Poland: School Censorship Proposal Threatens Basic Rights

Poland: School Censorship Proposal Threatens Basic Rights
From: http://hrw.org/english/docs/2007/03/16/poland15512.htm

(New York, March 19, 2007) – The Polish government’s proposed legislation to censor all discussion of homosexuality in schools and other academic institutions would violate freedom of speech and impede free access to information, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski.
On March 13, the deputy minister of education, Miroslaw Orzechowski, said that the government is developing legislation to “punish anyone who promotes homosexuality” in schools and education establishments. Teachers, principals and students who violate the law could face dismissal, fines or prison terms.

Egypt: First Group of Female Judges Appointed

Egypt: First Group of Female Judges Appointed
Government Should Now Ensure Women’s Participation at All Levels of Judiciary http://hrw-news-women.c.topica.com/maaf5vqabxmI4bOJJhPb/

(Cairo, March 22, 2007) – The Egyptian government’s appointment of the country’s first group of female judges is a welcome step toward ending discrimination against women in the judiciary, Human Rights Watch said today.

Before the Supreme Judicial Council appointed the 31 female judges on March 14, the only sitting female judge in Egypt was Tahani al-Gibali, who was appointed to the High Constitutional Court in 2003 by presidential decree. The new female judges are expected to be assigned to courts by the end of the month.