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Human rights

Human rights
Latest news, features and analysis on human rights, with a focus on civil liberties in Hong Kong, mainland China and Asia.
Iranian players warm up before the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 football match between Iran and the Philippines on the Gold Coast on Sunday. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Going home? Concern for Iran women’s football team rises in Australia

Players’ union FIFPRO said it had been unable to contact the players, who lost on Sunday in Queensland, to discuss possible asylum.

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United States

US activists, politicians rally on anniversary of civil rights march

Middle East

Demand for change in Turkey cannot be stopped, jailed Istanbul mayor says

Two Sessions 2026

Xinjiang official says region’s textile industry is growing despite US sanctions

Amid China’s annual ‘two sessions’, Wang Kuiran says region will boost legal support for businesses affected by US restrictions.

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A senior official in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region says he will fight external pressure on the textile industry, including from US sanctions, and boost legal support for affected companies. Photo: AFP
Iran

Video | Marine suffers broken arm protesting against US-Israel war on Iran

Marine veteran Brian McGinnis was forcibly removed from Congress after he interrupted a Senate Armed Services subcommittee hearing.

Nepal

Video | Nepal to choose new government following Gen Z protests

Nearly 19 million people have registered to vote, with 800,000 taking part for the first time.

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The Philippines

Allies of Philippines’ Duterte step up online attacks as drug war trial looms

The efforts have focused on undermining the ICC itself, targeting victims and witnesses and normalising mockery of the dead.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (centre) holds a Galil sniper rifle during the national police chief change of command ceremony inside Camp Crame in Quezon City in April 2018. Duterte is accused of overseeing a campaign of extrajudicial killings linked to his signature “war on drugs”. Photo: EPA-EFE
Nepal

‘This is our moment’: Nepal’s Gen Z voters hope for ‘turning point’ in election

While all the parties have pledged economic growth and job creation, thousands are leaving Nepal each day in search of a better life.

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United States

US Treasury to stop using Anthropic AI tech, including Claude platform

Anthropic had previously turned down the Pentagon’s demand that it agree to unconditional military use of its Claude models.

Iran

Video | US allies voice cautious support for Iran attacks

Some of the US’ traditional allies, including Canada and Britain, have voiced cautious support for the US military campaign against Iran.

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Myanmar

Myanmar convicts charged as ‘terrorists’ by junta freed in mass amnesty

Activists and armed groups fighting the junta have been labelled ‘terrorist’ outfits, and punished with life prison terms and possible death sentences.

Released prisoners look from a bus window outside Insein Prison in Yangon, Myanmar, on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
US, Israel war on Iran

What to know about Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

A US-Israeli military strike has ended the rule of the cleric who ordered the country’s bloodiest crackdown in decades.

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United Nations

UN rights chief slams violence against women, calls it ‘a global emergency’

Volker Turk highlights the segregation of women in Afghanistan and sex trafficking cases against US financier Jeffrey Epstein as examples.

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Myanmar

Why China’s Myanmar dilemma still persists, 5 years and 1 election later

Old concerns about stability and security linger as other big players vie for sway over Myanmar’s rare earth bounty and strategic location.

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Britain

Jersey votes to approve assisted dying as similar UK bill stalls in parliament

Opponents say disabled, elderly, ill and depressed people could be pressured to end their lives so they are not a burden on others.

Pro-assisted dying campaigners holding banners in London last year. Photo: AP
United States

Near-blind Rohingya refugee found dead after US officers release him out in cold

Buffalo Mayor Sean Rhyan blamed Shah Alam’s death on ‘unprofessional and inhumane’ decision making by federal immigration officials.

Japan

Cash-for-tips scheme in Japan sparks debate over migrant rights

Backers argue tougher measures are needed to curb unauthorised employment, but migrant advocates fear unintended social consequences.

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Malaysia

Malaysia blocks Grindr, Blued for promoting ‘deviant’ relationships

The move signals tightening social climate and civil liberties concerns in the country.

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Malaysia is reviewing laws to curb LGBTQ dating apps like Grindr. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippine Supreme Court ruling adds momentum to same-sex marriage debate

Advocates hailed the ruling as a breakthrough, though observers said its reach remains limited without congressional action.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Video | From drug tsar to ICC detainee: the rise and fall of Rodrigo Duterte

The former Philippine leader has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

The Philippines

Duterte was ‘pivotal’ in murder of thousands, ICC prosecutors say

He has long insisted he instructed police to kill only in self-defence and has always defended the drug crackdown.

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People protest in favour of the detention of former Philippines’ president Rodrigo Duterte outside the International Criminal Court where he will be questioned on charges of crimes against humanity, in The Hague on Monday. Photo: AFP
The Netherlands

New Dutch government under centrist Jetten takes power

Jetten pulled off a stunning election win in October to dethrone the far-right party led by firebrand politician Geert Wilders.

Ministers of the new three-party minority government pose with King Willem-Alexander (middle right, Prime Minster Rob Jetten (middle left) and Deputy Prime Minister Dilan Yesilgöz (front row right) on the steps of Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. Photo: AP
Protests around the world

30 people in Iran face death penalty after protests, Amnesty says

A death sentence has been passed in eight cases, while two minors are among the 22 other cases before the courts.

The Philippines

Families of Philippine drug war victims seek ICC justice as Duterte trial looms

A hearing that begins in The Hague on Monday will determine whether the ex-president will stand trial over at least 76 of those deaths.

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Turkey

6 Europeans activists held in Turkey while investigating prison conditions

Their arrest came on the same day that police detained a Turkish journalist working for Deutsche Welle for ‘spreading false news’.

A high-security prison is seen in the border city of Edirne, Turkey. Photo: Reuters
Scams and swindles

Water prisons, torture: UN urges crackdown on brutal Southeast Asia scam centres

The agency’s latest report documents torture, sexual abuse, forced abortions, food deprivation and solitary confinement in the centres.

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A Thai soldier keeps guard outside a closed scam centre in O’Smach, Cambodia, on February 2. Photo: AP
Americas and the Caribbean

Venezuela approves amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners

Landmark amnesty bill was signed by Venezuela’s interim president nearly seven weeks after the capture of Nicolas Maduro by the US.

Myanmar

Myanmar rebel leader Bo Nagar surrenders to junta amid resistance infighting

The Burma National Revolutionary Army leader’s surrender is a dramatic reminder of fractures within the armed resistance movement.

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