(2025-01-24). Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages welcomed: Justice is the only way for a lasting peace. fidh.org The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, which it has been urging for the past 15 months. The ceasefire is a first step. On its own it cannot provide justice for the victims. It cannot produce a lasting peace. The ceasefire is a temporary strategic solution. What needs to come now is a real political and human rights based solution for the end of the Gaza blockade, the end of Israel's settler-colonial (…) | – |
(2025-01-24). More than 77,000 abused minors reported in Italy. plenglish.com An investigation by the Authority for the Protection of Children and Adolescents (AGIA), carried out jointly with the international human rights organization Terres des Hommes and the University Hospital of Padua, in the northern region of Veneto, shows the seriousness of this phenomenon and proposes actions to confront it. | The analysis, published on the website of the specialized publication Sanitá Informazione, highlights the importance of investing in generalized training on this problem, since, according to the survey carried out, 57.6 percent of Italian doctors and psychologists lack adequate training on t…
(2025-01-24). Singapore: End harassment and intimidation of Transformative Justice Collective. fidh.org 11 organisations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, condemn in the strongest terms the latest restrictions imposed by the Singapore government on activists from the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC), a civil society group actively opposing the death penalty and advocating for human rights in the country. Read the statement (…) | – |
(2025-01-24). Iran censures West's double standards, unfair human rights mechanisms. presstv.ir A senior Iranian diplomat strongly criticizes global double standards and unfair human rights mechanisms.
(2025-01-24). UN blasts Israel's use of 'war fighting' methods in West Bank's Jenin. presstv.ir The UN human rights office says it is "deeply concerned by the use of unlawful lethal force" by Israel in occupied West Bank city of Jenin.
(2025-01-24). Torture victims file UN complaints over Tunisian abusers' impunity. newarab.com 
Complaints have been lodged with the UN Committee against Torture on behalf of six Tunisian victims protesting the failure of authorities to secure a single torture conviction, a human rights group said Thursday. | Since the launch in 2018 of special courts tasked with trying alleged cases of torture under the authoritarian governments that preceded the Arab Spring of 2011, "not one trial has led to a verdict", the vice-president of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), Mokhtar Trifi, told reporters. | The OMCT's Tunisian branch is supporting complaints to the UN committee by two former prisoners and…
(2025-01-24). US human rights advocates slam 'shameful' anti-immigration bill. newarab.com 
The Laken Riley Act, named after a Georgia nursing student murdered last year by a Venezuelan national living in the US unlawfully, was approved in the House of Representatives on Wednesday by a 263-158 vote. | Under the legislation, forces could detain undocumented immigrants accused of committing crimes such as theft…
(2025-01-24). Urgent call to confirm the suspension of Azerbaijan's PACE credentials at winter session 2025. fidh.org In a joint letter, human rights organisations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, call the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to uphold the suspension of Azerbaijan's credentials for 2025, as escalating repression of civil society in the country violates the principles of the Council of Europe (…) | – |
(2025-01-24). Palestinian prisoner dies from torture in Israeli jail: Rights groups. presstv.ir A pair of Palestinian prisoners' rights groups says Palestinian prisoner Mohammad Hussein al-Aref has died from brutal torture he endured at an Israeli detention center.
(2025-01-24). "We Don't Fret, We Fight," Immigrant Rights Activists Say After ICE Raid in NJ. truthout.org Federal agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out a warrantless raid on Thursday targeting a local establishment in Newark, New Jersey, according to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — who decried the move as an "an egregious act" in violation of the of the U.S. constitution. Federal agents detained both undocumented residents and citizens, including a U.S. military veteran… |
(2025-01-24). UN says more staff detained by Houthi rebels in Yemen. newarab.com 
The UN called for the "immediate and unconditional" release of its staff held in Yemen, which is suffering one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. | "Yesterday, the de facto authorities in Sanaa detained additional UN personnel working in areas under their control," the office of the resident United Nations coordinator for Yemen said. | It did not say how man…
(2025-01-24). When this hostage was freed this week, no one in Israel cared. haaretz.com After being detained five times — four without even being brought to trial — veteran Palestinian lawmaker Khalida Jarrar was released from Israeli prison in the first stage of the hostage deal. Jarrar too was a hostage; she was forcibly snatched from her home and imprisoned without any charges…
(2025-01-24). Silky Shah on the Attack on Immigrants. fair.org 
(2025-01-24). 'Largest deportation in history': US arrests, deports hundreds of immigrants under Trump. presstv.ir The has revealed that during the first week of Trump's presidency, 538 migrants have been detained while hundreds more have been deported.
(2025-01-24). Thailand: Right to health for prisoners and detainees. fidh.org
(2025-01-24). The Constitution Has Gone AWOL. counterpunch.org 
"Rule by indefinite emergency edict risks leaving all of us with a shell of a democracy and civil liberties just as hollow." —Justice Neil Gorsuch That didn't take long. Within days of Donald Trump's second term, the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights disappeared from the White House's website. While the Trump Administration insists the removal of
(2025-01-24). Marcus Garvey's Pardon Is Part of Undoing "Harms of the Past," Honoring Black History: Justin Hansford. democracynow.org 
As one of his last acts in office, President Joe Biden issued a posthumous pardon for Black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey, who influenced Malcolm X and generations of civil rights leaders. Advocates and congressional leaders had pushed for Biden to pardon Garvey for years, with supporters arguing that Garvey's 1923 mail fraud conviction was politically motivated and an effort to silence the popular leader who spoke of racial pride and self-reliance. "This electrified a people around the world that were in the midst of oppression," says Howard University law professor Justin Hansford. Garvey w…
(2025-01-24). Financially "stretched" consumers cautioned against using unregistered credit providers. sanews.gov.za Financially "stretched" consumers cautioned against using unregistered credit providers | With the start of the year being financially demanding, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development has encouraged consumers, who will be borrowing money from credit providers, to be wise and ensure that credit providers do not violate their rights. | This as some consumers could be facing financial challenges to the extent that they might need to apply for credit to meet their financial obligations such as school fees, school uniforms, transport and rent, among others. | Consumers have been cautioned against using unregi…
(2025-01-24). The Homeless Have No Rights. counterpunch.org 
The homeless are a class apart, out American untouchables. It goes without saying that in America the homeless have no right to shelter. They also have no right to sleep, be seen in public, go to the bathroom or keep their jobs. In short, the gradual deprivation of rights for unhoused people, sped by iniquitous
(2025-01-24). The people fighting for Missouri: Leaders in working-class organizations. peoplesworld.org 
An earlier version of this article originally appeared in Sartorial, a student-run magazine for all things fashion, beauty, and culture published at the Missouri State University. Text by Bryesen Cooper. Photographs by Mindy Welland. All around you, every day, there are people fighting for your rights, but you might not know who they are. Do you …
(2025-01-24). Greece: continued judicial harassment against migrants' rights defender Panayote Dimitras. fidh.org
(2025-01-24). Toward a Better World. counterpunch.org 
With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, advocates for peace, social justice, racial and economic equality, fair immigration policies, climate renewal, trans rights, and other movements for change are bracing for hard times. The new administration will be doggedly opposed to so many of the values we hold dear, as well as
(2025-01-24). Oppose Starmer's repression of anti-war protesters! wsws.org The attack democratic rights by the British state, headed by Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government, escalated in the aftermath of the initial repression.
(2025-01-24). Iran calls for protection of minority groups in Syria. presstv.ir The Iranian foreign minister has underlined the necessity of protecting the rights of minority groups in Syria under the country's new rulers.
(2025-01-24). Development Banker Says US Knew Of Plot To Oust Him Over Nicaragua Loans. popularresistance.org After Nicaragua suppressed a violent US-backed 2018 coup d'etat which saw hundreds of deaths, Washington enacted the "Nica Act" sanctions bill in 2018, which largely succeeded in cutting off the country's funding from international institutions such as the World Bank. According to Nicaragua's former finance minister, the sanctions had two immediate effects: First, the World Bank stopped financing anti-poverty projects in Nicaragua, meaning that the poorest communities lost funding of around US$500 million annually.
(2025-01-24). Kremlin unfazed by threats of additional sanctions and pressure. infobrics.org While ready to engage in dialogue, Russia is taking its national interests as the only absolute and refuses to back down "even an inch", because it knows perfectly well what happened the last time it did. With Trump focusing on endless domestic issues and pivoting to Asia and the Middle East, Moscow knows that its position will only grow stronger and that NATO's leverage in any future negotiations is effectively non-existent.
(2025-01-24). Trump's sanctions threats against Russia usual routine — Kremlin. pressenza.com The Kremlin views US President Donald Trump's threats to impose sanctions against Russia if a deal on the Ukrainian conflict settlement is not reached as the usual routine, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday."We do not see any particularly new elements here," he said. "You know that Trump, during his first term, was the US president who resorted to methods of sanctions too often." | US President Trump announced earlier in the month that he would impose new tariffs and sanctions on Russian exports if the conflict in Ukraine was not resolved soon. | Russian President Vladimir Putin stated…
(2025-01-24). Dutch parliament passes motion to protect ICC from US sanctions. newarab.com 
The The motion, which passed on Thursday, called on the Netherlands' government to take national measures and work with the
(2025-01-24). Faith Communities Continue Sanctuary Despite Removal Of Protections. popularresistance.org In the wake of the Trump administration's cancellation of the 2011 "sensitive areas" memo yesterday; faith communities associated with the Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity are reaffirming their unwavering commitment to sanctuary. This commitment includes continuing to welcome immigrants and offering solidarity, support, and services regardless of immigration status. | The "Sensitive Locations Memo," introduced during the Obama administration, advised immigration enforcement officers to avoid making arrests in places like schools and houses of worship. Despite its repeal, faith communities remain steadfast…
(2025-01-23). Gaza ceasefire and release of hostages welcomed: Justice is the only way for a lasting peace. fidh.org The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) welcomes the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, which it has been urging for the past 15 months. The ceasefire is a first step. On its own it cannot provide justice for the victims. It cannot produce a lasting peace. The ceasefire is a temporary strategic solution. What needs to come now is a real political and human rights based solution for the end of the Gaza blockade, the end of Israel's settler-colonial (…) | – |
(2025-01-23). Kalali challenges law protecting modesty of woman, not men. independent.co.ug 
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Human Rights lawyer Steven Kalali has petitioned the Constitutional Court, challenging the constitutionality of certain provisions in the Penal Code Act and the Magistrates' Courts Act. Specifically, Kalali contests Section 115 of the Penal Code Act, which criminalizes indecent assaults and insulting the modesty of a woman or girl, …
(2025-01-23). Ethiopia: Defend and Strengthen the Human Rights Movement Against Erosion! fidh.org Human rights organisations, including FIDH and OMCT under the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, express deep concern over the escalating political tensions and ongoing conflicts in Ethiopia.
The undersigned African civil society organisations (CSOs) and various international non-governmental organisations urgently express our deep concern regarding Ethiopia's escalating political tensions and entrenched conflicts. We strongly condemn the Ethiopian (…) | – |
(2025-01-23). Singapore: End harassment and intimidation of Transformative Justice Collective. fidh.org 11 organisations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, condemn in the strongest terms the latest restrictions imposed by the Singapore government on activists from the Transformative Justice Collective (TJC), a civil society group actively opposing the death penalty and advocating for human rights in the country. Read the statement (…) | – |
(2025-01-23). Urgent call to confirm the suspension of Azerbaijan's PACE credentials at winter session 2025. fidh.org In a joint letter, human rights organisations, including the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), within the framework of the Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, call the members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to uphold the suspension of Azerbaijan's credentials for 2025, as escalating repression of civil society in the country violates the principles of the Council of Europe (…) | – |
(2025-01-23). Trump Administration Moves to Reject Transgender Identity, Rights. hrw.org Click to expand Image | Transgender rights supporters rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington, DC, US, December 4, 2024. | © 2024 Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo | Within hours of returning to power Monday, United States President Donald Trump issued a stunningly broad executive order that seeks to dismantle crucial protections for transgender people and denies the validity of gender identity itself.The new order withdraws a range of executive orders issued by former President Joe Biden, including those allowing transgender people to serve in the military, advancing the health and well-being of lesbian…
(2025-01-23). Deputy IGG accused of environmental degradation, torturing police officer. independent.co.ug 
KAMPALA, UGANDA | THE INDEPENDENT | Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government is under the spotlight for alleged environmental degradation, abuse of power, and torture following an incident involving Alex Katungi, a police officer from the environmental police unit. In a complaint addressed to Inspector General of Government Beti Olive Kamya, Katungi's …
(2025-01-23). AOC: Private Prisons and Politicians Will Profit From Laken Riley Act. truthout.org Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-New York) slammed the Laken Riley Act in a speech on the House floor on Wednesday, pointing out that some House members may have financial incentives to vote for the extremist anti-immigrant, pro-carceral bill: their own bank accounts. In a fiery speech, the lawmaker said that the bill — which allows immigration authorities to detain immigrants who have been… |
(2025-01-23). Thailand: Right to health for prisoners and detainees. fidh.org
(2025-01-23). Dr Abu Safiya has STILL not been released by Israel — and the UK is doing nothing. thecanary.co The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has written to the foreign minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer, regarding Israel's continued arbitrary detention of Dr Hussam Abu Safiya, asking for the minister to push for his release. Dr Abu Safiya: the UK government must act Dr Hussam Abu Safiya is a 51-year-old Palestinian …
(2025-01-23). Rights Group Files War Crimes Complaints against Israeli Soldiers in ICC. tn.ai TEHRAN (Tasnim) — The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF), a pro-Palestinian advocacy group, has launched legal proceedings in multiple jurisdictions accusing Israeli soldiers of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Gaza.
(2025-01-23). Rights group sues Israeli war criminal in Germany, Austria, ICC. presstv.ir A pro-Palestinian advocacy organization files a law against an Israeli trooper for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in the Gaza Strip.
(2025-01-23). FightBackBetter Editor Response to Scotch Plains / Fanwood Board President. fightbackbetter.com The President of the Scotch Plains / Fanwood School Board was kind enough to acknowledge this editor's correspondence. The following is published now at 3: 30 pm before this evening's meeting with the hope that the board president will see this before the meeting. Best to all on a resolution of this issue that respects the civil rights and protected free speech rights of staff from board or administration overstep. | Dear President Evan Murray, | Thank you for your kind acknowledgement. Nobody is trying to force anyone to agree with our view but likewise it is not your job or the administration, other teachers,…
(2025-01-23). Headlines for January 23, 2025. democracynow.org Trump Revokes 6-Decades-Old Ban on Discrimination in Federal Contracting, DOJ Freezes Civil Rights Cases, Orders Prosecution of Local Officials Who Resist Deportation Policy, ACLU Sues Trump over Expedited Deportation Policy as Pentagon Sends Another 1,500 Troops to Border, Trump Health EOs Target Drug Costs, ACA Enrollment, Medicaid Recipients and More, OMB Nominee Russ Vought Defends Social Program Cuts, Welfare Work Requirements, Trump Names Failed 2017 Labor Nominee Andrew Puzder as Ambassador to EU, Palestinians Return to Gaza Neighborhoods Reduced to Rubble by Israel's Bombs, Israeli Troops Surround H…
(2025-01-23). North West Premier proposes Eskom take over Ditsobotla electricity supply. sanews.gov.za North West Premier proposes Eskom take over Ditsobotla electricity supply | The North West Provincial Government, led by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi, has held an engagement session with the Council of Ditsobotla Local Municipality in Lichtenburg to address the municipality's ongoing service delivery challenges, particularly regarding electricity supply. | During the meeting, the provincial government proposed that the struggling municipality transfer its electricity rights to Eskom, under the oversight of the Ministry of Electricity. | The special Council meeting, held on Tuesday, was attended by Premier Mokgosi, who…
(2025-01-23). Building a Better World in Trump's Term Seems Difficult, But It's Not Impossible. truthout.org With the return of Donald Trump to the White House, advocates for peace, social justice, racial and economic equality, fair immigration policies, climate renewal, trans rights, and other movements for change are bracing for hard times. The new administration will be doggedly opposed to so many of the values we hold dear, as well as programs that have helped keep millions of Americans above the… |
(2025-01-23). DOJ Halts All Civil Rights Cases Following Trump's Directives. truthout.org The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) has directed its Civil Rights Division to halt ongoing litigation and refrain from initiating new cases as President Donald Trump embarks on a purge of federal Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in his first days in office. This pause comes as Harmeet Dhillon, a Republican lawyer known for advocating conservative causes and serving as the GOP's… |
(2025-01-23). Disability rights activist wins judicial review against previous Tory government. leftfootforward.org Tory reforms to the Work Capability Assessment would have cut almost half a million disabled people's benefits by nearly £5,000 a year.
(2025-01-23). Israel Continues Deadly Attack on Jenin; Trump Lifts Sanctions on Extremist West Bank Settlers. democracynow.org 
While a ceasefire is largely holding in Gaza, Israel is intensifying attacks on the occupied West Bank. The Israeli military has killed at least 13 people in a major military operation targeting Jenin that began on Tuesday when Israeli troops raided the city, backed by airstrikes, drones and U.S.-made Apache helicopters, following a six-week siege. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers in the West Bank have been "emboldened" by Trump's lifting of sanctions on far-right Israeli settler groups. Further violence is increasingly likely, says Mariam Barghouti, a Palestinian writer and journalist based in Ramal…
(2025-01-23). Trump's Day One: Sanctions Lifted, Settler Violence Explodes. mintpressnews.com On his first day in office, Donald Trump On Monday night, with the backing of the Israeli military, settler groups launched a series of violent assaults on re…
(2025-01-23). How The Jewish National Fund Abets US-Sanctioned Settlers. popularresistance.org For more than a century, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) has raised money in the United States and around the world to acquire land for Jewish-only settlements in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. In recent years, more than $1 million of that money has flowed towards people and projects that have since been sanctioned by the United States government for their violence against Palestinians, according to Israeli financial documents reviewed by Mondoweiss. | A registered 501(c)(3) in the United States with 40 offices around the world and its international headquarters based in Jerusalem, the Jewish Nat…
(2025-01-23). One killed in Ukraine as Trump threatens Russia with sanctions. aljazeera.com Exchange of fire intensifies as Moscow and Kyiv vie for advantage in early days of Trump's new term.
(2025-01-23). Trump, Venezuela's Economy, and the Shadow of Oil Sanctions. orinocotribune.com By Misión Verdad — Jan 21, 2025 | Donald Trump has returned to the Oval Office for a second term and, just hours after being sworn in as president, he began signing dozens of executive measures in the area of domestic US policy. | The president was Trump replied: "We'll find out later. We're probably going to stop b…
(2025-01-23). Russia not worried by Trump's sanction rhetoric. plenglish.com Moscow, Jan 23 (Prensa Latina) The Russian presidential spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, assured that they do not observe anything new in the declarations of the US president, Donald Trump, who threatened to impose sanctions if an agreement on Ukraine was not reached.