Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recently been in the news due to its advocacy surrounding various global human rights crises. The organization has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian disaster in Sudan, where famine is spreading amid a brutal conflict, and civilians face severe abuses. Additionally, HRW has reported on the plight of Afghan refugees in Pakistan, where authorities are allegedly pressuring them to return to Afghanistan. The group's focus on these issues underscores its commitment to documenting and addressing human rights violations worldwide.
Founded in 1978, Human Rights Watch is an international non-governmental organization based in New York City. It conducts extensive research and advocacy on human rights issues, aiming to hold governments, corporations, and individuals accountable for abuses. HRW employs a rigorous methodology to gather evidence and produce reports that inform policymakers and the public, striving to promote justice and protect the rights of individuals globally.
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Recent attacks in the Sahel region have resulted in significant civilian casualties. In Niger, at least 44 people were killed during a mosque attack attributed to the Islamic State in the Great Sahara. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso's Journalists Association leaders were arrested amid increasing media repression. The situation reflects a broader trend of violence and instability in the region.
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The Trump administration has resumed deportations of alleged gang members to El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT) under a controversial agreement with President Nayib Bukele. This follows a federal judge's ruling temporarily blocking deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, raising concerns over due process and human rights violations. The latest deportations included confirmed murderers and rapists.
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Mass protests have erupted across Turkey following the arrest of Istanbul's mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on corruption charges. Demonstrators claim the arrest is politically motivated, targeting Erdogan's main rival ahead of the 2028 presidential election. The unrest has led to nearly 1,900 arrests, including journalists covering the events, prompting international concern over press freedom and police violence.
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Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Center, where Venezuelans deported by the U.S. are held. The deportations, linked to alleged gang affiliations, have raised human rights concerns and legal questions about the detainees' status.
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On March 19, Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was arrested on corruption charges, sparking nationwide protests. Hundreds of thousands rallied in Istanbul on March 29, demanding his release and an end to government repression. The protests, organized by the opposition CHP, are the largest Turkey has seen in over a decade, with nearly 2,000 arrests reported.
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Pakistan's government has announced a crackdown on Afghan nationals, expelling nearly three million Afghans under a repatriation plan initiated in late 2023. The deadline for many to leave has passed, with significant public support for the deportations. Concerns are rising over the safety of returnees in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
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Three American citizens, Marcel Malanga, Tyler Thompson, and Benjamin Zalman-Polun, have been repatriated to the U.S. after their death sentences in Congo were commuted to life imprisonment. This decision follows a meeting between U.S. officials and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, amid ongoing discussions about a minerals deal between the two nations.
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Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, key organizers of the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa, were found guilty of mischief. The protests, which opposed COVID-19 mandates, led to significant disruptions in the capital and border crossings. They will be sentenced at a later date.
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Michael Sang Correa, a former Gambian soldier, was found guilty in a Denver court of torturing five men during a failed coup attempt in 2006. The trial marks a significant application of U.S. laws against torture committed abroad, with multiple victims testifying about their experiences. Correa faces sentencing later this year.
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As Sudan's civil war marks its third year, violence has escalated, particularly in Darfur, where the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified attacks on displacement camps, resulting in hundreds of civilian deaths. The humanitarian crisis deepens, with 13 million displaced and widespread famine affecting millions. International responses remain inadequate.
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On April 19, 2025, a Tunisian court sentenced over 40 opposition figures, including former diplomats and journalists, to prison terms ranging from 13 to 66 years for conspiracy against state security. Critics argue the charges are politically motivated, reflecting President Kais Saied's crackdown on dissent since his power consolidation in 2021.