Articles by Human Rights Watch
Turkey’s control of Internet threatens election
“The government should refrain from threatening or throttling social media platforms to prevent opposing views from circulating during the election” – HRW
Russia: Memorial co-chair indicted for “discrediting” the military
On 29 April, the prosecutor’s office formally indicted Oleg Orlov on charges of repeatedly “discrediting” the Russian military, for which he faces a maximum of three years in prison.
Saudi Arabia: Microsoft should hold off on data center
The country’s new data protection law grants broad access to personal data by government agencies, says HRW.
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.