World marks horrific slave trade history to guard against more abuses
The idea is to preserve and teach an ugly chapter of history that might help ward off humanity’s worst impulses.
Human Rights
Human rights are inherent to all people, without discrimination. These universal principles define a person’s right to life, liberty, and dignity, encompassing freedoms of expression, the right to education, and more. We cover the international legal frameworks and diplomatic efforts to ensure these fundamental rights are protected and upheld.
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Prisoner executions, other abuses found on both sides in Ukraine war
The U.N. cited executions, human shields, torture and other inhumane treatment by Russian and Ukrainian forces.
Pushed to the brink: War, disaster, lost rights challenge kids worldwide
From the killing fields of Ukraine to the earthquakes of Turkey and Syria, children struggle in an often indifferent world.
U.N. raises concerns about human rights records in over 40 nations
A quarter of all humanity lives today in places that are affected by conflict and usually it's the civilians 'who suffer the most.'
Male-only parliaments are no longer as gender parity slowly advances
Six nations have gender parity or a women's majority: Rwanda, Cuba, Nicaragua, Mexico, New Zealand and U.A.E.
Lost childhoods: Ukraine's most innocent victims in Putin's war
The global demands for peace grow as humanitarian aid workers emphasize the war's devastating effect on children.
In a world of human rights abuses, some 'extraordinary potential' too
Human Rights Watch points to a "litany of human rights crises" but also a silver lining – some "cracks" emerged in authoritarian regimes.
A rallying cry for human rights at the heart of social media platforms
Alarmed at a sharp increase in the use of the racist “N” word on Twitter, the experts said all the major social media corporations must immediately show greater accountability for online hatred spewed at people of African descent.
U.N. says Myanmar's mass pardons include some 300 political prisoners
Though the release of political prisoners in Myanmar is a relief to those unfairly detained and their families, the U.N. human rights office notes the military junta is still holding thousands of others in detention for opposing military rule.
Iran expelled from U.N. women's commission in U.S.-led vote
The 29-8 vote in ECOSOC on Wednesday, with 16 abstentions, immediately expelled Iran from the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women, based on a U.S. resolution.
IFJ reports 67 journalists, media workers killed on job this year
IFJ says the killings point to an "urgent" need for an international treaty on the safety and independence of journalists and other media professionals.
Now in its fourth decade, campaign fights most pervasive rights violation
The 16-day campaign involves thousands of organizations in 187 nations and runs until Human Rights Day on Dec. 10.
U.N. condemns Iranian crackdown, sets up probe of rights abuses
A U.N. special session responded to Tehran's violence and widespread protests over 22-year-old Mahsa Amini's death.
G-7 condemns Russian 'war crime' in Ukraine
G-7 nations pledged to "stand firmly with Ukraine for as long as it takes" while promising more military aid and demanding Russia's immediate withdrawal.
U.N. appoints human rights investigator for Russia
The U.N. appointed a special rapporteur to examine Russia's human rights records in light of its crackdowns on dissent over its war in Ukraine.
Nations refuse U.N. debate over Xinjiang
China notched a diplomatic win with the U.N. Human Rights Council's rejection of a debate on evidence of abuses in China’s remote Xinjiang region.