HRW warns China is undermining human rights and institutions
Experts cautioned that China has been using its economic muscle to silence critics at home and increasingly abroad.
Human Rights
Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms inherent to every person. Their modern legal foundation is the International Bill of Human Rights, which consists of three key documents: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The U.N. and its agencies, along with other international organizations, work to protect and promote these rights globally.
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Decade of sharp rise in attacks globally on children in conflicts
The number of grave violations against children in conflicts more than doubled in the past decade from a decade earlier.
Progress and worry as children's rights treaty enters fourth decade
A human rights treaty helped make children healthier, but they still face threats like climate change and online abuse.
White Helmets ally, humanitarian leader found dead in Turkey
Police are investigating the death of James Le Mesurier, whose organization founded and supported White Helmets in Syria.
U.N. expert says world of social media is 'failing' to deter hate speech
Nations and companies are required to ensure their policies on hate speech comply with international human rights law.
U.N. mission to probe suspected human rights abuses in Venezuela
The Human Rights Council created a mission to investigate cases in the beleaguered country from the past five years.
As temperatures rise, climate gains status as top threat to human rights
The U.N. human rights chief says the climate crisis is a top threat and U.S. detention of migrant children is alarming.
U.N. panel ties Western nations to human rights abuses in Yemen
Human rights experts cited a 'pervasive lack of accountability' in the Saudi-led alliance backed by Western governments.
U.N. calls for peace and justice in Yemen after airstrikes hit compound
First responders struggled to reach the scene where some survivors were believed to still be trapped under the rubble.
New accord to protect defenders of environment and human rights
The aim is to better support advocates and to hold perpetrators of violence and intimidation accountable.
U.N. experts conclude U.S. racism is a complicit factor in mass shootings
A U.N. working group called on U.S. leaders to recommit to human rights, including equal protection under the law.
Experts say Myanmar's foreign arms trade fuels human rights abuses
A U.N. fact-finding mission urged the international community to sever ties with Myanmar’s military.
Europe's first legally binding treaty on violence against women turns 5
The treaty, which took effect in 2014, builds on efforts to protect women and girls from violence since the 1990s.
China dismisses rebuke at U.N. Human Rights Council over Uyghurs
The condemnation came from Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan and New Zealand, along with 17 European nations.
Council of Europe keeps Russia as member despite Crimea annexation
Europe's leading human rights organization approved by majority vote a joint declaration that tries to appease Russia.
Two Reuters journalists held in Rohingya case are freed in Myanmar
The journalists were imprisoned since Dec. 2017 for investigating killings of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys.