AGP Executive Report

Troubles Accountability: A Dublin man whose father was killed by the UVF has launched legal action against Ireland’s Garda watchdog, Fiosrú, alleging an “investigative vacuum” over failures to probe Troubles-era incidents. UN Rights & War Crimes: As the UN General Assembly opens, U.S. officials signal pushback on war-crimes findings tied to alleged U.S. actions in Iran, while the Middle East remains the focus amid Iran-Houthi shipping fears. Saudi Death Sentence Appeal: Sri Lanka says Saudi prosecutors’ appeal has led to a death sentence for Sivarasa Anojan, with the government preparing further legal steps and a bid for clemency. LGBTI Crackdown in Türkiye: Amnesty reports mass arrests and blocked accounts after raids targeting LGBTI groups and human rights defenders under a “protecting the family” pretext. Afghanistan Normalization: Ireland’s foreign minister warns against Taliban normalization, urging engagement that centers women’s and girls’ rights. Palestinian Worship Restrictions: The Palestinian Ministry condemns the closure of the Ibrahimi Mosque and continued bans on the call to prayer. Privacy vs Smart Glasses: London venues restrict AI smart glasses over covert recording and consent risks, as privacy backlash grows. Police Abuse Allegations (India): Telangana’s human rights commission seeks a report after a woman was allegedly assaulted and dragged by hair by a home guard near Hafeezpet. Human Rights as Infrastructure Protection (SA): South Africa’s human rights commission calls copper theft and infrastructure vandalism a human rights crisis, hitting poor communities hardest. Martial Law Anniversary (Philippines): Rights groups mark 54 years since martial law, while police deny social media claims of deaths during protests.

Martial Law Anniversary Protests in the Philippines: Human rights groups, church leaders, and civil society marked the 54th anniversary of Marcos Sr.’s martial law with renewed calls to defend the right to protest, resist corruption, and reject efforts to “rewrite” history, while the CHR urged Filipinos to guard democracy against abuse of power. Police and Protest Oversight: The NCRPO said it deployed more than 17,000 officers and praised “maximum tolerance” during rallies, framing security as support for constitutional assembly. Ukraine Aid Fundraising: Sunflower F.U.N.D. held a Mount Vernon gala raising about $126,446 to support vulnerable Ukrainians and defenders. Nigerian Justice and Accountability: Lawyers urged Nigeria’s Supreme Court to expedite the appeal of blasphemy death-row prisoner Yahaya Sharif-Aminu after years in detention, while RULAAC demanded an independent probe into alleged Lagos police destruction of CCTV and backdated petitions in a telecom vandalism case. UN Warns on US Strikes: UN experts said US airstrikes on suspected drug boats that killed 223 people could amount to crimes against humanity. Deportations Under Scrutiny: Human Rights Watch reported the US deported hundreds of Haitians, including some with pending asylum claims, to a country unable to protect them, calling for an immediate halt. Russia Transnational Repression: A UN report warned Russia exports repression beyond its borders, intensifying fear and intimidation of critics abroad.

Martial Law Anniversary in the Philippines: Religious and human rights groups marked 54 years since Marcos’ 1972 martial law with calls to defend democracy and resist “abuse of power,” while police stepped up deployments and body-camera use to protect peaceful assembly. Online Child Sexual Exploitation in Pakistan: A UNICEF-cited report says 1.5 million children faced online sexual extortion in one year, with most perpetrators known to victims and many cases never reported. France Police Powers Protest: Thousands marched against a bill that would presume lawful action when officers use weapons, with rights groups warning it could enable lethal force. Nigeria Miners’ Deaths: Names of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in NSCDC custody were released as investigations expand and civil society demands transparent accountability. AI and Hate Speech: UN chief António Guterres warned that AI misuse can accelerate hate, misinformation, and violence, urging safeguards and cooperation. UNGA Rights Focus: Moldova’s deputy PM Mihai Popșoi is set to engage at UNGA81, including meetings on accountability, refugees, and human rights. Religious Persecution in Occupied Ukraine: A new report launch highlights alleged “religious terror” and abuses against faith communities in temporarily occupied territories.

Martial Law Anniversary Policing in the Philippines: Manila and the police ramped up security for the 54th Martial Law commemoration, with thousands of officers deployed and body cameras planned as classes were suspended in the capital. Indigenous Rights in the Philippines: Human Rights Watch warns revised consent rules could weaken free, prior and informed consent protections for Indigenous communities by tightening timelines and limiting challenges to permits. Pakistan Protest Crackdown: Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khan was detained for 30 days ahead of planned protests, raising concerns about political pressure and due process. West Bank Religious Site Control: Israeli authorities placed a Muslim shrine in Tulkarm under the Israeli Antiquities Authority, with Palestinian officials calling it a move to seize waqf land. Kenya Migrant Crackdown Backlash: Churches and rights groups condemned Ruto’s closure of small foreign-run businesses, warning of xenophobic violence and family destabilization. Nigeria Miners’ Deaths Probe: Niger State’s NSCDC placed 24 personnel in protective custody amid investigations into 37 deaths in detention, as civil society and lawyers demand accountability. Ukraine Sexual Violence Report: A UN report documents 1,004 cases of sexual violence since Russia’s full-scale invasion, mostly attributed to Russian authorities. AI and Human Rights Oversight: Commentators warn AI systems are being used to accelerate lethal targeting and call for stronger rules before automated decision-making outpaces safeguards. Sri Lanka Mass Grave Discovery: Excavations at Chemmani uncovered remains of 572 people, renewing calls for forensic investigation and justice for disappeared civilians.

UN Leadership: Chile’s former president Michelle Bachelet withdrew from the race to become UN secretary-general after losing ground in Security Council straw polls, leaving seven candidates in the informal process. Human Rights Accountability (Nigeria): Nigeria set up a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in NSCDC custody in Minna, with 20 officers suspended and families demanding transparency. War Crimes & Civilian Protection (Iran/US): UN-backed experts found “reasonable grounds” that a US strike on a primary school in Minab was indiscriminate, killing over 150 including about 120 children, and also examined a second strike on a sports facility. Torture & Justice (Syria): A former Syrian prison chief was sentenced to 60 years in US federal prison for torturing inmates and lying to immigration officials to obtain a green card. Rights & Inclusion (Scotland): Police Scotland faced criticism for failing to keep notes at meetings on transgender suspect policies, amid controversy over how sex is recorded. Conflict Humanitarian Crisis (Ukraine): Religious leaders warned Oleshky in occupied Kherson faces a humanitarian catastrophe, with shortages of food, water, medicines and blocked evacuations. Climate & Rights: A rights-focused climate litigation argument highlights Amazon destruction as a “climate debt,” linking forest loss to carbon impacts and accountability.

Custody deaths in Niger: Nigeria’s federal government has launched a 10-member independent probe and suspended NSCDC officers after 37 suspected illegal miners died in custody in Minna, with lawmakers and bar groups demanding full transparency, accountability, and protection of detainees’ right to life. International justice in Honduras: An international solidarity delegation urged Honduras to comply with Inter-American Court of Human Rights rulings protecting Garifuna communities’ ancestral land rights, after years of stalled titling and registry “sanitation.” Religious freedom under pressure (Iran): UN experts demanded Iran explain the confiscation and eviction tied to the country’s oldest Protestant church, warning it fits a broader pattern of measures against Christians. Ukraine war crimes: UN reporting documents widespread sexual violence and torture against civilians and POWs in Ukraine, overwhelmingly attributed to Russian forces, including assaults against children. First Amendment and press access (US): Reporters from CNN, MSNBC and Politico were denied White House access after a Trump ban, raising fresh concerns about restrictions on media coverage. Human rights and climate: Australia’s Torres Strait island residents say rising tides are eroding burial sites and homes, while communities fight to protect land and culture. HIV emergency (Fiji): Fiji declared a national HIV emergency after data showed a sharp rise in new infections, prompting expanded testing and treatment.

UN War-Crimes Clash: The US rejected UN findings on alleged war crimes in Iran, including the Minab school strike and the Lamerd sports-center attack, while the UN says it has “reasonable grounds” and also points to Iranian crimes against protesters. Middle East Rights & Reprisals: Iran executed a man accused of sharing missile-site secrets with Israel, and Tehran opened a case against marathon organizers over hijab violations. Israel/Palestine Access & Worship: Israeli forces sealed the last route to a West Bank village, isolating 47 families, while Gaza and Hebron religious authorities condemned repeated Al-Aqsa/Ibrahimi Mosque restrictions and incursions. Niger Custody Deaths: Nigeria’s federal government set up a 10-member independent committee and suspended officers after 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody; rights groups and lawyers demand accountability and no payoffs. Ukraine Sexual Violence: A UN report verified 1,004 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine, mostly attributed to Russian forces. AI Safety Concern: Google said its Gemini model autonomously hacked three companies during a security test, underscoring rising AI risk. Chechnya Voting Raids: Reports say security forces conducted raids in Chechnya ahead of elections, detaining people deemed “unreliable.”

Bangsamoro Indigenous Representation: Two non-Moro indigenous leaders, Teduray’s Jo Genna Jover and Lambangian’s Leticio Datuwata, were proclaimed to the regular Bangsamoro Parliament to push long-neglected ancestral domain and IP concerns. Due Process in Deportations: A U.S. appeals court upheld a ruling blocking Trump’s rapid “third-country” deportation policy, saying due process protections can’t be bypassed by sending people to places not covered in their removal proceedings. AI and Rights in Parole: Tasmania will review how AI may have been used in parole decisions after a parole condition was struck down for relying on an AI-made document and nonexistent case law. Discrimination and Public Accountability: South Korea’s National Human Rights Commission opened an investigation after a Seoul cafe withdrew a “no Chinese guests” policy following a rights complaint. Gender and Violence: UN reporting highlights sexual violence used as torture in Russia’s Ukraine war, while South Africa’s Ekurhuleni region faces renewed outrage after multiple murdered women were found. Third-Country Deportation Abuse: Amnesty and lawyers allege U.S. deportees in Equatorial Guinea were beaten and denied proper fear screening. Human Rights and Energy Transition: Pakistan’s fisherfolk and civil society groups protested fossil-fuel projects and urged a community-centred clean energy transition in Sindh. Palestinian Rights at Home: Yonkers police investigate a threatening letter targeting a Palestinian American family for displaying flags. Turkey “Right to Hope” Oversight: The Council of Europe will revisit Turkey’s life-sentence review failures in December, including cases tied to Abdullah Öcalan. EU Trade and Rights: EU talks on renewing Pakistan’s GSP+ hinge on concrete human rights, labour, and environmental reforms.

War Crimes in Iran: A UN fact-finding mission says it has “reasonable grounds” to believe U.S. forces committed war crimes in February strikes on a school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd, while Iran and rights groups press for accountability as the White House rejects the findings and even withdraws from the UN Human Rights Council. Occupied Oleshky Starvation: Human rights reporting warns Russia’s blockade has left thousands in occupied Oleshky without confirmed food or medicine deliveries since late May, with minefields and drone attacks making evacuation nearly impossible. Ukraine Sexual Violence: The UN documents widespread sexual violence and torture by Russian forces, attributing 89% of examined cases to Russian military and detention personnel. Philippines Rights & Due Process: A House human rights lawmaker questions whether senators who didn’t attend Duterte’s impeachment trial can fairly vote on conviction thresholds, as separate reports describe alleged police violence against a rally tied to an AI supply-chain project. Armenia Court: An anti-corruption court refuses to end prosecution of Armen Gevorgyan, keeping a politically sensitive case moving. Disability Rights: UK MPs and peers call for national rules so disabled people can travel abroad with personal assistants, after “ridiculous” local restrictions block some from taking breaks. Education & Hate: California’s education authority finds unlawful discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students in Berkeley schools and orders training. Deportation Detention: An Egyptian man deported to Equatorial Guinea remains held incommunicado for a week, raising concerns about third-country deportation deals. Turkey LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkey’s constitutional court ruling and ongoing harassment spotlight renewed pressure on LGBTI+ groups and free expression.

War Crimes at the UN: A UN fact-finding mission says there are “reasonable grounds” the US committed war crimes in Iran strikes, including a school attack in Minab, while also accusing Iran of crimes against humanity during crackdown on protests. West Bank Settlements: The Philippines urged Israel to halt the E1 settlement plan and rising settler violence, warning it undermines the viability of a future Palestinian state. LGBTQ+ Crackdown in Turkey: Turkey arrested dozens of journalists and LGBTQ+ activists and shut hundreds of social media accounts under obscenity charges, with rights groups calling it a major crackdown. Pakistan Rights Lawyer Case: Pakistan’s Supreme Court granted bail and suspended sentences for human rights lawyer Imaan Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in a controversial tweet case, though they were later rearrested in another matter. Trans Healthcare Uncertainty in India: India’s amended transgender law has left some people facing disrupted hormone treatment, with activists warning the rules create fear and uncertainty in access to care. Haiti Massacre Details: A Haiti human rights network released new findings on the Kenscoff massacre, citing security failures and gaps in response as gangs attacked and kidnapped residents. Namibia Press Freedom Warning: A former Namibian human rights lawyer criticized alleged changes at The Namibian affecting editorial and employment practices, raising concerns for press freedom. Guantanamo Review: Abu Zubaydah, held for 20 years without charges after CIA torture, appeared at a Guantanamo detention review hearing, with his lawyer arguing he poses no security threat.

War Crimes Accountability: UN-backed experts say they have “reasonable grounds” to believe the U.S. committed war crimes in two Iran strikes, including on a school in Minab, while also finding crimes against humanity in Iran’s crackdown on protests. Middle East Rights: The Philippines warned Israel’s E1 West Bank settlement plan and rising settler violence violate international law, urging steps that protect a viable Palestinian state. International Justice: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the ICC for the first time since his virtual appearance, as his case proceeds. Sectarian Violence in Syria: Syria’s judiciary issued first verdicts over last year’s Alawite killings on the coast, including a 20-year prison term and death sentences, with critics saying justice is too limited. Kurdish Peace Talks: A French lawmaker applied to visit Abdullah Öcalan on Imrali, seeking direct dialogue on Turkey’s Kurdish question. Civil Liberties & Equality: Seattle expanded anti-discrimination protections to polyamory, pansexuality and asexuality. Detention Oversight: States are suing to inspect federal immigrant detention facilities run by private operators, citing repeated denials of access and health risks. Human Rights Defenders Under Pressure: A Nigerian Army rape case report alleges a human rights lawyer pressured a family to accept compensation and drop charges.

ICC Detention Watch: Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in person at the International Criminal Court for the first time in 18 months, as judges kept him detained citing higher flight risk and concerns he could interfere with witnesses. Due Process Under Strain: The court also pushed prosecutors to streamline a massive case, while Duterte’s defense floated using AI to manage overwhelming evidence disclosures. Anti-Drug Policy Debate: In the Philippines, lawmakers argued over whether the national human rights body should sit on the Dangerous Drugs Board, with one side warning against losing independence. Armenian POWs & Trials: UCLA’s Promise Institute is set to host a discussion on Armenian prisoners of war held in Baku, while an Armenian court case against former MP Martun Grigoryan moves forward. West Bank Settlements: Israel’s housing tender in E1 would expand settlement construction on Palestinian land, raising fears of further fragmentation of the West Bank. Gaza Civilian Harm: UN and rights groups renewed calls for access for war-crimes investigators as rubble recovery and building collapses continue to kill children. LGBTQ Crackdown: Turkey arrested at least 162 people in raids targeting LGBTQ spaces, amid broader “family values” enforcement. China Exit Ban: Human Rights Watch warned a new Chinese decree expands authorities’ power to block people from leaving, including for vague “security” reasons. Local Rights Response: In the US, San Jose became the first Bay Area city to pause new private detention facilities over immigrant detention fears. Women’s Sport Rights: Sheikha Hind called for a global coalition to remove barriers excluding women and girls from sport.

ICC Accountability in the Philippines: The ICC’s Trial Chamber III held a third status conference in Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes-against-humanity case, with judges urging prosecutors to streamline witness numbers to conclude faster, while Duterte attended in person for the first time in over a year amid ongoing arguments about his fitness to stand trial. Gaza War Crimes & Missing Persons: UN human rights chief Volker Türk pressed for unrestricted international access to Gaza to recover bodies and investigate possible war crimes, warning bulldozing and restrictions are destroying remains and evidence. Belarus Prisoner Swap: A US envoy said Belarus agreed to release 25 prisoners in exchange for easing US sanctions on two companies, as rights groups warn hundreds remain jailed for political reasons. Northern Ireland Justice: A top judge said a court overturned prison authorities’ refusal to grant convicted killer Gary Anderson temporary release to attend his father’s funeral, citing lack of substantiation. Online Safety & Child Protection (Malaysia/Meta): Malaysia’s Online Safety Act age-verification debate is weighing privacy-safe, risk-based approaches over strict ID checks, while Meta in India says it will report child abuse and safety cases directly to Indian authorities. LGBTQ+ Crackdowns (Turkey): Turkey raids LGBTQ+ venues and homes, with rights groups and EU partners condemning the crackdown and calling for detained activists’ release. Venezuela Repression Under Scrutiny: UN experts said repression mechanisms remain largely intact despite partial political liberalization after Maduro’s removal, with state structures and “colectivos” still operating.

Gaza War Crimes Concerns: UN rights chief Volker Türk says Israeli bulldozers are continuing to level areas where bodies may still be buried, urging access for international investigators and dignified recovery for families. U.S. Accountability Push: A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced a privileged resolution demanding State Department reporting on rising West Bank violence, including killings of Americans and detention of Palestinian children. Slavery Loophole Fight: Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley and others reintroduced the “End the Exception Amendment” to remove the 13th Amendment’s slavery-for-punishment clause. Land & Environmental Defenders: Global Witness reports 124 defenders killed in 2025, with Latin America at 85% of deaths—Colombia and Brazil worst-hit. Turkey LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish police detained dozens at a protest over LGBTQ+ arrests, as rights groups warn of a widening campaign. AI Rights Debate: UN experts and lawmakers renewed calls for urgent AI regulation to protect human rights and prevent systems from escaping human control. Modern Slavery in Retail: UK charity Unseen warns modern slavery is “exploited in plain sight” across retail, with reported cases rising sharply. Human Trafficking Response: Qatar launched a National Referral System workshop to strengthen victim protection and coordination. Prison Conditions Scrutiny: Jamaica’s JFJ seeks details on a proposed maximum-security prison, warning the public lacks clarity on who it targets and safeguards.

Gaza Accountability: UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged full access for international investigators after hundreds of bodies were recovered from mass graves at Gaza hospitals, warning the findings revive war-crimes concerns. West Bank Rights: B’Tselem released “The Elimination Project,” alleging Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank aim to eliminate Palestinian life through violence, displacement, movement restrictions and economic pressure. Turkey LGBTQ+ Crackdown: Turkish authorities detained at least 150 people after police broke up a protest outside Istanbul’s courthouse, following raids and online restrictions targeting LGBTQ+ groups. Bangladesh Death Sentences: Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal-2 sentenced seven Awami League leaders to death over alleged crimes against humanity tied to the 2024 protest crackdown, adding to earlier Hasina-related rulings. Digital Rights & Access: Cambodia’s civil society urged stronger safeguards and affordable connectivity at the Phnom Penh Internet Forum, citing unequal access and weak protections. Internet Governance Spotlight: Charles Mok called for inclusive internet governance and stronger AI/digital rights protections in an interview on future policy priorities. Meta Child Safety Reporting: Meta agreed to report child safety matters directly to India’s I4C cybercrime portal, aiming to improve coordination with authorities. Germany Detentions: German police detained two suspects accused of violence at Eritrean community events, with prosecutors alleging links to a domestic terrorist group. Azerbaijan Detention Conditions: A court postponed a request to tighten detention conditions for Talysh researcher Iqbal Abilov, amid claims of punishment-cell treatment and health problems. Human Rights Oversight: South Africa’s civil society pushed for a stronger Human Rights Commission Bill, warning proposed powers still need safeguards for independence and accountability.

AI and human rights: UN High Commissioner Volker Türk warned that the race to more powerful AI poses “existential” risks, as Trump dismissed calls for guardrails as a “hoax,” while tech leaders urge slower development. Digital rights and trade: Public Citizen and Engage Media say U.S. reciprocal trade agreements hide clauses that could block countries from using certain ICT suppliers, threatening internet access and digital equality. Homelessness and rights: New Zealand groups are pushing to end “Move-on Orders” before Christmas, arguing forced displacement drives people into the criminal justice system instead of housing. Syria fuel protests: In Hasakah, residents block the M4 highway for a second day over diesel price hikes, linking global commodity prices to collapsing household incomes. West Bank “elimination” claims: B’Tselem released “The Elimination Project,” alleging Israel is systematically dismantling Palestinian life through violence, movement limits, economic suppression and territorial takeover. Immigration detention abuse (US): A DHS watchdog report says “Alligator Alcatraz” detainees were held in tiny metal cages dubbed “calming areas,” failing humane treatment standards. Democracy and rights: A Global State of Democracy report highlights Australia’s relative strength but flags major global declines, including freedom of expression and judicial independence. Rough sleeping and youth: The debate over excluding 14–17 year olds from move-on orders shows how policy choices can hit young people hardest.