UN body promoting global human rights, elected 47 members for staggered terms
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega has announced there will be no more elections and his congress has begun drafting constitutional changes to extend the presidential term and block opposition candidates. The proposal would make terms seven years and bar those labeled "traitors" or "coup plotters" from office; the UN and the US have condemned the moves.
The Khalra case in Punjab remains a touchstone for human rights accountability after Paramjit Kaur Khalra and Sikh activists were subjected to disappearances, torture, and killings tied to state actions during the 1980s. Recent films and international attention rekindle debates over state accountability and freedom of expression.
President Hakainde Hichilema has secured a second term with about 60% of the August vote, while the opposition leader Mundubile faces treason charges after post-election arrests as security operations raise concerns about the electoral process.
The International Court of Justice is hearing Germany’s objections to Nicaragua’s genocide case, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction and that key claims are inadmissible. The hearings come amid ongoing Gaza violence and a wider legal battle over Israel’s actions in the territory. Germany is defending its arms exports while Nicaragua accuses Berlin of facilitating genocide through support for Israel.
UN experts warn that removing rubble in Gaza threatens evidence of alleged crimes. More than 10,000 people remain buried; recovery is hindered by access limits and equipment shortages. Calls for independent oversight intensify as international scrutiny grows.
An independent UN fact‑finding mission has concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe US forces carried out two February strikes in Iran — on a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd — that amounted to indiscriminate attacks and therefore constituted war crimes. The mission has also found Iran committed crimes against humanity during nationwide protests.
The United Nations rights office has added 61 more companies to its database of firms operating in Israeli settlements, bringing the total to 214. Most are Israeli; new entries include ADAMA, Alony Hetz and Salvat Logistica. Several travel platforms were already on the list. Countries are debating or enforcing limits on settlement trade as EU states consider action.
Civil conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF has intensified since 2023, displacing millions and triggering a global call for ceasefires. New UN-backed resolutions and aid deliveries confront ongoing violence and threats to civilians.
The General Assembly has allocated 47 seats on the UN Human Rights Council to regional groups, with all regions submitting the same number of candidates for a three‑year term. Contested races have been avoided for a second year, drawing criticism from rights groups about genuine accountability.
Human Rights Watch has documented grave violations in Mali by the army, Africa Corps, and allied armed groups, including drone strikes that killed civilians and the torture or execution of detainees. The report urges urgent action by the AU Peace and Security Council to protect civilians amid renewed fighting involving JNIM and the Azawad Liberation Front.
Eight civilians have died and multiple others wounded after a drone strike in Guélédou village, Mopti region, with Human Rights Watch condemning abuses by Malian and allied forces. ISSP attacks and Malian army strikes across the Sahel compound the crisis, highlighting risks to civilians amid militant competition.