UNHCR Marks 75 Years of Refugee Protection With Global Appeal to Defend the Right to Seek Safety
Geneva, Switzerland (HRNW): The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention with a renewed global appeal to protect the rights of refugees and people forced to flee persecution, war, and violence. On the anniversary, UNHCR launched “The Promise,” bringing together 75 global voices calling for continued commitment…
Human Rights Watch Raises Alarm Over Shrinking Civic Space and Rights Defenders Facing Pressure Worldwide
New York, United States (HRNW): Human Rights Watch (HRW) is continuing an intensive programme of research and advocacy on shrinking civic space, political repression, attacks on human rights defenders, and threats to independent institutions across multiple regions. Its latest July 2026 publications have highlighted concerns ranging from judicial independence in Nepal and political prisoners in…
Amnesty International Challenges India’s New Foreign-Funding Rules, Warns of Growing Pressure on Civil Society
New Delhi, India (HRNW): Amnesty International has joined other civil society organizations in urging the Indian government to withdraw recent amendments to foreign-funding regulations, warning that the changes could further restrict the ability of independent NGOs and civil society organizations to operate freely. The issue has become a significant current human-rights debate concerning freedom of…
WHO Urges Faster Action to End HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Geneva, Switzerland (HRNW) – The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for accelerated action to end HIV, viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections, highlighting the need to integrate services, expand innovation and strengthen community leadership. The appeal comes as countries work toward the 2030 global health targets, with WHO emphasizing that stronger prevention, testing, treatment…
WHO Warns Global Cancer Cases Could Nearly Double by 2050
Geneva, Switzerland (HRNW) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the number of new cancer cases worldwide is projected to nearly double by 2050 unless countries strengthen prevention, early detection, and treatment programmes. WHO said cancer already claims more than 26,000 lives every day and urged governments to expand access to screening, vaccination,…
UN Secretary-General Visits Syria in First Official Trip by a UN Chief in 17 Years
Damascus, Syria (HRNW) – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Syria for the first official visit by a UN Secretary-General in 17 years. During the visit, Guterres met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and senior officials to discuss humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, regional stability, and the UN’s continued support for the Syrian people. The visit…
Human Rights Watch Raises Concern Over Continuing Restrictions on Civil Society in Burkina Faso
New York, United States (HRNW): Human Rights Watch (HRW) has renewed its concern over continuing restrictions affecting civil society organizations in Burkina Faso, following measures that have increased pressure on independent associations and human rights groups. The organization has called upon the authorities to respect freedom of association, freedom of expression, and the legitimate role…
Environmental NGOs Call for Stronger Human Rights Action During the 62nd UN Human Rights Council Session
Geneva, Switzerland (HRNW): International environmental and human rights organizations have intensified advocacy during the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62), urging governments to recognize the growing impact of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss on fundamental human rights. Civil society groups participating in the session stressed that environmental protection and human…
International Service for Human Rights Urges UN Human Rights Council to Strengthen Protection for Civil Society
Geneva, Switzerland (HRNW): The International Service for Human Rights (ISHR) has called on Member States at the 62nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC62) to take stronger action to protect human rights defenders and expand civic space worldwide. As the Council concluded its latest session, ISHR emphasized that governments should reinforce international…
Former UN Official Olara Otunnu Enters Race for Next UN Secretary-General
New York, United States (HRNW) – Veteran Ugandan diplomat and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Olara Otunnu has officially entered the race to become the next UN Secretary-General, becoming one of several candidates seeking to succeed António Guterres when his term concludes. Otunnu has pledged to prioritize UN institutional reform, conflict prevention, climate action, and stronger…