UN Special Rapporteur Richard Falk has called for an international investigation into allegations of torture and other abuses of Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

Falk said in a report that Israeli violations were happening on a “massive scale” and the blockade on Gaza was “collective punishment” of the Palestinian people.

The Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdogan made his first conciliatory gesture towards protestors, agreeing to meet with them this week, amid mass demonstrations against government policies, that have been criticised of restricting lifestyles.

"The people of South Sudan should remain calm and patient as we work with the African Union to resolve this impasse with Sudan."

A boat carying migrants has sunk off the coast of Australia, with at least 13 people confirmed dead.

Searches are still ongoing, however no survivors have yet been found. The boat sunk around 120km off Christmas Island and is thought to have had 55 people on board.

Officials from the Obama administration suggested to the Associated Press today that approval to provide lethal aid to the Syrian rebels could be decided upon this week, and outlined the possibilities of enforcing a no fly zone over Syria. 

A Peruvian court has sentenced Florindo Flores, also known as Comared Artemio to life in prison.

Flores, one of the leaders of the Shining Path rebel group, was found guilty of terrorism, drug trafficking and money laundering.

Three months before Kenya’s deputy president is due to go on trial at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, 93 victims of violence that followed a disputed election in 2007 have pulled out from proceedings.

The Cambodian parliament has passed a bill that criminalises the denial of atrocities committed by the Khmer Rouge.

Individuals found guilty face a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment under the new law.

Human rights organisations have said that the law is an election stunt and could be used against the political opposition by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

"The EU reaffirms its full support for the UN Secretary-General's efforts, commends the work of his Personal envoy Ambassador, Mr Christopher Ross, and encourages the parties to work towards achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, in agreement with relevant UN Security Council resolutions."

"The EU remains concerned about the implications of this conflict for the security and cooperation in the region. The EU has repeatedly called on all parties to refrain from violence and to respect human rights".

In a briefing published today, Amnesty International outlined the on-going disappearance, torture and killing of civilians, despite the French army’s intervention over five months ago.

The UK will compensate those tortured by British colonial forces during the 1950s Mau Mau uprising up to £20million in total. 

Publicly recognising that torture did indeed take place, and stating that the UK "sincerely regrets" it, the British Foreign Secretary William Hague said: