Articles
- GHRD Team
- 1 March 2025
- GHRD Team
- 1 March 2025
- GHRD Team
- 13 February 2025
- Asia, Pakistan
- Human Rights, Minority Rights, Religious Minorities
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) condemns widespread persecution of religious minorities in Pakistan, particularly Christians and Hindus. Violations include forced conversions and misuse of blasphemy laws, illustrated by the recent case of Farhan Masih, accused of blasphemy after a personal conflict. HRFP reports numerous abductions and forced conversions affecting both Christian and Hindu women. The president of HRFP, Naveed Walter, highlights the physical violence, social exclusion, and barriers to justice faced by minorities, exacerbated by institutional discrimination. Despite constitutional protections, violations of religious freedom persist, keeping minorities marginalized and at risk. HRFP operates the REAT Helpline, providing support for human rights violations, receiving significant calls regarding religious issues annually.
- GHRD Team
- 10 February 2025
- GHRD Team
- 8 February 2025
- Asia, North Korea
- Gender Inequality, Women's Rights
Women’s rights in North Korea are discussed, showing a contrast between the country’s legal commitments to gender equality and the harsh realities of women under state policies and social norms. Including systemic discrimination and limited opportunities amongst others.
- Chiara Innocenti
- 2 February 2025
- GHRD Team
- 12 December 2024
- GHRD Team
- 12 December 2024
- GHRD Team
- 12 December 2024
- GHRD Team
- 25 November 2024
- World
- Film Screening, Human Rights
The GHRD hosted its fourth human rights film festival on November 21, 2024, in The Hague, focusing on children’s rights and attracting over 160 attendees, including ambassadors and advocates. The festival featured impactful documentaries, such as “Butterfly Butterfly,” highlighting the struggles of child refugees; “Worth of a Girl,” addressing forced marriages; and “Children of War,” which explored the effects of conflict on children. Other films included “Hunger Ward,” depicting the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, and “International Adoptions: A Global Scandal,” investigating unethical adoption practices. A panel discussion followed, featuring experts discussing children’s rights, the risks children face online, and the importance of advocacy. The event concluded with a poignant testimony from GHRD’s Youth Ambassador, Putheany Kim, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable children and amplify their voices.
- GHRD Team
- 25 November 2024
- World
- Minority Rights, Religious Freedom, Religious Minorities
We express grave concern over the November 25, 2024, arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a respected ISKCON leader, by the Bangladesh Police, which poses threats to freedom of speech and religious harmony. As an advocate for the Sanatana Dharma community, his recent activism has involved addressing attacks on Hindu temples. The allegations against him, including sedition, seem like targeted attempts to suppress his calls for justice. We urge the Bangladeshi government to ensure his safety and fair treatment, request international human rights organizations to monitor the situation, and call on media and civil society to advocate for accountability. An impartial investigation is demanded, and if no credible evidence is found, his release is necessary. This arrest threatens democratic values and communal peace, prompting solidarity with Bangladesh’s Hindu community in the call for justice and equality.
- GHRD Team
- 22 November 2024
- Asia, Bangladesh
- Attacks on Minorities, Minority Rights, Protests
The forced removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh has led to increased violence against the Hindu minority, characterized by attacks, looting, and murders, highlighting the government’s failure to protect them. In response, Hindus initiated a peaceful protest on August 9, 2024, demanding rights and recognition, yet faced violent repression, including arrests. A significant protest in Rangpur showcased community resilience. The media’s delayed coverage of these issues exacerbates the vulnerability of this minority. A tragic case involving the death of Hridoy Ravidas after alleged torture by authorities emphasizes systemic discrimination and calls for urgent reforms. Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) advocates for an independent investigation and international pressure for justice and structural changes to protect minority rights in Bangladesh.
