Human Rights Watch

Articles by Human Rights Watch

Indonesia: Activists on trial for criminal defamation

The complaint concerns the activists’ discussion on YouTube about a report that alleged that the government had conducted “illegal military operations” in Papua’s Central Highlands to access gold deposits.

France’s Macron ignores rights violations during visit to China

“As during his last visit in 2019, Macron publicly ignored the deteriorating human rights situation in China under Xi. China’s ‘president for life’ has continued to tighten his dictatorial grip on the country, further stifling dissent with relentless repression coupled with pervasive surveillance.”

Digital targeting and its offline consequences for LGBTQI+ people in MENA

A new report examines how several authorities in the region have integrated technology into their policing of LGBTQI+ people.

Prominence of Central Asian states on HRC is an opportunity for change

For the first time, three countries from Central Asia will be members of the UN HRC. Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan – each of which has serious human rights concerns – will join the other 44 members at this year’s opening session on 27 February.

Spain passes law to expand protections and entrench rights for LGBTQI+

The new law legalises gender self-ID, expands access to assisted reproductive techniques, strengthens sexuality education, enables parental recognition for unmarried same-sex couples, and introduces measures to combat discrimination against LGBTQI+ people in various sectors.

Algeria: Reverse decision to dissolve leading human rights group

“The Algerian authorities seem determined to shut down any independent activity that would shed light on human rights violations,” says HRW.

New report: Lesbian, bisexual, and queer women under attack around the world

“Lesbian, bisexual and queer women are renowned for leading human rights struggles around the world, but the scale of brutal violence, legal discrimination, and sexualized harassment these communities face is rarely documented” – HRW

Another blow to the right to privacy as Russia legalises massive DNA collection

A new law extends compulsory DNA data collection: anyone suspected of any crime will have their DNA collected, and those convicted or sentenced to administrative detention for a misdemeanour will have their DNA profile stored in a state database for life.