Human Rights

Thailand: Trafficking Convictions Important Step Forward

A Thai criminal court’s sentencing of 62 people, including a military general, to long prison terms for their mistreatment of Rohingya migrants is a major step in combatting human trafficking in Thailand, Human Rights Watch said on Jul 24. Thai...

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Vietnam: New Threats to Growing Online Community

Vietnam should immediately release rights activist Tran Thi Nga and drop the charges against her, Human Rights Watch said on Jul 23. Tran Thi Nga, also known as Thuy Nga, is set to face trial on July 25, 2017, at the People’s Court of Ha Nam province...

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China: Widow of Nobel Laureate Feared ‘Disappeared’

The Chinese authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Liu Xia, the wife of deceased Nobel Peace laureate Liu Xiaobo, Human Rights Watch said on Jul 20. The government should also stop harassing and detaining Liu’s supporters for...

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Poland: Draft Law Threatens Supreme Court

A bill being rushed through Poland’s Parliament would pave the way for government control of the Supreme Court, Human Rights Watch said on Jul 20. The bill would terminate the mandate of existing Supreme Court judges, except those chosen by the...

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Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill Into Law Protecting LGBTQ Youth From Harmful Conversion Therapy

On July 19, 2017, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, hailed Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo for signing into law House Bill (HB) 5277 — a measure...

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Lebanon: Deaths, Alleged Torture of Syrians in Army Custody

Lebanese authorities should conduct an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation into the deaths of Syrians in military custody and allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention, Human Rights Watch said on July 20, 2017. On July 4,...

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Iran: Halt Drug-Related Executions

The Iranian government should immediately halt all executions for drug-related offenses while parliament debates amendments to reform the country’s drug law, Human Rights Watch said on July 20, 2017. Parliament is expected to vote in two weeks on an...

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Libya: Incitement Against Religious Minority

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US: Homeland Security Needs Reform, Not Expansion

The Department of Homeland Security should not expand expedited removal from the United States for asylum seekers, Human Rights Watch said on Jul 19. Plans to expand the program from its current limit of people caught within 100 miles of the border...

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Iraq: Execution Site Near Mosul’s Old City

International observers have discovered an execution site in west Mosul, Human Rights Watch said on Jul 19. That report, combined with new statements about executions in and around Mosul’s Old City and persistent documentation about Iraqi forces...

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