Human rights

South Africa's Navanethem 'Navi' Pillay, who accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, wins Nobel Prize

Navi Pillay was chair of the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory that concluded last year that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

FILE PHOTO:  UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay addresses the OSCE permament council in Vienna, Austria July 3, 2014.
FILE PHOTO: French high school students block the access to the Lycee Paul Eluard high school as they protest to demand the hiring of substitute teachers, increased resources and better learning conditions, in Saint-Denis, near Paris, France, September 30, 2026.

France summons Iranian ambassador over online campaign accusing Paris of human rights violations

A noose with mock flowers next to portraits of executed Iranian prisoners, and anti-regime activists in the background denouncing Iran's death penalty policies, in Paris, France, October 11, 2025.

Iran demolishes Gohardasht Prison watchtower, putting evidence of regime’s crimes at risk

Zanyar Aziznezhad.

‘Dignity was disregarded’: Kurdish journalist recounts alleged abuse at Turkish detention to 'Post'


City of al-Obeid in Sudan facing human rights catastrophe, UN high commissioner warns council

"The signs from al-Obeid are clear and unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, this time in the capital of the strategic state of North Kordofan," Volker Turk said.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk (C) speaks during a press conference as part of his working visit to South Korea at the Seoul Global Center in Seoul on May 13, 2026.

Why I went to Geneva: The human rights system at a crossroads - opinion

When victims cannot testify, we must carry their stories.

 Demonstrators hold signs against what they describe as international silence over sexual violence perpetrated against Israeli women during the attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, at a protest in Jerusalem, November 27, 2023.

Iranian political prisoner accused of conspiring with Israel brutally beaten in prison

He was left with broken ribs, broken hands, and facial injuries after he was attacked in Qazvin Central Prison in Iran, human rights groups said on Wednesday, sharing images of the injuries.

Mohammad Reza Morad Bahrouzi was beaten in an Israeli prison over alleged communication with oppostiion groups or groups affiliated with Israel.

'Crazy' war violated int'l law, did not help Iranians, Council of Europe's Iran rapporteur says

Europe must target Iranian officials more effectively and support democratic opposition groups in exile, Council of Europe rapporteur Max Lucks said.

A mural depicts late figures aligned with the Iranian government, such as late President Ebrahim Raisi, slain IRGC commander Qasem Soleimani, slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and others, all carrying the flag-draped casket of Iran's slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei. June 29, 2026.

Iranian activist, two-year-old daughter, sent to Evin Prison, human rights group says

Khanbeigi was ordered to return to the prison, known for mass human rights violations, after being given leave from her sentence to give birth to Lalehzari.

POLITICAL ACTIVIST Rezvaneh Ahmad Khanbeigi and her two-year-old daughter.

Iran to pursue human rights cases against the US, will seize assets, judiciary chief announces

At the American Human Rights Week event, Ejei claimed that courts had already issued rulings against American officials “who have committed crimes against our people.”

IRAN'S JUDICIARY Chief Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei (C) attends a gathering at the Imam Khomeini Mosque (Mosalla) to commemorate those killed in former wars and also those killed during the latest US-Israel led war, in Tehran on May 24, 2026.

Paris mayor grants city honor to civilians of Gaza, West Bank

For more than 20 years, the City of Paris has awarded honorary citizenship to people who are “threatened, imprisoned, or prosecuted because they defend human rights and fundamental freedoms.”

The Mayor of Paris upon the granting of honorary citizenship to Palestinians, June 18, 2026.

Iran sentences singer Parastoo Ahmadi, eight others to lashings over performance without hijab

The artists will also face a two-year travel ban and a two-year restriction on all artistic activity after the Iranian judiciary found the nine artists had offended “public decency."

PORTRAIT IMAGE of Parastoo Ahmadi, Iranian folk and traditional singer.

UN warns Israeli settlers could join blacklist for violations against children

The report continues to blacklist Hamas’ armed wing and affiliated factions for killing and maiming children and for abductions, and attributes 2,806 violations to Palestinian armed groups.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks to delegates during a meeting on Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty at UN headquarters in New York City, US, April 27, 2026.

Taliban official kills Iranian-Kurdish mother and daughter after failed forced marriage attempt

Sara Yousefi and her mother, Chiman Hosseinzadeh, were said to have been killed by Mofti Mohammadollah, head of the Taliban’s Hajj and Endowments Department in Kohistanat district.

Afghan internally displaced children stand near temporary tents along a river due to the ongoing conflict between Pakistani forces and Taliban security personnel in the Marawara district of Kunar province on April 12, 2026.