Reports
The Persecution of Ahmed Mansoor
How the United Arab Emirates Silenced its Most Famous Human Rights Activist
The 30-page report, “The Persecution of Ahmed Mansoor: How the United Arab Emirates Silenced its Most Famous Human Rights Activist,” provides previously-unrevealed details of his closed trial on speech-related charges and his appeal hearing, showing grave violations of due process and fair trial guarantees. The organizations also documented the UAE State Security Agency’s culpability for Mansoor’s abhorrent detention conditions since his arrest in March 2017, including indefinite solitary confinement and denial of his basic rights as a prisoner.

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“On the Margins”
Education for Children with Disabilities in KazakhstanThis report shows that Kazakhstan’s education system segregates and isolates children with disabilities. Even for children who can access schools in their communities, most are taught in separate classrooms with other children with disabilities.
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“Everyone Must Confess”
Abuses against Children Suspected of ISIS Affiliation in IraqThis report shows that Iraqi and KRG authorities often arrest and prosecute children with any perceived connection to ISIS, use torture to coerce confessions, and sentence them to prison in hasty and unfair trials.
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Violent Cow Protection in India
Vigilante Groups Attack MinoritiesThis report describes the use of communal rhetoric by members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to spur a violent vigilante campaign against consumption of beef and those engaged in the cattle trade. Between May 2015 and December 2018, at least 44 people – including 36 Muslims – were killed in such attacks.
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“The Breath of the Government on My Back”
Attacks on Women’s Rights in PolandThis report documents how, since coming to power in 2015, the Law and Justice government has targeted women’s rights groups through raids and defunding, often with little warning and no clear rationale.
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“What Hell Feels Like”
Acid Violence in CambodiaThis report documents the use by private actors of nitric or sulfuric acid to inflict pain and permanently scar victims, and efforts by survivors to get justice and medical care.
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Dashed Hopes
The Criminalization of Peaceful Expression in MyanmarThis report documents the use of broad and vaguely worded laws against activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens by Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy-led government.
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“No Room to Bargain”
Unfair and Abusive Labor Practices in PakistanThis report documents a range of violations in Pakistan’s garment factories. They include a failure to pay minimum wages and pensions, suppression of independent labor unions, forced overtime, insufficient breaks, and disregarded regulations requiring paid maternity and medical leave.
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No Escape from Hell
EU Policies Contribute to Abuse of Migrants in LibyaThis report documents severe overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, malnutrition, and lack of adequate health care. Human Rights Watch found violent abuse by guards in four official detention centers in western Libya, including beatings and whippings.
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Unmet Needs
Improper Social Care Assessments for Older People in EnglandFor this report, Human Rights Watch spoke with older people and their relatives in 12 cities and towns across England. Some said that assessors appeared not to understand their disabilities and support needs.
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“They Just Want to Silence Us”
Abuses Against Environmental Activists at Kenya’s Coast RegionThis report describes the context for activism around The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor project (LAPSSET) and associated development projects, and documents the obstacles activists face in speaking out publicly about their concerns.
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Recycled Violence
Abuses by FARC Dissident Groups in Tumaco on Colombia’s Pacific CoastThis report shows how flaws in the demobilization of FARC guerrillas – and in their reincorporation into society – helped prompt the formation of these new dissident groups.
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No Support
Russia’s “Gay Propaganda” Law Imperils LGBT YouthThis report documents how Russia’s “gay propaganda” law is having a deeply damaging effect on LGBT children.
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The Coal Mine Next Door
How the US Government’s Deregulation of Mountaintop Removal Threatens Public HealthThis report finds that Congress failed to mitigate health risks associated with this form of mining when it voted to roll back a modest regulation to protect streams from mining pollution.