Human Rights Watch

Asia 

Meeting Trump’s Challenge to Human Rights

World Report 2026

Interview: Victory for People with Disabilities and Older Persons in Mexico

Chad’s Ex-Dictator Convicted of Atrocities

Japan Passes Law to ‘Promote Understanding’ of LGBT People

A Proud Record Tackling the Scourge of Landmines

Canada: All 10 Provinces To End Immigration Detention in Jails

Some Governments, Companies Take Steps to Protect Children

“All My Dreams Have Been Erased” Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank The 105-page report, “‘All My Dreams Have Been Erased’: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank,” details “Operation Iron Wall,” an Israeli military operation across Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams refugee camps that began on January 21, 2025, days after a temporary ceasefire was announced in Gaza. Israeli forces issued abrupt orders to civilians to leave their homes, including with loudspeakers mounted on drones. Witnesses said soldiers moved methodically through the camps, storming homes, ransacking properties, interrogating residents, and eventually forcing all families out. November 20, 2025

Exceptional Failure France’s Persistent Education Shortcomings in Mayotte The 73-page report, “Exceptional Failure: France’s Persistent Education Shortcomings in Mayotte,” finds that Mayotte’s municipalities often impose significant and arbitrary barriers to school enrollment, including by demanding documentation not required by law. Children who are enrolled often attend overcrowded schools ill-equipped to meet their basic needs, such as access to drinking water, sanitation, nutritious food, and a safe learning environment. Children living in informal settlements known as bangas, are particularly affected, as are children from migrant families. November 18, 2025

Strengthening Civilian Protection Principles for Implementing the Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas The 37-page report, “Strengthening Civilian Protection: Principles for Implementing the Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas,” introduces seven guiding principles to help countries that have endorsed the Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Area put their commitments into practice. Civilians make up the vast majority of casualties caused by the use of explosive weapons—such as aerial bombs, rockets, missiles, and artillery and mortar projectiles—in populated areas. Explosive weapons also turn urban areas into rubble, destroy infrastructure, and damage the environment and cultural heritage. November 17, 2025

“Like a Prisoner in My Home” Coal Fueling Toxic Air in Bulgaria The 45-page report, “ Like a Prisoner in My Home’: Coal Fueling Toxic Air in Bulgaria” analyzes the data revealing alarmingly high air pollution levels in Dimitrovgrad, a town in southern Bulgaria, which hosts Maritsa 3, one of the country’s oldest coal plants. Maritsa 3 emits hazardous air pollutants, which contribute to poor air quality that harms the health of local residents, particularly children. December 8, 2025

“We Need U” How the U Visa Builds Trust, Counters Fear, and Promotes Community Safety The 50-page report, “‘We Need U’: How the U Visa Builds Trust, Counters Fear, and Promotes Community Safety,” finds that the administration’s deportation policies undermine federal visa programs that provide a pathway for crime victims to obtain legal residency when they cooperate with law enforcement. Changed enforcement guidance, such as allowing Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to apprehend people in previously safe places like courthouses and health centers, is a strong deterrent for immigrants who might otherwise report crime to police or seek a protective order. December 2, 2025

Russia: Crackdown on Dissent Escalates

Silencing the Streets The Right to Protest Under Attack in the United Kingdom The 47-page report, “‘Silencing the Streets’: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK,” documents that the UK’s Labour government has failed to reverse sweeping anti-protest laws introduced by the previous Conservative government. Instead, Labour has attempted to expand them with the Crime and Policing Bill 2025 and through the unprecedented misuse of terrorism legislation to target and criminalize peaceful protest. The Crime and Policing bill, pending before parliament, is to be debated in the House of Lords in January 2026. January 7, 2026

Thailand: Government Backsliding on Rights

Nepal: Protests Over Corruption, Inequality, and Social Media Ban

Southern Africa: Grave Rights Abuses, Impunity Persist

Türkiye: Government Targets Main Opposition

The Turkish government deepened its assault on the main opposition party during 2025 while at the same time pursuing an end to the four-decade conflict with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), Human...