Human Rights Watch
@hrw
🔎 🌎 ✊ Exposing human rights abuses around the world.
On July 20, tens of thousands of protesters attempted to march to India's parliament to demand the resignation of the education minister. During these protests, scores of people were injured and many were detained. Authorities should investigate alleged use of unlawful and excessive force.
Climate change is forcing communities to make impossible choices about their homes, livelihoods, and futures. Academy Award–nominated actor and human rights advocate @markruffalo.bsky.social helps share the stories of those affected by climate displacement in Solomon Islands in “Solwata” ⤵️
The United States has “partnered” with Ecuador to respond to rising violence, driven largely by organized crime groups, in Ecuador — but has it made it safer for Ecuadorians? From a human rights perspective, this partnership is a perilous one. New report from HRW: https://bit.ly/44EQV6G
Security forces in India’s capital Delhi are cracking down on one of the biggest anti-government protests in recent years. The authorities should order police to exercise restraint, restore mobile internet connectivity near protests, and ensure people can protest peacefully.
Recent US attacks on the International Criminal Court are a concrete example of the "all-out assault" on the systems protecting democracy and human rights. HRW's Executive Director Philippe Bolopion spoke to France 24 on these dangerous attacks ⤵️
Suppression of Ukrainian identity, promotion of anti-Ukraine propaganda, illegally compelling boys to register for the draft. Russian authorities in occupied Ukrainian territories are forcing Ukrainian children into a school system that violates their rights. New from HRW: https://bit.ly/4yow4lx
China is pressuring Thai authorities to turn over Chinese dissidents living in Thailand as Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visits China this week. Concerned governments should press the Thai authorities to protect the rights of people seeking safety in Thailand.
📣 It's been three years since the EU and Tunisia signed a Memorandum of Understanding, largely motivated by seeking Tunisia’s cooperation in migration control. This partnership has fueled and normalized serious human rights violations. Read more: https://bit.ly/4fn1BeZ
📣 Academy Award–nominated actor and human rights advocate @markruffalo.bsky.social has joined forces with HRW, @nowheremedia.bsky.social, and @weareagog.bsky.social to narrate "Solwata," a new documentary spotlighting the human consequences of climate change in the Pacific nation of Solomon Islands.
On July 13, Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old immigrant from Colombia with US work authorization, was shot dead by an ICE officer in front of his toddler in Biddeford, Maine. Authorities should immediately carry out a comprehensive, transparent investigation into Guerrero's killing.
Bangladesh has been hosting over a million Rohingya refugees for nearly a decade, with expanding families crammed into shelters on hillsides that are highly vulnerable during the monsoon season. Concerned governments need to act. Read more: https://bit.ly/3SVDZXn
Georgian authorities’ use of increasingly repressive laws and politically motivated criminal investigations is decimating independent civil society and silencing critical voices. New from HRW: https://bit.ly/3R7C7dw
The life of Palestinian physician Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, detained by Israel without charge for 18+ months, is reportedly under imminent threat. Israel should immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Abu Safiya and other arbitrarily detained Palestinians.
In a second deadly series of attacks in days, nearly 350 Russian drones and 68 missiles were directed at Ukraine's capital and its region. Rescue teams report 26 civilians killed. Deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians are war crimes. Learn more:
In Havana, places across the city carry remnants of the lives people used to lead. A Human Rights Watch researcher traveled to Cuba and spoke with dozens of people across Havana. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4w1AwoA
As NATO heads of state meet in Ankara this week, rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Türkiye are on the line. The summit comes as authorities crack down on critics and political rivals to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and enforce draconian bans on demonstrations and public gatherings.
The US is celebrating 250 years since its Declaration of Independence. For many, this is a celebration of one of the world’s longest democratic traditions. But since returning to power in 2025, President Trump and his administration have attacked and undermined human rights: https://bit.ly/4gQKq7O
The current Philippine president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has never repudiated the “war on drugs” as a government policy and has yet to rescind the orders and other policy statements issued by Duterte. There have been 1,273 killings in the anti-drug campaign since Marcos became president in June 2022.
It's been 10 years since then-President Rodrigo Duterte began his vicious “war on drugs” in the Philippines, and Philippine police and their agents are still carrying out extrajudicial killings with impunity as part of the government’s anti-drug campaign.
Mass anti-immigration protests have spread across South Africa, following weeks-long demonstrations and an arbitrary “deadline” for undocumented migrants to leave the country. These demonstrations are causing a humanitarian crisis, with many people displaced and without food.
The US Supreme Court has upheld state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. Transgender kids should have the same opportunities as any other kids — lawmakers in the US and elsewhere should make sure of it.
It's been six years since Beijing imposed the draconian National Security Law in Hong Kong, creating a highly repressive national security regime. How has the law affected Hong Kong’s vibrant spirit? Learn more: https://bit.ly/4gcOAa3
Since 2021, 27 US states have enacted bans on gender-affirming care for youth under 18, stripping them of evidence-based, life-affirming treatment. The consequences are far-reaching. HRW's Yasemin Smallens on the collateral damage of anti-trans policymaking: https://bit.ly/44rp8X4
Lesbian rights are human rights. Gay rights are human rights. Bisexual rights are human rights. Transgender rights are human rights. Happy #Pride! 🏳️🌈
During a hearing with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin on Capitol Hill this week, US Rep. Lauren Underwood brought up our recent report with Physicians for Human Rights on rising deaths in ICE detention centers. Watch below, and read the report here: https://bit.ly/4oNOlo4
In a new report, a UN commission of inquiry credibly sets out Israel’s responsibility for atrocities against Palestinian children and even identifies military units apparently responsible. The US and other governments should immediately suspend weapons transfers to Israel.
52 people died in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody during the first 500 days of President Trump’s second term, reflecting a soaring mortality rate. In a new report, HRW and Physicians for Human Rights document the increasing number of deaths in ICE custody: https://bit.ly/4oNOlo4
Niger has officially submitted its request to withdraw from the International Criminal Court. This decision deprives victims of international crimes of a crucial path to justice. African Union and ICC states should call on Niger to reverse its withdrawal.
For over a decade, Cameroon has made the same promise — to reduce violence against women. It said it would cut it in half by 2026. That promise is being broken. New report from HRW: https://bit.ly/4vwibjv
The @ec.europa.eu invited Taliban authorities to Brussels to discuss accelerated deportations to #Afghanistan although the EU is well aware of the dire human rights situation. Any engagement with the Taliban needs to prioritize human rights & accountability. Afghans should not be deported to danger.