Iraq water crisis could have regional consequences, UN human rights chief warns

The United Nations’ human rights chief on Wednesday warned that Iraq’s water crisis could affect other countries in the region.

Taliban repression of women a crime against humanity, says Gordon Brown

The Taliban’s treatment of women and girls in Afghanistan is a “crime against humanity”, Gordon Brown has told the BBC.

Mexican drug kingpin ‘El Chapo’ accuses prison officials of violating his rights

Serving a life sentence in the United States, the former cartel boss wrote a letter to a judge complaining about the lack of access to critical documents for his case.

Rights groups call on Biden administration to expand work permits for asylum seekers

A powerful group of labor and immigration rights organizations in New York is calling on the Biden administration to expand rights for migrants that would fast-track work permits for them and help alleviate strain on social services, as shelter systems overflow.

The Silence of the Lambs

For American Iran scholars, fighting the right is more important than criticizing the regime—or listening to Iranians.

Japan holds junior high school “summit” on abductions by North Korea

The Japanese government on Thursday launched a “summit” of junior high school students across Japan in order to bring greater attention to North Korea’s abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s.

Human rights groups urge US to ensure violence-free, secular future for Bangladesh

A group of human rights and professional organizations in a statement to 14 members of the US Congress urged to change the current course of action to ensure a violence-free, secular and democratic future for Bangladesh.

41 migrants die in shipwreck near the Italian island of Lampedusa

The Red Cross said in a statement that four people survived using inner tubes and managed to climb onto another empty vessel nearby.

Ro Khanna to raise human rights issues during India visit, say U.S. civil rights organisations

Discussions on human rights will be on the agenda when a high-powered delegation of U.S. members of Congress visits Delhi next week, indicated a group of India-focused civil rights groups that met with U.S. congressman Ro Khanna, who is leading the delegation.

France’s Illiberal Turn Has Emboldened Its Right-Wing Police

On June 27, French police murdered Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old boy of Algerian and Moroccan descent. Rather than treating the incident as an opportunity for introspection, French police have rebelled against all attempts to be held accountable.

Pakistan drops controversial minority rights bill

The Pakistan government has dropped a bill meant to protect the interests of its religious minorities on Aug. 9 amid civil society organizations calling for a stronger law to protect basic human rights.