Proparco has provided a NGN 9 billion (around €5 million) portfolio guarantee to Wema Bank in Nigeria, marking the first collaboration between the two institutions. The guarantee, covering 50% of potential losses, will allow Wema Bank to develop a loan portfolio of NGN 18 billion (approximately €10 million) over two years to support micro, small,… [Read More]
Planned Climate Relocations in Philippines Threaten Human Rights
Following Typhoon Odette in December 2021, which devastated Siargao in the Philippines, authorities began relocating entire communities to areas deemed safer. These efforts, however, have largely ignored international standards and the rights of affected residents, particularly people with disabilities. Many relocation initiatives lacked meaningful consultation, accessible information, and inclusive participation, leaving displaced communities at risk… [Read More]
Attacks on Abortion in Russia Undermine Gender Equality
Russian authorities are increasingly restricting access to safe abortion care and limiting women’s and girls’ ability to obtain accurate information about reproductive choices. These measures, justified under a push for “traditional values” and higher birth rates, jeopardize health, violate the right to life and bodily autonomy, and undermine women’s human rights. Human Rights Watch has… [Read More]
Young People at Risk as Sweden Steps Up Deportations
Ayla, 21, Jomana, 18, and Ilya, 19, all came to Sweden as children under different circumstances, but now face deportation while their families remain in the country. Their cases highlight Sweden’s restrictive migration policy, which denies residency based on parental ties once young people turn 18, unless “special dependency” is proven. Normal parent-child relationships no… [Read More]
Syrian Camp Escalates Abuse Against Trinidadian Nationals
Since 2019, over 90 nationals from Trinidad and Tobago, including at least 50 children, have been arbitrarily detained in northeast Syria for alleged links to ISIS. Their conditions have been life-threatening for years, and recent reports indicate that abuses have intensified. Women detained in the Roj camp, controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, described escalating… [Read More]
Mercury Emissions: Trump Administration Weakens Safeguards
The Trump administration has rolled back a key air-pollution protection targeting mercury, one of the most toxic substances on earth. This move reverses the 2024 policy under President Biden, which had lowered allowable mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants, and restores previous, less restrictive limits. Prior to this rollback, Trump had already issued exemptions to… [Read More]
Children at Risk of Execution in Iran Amid Unfair Uprising Trials
Amnesty International has called on Iranian authorities to immediately halt plans to execute eight individuals sentenced to death for alleged involvement in the January 2026 nationwide protests, urging that their convictions be quashed and that expedited, torture-tainted trials against at least 22 others be stopped. The organization has identified at least 30 people at risk… [Read More]
Global AI Summit Falls Short on Curbing Harmful Tech Practices
At the conclusion of the five-day AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, Amnesty International criticized the event for failing to address the human rights risks of artificial intelligence (AI) deployment in India. Erika Guevara Rosas, Senior Director of Research, Advocacy Policy and Campaigns, highlighted that while India was praised for its technological progress, the summit… [Read More]
Missed Chance for Justice in Hong Kong ‘HK 47’ Case
The Hong Kong Court of Appeal recently rejected the appeals of 12 defendants in the high-profile ‘Hong Kong 47’ case, prompting strong criticism from Amnesty International. Fernando Cheung, spokesperson for Amnesty International Hong Kong Overseas, condemned the decision, highlighting the politically motivated nature of the prosecutions and the ongoing erosion of human rights in the… [Read More]
Funding Needed to Support Manurewa Pacific Youth Initiatives
The Tautai Fagota Sasa’a Charitable Trust in South Auckland is seeking stronger support from the Manurewa Local Board to sustain and expand its programmes aimed at preserving and passing on Pacific cultural knowledge across generations. The trust, which operated informally for 15 years before becoming a registered charitable entity two years ago, links youth mentoring,… [Read More]
R5 Billion Lost in Gauteng: Urgent Call to Ring-Fence Water Funds
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged municipal councils across Gauteng and other water-stressed areas in South Africa to urgently ring-fence water and sanitation revenue, following reports that about R5 billion is being lost annually in Gauteng metros due to leaks, ageing infrastructure, and stalled maintenance. Investigations reveal that Johannesburg alone has lost R2.4 billion over… [Read More]
$5.4M from Hilton Global Foundation Supports Global Opportunity Programs
The Hilton Global Foundation (HGF), the philanthropic arm of Hilton, has announced a $5.4 million investment in 18 nonprofit organizations worldwide, marking its largest annual funding commitment to date. The grants support initiatives aligned with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose strategy, focusing on expanding career opportunities, strengthening community resilience, addressing food insecurity, and reducing environmental impact…. [Read More]
Albania Advances Social Justice Through Formal Employment Reform
On the International Day of Social Justice, Albania highlights how social justice is realized through tangible improvements in people’s lives, particularly by helping individuals transition from informal and insecure work to protected employment. The experiences of women like Vjollca and Fabiola demonstrate how access to skills training, social protection and decent work can transform vulnerability… [Read More]
Madagascar Launches New Phase in Food Systems Transformation
The Government of Madagascar has launched a new phase of strategic projects to accelerate the sustainable, inclusive and resilient transformation of its food systems, with support from the European Union and the United Nations Joint SDG Fund. Led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the initiative forms part of the country’s national roadmap to… [Read More]
Social and Solidarity Economy Key to Post-Growth Poverty Reduction
On 20 February 2026, marking the World Day of Social Justice, a new joint policy brief was launched highlighting the role of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) in advancing a human rights–based economic model. The brief was issued by the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, the ILO-chaired United Nations Inter-Agency… [Read More]
Bipartite Roadmap on Responsible Business Conduct Launched in India
On 29 January 2026 in New Delhi, the International Labour Organization convened a multi-stakeholder dialogue on Responsible Business Conduct for decent work, bringing together representatives from employers’ and workers’ organizations, government institutions, enterprises and other partners. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration to advance responsible business practices in India, particularly in the context of evolving… [Read More]
Luxembourg and ILO Sign 2026–2029 Strategic Partnership Framework
The Government of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the International Labour Organization signed a new Strategic Partnership Framework for 2026–2029 in Geneva on 2 February 2026, renewing their long-standing cooperation. The agreement was formalized by senior representatives from Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the ILO, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing… [Read More]
Reinforcing Freedom of Association to Uphold Labour Rights
In Pampanga, the International Labour Organization partnered with the Commission on Human Rights and the Department of Labor and Employment to reaffirm their shared commitment to upholding labour rights as human rights, with a strong focus on freedom of association. A joint training brought together CHR officials, investigators and training specialists to strengthen national systems… [Read More]
New Federal Funding Boosts Employment in Eastern Townships
As global labour markets continue to shift, the Government of Canada is investing in initiatives that strengthen workforce participation and ensure access to meaningful employment opportunities. The Honourable Anna Gainey announced $6.8 million in funding over five years to support approximately 1,800 members of the English-speaking community in Quebec’s Eastern Townships through the Townshippers’ Association’s… [Read More]
New Cutting-Edge Technology Measures Introduced to Tackle Waste Crime
The Environment Agency (EA) has announced a new package of surveillance and investigative measures aimed at preventing waste crime before it occurs. The initiative forms part of a wider crackdown on illegal dumping and organised waste crime, using advanced technology and strengthened enforcement teams to detect and disrupt offenders at an earlier stage. A key… [Read More]
Tánaiste Announces €2 Million Funding Boost for Meals on Wheels Programme
During a visit to the Meals on Wheels service at St. Munchin’s Community Centre in Limerick City, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State for Older People Kieran O’Donnell announced a €2 million increase in 2026 funding for Meals on Wheels organisations nationwide. The additional allocation from the Health Service Executive represents a rise of… [Read More]
New EU-UN Regional Initiative Targets Gender Equality and GBV Prevention in Central Asia
The European Union and the United Nations have launched a new EU-funded UN Multi-Country Programme titled “Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality (CHANGE)” to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and promote gender equality across Central Asia. The programme will be jointly implemented by United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Population Fund and UN Women… [Read More]
Surge in Child Gang Recruitment Deepens Crisis in Haiti
Haiti is facing a deepening security, humanitarian, and governance crisis as armed gangs expand their control across large parts of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and surrounding areas. Entire neighborhoods are under gang dominance, forcing families to flee and severely restricting access to schools, healthcare, and other essential services. As poverty intensifies and state presence remains limited,… [Read More]
