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Breaking news and updates on human rights in the U.S. and around the world

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Three images show people mostly wearing black standing on a street outside a morgue where dozens of bodies in black body bags are lined up.
(VahidOnline)

Press Release

Iran: Massacre of Protesters Demands Global Diplomatic Action to Signal an End to Impunity

Verified videos and eyewitness testimony reveal mass unlawful killings on an unprecedented scale amid an internet shutdown in Iran.

January 15, 2026

A young person rides a shopping cart and poses with a bandana around his face and his arms outstretched amid protesters filling a street, mostly wearing black. Many have their faces covered. There are small fires and smoke in the air.
(Getty)

Press Release

Iran: Internet Shutdown Hides Violations in Escalating Deadly Crackdown on Protesters

The Iranian authorities have deliberately blocked internet access inside Iran to hide the true extent of their grave human rights…

January 9, 2026

A collage of individual photos of 28 people killed by Iranian security forces between December 31, 2025 and January 3, 2026 during crackdowns against protesters in Iran. 
(Amnesty International)

Press Release

Iran: Deaths and Injuries Rise Amid Authorities’ Renewed Cycle of Protest Bloodshed

People in Iran demanding fundamental change are being met with a deadly pattern of security forces firing at, chasing, arresting…

January 8, 2026

A collection of colorful buses and trucks, many of them loaded to capacity with bundles of people's belongings, stretch into the distance on a hot day.
(Abdul Basit/AFP via Getty Images)

Press Release

Afghanistan: Forced Returns to Taliban Rule Must End as Latest Figures Reveal Millions Unlawfully Deported in 2025

All forced returns of refugees and asylum seekers to Afghanistan must immediately end.

December 16, 2025

An illustration shows images of women dressed in black holding up signs in front of their faces. A yellow splash is behind them on a black background.
(Amnesty International)

Press Release

Iran: UN Member States Must Urgently Press Authorities to Halt Executions After Horrifying Increase

Iran has executed more than 1,000 people this year – an average of four a day.

October 16, 2025

Iranian women hold up signs written in Farsi. The signs cover their faces as they protest.
(Amnesty International)

Press Release

Iran: Over 1,000 People Executed as Authorities Step Up Horrifying Assault on Right to Life

The international community must take robust action to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all planned executions.

September 26, 2025

(private)

Press Release

Iran: Officials Responsible for Finger-Amputations Must Face Accountability for Torture

The amputations carried out on Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian and Mehdi Shahivand are a stark reminder of Iran’s prolific use…

July 31, 2025

(AFP via Getty Images)

Press Release

Iran: Deliberate Israeli Attack on Tehran’s Evin Prison Must Be Investigated as a War Crime

The Israeli military’s deliberate air strikes on Evin prison constitute a serious violation of international humanitarian law and must be…

July 22, 2025

Press Release

Iran: Growing fears over torture and arbitrary executions of individuals accused of ‘espionage’ for Israel

Iranian authorities must halt all plans to carry out arbitrary executions and protect all those arrested over accusations of espionage…

June 20, 2025

(Aftermath of attacks in Tehran/left and Israel/ right via Reuters)

Press Release

Urgent Need to Protect Civilians Amid Unprecedented Escalation in Hostilities Between Israel and Iran

Israeli and Iranian authorities must abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

June 18, 2025

UN Human Rights Council in session.

Press Release

Iran: UN Expands Fact-Finding Mission’s Mandate in Landmark Development to Address Human Rights Crisis

Today’s vote delivers a strong message to the Iranian authorities that they cannot continue to commit serious violations and crimes…

April 3, 2025

From left to right: Baran Saedi, Soma Mohammadrezaei, Leila Pashaei, Sohaila Motaei. The four Kurdish women’s rights activists were arrested after they participated in IWD events © Private

Press Release

Iran: Authorities Target Women’s Rights Activists with Arbitrary Arrest, Flogging and Death Penalty

Iranian authorities have escalated their crackdown on women’s rights defenders, journalists, singers and other activists in a bid to quash…

March 17, 2025