Articles

Silencing Faith in Algeria: Violence And Oppression Against Religious Communities

This article examines the increasing restrictions and persecution faced by religious minorities in Algeria, particularly Ahmadi Muslims and Kabylian Protestants. It highlights arbitrary prosecutions, church closures, surveillance, and legal barriers that prevent minority communities from freely practising their faith. The piece argues that Algeria’s current legal framework and enforcement practices fall short of its obligations under international human rights law.

European Parliament Hearing Addresses Bangladesh’s Democratic Transition and Rohingya Accountability

This press release highlights a European Parliament hearing on Bangladesh’s recent elections and ongoing efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against the Rohingya. While the elections signal a potential democratic shift, concerns remain around human rights violations, institutional reforms, and minority protections. The discussion also stressed the need for sustained international engagement on Rohingya justice and refugee protection.

European Parliament Addresses Forced Recruitment of Foreign Nationals in Russia’s War of Aggression in Ukraine

This press release highlights a European Parliament hearing on the forced recruitment of third-country nationals into Russia’s war against Ukraine. It points to growing evidence of trafficking, coercion, and deception targeting vulnerable migrants through false job offers and exploitative recruitment networks. The hearing called for stronger international cooperation, victim protection, and accountability for those responsible.

Land Without People: The Impact of Green Colonialism on the Rights of Indigenous Communities in Africa

This article examines how “green colonialism” in Africa—through conservation projects, carbon markets, and renewable energy initiatives—has led to the displacement and marginalisation of Indigenous communities. Despite contributing minimally to climate change, Indigenous peoples face land dispossession, forced evictions, and loss of cultural identity as governments and external actors prioritise environmental and economic interests. The piece argues that existing legal frameworks fail to adequately protect Indigenous rights, allowing climate solutions to reproduce historical patterns of exploitation and inequality.

Afghanistan and Pakistan on the Brink: How the TTP Insurgency Escalated into Open War

This article examines the escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan into what Pakistani officials described as an “open war” in February 2026. It explores the role of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), cross-border military operations, and competing claims of self-defence under international law, while also highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis caused by displacement, food insecurity, and restrictions on refugees along the Afghanistan–Pakistan border.

Citizenship as a Weapon for Repression: Algeria’s Nationality Law and the Suppression of Dissent

State Business: Israel’s Misappropriation of Land Through Settler Violence

This article examines how settler violence in the occupied West Bank functions as a tool of dispossession and territorial consolidation. It argues that repeated attacks, lack of accountability, and state-backed infrastructure expansion are creating coercive conditions that force Palestinians from their land. The piece highlights how violence and governance together sustain ongoing displacement and settlement growth.

Rohingya Heritage in Exile: European Parliament Exhibition Highlights Cultural Resilience Amid Ongoing Genocide

This press release highlights an exhibition at the European Parliament that brought attention to the Rohingya people’s cultural resilience amid genocide and prolonged displacement. It underscores how preserving heritage, memory, and identity remains vital for a community facing statelessness, exile, and ongoing humanitarian crisis. The exhibition also called for stronger international action, accountability, and safe, dignified repatriation.

GHRD at the 61st Human rights Council

At the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council, GHRD raised concern over the misuse of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and their impact on religious minorities. The statement highlighted arbitrary detention, mob violence, and forced displacement affecting communities such as Christians, Hindus, Ahmadis, and Shia Muslims. GHRD urged Pakistan to align its laws and practices with international human rights standards.

Human Rights Exhibition at the United Nations in Geneva. Violations Across Asia

During the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, GHRD is hosting a three-day exhibition highlighting human rights violations across Asia. The exhibition presents testimonies, visual documentation, and case studies on discrimination, repression, and violence faced by minority and vulnerable communities. It aims to encourage greater international attention, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights.

Egypt’s Asylum Laws Fail to Protect Refugees From Mass Arbitrary Detentions

This article examines how Egypt’s new asylum framework is failing to protect refugees and asylum seekers from arbitrary detention and deportation. It highlights serious concerns over violations of non-refoulement, lack of due process, and the erosion of protections previously linked to UNHCR oversight. The piece argues that Egypt’s current approach undermines both international refugee law and basic human rights safeguards.

At HRC61, GHRD Highlights the Human Rights Implications of Blasphemy Laws for Minority Communities Across Asia

At the 61st Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Global Human Rights Defence hosted a side event on the impact of blasphemy laws on minority communities in Asia. Speakers highlighted that such laws exist in around 100 countries and are often used to target minorities and dissenting voices. The discussion emphasized that blasphemy laws are incompatible with international human rights standards and called on states to reform or repeal them.

Menstrual Health as a Human Right – Addressing The “Pink Tax” in Pakistan

This article explores the ongoing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, highlighting recurring incidents of violence, including attacks on temples, homes, and individuals. It examines the gap between constitutional guarantees of secularism and the lived reality of discrimination faced by the Hindu minority. The piece argues that despite legal provisions for equality and religious freedom, systemic failures continue to expose Hindus to insecurity and targeted violence.

Human Rights Council: Interactive Dialogue under Item 2

GHRD addressed the human rights crisis in Afghanistan, highlighting institutionalized discrimination against women and girls, which has led to their exclusion from public life and essential services. The statement emphasized the compounded discrimination faced by women from ethnic and religious minorities and those in rural areas, along with severe justice barriers and a lack of judicial independence. GHRD urged the Human Rights Council to support accountability measures and enhance evidence-collection for gender-based persecution, reaffirming its commitment to advocate for Afghan women’s rights in international forums.

The Sahrawi Women’s Continuous Struggle Against Occupation

This article examines the central role of Sahrawi women in resisting Moroccan occupation and documenting human rights abuses in Western Sahara. It highlights how women activists face gendered violence, surveillance, and institutional harassment because of their leadership in the struggle for self-determination. The piece underscores that protecting Sahrawi women is essential to any meaningful path toward justice and decolonisation.

United Nations Human Rights Council Opens its 61st Session in Geneva

Opening the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that human rights are “under attack” worldwide, as High Commissioner Volker Türk cautioned against the erosion of international norms and called for renewed commitment to accountability, justice and the rule of law.

Parliamentary Discussion Held at the House of Commons on Bangladesh’s Political and Human Rights Situation

A parliamentary discussion titled “Bangladesh at a Crossroads: 18 Months of Interim Government and Elections,” chaired by MP Bob Blackman, addressed the political and human rights issues in Bangladesh. Key speakers included Lord Rami Ranger and Baroness Bennett, who reviewed allegations of human rights abuses, particularly the banning of Awami League activities. Blackman highlighted a decline in human rights impacting minorities, while Ranger advocated for free electoral choices. Prof. Dr. Md. Habibe Millat delivered a keynote stressing the detention of 124 MPs and activists, calling for their release and decrying the political interference in law enforcement. The forum also addressed the need for democratic restoration and international engagement, with media contact facilitated by the Global Centre for Democratic Governance.

Civil Society Dialogue on EU-India Free Trade Agreement by the European Commission

On 27 January 2026, EU and Indian officials marked a major milestone in negotiations for the EU–India Free Trade Agreement in New Delhi, which has been described as the “mother of all trade deals” given its scale and economic significance. While the development signalled one of the most ambitious agreements pursued by both partners, the details of the proposed deal remain subject to scrutiny. To support this process, the European Commission convened a Civil Society Dialogue to present key elements of the agreement and discuss the state of negotiations.

Political Landscape of Bangladesh: Implications for the Hindu Religious Minority

The political landscape of Bangladesh and the implications for the Hindu minority is explored, including the presence of political violence, lack of freedom of religion, and absence of minority rights protection. The Hindu community’s safety and security is at stake. Therefore a stronger protection of their rights is called for.

Highlighting Human Costs and Structural Causes: A Screening of SOLD. A Child Trafficked

On 18 February 2026, Global Human Rights Defence, in partnership with Just Peace Movie Night, hosted a screening of SOLD. A Child Trafficked at The Hague Humanity Hub, followed by an expert panel discussion on child trafficking and sexual exploitation. Bringing together filmmakers, practitioners, and independent monitoring expertise, the event reflected on the human cost of trafficking, the structural drivers that enable it, and the progress made, and still required, in preventing the exploitation of children.

Does the Use of Chemicals Amount to War Crimes?

This article examines whether the use of chemical substances such as white phosphorus can amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law. Using southern Lebanon as a case study, it highlights the severe civilian harm, environmental damage, and long-term risks caused by white phosphorus strikes in populated areas. The article argues that legal accountability should focus not only on how weapons are classified, but on their actual impact on civilians, land, and protected communities.