Michelle Bachelet

Hichkas: the fearless Iranian rapper singing for 'all the nobodies'

The rap singer articulated citizen discontent over the killings of protesters in November and his songs went viral, resonating with disgruntled Iranians.

Chile's Pinera inks law for vote on new constitution

Approved by President Sebastian Pinera, Chileans will on April 26 decide whether they want a new constitution and if they do, whether the body that draws up the new document should be a popularly elected assembly or one mixed with current lawmakers.

Bolivian interim leader meets UN envoy as death toll mounts

A UN envoy met with Bolivia’s interim president as UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet has called the deaths “an extremely dangerous development.”

Bolivia crisis could 'spin out of control' – UN

"Repressive actions by the authorities ... are likely to jeopardise any possible avenue for dialogue, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet says, as supporters of ousted leader Evo Morales continue to agitate.

Fresh protests, looting erupt in Chile despite new Cabinet

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera unveiled a major cabinet reshuffle on Monday as he battles to find a response to more than a week of street protests that have left at least 20 people dead.

UN rights chief urges Australia to overhaul detention policies

Australia's hardline approach to asylum seekers includes turning away refugees arriving by boat and offshore detention. Both measures have been condemned by the UN previously.

Kashmir siege, autonomy loss complete two months

Mobile and internet services have been disconnected in India-administered Kashmir since August 5 when New Delhi stripped the region of its semi-autonomous powers and deployed tens of thousands of extra troops to enforce an unprecedented crackdown.

Pakistan warns of 'genocide' in Kashmir, sees no talks with India

Pakistan FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi likens ongoing clampdown in disputed Kashmir to the genocide that took place in Rwanda and Srebrenica, the ethnic cleansing of Rohingya in Myanmar, and 2002 Gujarat pogrom.

UN rights chief 'deeply concerned' over India 'actions' in Kashmir

People of Kashmir must be "consulted and engaged in any decision-making processes," Michelle Bachelet tells the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, as Indian military lockdown and communications blackout completes 36 days in the disputed region.

Race, rights, and resistance: The West Papuan protests in context

A spate of anti-racism protests has reinvigorated calls for political self-determination in West Papua, a region colonised by Indonesia for over half a century.

Regime and Russian strikes kill 15 civilians in northwest Syria – monitor

Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says seven children are among those killed in air raids in Idlib and Hama provinces. Separately, a suicide bomber killed six regime soldiers in southern Daraa province.

Australian elections drive Manus Island refugees to despair and suicide

Prime Minister Scott Morrison's re-election is likely to translate into tougher immigration laws and the repealing of 'Medevac' bill that would ensure seriously ill refugees are flown to mainland Australia for treatment.