United Nations
UN Experts Condemn “Militarized Assault” on Birzeit University
RAMALLAH, Palestine (HRNW)- A panel of UN human rights experts issued a scathing condemnation today regarding a recent large-scale military raid on Birzeit University. Describing the event as a direct assault on the right to education, the experts detailed how security forces stormed the campus in broad daylight, using live ammunition and tear gas against…
Oman’s Human Rights Record Faces UN Scrutiny in Geneva
GENEVA, Switzerland (HRNW)- The human rights record of Oman is under formal examination today as part of the United Nations Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in Geneva. The working group is focusing on persistent concerns regarding restricted freedom of expression, the criminalization of peaceful assembly, and the lack of legal protections for migrant workers. International observers…
Global Health Funding Cuts Threaten Millions of Lives
NEW YORK, United States (HRNW) Human Rights Watch released a critical report today warning that drastic cuts to global health financing by donor nations are creating a “right to health” crisis for millions. The funding shortfall targets the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, threatening to collapse essential medical infrastructure across the Global…
UN Prepares Emergency Session on Escalating Iran Massacres
GENEVA, Switzerland (HRNW) The United Nations Human Rights Council has convened an emergency informative consultation today in Geneva, preparing for a landmark special session tomorrow to address what experts describe as a “catastrophic” surge in state violence in Iran. Following a near-total internet blackout, verified reports indicate that security forces have killed nearly 5,000 protesters…
China: US Board of Peace Cannot Replace the United Nations
Davos (HRNW)- The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the “Board of Peace” formed by US President Donald Trump cannot replace the United Nations. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, the Chinese delegate said that the UN plays a central role in ensuring global peace and the stability of the international system. He…
India Elected Unopposed to UN Human Rights Council for 2026–28 Term
New York, USA (HRNW)– India has secured election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2026–28 term, marking the country’s seventh tenure on the key global rights body. India’s permanent representative highlighted that the election reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to promoting human rights and fundamental freedoms globally. The seat will allow…
UNESCO Warns Global Decline in Freedom of Expression
Paris, France (HRNW)– A new UNESCO report has highlighted a global regression in freedom of expression, noting that press freedoms and free speech are increasingly under threat in multiple regions. Experts warn that restrictions on media, online censorship, and harassment of journalists are eroding democratic institutions. UNESCO calls on governments to uphold constitutional and international guarantees…
UN Reduces Human Rights Budget Despite Rising Global Violations
New York, USA (HRNW)- The United Nations has announced a reduction in its human rights budget for 2026, even as global violations continue to rise. Human rights experts warn that shrinking resources may impede monitoring efforts, investigations, and support for victims of abuse. Observers stress that adequate funding is essential to protect vulnerable populations and hold…
UN Human Rights Council to Hold Emergency Session on Violence in Iran
Geneva, Switzerland (HRNW)- The UN Human Rights Council has scheduled an emergency session to address reports of widespread violence against protesters in Iran. Member states cited escalating civilian casualties and human rights violations, calling for accountability and protection of peaceful demonstrators. The session aims to press Iranian authorities to uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of assembly…
EU Parliament Prepares Human Rights Debate and Votes
Strasbourg, France / Brussels, Belgium (HRNW) — European lawmakers are set to debate and vote this week on a comprehensive report assessing global backsliding in human rights and democracy during 2025. The report, slated for discussion in plenary sessions, calls for stronger EU action on human rights protections, deeper integration of rights metrics into trade and…