On March 20, 2025, Indonesia’s parliament approved changes to the 2004 armed forces law, allowing more active-duty military members to hold civilian roles. Human rights groups fear this will bring back the military’s past political influence under Soeharto and weaken democratic controls. The amendments let military personnel work in civilian agencies like the Attorney General’s [...]
Eritrea’s national service program amounts to indefinite forced military or civil labor. All citizens aged 18 to 40 are required to undergo military training at the Sawa camp, followed by what is meant to be 18 months of service. In reality, many serve indefinitely, often for years or even decades, without pay or freedom to [...]
On March 3, 2025, Moroccan activist Fouad Abdelmoumni was sentenced to six months in prison and fined for a Facebook post criticizing Moroccan - French relations during French President Macron’s state visit. The charges stemmed from allegations of insulting public authorities and spreading false information. Abdelmoumni, a human rights advocate and critic of the government, [...]
Divisions exist within Taliban leadership on Afghan women's education. Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai announced publicly that there was no basis for excluding education for women and girls, praising their right to learn. Taliban officials in certain areas have even provided medical courses for female students. Nonetheless, despite these opinions, the Taliban's highest [...]
Eritrea remains one of the most repressive countries in the world. Since gaining independence in 1993, President Isaias Afwerki has ruled without elections, a ratified constitution, or political opposition. The country has no freedom of press or expression, with media tightly controlled and independent journalists often jailed or disappeared. Religious freedom is severely restricted—only four [...]
In Saudi Arabia, political prisoners continue to face harsh repression despite the recent release of some detainees. Dozens of individuals remain imprisoned solely for peacefully exercising their rights to free expression, association, and belief. High-profile figures like cleric Salman al-Odah, lawyer Waleed Abu al-Khair, and aid worker Abdulrahman al-Sadhan are among those still held. Many [...]
Divisions exist within Taliban leadership on Afghan women's education. Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai announced publicly that there was no basis for excluding education for women and girls, praising their right to learn. Taliban officials in certain areas have even provided medical courses for female students. Nonetheless, despite these opinions, the Taliban's highest [...]
Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), is spending billions to transform the nation, presenting an image of modernization and economic dominance. Although MBS brought about some reforms, such as lifting the ban on women driving, critics point to severe human rights violations, such as the arrest and torture of activists. Despite [...]