UN human rights chief ‘deeply disturbed’ over right to protest in Iran
9/1/2026: The UN human rights chief has called for an independent and transparent investigation into reports of deaths and widespread arrests during ongoing nationwide protests in Iran, amid mounting concerns over the use of force by security forces. Multiple news outlets have reported nationwide internet and communication shutdowns.
Source: UN News
Richest 1% have emitted a fair annual share of carbon dioxide in 10 days
9/1/2026: Oxfam is calling on governments to slash the emissions of the super-rich and make rich polluters pay for the damage caused by climate change. Those who have done the least to cause the climate crisis – including communities in poorer and climate-vulnerable countries – will be the worst impacted.
Source: Oxfam International
Myanmar: critical hearings in Rohingya genocide case
8/1/2026: In 2019, Gambia filed a case before the International Court of Justice alleging that Myanmar’s atrocities against the Rohingya in 2017 constitute genocide. During the three-week hearings to commence on January 12, the parties are expected to present their arguments and supporting evidence about whether Myanmar violated the Genocide Convention.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Myanmar vote a ‘facade’ to entrench military rule
8/1/2026: An independent human rights expert has urged the international community to reject the electoral process organised by Myanmar’s military government, after the first round of voting revealed widespread coercion, exclusion and violence. Two further rounds are scheduled for 11 and 25 January.
Source: UN News
Trump abandons international climate, biodiversity and energy bodies
8/1/2026: President Donald Trump has cut ties with 66 international bodies, dismantling US involvement in global efforts to fight climate change and safeguard biodiversity, as well as wider multilateralism. They include the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Source: Dialogue Earth
Will the US start funding global education again in 2026?
6/1/2026: Following the closure of USAID, the US government spent only a small fraction of its $922 million budget for international basic education for 2025. But there are glimmers of hope that 2026 will see funding for education restored to its former level.
Source: Devex
Calls for urgent action as backlash against women’s rights intensifies
5/1/2026: The growing opposition to feminist values and principles is threatening to undo decades of legal progress. A policy brief by Equality Now calls on governments to counter the backlash, defend human rights standards, support civil society, and uphold gender equality.
Source: Equality Now
Ten humanitarian trends to keep an eye on in 2026
5/1/2026: After a 2025 dominated by the further erosion of international humanitarian law, rights, and norms around the globe – the coming year is likely to see even greater volatility in an increasingly anarchic world. Here are ten of the key trends that threaten lives for millions in crisis hotspots over the coming year.
Source: The New Humanitarian
Human rights concerns following US military action in Venezuela
3/1/2026: Amnesty International is alarmed that the attack against Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores by one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council further deepen the breakdown of international law and the rules-based order. These actions signal an international system run by military force, threats, and intimidation, and they increase the risks of copycat actions by others.
Source: Amnesty International
Mass killings continue in Sudan while the world looks away
30/12/2025: At least 150,000 people are estimated to have been killed in the conflict within Sudan. Millions more have been internally displaced, or fled across the border or face acute hunger. The international community has the power to stop the killing, but first it must acknowledge the role of the UAE and its western allies in enabling it.
Source: Inter Press Service