Human Rights

Japan: ‘Hostage Justice’ System Violates Rights

Criminal Suspects Denied Due Process, Fair Trials

Japan’s system of “hostage justice” denies criminal suspects the rights to due process and a fair trial, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on May 25, 2023.

Nigeria: New Government Should Improve on Human Rights

Protect Civilians; Respect Media Freedom; Prioritize Social Security

Nigeria’s incoming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should ensure that human rights are central to all his policies both at home and abroad, Human Rights Watch said in an agenda outlining key human rights priorities for the new administration on May 25, 2023.

Türk appeals to Sudan’s warring generals; calls out ‘dangerous anti-rights tendencies’ worldwide

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Protestors take part in a Black Lives Matter demonstration in central London, UK.

Mexico: Public Accountability, Privacy Under Threat

Independent Transparency Agency Left Paralyzed by Legislature, Government

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and legislators from his party have effectively paralyzed the country’s independent transparency and data protection agency by blocking nominations to fill vacant seats on its board, Human Rights Watch said on May 24, 2023. The Senate should move swiftly to fill the three vacant seats.

Uzbekistan: Backsliding on Religious Freedom Promises

Muslims Prosecuted; Faith Groups Denied Registration

The Uzbek government is restricting religious freedom despite promises to eliminate restrictions, Human Rights Watch said on May 24, 2023. The government is preventing registration of religious communities, subjecting former religious prisoners to arbitrary controls, and prosecuting Muslims on overly broad and vaguely worded extremism-related charges.

Horn of Africa: Over 7 million children under the age of 5 remain malnourished

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A mother caresses the head of her sleeping malnourished baby, at the mother and child centre in the town of Diffa, Niger.

El Salvador: Renewed state of emergency undermines right to fair trial

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Gerardo Barrios Square and National Palace in El Salvador.

Poland: Proposed Law Threatens Children’s Rights

Ruling Party Aims to End Key Role of Non-Government Groups

Poland’s ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party has published proposed legislation that, if passed, would undermine children’s rights to education, health, and information, Human Rights Watch said.

Indonesia: Student Media at Risk

College Journalists Face Intimidation, Censorship, Newsroom Closures

The Indonesian government should support the national Press Council’s efforts to protect university media outlets and mediate their disputes with school authorities, Human Rights Watch said on May 22, 2023. On the same day, more than 150 college journalists will begin a week-long conference in Solo, Central Java, to discuss intimidation, attacks, and forced closures of university media, and the need for government action.

Australia: Deliver on Human Rights Pledges

A Year in Office, More to be done on Climate, First Nations Justice, Refugees

Australia’s Labor Party government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should fulfill all rights-related election pledges and urgently deliver improvements on climate, refugee policy, and First Nations justice, Human Rights Watch said on May 18, 2023. The Labor Party won parliamentary elections a year ago, on May 21, 2022.