Press release

Press release

The Human Rights Situation in Sudan and the EU strategy

Against the backdrop of one of the world’s fastest-escalating humanitarian crises, the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights and Subcommittee on Development convened a joint hearing to assess Sudan’s deteriorating human rights situation and the European Union’s strategic response. Bringing together EU officials, UN representatives, and civil society experts, the session underscored the scale of atrocities committed since the outbreak of conflict in 2023 and highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated, well-resourced, and rights-centred EU approach.

Press release

UN Side Event: Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan

On April 1st, 2025, Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) held a side event at the 58th Human Rights Council session in Geneva, moderated by Charlotte Zehrer. The event highlighted a GHRD report on enforced disappearances in Pakistan, particularly affecting ethnic and religious minorities, and called for urgent reforms and accountability. Panelists included Isabelle Wachsmuth from WHO, who discussed the traumatic impacts of enforced disappearances; Jamal Baloch, who described the systematic oppression of Baloch people, labeling it as genocide; Ammarah Balouch, who focused on the forced conversion of Sindhi girls; and Anwar Mehmood Rehman, who addressed the persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims. All panelists united in demanding an end to enforced disappearances and called on the UN and international community to act decisively against these human rights violations.

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Press release

Side event: Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh

At the 58th Human Rights Council Session in Geneva, the Tumuku Development and Cultural Union and the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh hosted a side event focusing on human rights violations and the rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh. Moderated by Kevin Lawrence, the event highlighted ongoing arbitrary arrests, violence against minorities, and severe restrictions on freedom of speech. Experts Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi and Dr. Rayhan Rashid raised concerns about religious persecution, extrajudicial killings, and significant suppression of dissent against marginalized groups such as Hindus and Christians. They discussed the militarization of state institutions and the unchecked rise of extremist groups undermining pluralism. The panel also addressed the repression of local media and the harassment of journalists, with reports of a climate of fear and intimidation. Investigative journalist Sahar Zand shared troubling accounts of violence against religious minorities. Former British MP Paul Bistrow acknowledged progress in specific areas in Bangladesh but warned of the potential loss of these gains amidst worsening human rights conditions. The panelists called for stronger international action to protect democratic principles and hold violators accountable, stressing the need for continued attention to the human rights situation in Bangladesh.

Press release

EU event: Empower Women Media

On March 19, 2025, Empower Women Media held the Abraham Women’s Alliance Brussels Forum at the European Parliament, uniting women leaders from Abrahamic faiths to promote peacebuilding, inter-religious harmony, and women’s empowerment. The event addressed critical issues such as gender equality and the role of women in community resilience through discussions, workshops, and networking. Key speakers included Giusi Princi, Manel Msalmi, and Boushra Millet, who highlighted the importance of education, tolerance, and the unique challenges faced by women in their regions. The forum successfully achieved its objectives by fostering trust, exploring challenges, and promoting religious harmony, laying the groundwork for ongoing collaboration in the pursuit of gender equality.

Press release

Protest and Exhibition About the Human Rights Violations of Minorities in Bangladesh at the Broken Chair in Front of the United Nations

On March 13, 2025, GHRD organized a protest in front of the United Nations in Geneva to highlight ongoing human rights violations in Bangladesh, particularly against religious and ethnic minorities. Participants, including Bangladeshi civil society actors, called for an end to systemic repression and urged accountability for perpetrators. The protest drew attention to escalating violence under the interim government, emphasizing the need for judicial reforms and international intervention, including a referral to the International Criminal Court. GHRD later submitted a memorandum to the UN, requesting the release of Chinmoy Prabhu Das from detention and the establishment of a permanent UN office in Bangladesh.

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Press release

HRFP Demands Justice for Blasphemy-Accused Farhan Masih and Others

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.

Press release

Fourth Edition of the GHRD Film Festival: Children’s 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.

Press release

Urgent Appeal: Immediate Release and Protection of ISKCON Leader Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari

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.

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Hindus Victims of Political and Extremist Persecution in Bangladesh

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.

Press release

GHRD’s UN Side Event: Human Rights in Pakistan

On October 2, 2024, GHRD hosted an event at the 57th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, chaired by Mariana Mayor Lima, featuring speakers including Professor Nicolas Levrat, Ammarah Balouch, and Jamal Baloch. Professor Levrat discussed the unequal enjoyment of human rights globally, emphasizing state obligations under human rights treaties and the role of NGOs in raising awareness. Ammarah Balouch highlighted the forced conversions and marriages of Sindhi girls in Pakistan, noting significant obstacles to justice for victims. Jamal Baloch shared his testimony on enforced disappearances in Balochistan, affecting young activists and their families. The panel called for urgent cooperation among minorities, adherence to human rights treaty obligations, and accountability for perpetrators, suggesting the establishment of an independent UN fact-finding mission.