UN rights chief: AI misuse and corporate influence present ‘clear and present’ challenge

Opening the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva on Monday, he said that corporate power has become increasingly influential in terms of social change. He warned that without proper checks in place, new tools like generative artificial intelligence – or AI – could easily be misused. “When powerful tech giants introduce […]

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US Ends Temporary Legal Protection for Myanmar Nationals, Citing Elections as Progress

The United States has announced it will terminate temporary legal protection for citizens of Myanmar, a decision affecting roughly 4,000 nationals currently residing in the country. The move, set to take effect on January 26, 2026, was justified by Washington as recognition of “progress” linked to Myanmar’s upcoming elections. Background Myanmar has been mired in […]

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Nigeria: Renewed Spate of School Kidnappings

(Abuja) – Nigerian authorities should act urgently to secure the safe release of students and teachers recently kidnapped in the country’s northwest and take concrete steps to protect schools and communities from further attacks, Human Rights Watch said today. The groups responsible for the kidnappings should immediately release the students and teachers they are holding captive. […]

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Myanmar is Safe? | Human Rights Watch

Is it safe to return to a country wracked by an abusive armed conflict, widespread atrocities, and targeted ethnic violence, including war crimes and crimes against humanity? The Trump administration says it is. On November 24, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued notice of termination of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for people from Myanmar, effective January […]

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US State Department Debases Human Rights Diplomacy

The US State Department’s annual human rights report was created to give Congress a clear accounting of how other governments treat their people, measured against international human rights law. Recent media reports indicate that the Trump administration is turning that purpose on its head by mandating reporting in support of ideological priorities at odds with […]

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EU reinforces humanitarian response with €143 million for Sub-Saharan Africa

The European Commission is providing €143 million in humanitarian aid as EU and African Union leaders meet in Angola, responding to continued pressure on relief operations across several crisis zones. The allocation includes €2.5 million euro for aid in the Central African Republic, €8 million in Nigeria, €30 million in Ethiopia, €30 million in Somalia, […]

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Seventy-Nine Years Without a Woman Leader at the UN

In February 2026, it will be 80 years since the United Nations selected its first secretary-general, a man. Since then, eight other people have had that job, all men. Surely, it’s long past time a woman held the post.  António Guterres, the current secretary-general, completes his term in December 2026. Maneuvering over his successor is well underway. […]

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The Legacy of the White Paper Protests

Three years ago, a series of protests in China has sparked a political awakening among Chinese youth, with many questioning Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s authoritarian policies and practices and notably confronting the government’s abuses against Tibetans and Uyghurs. In response to a deadly apartment fire in Urumqi, Xinjiang, blamed on harsh Covid-19 restrictions, thousands in […]

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From silence to strength: Women leaders speak out in South Sudan

She knows what it’s like to be silenced. Born into a family that didn’t believe in educating girls, she had to stay home while her brothers went to school. Only when she moved to Khartoum with her uncle did she get a chance to study, though not for long. “I was forced into marriage at 14,” Awrelia said. “Even before then, some […]

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Japan: New Government Should Adopt Human Rights Diplomacy

(Tokyo) – Japan’s new government should make the promotion of human rights central to its foreign policy, Human Rights Watch said in a letter to the new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on November 6, 2025. The Japanese government should affirm its commitment to human rights by taking the lead in promoting civilian democratic rule and the rule […]

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