Human rights

Iran's death penalty crackdown on protesters targets minors, Amnesty International warns

Amnesty International revealed that two 17-year-olds are among those at risk of being sentenced to death in Iran for involvement in January’s protests, calling for an immediate halt to the executions

A demonstrator lights a cigarette with fire from a burning picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei outside the Iranian embassy during a rally in support of nationwide protests in Iran, in London, Britain, January 12, 2026.
Masih Alinejad delivers a powerful speech to honor the courageous people of Iran at the 2026 Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy.

Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad receives Courage Award on behalf of Iranian protesters

 Donald Trump over a backdrop of an Iranian flag. (Illustrative)

'No deal with mullahs': Trump must finish the job in Iran - opinion

Illegal migrants from Nigeria sit in a waiting room before going to the airport during a deportation operation in the Libyan capital Tripoli on January 30, 2024.

Migrants in Libya, including young girls, face risk of being raped, tortured, UN declares


IOHR publishes book on rights of Jewish children as antisemitism flares worldwide

The book’s creation has been commended by several influential world figures.

 The book's launch, attended by Ambassador Rozenblat, Luis Andrade and Helena Ferro Gouveia.

'It's up to us to fix this': Obama urges universities to defend academic freedom

“The idea of cancelling a speaker who comes to your campus, trying to shout them down and not letting them speak [...] that’s not what America should be about," Obama said.

 Former US president Barack Obama listens to speakers on a panel at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum in Chicago, Illinois, US. December 5, 2024.

Qatar arrests 16 Filipino workers for ‘unlawful protests’

Workers, who protested the arrest of former Philippine leader Duterte, may face up to three years in Qatari prisons, according to Department of Foreign Affairs

 FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 - Group A - Qatar v Ecuador - FIFA Fan Festival - Al Bidda Park, Doha, Qatar - November 20, 2022 A police officer gestures as a crowd attempts to enter the fan festival (illustrative)

Should Israel reconsider ties with Azerbaijan? - opinion

While it is understandable why Israel would want to strengthen its ties with Azerbaijan in the name of realpolitik, what is not clear is why they would want to do so at the expense of human rights.

Israel and Azerbaijan

Hamas's unpunished Geneva Convention violations sets a dangerous precedent - opinion

The enforcement of the Geneva Conventions lies in states themselves, and therein lies the weak spot in IHL: The laws seem to protect on paper but are difficult to enforce in practice.

 A drone view shows Hamas militants gathering around Red Cross vehicles in Gaza, February 2025.

Enough is enough: UN betrays its mission, embraces Hamas propaganda - opinion

The UN, entrusted with safeguarding human rights and global justice, now risks becoming a mouthpiece for Hamas propaganda rather than confronting reality.

 Hamas terrorists are seen superimposed over the United Nations building in this illustrative image.

The hypocrisy of the human rights industrial complex - opinion

Khalil's arrest has been met with staunch opposition, while the massacre in Syria is legitimized; the West's double standards are the height of hypocrisy.

 Demonstrators hold placards as they protest on the day of a hearing on the detention of Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, in New York City, U.S., March 12, 2025.

Defending the rights of Mahmoud Khalil, even when we disagree with him - opinion

American Jews should ensure that Khalil is given full protection of the law, ensuring that their future rights under that law are protected, too.

 A PROTEST takes place following the arrest by US immigration agents of Mahmoud Khalil, at Columbia University, in New York City.

Iran using drones, advanced tech in crackdown on women's rights, UN report says

Tehran began using aerial drone surveillance and a new facial recognition software in April 2024 to monitor hijab compliance in public spaces. 

 Iranian police force stands on a street during the revival of morality police in Tehran, July 16, 2023

When Arabs kill Arabs, no one bats an eye: Pro-Israel influencer Luai Ahmed slams UNHRC

Ahmed also references other countries such as Sudan and Syria where there are ongoing humanitarian crises, accusing the UN body of only acknowledging such crises where Israel could be blamed.

Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, addresses the UNHRC on his report on the human rights situation in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice at the UN in Geneva, Switzerland.