Human Rights

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.

Photo source: Photo by Annie Spratt. Via Unsplash/September 18, 2018.
Article

Greenland Is Not for Sale 

This article argues that attempts to treat Greenland as a strategic asset or negotiable territory undermine the Greenlandic people’s right to self-determination. It examines the issue through the lens of indigenous rights, international law, and the revival of expansionist foreign policy doctrines. The piece emphasizes that Greenland’s future must be decided by its people, not external powers.

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How International Law Regulates the Use of Chemical Agents at Demonstrations

This article reports on an acid attack against a KontraS activist in Indonesia after he criticised the military’s growing role in civilian life. The case raises serious concerns about intimidation of human rights defenders, shrinking civic space, and the need for an independent investigation into alleged military involvement.

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Electoral Processes in Myanmar: Political Exclusion and Legitimacy

The recent 2025-2026 Myanmar general elections were conducted under military control, in a fragmented and insecure environment. Many townships, particularly in ethnic minority regions, were excluded from voting, while opposition parties faced disqualification under restrictive laws. Coercion, repression, and limited access to political participation render the election unfree and unfair, in violation of international standards.

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How does Israel’s AI-assisted targeting system in the Gaza Strip violate the principles of IHL?

The conflict between Israel and Palestine, rooted in over a century of historical and ideological disputes, has evolved with technological influences, particularly the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in military operations. Recent uses of AI, such as the AI Decision Support Systems (AI-DDS) by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip, have enhanced targeting and surveillance capabilities. However, these developments raise significant legal and ethical concerns related to International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which aims to protect those not participating in hostilities. This article explores whether the employment of AI in warfare aligns with IHL principles, focusing on its implications within the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, despite Israel not having ratified crucial IHL protocols.

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Tunisia’s Human Rights Crackdown Intensifies State Violence Against Civil Society Workers

This article examines Tunisia’s escalating crackdown on civil society, where NGOs and human rights defenders face arbitrary detention, financial restrictions, and legal harassment. It highlights a broader decline in democratic freedoms and increasing state control under the pretext of national security. The situation raises serious concerns about shrinking civic space and violations of fundamental rights.

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One Standard for Us, Another for Them: Assessing the ECtHR’s Approach to Article 3 Violations in the Context of Asylum and Gender-Based Violence

The article “One Standard for Us, Another for Them: Assessing the ECtHR’s Approach to Article 3 Violations in the Context of Asylum and Gender-Based Violence” examines how the European Court of Human Rights interprets protections against torture and inhuman or degrading treatment under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights in asylum cases involving gender-based violence. It argues that the Court’s jurisprudence sometimes reflects inconsistencies in evaluating the risks faced by asylum seekers, particularly women fleeing gender-based harm. The analysis highlights concerns that differing evidentiary standards and judicial reasoning can lead to unequal protection for vulnerable applicants, raising broader questions about fairness, consistency, and the effective safeguarding of human rights within Europe’s asylum framework.

Press release

Inclusive Communication for All: Lessons from “Why Choice Matters”

At a time when digitalisation is reshaping everyday life across Europe, the “Inclusive Communication for All” event at the European Parliament highlighted the growing risks of digital exclusion and the urgent need for communication policies that protect citizen choice. Bringing together MEPs, civil society, and industry representatives, the discussion underscored that equal access to information is not only a policy concern but a matter of fundamental rights.

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Justice for the Unseen, Enforced Disappearances in Sri Lanka’s Civil War Aftermath

Fifteen years on from Sri Lanka’s civil war, enforced disappearances continue to challenge the country’s legal and transitional justice frameworks. With estimates of 60,000 – 100,000 missing persons, existing mechanisms such as the Office on Missing Persons have struggled to provide accountability or redress. The situation highlights structural weaknesses in domestic law, limited compliance with international human rights obligations and the urgent need for stronger legal and policy interventions to address wartime abuse.