Human rights

Returnees cross the border from Iran, on July 3, 2025 in Islam Qala, Afghanistan. Over 256,000 Afghans left Iran for Afghanistan last month, according to the UN's International Organisation for Migration (IOM), ahead of a July 6 deadline imposed by the Iranian government for all undocumented Afghans to leave the country. The number of Afghans in Iran had swelled in recent years after the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021. © Elise Blanchard/Getty Images

Iran: “Hatred Towards Afghans Has Grown So Much”

Migrants accused of spying for Israel as mass deportations continue.

4 Jul 25

This picture taken from Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip, shows rocket trails in the sky late on June 13, 2025, after Iran struck Israel with barrages of missiles after a massive onslaught targeted the Islamic republic's nuclear and military facilities. © Eyad BABA / AFP

Palestinians Watch Another War Unfold

Amid Israel-Iran confrontation, many feel that their own plight is being forgotten.

27 Jun 25

People gather with placards outside the Ghana High Commission in London on March 6, 2024, to protest against Ghana's anti-LGBTQ+ bill. © Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

LGBTI Ghanaians Left With Nowhere To Turn

“The police service is the most homophobic institution; reporting only puts you at risk."

6 Dec 24

Susan Auma and Robert Adongo, Peter Otieno’s mother and brother, hold his funeral pamphlet. Otieno died from injuries allegedly inflicted by police during protests in Kondele, Kisumu County, on July 12, 2023. © Thomas Mukhwana/IWPR

Kenyans Maimed by the State Demand Accountability

Despite scores of killings during a deadly crackdown on protest, no police officers have been arrested or charged.

8 Nov 24

Plain clothed and uniformed security operatives arrest Sammy Okanya (C) in Kampala on July 23 2024. © Haggai Matsiko/IWPR/Agora

How Uganda Tried to Silence Protest

Young anti-corruption activists tell IWPR of abuse they suffered in police detention.

8 Nov 24

Marchers wave rainbow flags and carry colourful banners at a Pride parade celebrating LGBTQ+ equality and visibility. © Mercedes Mehling/Unsplash

Georgia’s LGBT Community Faces Stark Choices

Many fear that they will be forced to choose between asylum or emigration if Georgian Dream wins election.

24 Oct 24

Women cover their faces when walking down a street on August 14, 2022 in Kabul, Afghanistan. © Nava Jamshidi/Getty Images

Afghanistan: Weaponising Sexual Harassment

The lack of legal protection under the Taleban means that harassment and discrimination are effectively forcing women out of the workplace.

23 Jul 24

On December 26, 2021, five young men - Tawfiq Mohamed, Seif Swala, Edwin Kunambi, Hemed Abass, and Rajabu Mdoe - went missing after they left for a beach party in the Kigamboni suburb of Dar es Salaam. © Ali Mkumbwa/unsplash

Tanzania: Police Under Scrutiny Over Disappearances

“The issue inflicts immense anguish upon families left not knowing whether their loved ones are alive, suffering, or dead.”

25 Mar 24

Karine (not her real name) was 15 when she realised that the male body she was born into was not hers. She moved from the rural community she grew up in to the capital Yerevan to be free to be herself. Unlinke many people in her community she was able to find a stable job as a hairdresser and manicurist. © Anahit Zakaryan

Life in the Shadows for Armenia’s Transgender Community

Recent murder highlights widespread discrimination and violence against LGBTI people.

13 Nov 23

On September 13 Belarus' opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya presented the project of the new "alternative" Belarusian passport to the European Parliament. A new decree requires Belarusians to return to their home country to obtain or renew key documents, leaving opposition politicians and human rights activists in exile at risk. © tsikhanouskaya.org

Belarusians Abroad Face Document Limbo

A new decree requires citizens to renew passports in-country, putting exiled government critics at risk.

3 Oct 23

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