By Amnesty International
Reacting to the Russian Ministry of Justice’s move to seek to ban as “extremist” the leading LGBTI organizations in Russia – Russian LGBT Network and the Saint Petersburg-based group Vykhod (Exit) – Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said: “The Russian authorities are once again abusing vague ‘extremism’ laws to criminalize […] The post Russia: Authorities seeking to use “extremism” laws as pretext to ban leading LGBTI organizations appeared first on Amnesty International. ]]>
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By Jo Carter
As an ethnic Chinese, born and raised in Japan, I see the virtues of reticence and reserve being weaponized to hollow out our democracy, in particular during troubled times.
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By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra
Joyce says ‘I’m not going to be wearing a burqa’ like the One Nation leader – but his relationship with her is stronger than his ‘bitter’ end with the Nationals.
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Demonstrators take part in a “protest rave” against racism ahead of the upper house election, in Tokyo, Japan, on July 13, 2025. © 2025 AP Photo/Louise Delmotte, File (Bangkok) – Japan’s first woman prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, should promote new legislation prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or religion, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026.The unprecedented number of migrant workers living and working in Japan, along with record numbers of foreign tourists made immigration and xenophobia core themes of July’s…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Villagers wade through a flooded area in Thatta Mahla, Jhang district, Pakistan, September 1, 2025. © 2025 AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary (Bangkok) – In 2025, Pakistani authorities deployed vague and overbroad laws to intensify their crackdown on media freedom, political opposition, and civil society groups, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026.“Pakistani authorities have increased suppression in violation of Pakistan’s international human rights obligations,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Prime Minister Shehbaz…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image People take part in a mass rally and demonstration to mark what North Korea calls “the day of struggle against US imperialism” in Sinchon County of South Hwanghae Province, North Korea, June 25, 2025. © 2025 AP Photo/Jon Chol Jin (Bangkok) –In 2025, the North Korean government increased surveillance, information controls, and restrictions on market activity despite deepening food insecurity and inequality, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026.North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s totalitarian government, among the world’s most repressive,…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Activists carry posters and wave the Straw Hat Pirates' Jolly Roger flag from the anime One Piece during the 873rd Kamisan Action in front of the Merdeka Palace, the Presidential Palace of Indonesia, in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 14, 2025. The flag is widely flown across various regions of Indonesia as a symbol of creative resistance against injustice and political conditions, as well as a call for solidarity ahead of Indonesia's 80th Independence Day. © 2025 Claudio Pramana/NurPhoto via AP (Bangkok) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto adopted policies…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Gen Z United activists demonstrate under the banner “Don't Forget the Blood of Martyrs,” demanding justice for those killed during past movements in Kathmandu, Nepal, September 9, 2025. © 2025 Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto via AP (Bangkok) – Nepal was rocked by disorder and arson after police killed 19 protesters during the September demonstrations that toppled the government, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. An interim government mandated to conduct fresh elections in March was sworn in under the leadership of former chief justice…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a press conference at Government House in Bangkok, December 12, 2025. © 2025 Chanakarn Laosarakham/AFP via Getty Images (Bangkok) – The Thai government of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has done little to improve respect for human rights in the country, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026.A new election was scheduled for February 8, 2026. Major concerns include judicial intervention in politics, repression of free expression, and a mixed record in regard to refugees and asylum seekers.“Prime…
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By Human Rights Watch
Click to expand Image Jimmy Lai is transported by prisoner transport vehicles outside the court in Hong Kong, December 15, 2025. © 2025 Photo by Keith Tsuji/Getty Images (Bangkok) – The Chinese government intensified its repression across the country in 2025, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2026. President Xi Jinping mobilized the government to impose strict ideological conformity and loyalty to him and the Chinese Communist Party. Tibetans, Uyghurs, and other communities with distinct identities, including members of unofficial churches, face the…
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