AGP Executive Report

Ceuta Migrant Crisis: Spain deployed troops after up to 60,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, with at least 57 deaths reported; many later returned voluntarily amid hunger, overcrowding, and hostility. UK Rights & Dissent: A High Court challenge failed, allowing a Chinese “super embassy” in London to move forward, despite claims it could enable repression and target dissidents. UK Counterterrorism Appeal: Palestine Action’s ban is set for a Supreme Court appeal after the group won permission to challenge its proscription. Philippines Protest Crackdowns: Rights groups urged the Commission on Human Rights to investigate arrests during SONA protests, citing police disregard for civil liberties. Assam Activist Detained Again: After bail, indigenous land-rights activist Pranab Doley was detained under India’s National Security Act. Iran Protest Sentencing: Iranian courts sentenced nine Kurdish citizens, including two children, to prison, flogging, and fines over protests. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS warned that sharp declines in HIV prevention aid could reverse decades of progress. Pakistan-Afghanistan Civilian Death Dispute: Pakistan’s military rejected a UN report alleging hundreds of civilian deaths in Afghanistan strikes. Yemen Blockade Impacts Health: Women’s and children’s rights groups condemned Yemen’s prolonged blockade as worsening cancer deaths and denying lifesaving medicines.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain and Morocco reinforced the border fence after nearly 49,000 migrants surged into Ceuta in a day, with at least 19 deaths reported in the water; Moroccan authorities used water cannon and pushed people back as clashes left burned vehicles and chaos at Tarajal. Judicial Rights in the UK: The UK Supreme Court will hear a challenge to the UK’s terror ban on Palestine Action, with the case framed around freedom of expression and assembly and affecting thousands of arrests. Torture and Prison Overcrowding: Pakistan’s rights body says torture persists in detention despite anti-torture laws, while another group urges action over prison overcrowding and weak accountability. Election Integrity in Serbia: ODIHR says Serbia’s polarized environment needs a full election observation mission, including long- and short-term observers focused on media and campaign conditions. LGBTQ Rights: A “Gay Week” feature spotlights LGBTQ rights, representation, and political scapegoating. Mental Health and Accountability: Scotland’s human rights commission warns of repeated CPT findings on overcrowding and state inaction, pushing for urgent government action. Human Rights Under Pressure in Georgia: A new “national values” initiative faces opposition criticism, amid claims it could fuel violence and target minority religious communities.

Ceuta Border Crisis: Spain is sending extra troops and police to Ceuta after thousands of migrants breached the Morocco border, with reports of at least nine deaths and officials calling the situation “absolute chaos” and the border “totally collapsed.” Immigration Detention Abuse (US): The ACLU filed new civil rights claims in Texas and other states alleging immigration detention conditions include medical neglect and inhumane treatment, including a case involving a nursing mother detained far from her children. Prisoners Denied Care (Iran/Kurdish): Kurdish political prisoner Varisheh Moradi has reportedly been denied external medical treatment for nine months despite prison and specialist recommendations. Medical Neglect (Western Sahara): Sahrawi groups warn prisoner Mohamed Lamine Haddi’s health is deteriorating after prolonged denial of specialized care in Moroccan prisons. Protest Crackdown (UK/Palestine Action): The UK Supreme Court allowed Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to appeal a ban, as rights groups warn of escalating arrests under terrorism laws. Gender-Based Violence (Haiti): UN agencies report a sharp rise in rapes and gender-based violence in Haiti amid gang attacks and displacement. Human Trafficking Oversight (Kuwait): Kuwait’s manpower authority says it stepped up inspections and enforcement to combat trafficking and protect workers’ rights. Urban Healthcare Risk (Bangladesh): CSOs warn a shift of urban primary healthcare responsibilities could disrupt services for low-income city residents.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir: Protests in Rawalakot/PoK continued after allegations of lethal force by security forces, with reports of 40+ civilian deaths and an internet shutdown limiting independent reporting. Freedom of expression & due process: In Azerbaijan, Freedom Now condemned pressure on the mother of Meydan TV journalist Aytaj Tapdyg, after travel bans and repeated interference with relatives. Philippines policing & protest rights: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla defended arrests of 51 SONA rally participants as “minimum force,” while a rights group renewed calls for investigation into a bystander death linked to the Sept. 21 anti-corruption riots. International justice: A coalition in the Philippines condemned US threats to “dismantle” the ICC as an attack on accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Religious freedom: A Chinese underground church leader was released and reunited with family in the US after a crackdown. Media freedom in Europe: Moldova faced complaints over hate speech in parliament and SLAPP pressure on investigative media. Online safety: Malaysia’s Online Safety Act debate centers on age checks that avoid full ID sharing while protecting children.

Philippines Police Accountability: Karapatan urged the PNP to stop “psychological torture” of nine SONA-related detainees, saying they were questioned without lawyers and pressured to name others. Environmental Health: BAN Toxics and EcoWaste Coalition rejected Marcos Jr.’s push to amend waste rules to allow waste-to-energy, warning burning waste would worsen toxic pollution. Women’s Health Rights: A Davao City councilor proposed an ordinance to break taboos around menopause, improve healthcare access, and add workplace support for perimenopause and menopause. Trans Rights in Sports: Seattle Storm’s Stefanie Dolson wore “Trans Rights Are Human Rights” amid backlash around Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham’s anti-trans remarks, as fans and players trade accusations. Middle East Religious Freedom: 14 Arab and Palestinian groups appealed to protect Al-Aqsa amid escalating Israeli restrictions, attacks on worshippers, and settlement expansion. Russia Crackdown on Exiles: A new law would expand restrictions on Russians labeled “foreign agents” or “undesirable,” including asset freezes and bans on selling property. Press Freedom in the Sahel: RSF launched “Sahel Kunafoni” to defend the right to information as media face killings, abductions, closures, and disinformation. Iran Religious Minority: UN experts warned of torture and enforced disappearances of Bahá’ís, with dozens reportedly detained. West Bank Violence: UN and rights groups said settler attacks and annexation are worsening, with tighter movement restrictions and calls for urgent action. Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: Reports highlighted Sudan’s deepening hunger and displacement as the world’s attention lags.

Occupied Western Sahara: Sahrawi civil society condemned a U.S. ambassador’s visit to El Aaiun as a violation of Western Sahara’s UN status and an attempt to legitimize Morocco’s occupation. UN & Israel/Palestine: The UN warned West Bank violence and settler attacks are “only getting worse,” urging urgent action to halt killing and dispossession. Lebanon healthcare under fire: A Lebanese surgeon described how repeated strikes and drone attacks trap doctors and healthcare workers in hospitals, even after ceasefire claims. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir crackdown: Pakistan’s Human Rights Commission urged an independent probe after reports of deaths and injuries in Rawalakot clashes; AJK police blamed the banned JAAC and alleged armed attacks. UN Security Council row: The U.S. walked out after France criticized Washington’s human-rights record, amid a dispute over UN High Commissioner Volker Türk’s term. Torture & detention in Tunisia: Rights groups warned the health of jailed Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi is in danger, citing cruel treatment and isolation. Philippines policing concerns: Karapatan urged the PNP to stop “psychological torture” of SONA-related detainees, alleging questioning without lawyers. Civic space crackdown in India: CIVICUS added India to its Watchlist, citing intensified persecution of activists and restrictions on media and civil society. Gender justice in Liberia: Women’s groups urged lawmakers to strengthen gender provisions in the proposed War and Economic Crimes Court to better address wartime sexual violence.

Philippines Protest Crackdown: Rights group Karapatan says 51 people, including minors, were illegally arrested during a People’s SONA rally near President Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, calling the police response a direct attack on peaceful assembly. Peru Anti-Crime Push: Newly sworn-in President Keiko Fujimori says the armed forces will temporarily take internal control during states of emergency to fight organized crime, in coordination with police. UN Security Council Rift: U.S. diplomats walked out as France criticized Washington’s human rights record, escalating a dispute tied to the UN human rights chief’s mandate and broader U.S.-Europe tensions. Venezuela Election Anniversary: Protests across Venezuela mark two years since the 2024 presidential election, with opposition demands for an electoral timetable, prisoner releases, and respect for results. Yemen-Saudi Strikes: Human Rights Watch reports Yemen’s coalition attacked Sanaa airport to block an international flight, while Houthis hit Abha airport, raising renewed war-crimes concerns. Iran Executions: Iran executed two men arrested over January anti-government protests, with reports of crowds trying to stop public hangings. Côte d’Ivoire Toxic Waste Justice: UN experts renew calls for accountability 20 years after Trafigura’s “Probo Koala” toxic dumping, citing ongoing victims’ pursuit of remedies. Azerbaijan Media Crackdown: CPJ condemns harsh sentences for Toplum TV-linked journalists, warning of a wider crackdown on independent media. India Civic Freedoms: CIVICUS adds India to its Watchlist over rapid deterioration in civic freedoms, citing persecution of activists and restrictions on media and civil society. UN Torture Ban: A UN expert warns that migration removals can’t override the absolute ban on returning people to torture. China Tibet Religious Restrictions: Authorities order monks and nuns to leave Larung Gar after demolitions, intensifying pressure on Tibetan Buddhist communities. Davao Power Bills: Davao City Council calls for urgent action as electricity rates reportedly jumped nearly 35% in seven months, with calls for hearings and consumer protections.

UN Human Rights: UN chief Volker Türk warned some Israeli actions in Lebanon may amount to war crimes, urging an end to occupation and home demolitions as displacement and attacks on medics and journalists continue. Refugee Protections: As the 1951 Refugee Convention turns 75, UNHCR and public figures renewed calls to keep asylum safeguards alive amid tightening border controls. US–France Tensions at UN: U.S. diplomats walked out of a UN Security Council meeting after France criticized Trump-era human rights record and opposed extending Türk’s mandate. Migrant Detention in the US: ICE extended a no-bid contract to keep Texas’s Camp East Montana open despite rights groups’ allegations of abuse and deaths. Police Accountability (India): India’s NHRC opened a suo motu probe into alleged Delhi Police excessive force against students at Jantar Mantar, while Assam and Bihar withdrew NEET protest cases and ordered releases. Azerbaijan Opposition Detention: Bakhruz Gasanli was detained in Kharkiv at Azerbaijan’s request, with associates linking the case to broader political persecution. Georgia Protest Detention: Transparency International–Georgia filed to Strasbourg over Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s three-day administrative detention tied to a peaceful protest. Iran Executions: Iran hanged two protesters from January unrest in Isfahan, amid claims of tens of thousands killed during protests. Pakistan–Afghanistan Civilian Toll: UN reported nearly 500 Afghan civilians killed and over 1,000 wounded in cross-border fighting since October.

Occupied West Bank & Lebanon: UN chief António Guterres condemned Israel’s accelerated settlement plans as a “flagrant violation” of international law, while UN rights chief Volker Türk warned Israeli actions in Lebanon may amount to “war crimes,” citing large-scale civilian harm and displacement. West Bank Humanitarian Crisis: UN agencies reported escalating settler violence, fires and destruction of homes and farmland, movement restrictions blocking access to medical care, and calls for accountability. UN Rights Diplomacy: U.S. diplomats walked out at the UN Security Council during France’s criticism of America’s human-rights record, amid renewed controversy over Volker Türk’s UN human-rights chief term. Iran Executions Risk: UN experts urged Iran to halt executions of 12 people sentenced to death in a single hearing tied to January protests, citing fair-trial violations and coerced confessions. Nicaragua Crackdown: UN rights chief Volker Türk condemned Nicaragua’s moves to end elections and further restrict freedoms, including concerns over the missing Catholic bishop. Refugee & Asylum Pressure: Malaysia detained more than 100 Rohingya asylum seekers after evictions near UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur, and Connecticut TPS holders in the U.S. braced for expiring statuses amid scams. Human Rights Institutions: Kuwait adopted amendments to strengthen its national human-rights framework and independence. Court Privacy: Cyprus’ Paphos mayoral trial of Phedon Phedonos will be held entirely behind closed doors to protect a complainant’s privacy. Housing Rights: Nigeria’s Deji Adeyanju urged a state of emergency over rental and housing abuses.

Human Rights Watchdog Slams Marcos: Amnesty International Philippines gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. a “failed” mark ahead of his SONA, citing recurring failures on protecting human rights defenders, press freedom, and climate justice. Prison Health Under Scrutiny (Vietnam): Family members say a jailed democracy activist in Vietnam’s Prison No. 5 was denied outside medical care despite serious symptoms, echoing wider concerns about ill-treatment of political prisoners. Protests Meet Heavy Security (Philippines): Ahead of the SONA, police blocked roads and deployed large forces as groups protested hunger, jobs, labor rights, and corruption. Malaysia Prisons Act Amendments: Malaysia’s home minister says proposed changes are meant to protect officers acting in good faith, not grant immunity, as Suhakam and critics push back. Balochistan Enforced Disappearances Alleged: Paank claims four Baloch people were forcibly disappeared, demanding Pakistan disclose whereabouts and investigate. West Bank Mosque Arson: Two mosques were set on fire amid settler violence, with Palestinians and critics blaming the Netanyahu government’s inaction. Bangladesh Yaba Addiction Crisis: A report spotlights the spread of yaba drug use and its devastating impact on users and families. UK Privacy vs Wearables: Smart wearables are challenged over “invisible” surveillance concerns under UK privacy rules. Samoa Ombudsman Sworn In: Vui Clarence Nelson pledges stronger rights protection, including against online harm to children and ongoing violence against women and girls.

UN Syria: UN chief António Guterres urged the immediate lifting of sanctions on Syria, saying it would open “a new chapter” for recovery, with support needed for refugee returns, transitional justice and human rights. Syria Detention & Justice: A UN mission in Benghazi met Libyan officials to discuss prison conditions and reforms aimed at better detainee rights ahead of a justice forum. UN Human Rights Leadership: Volker Türk’s renewed UN High Commissioner mandate triggered a sharp US–France diplomatic fight, with France calling the US no longer a human-rights “beacon” and Washington accusing Paris of siding with abusers. Trade & Rights: The US rolled out double-digit tariffs on 60+ countries under forced-labor claims, critics say it’s a replacement for earlier tariff moves and lacks clear details. West Bank & Gaza: Israeli police arrested nine at a Tel Aviv rally against West Bank settler violence; separately, reports of mosque arson in Qusra were condemned as a serious crime under international law. Sahrawi Prisoners: Morocco-linked authorities celebrated Sahrawi political prisoners Naâma Asfari and Mohamed Lamine Haddi ending hunger strikes, while reiterating claims of abuse in Moroccan jails. Arbitrary Detention Warning: UN experts urged the UAE to release British businessman Ryan Cornelius, saying his extended detention after completing a sentence is arbitrary and harms his health. Human Rights at Sea: The UN warned thousands of stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz face abandonment, hunger and exposure to attacks. Media Freedom & Law: NUSOJ flagged a repressive draft penal code in Nigeria threatening media freedom and fundamental rights. Cyber & Rights: Kuwait discussed cooperation between cybersecurity and human rights conventions, including child rights, disability rights, anti-discrimination and anti-trafficking. ICC After Karim Khan: Analysis and reaction continued after Karim Khan’s dismissal, with debate over what it means for ICC cases and perceptions of bias.

Kenya Sharon Otieno murder verdict: A packed Milimani Law Courts courtroom heard judgment in the long-running case against former Migori Governor Zachary Okoth Obado and others, with human rights and women’s groups closely watching as security stayed tight. Philippines SONA security and protest rights: Ahead of Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address, the PNP is deploying thousands of officers and says it will use “maximum tolerance,” while lawmakers and opposition figures press for accountability and warn against intimidation. Iran–Oman Strait of Hormuz talks: Iran says technical talks with Oman on managing maritime traffic made “progress,” while UN human rights chief Volker Türk again urged evacuation of stranded sailors. LGBTQ rights under spotlight at WorldPride: Amsterdam’s WorldPride opened with royal and mayoral support and renewed warnings about backlash and attacks on LGBTQ people, including asylum seekers. South Africa migration misinformation: The government warned against sharing unverified migration claims that can inflame fear and undermine rights and public trust. Uyghur rights and deportation concerns: The World Uyghur Congress condemned a Germany-to-China deportation as risking arbitrary detention and torture, and urged UN scrutiny of Uyghur children’s rights. Israel/Palestine media and religious freedom: Qatar’s press watchdog condemned Israel’s repeated closure of Al Jazeera’s Jerusalem office, while reports also describe mosque arson by settlers in the West Bank. Azerbaijan mental health law risk: New amendments allow involuntary psychiatric evaluation without consent, raising fears of forced hospitalization to silence critics. Nigeria: consent and sexual violence justice: A legal advocate stressed consent as central under Nigeria’s rape laws and called for faster prosecutions and stronger victim support. Zimbabwe political intimidation: Zanu-PF youth are reportedly tasked to “spy” on planned protests, intensifying concerns about political repression. Brazil election interference dispute: Brazil rejected visas for US officials seeking meetings on “election integrity,” accusing a political “ploy,” as the US calls the trip routine.

International Justice Shake-Up: The ICC says its work will continue “without interruption” after member states voted 82-152 to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan over serious misconduct, with deputy prosecutors taking over. UN Human Rights Leadership: Volker Türk won a second term as UN human rights chief despite opposition from the US, Israel and Russia, with the General Assembly reappointing him 144-10. Palestine and West Bank Violence: Reports cite 79 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers since the year began, while the Arab Parliament speaker condemned settler attacks as war crimes and crimes against humanity. Immigration Enforcement Backlash (US): A Mountville human rights lawyer was released from ICE custody as residents protested local cooperation with 287(g) agreements. Trans Rights Under Pressure (UK): London Trans+ Pride drew huge crowds amid warnings that new guidance on single-sex spaces could restrict access to trans people’s services. Iran Death Penalty Scrutiny: Iran executed two prisoners and courts issued further death sentences tied to protest-related cases, renewing calls to halt executions. Surveillance and Privacy: Growing police drone use is sparking debate over public safety versus individual privacy.

UN Human Rights: Volker Türk won a second term as UN human rights chief, with the General Assembly reappointing him despite sharp U.S., Russia, and Israel opposition. International Justice: The ICC moved to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan over sexual misconduct allegations, setting up a new leadership fight at a time when the court faces political pressure. Middle East Conflict: Iran and the EU traded accusations of hypocrisy over rights concerns amid the US-Iran war and EU sanctions; UN experts also warned escalation could spread and harm civilians and infrastructure. Occupied West Bank: Israel deployed troops after deadly clashes, with reports of raids and calls to raze homes, as rights groups warn of worsening settler violence. Protest Rights (Peru): Peru’s Constitutional Court struck down parts of a law that criminalized logistical and financial support for peaceful protests. Citizenship & Statelessness (Malaysia): Malaysia’s human rights commission warned a court ruling denying citizenship to children born out of wedlock could leave children stateless. Forced Labor & Trade (US): The US announced tariffs on 60 partners over forced-labor import failures, drawing praise from labor and industry groups. Climate Justice (Vanuatu): Vanuatu’s push for an ICJ climate clarification gained major backing, framing climate harm as a human rights issue. Local Governance (Kenya): Kenya launched a digital early-warning platform to help prevent violence ahead of 2027 elections. Detention & Health (Azerbaijan/Armenia): Armenian prisoner advocates reported serious injuries in Azerbaijani custody, including fractures, urging scrutiny. Nicaragua: A bishop emeritus was reported forcibly disappeared or held under guard after arrest, prompting international concern.

Stranded at Sea: The UN warns that at least 6,000 sailors are trapped on about 400 ships in the Strait of Hormuz as US-Iran attacks continue, with crews left without food, water, fuel, medical care, or contact with families. Tariffs as Rights Policy: The US rolls out new Section 301 tariffs on 60 countries over forced-labor claims, replacing temporary duties struck down earlier this year; small businesses have already sued, arguing the move is unlawful. Iran Crackdown Escalates: Rights groups condemn a surge in executions in Iran, including killings tied to January protests, while UN officials warn the death penalty is being used to spread fear. Sudan Women Under Fire: UN Women says women and girls in Al-Obeid face drone strikes on water sources, then harassment and rape when they collect water after dark. ICC Leadership Shake-up: ICC member states vote to dismiss chief prosecutor Karim Khan after sexual misconduct allegations, while active arrest warrants remain. Press Freedom Under Pressure (Morocco): RSF calls again for the liberation of journalist Ali Lmrabet, long targeted by authorities. Arbitrary Detention (Egypt): UN experts urge Egypt to release editorial cartoonist Ashraf Omar, detained for two years while awaiting trial. Free Expression Online (Italy): Italy’s top court upholds liability for a journalist over third-party comments on his Facebook page, raising alarms for online speech. Immigration Due Process (US): A nun detained by ICE while going to Mass speaks out, urging due process for others facing removal uncertainty. West Bank Violence: Settler attacks and Israeli troop-backed raids in the occupied West Bank leave multiple dead and wounded, as rights groups warn of renewed ethnic cleansing.

Forced-Labour Tariffs: The US rolled out new 10%–12.5% duties on 60 trading partners, including the EU, Australia, Brazil and Pakistan, citing forced-labour import bans as temporary levies expired—sparking immediate pushback over legality and human-rights claims. Prison Heat Risks (Tunisia): Amnesty urged Tunisia to protect detainees during extreme heat, after reports that Ennahda leader Rached Ghannouchi fainted in Mornaguia Prison amid alleged denial of family and lawyer visits. Iran Protest Executions: UN human rights experts called for Iran to halt further executions tied to protest cases in Isfahan, warning relatives of remaining prisoners were summoned for final visits. West Bank Settler Violence: Reports say settler violence is escalating in the occupied West Bank, concentrated east of Ramallah, driving displacement and land takeover fears. Malaysia Custodial Death: A Malaysian family alleged a man died in custody after a urine-test remand, adding to a pattern of custodial deaths and renewed calls for accountability. Journalists Under Pressure (Bosnia): Bosnia’s journalists association and reporter Anisa Mahmutović face defamation lawsuits and smear campaigns linked to a public figure, raising fresh press-freedom concerns. UN Secretary-General Race: Six candidates fielded tough questions in a UN town hall ahead of Security Council voting, as the selection process begins amid the organization’s deep crisis. Palestinian Rights (UK): MPs and peers urged Britain to back the ICJ genocide ruling and impose sanctions on Israel, including an arms embargo. Philippines Mining Harassment: Rights groups condemned cyberlibel complaints targeting lawyers and community leaders opposing destructive corporate mining in Nueva Vizcaya.