On February 2, 2011, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed an executive order requiring all sixth grade girls in the state to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus virus (HPV) a sexually transmitted disease that causes cervical cancer. The order was the first of its kind in the US, although Virginia had previously mandated voluntary HPV vaccincation through the state legislature in March 2007. Governor Perry cited "an incredible opportunity to effectively target and prevent cervical cancer" in support of taking the issue out of the Texas legislature's control, where it faced strong opposition. Texas legislators questioned the legality of Perry's order and quickly repealed it with overwhelming support. Similar
On February 2, 2011, Human Rights Watch (HRW) called for an end to police attacks and an investigation into the deaths of protesters in Tunisia. The UN previously reported at least 219 people had died in the protests that resulted in the resignation and flight of former president Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali. The calls for investigation from HRW dovetailed with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon's urging that all sides of the conflict cooperate to reestablish rule of law. The transitional government has since charged and tried Ben Ali in absentia for protester abuse. The country also joined the International Criminal Court (ICC) in June 2011. Flag of Tunisia Learn more