Human Rights

Kenyan Gay Rights Activist Found Dead

The body of a Kenyan gay rights activist was found in a metal box discarded along a road in Kenya’s Uasin Gishu county, in the western region of the country.

UN expert on Myanmar: Security Council resolution not strong enough on 'systematic gross human rights violations'

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A demonstration against Myanmar's military coup takes place outside the White House in Washington, DC, USA.

Belarus: New Laws Target Critics in Exile

Arbitrary Deprivation of Citizenship; Politically Motivated Trials in Absentia

Belarusian parliament passed legislative amendments to a 2002 citizenship law that could be used to target members of the political opposition, activists, and other critics in exile, Human Rights Watch said on December 22, 2022. The draft law, if endorsed by the president, would allow the president to strip Belarusians abroad of their citizenship, even if they have no other.

India: Data Protection Bill Fosters State Surveillance

Draft Law Fails to Protect Privacy, Rights of Children

The Indian government should amend its proposed data protection law to protect people’s privacy instead of enabling unchecked state surveillance, Human Rights Watch said on December 22, 2022. The government has submitted the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022, for public consultation before introducing the measure in parliament and should incorporate feedback from civil society groups and digital rights experts.

UN condemns Taliban decision to bar women from universities, calls for ‘immediate’ revocation

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Afghan students perform during graduation at their degree-award ceremony at a university in Herat, Afghanistan.

Peru: Investigate Killings, Injuries During Protests

Broad Dialogue, Respect for Rights Needed to Solve Political Crisis

Peru’s civilian authorities should conduct prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into at least 21 killings of protesters, allegations of excessive use of force by security forces, and acts of violence by some protesters, Human Rights Watch said on December 22, 2022.

Iran: Brutal Repression in Kurdistan Capital

Security Forces Use Lethal Force against Protesters, Wrongful Detention, Beatings

Iranian security forces used excessive and unlawful lethal force against protesters in Kurdistan province's capital, Sanandaj, in October and November 2022, Human Rights Watch said on December 21, 2022. The newly created United Nations Fact-Finding Mission on Iran should investigate these grave abuses as part of its broader reporting on Iranian government human rights violations against largely peaceful protesters across the country.

Iran: US sanctions violating human rights of all living there, say UN experts

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Hakim Expressway, Tehran, Iran.

Azerbaijan: Nagorno-Karabakh Lifeline Road Blocked

Ensure Access to Essential Goods and Services

The sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia has been blocked since December 12, 2022, disrupting access to essential goods and services for tens of thousands of ethnic Armenians living there, Human Rights Watch said on December 21, 2022.

Kazakhstan: No Justice for January Protest Abuses

Investigate Torture Claims; Hold Officers Responsible to Account

The failure of the Kazakh authorities to effectively investigate the serious loss of life and other grave human rights violations during and immediately after protests in early January 2022 is a damaging legacy for the year, Human Rights Watch said on December 20, 2022. The government has taken no good faith steps to identify the law enforcement officers responsible and hold them to account.