The 2006 Amnesty International Report was recently published. The report documents human rights abuses in 150 countries around the world during the year 2005. In addition, it calls for action by governments and other groups in positions of power or influence. Achievements and actions of human rights activists around the world at all levels of activism are also highlighted in the report.

The report specifically address violence against women issues including: domestic violence, trafficking of women, forced sterilization of women, and the actions of women’s human rights organizations. The Report notes that:

A new Turkish penal code, which entered into force in June 2005, increased the level of protection for victims of domestic violence. The new Law on Municipalities, which requires funding to be implemented, will increase the number of shelters available for women.

Compiled from: “AI Report 2006,” Amnesty International, 23 May 2006; http://www.amnesty.org/, Accessed 19 June 2006. See Turkey report summary.