Human Rights

Saudi Arabia: Ensure Respect for Civil Society Vision

Standing in Solidarity with “Vision for Reform”

Saudi Arabian civil society organizations, activists, and dissidents should be able to freely articulate their vision and agenda for a rights-respecting future for their country without fear of reprisals, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International said on May 17, 2023. The two organizations stand in solidarity with Saudi people demanding a future for their country that prioritizes respect for human rights.

Angola: No Letup in Crackdown on Cabinda Activists

Respect Rights to Freedom of Assembly, Peaceful Protest

The Angolan government should immediately end its longstanding crackdown on political and human rights activists in the oil-rich province of Cabinda, Human Rights Watch said on May 16, 2023.

EU Approves Law for ‘Deforestation-Free’ Trade

Companies Required to Respect Environment, Human Rights in Supply Chains

the European Union adopted an important new law requiring EU-based companies to ensure their imports and exports are “deforestation-free” and not driving human rights abuses on May 16, 2023.

Chemical Weapons: Protect Integrity of Global Ban

Prevent, Suppress Tear Gas Use on Battlefields

Governments should protect the integrity of the international treaty banning chemical weapons by fully carrying out its provisions and by ensuring accountability for any violations, Human Rights Watch said on May 15, 2023. A Review Conference of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention is scheduled to take place in The Hague on May 15-19, 2023.

Afghanistan: Women tell UN rights experts ‘we’re alive, but not living’

image1170x530cropped (7)_16_0_0.jpg
Women and children wait to be seen by members of a UNICEF-supported mobile health and nutrition team in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Bhutan: King Should Free Political Prisoners

At Least 37 Serving Long Sentences Following Alleged Torture, Unfair Trials

King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck should use his authority to release political prisoners held in poor conditions for decades following unfair trials in Bhutan, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said on May 5, 2023. King Jigme will visit London to attend the coronation of King Charles III on May 6, 2023.

Israel: UN experts demand accountability over death of Palestinian hunger striker

image1170x530cropped (4)_20_0_0.jpg
Palestinian women walk by Israel's barrier near Ramallah in the West Bank.

Fragile gains on reducing child marriage, under threat from ‘polycrisis’: UNICEF

image1170x530cropped (2)_23_0_0.jpg
This 14-year-old Ugandan girl was forced into marriage by her parents at 8 years old.

Laos: Activist Gunned Down in Vientiane

Urgently Investigate Killing of Anousa Luangsuphom

The Lao government should immediately and impartially investigate the killing of the prominent political activist Anousa “Jack” Luangsuphom in the capital, Vientiane, Human Rights Watch said on May 3, 2023.

Bangladesh: End Crackdown Against Journalists and Critics

Protect Freedom of Expression

The increasing attacks in Bangladesh on journalists and others exercising their right to freely criticize government policies and practices, is alarming, eight independent organizations said on World Press Freedom Day. The widespread restrictions on freedom of expression undermine the conditions for open political debate ahead of elections, scheduled for January 2024.