Author: Human Rights Watch

Every October, Japan celebrates Sports Day, a public holiday established to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and Japan’s longstanding commitment to sport as a national priority. There has been much to celebrate in recent years. For more than six decades, Japan has had dedicated legislation – now known as the Basic Act on Sports […]

(New York) – Indian authorities are using abusive methods to crack down on thousands of peaceful protesters in New Delhi and other Indian cities, Human Rights Watch said today. The protests, led by the Gen Z Cockroach Janta Party, opposition parties, student organizations, and civil society groups, have demanded the resignation of the country’s top election official […]

(Istanbul, October 13, 2026) – The authorities in Türkiye, the host of the upcoming 2026 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), are arbitrarily arresting and prosecuting activists and others involved in environmental protests even as the summit nears, Human Rights Watch said today. “With Türkiye about to host the annual UN climate change summit, its environmental […]

(Manila) – Philippine authorities disregarded the rights of residents who were removed from a small island in Pampanga province for a flood control project and relocated to a site with chronic flooding and few livelihood opportunities, Human Rights Watch said today.  In 2022, the Macabebe, Pampanga government relocated 90 families without adequate consultation and information from […]

(Istanbul, October 12, 2026) – The Turkish authorities over the last month have substantially escalated internet censorship, Human Rights Watch said today, along with ARTICLE 19, the Freedom of Expression Association, and 18 other organizations. Social media platforms should take meaningful steps immediately to uphold their human rights responsibilities and avoid contributing to suppressing independent […]

Senegal’s intensifying crackdown on LGBT people is violating their rights and causing increasing fear and stigma.  Fear of arrest and stigma are causing people to go into hiding, to avoid HIV testing and treatment, and deterring lawyers from representing them.  The crackdown on LGBT people calls into question Senegal’s compliance with its own laws and […]

(New York) – Burundi is set to win re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council in a vote on October 12, 2026, with no competition, Human Rights Watch said today. Burundi is seeking to retain its seat even though the government of this Central African country has not improved its abusive human rights conditions. […]

(Beirut) – Israeli forces continue to kill and wound civilians and deny sufficient food, aid, and water to Palestinians in Gaza one year after a ceasefire agreement took effect on October 10, 2025, Human Rights Watch said today. Israel’s acts of genocide and crimes against humanity, including forced displacement and extermination, have persisted throughout the ceasefire. Other […]

(New York) – The Trump administration’s decision to sanction the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an unprecedented assault on global justice and the rule of law, Human Rights Watch said today. On October 9, 2026, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the imposition of sanctions on the ICC.  “The Trump administration has made clear its aim to destroy […]

A lawyer in Niger faces prosecution over comments about the army on social media while a prominent journalist and critic of the country’s military junta is being held in secret, with authorities refusing to identify his alleged offense. These cases together highlight a broadening crackdown in Niger, where the space for free expression is shrinking […]