Advertisement
Advertisement
-
TOPIC

Human rights

Human rights
Latest news, features and analysis on human rights, with a focus on civil liberties in Hong Kong, mainland China and Asia.
Detained scam centre workers are seen after a raid on a compound in Myanmar’s eastern Myawaddy township last year. Photo: AFP
Asean

Southeast Asia’s scam compound survivors suffer in stigma and silence

Many survivors return home to inhabit a murky space between victim and offender, with few support services to help them reintegrate.

videocam
US, Israel war on Iran

‘Race against time’: aid groups warn of humanitarian crisis in Lebanon

Indonesia

Acid attack on Indonesian activist raises fears for democracy under Prabowo

India

‘Death is a release’: Indian parents win right to grant son a dignified death

Harish Rana was comatose and bedridden for over a decade. Now, the Supreme Court has ruled that his ‘endless misery’ can finally end.

Harish Rana, an engineering student, has been in a vegetative state for the last 13 years after falling from the fourth floor of his hostel. Photo: Handout
Americas and the Caribbean

Explosive drones have killed hundreds in Haiti, including civilians: report

Haiti’s government is using its security forces and contractors to carry out drone strikes on criminal gangs that are also endangering civilians.

US, Israel war on Iran

Australia grants asylum to 5 Iranian women footballers after anthem controversy

Some players did not sing their country’s national anthem before a match, sparking fears they might face trouble back home.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
United States

US activists, politicians rally on anniversary of civil rights march

The US Supreme Court is considering a case that could limit the ability of minority voters to elect their chosen candidates, spurring protests.

Politicians and activists participate in a commemorative march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the 58th anniversary of ‘Bloody Sunday’, when state troopers beat peaceful voting rights protesters who were marching across the bridge, in Selma, Alabama, on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Demand for change in Turkey cannot be stopped, jailed Istanbul mayor says

Support for the opposition has been growing, amid increasing fatigue with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule, Ekrem Imamoglu says.

Two Sessions 2026

Xinjiang official says region’s textile industry is growing despite US sanctions

Amid China’s annual ‘two sessions’, Wang Kuiran says region will boost legal support for businesses affected by US restrictions.

videocam
15
Iran

Video | Marine suffers broken arm protesting against US-Israel war on Iran

Marine veteran Brian McGinnis was forcibly removed from Congress after he interrupted a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing.

Footage posted by anti-war women’s group Code Pink shows a Marine veteran being removed from a Congressional hearing after shouting messages including: “No one wants to fight for Israel”.
00:41
Nepal

Video | Nepal to choose new government following Gen Z protests

Nearly 19 million people have registered to vote, with 800,000 taking part for the first time.

ssergrewerg
01:39
The Philippines

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

Nepal

‘This is our moment’: Nepal’s Gen Z voters hope for ‘turning point’ in election

While all the parties have pledged economic growth and job creation, thousands are leaving Nepal each day in search of a better life.

videocam
United States

US Treasury to stop using Anthropic AI tech, including Claude platform

Anthropic had previously turned down the Pentagon’s demand that it agree to unconditional military use of its Claude models.

US Department of War and Anthropic logos. Illustration: Reuters
Iran

Video | US allies voice cautious support for Iran attacks

Some of the US’ traditional allies, including Canada and Britain, have voiced cautious support for the US military campaign against Iran.

rwsegrehtry
02:39
Myanmar

Myanmar convicts charged as ‘terrorists’ by junta freed in mass amnesty

Activists and armed groups fighting the junta have been labelled ‘terrorist’ outfits, and punished with life prison terms and possible death sentences.

US, Israel war on Iran

What to know about Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

A US-Israeli military strike has ended the rule of the cleric who ordered the country’s bloodiest crackdown in decades.

videocam
7
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
United Nations

UN rights chief slams violence against women, calls it ‘a global emergency’

Volker Turk highlights the segregation of women in Afghanistan and sex trafficking cases against US financier Jeffrey Epstein as examples.

videocam
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk speaking at the opening of a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last September. Photo: AFP
Myanmar

Why China’s Myanmar dilemma still persists, 5 years and 1 election later

Old concerns about stability and security linger as other big players vie for sway over Myanmar’s rare earth bounty and strategic location.

videocam
Britain

Jersey votes to approve assisted dying as similar UK bill stalls in parliament

Opponents say disabled, elderly, ill and depressed people could be pressured to end their lives so they are not a burden on others.

United States

Near-blind Rohingya refugee found dead after US officers release him out in cold

Buffalo Mayor Sean Rhyan blamed Shah Alam’s death on ‘unprofessional and inhumane’ decision making by federal immigration officials.

A member of the US Border Patrol confronts the driver of a car n Minneapolis on January 29. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
Japan

Cash-for-tips scheme in Japan sparks debate over migrant rights

Backers argue tougher measures are needed to curb unauthorised employment, but migrant advocates fear unintended social consequences.

People walking at JR Mito station in Ibaraki prefecture in eastern Japan. Photo: Kyodo
Malaysia

Malaysia blocks Grindr, Blued for promoting ‘deviant’ relationships

The move signals tightening social climate and civil liberties concerns in the country.

videocam
The Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court ruling adds momentum to same-sex marriage debate

Advocates hailed the ruling as a breakthrough, though observers said its reach remains limited without congressional action.

videocam
Rodrigo Duterte

Video | From drug tsar to ICC detainee: the rise and fall of Rodrigo Duterte

The former Philippine leader has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

dfghfjgmjfd
05:18
The Philippines

Duterte was ‘pivotal’ in murder of thousands, ICC prosecutors say

He has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

videocam
People protest in favour of the detention of former Philippines’ president Rodrigo Duterte outside the International Criminal Court where he will be questioned on charges of crimes against humanity, in The Hague on Monday. Photo: AFP
The Netherlands

New Dutch government under centrist Jetten takes power

Jetten pulled off a stunning election win in October to dethrone the far-right party led by firebrand politician Geert Wilders.

Protests around the world

30 people in Iran face death penalty after protests, Amnesty says

A death sentence has been passed in eight cases, while two minors are among the 22 other cases before the courts.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement