Press release

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

International Conference on Human Rights Allegations in Bangladesh

An international conference on blasphemy allegations and the protection of religious minorities in Bangladesh was held on 24 January 2026 in The Hague, organized by Global Human Rights Defence. Opened by Harry van Bommel, the conference addressed violence against minorities, especially Hindus, amidst critiques of laws being misused despite no formal blasphemy law existing. Data revealed 2,829 incidents against Hindus from August 2024 to December 2025, including lynchings. Dr. Anthonie Holslag delivered the keynote address, with various panels discussing the topic. The conference concluded with calls for stronger international action to protect religious minorities, criticizing the insufficient responses from entities like the UN and EU.

Press release

The Hague Reviews Escalating Human Rights Violations Against Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

An international human rights conference in The Hague, convened by Global Human Rights Defence, addressed the crisis facing religious minorities in Bangladesh due to mob violence tied to blasphemy allegations. Keynote speaker Dr. Anthonie Holslag linked blasphemy laws to “creeping genocide,” emphasizing the impunity these laws create. The discussions highlighted the disparity between Bangladesh’s constitutional promises and the harsh realities encountered by minorities, exacerbated by media misinformation and limited international coverage. The conference emphasized the global obligation to protect religious minorities, advocating for ongoing monitoring and adherence to human rights standards, with a call for accountability and the application of international law.

© European Union, 2025.
Press release

EU–Latin America Trade: Where Key Agreements Stand in 2026

Members of the European Commission conducted a Civil Society Dialogue to inform civil society about the state of play of the European Union trade relations with the Latin American and Caribbean region. Led by the Head of Unit TRADE D2, Mr Paolo Garzotti, the dialogue led to a discussion on the latest conclusion of the EU-Mercosur and EU-Mexico agreements, evaluating the implementation and ratification timelines. The European Parliament resolution to suspend the Mercosur agreement, and the examined conditions affecting political rights, lack of bindingness, and environmental standards, highlights critical gaps in contexts of governance crisis.

6th GHRD International Film Festival: Human Trafficking Edition
Submission Deadline: 9th August 2026
Submission Form