rights

In a troubling development that raises serious humanitarian concerns, at least 37 Ethiopian men currently face the death penalty in Saudi Arabia for drug-related offenses. This alarming situation has been spotlighted in a joint statement released by a coalition of 31 civil society and human rights organizations. They have expressed trepidation over what they describe as an “imminent risk” of execution for countless foreign nationals within the Kingdom. On June 17, 2025, the organizations declared they are “gravely fearful…

Mogadishu (AX) – In a significant turn of events, the Somali Salvation Forum, a coalition of opposition political figures, has made its stance clear regarding the ongoing selection of members for the National Independent Human Rights Commission. Their strong condemnation highlights serious accusations of unlawful interference by the federal government. Such a bold assertion raises important questions about governance and the integrity of democratic processes. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Forum characterized the…

In the digital age, visuals can encapsulate stories that words sometimes struggle to convey. The poignant photo collage featuring activists Agather Atuhaire and Boniface Mwangi vividly highlights their brave stand against adversity. Yet, behind the smiles and determination, there lies a harrowing tale that continues to affect not just the individuals involved, but the broader fabric of civil rights in the region. Recently, a coalition of human rights organizations has taken on the monumental task of advocating for…

Mogadishu (AX) — The Wadajir Party, under the leadership of Abdirahman Abdishakur Warsame, is sounding the alarm regarding the current process for appointing members to Somalia's Independent Human Rights Commission. With a clear sense of urgency, the party has accused the Presidency of undue interference and is calling for an immediate halt to the proceedings. In a statement released on Monday, the Wadajir Party articulated profound concerns over what it termed a non-transparent and fundamentally flawed selection process.…

Somalia's Indispensable Moment: The Human Rights Commission Mogadishu – Emerging from decades of turmoil, Somalia finds itself at a pivotal juncture with the establishment of its Independent Human Rights Commission. This isn’t merely a formality; it represents a constitutional obligation—a profound test of the nation's ethical landscape and the moral duty of its leaders. Tasked by the Provisional Constitution, this commission aims not just to enhance governance but to actively safeguard the dignity of…

Human Rights Watch has urged the Malian government to initiate a thorough and impartial inquiry into the tragic deaths of 22 men detained on May 12. The organization maintains these individuals fell victim to what they describe as "apparent extrajudicial executions." Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene: the bodies were discovered with their throats cut, buried in two shallow graves. The men were apprehended during a military operation in a town situated along the Niger River, an area often characterized by its…

Garowe (AX) — In a recent high-level meeting held in Garowe, the United Nations took a significant step by urging the Northeastern State authorities to prioritize human rights protections amid ongoing security operations targeting the Islamic State-linked militant group in northeastern Somalia. This plea underscores the delicate balance between ensuring safety and maintaining the dignity of individual rights in a region grappling with ongoing turmoil. The gathering featured prominent figures, notably Northeastern State's…

The European Union finds itself at a significant crossroads in its relationship with the Sahel region. An urgent call for a transformative political strategy has been articulated in an open letter to the EU Vice President by Human Rights Watch. They assert that the "Integrated Strategy in the Sahel," which was introduced in April 2021, has unfortunately grown antiquated, especially in the wake of recent military coups in the central Sahel. Why, one might ask, does this matter? The Sahel, a vast stretch of land encompassing…

In a significant ruling, the Constitutional Court has deemed a crucial portion of the South African Citizenship Act unconstitutional. This particular clause, which automatically revokes citizenship from South Africans upon acquiring foreign nationality, has now been declared invalid. The court’s decision was unanimous, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s legal landscape. It struck down the offending section of the Citizenship Act, affirming its invalidity from its inception in October 1995. As a result, South…

Riot police officers have found themselves at the center of controversy, detaining protesters on the Aga Khan Walk in downtown Nairobi, Kenya. These demonstrators are raising alarm bells over an unsettling trend: the unexplained abductions of government critics. As these events unfolded on December 30, 2024, one can't help but ponder the implications of such actions on the very fabric of democracy. Adding urgency to the situation, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) is set to scrutinize Kenya’s human rights…