The Chinese government under Xi Jinping has amassed an increasingly disastrous human rights record, expanding and deepening its crackdown on fundamental freedoms. #Rights2026 More in our World Report 2026:

Civilians in Sudan, South Sudan, and Ethiopia are bearing the brunt of abusive armed conflicts in which the warring parties frequently and often deliberately target them. #Rights2026 Read more in our World Report 2026:

The Syrian transitional government took initial steps in 2025 to advance justice and accountability for abuses committed by the former government. However, these efforts cannot be selective or one-sided. #Rights2026 Learn more in our World Report 2026:

The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan in 2025 increased their repression of women and girls and enforced new regulations further curbing media freedom. #Rights2026 Read more in our World Report 2026:

Some Latin American and Caribbean governments are violating rights of noncitizens at the Trump administration’s behest, while others are using Trump’s policies and rhetoric as cover for abuses. #Rights2026 Read HRW's World Report 2026:

Iranian authorities in 2025 carried out executions on a scale unseen since the late 1980s, carried out mass killings in response to protests, conducted mass and arbitrary arrests, and ratcheted up repression. #Rights2026 More in our World Report:

People in Central African countries have faced increasing risks in the past year, whether under attack or forcibly displaced in eastern Congo, or facing suppression of basic rights elsewhere in the region. #Rights2026 Read more in HRW's World Report:

HRW’s Laetitia Bader and @jbgallopin.bsky.social traveled to eastern Chad in December where they interviewed dozens of refugees who had fled El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state, following the takeover of the city by the Rapid Support Forces. New Q&A:

Break the authoritarian wave, stand up for human rights — this is the challenge of our generation. As we reflect on the events of 2025 in our annual World Report, we remember that standing up for global human rights is imperative. #Rights2026

"The world's largest humanitarian crisis as we speak." The crisis in Sudan is of staggering proportions, with more than 13 million people displaced. HRW's Mausi Segun discusses more at the launch of our World Report 2026:

"The human rights situation in Latin America is dire, but it's not inevitable," says HRW's Juan Pappier at the launch of our World Report 2026. Hear more from the launch of WR26: https://bit.ly/4rRh7Vh Read the report: https://bit.ly/4qlI7ed

2025 may be seen as a tipping point for global human rights. With the US undermining the global human rights system, who will rise in its defense? #Rights2026 Reflecting on 2025 in our annual World Report, we remember the necessity of standing up for human rights. Read more: https://bit.ly/4aagjDl

What do taxes have to do with human rights? New York is hosting negotiations for a UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation this week. HRW's @sarahsaadoun.bsky.social explains more ⤵️

A reminder: Immigrant Rights are Human Rights. Olivia Dean, Bad Bunny, Shaboozey, and others shared calls for all people to be treated with humanity and dignity during the Grammys on Sunday, which took place amid the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown.

Over one million Ukrainians are enduring freezing temperatures with intermittent heat, water, and electricity due to Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure. Russia should cease targeting Ukraine’s energy grid and inflicting inhumane conditions on civilians.

The rules meant to protect rights are fraying. What comes next? HRW Executive Director Philippe Bolopion lays out an answer in TIME Ideas. Watch for more details in HRW’s World Report 2026, launching Feb. 4. https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/02/01/will-human-rights-survive-the-donald-trump-era

Five years have passed since Myanmar’s military staged a coup against the government. Since February 1, 2021, the junta has decimated almost every facet of life in Myanmar. The junta’s impunity needs to end. Read more: https://bit.ly/4a41O4g

One year ago, Israeli authorities began “Operation Iron Wall,” forcibly removing 32,000 Palestinians from their homes in West Bank refugee camps. HRW documented the forced displacement, which amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Read more:

Cattle ranching is the leading driver of deforestation in Brazil + traceability is essential to stop deforestation and protect local communities. Postponing Pará’s cattle traceability system until 2030 weakens transparency and allows deforestation-linked beef to keep flowing through supply chains.

Amid reports that ICE has used facial recognition technology in Minneapolis, a reminder that there is no safe use for this tech on streets or at borders. Governments should stop using it in public spaces and in immigration and asylum contexts.

Uganda’s longstanding pattern of abuse against opposition has risen to alarming levels. Since presidential elections took place on January 15, Ugandan authorities have intensified attacks on the country’s main opposition party.

And it's a wrap! Merit hearings in the landmark genocide case brought at the #ICJ by Gambia against Myanmar have concluded. See my @hrw.org colleagues' reflections on the significance of this development in the Rohingya's long struggle for justice: www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...

#EU 's passivity on eastern #DRCongo crisis is no sign of leadership. At #FAC today, EU ministers should: ⛑️Increase humanitarian aid ⚖️Call for accountability 🚫Urge end of #Rwanda's support to #M23 & #DRCongo's to abusive groups ✍️ Sanction commanders responsible of crimes @eudiplomacy.bsky.social

This week, prosecutors filed criminal charges against Budapest Mayor Gergely Karácsony for organizing the city’s 2025 Pride march. This is yet another example of the erosion of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms in Hungary.

South Sudan’s military has called on civilians, aid workers, and UN personnel to evacuate from opposition-controlled areas in Jonglei state. Fighting continues in other regions with civilians facing intensifying violence and repeated displacement.

Another Trump administration rollback on abortion access goes into effect on February 1, this time for US veterans. The VA has reversed a Biden administration reform that allowed veterans to access abortion care as part of their health benefits.

"They left the building. Not the truth." A powerful new documentary, 80 Angry Journalists, shows how Hungary’s once-independent news outlet Index was taken over, and how reporters resigned together rather than submit to political pressure. Trailer⤵️

📣 Tune in tomorrow — Human Rights Watch is co-hosting a webinar focused on taking action to address obstetric violence in Africa. 🔗 Register now: bit.ly/3NUTyvH

#Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ puts rights abusers & war crimes suspects in charge of the global order -- my new opinion piece on @aljazeera.com By sidelining the UN & human rights, the US president is proposing a club of impunity @hrw.org 👉 www.aljazeera.com/opinions/202...

My colleague Lewis Mudge will speak today at @droi.europarl.europa.eu on #Rwanda 's crackdown on political opposition, in follow-up to EP's resolution on Victoire Ingabire's case. 🗓️Today ⏰4.30pm CET 📺 multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstream... More on @hrw.org's work: www.hrw.org/africa/rwanda

The trial of 6 Italian officers for a 2023 shipwreck in which at least 94 people died is set to start this week. The Cutro shipwreck trial is a crucial opportunity to secure truth and justice for survivors and families of victims.

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, the second Minneapolis resident killed by federal agents this month, follows weeks of violent and abusive immigration enforcement actions in the city. HRW analyzed and verified eight videos showing before, during, and after the shooting: https://bit.ly/4riahYt

Today more than ever, the world would need its ‘largest democracies’ to lead by example, uphold human rights and hold each other to account. That’s the exact opposite of what the #EU and #India have been doing - and of what’s on display at the #EUIndia summit 🧵 1/5

The killing of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis follows weeks of excessive force and other abusive immigration enforcement actions in the city. An independent investigation and Congressional oversight are urgently needed to protect US citizens and immigrants alike.

In the propaganda ping-pong between the Syrian government forces and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces around who is committing which abuse in Northeast Syria, civilians are paying the highest price. New from HRW:

While Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay is in Europe seeking investments in the Gelephu Mindfulness City mega-project, would-be investors should ask him to end the unjust suffering of 30 political prisoners. www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...

Major donor nations dealt a devastating blow by cutting support for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Only $11.85 billion has so far been pledged for 2026-2028 of an urgently needed $18 billion.

US President Donald Trump has invited world leaders, many from abusive governments, to join his “Board of Peace.” Rather than paying billions to join Trump’s board, governments should focus on strengthening the UN’s ability to uphold human rights. https://bit.ly/49Qj2Sy

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained a 5-year-old boy in Minnesota this week, taking him and his father to a Texas detention center. No one, especially a child, should be arbitrarily detained. Actions like this further terrorize families of color across the country.

"Israel’s forced removal of 32,000 West Bank refugees is not a lawful evacuation," writes @hrw.org's @nadiahardman.bsky.social. "It is a war crime of forced displacement" that is "intentional Israeli state policy," per statements by Israeli officials.

Human Rights Watch is co-hosting a webinar on January 28 focused on taking action to address obstetric violence in Africa. Join us as we examine the role of strategic litigation, lessons learned in recent years, and how allies can provide crucial support. 🤝 🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/3NUTyvH

Today marks 3 years since human rights lawyer Thulani Maseko was brutally killed in his home in Eswatini. Maseko championed democratic reforms in Eswatini and played a key role in the country’s transitional political process amid widespread protests in June 2021.

Uganda’s electoral commission has declared President Yoweri Museveni the winner of the country's January 15 elections. But the weeks leading up to the elections were marred by violence and arrests of opposition members, plus a government-imposed Internet shutdown. https://bit.ly/49xxGz9

"We are living in a dangerous time in history." HRW's Executive Director Philippe Bolopion discusses the state of human rights and democracy around the world during an Open Forum session at Davos this week.

CBS News 60 Minutes has aired its segment on abuses against Venezuelan detainees sent to El Salvador's mega prison by the US: Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y47dAQhGPo And read HRW's report on CECOT: https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/12/us/el-salvador-torture-of-venezuelan-deportees

#Bhutan’s political prisoners face illness, mistreatment, & decades-long sentences in harsh conditions. The recent death of Sha Bahadur Gurung exposes the suffering that the government refuses to acknowledge. Read how the suffering of Bhutan’s political prisoners can be ended: https://bit.ly/4qLUTnv

Sri Lanka’s new counterterrorism proposal risks repeating past abuses. Instead of real reform, it expands powers that endanger activists, journalists, and minority communities. International partners should press the government to protect fundamental rights. Learn more ⤵️ https://bit.ly/3NpDVfL

Governments are seldom this brazen when obscuring the true costs of air pollution. On January 12, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will stop assigning economic value to lives saved and illnesses avoided when considering air pollution controls. www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...

🙌 After a 7-year legal ordeal, humanitarian workers wept with relief when a court on the Greek island of Lesbos acquitted all 24 defendants who had been baselessly charged with felonies for saving lives at sea. The Greek government should always prioritize saving lives. https://bit.ly/4pMoOdR

Iran’s security forces have carried out mass killings after protests escalated on January 8. Despite a nationwide internet shutdown, Human Rights Watch has been able to verify videos and gather witness accounts. Read now: https://bit.ly/3YIRtW0