Here are some of the top human rights new stories from the past week -
- Libya and Thailand elected to the UN Human Rights Council amidst criticism from human rights advocates: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/14/2899063.htm
- Victorian government set to abolish suspended sentences for serious crimes in Victoria: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/brumby-in-backflip-on-suspended-sentences-20100513-v1rh.html
- The majority of fatal police shootings involve people who have suffered from mental illness, according to Monash University research: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/police-shootings-link-to-mentally-ill-20100513-v1rw.html
- War crimes suspect, Dragan Vasiljkovic, attempts to avoid extradition to Croatia after being arrested by the Australian Federal Police: http://www.smh.com.au/national/captain-dragan-tried-to-make-a-deal-20100513-v1tx.html
- South Australian Supreme Court Justice Robyn Layton says Australia is in breach of international human rights covenants by denying the vote to those jailed for more than three years: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/national/give-jailed-child-molesters-murderers-the-vote-says-justice-robyn-layton/story-e6frf7l6-1225864758937
- New federal legislation criminalises people smuggling which involves exploitation or the danger of serious harm or death: http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-news-national/new-laws-crackdown-on-people-smugglers-20100513-v1uz.html
- Demands for a national body to review possible miscarriages of justice follow the case of a Queensland man who had his murder conviction quashed after spending 15 years in jail: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/11/2895754.htm
- A Supreme Court appeals judge clears the way for a Gippsland woman to sue police and the state for negligence after she was sprayed with capsicum spray: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/05/13/2898494.htm
- A relationships register offering unmarried couples, including same-sex couples, greater legal entitlements has been approved by the New South Wales parliament despite some opposition from coalition MPs: http://www.watoday.com.au/breaking-news-national/unmarried-nsw-couples-given-more-rights-20100513-v0ut.html
