Articles by Human Rights Watch
Russia: Attempt to ban civil society groups linked to Alexey Navalny
The Moscow prosecutor’s office is seeking a court ruling to declare several groups linked to Navalny “extremist”. If this designation is imposed, these groups’ activities would be banned and their staff members and supporters could face criminal prosecution.
Poland’s Human Rights Ombudsman Adam Bodnar removed from his post
The Bodnar case is yet another example of Poland’s assault on the rule of law. Since 2015, the government has politicised judicial appointments, refused to implement judgements and severely undermined the Constitutional Tribunal’s independence and effectiveness.
Papua New Guinea’s Universal Periodic Review
The UPR submission covers human rights concerns monitored by Human Rights Watch including women’s rights, children’s rights, police abuse and criminal justice, disability rights, LGBT rights, and treatment of asylum seekers and refugees.
Belarus: New draft legislation further restricts press freedom
The proposed amendments would make it illegal for journalists to “discredit” the state, effectively prohibiting any criticism of the government. They would also enable authorities to strip journalists of accreditation for allegedly committing a crime while carrying out professional duties.
Rights groups call on MEPs to reject draft EU Regulation for online terrorist content
The proposed Regulation on addressing the dissemination of terrorist content online poses serious threats to freedom of expression and opinion, freedom to access information, the right to privacy, and the rule of law. As it stands it has no place in EU law.
Turkey’s government is dismantling human rights protections and democratic norms
“President Erdoğan is targeting any institution or part of society that stands in the way of his wide-ranging effort to reshape Turkey’s society. The latest developments against parliamentary opposition, the Kurds, and women are all about ensuring the president’s hold on power in violation of human rights and democratic safeguards.” – HRW
Rights groups call on Belarus to end persecution of human rights defenders
Human rights defenders have played an invaluable role in documenting rights violations in Belarus and advising victims. The authorities are now escalating pressure on these human rights defenders by imposing unfounded criminal charges, opening bogus criminal investigations, and conducting raids and searches.
DR Congo whistleblowers sentenced to death in absentia
Two former bank employees, Gradi Koko and Navy Malela, have been subjected to a smear campaign, been threatened and now face death sentences for exposing illicit financial flows in the DRC.