Human Rights

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.

Joint Statement by UNHCR and Angelina Jolie

After more than 20 years of dedicated and committed work with the UN Refugee Agency advocating for the rights and protection of forcibly displaced people around the world, Angelina Jolie is moving on from her role as UNHCR’s Special Envoy to engage on a broader set of humanitarian and human rights issues.

Afghanistan: Taliban urged to halt public floggings and executions

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A woman walks through a corridor in a village in Zindajan district, Afghanistan.

UN rights chief reports on intensified ‘climate of oppression’ in Nicaragua

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Managua, capital of Nicaragua.

South Sudan: UN rights chief appeals for end to ‘senseless violence’ in Upper Nile state

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Women and children queue at a registration site in Pagak, Upper Nile State, South Sudan.

South African Leadership Makes Moves to Decriminalize Sex Work

Decades of Activism by Sex Workers Has Highlighted Dangers of Criminalization

The South African government has finally moved to decriminalize sex work as part of its efforts to combat increased reports of abuse against women, including gender based violence against sex workers. The step by South Africa’s cabinet to publish and seek public comment on a bill that would end criminalization of sex work brings achievement of a decades-long goal of South African sex worker rights groups like SWEAT, Sisonke, and the Asijiki coalition into view.

Nepal: End Mistreatment of Urban Poor

Policies against Street Vendors, Landless People, Begging Violate Rights

The policies of the Kathmandu Municipal Government toward street vendors, landless people, and begging are threatening the human rights of thousands of city residents, Human Rights Watch said on December 14, 2022. They include the rights to work, to housing, and to an adequate standard of living.