Category: Human Rights

(Nairobi) – The 2016 conviction in Senegal of former Chadian dictator Hissène Habré was a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for atrocity crimes, Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said today. The verdict, which followed a 25-year legal campaign by Habré’s victims, was the first time the domestic courts […]

The European Union today opens a landmark 2-day conference in Brussels to mark the 1st anniversary of its Preparedness Union Strategy. It brings together government representatives, civil protection experts, military representatives, private sector leaders and partners from across Europe to take stock of progress and chart the path ahead. Launched in March 2025, the strategy […]

(Kinshasa) – The Human Rights Watch executive director, Philippe Bolopion, urged senior Congolese officials to respect freedom of expression, end arbitrary arrests and detentions, and ensure accountability for abuses during his visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo from May 17 to 21, 2026, Human Rights Watch said today. The visit took place against a backdrop of […]

As Cyprus continues to fight the consequences of February’s foot and mouth disease outbreak, the European Commission has mobilised its strategic stockpile of emergency supplies, rescEU, to support the ongoing response. The mobilisation follows a request for assistance from the Cypriot authorities via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. It comprises disinfectants, personal protective equipment, disposable […]

Against the backdrop of Mental Health Awareness Month and the advancement of Congress’ budget reconciliation bill, hundreds of immigrants, community members, and allies gathered in the nation’s capital on May 20 for a peaceful march from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) headquarters to the Capitol. The demonstration was held to protest the budget reconciliation bill’s […]

The European Commission is allocating an extra €15 million* in humanitarian assistance to support the response to the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. The funding aims at supporting emergency operations in the affected areas as well as preparedness and prevention efforts. Safeguarding public health remains the Commission’s absolute priority as diseases […]

(Istanbul) – A court decision ordering the removal of the party chair and leadership of Türkiye’s main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), is the latest deeply damaging blow to the rule of law, democracy and human rights in Türkiye, Human Rights Watch said today. On May 21, 2026, the 36th Ankara regional court of appeal […]

As wildfires are getting larger, more frequent, and more destructive, the European Commission is presenting a new integrated approach to wildfire risk management. The strategy covers prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. This holistic approach will enhance Europe’s resilience against the growing threat of wildfires and ensure stronger protection for Europeans and the environment, as well […]

There is growing recognition that current economic metrics fail to capture much of what really matters. Gross domestic product (GDP), which measures total economic activity and is a cornerstone of economic decision-making, is blind to issues such as whether children have quality public schools, people have access to health care, or government institutions are accountable […]

Tomorrow, the 3rd and final session of the European citizens’ panel on preparedness will start in Brussels and will run until Sunday. After almost 3 months of deliberation, the 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 Member States, representing EU diversity, will finalise their recommendations on how to implement the preparedness union strategy. On Sunday, […]