Human Rights Watch
Coverage of Human Rights Watch in the Nexus archive.
- India’s Modi says armed Maoists are fading, but warns threat remains from ideological supporters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that India's Maoist insurgency was nearing its end, but warned of a new challenge from ideological supporters called “dimagi Naxals.” During his address, he also emphasized boosting self-reliance and reiterated the government's goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047.
- Human Rights Watch says the Taliban detained 6 staff of a women’s and children’s rights group
Human Rights Watch reported that Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have forcibly disappeared six staff members. These individuals were associated with a local organization dedicated to women's and children's rights.
- Lebanon abolishes death penalty in landmark parliament vote
Lebanon’s parliament voted to abolish the death penalty, making it the first country in the Arab world to replace capital punishment with life imprisonment and aggravated hard labor. Justice Minister Adel Nassar called the vote a “historic step,” which was celebrated by rights groups. The move comes amidst debates over a general amnesty law that could release convicted militants.
- Video game giant Electronic Arts closes $55 billion go-private sale of its business
Electronic Arts (EA) completed a $55 billion go-private sale to Saudi Arabia’s PIF, Silver Lake Partners, and Affinity Partners. The deal, the largest private equity buyout, includes investments in AI-driven game development but raises concerns over debt-driven cost-cutting and potential data misuse. Critics highlight risks tied to Saudi Arabia’s involvement and Affinity Partners' ties to Jared Kushner.
- Trump’s university ‘compact’ is gone. That doesn’t mean the assault on education is over | Kenneth Roth
The Trump administration abandoned its controversial Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education, which required universities to align with Trump's ideology for federal grants. Universities collectively opposed the proposal, but the article warns that vigilance remains necessary to protect educational autonomy.
- Uganda: Opposition Politician Tortured, Faces Abusive Charges
A Ugandan opposition politician was allegedly tortured and faces abusive charges. Human Rights Watch urges investigation into the ill-treatment allegations and calls for dropping the charges.
- Mali: Journalist in Mali Sentenced to a Year in Prison
A journalist in Mali named Chahana Takiou was sentenced to a year in prison. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for the charges against him to be dismissed and for his release.
- Ceuta: Most migrants have returned to Morocco, 57 died crossing the border
Over 48,000 migrants returned to Morocco after crossing the border to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta by sea, with 57 reported deaths during the crisis. France and Italy increased border controls, and Italy suspended Schengen free movement between Spain and Italy. Human Rights Watch noted chaotic returns and heavily fortified borders making crossings dangerous.
- Rights group says Russia-linked airstrike in Mali killed 8 civilians last month
Human Rights Watch accused Russia-linked Africa Corps aircraft of killing eight civilians, including three children, in a June 15 airstrike on Kyrnia village in Mali's Mopti region. The group cited satellite imagery and witness interviews, stating the strike targeted a village under JNIM militant control but did not hit a clear military objective. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims.
- Rights group says Russia-linked airstrike in Mali killed 8 civilians last month
Human Rights Watch alleges that Russian Africa Corps' Sukhoi Su-24 aircraft killed 8 civilians, including 3 children, in a Mali airstrike on June 15. The strikes hit a village chief's home and a cattle market, with no reported JNIM fighters among the casualties. The AP could not verify the claims independently.
- Rights group says Russia-linked airstrike in Mali killed 8 civilians last month
Human Rights Watch accused Russia-linked Africa Corps aircraft of killing eight civilians, including three children, in an airstrike on Kyrnia village in Mali's Mopti region on June 15. The strikes hit a village chief's home and a cattle market, with no Islamic militant group JNIM fighters reported among the casualties. The Russian Defense Ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
- Rights group says Russia-linked airstrike in Mali killed 8 civilians last month
Human Rights Watch accused Russia-linked Africa Corps aircraft of killing eight civilians, including three children, in a June 15 airstrike on Kyrnia village in Mali. The attack involved a Russian Sukhoi Su-24 dropping munitions near the village chief's home and a cattle market. Africa Corps replaced the Wagner Group in Mali last year, and the strike is being investigated for potential war crimes.
- Mali: Russia's 'Africa Corps' Airstrikes Kill Civilians
Russia's 'Africa Corps' airstrikes in Mali reportedly killed civilians, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report. The attack occurred in a village controlled by an Islamist armed group, which HRW described as apparent indiscriminate violence.
- South Sudan: South Sudan - Abuse of Civilians in Western Equatoria
Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that many civilians fled attacks by government forces and their allies in Nagero County, Western Equatoria, South Sudan. The abuse of civilians is highlighted as a key issue in the region.
- ICE extends no-bid contract for major detention center in Texas, rejecting calls for closure
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has extended a no-bid contract with Amentum Services Inc. to operate Camp East Montana, a Texas detention center, through 2027, despite allegations of human rights abuses including beatings, denial of medical care, and deaths. Critics, including advocacy groups and Democratic members of Congress, have called for the facility's closure, citing unsafe conditions and waste of taxpayer funds.
- ICE extends no-bid contract for major detention center in Texas, rejecting calls for closure
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to extend a no-bid contract with Amentum Services Inc. to operate Camp East Montana in Texas through 2027, despite allegations of human rights abuses and calls for closure from advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers. The extension, which could cost taxpayers an additional $776 million, follows reports of detainee mistreatment, unsafe conditions, and at least three deaths at the facility. ICE cited operational and humanitarian risks as reasons for avoiding a competitive bidding process.
- ICE extends no-bid contract for major detention center in Texas, rejecting calls for closure
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to extend a no-bid contract with Amentum Services Inc. for Camp East Montana in Texas through 2027, despite reports of human rights abuses and calls for closure from advocacy groups and Democratic members of Congress. The extension could cost taxpayers an additional $776 million, following a $452 million initial contract awarded in March 2025 after a prior contractor was removed for poor performance.
- After ‘testing ground’ in Kashmir, pellet guns used on student protesters in India's capital
Indian authorities in New Delhi used pellet guns against student protesters demanding educational reforms, with hospital records confirming injuries. The Delhi police denied the use of pellet guns, but the Rapid Action Force (RAF) admitted to excessive force. The tactic has been previously used in Indian-controlled Kashmir, drawing comparisons from activists.
- Report: Israeli forces raid 70 homes, arrest dozens in Nablus
Israeli forces raided approximately 70 homes in Tal, southwest of Nablus, arresting around 50 Palestinians. The Nablus governor reported six deaths and dozens injured or detained over two days, including four killed during a Friday raid. Human Rights Watch urged urgent action to prevent escalating settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
- HRW says ‘decisive’ action needed to stop settler reprisals
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called for urgent international action to prevent escalating Israeli settler reprisals in the occupied West Bank. HRW cited the Israeli government's failure to stop a settler attack on Tal village and highlighted four Palestinian deaths during a settler raid in Tell village, urging decisive measures to avoid further deterioration.
- Former HRW chief says ICC Israel cases will proceed despite Khan row
Former HRW chief Kenneth Roth states that ICC cases against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant will proceed despite allegations against ICC prosecutor Karim Khan. Roth argues the charges were approved by a team of prosecutors and three ICC judges, and criticizes Khan's credibility.
- HRW: Ben-Gvir’s crocodile-filled moat plan ‘cartoonishly cruel’
Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticized Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's plan to build a crocodile-filled moat around a facility holding Palestinian detainees as 'cartoonishly cruel.' HRW urged the Israeli government to investigate allegations of torture and ill-treatment instead of spending on such proposals.
- ICC chief prosecutor removed from post over sexual misconduct allegations
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was removed from office by a majority vote of ICC member states due to allegations of sexual misconduct. The decision comes amid a broader campaign by the United States to target the ICC, including sanctions and pressure to dismantle the court.
- ICC chief prosecutor removed from post over sexual misconduct allegations
The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was removed by member states over allegations of sexual misconduct. His legal team claims the process was unfair, while the U.S. continues efforts to undermine the court. Venezuela announced its withdrawal from the ICC following the decision.
- Sudan: 'U.S. Congress Should Pass New Bills On Sudan' - Human Rights Watch
The U.S. Congress is considering two bills on Sudan: the PEACE in Sudan Act of 2026 in the Senate and the US Engagement in Sudanese Peace Act in the House. Human Rights Watch emphasizes that Congress can address Sudan's human rights crisis through these legislative efforts.
- Niger: 3 Years of Military Rule Deepens Human Rights Crisis
Niger's three years of military rule have intensified a human rights crisis, with a security threat prompting crackdowns on political opposition, civil society, and media. Human Rights Watch reports from Nairobi highlight these developments.
- Nigeria: Boko Haram Trials Ineffective, Flawed
HRW criticizes Boko Haram trials in Nigeria as ineffective and flawed, urging prioritization of serious international crimes and credible trials. The organization calls for improved judicial processes to address these crimes effectively.
- Burnham approves US use of UK bases for some strikes on Iran, Bloomberg reports
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham approved the US use of UK bases for defensive air strikes on Iran, continuing a policy started by predecessor Keir Starmer. The decision has faced criticism from UK rights groups over potential violations of international law.
- Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
A report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU documents human rights abuses at ICE's Camp East Montana in Texas, with 90% of 71 detainees interviewed reporting beatings or witnessing abuse. The facility, located at Fort Bliss, is accused of denying medical care, providing inedible meals, and blocking communication, though DHS denies the allegations. At least three detainees have died since the camp opened.
- Peru Military Justice Law Shields Police in Duty Cases
Peru's Congress ratified a new law that transfers cases against police and military personnel accused of duty-related crimes to military tribunals. The UN and Human Rights Watch have raised concerns about potential impunity.
- Washington is ready to 'upend the rules-based world order' HRW chief says
Human Rights Watch executive director Philippe Bolopion criticizes the Trump administration for launching an 'all-out assault on human rights' and describes the Fort Bliss ICE detention centre as a 'human rights catastrophe'. He warns that Washington is prepared to 'upend the rules-based world order'.
- Eritrea: A New Generation of Eritreans Enters Indefinite Service
A new generation of Eritreans is entering indefinite national service, according to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report. HRW highlights that graduation ceremonies are being used to perpetuate a cycle of indefinite conscription.
- Beaten, abused, underfed: life inside an ICE detention facility in Texas
Detainees at an ICE detention facility in Texas reported being beaten by guards, denied medical care, and prevented from contacting family and lawyers, according to a report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU. The report is based on 80 interviews with detainees at Camp East Montana, located at the US Army’s Fort.
- Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
A report by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union reveals that detainees at an ICE facility in Texas allege frequent beatings and human rights abuses. The report, based on accounts from dozens of individuals, highlights concerns about mistreatment by guards at the facility.
- Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
A report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU reveals that detainees at ICE's Camp East Montana in Texas frequently experienced beatings, denied medical care, and faced inhumane living conditions. Over 90% of 71 interviewed detainees reported personal assaults or witnessing abuse, with three deaths linked to the facility. The Department of Homeland Security has been criticized for mismanagement, and a new contractor failed to resolve ongoing issues.
- Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
A report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU details widespread human rights abuses at ICE's Camp East Montana facility in Texas, including frequent beatings, denial of medical care, and inhumane living conditions. Over 90% of 71 interviewed detainees reported experiencing or witnessing physical abuse, and three detainees have died since the facility opened in August.
- Report: Detainees at ICE facility in Texas report frequent beatings and other human rights abuses
A report by Human Rights Watch and the ACLU details widespread abuse at ICE's Camp East Montana in Texas, including beatings, denied medical care, and inhumane conditions. Over 90% of 71 interviewed detainees reported experiencing or witnessing staff violence, while three detainees have died since the facility opened in August.
- 'Architect of wars': Netanyahu gears for what could be his political life's defining contest
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces an international arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, a corruption trial, and a multi-front conflict with Iran as he campaigns for an October 27 election that could determine his political future. The October 7 Hamas attack and subsequent wars have challenged his 'Mr Security' reputation, with human rights groups accusing Israel of genocide under his leadership.
- Tunisia: Sounding the Alarm Over Tunisia's Crackdown
Tunisia faces increasing repression as highlighted by UN experts and civil society. The crackdown has drawn attention from Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other stakeholders.
- Egypt: Prisoner With Apparent Brain Tumor Denied Care
An Egyptian prisoner with an apparent brain tumor has been denied medical care. The case involves allegations of forced disappearance, an unfair trial, and torture, as reported by Human Rights Watch.