Afghan woman walks down a street in Kabul. Photo courtesy of Zack
Baddorf

• Australia Signs on to Torture Protocol
• Colombians Demonstrate Against State and Paramilitaries
• Sexual Violence in Afghanistan
• China and Russia Oppose US Use of Anti-Satellite Missiles
• 40th anniversary of East L.A. walkouts

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Australia Signs on to Torture Protocol

The Australian Government plans to ratify the UN's optional Protocol on Torture. The move was snubbed by the previous administration, which was closely aligned to President George Bush. The new government may also decide to introduce legislation that would make torture illegal under the Commonwealth Criminal Code, for the first time. FSRN's Erica Vowles reports from Sydney.

Colombians Demonstrate Against State and Paramilitaries

Tensions are rising in South America after Colombian troops raided a FARC rebel camp in Ecuador last Saturday. Nicaragua joined Ecuador and Venezuela and broke off diplomatic relations with Colombia. Venezuela has placed troops on its border with Colombia, and the presidents of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay and Mexico have all criticized Colombia's move. And although President Alvaro Uribe is still popular in Colombia, some citizens are now voicing their opposition to his security policies. Manuel Rueda has more from Bogota.

Sexual Violence in Afghanistan

A report released in late February says Afghanistan remains one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman. Womankind Worldwide, a UK-based charity that works to empower women, says the war-torn nation has one of the highest rates of domestic violence and maternal mortality. Zack Baddorf reports from Kabul.

China and Russia Oppose US Use of Anti-Satellite Missiles

The United States' continuing research and use of anti-satellite missiles last month produced tension between nations who have the technology and those that have yet to develop their own. The US missile defense system is viewed by China and Russia as an effort to militarily control space, according to researchers who met today in Washington. Katherine Jarmul reports.

40th anniversary of East L.A. walkouts

This week marks the 40th anniversary of the historic Chicano Blowouts in East LA. Students from a handful of east side schools demanded the school board address unequal conditions faced by Chicano students. When the red tape took over the process, students from five local high schools decided to walk out – inspiring youth in more than a dozen other local schools to do the same. Their action came to an end when police were called to suppress their demonstrations.