In December 2021, former Secretary of State Antony Blinken posthumously honored Thulani Maseko, the assassinated Swazi human rights lawyer and pro-democracy activist, with the Human Rights Defender Award. Read HRF's latest blog post:

Across Ukraine, families are facing freezing temperatures and prolonged blackouts as the Russian army continues its attacks on critical infrastructure. Generators are a lifeline, providing warmth, power, and connection during these dark times. 🤝Join us in making a difference —

RT @gladstein: HRF is launching an AI for Individual Rights program. It will be offensive, monitoring how regimes use AI for repression and….

1/ The Norwegian Refugee Council on Thursday found that nearly 1 million Sudanese have fled to Chad after nearly two years of conflict; 90% are women and children, many subjected to horrific violence. Aid groups warn most lack protection, education, and vital assistance.

3/ The revelation of chemical weapons use came as the US sanctioned Sudanese military chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, for documented atrocities by his troops, including indiscriminate violence against civilians and using starvation as a weapon of war.

4/ HRF condemns the brutal violence and abuse of civilians in Sudan and urges the international community to uphold justice and accountability for victims and those forcibly displaced.

1/ This week, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador passed a constitutional reform expediting the reform process that would allow President Nayib Bukele and his loyal legislative supermajority to freely modify the Constitution.

3/ Bukele’s power is also enabled by a prolonged state of emergency, originally declared in 2022, to fight gang violence, which suspends certain laws and guarantees. Although the security situation has shown remarkable improvement, the legislature continues to extend the state of.

4/ HRF calls on Bukele to honor the central pillars of democratic governance and the rule of law and to adhere to its obligations under the Inter-American Democratic Charter. The separation of powers and respect for fundamental freedoms are critical for the long-term preservation.

1/ On Tuesday, a Tunisian judge extended the pre-trial detention of prominent human rights defender Sihem Bensedrine by four more months. The news came two days after Sihem was hospitalized 12 days into her hunger strike to protest her arbitrary detention.

2/ Arrested in August on charges of “fraud,” “forgery,” and “abuse of official capacity,” Bensedrine's arrest is considered to be retaliation for her work as president of the now-dissolved Truth and Dignity Commission, exposing decades of human rights abuses and corruption.

3/ HRF calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Sihem Bensedrine and for Tunisian officials to ensure her well-being and fair treatment until her release.

1/ Malaysian police seized a computer from RK Anand, the executive editor of the independent news outlet @malaysiakini, after he reported on comments made by former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

2/ The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) also requested access to Malaysiakini’s content management system (CMS), which manages content publication on the outlet’s website.

3/ HRF is deeply concerned about the shrinking space for press freedom in Malaysia and urges the government to end the harassment of journalists, including the unlawful seizure of journalists’ property.

1/ Uganda’s highest court ruled today that the regime’s practice of subjecting civilians, particularly dissidents and political opponents, to trials in military courts is unconstitutional. The ruling orders a halt on all court martials against civilians.

3/ Uganda’s regime appealed the 2021 ruling and continued to drag political opponents before the General Court Martial, most recently veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye. Dictator Yoweri Museveni publicly defended the practice despite public outcry.

4/ HRF welcomes the Ugandan Supreme Court ruling as a crucial victory for justice and the rule of law. HRF urges the authorities to fully implement this judgment and immediately transfer all proceedings against civilians to civilian courts or drop charges.