Human Rights | Key Resource on Rights Issues Worldwide

Human Rights News

Are you a human rights activist or just a concerned citizen who likes to be kept updated on all the latest human rights developments in your country and around the world? Here, you will find our best sources on human rights news.

General Information on Human Rights

The signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 was a historic moment for humanity. If you're interested in learning more about human rights, our introductory page is the perfect place to get started.

Human Rights Organisations

Find information on hundreds of organisations working to defend and promote human rights across the globe. You can find a large list of philanthropic foundations and institutions that provide funding to human rights initiatives.

Human Rights by Country

This is one of Better World Info's most extensive resource directories. In this section, we provide you with over 18,000 resources on key human rights information, issues and organisations by country.

Children's Rights

We all share the same human rights in general, but children have some specific rights that are adapted, to the fact that a child depends on an adult to receive nurture and guidance during their development. These include the right to health, education, family life, play and recreation, an adequate standard of living and protection against abuse.

Women's Rights

We have over 700 resources on a wide range of women's rights issues, including violence against women, women's right to vote, sexual and reproductive rights, forced marriage and FGM. You can also find a directory of organizations specifically dedicated to advancing women's rights. Download our RSS list Women's Issues, Feminism & Women's Rights News

Hot Topics

Global Refugee Crisis

We enter this year with almost twice as many refugees worldwide compared to the beginning of the last decade. The wars in Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine are evidence of the forced displacement of millions of people, due to the violence of war. Profound social crises are also forcing people to leave their countries, as in the case of migrants from North Africa, or the caravans of migrants from Central America. In 2020 alone, an estimated 281 million people migrated, equivalent to 3.6% of the world's total population.

Global Refugee Crisis

UK - Rwanda Asylum Plan

Recently, the UK government has caused outrage after announcing a plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. PM Johnson said the move is to tackle people smuggling and will focus on adults. Rwanda has signed similar agreements in the past with other countries, and already hosts some 140,000 refugees. The agreement includes £120 million as part of an 'economic transformation and integration fund'. Those chosen for resettlement will become the responsibility of the Rwandan government and will not have the option of returning to the UK.

UK - Rwanda Asylum Plan

Journalists in Mexico

In 2022 alone, eight journalists have been killed, making Mexico the most dangerous country in the western hemisphere to be a journalist. The attacks began when the government declared war on organised crime, triggering an explosion of violence across the country and putting journalists reporting on the conflict at risk. AMLO has said on several occasions that his government is acting to prevent and solve the killings, but 99% of the crimes go unprosecuted.

Journalists in Mexico

International Migrants Day - December 18

“On this International Migrants Day, I call on the international community to act on the global compact on safe, regular and orderly migration as an important contribution to building a world of peace, prosperity, dignity and opportunity for all.” - UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon

International Migrants Day - December 18

Human Rights Day - December 10

Every December 10, the world commemorates the day the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This years landmark event that forms the basis for the defence of equality, justice and human dignity will be focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to build back better: #AllHumanAllEqual

Human Rights Day - December 10

Belarus-EU Border Crisis

Since last September, the serene forest on Belarus' borders with Poland, Latvia and Lithuania has become the scene of chaotic clashes between security forces and migrants. The European Commission accuses Belarus of luring migrants with a false promise of easy access to the EU, in order to use them as pawns in a geopolitical crisis between the EU and President Lukashenko. Both Poland and Lithuania have declared a state of emergency, allowing security forces to take additional measures to prevent the entry of migrants and allow their indiscriminate detention.

Belarus-EU Border Crisis

Israel's War on Gaza 2021

2021 sees some of the worst violence between the Israelis and Palestinians in many years. Tensions rose during Israeli opposition to Palestinian gatherings during Ramadan, and plans for the eviction of dozens of Palestinians in Jerusalem. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed 2 apartment towers, and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have called for a new intifada. There has been widespread violence against protesters. In total the death toll is estimated at 130.

Israel's War on Gaza 2021

The Killing of George Floyd

Riots and nationwide protests broke out after George Floyd was killed by a police officer last week. Another name on the long list of black people killed by US-cops, most of them unarmed and far from being a threat to the officers. The anger and despair of the black community over decades of institutional racism is now taking to the streets. Black Lives Matter!

The Killing of George Floyd

Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya

The Rohingya Muslim minority have been described as the world’s most persecuted people. Since 2017, an estimated 702,000 Rohingyians have fled from Myanmar to Bangladesh due to escalated military violence against them.

Ethnic Cleansing of Rohingya

Reproductive Rights

Many countries are experiencing major setbacks in sexual health rights. The refusal on the legalization of abortion in Argentina, the conservative movement driving inhumane laws in Central America, and Georgia’s new six-week abortion ban are some examples. Keep yourself informed of the situation to be able to defend our rights.

Reproductive Rights

Tiananmen Square Massacre - June 4, 1989

32 years have passed since China's army fired at students with rifles and tanks who were protesting peacefully for democracy in Tiananmen Square. Hundreds to a thousand people are believed to have died. The international community condemned the Chinese government for the massacre.

Tiananmen Square Massacre - June 4, 1989

Must Read

Agitate!

on Frederick Douglass’ 200th Birthday

Must Watch

One World 2019

International Human Rights Film Festival

Suggested Blog

Amnesty International

Blog from the renowned Human Rights organisation

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Hero of the Month

Asma Jahangir

In memory of this extraordinary activist who dedicated her life to working for women’s rights, oppressed minorities and to fight against religious extremism.

Featured Organisation of the Month

The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights connects over 280 NGOs, social movements and advocates across more than 75 countries to build a global movement.

Featured Online Resource of the Month

New Tactics in Human Rights

Their goal is to help activists become more effective through strategic thinking and tactical planning. They offer a platform that enables activists to connect with other HR defenders and learn new ways to reach their goals.