International standards on the use of force and firearms are clear – law enforcement officials should resort to the use of firearms only in defence against an imminent threat of death or serious injury. They should apply other non-violent means before resorting to the use of force, and the use of firearms must always be the last resort. When the use of force and firearms is unavoidable they must exercise restraint and take steps to minimize damage and injury and preserve life.

A major shift in approach to migration issues is long-overdue. The presidency has a responsibility to set an example to member states, not only in language, but also in action, to ensure that the EU’s human rights obligations toward migrants, refugees and asylum seekers are fully respected.

17/04/2014 – Amnesty International is calling on the Montenegrin authorities to provide adequate alternative accommodation for six families and two individuals living in the Zverinjak settlement in Nikšiæ, who are due to be evicted from their homes, on15 May.

17/04/2014 – Amnesty International’s submission to ECRI on France mainly focusses on the discrimination experienced by Roma with respect to their right to adequate housing. In particular, we raise concern about the Albanian authorities’ failure to protect Roma from forced evictions from informal settlements in Tirana and to provide them with adequate alternative housing.

11/04/2014 – The EU must not fail the people of Ukraine by sacrificing human rights to political expediency, and must prioritise human rights in their relations. In particular, Amnesty International calls on the EU to insist on progress being made to combat impunity for torture and other ill-treatment and discrimination, and to protect the rights to freedom of assembly association and expression throughout Ukraine.

The court had two options, and its choice was not in favour of justice and human rights. Its disheartening decision is in line with the prevailing tendency promoted by the Russian government to stamp its authority on any civil society activity. It sets a dangerous precedent which could be used against other NGOs

These allegations, if substantiated, would confirm our long-held fears that state intelligence agencies like the NSA and GCHQ have been subjecting human rights organisations to mass surveillance all along

The international community must not leave Afghan women to fend for themselves after 2014. It would be devastating if governments turn a blind eye to the plight of Afghan women just because there are no more international troops in the country.

04/04/2014 – The European Roma Policy Coalition (ERPC) welcomes the European Commission’s Communication on the implementation of the EU Framework for National Roma Integration as the first report examining the impact of European Union (EU) Member States’ policy measures to foster the inclusion of Roma into their societies.

Bulgarian authorities have started fixing the reception facilities and increasing the capacity to process asylum applications. But there are still systemic deficiencies including the detention of asylum seekers, overcrowding, poor sanitation and inadequate provision of food

01/04/2014 – Amnesty International’s submission on France on the occasion of ECRI’s fifth country monitoring cycle mainly focuses on the discrimination, violence and harassment experienced by Roma migrants. Our research has shown that Roma in France continue to experience widespread discrimination. They are not only forcibly evicted, denied equal access to housing, segregated in schools and given a substandard education, but are also targets of harassment and violence. The document also provides information on the existence and implementation by France of legal provisions relevant to ECRI’s mandate and contains Amnesty International’s concerns about discrimination against Muslims on the ground of religion or belief and against transgender individuals in France.

28/03/2014 – Ahead of President Xi Jinping’s March visit to the European Union (EU), Amnesty International is urging you to put human rights at the centre of EU relations with China. There are urgent human rights concerns that must remain at the top of the EU-China dialogue and agenda.