Human Rights
Latest
War in Ukraine
26 Ukrainian Journalists Still Held by Russia in 2025
Amid the ongoing war, reporters imprisoned in Russia often face torture and death. In the meantime, advocacy groups continue to push for their release.
Dec. 29, 2025
War in Ukraine
Mental Help: How AI Can Alleviate Ukraine’s Therapist Shortage
With so many people now having to deal with the traumas of war, Ukrainian society is turning to AI technology in order to mitigate a dearth of trained psychotherapist.
Dec. 29, 2025
War in Ukraine
‘We Need Something Concrete – Not Just a Piece of Paper’ – Interview With Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk
Sven Lilienström, founder of the Faces of Democracy initiative, spoke with Ukrainian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk (42) about the humanitarian crisis in eastern Ukraine.
Dec. 20, 2025
Europe
EU Council Urges Georgian Dream to Release Unjustly Detained Politicians, Journalists, Activists
EU officials said their criticism is directed at the government’s actions, not at the Georgian people, and have reaffirmed support for Georgia’s European aspirations.
Dec. 17, 2025
UN
‘Arbitrary Killings’ – UN Rights Chief Describes Dire Situation in Donbas and Beyond
His office documents the extrajudicial killing of 96 Ukrainian prisoners of war and non-combatants, and widespread threats to private property and civilian freedoms in occupied lands.
Dec. 17, 2025
US
Trump Admin Marks International Human Rights Day With Silence
Shift to trade and “unalienable rights” signals retreat from democracy promotion. One Senator stands alone calling out abuses by Russia, Georgia and beyond.
Dec. 13, 2025
US
Aliyev Cracks Down While Washington Holds Its Breath
As Azerbaijan’s rulers target opposition leaders, US lawmakers warn the Trump administration is “sleepwalking into complicity.”
Dec. 6, 2025
Russia
Human Rights Watch Vows to Keep Investigating Russia Despite Ban
The international non-profit organization was designated as “undesirable” in Russia on Friday – meaning that anyone affiliated with it could face up to four years in prison.
Nov. 28, 2025
Russia
Daughter of Ex-President Zuma Accused of Sending South Africans to Russia’s War Under Fake ‘Training’ Scheme
South African lawmaker Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of the ex-President, is accused of sending South African recruits to Russia under fake “security training.”
Nov. 24, 2025
Ukraine
UN Committee Adopts Resolution on Human Rights in Occupied Crimea
How did they vote in the UN General Assembly on the latest Resolution on Russia’s crimes in Ukraine?
Nov. 20, 2025
Kremlin
Kremlin Drive to Fill Thinning Troop Roster Targets Remote Regions, Poorer Citizens
You can have hepatitis and still be adjudged suitable for Russian army service – particularly if you don’t live in Moscow or St. Petersburg.
Nov. 12, 2025
Human Rights
‘It’s Time for Them to Go Home’ – Fears of Second Occupation in Kupyansk
As in most places they seized, Moscow’s forces hunted and then tortured dozens of civilians suspected of supporting Kyiv, according to testimonies collected by rights groups.
Oct. 30, 2025
Russia
‘Arrested for Singing’ – Russia’s Case Against Teen Busker Stirs Anger
“This sets a precedent: someone being arrested for singing,” said Seraph, an 18-year-old supporter of Loginova. “Her performances inspired hope.”
Oct. 29, 2025
Europe
Georgia PM Vows Sweeping Crackdown After 'Foiled Coup'
Georgia’s Prime Minister vows more crackdown on opposition and activists after tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded Tbilisi’s Freedom Square and some tried to enter the presidential palace.
Oct. 5, 2025
Europe
‘Human Rights Are Not to Be Taken for Granted’ – Ukrainian Journalist Wins Vaclav Havel Prize
Recently released POW Maksym Butkevych, the founder of a human rights center and an independent radio station, is the first Ukrainian to receive the prestigious European award.
Sept. 30, 2025
UN
Rights in Russia See ‘Seismic Decline’ Since Start of Ukraine War: UN Expert
A report by a UN expert on Russia slammed “a clear pattern of health professionals participating in and condoning the most abhorrent torture, especially of Ukrainian detainees.”
Sept. 21, 2025