Category: Human Rights

(Bangkok) – Nepal was rocked by disorder and arson after police killed 19 protesters during the September demonstrations that toppled the government, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. An interim government mandated to conduct fresh elections in March was sworn in under the leadership of former chief justice Sushila Karki, who has pledged […]

(Beirut) – The Syrian transitional government took initial steps in 2025 to advance justice and accountability for crimes and abuses committed by the former government, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. The Syrian authorities created new government bodies on transitional justice and to account for thousands of missing persons in Syria. But […]

The Washington Accords, signed in December 2025 between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda under US mediation, promised an end to the devastating armed conflict in eastern Congo through troop withdrawals, ceasefires, and economic cooperation on critical minerals. Months later, the deal has delivered little more than paper promises, with fighting continuing and civilians bearing the brunt. Support […]

Matthias Schmale was “appalled” by the attacks in Dnipro, Kharkiv and Kyiv, noting that many more people in several regions – including Dnipro, Odesa and Vinnitsya – are facing power outages.  “Systematic attacks by the Russian Federation Armed Forces on critical infrastructure affect the daily lives of millions and cause life-threatening conditions for the most vulnerable, including older people and children,” he said in a […]

“We welcome efforts to bring stability to the region and now hope for a complete end to hostilities and a sustainable resolution,” said Chair of the independent UN Human Rights Council-mandated investigative team, Paulo Pinheiro, stressing the need to address acute humanitarian needs, including food, water and electricity. Recognition of rights He also welcomed a […]

In a news release issued on Saturday, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran said it was alarmed by credible reports that security forces had been ordered to carry out a “decisive” crackdown without restraint, as demonstrations entered a third week. Internet and mobile connectivity were shut down on the evening of 8 January, severely […]

The European Commission has allocated €63 million in humanitarian aid to help populations affected by the ongoing conflict in Myanmar, as well as to support Rohingya refugees living in neighbouring countries, in particular in Bangladesh. This funding, announced as the conflict triggered by the military coup in Myanmar reaches its fifth year, is part of […]

“All Iranians must be able to express their grievances peacefully and without fear,” António Guterres’ spokesperson said in a statement issued on Sunday. “The rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, as enshrined in international law, must be fully respected and protected.” The Secretary-General called on Iranian authorities to exercise maximum restraint and […]

The proceedings, held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, mark the start of the merits phase in the case, after years of preliminary legal arguments. Over the next three weeks, ICJ judges will hear oral arguments from both sides, examine witnesses and experts, and consider whether Myanmar breached its obligations under the Convention on […]

“Any step that restores liberty to individuals who have been arbitrarily detained is significant for those concerned and for their families,” independent UN human rights investigators said in a press release on Monday, noting that of an estimated 800 political prisoners in the country, only around 50 appear to have been released so far. The Human […]