Iran turns up the heat on human rights activists

Abdolfattah Soltani receives the Human Rights Prize of the French Republic for his work with the Center of Defenders of Human Rights. ABOVE: Demonstrators gather after Iran's disputed presidential election results. Both © Getty Images

The political and social turmoil that erupted after the June 12^th presidential elections in Iran is still at a boiling point.

While out with his wife and young daughter, activist and lawyer Mohammed Mostafaei was taken away by plainclothes officers. The arrest is believed to be related to his human rights activities connected with the recent protests.

Plainclothes officers also stormed the offices of Abdolfattah Soltani, who worked for a prominent human rights organization that provided free legal representation to political prisoners. He was arrested without being served an arrest or search warrant.

Everyday the crackdown threatens the rights and freedoms of more journalists, activists and others who simply speak out against the ongoing repression.

» Tell Iran's leaders to stop the harassment and unlawful detention of human rights activists
» Stay informed about the latest news in Iran

Humanitarian aid 'returns' to Sudan?

Above: A Sudanese woman exits a medical consultation after receiving attention at a Save the Children/US Aid Clinic. © Cris Bouroncle/AFP/Getty Images Below: Protesters campaigning for the indictment of Sudan's president Omar al-Bashir © Oli Scarff/Getty Images

Top United Nations officials are reporting that the Sudanese government has authorized 4 affiliates of the 13 humanitarian aid groups expelled from the country three months ago to begin operations in Darfur.

While Sudanese officials continue to vehemently deny that expelled aid groups under any name are returning to Darfur, it is clear that the Sudanese government is under intense international pressure to address the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Darfur.

As Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir continues to defy the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, other African countries have begun to wane in their support. Botswana recently became the second African country to publicly announce that it will arrest Bashir should he set foot in the country.

» Help restore full humanitarian aid to areas in and around Dafur
» Ask President Obama to be a voice for Darfur

Victory for women's rights!

Amnesty International has advocated creation of a high-level position in the State Department to focus on women's issues worldwide, especially violence against women and girls. © Getty Images

Thanks to activists picking up the phone and sending a storm of emails in the final hours leading up to a crucial vote on women's rights, we are proud to announce victory! A key provision of the International Violence against Women Act (IVAWA) - the legislation that we've been fighting for two years to get passed - was included in the bill that the U.S. House passed on Wednesday evening.

Because of you, an Office of Global Women’s Issues will be created in the State Department dedicated to combating gender-based violence and improving the lives of women and girls worldwide.

» Learn more about our continued fight to stop violence against women