Press release

Eu parliament
Press release

Holocaust Remembrance Day and the Imperative of Early Action on Human Rights

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) dedicated its deliberations to urgent cases of human rights violations and democratic backsliding across several regions. Through follow up exchanges on Guinea Bissau, Kyrgyzstan, and Rwanda, Members and invited speakers examined how coups, restrictive legislation, media repression, and unlawful detentions continue to erode democratic safeguards and fundamental freedoms. Framed by the lessons of history, the discussions underscored the risks of inaction and silence in the face of early warning signs. The exchanges highlighted the need for timely and credible responses to prevent today’s political crises from becoming tomorrow’s humanitarian catastrophes.

Press release

DROI Mission to Türkiye Highlights Continued Human Rights Concerns and Stalled Democratic Progress

Members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights conducted a mission to the Republic of Türkiye to assess human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance within EU Türkiye relations. Led by rapporteur Isabel Wiseler-Lima, the delegation met governing and opposition parties, civil society organisations, journalists, and independent media. The mission evaluated implementation of European Parliament resolutions and examined conditions affecting political rights, judicial independence, and freedom of expression. Meetings and prison visits informed a critical assessment, highlighting democratic backsliding, misuse of terrorism legislation, and prolonged detention of political figures, while emphasising Convention obligations under international human rights.

EU Parliament
Press release

Cyprus’ Council of the EU Presidency and Strategic Priorities for Women’s Rights and Gender Equality

Members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights conducted a mission to the Republic of Türkiye to assess human rights, the rule of law, and democratic governance within EU Türkiye relations. Led by rapporteur Isabel Wiseler-Lima, the delegation met governing and opposition parties, civil society organisations, journalists, and independent media. The mission evaluated implementation of European Parliament resolutions and examined conditions affecting political rights, judicial independence, and freedom of expression. Meetings and prison visits informed a critical assessment, highlighting democratic backsliding, misuse of terrorism legislation, and prolonged detention of political figures, while emphasising Convention obligations under international human rights.

Press release

International Conference on Blasphemy Allegations in Bangladesh Concluded

The Global Human Rights Defence held an international conference on January 24, 2026, in The Hague, focusing on “Blasphemy Allegations, Mob Violence and the Protection of Religious Minorities in Bangladesh.” The event discussed the rising violence against religious minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh, noting over 2,829 incidents of lynching and targeted violence in 2025. Experts examined historical persecution patterns and stressed the lack of a specific blasphemy law in Bangladesh, contrasting it with strict penal code regulations. The conference also addressed the media’s role in these issues and the need for active human rights advocacy, with prominent speakers like Dr. Anthonie Holslag highlighting the urgency to protect vulnerable groups.

Anthonie Holslag
Press release

Keynote Address: The Relationship Between Blasphemy Laws, Impunity and the Phenomenon of “Creeping Genocide” in the Chittagong Hill Tracts

On February 12, Chief Advisor Muhammed Yunus reported that out of 645 incidents affecting minority communities since the 2024 Monsoon Revolution, only 71 were linked to communal violence, while most were attributed to general crime. This statement is challenged by various reports, including those from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, which highlight ongoing persecution of indigenous groups in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, involving sexual violence and destruction of cultural sites. The document underscores the need to reconcile conflicting data on violence, particularly regarding identity politics and blasphemy laws that may facilitate ongoing violence, referred to as “creeping genocide.” Blasphemy laws are argued to legitimize mob violence, adding to the suffering of minority communities, raising concerns about possible extreme interpretations in the context of impending elections that could lead to increased atrocities.

Press release

International Conference in The Hague Examines Escalating Human Rights Violations Against Religious Minorities in Bangladesh

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) organized a conference in The Hague addressing human rights violations against religious minorities in Bangladesh. The event, titled “Blasphemy Allegations, Mob Violence and the Protection of Religious Minorities in Bangladesh,” focused on violence linked to blasphemy allegations and the legal frameworks sustaining impunity. It underscored the importance of international responses, legal accountability, and accurate media coverage to protect minority rights. Conference participants highlighted the need for ongoing international engagement to reconcile constitutional protections with the real-life challenges faced by these minorities in Bangladesh.

Press release

Bangladesh, between the Ditch and Deep Blue Bay

On February 12, 2026, Bangladesh is set for general elections and a constitutional referendum following the Monsoon uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since August 2024, Professor Dr. Muhamad Yunis has led the country. The Bangladesh Jamat E Islami, in partnership with the Nationalist Children Party, seeks a religious transformation, raising issues surrounding women’s representation as they have not nominated female candidates despite claims of future equality. The new leadership has coincided with a rise in violence against minorities, heightening fears of oppression. The elections are crucial for the nation’s identity amid increasing conservative ideologies, with the election date highlighting tensions with International Mother Language Day and reflecting the conflict between historical legacy and future direction.

Press release

Kashmiri Hindus and Atrocity Crimes: A Legal Brief on Persecution and Forced Displacement

The report exposes the systematic ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus, framing their displacement as a coerced outcome of targeted killings, sexual violence, intimidation, and terror—not voluntary migration. It applies tribunal-tested legal standards to show that leaving the Valley was not a choice but a forced act, documenting crimes including murder, rape, and property destruction. The brief highlights the role of Pakistan-backed militant networks and local separatist groups in enabling persecution, offering a legal roadmap to hold perpetrators accountable under international law, including crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Press release

HRFP Condemns Attack on Kot Radha Kishan Church, Calls for Justice and Preventive Measures

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) strongly condemns the attack on a Church in Ghanaykay village, Kasur, where the Holy Bible was desecrated and the premises vandalised, spreading fear among the local Christian community. HRFP calls for swift and transparent justice, stressing that accountability must go beyond arrests to uncover motives and accomplices. The organization urges concrete measures to protect religious minorities and places of worship, highlights the urgent need to counter religious intolerance and hate-driven violence, and reiterates its demand for the abolition of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, which are widely misused and have led to grave human rights violations.

Press release

What Makes Climate Action Just?

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) highlighted the link between climate action and human rights at The Hague Talks on December 15, 2025. Discussions addressed climate change as a human rights and security issue, emphasizing the need for ethical responses to systemic inequalities. Key points included the risks of ignoring ethical considerations in climate strategies, critiques of profit-driven economic models, and the role of youth in climate justice. GHRD advocates for climate actions that promote equality and involve affected communities in decision-making.

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