Hong Kong Government Seeks to Ban “Glory to Hong Kong” The Hong Kong government is seeking a court order to ban people from singing, broadcasting, or distributing the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.” This move has drawn criticism from Amnesty International, with the Head of its China Team, Sarah […]
Author: Samantha Chen
Hi, I'm Samantha Chen, a journalist who is passionate about human rights and social justice. I believe in the power of journalism to shine a light on the injustices in our society and inspire positive change.
Sinjar Reconstruction Stymied by Political Fights in Iraq
Political Dispute Hinders Reconstruction in Sinjar, Iraq Human Rights Watch reported that the reconstruction of the Sinjar district in northern Iraq, which suffered significant damage due to the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), has been delayed by the political dispute over the administration of the territory. Prime Minister Mohammed […]
Renewing Commitment to Universal Housing in Kenya: Reflections on the Habitat Assembly
Amnesty International Calls for Renewed Commitment to Universal Housing Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, conflicts, economic uncertainty, and climate change, the United Nations Habitat Assembly is set to take place in Nairobi, Kenya from June 5-9, 2023. The assembly focuses on issues of sustainable urban development, with housing taking center […]
The Implications of Saudi Arabia’s Execution of Two Shi’a Bahrainis
Saudi Arabia Executes Two Shi’a Bahrainis on Terrorism Charges Saudi Arabia has executed two Shi’a men from Bahrain following a “grossly unfair trial” on terrorism-related charges, according to Amnesty International. Jaafar Sultan and Sadeq Thamer were arrested in May 2015 and held incommunicado for more than three months. The charges […]
The Urgency of UN Security Council Action in Sudan
Sudan Crisis: UN Security Council Must Take Concrete Action The United Nations Security Council has been called upon to take stronger steps to address the deteriorating human rights and humanitarian situation in Sudan. Human Rights Watch has urged all council members, including the three African members, to support stronger human […]
“UAE’s Human Rights Record Threatens Success of Upcoming Climate Meeting: Call for Urgent Reforms”
Amnesty International Urges Action on Human Rights in UAE Ahead of Climate Conference Amnesty International has called on states participating in the climate meeting in Bonn, which will set the agenda for the COP28 in Dubai later this year, to push the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to improve its human […]
The Importance of China Acknowledging the Tiananmen Square Massacre
China Commemorations Barred 34 Years After Bloody Crackdown In what has become an annual occurrence, Chinese authorities have once again prevented citizens from holding commemorations for the Tiananmen Square Massacre, which took place on June 4, 1989. Human Rights Watch has spoken out against the Chinese government’s attempts to erase […]
Why Pakistan Must Keep Civilians Out of Military Jurisdiction
Human Rights Watch Urges Pakistan to Uphold Fair Trial Rights and Avoid Military Courts for Civilians The Human Rights Watch organization has called on the Pakistani government to immediately transfer civilians who are set to be tried in military courts to the civilian justice system. Trying civilians in military courts […]
The Implications of Uganda’s Anti-LGBT Law for Human Rights in Africa
Uganda’s President Signs Repressive Anti-LGBT Law: Violating Fundamental Rights On May 30, 2023, Uganda‘s President Yoweri Museveni signed the Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2023 into law, criminalizing same-sex conduct, including the death penalty for those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality”. This new law violates multiple fundamental rights guaranteed under Uganda‘s constitution and […]
Yemen’s humanitarian crisis deepens as Houthis continue forced disappearance of Baha’is
Armed Houthi forces stormed a private residence in Sanaa, Yemen, where Yemeni Bahá’ís were meeting, and detained and subsequently disappeared 17 people, Human Rights Watch said on May 25, 2023. The Bahá’ís, a minority in Yemen, have faced ongoing persecution by the Houthis, the de facto authorities in Sana’a and […]