"human-rights"

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan expressed concern over the detention of at least 30 women in Herat and allegations of excessive force by Taliban authorities. The UN urged respect for fundamental freedoms and called for an end to restrictions on women

Awami League leaders met an EU parliamentarian in Ireland seeking support to lift sanctions and address alleged political repression in Bangladesh. Human rights groups report mass arrests, judicial harassment, and rising political tensions amid intensified government crackdown on opposition members

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said artificial intelligence is now an operational reality and one of the biggest tests for international law. He stressed the need for legal, ethical and democratic safeguards to ensure AI remains accountable and human-centric

The Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking speedy appointments to vacant posts in State Human Rights Commissions, advising the petitioner to approach respective High Courts. The petitioner later withdrew the plea, citing vacancies that could render some commissions ineffective and defunct

Police in Bangladesh have failed to complete investigations in over 90% of 1,855 cases linked to July 2024 protests, raising concerns over justice delays, false accusations, and systemic weaknesses, with journalists and civilians among those still awaiting case resolution

The Congress accused PM Modi of “moral cowardice” for remaining silent on Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, alleging India’s government has shown undue support for Israel while abandoning traditional pro-Palestinian positions and broader human values in foreign policy

The Supreme Court of India stressed safeguarding rights of prisoners with disabilities under Articles 14 and 21, directing a high-powered panel to frame an action plan ensuring assistive support, humane conditions, and compliance across states and Union Territories

Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to over seven additional years in prison, alongside a two-year travel ban and internal exile, amid her ongoing hunger strike. The Revolutionary Court in Mashhad delivered the verdict.

Iran executed Ali Ardestani for allegedly spying for Israel’s Mossad, relaying sensitive information in exchange for cryptocurrency and promises of a reward and visa. Human rights groups condemned the execution, citing coerced confessions and closed trials, while Iran claims it targets hostile intelligence operatives

Indonesia’s new 345-page penal code (KUHP) replaces the Dutch-era law, criminalizing sex outside marriage, insulting state leaders, and expanding blasphemy rules. It emphasizes restorative justice, non-custodial sentences, and probation for death row inmates, sparking mixed reactions on civil liberties

The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government on a woman advocate’s plea alleging illegal detention and custodial sexual assault at a Noida police station, and ordered preservation of CCTV footage

The Centre opposed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s request to appear via video in the Supreme Court, challenging his detention under the NSA. His wife alleges the detention is arbitrary and violates constitutional rights. The case is adjourned to December 15

Saudi Arabia has abolished its decades-old Kafala system, granting migrant workers the freedom to change jobs, travel without sponsor consent, and access legal protections. The move, part of Vision 2030, aims to improve labour rights and global perception

A 73-year-old Indian woman, deported from the US after 33 years, shared her traumatic experience of detention, shackling, and family separation. Despite faithfully reporting to ICE for over a decade, she hopes to reunite with her family in America

Myanmar’s military-appointed election commission has scheduled polls for December 28, in a vote critics call a sham to legitimise the army’s 2021 coup.

Egypt and Iran have condemned Israel’s plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, calling it a violation of international law and a potential war crime.

The UN reports a 25 per cent rise in sexual violence during conflicts in 2024, with over 4,600 survivors documented. Armed groups carry out most abuses, while Israel and Russian forces are warned over allegations of violations against detainees.

d its 78th Independence Day despite Pakistan’s 15-day Section 144 clampdown. Activist Mir Yar Baloch accused Islamabad of illegal occupation, war crimes, and human rights abuses, urging global recognition of Baloch sovereignty and accountability for Pakistan’s military and political leaders.

The excavation follows a whistleblower's claims of multiple rapes and murders in the temple town, triggering widespread outrage

The court criticised the lack of due process and highlighted humanitarian concerns, demanding her return within 10 days