Five parties vie against the ruling National Democratic Party of President Hosni Mubarak in an election for the lower house of parliament, the Majilis Al-Sha'ab. He vowed a fair contest, but renewed the Emergency Law, which curbs opposition, at almost the same time. With the renewal, there is little chance NDP rivals, including members of the banned Moslem Brotherhood standing as independents, can mount an effective challenge.

Amnesty International on Friday called on the Israeli government and Hamas to co-operate fully with the committee of independent experts which the UN Human Rights Council voted to establish on 25 March.

The committee's task will involve monitoring domestic investigations into war crimes and other serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law alleged to have occurred during the 22-day conflict in Gaza and southern Israel between 27 December 2008 and 18 January 2009.

Repression of Former Political Prisoners in Tunisia

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To see the special animated video of Joe, the very unaware Dog

Brussels, 23 March 2010: The ITUC is today launching a new campaign to connect global trade union work to the recruitment and organising of young people. The new Youth Campaign uses a range of different tools, including video, social networking, posters and websites, as well as a special campaign guide.

Research in many countries has shown that young peoples’ attitudes on the issues trade unions deal with have not changed greatly over the years, but that changes in the workforce, technology and society have meant that unions need to reach out to youth in different ways than in the past. This campaign aims to show that by joining a trade union, young people can influence issues and events which they are concerned about at a global level, as well as improving their own working lives.