Amnesty International under spotlight as rights groups urge probe into Nigeria airstrikes that killed civilians; AI advocates accountability.
Israel is rapidly expanding settlements in the West Bank and Gaza, with recent approvals of thousands of new housing units and legal moves to formalize land ownership. International condemnation grows as reports of displacement and potential ethnic cleansing emerge, amid Israel's push for territorial consolidation.
Recent attacks across Nigeria and the Sahel highlight escalating jihadist activity, with regional forces struggling to contain violence. Nigeria's military faces criticism for failures at home, while ECOWAS plans a regional troop deployment amid growing insecurity and regional fragmentation. The threat is intensifying and spreading.
As of March 10, 2026, Gaza faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with Israel stalling the Gaza ceasefire's second phase amid the Israel-Iran conflict. Border crossings remain largely closed, severely restricting aid and medical evacuations. Food prices have surged, medical supplies are critically low, and thousands of patients await urgent care abroad. The fragile ceasefire is undermined by ongoing Israeli attacks and political deadlock.
On March 3, a US and Israeli-led military campaign targeted Iran, resulting in the destruction of a girls' school in Minab, killing 165 students and staff. Multiple investigations suggest US responsibility, raising concerns over potential war crimes amid escalating regional conflict.
Yanar Mohammed, a prominent Iraqi women's rights activist, was shot outside her Baghdad home and died from her injuries. Her work included establishing shelters for women facing violence and fighting against gender-based abuse. Her death highlights ongoing threats against activists in Iraq.
On March 3, 2026, Human Rights Watch verified Israel's use of white phosphorus artillery shells over the Lebanese town of Yohmor, causing fires in residential areas. Israel denies targeting civilians and claims limited use of white phosphorus for smoke screens. The attacks have displaced hundreds of thousands amid ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Leqaa Kordia, a Palestinian woman detained in Texas for over a year, was released after her case gained political and human rights attention. She was arrested during protests at Columbia University in 2024 and faced charges related to overstaying her visa. Her release follows legal battles and advocacy efforts.
In June 2025, Israel conducted a targeted airstrike on Tehran's Evin prison, killing over 70 people and damaging the facility. Human rights groups accuse Israel of war crimes, citing civilian harm and lack of warning. The strike occurred amid ongoing Iran-Israel tensions and recent regional conflicts.
Iran has imposed a near-total internet blackout amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, severely restricting communication and access to information inside the country. Outside voices, especially Iranian diaspora and social media creators, are filling the information gap, but their perspectives are limited by the blackout and government disinformation.
Israel's parliament is set to pass legislation allowing the death penalty exclusively for Palestinians accused of terror, sparking international criticism. Countries including the UK, France, Germany, and Italy have expressed concern over the bill's discriminatory nature and potential violation of international law. The law is expected to face legal challenges.
President Trump claims ongoing negotiations with Iran's government are progressing but warns of imminent military strikes if a ceasefire is not reached by April 6. He threatens to destroy Iran’s energy infrastructure if the US’s demands are not met, citing recent talks and military preparations.
Israel's parliament approved a law making the death penalty the default for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks in the West Bank. The law, supported by far-right leaders, faces international criticism for discrimination and potential violations of international law. Implementation is set for 30 days, with legal challenges expected.
As of April 2026, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is recruiting children as young as 12 for military and security duties, including manning checkpoints and patrols. Evidence shows children armed with rifles deployed in Tehran and other cities, violating international law. An 11-year-old boy was killed in a drone strike while on duty. Rights groups condemn the practice as a war crime.
Israel's Knesset approved a law making death by hanging the default for Palestinians accused of killing Israelis, excluding Jewish citizens. The law has been condemned internationally as discriminatory and a violation of human rights, with critics describing it as institutionalising apartheid-like practices.
A strike in Beirut's Noueiri neighborhood killed civilians, including artist Ali Cherri's parents. The complaint was filed with France’s war crimes unit, supported by Amnesty International, which found no military objective and no warning was issued. The case highlights concerns over potential war crimes in Lebanon.
Iran has executed at least seven people linked to January protests, with reports indicating more executions are imminent. The executions occur during ongoing regional conflict and internal repression, with rights groups warning of increased use of the death penalty to suppress dissent. The government continues to target minorities and political prisoners.
Airstrikes by the Nigerian military on Jilli village in Yobe State have resulted in over 200 casualties, according to local sources and international organizations. The military targeted Boko Haram fighters during a pursuit, but civilian casualties have been reported near a market. An investigation is underway.
Recent Nigerian military airstrikes near Jilli and Jilli market have resulted in high civilian casualties, with reports indicating over 100 deaths. The strikes targeted suspected terrorist enclaves linked to Boko Haram and ISWAP, but local authorities and human rights groups dispute the military's claims, citing civilian harm and misfires. The situation highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria's northeast.
Nigeria's National Broadcasting Commission has issued a directive to broadcasters to enforce stricter rules on political content, citing breaches of the broadcasting code. Critics argue the move aims to suppress dissent and limit press freedom during the upcoming elections. Amnesty International and SERAP condemn the measures as unlawful and dangerous for democracy. The government maintains it is safeguarding electoral integrity.
Amnesty International's annual report criticizes US, Russia, and Israel for rejecting multilateral norms and escalating conflicts. It highlights abuses in Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran, and warns that leaders' actions are emboldening global predators, undermining decades of international law.
Human rights groups have warned that the 2026 World Cup in the United States faces ongoing rights and security challenges. Reports highlight immigration enforcement, potential racial profiling, and concerns over entry controls, with FIFA urged to secure protections for fans, workers, and visitors across 11 host cities.
North Korea has been increasing executions since sealing its borders in 2020, with documented cases rising by 117%. The regime is cracking down on cultural violations and political dissent, expanding the use of capital punishment amid ongoing isolation and preparations for succession.
The veteran Azerbaijani opposition leader, Karimli, has been detained since November in a high-security facility. He has framed his arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissent, urging Western partners to press the government amid rights concerns. Trials have been delayed, and rights groups report hundreds detained as political prisoners.
Iranian football officials have been denied entry to Canada and have returned to Turkey amid visa issues, as FIFA Congress in Canada grapples with Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup and broader geopolitical tensions.
Rached Ghannouchi, the 84-year-old Tunisian opposition figure and Ennahdha leader, has been transferred to hospital after a sharp health deterioration. Ennahdha asserts he is being held arbitrarily and calls for his immediate release amid a broader crackdown on dissent that has drawn international attention.
Journalists reporting on protests and torture allegations in Somalia have faced arrests, beatings and intimidation as the end of the president’s mandate approaches, prompting condemnations from media groups. Authorities cite security and public order concerns amid a crackdown on dissent.
A Paris investigating judge will examine the 2018 death of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, following complaints by DAWN, Trial International and RSF. The court overturns admissibility hurdles and orders a formal inquiry into torture and enforced disappearances.
Israel has enacted a law to establish a special military tribunal to try Palestinians accused of taking part in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. The court could hand down the death penalty and will conduct public trials, with processes that rights groups warn may undermine due process. Trials are expected to cover hundreds of suspects and cost billions.
Five countries have withdrawn from Eurovision 2026 over Israel’s participation in the Gaza war, leaving 35 participating nations. Ireland has sparked controversy by showing a Father Ted episode during the final; the Eurovision voting process faces scrutiny after a NYT report alleging a state-backed campaign to boost Israel. Eurovision chief Green says efforts are ongoing to bring back missing broadcasters; new limits on voting have been introduced.
The United States has announced a waiver of visa bonds for qualified World Cup fans who have tickets and opt into the FIFA Pass expedited visa system. The policy applies to supporters from five World Cup-qualified countries and co-hosts the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico. The move follows ongoing immigration enforcement concerns and broad bond requirements that previously affected travelers from 50 nations.
Armed attackers have abducted dozens of students from a primary school in Mussa, Borno State, and at least 40 more from a Baptist school in Oyo State. Authorities are assessing numbers while rights groups warn that abductions are driving families to pull children from school.
Israeli forces have intensified incursions and shelling along the Syria-Israel border, particularly in Quneitra and Daraa, with tanks, vehicles, and artillery movements repeatedly reported. Local residents describe growing fears over the safety of farmland and civilian lives as operations appear to be expanding in scope.
Amnesty International has confirmed 2,707 executions worldwide in 2025, with Iran accounting for 2,159 of them—an all-time high in Iran and the largest share globally since 1981. Rights groups say the rise follows political repression, protests, and regional conflict, while data from China remains excluded due to state secrecy.