Newsroom

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

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A man on a motorcycle passes a large statue in an empty plaza.
(Olympia de Masimont/AFP via Getty Images)

Press Release

Benin: Election Candidates Must Commit to Protecting Human Rights Amid Shrinking Civic Space

Civic space continues to shrink in Benin with a wave of attacks on independent media outlets and people still being…

January 8, 2026

A young man speaks into a microphone with his fist raised above his head, a banner behind him.
(Vipin Kumar/Hindustan Times via Getty Images)

Press Release

India: Continued Detention of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam Raises Grave Concerns

It is shameful that the Supreme Court continues to deny bail to Indian human rights defenders Umar Khalid and Sharjeel…

January 6, 2026

A row of riot police shields with uniformed cops behind them in heavy protective gear.
(Badru Katumba/AFP via Getty Images)

Press Release

Uganda: Authorities Subjecting Opposition Supporters to Brutal Campaign of Repression Ahead of Elections

Ugandan security forces have unlawfully targeted opposition supporters with unnecessary and excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and torture.

January 5, 2026

(FEDERICO PARRA / Colaborador GettyImages)

Press Release

Global: Amnesty International Raises Human Rights Concerns Following U.S. Military Action in Venezuela

This action raises grave concerns for the human rights of the Venezuelan population and most likely constitutes a violation of…

January 3, 2026

A green field surrounded by a wired fence. There is a red sign on the fence. The red sign says
(Cathal McNaughton/PA Images)

Press Release

Reversal of U.S. Landmine Ban Endangers Civilians and Undermines Human Rights Globally

The Pentagon’s reported landmine policy change would be a major setback for the protection of civilians in conflict zones. 

December 23, 2025

Flowers, candles and fliers reading
(Lucas Mukasa/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Press Release

Tanzania: Security Forces Used Unlawful Lethal Force in Election Protest Crackdown and ‘Took Away’ Dead Bodies

Tanzanian security forces used unnecessary or disproportionate force, including lethal force, to suppress election protests.

December 19, 2025

A landscape photograph of a Danish city with multiple church spires visible and a view of the city center.
(Paul Biris)

Press Release

Denmark: ECJ Ruling That Ghetto Law is Potentially Unlawful is Important Step in Protecting Basic Human Rights

The European Court of Justice found that the ghetto law could potentially lead to direct discrimination based on ethnicity.

December 18, 2025

Two blue vans are parked outside of a building with barbed fence. A group of people stand outside of the building. One man is being led by two other men, from the building to the blue vans. He is in handcuffs.
(Adnan Beci/AFP via Getty Image)

Press Release

EU: New Rules on Asylum and ‘Safe Countries’ Undermine the Foundation of Refugee Protection

This shameless attempt to sidestep international legal obligations is far from a humane migration policy that upholds people's dignity.

December 18, 2025

Anis Alamgir, wearing black frame glasses, tan suit with dark pocket square, gold tie, and blue shirt looks to his left into the camera, eyes squinting slightly in the bright afternoon sunlight.

Press Release

Bangladesh: Journalist Targeted with Anti-Terror Legislation Must Be Released

Anis Alamgir’s arrest continues an alarming trend of individuals being targeted for perceived support for activities of the now-banned Awami…

December 17, 2025

A fenced in compound with two people in tall, mesh cages. One is standing looking away. The other is doing pushups. There is no roof to the compound, just rows of tall mesh cages.
(Getty Images)

Press Release

Hong Kong: Prisons Rife with Violence and Inhumane Treatment, Inmate Testimony Reveals

Former Hong Kong prison inmates report physical violence, prolonged solitary confinement, unsanitary conditions and dangerously high temperatures behind bars.

December 17, 2025

A cartoon shows a giant white hand holding a blue gavel, pressed against three small people, each straining to hold back the gavel. The background is red.
(Amnesty International / Joan X. Vázquez)

Press Release

Russia: Prominent Human Rights Defenders Targeted Under Undesirable Organizations Legislation

By detaining three prominent human rights defenders, the Russian authorities are blatantly attempting to criminalize human rights work.

December 16, 2025

Protesters march through a city street with a black and yellow banner that says
(Romy Arroyo Fernandez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Press Release

EU: Deregulation Deal on Climate and Human Rights ‘Betrays People and the Planet’

December 16, 2025