Oman: New Social Security Law Step in the Right Direction

(Beirut) – Oman has a new social protection law that paves the way for a universal social security system, Human Rights Watch said today. If effectively and fairly implemented, this law could realize socioeconomic rights of Omani nationals and residents, including migrant workers, who are facing events that substantially affect their income. The new system includes a […]

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UN renews call to protect civilians, as deadly Israeli strike hits close to key Beirut hospital

The strike, which hit the densely populated Jnah neighbourhood, also injured 60 people and reportedly damaged the Rafik Hariri University Hospital. At least three buildings located about 50 meters (54 yards) from the hospital are said to have been destroyed. The hospital, one of Beirut’s key medical facilities, has been receiving large numbers of patients […]

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United States and Peru Convene Annual Dialogue of the U.S.-Peru Child Protection Compact Partnership 

Officials from the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (TIP Office), the U.S.Embassy in Lima, the Republic of Peru, including members of the Multisectoral Commission against Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants, along with implementing partners, the International Labor Organization, and the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative,convened in Lima for the final Annual Dialogue of the U.S.-Peru Child Protection Compact (CPC) Partnership.    The CPC Partnership is a jointly developed, […]

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2024 Secretary’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions

On October 21, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will present the second annual Secretary’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions at the U.S. Department of State. This award honors six civil society leaders for their exceptional courage, leadership, and commitment to advancing racial equity, justice, and human rights. Following the ceremony, the awardees will […]

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From Escape to Better Life:  Engagement, Education, & Empowerment for North Korean Survivors

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the landmark United Nations Commission of Inquiry report on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, Republic of Korea (ROK) Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho, and Ambassador Shigeo Yamada hosted a U.S.-ROK-Japan trilateral engagement on DPRK human rights in Washington, […]

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Include Girls’ Voices in Making of Maternal Health Laws

Girls in Africa face significant challenges ensuring that they enjoy the highest attainable standard of their sexual and reproductive health. They experience barriers to accessing relevant sexual health education as well as adequate maternal healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Following the conclusion of the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the […]

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken At the Global Anti-Racism Champions Award Ceremony

SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE CORMIER SMITH:  Good morning.  Secretary Blinken, distinguished guests, members of the Diplomatic Corps, esteemed colleagues, friends, and our 2024 Global Anti-Racism Champions:  It is my distinct honor and privilege to warmly welcome you all to the Department of State for our second annual Global Anti-Racism Champions Awards.   Today we gather to honor six […]

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Texas Targets Doctor Over Gender-Affirming Care Ban

The US state of Texas has filed a lawsuit against a Dallas-based doctor, accusing her of violating the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth. This case, among the first of its kind, underscores the severity of draconian restrictions on best practice medical care for transgender youth by state officials. Currently, 24 US states have imposed bans on medication […]

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Joint donor statement on Humanitarian Access in Sudan by 11 donors

Joint donor statement on Humanitarian Access in Sudan by the UK, USAID, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada and the European Commissioner for Crisis Management. On Friday 18 October, the UK, alongside 10 other donors, has issued a joint statement on humanitarian access in Sudan, calling on the warring parties to stop blocking […]

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Philippines: Adopt Police Reforms, Accountability Measures

(Manila) – The Marcos administration should initiate sweeping reforms in Philippine law enforcement in response to recent congressional hearings on police corruption and abuse in the “war on drugs,” Human Rights Watch said today.  In recent weeks, witnesses testified before four committees in the House of Representatives about extrajudicial killings committed by the police during anti-drug raids since […]

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