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February 19, 2026
The disqualification of the Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych from the 2026 Winter Olympics shines a critical light on Rule 50 (2) of the Olympic Charter prohibiting political, racial, or religious “propaganda” at Olympic venues.
Ukraine’s Vladyslav Heraskevych wearing a helmet honoring Ukrainian athletes killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine during skeleton training at the 2026 Winter Olympics, Italy, February 9, 2026.
February 19, 2026
Six years ago, on February 19, 2020, a far-right extremist shot and killed nine and injured six people predominantly of Muslim background in Hanau, Germany. The attack was motivated by racism and Islamophobia.
Demonstrators mark the anniversary of a far-right extremist attack on February 19, 2020 in Hanau, Germany, that killed nine persons of predominantly Muslim background, February 17, 2024.
February 19, 2026
(Geneva, February 19, 2026) – On February 11, 2026, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot made comments criticizing the UN Human Rights Council-appointed special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, and calling for her resignation.
February 19, 2026
Ahead of the UN Human Rights Council’s (hereafter “HRC” or “Council”) 61st regular session (23 February – 31 March 2026), we, the undersigned non-governmental organisations, write to urge your delegation to support the development and adoption of a strong resolution on the human rights situation in South Sudan. The resolution should extend the mandate of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS). It should also make clear that the Council stands ready to respond to any further deterioration of the human rights situation in the country, including on the basis of expert analyses of risk factors for atrocity crimes.
February 19, 2026
Ayla, 21, Jomana, 18, and Ilya, 19, came to Sweden as children, though at different ages and under different circumstances. Today they face the same reality: all have been ordered to leave the country alone while their families remain.
Exterior of the Swedish Migration Agency's offices in Stockholm
February 18, 2026

Climate Change, Planned Relocation, and People with Disabilities in Siargao, Philippines

A new web feature looks at climate change, planned relocation, and people with disabilities in Siargao, Philippines.
Mirasol at home in the No Build Zone with her husband in Del Carmen, Siargao, Philippines, 2025.
February 18, 2026
Human Rights Watch submits this comment in opposition to the proposed rule issued by the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), RIN 0938-AV73; CMS-2451-P, Medicaid Program; Prohibition on Federal Medicaid Funding for Sex Trait Modification Procedures Furnished to Children and Youth, published on December 19, 2025.