Human Rights

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The updated list names businesses across sectors including construction, finance and tourism. The move is expected to draw sharp criticism from Israel and its allies, while Palestinian advocacy groups have welcomed the listing as a step toward corporate accountability.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for de-escalation in Ethiopia as fighting intensifies across the country. The appeal urges all parties to protect civilians and allow humanitarian access amid rising violence. Observers say the renewed hostilities risk worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis, drawing renewed international attention to Ethiopia's deteriorating security situation.

An activist addressing the United Nations highlighted human rights violations, and Pakistan's attempt to interject during the remarks was dismissed. A clip of the exchange is drawing wide attention, with viewers focused on the moment the interruption was overruled and on the rights allegations raised in the speech.

The UN human rights office has added 61 more companies to its blacklist of firms allegedly violating Palestinian human rights through business ties to Israeli settlements in the occupied territories. The expanded list, published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, names companies across multiple sectors. Rights groups welcomed the move, while Israel and several affected companies have previously rejected the list and criticised its methodology.

Pope Leo opened his trip to France with a warning that an overreliance on technology, which he called a 'paradise of machines,' could undermine humanity. He urged people not to let machines diminish human dignity and relationships, adding his moral voice to the growing global debate over artificial intelligence and automation.

Canada has announced a new round of sanctions against Iran, citing human rights abuses. The measures were reported on CTV National News for September 23, 2026. Further details about the individuals or entities targeted and Iran's response were not provided in the available coverage.

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, alleging they are involved in violations of Palestinian rights. The published list of businesses faces sharp criticism from Israel and pro-Israel groups, while human rights organisations have welcomed the move as a step toward corporate accountability in the occupied territories.

The United Nations has added more than 60 companies to its blacklist of firms doing business in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The move, reported by outlets including the New York Post, is expected to draw strong reactions from Israel and its allies, who have previously condemned the listing as biased, while human rights groups welcomed it.

NTD's evening news broadcast from September 24 covers two confrontations on the same day: an altercation between Chinese state media journalists and White House staff, and delegates walking out during Benjamin Netanyahu's speech, reportedly at the UN General Assembly. The bulletin frames both incidents as signs of rising diplomatic friction. The departures during the Israeli leader's address drew particular attention, with observers debating what the walkouts signal about international attitudes toward his remarks.

Yemen's leader has publicly urged citizens to enlist and announced an amnesty for Houthi members who defect. The call comes amid ongoing conflict in Yemen and signals an attempt to weaken the Houthi movement from within while mobilising public support. The amnesty offer could encourage defections, though the group's response and any wider impact on the war remain to be seen.

The United Nations has added several major Israeli companies to a blacklist of firms linked to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The move, reported by Israeli outlet Ynetnews, places businesses operating in or connected to settlements on a list long criticized by Israel and welcomed by Palestinian advocacy groups. It marks a significant escalation in UN scrutiny of corporate involvement in the settlements.

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements, over alleged violations of Palestinian human rights. The updated list names businesses across sectors including construction, technology and finance that the UN says are linked to settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel and the United States have long rejected the list, while rights groups welcomed the move as accountability for corporate involvement in the occupation.

Peru is facing proceedings at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights over its protections for Indigenous peoples living in voluntary isolation in the Amazon. The case examines whether the state has done enough to safeguard territories and health against encroachment from logging, drug trafficking and infrastructure, and the ruling could set precedent for how governments protect uncontacted communities across Latin America.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer pushed back against fellow Democrats who have begun questioning the party's support for transgender rights, saying she has "never wavered" on the issue. Her remarks come as some in the party debate whether trans rights are politically costly, making her a prominent voice defending the party's position on LGBTQ protections heading into future elections.

Dozens of political and civil society activists have issued a call for international recognition of what they describe as the Hazara genocide, urging governments and international bodies to formally acknowledge persecution of the Hazara community. The appeal reflects long-standing concerns among Hazara communities in Afghanistan and Pakistan, who have suffered repeated attacks and discrimination.

Former Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa delivered an address at a forum under the title 'Rethinking Human Rights', arguing for a re-examination of the international human rights framework. The speech is drawing significant attention and debate online, with viewers split between support for his critique of Western-led rights discourse and criticism of his record in office.

A coalition of human rights organisations has issued a joint statement calling for the immediate release of Palestinian photojournalist Hamdi El-Zaeem, ahead of a scheduled trial hearing. The groups say he has now been deprived of liberty for ten years, and are pressing for his freedom after a decade in detention.

Several Iranian opposition groups have signed a joint declaration of shared human rights principles at a gathering in Oslo. The agreement, reported by the group Iran Human Rights, commits the disparate movements to common standards on fundamental rights. Observers see it as an attempt to present a more unified front among forces opposing the Iranian government.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has held a meeting with the country's prime minister. The talks come as part of the UN's ongoing engagement with national governments on human rights concerns. Details of what was discussed have not been made public, and observers are watching to see whether the meeting produces any concrete commitments.

A side event at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva has drawn attention to the human rights situation of Tibetan children. The Central Tibetan Administration highlighted concerns over the treatment and rights of Tibetan minors, adding to ongoing international scrutiny of conditions in Tibetan areas.

James Becket, an American lawyer and human rights advocate known for defending democracy and documenting political persecution, has died, prompting tributes in Greek media. Kathimerini marks his passing with a farewell piece recalling his career as a defender of democratic principles and opponents of authoritarian rule. Details of his age, cause of death and funeral arrangements were not given in the report.

Amnesty International USA is calling for the abolition of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), reviving a demand long pushed by immigrant-rights and abolitionist groups. The human rights organisation argues the agency's enforcement practices have caused widespread abuses against migrants and asylum seekers, and that immigration enforcement should be fundamentally restructured rather than reformed.

The Palestinian cause featured prominently at the "Writers for Human Rights" events held in Valencia, Spain. The gathering of writers focused on human rights issues placed Palestine at the heart of its programme, drawing attention from Arabic-language media covering the cultural and advocacy scene around the Palestinian question.

Residents of Waterloo, Iowa are voicing concern that the city could go backward on civil rights if it does not fill the position of human rights director. Local discussion, reported by the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, centers on fears that decades of progress on discrimination complaints and equal treatment could stall or reverse without dedicated leadership in the role.

Pope Leo arrived in Paris, where he called on French leaders to protect the right to life. The appeal, made at the start of his visit to France, puts issues of human dignity and life at the center of his trip. The visit is drawing attention from both religious communities and French political circles, with observers watching how officials respond to the pontiff's message.

An Iranian youth conference took place in New York, focusing on freedom, human rights, and the prospects for democracy in Iran. Young Iranians gathered to debate the country's political future and the promotion of basic rights. The event drew attention as discussions about Iran's democratic path continue to resonate among the diaspora and international observers.

Pope Leo opened his trip to France with a stark warning that a growing reliance on artificial intelligence and technology could turn the world into a 'paradise of machines' at the expense of human dignity. He urged leaders and citizens not to let technological progress erode what makes people human.

The International Campaign for Tibet, together with Tibetan communities, human rights organisations and partners in the US Congress, is calling on President Trump to put Tibet and broader human rights concerns on the agenda during his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The coalition wants Washington to press Beijing directly on its policies in Tibetan areas rather than focusing solely on trade and strategic issues.

A group of legal experts and human rights advocates has publicly endorsed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's sanctions regime targeting the International Criminal Court. The challenge argues the sanctions threaten the court's independence and the work of its officials. Human rights organisations have voiced support, framing the measures as an attack on international justice and accountability for war crimes.

Representative Jim McGovern and allied lawmakers are calling on President Trump to make human rights a central issue when he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The appeal, reported by Well News, presses the administration to raise concerns over political prisoners and rights abuses in China during the visit rather than focusing solely on trade and strategic ties.

Senators questioned ambassadorial nominees on human rights, pressing the candidates on their positions and record during confirmation hearings. The exchanges signal that a nominee's stance on rights issues is being treated as a key test for diplomatic appointments. The specific country, nominees and outcomes of the hearings were not detailed.

Iran has put forward a six-point initiative aimed at upholding international law, presented during a United Nations meeting. The proposal was reported by Iranian state media, which framed it as a call for stronger adherence to legal norms in international affairs. Details of the six points and international reaction have not yet been widely reported.

A coalition of faith, labor and civil rights organizations has announced a campaign to mobilize voters across the American South for the November elections and beyond. The effort aims to increase turnout among communities that these groups historically represent. The long-term focus suggests the coalition plans sustained organizing beyond a single election cycle.

Front Line Defenders has issued a joint statement urging the government of Bahrain to ensure human rights defender Abdulhadi Al-Khawaja receives adequate medical treatment while in detention. The statement also demands that he be granted access to respond to allegations made against him by Bahraini authorities. Advocacy groups are pressing for international attention to his conditions behind bars.

Milwaukee Public Schools is navigating a difficult balance between maintaining school discipline and meeting federal civil rights obligations, according to Urban Milwaukee. The district's approach to student discipline has drawn scrutiny over whether disciplinary practices disproportionately affect protected groups, and officials are working to comply with civil rights requirements while keeping classrooms orderly.