Category: Human Rights

In a news release, the experts denounced the ruthless attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians starting 7 October. They also stressed their concern for the victims of subsequent counter-terrorism measures by Israeli forces. “We decry the scale of the brutal assault on mothers, children, babies, the elderly and ordinary citizens going about their daily lives […]

Hamas and Islamic Jihad are committing war crimes by holding scores of Israelis and others as hostages in Gaza and say they will not free them until Palestinian prisoners in Israel are freed. Civilians, including children, people with disabilities, and older people, should never be treated as bargaining chips. No grievance can justify holding anyone […]

Countries attending the landmark Conference, held in Cairo, agreed a Programme of Action which promised that women and girls must have the power to make decisions about their own lives, their bodies and their futures. Mr. Türk commended the “leaps” made during the past three decades which include a reduction in deaths during pregnancy, and […]

HRP’s 2022-2023 Annual Report We are pleased to present HRP’s 2022-2023 Annual Report. The report showcases the global reach and impact of the Human Rights Program in its 39th year, featuring work on Ethiopia, chronological age discrimination, and children’s rights. It spotlights the impact of visiting scholars and fieldwork undertaken by students and alumni, and […]

At a “Peace and Development Rally” organized on October 9 by Bangladesh’s ruling Awami League, a government official responded to perceived criticism over the government’s recent import of Russian uranium by reportedly threatening to “pour the Russian uranium on the heads of those” opposition members. “We won’t calm them by beating,” media reported him saying. […]

(Jerusalem) – The Israeli government should immediately end its total blockade of the Gaza Strip that is putting Palestinian children and other civilians at grave risk, Human Rights Watch said today. The collective punishment of the population is a war crime. Israeli authorities should allow desperately needed food, medical aid, fuel, electricity, and water into […]

Last week, Uzbek blogger Abduqodir Muminov alleged in court that he was tortured while in detention. During an appeal hearing, Muminov alleged that police “electrocuted my body, kicked and crushed my genitals, repeatedly hit my leg with a special baton … [and] broke my rib.” In August, Muminov was sentenced to seven years and three months in […]

(Jerusalem, October 18, 2023) – Human Rights Watch has verified four videos from the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas-led gunmen, showing three incidents of deliberate killings, and presents this analysis in a video published today. The attacks should be investigated as war crimes. On the morning of October 7, 2023, heavily armed men breached […]

Natalia and José traveled thousands of kilometres, sleeping rough on the streets. They were determined to reach a safe place to raise their children. With EU humanitarian aid, the International Rescue Committee supported them along the way. Natalia never imagined herself leaving her hometown in Honduras. “It is very beautiful,” she says. “There are some […]

The Maldives government has ignored or undermined environmental protection laws, increasing flooding risks and other harm to island communities. Maldives authorities have failed to heed mitigation requirements mandated by environmental assessment reports or provide resources for ongoing monitoring of the environmental impact of development projects. The Maldives’ international climate finance providers should require robust evaluation […]