Author: Bashir Wako May 26, 2026 HRRC notes that Decree No. 18 raises serious concerns regarding children’s rights, particularly protection from early marriage and the requirement of free and full consent in marriage, in line with international human rights standards. [Image credit: Unsplash] Afghanistan’s Decree No. 18, issued on May 14 by the country’s de facto Taliban authorities, introduced new rules governing the separation of spouses. While presented as a procedural up

Author: Ana Budeanu May 25, 2026 HRRC is encouraged by the European Union’s efforts to criminalize gender-based violence and, more specifically, femicide. However, we emphasise that all policies regarding gender-based violence must be regularly updated to better protect human rights and promote equality. A young woman poses among red shoes, symbolising support for domestic violence victims, at an awareness event in Bucharest, Romania, March 31, 2026 [Image credit: AP Photo/An

Author: Ana Budeanu May 24, 2026 HRRC is encouraged by the European Union’s efforts to establish a ban on conversion therapy practices. However, we emphasise that discriminatory policies within the LGBTQIA+ therapy context must be regularly reviewed to better protect human rights and the patients’ well-being. Further, we call for the support of victims of conversion practices, ensuring they receive appropriate help and justice. Colorful pride parade in Riga, Latvia with parti

Author: Sheetal Frank May 22, 2026 HRRC raises concerns about the hunger crisis in North Korea caused by drought and isolation and calls on the North Korean government to allow humanitarian access, respond to food shortages across all provinces, and prioritise the welfare of civilians. HRRC also calls for international attention from United Nations member states and the Security Council to explore alternative sanctions measures to ensure that food insecurity and limitations o

Author: Amy Asubonteng May 22, 2026 HRRC applauds the transparency of Verizon’s report, and emphasizes the need to confront the cybersecurity threat of AI. As the impact of AI systems on human rights remains to be determined, HRRC raises concerns about the impact of AI-related data breaches, especially pertaining to the right to privacy. [Image credit: Julio Lopez via Pexels] On May 19, 2026, Verizon published a follow-up on a report initially released on April 28, known as t

Author: Peter Clarkin, MA May 22, 2026 HRRC recognises the importance of Haitian Heritage Month for the Haitian diaspora, but also strongly recommends that this period be used to highlight the human rights challenges facing the country. Appropriate action must be taken by the Haitian government to reduce the influence of gangs, with the safety of civilians placed at the forefront of all discussions. Haitian Heritage Month commemorates the contributions made by the Haitian com

Author: Christine Savino May 21, 2026 HRRC condemns the use of sanctions to punish human rights advocacy and calls for governments to respect the independence of United Nations experts, especially where speech concerns alleged international crimes and accountability. Francesca Albanese close-up [Image credit: Rafael Medeiros via Wikimedia Commons] A US federal judge temporarily blocked sanctions imposed on United Nations Palestine expert Francesca Albanese, ruling that the Tr

Author: Dr. Fred Sekindi May 21, 2026 Note: This study was sponsored by the Universal Coalition of Affirming Africans Uganda and published with permission through the Human Rights Research Center. Under Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, two women face life in prison following allegations of them kissing in public. [Image credit: RDNE Stock project / Pexels via MambaOnline] Introduction In Uganda, religion and culture are commonly cited as the basis for rejecting the LGBTQ+ c

Author: Vera Rousseff May 21, 2026 HRRC urgently calls for the opening of humanitarian corridors through the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate the delivery of aid to Afghanistan and other countries affected by the Iran war. Additionally, we call on countries in the Global North to increase their financial contributions to aid agencies, such as the United Nations World Food Programme, in order to combat malnutrition in Afghanistan and in other countries facing food shortages. Wom

Author: Raisa Hamlin May 20, 2026 HRRC urges Hong Kong and Chinese authorities to uphold freedoms of speech, assembly, and political participation throughout the ongoing trial of former Hong Kong Alliance organizers. We are concerned by the continued use of national security legislation against pro-democracy activists and public commemorations, and call for the protection of civil liberties and fair legal proceedings. Thousands gather in Hong Kong for a candlelight vigil on t

Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan May 20, 2026 HRRC strongly condemns the killings of unarmed church leaders and the continued abduction of innocent civilians in Manipur, India. We call for an immediate, impartial investigation, protection of vulnerable communities and urgent dialogue to prevent ethnic and religious violence. Protestors demanding the release of Kuki hostages and justice for three slain church leaders in Manipur’s Kangpokpi on May 16, 2026. [Image credit: The Hindu]

Author: Nadia Nasri, MA May 20, 2026 Children in a refugee camp in Gaza. [Image credit: Hosny Salah via Pexels] Israel has been occupying the Palestinian territories of the West Bank, Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip since 1967 (Amnesty International, 2025a). The Israeli military rules these territories, exerting extreme control over the Palestinian people, dictating their movement and controlling whether they can go to school or work, use their own land, leave the country, and

Author: Bashir Wako May 20, 2026 HRRC expresses deep concern over the worsening hunger crisis in Afghanistan, where millions of women and children face severe malnutrition amid collapsing humanitarian support, forced displacement and restrictions on basic rights. The situation reflects a serious failure to protect basic human rights, including access to food, health and safety. Afghan mothers wait to receive food for their children at the Supplemental Feeding Program at Farah

Author: Tasreba Chowdhury May 19, 2026 HRRC denounces the mass sexual abuse of students at the Ndhulo Kusomo Islamic boarding school in Indonesia. We demand justice for the victims, most of whom are minors, as this is a serious violation of human rights. We urge the Indonesian government and schools around the country to enforce safeguards against sexual abuse in educational institutions. A group of students in the classroom in East Java, Indonesia. [Image credit: [Image cred

Author: Pradanya Nagru, MS May 19, 2026 Downloadable version available below.