What They're Saying

I was born in Pakistan and have never been to Afghanistan.

This is another milestone in our efforts to expand access to excellent quality Tibetan language content for young learners.

In the past two weeks, I’ve got more phone calls than I have in the past 15 years or longer, because people are getting arrested.

While the economy is recovering, many Sri Lankans are still struggling... the poverty rate remained alarmingly high at 24.5 percent in 2024.

Seeing him call for the abolition of nuclear weapons made me feel deeply that he was on our side. I'm at a loss for words.

They can suppress, they can ban, they can force. But you can never change people’s heart.

We are concerned that Laos may face a shortage of skilled workers, especially as some business operators refuse to pay the increased minimum wage ...

Live as your true self, and don't let others define you.

In schools, students are overcrowded — fighting for slots, for teachers — all while extreme heat is worsening ...

Any harm to individuals or property is strictly prohibited under Sharia law.

Around the world, Tibetans are fearing the worst: that Tulku Hungkar Dorje was abducted, tortured, and killed by Chinese agents for his efforts to preserve Tibetan culture, language, and religion.

Local political elites have their own kingdoms, armed groups and... patronage networks.

There is no hiding that deforestation is taking place, and some of it is legally admissible.

I realized that after the waters began rising, I needed to plant mangrove trees so that they could spread and protect the house, from the wind and the waves.

Such incidents of alleged harassment in settling final bills are not untold stories but are frequently suffered by patients.

The junta air force has been bombing all morning. The airstrikes haven’t stopped, even though the ground fighting has ended. We’re trapped. There’s no way out.

They are now coming for international students who provide critical perspectives and contributions to our academic communities.

We have a responsibility to do more to support those who remain in Hong Kong and continue their vital efforts.

The case might be decided in a day or one year. Deliberately a difficult path has been established with the aim to delay justice.

Many ancestral lands are being claimed as national forests ... These overlapping designations become convenient entry points for large-scale mining and infrastructure projects.

Most Chinese teenagers don’t have a lot of private space for themselves at home or at school so [the] internet is the only option ...

I just had a class and a girl who was maybe 19 years old said she was doomed. She said that the only thing she was going to do would be to get a job, work long hours ... and that there was nothing to look forward to.

I thought at first everyone should have equal rights.

To ensure Nepal continues to stay on track to meet the [Sustainable Development Goals] target on [Maternal Mortality Rate], we must prioritize women’s and newborns’ health and well-being and invest accordingly.

Stricter U.S. immigration policies could reduce labor mobility for Filipinos, affecting remittance growth.

I believe people in Hong Kong after experiencing democracy, open political system and the rule of law, they won't forget and give it up.

I long for freedom crazily and feel excruciating darkness of interminable uncertainty for release.

Reconciliation is possible if justice for the victims is upheld ... not if someone who is responsible for crimes against humanity is glorified as a hero.

[T]he Governor must act with due deference to the settled conventions of parliamentary democracy; respecting the will of the people being expressed through the legislature ...

We are seeing a rise in digital threats designed to silence, monitor, and intimidate communities across borders...

Ultimately, Duterte’s case is more than one leader on trial—it’s a test of whether the Philippines can rebuild democratic institutions to stop power from enabling abuse.

Bread costs so much. I try to make a meal out of a couple of buns, but they don’t fill me up. And the price of fruit here is unbelievable compared with back home.

This gap in policy design shows a disconnect between the government’s EV transition goals and the needs of the majority of its EV users.

The baseless prosecution of Paul Chambers poses a serious threat to academic freedom and free speech in Thailand.

(This raises) serious concerns about cross-border security cooperation, transnational repression, and human rights violations that demand immediate and thorough investigation, as well as accountability from both Vietnamese and Chinese authorities.

They’re paying the price just like us, maybe even more, and through no fault of their own.

We strongly support the recent call by the Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, to remove the prime minister's role in the appointment of judges.

People forcibly moved to Pochon county from Samjiyon’s Potae Workers’ District (now Potae neighborhood) during the Samjiyon beautification project three years ago still struggle to adjust to their new homes.

For Afghans, who had to leave their country with great suffering after the great flight from Kabul in August 2021, and who are waiting to be resettled after having been forgotten by the international community, it is at last a sign of hope.

At this time of year we struggle; we receive 300 to 400 cases a day, and we can’t send children home to recover because the indoor air quality in the gers can be very poor.

Most of our land is left fallow due to inadequate water. We are facing acute water shortage.

This is negative to the global and Asia economy, especially those small open economies, both in the short term and long-term.

Our tests also found lead and arsenic levels far above safety thresholds.

In recent times those who don't smoke are also falling victim to ashtma and other chronic respiratory diseases.

I felt as if our own country had forgotten us.

When people take to the streets to demand monarchy reforms, they face the risk of political prosecution. Now, when academics write or discuss about those issues in academic settings, it seems they also face the same risk of political prosecution.

By declaring martial law in breach of the constitution and other laws, the defendant brought back the history of abusing state emergency decrees...

The Afghan detainees in Iran do not have access to legal aid, including defense lawyers.

The Waqf Bill tells every Indian Muslim: ‘You are not an equal citizen of India, know your place, your rights are not the same as ours.’

Market prices have jumped at least twofold and, in some cases, more than fivefold. Now, instead of carrying a money pouch to the market, people literally have to bring a backpack full of cash.

The [Archdiocese of Ende's] rejection of the geothermal development project stems from concerns related to the context of the archdiocese [including] mountainous and hilly areas, which leave limited land for settlements and agriculture.

He faced accusations of establishing a private school and advocating for Tibetan rights.

Rain is incoming and there are still so many buried.

The [Penang] chief minister's assertion that the project poses no threat to the sanctuary is not supported by scientific evidence.

I came back [to Cambodia] because my leg is in pain and I have no money ...I borrowed money to go to Thailand, borrowed again to cover hospital expenses and one more time when I returned.

When I heard that VOA and RFA’s Tibetan services had gone silent, it felt like losing a part of my childhood, like watching a distant star fade from the sky.

Already a third of the population requires humanitarian assistance. That number is inevitably going to rise.

If I take a bus, I have to pay double the fare. It's hard to find a seat on buses as they are overcrowded ... That's why I am going to Sirajganj by truck. The cost is much lower.

He sought peace, not retaliation. I believe our mission is to spread his message of ending this war, which he entrusted to us.

[I]n light of the hardship and suffering of the past 47 or 48 years, and given his current situation, I think it shows that the state has made mistakes that cannot be atoned for with 200 million yen.

Through the disinformation, they are trying to convince the victims that Duterte will eventually be set free and that’s scary for them. They put their hopes on this case only to be told that it will not prosper.

Japan has economically prospered as people in older generations worked extremely hard after the war’s end ... I am hoping to convey a sense of unity shared by Japanese society from that time to my fellow folks in Ukraine.

As soon as the clock strikes 12 at night, the army patrol begins. It's not just the patrol; they close all the shops by force.

China’s ... strategy is to supplant the U.S. leadership role in the international order ... and they’ve long said ... that they intend to do that by 2050.

I am afraid that when the water rises, our houses would collapse and we would become homeless. If they destroy people’s land, where do we live?

Our home was bulldozed simply because we are Dalits, and the removal of our land’s topsoil proves they consider us ‘untouchables’.

In the end, this is being used to control shock troop members who want to leave their post.

The Working Group found that the men’s detention is arbitrary in four different ways, any one of which would make their imprisonment illegal under international human rights law.

The government’s rush to adopt these amendments undercuts its expressed commitment to human rights and accountability.

My life is still being ruined by Aum and its successor groups. We need to carry on and not let the memories fade.

I have met many Chinese journalists and editors over the past 20 years who remembered listening to VOA on their shortwaves in the 1980s … It was a liberalising force.

Pakistani officials should immediately stop coercing Afghans to return home and give those facing expulsion the opportunity to seek protection.

The consequences will be measured in lives lost.

With families forced to supply even basic gym equipment, any real improvement in educational conditions is impossible without genuine government funding.

He risked his life to expose (the migrant syndicates); this was a national service.

It is never easy for individuals to go up against large, well-resourced, and influential corporations like Bumble Bee, but these men are.

This violent suppression of peaceful protestors demanding accountability for sexual violence underscores Bangladesh’s deeply entrenched culture of impunity and repression against civic activism.

The loss of trust of Myanmar civil society is a critical issue for the special envoy’s position since her mandate involves engagement with civil society...

He had gone out of contact several times before, but this time, the news of his death came instead.

Last summer, they said prices would stabilize with the new rice, but they didn't drop. I have no expectations.

Human rights have no borders, as it is a universal value, and today’s Tibet could be the future of Taiwan.

Lawyers and journalists must be allowed to go inside Haji Camp Islamabad to provide legal counsel and to document living conditions for those detained there.

At a time when international law is being undermined ... in so many places, Duterte's arrest ... send a positive signal that ... international human rights protection still count for something.

We have these laws that protect women, but what we need now is its full implementation.

I feel like test-takers are the innocent bystanders getting hurt in a fight. This is unfair.

Despite constituting only 17 percent of the Parliament’s current membership ... women legislators contributed nearly half (49 percent) of the parliamentary agenda – a historic high since 2015-16.

These people are stateless, ill-fated and should not be suffering due to the funding crunch.

Of course I disagree. Totally rubbish.

The process of force-feeding and the deprivation of adequate medical care constitute cruel and inhumane treatment in violation of the Convention against Torture, which China ratified a long time ago.

Do not penalize the southern states that took responsible measures to control population growth.

Too long have diaspora communities, including Hong Kongers around the world, been victimized by the Chinese Communist Party’s tactics of transnational repression ...

We’ve started to see some groups of Thai people ... [who] have strong messages about migrant workers – direct attacks on migrant workers.

The things which you wish to abolish you must monitor and measure. Otherwise you risk equating censorship with abolishing.

Whilst acknowledging that (their condition) is not a free-to-go pass, they deserve justice as well.

Sixty countries experienced deterioration in their political rights and civil liberties, and only 34 secured improvements ... Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka ... recorded the largest gains.

I’m not living in luxury to begin with. I cannot save any more.

NUJM [National Union of Journalists Malaysia] hopes that any investigation by the MACC [Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission] will bring justice to all parties and is not intended to in any way restrict freedom of expression in the country.

We need to make health care more equitable because currently it's centered in cities and metros, beyond the reach of the common person.

I see the reason as very simple. It’s because of my critique of China’s systematic erasure of Uyghur language and culture and questioning the Chinese representatives about the Uyghur language ban in education.

Let us pray for a ceasefire on all war fronts, in Ukraine, the Holy Land, in all the Middle East and the entire world, at Christmas...May the weapons be silenced and Christmas carols resound!

The people of India view with increasing alarm and concern the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh. The worst brunt of the chaotic situation prevailing in Bangladesh is being borne by the 15 million strong minority communities.

The elimination of plastic straws played a major role in raising consumer awareness. However, more comprehensive measures are necessary.

It has been over 10 years, and it would be unfair to expect a concrete commitment. However, under the terms and conditions, any discovery must be credible.

It is an issue that Japan should tackle as a whole.

The primary yearlong air pollutant is automobile exhausts, and we know this because the petrol available in Pakistan is some of the dirtiest in the world.

The judicial and police ecosystem is not humane to men. It does not recognise men’s vulnerabilities.

They rejoice when it rains because there is no water connection. Also, they have no proper comfort rooms. Imagine, they endured that in 7 years.

Democracy in Indonesia is a project that is not yet completely done.

Democracies around the world are increasingly under attack from autocratic forces seeking to rule by fiat. The events that unfolded in South Korea...show that checks and balances in a democratic system are crucial to help stop abuses of power.

I think Japan has to change... We are proud (in Japan) of our backgrounds. But I think flexibility and having people from overseas would be very critical for Japan.

The hearings have really been a watershed moment for human rights, climate justice and accountability, even before a decision is out.

Women appear to be voting more than men, and they are voting as a bloc. They have become a bigger issue in Indian politics than religion and caste.

I want to use less plastic so if I have the choice, I opt for the simplest packaging to reduce waste.

They destroyed everything – everything I had worked for. It was as if we were nothing – our lives didn’t matter.

In the past, protest songs focused on the lyrics and the message within them. However, even if K-pop’s lyrics are unrelated to a protest’s cause, the music serves as a powerful tool to unite participants and heighten the atmosphere.

I am infinitely saddened and angered that the nuclear taboo threatens to be broken.

The killing of senior environmental journalist Chhoeung Chheung cannot be met with indifference from authorities. Now more than ever, environmental journalists play a crucial role in fighting against the devastation facing our planet...

Our clients are losing their land, livelihoods, and even lives to these predatory microfinance lenders – they desperately need relief, and the international investors who continue to profit from these predatory loans need to start providing it.

Some people lost their whole family in Hiroshima or Nagasaki, and even though they stayed with relatives, they were stripped of what they used to own and were bullied.

Like Islam, Hinduism is also a religion that promotes secularism, love and compassion. So, let's not deliberately distort it.

Giving birth is not the issue; the issue is raising the child and having to deal with education pressures.

With the impeachment vote set for tomorrow, the hours leading up to it are extremely precarious.

I was shattered when it came into my knowledge. // It was very difficult. I was depressed. My daughter, she hugged me and said: ‘Mama, you have to fight it out’.

The European Union expresses its strong concerns over this decision and its far-reaching implication, including the deepening of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the exacerbation of the suffering of its people.

States have obligations ... to act with due diligence, to prevent significant harm to the environment, to prevent, to reduce the emissions and provide support to countries like mine to protect the human rights of present and future generations.

The growing number of young people taking a break threatens to undermine the future labor supply, underscoring the need for targeted policy measures to reintegrate them into the labor market.

Ruth Pollard, Journalist working on South and South East Asia, Bloomberg, In an opinion piece on the political feud between President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, who are both members of influential political dynasties

The existential challenges of climate change, artificial intelligence and falling fertility rates — and their disparate effects — demand attention to rural wellbeing in India and a smoother path to development in the coming decades.

What is supposed to be an effort to protect public health has instead led to a legacy of violence, disease, massive incarceration, suffering, and abuse.

The decision to stop the use of polythene bags is the right step. But it would be tough to stop it without giving the people effective alternatives, no matter how much pressure is exerted.

They are working under the severe pressure of censorship and restrictions.

The day after the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, RSF condemns the violent cyberharassment of Rana Ayyub. The Indian journalist has become a symbol of online attacks on the independent press and women journalists.

These laws threaten to turn the country into a surveillance state, where privacy is eroded, and expression is stifled under the guise of online safety, security and public order.

(Our efforts) should not end up with 'congratulations' for the award, which also signifies alarm over heightening threats posed by nuclear weapons.

This conference is about far more than drafting an international treaty. It is about humanity rising to meet an existential challenge.

This situation is not just about bureaucratic failure or political incompetence. It is about the lives of people — mostly young Sri Lankans — who have been promised a future that was, in reality, built on lies.

The issuance of these writs by the Supreme Court marks a crucial step in the legal battle to uncover the truth, secure justice, and ultimately surface (Dexter) Capuyan and (Gene Roz) De Jesus.

We will never give up.

They know that Myanmar’s behaviour was not in keeping with (ASEAN) leaders’ decision that Myanmar shouldn’t obstruct ASEAN's progress and desire to move forward.

My father is a strong person, but the Hong Kong government has spent four years trying to break him. I don’t think they can break his spirit but with his treatment they are in the process of breaking his body.

Online gambling is a social disaster, a disease that damages the community's welfare.

Japan must not cooperate with China's genocidal regime, which continues its ongoing Uyghur Genocide in occupied East Turkistan. Cooperation with China betrays humanity and justice, as well as Japan's own security.

Mary Jane (Veloso) and her family have been fighting to hold her traffickers accountable in court for the last nine years and they deserve full justice.

Anti-Ainu discrimination violates the law.

Until you get rid of polio completely, it will resurge and come back, and this is what we are seeing now in Pakistan [where] nearly half of the districts are infected, and in Afghanistan, a third of the provinces are infected.

From the devastation of 'Yolanda' to 'Odette' and now 'Kristine', the country is an alarming reminder for developed countries to adhere to their historical responsibility and provide higher climate finance.

It is incredibly difficult, especially for families with children. Schools have been shut now for weeks, and what was traditionally one of the better seasons in Lahore has become the worst time to live in the city.

The result of all these tactics is self-censorship, and Tibetans not contacting their families abroad.

At last, our voices are heard, though it is quite late. But I believe justice will be done.

The Journalists Association reaffirms its position of fully safeguarding journalists’ reporting rights and independent space.

Where anti-terror legislation can be manipulated to target journalists, activists, unionists, or other human rights defenders, democracy remains under threat.

The judgement condemning unlawful demolitions as ‘unacceptable’ from the Supreme Court of India is a late but welcome move in upholding the rights of the people.

It’s another SOS for the planet… every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks.

The situation in Burma continues to deteriorate as the military junta loses control while ethnic armed organizations are consolidating territory and establishing parallel government structures. These escalating conflicts negatively affect conditions for freedom of religion or belief.

Caregivers often don’t identify themselves as a caregiver but as a child or spouse. Yet the burden (of caregiving) is on them and they also need support.

We must be cautious. Though the autocrats are gone, ill forces are still active. We cannot afford for the interim government to fail.

Without combating climate change at a meaningful scale, today’s challenges will only worsen tomorrow.

Filipino journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who reported on abuses committed by the military, is obviously targeted by a strategy that seeks to deter all Filipino journalists from investigating taboo topics.

The only way to increase our recycling rates is by increasing segregation at (the) source so that material can be collected in a segregated manner and can reach the right processing facility, rather than reaching our landfills and oceans.

Farmers need a comprehensive system that shares details about accidents and lessons for operators.

By systematically destroying symbols of faith and turning entire villages into ashes, the junta is erasing the security and dignity of communities.

[The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan] recognizes the urgent need to address the country’s deteriorating security and law and order. Preventive detention is not, however, the solution as such powers are liable to be abused.

The floods have destroyed hundreds of acres of agricultural land and our homes. I ask the government to help us.

There are various and complex factors behind suicides, but it is believed that the high prices have impacted their numbers.

Justice has eluded many victims as the Philippine government encouraged a regime of impunity for close to two decades now.

There is absolutely no free and safe environment for journalists to work in and we are currently witnessing the bloodiest period in the history of journalism due to the conflict in Gaza and neighbouring countries

Tens of thousands of people have been abandoned by the Sindh government and the international community after being devastated again by major floods.

Year on year, the deaths directly associated with climate change are increasing.

I urge all regional organisations with vague and overbroad definitions and offences of terrorism and violent extremism to review and amend them. Such laws infringe the principle of legal certainty....

We are not prepared to adapt to these changes, and it is costing us our livelihoods.

This decision marks a critical step towards marriage equality in Japan and offers renewed hope to same-sex couples across the country.

They closed the gates without consulting us. People on both sides will suffer from these disruptions.

An anxious government ... rushed through changes to the Constitution in the name of ‘parliamentary supremacy’... [eroding] the independence of the judiciary and made it subservient to the executive. The constitutional principle of the separation of powers was seriously undermined.

Current national climate plans fall miles short of what's needed to stop global heating from crippling every economy and wrecking billions of lives and livelihoods across every country.

There’s a need to address cyberbullying at its roots by implementing educational programmes in schools and sports arenas.... We hope the legal changes will be passed in the current parliamentary session.

The government spends over 2 trillion won each year to create a million jobs for senior citizens, many of which are insignificant part-time jobs made for the sake of creating jobs

(We) will not yield an inch of ground in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu to firmly defend our homeland.

The sharp rise in operational costs could push struggling SMEs into insolvency, leading to business closures and job losses.

The Japanese government is ... monitoring the deployment of soldiers by North Korea to Russia with serious concern, including the possibility that they may join in Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

The biggest drawback of having a low number of female legislators is that it doesn't change the traditional perceptions, such as that women are not suited to politics

The persecution of Dang Thi Hue is a stark reminder of the risks faced by those in Vietnam who dare to speak out and challenge the government’s authoritarian rule.

All combatants in Myanmar’s civil war have a responsibility to protect, and not target, journalists.

Sheikh Hasina and others with command responsibility should be investigated, tried, and, if found responsible, held accountable for the widespread abuses committed during the protests in July and August.

How can there be talks? You kill our innocent people and then you call for talks. First, stop the killings.

Elimination of trachoma as a public health problem in Việt Nam is a monumental achievement for the country... This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Việt Nam’s health workers, including many working at community level.

Belanjawan 2025 (2025 Budget) is definitely a step in the right direction. But to truly unlock the potential of Malaysia’s youth... We need to address the deeper issues of political engagement, financial literacy, and giving youth a real voice in local and national governance.

The majority of doctoral students in Japan are not receiving financial support. This should be addressed swiftly, such as by providing adequate and comprehensive economic treatment.

Conflicts have intensified and multiplied in recent years, reaching new highs in casualties, displacing record millions of people, and causing widespread disruption to lives and livelihoods

[I]f we strike down the exception … will we be creating a new offence? Does the court have the power independently to test the validity of the exception?

[In Japan], political parties are male-oriented and not open-minded, so it's difficult to find female candidates.

Red-tagging intensified under the administration of President Marcos Jr ... despite his administration’s attempts to present itself as more respectful of human rights.

Pakistan’s review [by the U.N. Human Rights Committee] comes at a crucial time for the country, as human rights violations and abuses remain rampant.

The initial lay-offs have begun, and while severance pay is based on years of service, it is not being disbursed in one lump sum.

Any drills without prior warning will cause great disturbance to peace and stability in the entire region.

Journalists in Afghanistan continue to face arbitrary and opaque arrests amid an ever shrinking legal environment.

None of the workers can make a living. Some can't afford a meal, and others can't pay their rent and are being evicted.

What colonel Garma said tied (the two elements of the crimes against humanity). He (Duterte) did not just order the killings, he ordered the initiation (of the drug war) ... Secondly, he funded it.

We desperately need a workplace culture where people can use childcare leave without worrying about what others think, and support for self-employed people who do not have childcare leave and cannot take time off from work,

(I)t's not just the forced labor. [In] this region are ongoing crimes against humanity, and [Skechers’] decision is to open a shop and make money. That's very distasteful.

Despite the heavy presence of military and civilian armed forces, law and order has deteriorated to the point that Kurram's residents live in a constant climate of fear.

After the pandemic, parents felt the need to help students … but instead they were [focused on] boosting [pupil’s] academic results. It is common that parents value results, but I would say it creates a toxic environment.

Now all the women in Byine Phyu [village in Rakhine State's Sittwe Township in Myanmar] are crying. We don’t know if we will ever see our loved ones again, dead or alive

Unfortunately, there has been no political progress, and in fact, the fighting in Myanmar has worsened. We have to be realistic about what ASEAN can do and, at the same time, patient and steadfast in pursuing efforts towards peaceful resolution.

I never thought I would be treated this way just for not wearing a scarf, that too while sitting in my own car. I felt like the spit had landed directly on my face

If my son is alive, whenever Israel can get the hostages released, I want (him) to come home quickly to (his) hometown

It is a human rights abuse that should not be allowed in democracies. Joining hands with a dictatorship is against international law.

Oct. 1 is the day when the Chinese communists invaded our homeland East Turkestan. While they celebrate this as a national holiday ... [f]or Uyghurs, it is a day of mourning.

The arrest of Dara is a clear attempt to intimidate and silence him and other journalists in a country where press freedoms are routinely curtailed.

Many Asian countries glorify overwork, leading to unrealistic expectations – often at the cost of an employee’s mental and physical health.

He couldn’t find a job and unable to bear the loss, he took the extreme step.

Women have suffered enough and now that they have these environments that let them speak out, they are finally coming out of the shadows.

We will use reparations and reconciliation to heal the wounds and scars of the conflict period.

My concern is that sea sand mining could cause damage [to the marine ecosystem]. If the sea is destroyed, where else can we get fish? Fishermen here cannot carry out activities other than fishing.

Picking ears of corn used to be no big deal. In fact, it was common to see groups of people going into cornfields after the harvest to pick up ears that the harvesters had missed.

The [hospital] committees that do exist often include the same doctors who harass us, or their friends. So why would anyone file a complaint and make their life even more difficult?

In addition to the criminalization of speech, the authorities are also targeting foreign funding of academic research, so they haven't emptied the glass yet.

I’ve heard another commission has been formed yet again for the rehabilitation of the displaced families. Our plight hasn’t changed a bit, despite the formation of several commissions and committees.

Imposing a death sentence, or even a period of detention, on the basis of proceedings that do not satisfy the basic requirements of a fair trial may constitute one or more crimes against humanity or war crimes.

The rice prices are so high that people are buying only what they need in smaller quantities.

This is heavy rain in the region that suffered massive damage by the Noto Peninsula earthquake. There must be many people who are very worried.

We broke the tourism paradigm that only able-bodied people can do this job.

When will Taiwan finally abolish the death penalty? The road ahead will be even more difficult.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is going down the same destructive path of perpetrating despicable human rights violations, especially extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and indiscriminate bombings and food and economic blockades in rural communities.

This pattern of violence in cases of blasphemy, in which law enforcement personnel are allegedly involved, is an alarming trend.

The military council is deliberately preventing rescue teams from reaching flood-prone areas. They don’t see these residents as citizens but as rebels.

(T)he government upholds the principle of treating same-sex marriage and heterosexual marriage equally.

The deep cultural significance of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the family domain could help to catalyze LGBTQ+ inclusion in Thailand across other key aspects of life.

With [the impact of] climate change, many small farmers can no longer afford to keep livestock.

If you can come early, you will get your quota early. If you are late, you might end up with nothing … and have to start all over again the next day.

We can work together with people who are like us Tibetans — oppressed by the current communist regime of the PRC — be it the Uyghurs, the Taiwanese or Hong Kongers.

[T]he fact that 11 journalists, including a YouTuber, were killed this year so far ... has a chilling effect on independent media.

Even after the oil pollution is cleaned up ... the people of the Philippines will be dealing with the impacts of this devastation long after the headlines fade.

Are you asking me, when I’m 60, to compete with young people for jobs?

Today in India the misconceptions against Muslims and Christians abound and form the base of violence. The misconceptions are becoming stronger ... and have become a part of ‘social common sense’.

Human smuggling via Kanchanaburi province has doubled since the Myanmar junta staged the coup, and the conscription law announced this year fanned the flames yet again.

[I do this] for freedom, in the sincere hope that the next time we meet, we can meet again in a free and democratic Hong Kong.

If they (Samsung) had given us a living wage and treated us with respect, we wouldn't have thought of joining a union.

Every ethnic group has its own local knowledge (that can be tapped upon). This is key to preventing food insecurity.

The parents of the 5-year-old who died were too busy making a living to properly check on their child’s health.

We’re dealing not only with rotating machinery but with environmental problems like dust, hot steam and working at heights, which often causes accidents. Production is prioritized over safety.

These measures are not just an alarming sign about the continuing loss of Hong Kong's autonomy, but also a clear violation of international human rights standards.

We, as a [LGBTQIA+] community, are pleased with the government’s temporary registration process. Yet it falls short of offering full marriage rights...

The lives of those families are uncertain at the moment, they don’t know where to go as they are still there waiting for compensation.

I am happy for myself. I am safe. I have freedom. I am free. But at the same time, my friends in Afghanistan can’t do anything.

I have been trying to apply for factory work again but they told me I’m too old. Everyone is looking for youths who are fresh out of high school who they can pay for cheap.

If you'd told me ten years ago that it would be possible to be out and in Indian politics, I would have scoffed in disbelief.

The government and [Yang's] family reject this ruling. The government expresses its strong condemnation and demands that the verdict and the evidence on which it was based be made public.

[W]omen are ignored everywhere, as second-class beings, and if we are not even ethnic Afghans, then we go down to the third level and even lower.

[W]e also want to observe what a democratic country with rule of law is like. We’re studying Japan. How does its economy work, its government work?

Few victims speak out against agents due to community ties and their influential power.

While we acknowledged the possibility of negative feedback, we were more focused on the positive impact that this decision could have on the trans community and is in line with the Miss Universe directive to ensure a pageant that is diverse and prioritizes inclusivity.

I think she has been very persistent with her own ... her own stance. I hope she can continue ... to stay very strong.

I don’t think he has the liberty to say that he doesn’t understand [the issue of same-sex marriage] or have much knowledge on an issue because he is not an ordinary citizen. He is the country’s prime minister!

If we have indeed entered ‘garbage time’, then I think young people could accumulate skills or do something creative, such as selling things via social media or making handicrafts.

[T]here is a tendency to normalize and see bullying as being natural because of the high amounts of pressure and demands of specialized medical education … but this shouldn’t be normalized or tolerated.

I was very happy when the report was out. But now I feel like, yes, you released a report, but so what? My life has not gotten any better. On the contrary, it's been worse.

So many families are suffering because the heads of their families have disappeared. Let us lend not only our voices but our hearts and souls to them so they would have the courage.

There has not been a single meeting to decide cases since the start of the current fiscal year. Not all commissioners are interested in studying cases because it is a tedious process. They prefer other tasks.

On rainy days, locals will say, ‘We have a lot of tap water in our house today. But when they say ‘tap water,’ they’re referring to rainwater that fell from the sky.

[A]ny line of questioning which invites the implication that the victim had encouraged unwanted attention because she was dressed provocatively must be rejected.

Where should we go if we left? Our lives are here.

There are a lot of sensitive issues in China, including the image of the country and its leaders, which they don't want brought up. For example, the Tiananmen massacre, Winnie the Pooh, and even egg fried rice.

These types of extreme court rulings aim to instill fear among all reporters and will have a chilling effect across Myanmar’s independent media.

[The morality law] extends the already intolerable restrictions on the rights of Afghan women and girls, with even the sound of a female voice outside the home apparently deemed a moral violation.

[E]veryone should have and deserve a free, equal and inclusive society, and a democratic system that effectively safeguards human rights, the rule of law and justice.

The big companies have come here and built the windmills, but they're useless to us.

The detention of my brother is an abuse of his human rights and a breach of Cambodia’s constitution.

The national security law and Article 23 have created an atmosphere of uncertainty and self-censorship among many reporters and media companies.

The committee highlighted reports of harassment, forced evictions and the detention of 28,500 Afghans from September to December 2023, which have driven many to return to Afghanistan out of fear.

Even though times have changed, many LGBTQIA+ members still face abandonment from their families. Many still don’t have their families at their funerals.

The accident occurred as the company pushed ahead without taking measures despite problems in various steps in the production process.

The poverty levels are on a scale I’ve never seen in any other country, and I’ve travelled a lot. It’s really sad that this country is where it is today and that nobody really cares about what’s happening to it.

Hanoi has imprisoned six leaders of the climate movement and has effectively criminalized energy policy activism.

For many Chinese college graduates, better job prospects, upward social mobility, a sunnier life outlook - all things once promised by a college degree - have increasingly become elusive.

For a transitional justice process to accomplish its aims, all of the five essential pillars of this process—truth, justice, reparation, memorialisation, and guarantees of non-recurrence—must be pursued.

When you get close to the end, by starting to close the door when the game is getting tougher, it could be a way to try to avoid that accountability that civil society groups bring to the table.

I heard they were collecting money for people. Starting from 2000, they had been a key family to be under watch.

The lender neither returned the land nor did the police file a case. I have all the necessary documents proving my purchase of the land.

And when we talk about interpretation, it always means that if you are the target of the elite or the establishment then they could find anything to [rule] against you.

As a woman, it boils my blood. The culprits of this crime should be found immediately … and our workplaces should be made safer.

They were being taken like cattle on a truck to a military base. We didn’t have enough money for his release, so we asked my sister to borrow money from others.

Over the past six months, a lot of movies and events, not just in Hong Kong but internationally have been canceled suddenly after getting phone calls from the Hong Kong authorities.... I am very worried and pessimistic about the future of the film industry in Hong Kong.

The road is in dilapidated condition, and landslides frequently block it. In the rainy season, it is always uncertain when we will reach our destination.

Climate change affects everyone. But the impact is not equal because some people, due to their living conditions and physical conditions, are affected more than others.

We certainly regret this action because in addition to not respecting human rights, it has also insulted the Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia itself.

Pedestrian working conditions, inhuman workloads and violence in the workplace are the reality.

The international community’s response to North Korean human rights abuses could be characterized as a state of inaction.

The closure of the bridge, which we rely on for the flow of goods, has made things more difficult. We are currently facing a crisis.

We're working in hiding, and we don't know for how much longer.

We are worried that the floating solar farms will further shrink our fishing grounds that have already been reduced by past development projects.

With admirable focus and discipline, she has overcome misinformation and cyberbullying, turning adversity into victory.

The proposed changes could lead to the loss of waqf properties as the bureaucrats would decide the matters ... and not in accordance with the law.

I feel very relieved after the court ruling, knowing that if my son ever gets a partner and gets married, he will not be excluded from medical services.

Afghan daily laborer in Iran

The reality is that Min Aung Hlaing lacks the capacity and influence to organize even a sham election, much less anything remotely close to a free and fair election.

People were tasked with 200 to 300 kilograms ... of grass compost in early spring ..., but to fertilize the land for double cropping, you need to increase the fertilizer a lot, so they tasked laborers again with grass compost, increasing the task to 500 kilograms (1,102 pounds)

Tax policy and tax administration reforms require a gender lens to reduce the cost of doing business for women.

As long as nuclear weapons exist, they will surely be used again someday.

We can’t hear any shooting and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have been securing the area ... The only thing people are worried about is airstrikes. Everyone is afraid, the whole country is afraid of planes.

It does sound like there was some displeasure with his posts.

The army has an important role to play in ensuring security and stability. The interim government that will now assume power should carry out a credible investigation into the tragic events of recent weeks...

This year, we are seeing the least amount of donations. Where I live, we have only received one lunch box since the start of the floods.

They had very high expectations about themselves, about China and about the world in general. And then when they graduated from college and when they became adults, they became victims of the slowdown.

This stereotype can create a stigma around men taking paternity leave.

The real challenge now is the rehabilitation of the survivors. It is going to be tough.

Children can no longer do what they used to do naturally, like playing in the school yard.

(W)e only know the date of the groundbreaking, but have not received information about compensation.

Some (who were jailed) for political cases like me, when released, are treated as pariahs in society in a hidden manner.

If PRC (People’s Republic of China) leaders don’t like it when people speak out against their horrific human rights record, maybe they should improve their horrific human rights record.

The fascist [Pakistani] state is using all its power to sabotage Baloch Raaji Muchi [Baloch National Gathering] but has failed.

It was not an incitement of violence against nationality or ethnicity because he was just showing his concern about the state ceding land for private ownership.

The act takes a landmark step in challenging the (Chinese Communist Party's) historical revisionism. But the U.S. should be prepared to offer concrete support to the Tibetan community, which is already beginning to feel the CCP's retaliation.

My brother wasn’t involved in any protests. Why was he shot? Who will be held accountable for this?

I wish they could work only as fishermen, because it’s fun. There are too many difficulties on the land.

We must not allow the hell of the atomic bombing to be recreated. I feel a sense of crisis.

It seems the National Human Rights Commission is being used by the political leadership.

These actions appear to be solely aimed at punishing him for his legitimate human rights activities and the exercise of his rights to freedom of expression and of peaceful assembly.

Our goal is to identify the bones and send them back to their families.... The bones are virtually the only proof of what happened.

My son was killed. I did not apply to anyone to give birth to him. Why should I apply to get my son back after death?

If we don't have any single member in Rakhine state from our community, from our religion, or from our ethnicity, I just fear that Rohingya will be disappeared from this world very soon.

This move was made under the guise of enforcing the compulsory education system established by the Chinese government.

As of today, there are 4,000 Pashtuns who have been forcefully disappeared by the security forces. There is no doubt about them being forcefully disappeared by the state.

The [crackdown] in Hong Kong was a wake-up call to get more involved to protect our country against China.

I want to apply for citizenship for my son because it is about rights. Citizenship is automatic for children of Malaysian men, I am applying to fight for that same right.

Whenever there is such divide in the name of caste or religion, I absolutely do not either support it or encourage it.

The right to comfortably use restrooms is a fundamental and universal human right.

We have documented numerous cases where child laborers face issues such as unpaid overtime, termination after completing critical orders, or dismissal for refusing overtime.

People weren’t able to go out the last two days because of the shutdown. Now you have a curfew, and the internet has been completely shut down since early yesterday evening.

Vietnam has become more and more like China, where institutions and norms doesn't really matter as much as personal power.

The unjust firing of Selina Cheng illustrates once again the plummeting press freedom in Hong Kong, once among the best in the world ...

People have found a platform to voice their frustration against the Awami League’s autocratic rule over the past decade and the erosion of their voting rights.

America isn’t heaven. It just allows you to live more like a human being.

We are optimistic that this case will set the precedent for future cases to also be liable for court.

How can I raise my 14-member family if I cannot plant paddy?

The authorities, as well as some Buddhist officials, are pressuring monks to prevent them from participating in social work. They won’t let us fulfill our roles [for the community] and I don’t understand why.

This incident reminds us that you can buy your freedom with the right bribe, no matter how severe the crackdown. As bribes become more expensive, only the poor get caught.

I really fail to understand what the administration gets in stopping people from going to the martyrs’ graveyard. People have a right to choose their heroes. And the martyrs are heroes for the people of Kashmir.

[The Malayan tigers] suffer from habitat loss, prey depletion and retaliatory killings stemming from human-tiger conflicts.

(The problem) became particularly evident as the number of children continued to decrease. After my kindergarten emptied out, I thought about how to make the best use of it.

This (additonal tax) could pay for schools, hospitals, renewable energy, and many more essential investments.

Samsung is the hardest imaginable place to unionise and strike. If Samsung workers succeed in this undertaking, it will empower the rest of South Korea’s labour.

If it is a crime to dump babies, then there should be laws to protect vulnerable seniors too.

There is an immediate need to revise the law while also improving the management of such correction centres.

Although it has been eight years, I will not forget that day. Eight years passed in a blink of an eye but justice has not been served...

Our family doesn't have any property or any relatives there. According to my understanding of the law, someone who has been released from prison ought to be free.

[A]s Pakistan continues to host some 3 million Afghans, all solutions need to be explored in addition to voluntary repatriation, including third-country resettlement ...

Pieces of body — head, hands and legs — were scattered on my roof when the bomb hit some houses nearby.... I don’t want to live this poor, miserable life in the war.

For four-to-five months every year, women have no option but to fetch water from long distances because nearby wells and water sources dry up.

Advocacy and educational campaigns have empowered more victims to come forward and report such behavior.

We are trying to figure out what democracy actually means.

Now is not the time to talk about peace, but justice.

I was very hopeful and happy … that I was going to get such an increase in my salary.

The internet is our last hope. But nothing can replace real freedom.

I feel that the economic growth we had in the past was too fast, and that we'll be paying back the overdraft on the economy for the next 20 years, or even longer.

For Rohingya people — oppressed, scapegoated, exploited, and stuck between warring parties — the situation carries echoes of the lead-up to genocidal violence in 2016 and 2017.

For the state to evade responsibility for damages payments would be extremely unfair and unjust, and absolutely intolerable.

The government bodies that are responsible for public safety … are frequently over-ruled by politicians who seek to use religious gurus and their organizations as possible vote banks.

The conviction and sentencing of the ten activists today, associated with environmental group, Mother Nature Cambodia, is a blatant attempt to silence them for their activism.

It is clear that the Chinese Communist Party has stepped up its efforts to strengthen its control on global discourse and information in recent years.

[T]he matter, if true, raises a serious issue of discrimination against married women causing the violation of the right to equality and equal opportunity.

We call upon Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his federal government to prioritize Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and meaningful consultation in all decisions that impact our future.

The waste-charging scheme has been delayed for a long time and the waste volume has increased continuously. Society has no room to slow down its pace on the path of waste reduction.

The recent eviction is a clear indication of how the Bajau Laut community have been sidelined and discriminated against for decades with no regard for their culture or future.

We are concerned by the use of UAPA anti-terror law to silence critics.

This win represents a measure of justice for those Uyghurs and other Turkic people who have been tortured and subjected to slave labour.

The Indian army stops us from going there. But this is our land, not China’s.

Many field reporters and photographers have been laid off, forcing remaining reporters to work harder. However, their employers don’t provide overtime pay, per diems, days off, or workplace safety measures.

I could not go anywhere because they had full control over us and made us work day and night like an ox. I spent about 50 years like that, like being in prison but without a cage.

We sent Satnam abroad with great hopes by incurring a lot of debt. But we had never thought that his life would be at risk in a country like Italy.

I worked in the mine for 25, 26 years but I can't afford anything. A few elites benefit from the (mining) sector, not the ordinary people.

How many other mothers are wandering the streets like me looking for their children? We will continue to look for our children until we die.

Since most of them aren’t party members, they remain simple researchers even as they grow older, and they receive the worst treatment...

Our businesses are under strict regulations. I hope you can understand our situation.

If Putin cannot get everything he wants from Beijing, he will look to get it elsewhere, and there aren’t a lot of supermarkets that cover his
wish list — arms, labor and a willingness to pick a fight with Washington.

After being threatened with a labor camp sentence if they refuse to return to work, some young people have gone into hiding and are staying away from home.

On the one hand people lack awareness about health. On the other hand, people in remote areas do not know about the government benefits available to heart patients.

We wish for the freedom of Suu Kyi, all political prisoners and the entire country. We launched this strike to show that we have not forgotten our leader.

Many see a heatwave as an enduring act of nature, with little expectation from the government to intervene. It reflects a broader issue of low expectations in India.

This shows the societal advancement in Thailand in terms of accepting sexual diversity and safeguarding the rights of the LGBTQ ... community

Her crime was teaching religious content to kids. She wasn’t changing those kids’ ideology, she was just teaching them religious content.

When the matter is of national security, then the Central government should also come forward so that peace returns to Manipur.

They have no victims, no witnesses, no crimes. They only have my interviews with journalists as evidence in their hands.

Lacking labor makes it difficult to scale up, our government can’t do much … Thailand is the place that people want to go. I’m more than worried, but what can I do.

This election is going on under all possible pressures, such as heavy government pressure and spying.

Dissolving a political party is a major move that requires fact-finding and investigation. The (Election Commission) must follow the letter of the law rather than simply interpreting it.

Our problem is that at night armed men come to our homes, demanding food, and in the morning the military comes and takes the homeowner away [for interrogation].

On the national level, we say this importation is in breach of Italian domestic law in relation to the encouragement or conspiracy to support slavery.

On the national level, we say this importation is in breach of Italian domestic law in relation to the encouragement or conspiracy to support slavery.

Because the UNHCR has recognized Y Quynh’s political refugee status, Thailand should have the obligation to protect his rights.

For 1.5 million girls, this systematic exclusion is not only a blatant violation of their right to education, but also results in dwindling opportunities and deteriorating mental health.

As women play more active roles and the number of female executives is on the rise, the surname issue has become a business risk that companies can no longer dismiss as a problem of certain individuals.

They can keep (people) out and kick out office-holders. But they cannot take office themselves because they cannot win the election. I think certainly we’re seeing another round of turmoil.

We are not street dogs to be treated this way. We want to remind the politicians not to come seeking votes, as people are well aware of how they support the communities in winning their rights.

They must foster social justice through meaningful actions and legislation, not through the forced singing of a propaganda song and the recital of a pledge that appears redundant.

Hong Kong, once a vibrant and politically diverse community is slowly becoming a totalitarian state. The rule of law is profoundly compromised in any area about which the government feels strongly.

It is time for the international community to step up and share the responsibility. Bangladesh cannot continue to bear this burden alone.

It is the Chinese authorities’ unrelenting constriction of freedom of speech and media freedoms that has led me to slowly change from an ordinary person to who I am today.

Arresting a journalist for his critical reporting just shows that the Vietnamese government is moving further and further away from democracy and the rule of law.

Arresting a journalist for his critical reporting just shows that the Vietnamese government is moving further and further away from democracy and the rule of law.

Everyone loves Lord Ram, but without work and income, what can one do?

The Bajau Laut have been living in the area since before there were official borders. The actions being taken against them is just cruel.

Many coal miners have passed away, but there are still about 10,000 of us who are still alive.

It’s cruel and absurd to wait for the Myanmar military to confirm a Rohingya refugee’s nationality while that same military continues to deny that Rohingya people exist and continues its efforts to destroy them as a people.

Most young people would make the same decision. This is the only way left for us to root out the military dictatorship.

It's very meaningful to commemorate together with Japanese friends at the site where my father and many Chinese workers endured hardships.

There is fear that 17 percent of our lands will be submerged. It will also cause increasing salinity both in farming land and underground water. Eventually, it will threaten our food security ...

If they [the government] preserve this area, people who come to Pailin will know that we were the Kula. If they don’t, we will be forgotten.

It appears that district level officials and hospitals were not fully ready to deal with the situation.

The progress in women’s participation on boards across the people, public and private sectors reflects a growing recognition on the importance of having gender diverse boards.

It’s all part of China’s efforts to divide Taiwanese society and influence public opinion.

They say vote for us, we will give you help from outside, we will give you a road, we will give you a school - but no one asks us (about) our conditions after the elections.

Many of these workers are at high risk of modern slavery. (They) will surely be arriving to bogus employers on bogus quotas with no jobs, facilitated by corrupt government officials, agencies and recruitment intermediaries.

They had to pay agents at least 20,000 Thai baht each to cross the border to come to the Thai side. For those who are arrested, it costs them double or triple that amount and some are sent back to Myanmar.

The crux of the challenges faced by at-risk stakeholder groups [in Japan] is the lack of diversity and inclusion in the labor market ..., and the prevalence of discrimination, harassment and violence in the workplace and society at large ...

The district faced severe drought, especially the cardamom sector. But Union government representatives are yet to visit the drought-hit areas in the district or announce any special package.

There is a dire need for a hospital in the rural municipality because the existing Turmakhand Health Post is in a dilapidated condition.

TIME Magazine looks at me like [a] next generation leader trying to change the world. But in Thailand, they look at me like someone dangerous to the society, or a
criminal—which is really sad.

When prices go up, the end consumers, often the elderly, are usually the hardest hit. They have limited incomes, and if the cost of essential goods like vegetables rises, their quality of life deteriorates.

Most of the people accused of being two-faced are Uyghur cadres who pay attention to Uyghur culture, virtue and education, and who work for the government.

In reality, [the bill] is designed to provide blanket immunity to the holders of top offices of the state against justified and true criticism also.

Protests are healthy; they shouldn’t be violent. Protests give voice; they shouldn’t be silenced.

(M)ost relocation programs in Tibet move former farmers and pastoralists to areas where they cannot practice their former livelihood and have no choice but to seek work as wage laborers in off-farm industries.

My husband has always stood for human rights regardless of any affiliation.

On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the coup [On May 22], there are still many people who have been robbed of their freedom to express their political views, leading to an unforeseen increase in the number of people charged in political cases.

I respect parliament, but I hope parliament can do things that we respect and respect our democratic procedures.

The climate crisis is already upon us but the effects will be felt even more intensely by future generations. Cases like this are vital to safeguarding citizen’s rights.

Politicians are only talking about religion and caste. No one is talking about the environment or farmers issues.

North Korea’s scientists and engineers are forced to work on the nuclear weapons program regardless of their own personal interests, preferences or aspirations. They do not have the freedom to choose their occupations.

With inter-communal tensions between ethnic Rakhine and Rohingya high — and being actively stoked by the military — this is a critical period when the risk of yet further atrocity crimes is particularly acute.

Child marriage, as dire as it is, has become a coping mechanism when a family struggles for survival.

I wish I were paid wages that are appropriate for how hard I work.

The fact is, those who are critical of the state are missing, most of them being journalists and social activists.

Security forces chased them into a corner. One of them stood up and said we are members of the public, but he was shot dead.

Amid rising prices, we can't live on the minimum wage. The company is completely indifferent to the situation of irregular workers.

Netiporn’s tragic death in custody shows how brutal the punishment for royal defamation is in Thailand.

There is an urgent need to take special measures to improve the situation of Dalit women and girls due to the inter-generational history of oppression and the entrenched culture of caste-bias, patriarchy and discrimination.

It's the 16th anniversary, and we only wanted to commemorate our children at the place where they were killed. They haven't allowed this in 16 years.

I saw lots of dead bodies at the base and if the soldiers who had training for six months were being killed in fighting, how could we fight the rebels after just 10 days of training?

The law has to be clear and has to be understood by the public. The public will have to know whether they are breaking the law or not.

For 17 years now, families of victims of past rights abuses have staged a weekly protest called Kamisan (Thursday) in front of the (Indonesian) State Palace. A meeting with them would be a good start.

It’s not fair. We are being thrown out without being heard.

Nepal’s next general election is more than three years away, and India-style Hindutva politics could still be whipped up. For now, it seems more likely that it will be Nepali nationalism that will be a more potent vote-mobiliser.

Singing a protest song should never be a crime, nor is it a threat to ‘national security.’

If someone had shut down the machine when my accident happened, I would not have lost an arm.

HRCP reminds the state that no rights defender should ever have to pay with their life for the work they do.

The pursuit of political power is seen as a pathway to unlimited wealth expansion, resulting in unhealthy competition.

[T]he closure wave will continue. There will be kindergartens closing every school year for the coming three years, and I expect about 20 will close in the current school year.

Most farmers in Thailand cannot adapt to climate change and lack access to smart farming technology, which makes them the most fragile group in a crisis.

Taiwanese journalists still suffer from a very polarized media environment dominated by sensationalism and the pursuit of profit.

The worst for Hong Kong is the political and legal factors. Hong Kong’s position is very low; the situation remains very difficult.

I was offered to state my price ... I did not want the money. But I have my reasons to withdraw. I have three daughters and I must look after them. If something happens to me, how will they survive?

Clarity on relevant terms … is essential for businesses to know where China’s red lines are - this should be a consideration when revising laws related to national security.

We demand the junking of these twin repressive laws that have proven to be gravely injurious to the people’s civil and political rights.

Victims are dying day after day. We have no time to lose.

Instead of funding social services, agriculture, and the labor sector, the Marcos Jr.’s record (of) high public debt is only going to infrastructure efforts that will benefit big businesses and is vulnerable to corruption.

For the ban, people will be deprived of the right to know the real state of the bank and financial sector as well as the country's economy.

I came to think that orders really emphasizing that we had to 'crack down on foreigners' -- in other words judging people by their appearance alone -- were a human rights violation.

Healthcare facilities are not legitimate military targets. They are situated in civilian areas. Attacking them is an inhumane act.

This case will be a test for the Thai justice system, especially the capability of the judges in solving conflict by revealing the truth in court.

I went to the school with my 13-year-old daughter. She was happy her school was open. But I was tense. The heat is too much. She already got heat rashes from sweating. I hope she does not get sick.

(R)ather than being an isolated problem caused by a few bad actors, slavery is in fact a widespread problem in the fishing industry, fueled by structural drivers ...

We welcome the adoption of this much-needed resolution, which highlights the recent blatant violations on press freedom...

We are extremely encouraged by the fact that Indigenous leaders in the Cordillera, as well as all over the Philippines, continue the fight – despite the severe threats.

If our friends from our neighbouring country (Myanmar) come in to seek safety, we will have to look after them and this is not extra work.

The kidnapping of the Panchen Lama nearly 30 years ago reverberates today in the Chinese government’s compulsory, state-run boarding schools in Tibet, which have separated over 1 million Tibetan children from their families, language, religion and culture.

I don’t think he is at fault, [he] was just telling the truth to protect the people. The arrests are intended to demoralize the next generation.

Our request [to] the Islamic Emirate is to assist us. We have no homes...

Sri Lanka suffers from a continuing accountability deficit, be it for alleged war crimes, more recent human rights violations, corruption or abuse of power, which must be addressed if the country is to move forward.

(South) Korea needs to improve its discriminatory administrative system that determines the range of protection from violence based on a victim’s nationality and registration, and protect all migrant children from abuse.

Growing youth unemployment [in China] is also exacerbated by cultural preferences for tertiary education, leading to a perception of vocational work as insecure and decreasing the prestige of vocational roles.

We are currently considering ways to increase and expand humanitarian assistance by collaborating with international organizations within the next one to two week.

It’s a multidimensional problem, which requires capacity-building and political will to implement environment-related laws. Both of these, unfortunately, have been lacking.

The willful killing of Peralta by the military, who was unarmed at the time of her arrest, is a war crime that can never be justified under any circumstance.

Dhonyoe was accused of teaching his students beyond the national education system and was repeatedly questioned by authorities in mid-March.

Despite the government’s crackdown on dissent and activism, her powerful words continue to inspire people across Vietnam and throughout the world.

There is a logical reason not to participate in the upcoming Upazila elections as the environment for fair and peaceful elections has not yet been created and the existing anarchic situation has further deteriorated.

We thought we could help make this country a bit safer for our children. And then, the Itaewon crush happened. We realised it is still not safe, and so we need to work harder.

They can't recruit people, because very few young people are choosing to join the government.

As journalists, you don't stop being a journalist. When something happens in front of you, you want to tell the story, and you want to tell it right.

It is necessary for the authorities in power in Afghanistan and international organizations to take practical steps through relevant consultations to prevent the deportation of migrants.

It is unfortunate to see the political leaders raking up religion to motivate their voters and disrupting the social-cultural environment.

[W]e will expand drug rehabilitation infrastructure and relevant education, and strengthen drug control.

There is intense pressure of work in the rural areas. As a result, the quality of the service falls.

We have never experienced such blatant efforts by authorities to evade scrutiny of court proceedings in any country, which further highlights the ludicrous nature of the case against Jimmy Lai, and the dire erosion of press freedom and the rule of law in Hong Kong.

An industry that profits from producing, selling and buying sexual images of minors should be deterred and eliminated by strengthening the punishments for the offenses.

The police failed to recognize that people have the right to peacefully protest, and that the authorities have a duty to facilitate and protect protests.

The new spate of killings in Davao City and elsewhere shows that President Marcos has not done enough to end the ‘drug war. The Marcos administration needs to take stronger action to demonstrate that the ‘war on drugs’ is officially over.

Shutting down this platform is a matter of significant loss and concern for the Tibetan scholarly community as it has been a constant source to access content.

(Y)ou do not give tickets to Muslims at one place, you redraw constituencies at another place ... or you don't allow Muslims to vote. It is not just intimidation. It's also elimination.

Despite the modernization and democratization ... the shadow of the past, particularly the class system institutionalized during the Meiji Restoration, still looms large.

The failure to include Myanmar people’s voices, represented by their Ambassador, at the table ... demonstrates [the UNSC's] disrespect for the Myanmar people’s steadfast democratic resistance movement.

The [Chinese] authorities think our community has been trying to humiliate them, so they want to use all the means at their disposal to punish human rights lawyers

Unemployment has increased so much … that those who have been giving zakat, fitrana [charitable donations] and charity all their lives are now coming to us for ration

His face was injured and there was blood around his mouth like he had been beaten. Amanullah’s case reveals how the junta considers Muslims.

In some of these areas, people won’t know there are landmines until they see them with their own eyes or step on them

We do not see the justifications but the contravention of individuals' rights by forcing them to take unnecessary medical tests and their right to privacy.

Regardless of one’s nationality and infringement of immigration laws, everyone in Korea has the right to human dignity and liberty under the Constitution.

The long history of anti-Muslim violence and unjust treatment of Muslims must not be allowed to repeat itself.

I think the relevant authorities and the company should provide appropriate solutions to the residents and expedite the compensation as soon as possible. This can [stop] further impact on them.

If constructive criticism causes uncomfortable reactions from politicians and business people, they need to look at themselves.

If anyone opens an eatery to distribute free food today, poor people will be found thronging there in abundance.

When you try to go to a supermarket you’re stopped. They check your mobile phone and your travel papers and passport. There’s always something wrong and they demand about 3,000 kyat [US$1.50]. It happens at checkpoint after checkpoint.

We understand that the Mandela Rules and the Bangkok Rules state restraints should not be used on women when they’re in labor, and our new directive takes them into account.

The arrests and criminal investigations launched into Sri Lankan journalists G.P. Nissanka and Bimal Ruhunage are unacceptable reactions by authorities and could create a chilling effect on the media.

We understand that this law is not a universal cure to every problem, but at least it's the first step towards equality in Thai society.

The deportation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan will put women and girls at unique risk, as forced returns seriously curtail their rights to education, work, movement, and in some cases, expose them to imminent threat of violence.

Driven by online anonymity, inspired by new business models and accelerated by COVID, these organised crime groups are now working at a scale that was unimaginable a decade ago.

A free and independent press reports not what they are told but what they observe, framed by historical and political context…. FOCAP will not be intimidated by threats and groundless attempts to smear its members’ reputation.

The letter from [Nusantara Capital City Authority] not only insults the rights of the Sepaku community ... but also puts them at risk of losing their place of residence.

Let me repeat: nothing justifies the abhorrent October 7 attacks and hostage-taking by Hamas and nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people.

The prison sentences and repeated criminalisation of (Arnon Nampa's) work are completely disproportionate and form part of a concerning trend of deliberately silencing human rights defenders and other dissenting voices.

Every time we let authoritarians get away with atrocities, we risk other bad actors attempting to do the same.

This momentous decision by the court marks a significant step forward for human rights including the right to freedom of expression and media freedom in Indonesia.

The climate ‘red alert’ in addition to prolonged exposure to toxic air quality in many parts of the South Asian region illustrates the risk of harms to life and health of more than a billion people from accelerating climate chaos.

There are times when for two to three days he can’t buy anything at the canteen because they say the things he needs aren’t there.

We will continue to speak out without fear of this evil law.

That means an estimated 160,000 children were blackmailed into sexual activities, had sexual images shared without their consent, or faced other online abuses.

Today they lost another piece of their freedom – any act of peaceful protest is now more dangerous than ever.

We couldn’t do anything. One of my friends advised us to voice the lack of medical treatment for him through the news media. But we were afraid his family would be made to suffer if we did.

It feels like this could be our final opportunity to create a country free from dictators, and this chance is within our reach.

Indian government reprisals against members of the diaspora who criticize the BJP’s abusive and discriminatory policies show the authorities’ growing hostility to criticism and dialogue.

In Singapore, with 16 weeks paid maternity leave and four weeks paid paternity leave, we haven’t moved much beyond these outdated standards.

They're afraid that I'll go to Beijing during the National People's Congress, so they have detained me in a rescue facility....

The challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party is not just for our community; it is, very importantly, a global one. It's all around the same universal issue of having to counter authoritarianism worldwide.

Congress should prioritize the passage of the SOGIESC Equality Bill to provide the LGBTQ+ community more concrete protection against violence....

How much more should I do to finally be recognized? My honest feeling is that I can’t wait any longer.

We need to practically implement the research findings and recommendations. Only then will laws be created and accountability be ensured.

Kerala will stand united in opposing this communal and divisive law.

It is vital that we respond to the growth in online censorship and the amplification of disinformation by making independent media more accessible in their countries of origin.

Over the past two decades, the Thai authorities have utterly failed to provide justice, truth or reparation to (Somchai Neelapaijit) and his family.

2024 is the year in which China is heading into a state of social unrest…. The official crime data tells us that people are having a hard time, and is a true reflection of the state of society.

The absence of adequate safeguards leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.

By stifling these essential voices, Vietnam is not only violating its binding international commitments but also jeopardizing its own future.

The investigation of a case of human rights violation cannot be treated with confidentiality.

Most of them are quite young, so they simply go back to their home countries to start new lives. Many of them are also afraid of their identity being made public, so are reluctant to share details.

The ministry accepts our petitions most of the time, but they accept it without providing a solution in return. This time I hope our petition will have some results.

The contemporary progress we observe has largely been propelled by women themselves… not because of systems or policies that sufficiently supported them.

Malaysian authorities are treating migrants as criminals, arbitrarily holding them for prolonged periods in immigration centers with almost no access to the outside world.

The police are regularly checking people’s WeChat and TikTok accounts for any evidence of them having shared the videos and for communication with the outside world.

I spoke out because if I stayed silent, more people can be victimized, and that would be remiss of me.

The Vietnamese government likes to boast about its respect for human rights when seeking a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, but its brutal crushing of dissent sends the opposite message.

These days, county authorities are inspecting broadcast cables and forcing any households without speakers to purchase and install them

The move by ASEAN legitimizes the junta as if it were the government of Myanmar and supports its deepening relationship with the Russian regime, which is the junta’s biggest supplier of arms.

We have faced a big challenge integrating these students in schools as it required extra resources...

We must act now to reverse this disastrous trend because the communities and countries of the Mekong cannot afford to lose them.

We want the search to carry on but we also have to be realistic. We cannot expect the government to spend billions (on the search).

This is highly alarming. Monsoon changing its pattern will bear consequences for agrarian Bangladesh.

The Indian authorities have an obligation to uphold the right to peaceful protest, whoever is taking part and whatever the issue….

If Assange is extradited and prosecuted in the U.S. under the Espionage Act ... [i]t would set a harmful precedent for governments worldwide, establishing a framework whereby states can pursue journalists through the courts, no matter where they are located.

They [social media companies] should have steps actually helping out activists to protect their freedom of speech…. They need to be more transparent, so users and the public know whether government-sponsored hacking activities are going on

The current protests reflect the unequal power relations across the borrowers and lenders, which are often predatory.

If the government is really serious about seeking reelection, it should start by taking concrete steps to repeal restrictive laws, release human rights activists in detention and halt the harassment and reprisals against them.

Vague provisions will criminalize peaceful exercise of human rights and have a detrimental impact on human rights defenders.

This lamentable outcome on Jemboy’s case shows how the Philippine justice system continues to fail the victims of police killings and brutality in the country in pursuing full accountability of perpetrators.

[China] must respect human rights & freedom of expression and include Tibetans in the development & implementation of water and land management policies.

The probe is needed so the upcoming government is legitimate.

All evidence indicates that Chiang Kai-shek was responsible for 228, but his giant statue is still housed in a memorial hall - that's just rubbing it in for us family members.

I don’t have the data, but if people weren’t impoverished, they wouldn’t be asking for help. I am not talking about luxurious goods but about basic needs.

Hosting them is a valuable experience for the city.... [W]e would like citizens ... to learn the tragedy of war and understand the importance of settling disputes through peaceful means, not by force.

We firmly continue to stand against the use of the death penalty and I think the public nature of these executions is particularly heinous.

[Bangladesh] needs workable relations with the junta for the sake of border security cooperation and negotiations over the Rohingya.

The leak provides some of the most concrete details seen publicly to date, revealing the maturing nature of China’s cyber-espionage ecosystem.

The Health Ministry sees the resignations of junior doctors as a collective action and issued return-to-work orders to punish them. Doctors didn’t know that South Korea was a dictatorship capable of exercising excessive abuse of laws.

Some young people don’t dare to leave their house anymore. They’re even afraid of crossing roads.

Leaving is not my choice. I am unable to work and have been unfairly accused of prejudicing the interests of the state. It has become clear that I cannot keep living in India.

Commencing an appeal would only delay the possibility of adequate and supervised medical care, after five years of inhumane treatment and abject medical neglect.

We’ve been receiving a massive number of applications from Myanmar people in our job openings, mainly Gen Z and millennials telling us they need to leave [as soon as possible]. It’s heartbreaking.

I have spent nights here praying - and everything is gone. If we do not protect our history, then who will?

When you enter a household, work hours, and get wages, you are already a domestic worker. They have the right to receive protection as migrant workers...

I felt heartbroken as my son was tortured and killed. I was so angry at first that I wanted to take revenge but we could do nothing but grieve.

The arrest of a journalist strikes at the heart of democracy, revealing the fragility of Thailand’s commitment to freedom of speech and press freedom.

I will readily become a fighter for social movements, a warrior for the pro-democracy movement, and a martyr for democracy and human rights.