Press release

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

Press release

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.

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.