United States Revised Travel Ban Challenged in Federal Court

March 20, 2017

By Sarah Lafen
Impunity Watch Desk Reporter, North America

WASHINGTON D.C., United States — On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang heard two hours of arguments challenging and supporting President Trump’s revised executive order banning travel from six Muslim-majority countries. The revised order will suspend the U.S. refugee program for 120 days, prohibit the issuance of visas to those from Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia and Iran for 90 days, and decrease the number of refugees allowed to enter the U.S. in 2017 from 110,00 to 50,000.

Attorneys for the ACLU, National Immigration Law Center and members of the International Refugee Assistance Project speak outside of the U.S. District Court in Maryland court on Wednesday (Photo Courtesy of The Guardian)

Refugee rights organizations brought suit in federal court in Maryland claiming that the revised travel ban illegally targets a religious group. Among others, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) asked Chuang to halt the order entirely, and argued that it represents a “pretext to discriminate against Muslims.” Justin Cox, lawyer for the National Immigration Law Center, told Chuang that those affected feel the order targets Islam and condemns their religion.

The U.S. government responded to the claims made by refugee groups by saying that all references to religion have been eliminated from the revised order. The government encouraged Chuang to focus on the exact wording of the order, and urged that the words indicate the ban is aimed at preventing terrorism.

The government also argues that people from the countries targeted by the travel ban “warrant additional scrutiny in connection with [the] immigration policies because the conditions in these countries present heightened threats.” However, analysts at the Department of Homeland Security have indicated that citizenship is an “unlikely indicator” of ties to terrorism.

The hearing concluded without a ruling. Chuang told court attendees that he “appreciated[d] everyone’s advocacy” and will issue a ruling as soon as possible. According to ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt, Chuang pressed both the advocacy groups and the government about their respective claims. Chuang asked the government why he should not consider all of President Trump’s comments regarding Muslim immigration, and asked the refugee rights groups whether President Trump is forbidden from limiting immigration from anywhere in the world just because of comments he made during his campaign. Gelernt also said that Chuang asked whether a nationwide ban or a limited halt would be the appropriate remedy.

Hawaii’s challenge to the revised executive order will soon be heard in federal court, and Washington is also requesting a hearing in federal court to challenge the ban.

For more information, please see:

The Guardian — Hawaii Judge to Issue Ruling on Revised Trump Travel Ban Before it Takes Effect — 15 March 2017

Independent — Donald Trump’s Revised ‘Muslim Travel Ban’ Under Scrutiny by US Federal Courts Day Before Introduction — 15 March 2017

USA Today — Clock Ticks as Trump’s Revised Travel Ban Faces Multiple Court Challenges — 15 March 2017

The Washington Post — Federal Judge in Hawaii Freezes President Trump’s New Executive Order — 15 March 2017

Humam Quader Chowdhury Released After 7 Months in Secretive Detention

March 20, 2017

By: Nicole Hoerold
Impunity Watch Reporter, Asia

DHAKA, Bangladesh – Humam Quader Chowdhury was released on March 2, 2017 near his family home in Dhaka. Chowdhury was taken by unmarked men on August 4, 2016 and allegedly held in secret detention by Bangladeshi authorities. Chowdhury is one of two other men who were taken in separate incidents last August, though the others have yet to be released.

Bangladesh security officers stand in front of the central jail in Dhaka in 2013. Photo courtesy of Reuters.

All three men are sons of prominent opposition politicians, who were tried and convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal meant to prosecute war crimes as a result of Bangladesh’s 1971 war of independence. The men have been denied access to lawyers and communications with their families.

In early March, the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances called on the Bangladesh government to reveal the whereabouts of the men. Though Chowdhury’s release is a step in the right direction, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both voiced concerns regarding the welfare of those remaining in captivity and urge the government to either charge or release the detainees. The government denies any responsibility, though family members of the victims cite several sources confirming a connection between the takings and Bangladeshi security forces.

Humam Quader Chowdhury cannot remember where he was held, family members have reported. Human rights organizations warn of the government’s practices, as these are not the first allegations of government sponsored disappearances. The international community is keeping an eye on the status of the other two detainees.

For more information, please see:

Human Rights Watch – Bangladesh: Man Released From Long Secret Detention – 2 March, 2017

Amnesty International – Bangladesh: Man Released From Long Secret Detention – 2 March 2017

Dhaka Tribune – Hummam Quader cannot remember anything about abduction – 3 March, 2017

Aljazeera – UN demands Dhaka action on enforced disappearances – 24 February, 2017

Center for Victims of Torture: eNews

March 19, 2017

CVT eNews—March Edition

		CVT International Women’s Day Celebration CVT participated in International Women’s Day on March 8, highlighting this article by Jepkemoi Kibet, physiotherapist/trainer, CVT Nairobi, titled “Helping Women Reconnect to Their Bodies After Torture.” In her post, Jepkemoi comments on the challenges and rewards of her work helping women who have faced sexual violence reconnect to their bodies. She notes, “We must celebrate women’s achievements, especially for those who have gone through the most difficult journeys and overcome the biggest barriers to be where they are in the society.”

		Powerful Star Tribune Article About CVT’s Work “Human beings are amazing. They are so resilient. I am often left speechless by that,” commented Dr. Jean Choe, psychologist and lead clinician for groups, St. Paul Healing Center, in this profile article about CVT, published in the Star Tribune. Photograph by Anthony Souffle

		Every Person on CVT’s Team Contributes to Healing “When I hear the stories of people who have difficulty and find help at CVT, my work is very rewarding,” said Aregawi Kahsay, administration/HR officer, CVT Ethiopia, in this blog post titled “Working as Part of a Team to Help Survivors of Torture.” In his article, Aregawi describes the challenges and rewards of working in an administrative role with the community in the refugee camps.

		Special Care for the Youngest Survivors “Children don’t always understand that help is available for the things they are experiencing, so I work with them individually,” notes Dawit Ermias, psychosocial counselor, CVT Ethiopia, in this blog post titled “Children Survivors – Encouraging Healing in the Very Young.” In his article, Dawit writes about the therapeutic approaches that help child refugees heal from their traumatic experiences.

		Successful Campaign by Activists in Tunisia The Tunisian Forum for Youth Empowerment incorporated New Tactics’ strategies into their new campaign “Put Yourself in My Shoes.” Read about the successful implementation of tactics that helped bring about change in accessibility accommodations in this blog post, “New Tactics Helps Tunisian Youth Advocate for Disabled Commuters.”

		The Ever-Changing Political World What will happen next in Washington? Many are asking that question these days. For information about the work of CVT’s Policy team in DC, read this blog post, “Weathering Uncertain Times Using CVT’s Mission as a Guide.”

ICTJ: In Focus: The Struggle for Truth and Accountability in Ireland

March 19, 2017

ICTJ In Focus 66
March 2017

In Focus

A Foundation of Lies: Relatives for Justice Unpacks the Truth about the Irish ConflictAs ICTJ looks back on its 15 years of work, join us in celebrating our allies across the globe who struggle for human rights, against impunity. To honor their efforts in the trenches of this struggle, we will bring you their stories in the weeks and months to come.

This is the story of Mark Thompson, CEO of Relatives for Justice, a group struggling for truth and justice in Northern Ireland.

Other News

In South Africa’s Date with Destiny, Mandela’s Legacy Is a Beacon to FollowSouth Africa Parliament faces a historic moment. In this op-ed, ICTJ’s Vice President Paul Seils remembers the great hope that marked the ICC’s emergence: “No country embodied that hope and that reality more powerfully and more inspiringly than South Africa.”

Publications

Handbook on Complementarity

Where should justice for some of the world’s worst crimes be done? In national courts or at the International Criminal Court in The Hague? Our Handbook on Complementarity explores those questions, laying out the interconnected relationship between the ICC and national court systems in the global fight against impunity.

View Report

More Than Words: Apologies as a Form of Reparation

Official public apologies are an important element of a transitional justice policy.

View Report

More Publications

Iraqi Forces Kill ISIS Commander During Fight for Iron Bridge in Mosul

March 19, 2017

by Yesim Usluca
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East

BAGHDAD, Iraq — On Tuesday, March 14^th, the Iraqi government announced that its forces killed the commander of the Islamic State (“ISIS”).

ISIS commander Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansary was killed during a fight to take over the Iron Bridge near Mosul (Photo courtesy of Daily News)

ISIS’s commander, Abu Abdul Rahman al-Ansary, was killed in the Old City of Mosul during a fight for the Iron Bridge crossing the Tigris River, which is the terrorist group’s last stronghold in the country. Mr. al-Ansary was reportedly killed by federal police in an attempt to clear the Bab al-Tob district.

Iraqi officers reported that ISIS snipers were attempting to slow down the Interior Ministry’s Rapid Response Units on the Iron Bridge, which links eastern and western Mosul. The officers stated, however, that despite these attempts, the “elite forces” were still moving forward. The Brigadier General of the Rapid Response Unit, Mr. Mahdi Abbas Abdullah, stated that Iraqi forces are progressing towards the Iron Bridge by “taking out snipers hiding in the surrounding buildings[.]” Moreover, the Iraqi military is reportedly using armored vehicles and tanks to remove snipers who are “pinning down troops clearing areas around the bridge.”

Regaining control of the Iron Bridge would transfer the strategic advantage to Iraqi forces. At the moment, Iraq controls two of the pivotal bridges in the area. If captured, Iraqi forces would hold three of the five bridges in Mosul that span the Tigris River. All three bridges have already been damaged by either ISIS militants or air strikes led by the United States.

Mr. al-Ansary’s death was characterized as a “blow” to the ISIS militants after many leaders of the terrorist organization have already retreated from Mosul. The group is now reportedly defending “their shrinking area of control[.]” As of March 14^th, Iraqi forces were within 330 feet of the Iron Bridge, and were expected to take over the bridge, and its surrounding area, by the end of the day. A Rapid Response Unit spokesperson stated that recapturing the bridge would “help further tighten the noose around [ISIS] fighters entrenched inside the old city[.]”

Over 600,000 civilians have been trapped in the area held by ISIS. Local residents poured out of western neighborhoods retaken by the government, thankful to be rescued from ISIS’s “grip.” They escaped the violent fighting taking place around their homes, carrying only suitcases, water bottles and “other possessions.” Some were reportedly pushing their children and ill elderly relatives in handcarts and wheelbarrows. They were ushered into trucks by soldiers to be taken to processing areas, and reported that food has been “scarce,” while adding that they have mostly been consuming “water mixed with tomatoes.”

For more information, please see:

International Business Times—End Of ISIS: Islamic State Commander Killed In Iraq As US, Russia And Turkey Compete In Syria—14 March 2017

AlJazeera—Iraqi forces kill ISIL commander in Mosul—14 March 2017

Reuters—IS Mosul commander killed, government forces battle for bridge—14 March 2017