigeria Police Force and government officials to task for institutionalized corruption, including extortion, embezzlement and bribery in the police force. The rights group expressed concern that endemic corruption in the Nigeria Police Force fuels human rights abuses in the West African country.

Following a research based on interviews with more than 145 victims and witnesses of corruption in the Nigeria Police Force, Human Rights Watch noted with  dismay that armed police officers commonly extort money, on a daily basis, from drivers and civilians at police roadblocks all across Nigeria. Unsuspecting people who resist extortion risk arbitrary arrest and unlawful detention. In some cases, people who refuse to pay bribes are subjected to assault and police brutality. Worst of all - some civilians who refuse to pay bribes have been shot to death.

In a report entitled, "Everyone's in the game: Corruption and Human Rights Abuses by the Nigeria Police Force," the rights group highlights the following ills in the Nigeria Police Forces, amongst other things:

• Extortion and bribery
• A system of "returns" in which enlisted officers are required to pay a portion of extorted money to senior police officials
• Embezzlement by senior police officials
• Justice and public safety for sale by police officers
• Failures of oversight by government ministers and officials

More importantly, this detailed report on police corruption and human rights abuses in Nigeria makes recommendations on how police corruption - a deeply embedded problem in Nigeria could be rooted out.

It is true that police corruption is endemic in Nigeria and fuels human rights abuses, and it is also true that police corruption is not limited to Nigeria. The practice prevails in different forms in various parts of the world.

Irrespective of where police corruption prevails, one thing is clear - it fuels limitations on basic human rights, and undermines the Rule of Law.

While reading the news release about corruption fueling police abuses in Nigeria, I came across cartoons that capture police corruption in Africa's most populous nation. Make sure you check out the cartoons.

I also found it embarrassing to note that Nigerian police officers often allegedly ask ordinary citizens a shameful question: "anything for the boys?"

*Photo of Nigerian Policemen: NaijaFeed.

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Burundi Expels Human Rights Researcher

The state of Burundi has a track record of political and ethnic-motivated violence - since it gained independence in 1962. In 1972, ethnic violence erupted between the dominant Tutsi minority and the Hutu majority. The violence displaced thousands of Burundians - predominantly Hutus - many of whom fled to neighboring Tanzania and later became known as the 1972 Burundian refugees. In 1993 - barely 20 years after the ethnic violence of epic proportions, the assassination of a Hutu President by Tutsi extremists, triggered another civil war - characterized by "acts of genocide" (according to the United Nations) against the Tutsi minority. In 1994, another President - a Hutu - was assassinated, sparking another wave of violence... Without going into the complicated history of ethnic-motivated civil wars in Burundi, the country now has another Hutu President - Pierre Nkurunziza - elected in 2005 and is relatively stable. Human Rights Watch has been on the ground - in Burundi - doing what it does best - protecting human rights by investigating and documenting human rights violations. As you would expect, the government of Burundi - like many governments - is not happy with the work of the organisation and has reached a decision to expel a Human Rights Watch researcher.

On May 19 2010, Human Rights Watch announced that the government has withdrawn the work permit of Neela Ghoshal - a researcher for the organization in Burundi. The obvious question is, why?

According to Human Rights Watch, the decision to expel the researcher came after the organization published a report about human rights violations in pre-elections violence in the country. The report, entitled "We'll Tie You Up and Shoot You", documents violence against members of political parties. The violence involves the ruling political party and the main opposition party. The report exposes untold impunity in pre-elections violence: the perpetrators are known, but no one has been prosecuted.

The government of Burundi based its decision to expel the researcher on allegations that the report by Human Rights Watch is biased against the government. Human Rights Watch, on its part, argued that the report is based on "meticulous on-the-ground research".

Human Rights Watch cautions that the history of violence in Burundi "threatens to continue" and "intensify" - if the government does not move quickly to investigate and bring perpetrators of pre-elections violence to justice.

In my opinion, the government of Burundi should reconsider the decision to expel Neela Ghoshal. Human Rights Watch is a credible and "independent" organisation. Allegations that the recent report is biased against the government and ruling party does not hold water. Above all, the government should investigate pre-election violence and and put an end to impunity.

Municipal, Parliamentary, Presidential, Senatorial and Local elections in Burundi are scheduled to hold from 21 May 2010 to 7 September 2010. It is worth mentioning that Human Rights Watch researcher - Neela Ghoshal is expected to leave Burundi by 5 June 2010.

*Photo of the President of Burundi - Pierre Nkurunziza, by World Economic Forum

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Help Human Rights Watch Win Webby Award!

Last month, I wrote about the alarming rate of maternal deaths in the U.S. and I'm thrilled to note that a video by Human Rights Watch, which brings to light the dangers of maternal deaths in India, has been nominated for the 14th Annual Webby Award - Best Documentary: Individual Episode. The video - "In Silence: Maternal Mortality in India", tells the story of an Indian woman, Kiran Yadav, who died in childbirth.

What is the Webby Award?

The Webby Award celebrates excellence, innovation and creativity on the internet and it has been dubbed the "internet's highest honor" by New York Times. It is worth mentioning that thousands of videos and websites are submitted to win the award and it is an honor to have a video, which highlights a fundamental human right, nominated for "Web Supremacy".

Below is the video that was nominated for the Webby Award:



Are you passionate about human rights? Should women die from preventable causes?

Make your voice heard by helping Human Rights Watch win the Webby Award - this will go a long way to raise awareness about maternal deaths in India - where, according to Human Rights Watch, more than 60,000 pregnancies end up in death.

You can help Human Rights Watch by doing two things:

1) Register HERE
2) Vote for "In Silence: Maternal Mortality in India."

Make a difference, by following the two simple steps above.

Cast your vote before 29 April, 2010.

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