• Iran: Government Trampling Workers’ Rights
    Apr 30, 2013
    The Iranian government is increasingly violating workers’ rights to peaceful assembly and association. Dozens of labor and independent trade union activists are in prison for speaking out in defense of workers.Human Rights Watch called for the government to end the crackdown and free labor rights advocates in anticipation of International Workers’ Day on May 1, as part of a joint campaign by Iranian and international rights groups to highlight the plight of workers.
    Press release
  • Iraq: Investigate Deadly Raid on Protest
    Apr 24, 2013
    Iraqi authorities should ensure that a promised investigation into a deadly raid on April 23, 2013, in Haweeja, near Kirkuk, examines allegations that security forces used excessive and lethal force.
    Press release
  • Bahrain: No Progress on Reform
    Feb 28, 2013
    Bahrain’s rulers have made no progress on key reform promises, failing to release unjustly imprisoned activists or to hold accountable high-level officials responsible for torture, Human Rights Watch said today at a news conference in Manama.
    Press release
  • Egypt: Amend Draft Demonstrations Law
    Feb 25, 2013
    The government-proposed draft law in Egypt concerning public demonstrations would severely limit the right to peaceful public assembly and is open to abuse by police, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the president and the Justice Ministry.
    Press release
  • Zambia: Safety Gaps Threaten Copper Miners
    Feb 20, 2013
    Workers in the copper mining sector in Zambia remain vulnerable to abuse. New Human Rights Watch research found that the government of President Michael Sata, who promised to prioritize labor rights when he took office in September 2011, has made some improvements in supporting the oversight of the mines, but there remains inadequate enforcement of national labor laws designed to protect workers’ rights.
    Press release
  • Saudi Arabia: Free Ex-Judge Sentenced to 15 Years
    Feb 13, 2013
    Saudi authorities should immediately release and drop all charges against Sulaiman al-Rashoodi, a 76-year-old former judge and president of the Saudi Association of Civil and Political Rights (ACPRA). He is one of 16 people detained in 2007 and convicted in 2011 for peacefully trying to establish a human rights organization in Jeddah. Four others also have been sentenced to long prison terms.
    Press release
  • Saudi Arabia: Sweeping Injustices
    Jan 31, 2013
    Saudi Arabia arrested hundreds of peaceful protesters during 2012, and sentenced activists from across the country to prison for expressing critical political and religious views, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2013.
    Press release
  • Kuwait: Security Forces Attack Protesters
    Dec 27, 2012
    Kuwait security forces have on several occasions used what appears to be excessive force to disperse largely peaceful protesters at a series of demonstrations over participation in the country’s political process since October 2012. Some demonstrators have been wounded, and the security forces have arrested many more.
    Press release
  • Burma: Investigate Violent Crackdown on Mine Protesters
    Dec 1, 2012

    The government of Burma should promptly and impartially investigate alleged excessive force by local authorities against peaceful anti-copper mine protesters.

    Press release
  • Jordan: End Protester Trials in State Security Courts
    Nov 30, 2012
    Jordanian authorities should stop using state security courts to try civilians, including for participating in peaceful protests. Protests have intensified following an announcement by the government on November 14, 2012, that it would end fuel subsidies.
    Press release