Human Rights

Afghanistan: OHCHR alarm over arrests of activists speaking up for women and girls

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Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.

Burkina Faso: TV News Broadcasts Suspended

Lift Ban on France 24; Protect Freedom of Expression

The decision by Burkina Faso's transitional military government to suspend France 24 broadcasts violates the right to a free and independent media, Human Rights Watch said on March 29, 2023. The government should immediately lift the suspension and allow the news channel to broadcast.

US: Texas Attack on Migrants Reaches New Extremes

Creation of State-Sponsored Vigilantes a Dangerous Global Precedent

Bills before Texas lawmakers that attack migrants, including one that would deputize state-sponsored vigilantes to “deter and repel” people at the border, are dangerous and extreme, Human Rights Watch said on March 29, 2023.

DPR Korea: Truth, justice needed amid ‘tragic’ legacy of enforced disappearances

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Children and adults pass a high-rise apartment building in Pyongyang, DPRK.

El Salvador urged to uphold human rights amid state of emergency

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The National Palace of El Salvador in the capital San Salvador.

Pakistan: Prisoners Deprived of Adequate Health Care

Outdated Bail Laws, Corruption, Fuel Abuse

Pakistani authorities have systematically deprived prisoners of adequate health care, leaving thousands at risk of disease and death, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on March 29, 2023. Outdated and discriminatory bail laws have led to severe overcrowding, with most prisoners yet to be tried or convicted.

Vietnam: Drop Charges against Human Rights Activist

Truong Van Dung Prosecuted for Criticizing the Government

Vietnamese authorities should immediately release land rights activist Truong Van Dung and drop all charges against him, Human Rights Watch said on March 27,2023. Police in Hanoi arrested Truong Van Dung in May 2022 on charges of “conducting propaganda against the state.” A Hanoi court is scheduled to hear his case on March 28, 2023. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.

Rights expert urges India to stop crackdown on Kashmir activists

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Friday prayers in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Nepal: Transitional Justice Bill Needs to Protect Victims, not Abusers

Proposed Law Disregards Domestic and International Legal Standards

A bill to amend Nepal’s transitional justice legislation does not fully meet the country’s domestic law or international legal obligations and will not provide justice for victims if adopted in its current form, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the International Commission of Jurists said on March 23, 2023.

Iran: possible crimes against humanity, absence of accountability - top rights expert

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An aerial view of Tehran, Iran's capital city.