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Civil Rights Monitor
Trends
- 1El Salvador rights defenders call for security with justice●EL SALVADOR: ‘We who defend human rights also want security, but with justice’
Human rights defenders in El Salvador are pushing back against the country's hard-line security policies, saying they support public safety but insist it must come with justice and respect for rights. The statement, highlighted by civil society monitor CIVICUS, reflects growing concern over emergency measures and due process in the Central American nation.
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A monthly review of the human rights situation in Belarus for September 2026 highlights continued concerns over political repression, treatment of prisoners, and restrictions on civil liberties in the country. Reports from rights organisations point to ongoing pressure on opposition figures and independent voices, years after the contested 2020 presidential election triggered mass protests and a sweeping crackdown by authorities in Minsk.
- 3Cambodia jails activists and journalists over online speech▼Cambodia: Activists, journalists and the opposition jailed while scores criminalised for their online commentary
Civil society monitors report that Cambodian authorities are jailing activists, journalists and opposition figures while dozens more face criminal charges for comments made online. The crackdown, documented by the CIVICUS Monitor, points to mounting pressure on independent voices ahead of political milestones, drawing concern from rights groups watching the country's shrinking civic space.
- 4ACLU trains election observers across South Dakota as deterrent●ACLU seeks ‘deterrent’ against election problems by training observers across South Dakota
The ACLU of South Dakota is training election observers across the state, describing the effort as a deterrent to potential problems at the polls. The program aims to have monitors present during elections to help ensure voting runs smoothly and that voter rights are protected. The initiative comes amid ongoing national attention on election administration and access to the ballot.
- 5UN Women's Rights Committee Opens 93rd Session in Geneva▼Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Opens Ninety-Third Session in Geneva
The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women has begun its ninety-third session in Geneva. The UN body monitors implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, reviewing reports from member states and hearing from civil society. The session is expected to address ongoing gender equality concerns raised by member states and human rights organisations.
- 6Council of Europe Updates Factsheet on Detention Conditions▼Updated thematic factsheet on conditions of detention in prisons and police premises
The Council of Europe has published an updated thematic factsheet on conditions of detention in prisons and police premises. The document compiles the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture's key findings and standards on how prisoners and police detainees are held across member states, covering issues such as overcrowding, healthcare and ill-treatment. It is aimed at officials, lawyers and civil society monitoring detention practices.
- 7ICE Fed Protester Photos Into Palantir Surveillance Database▼ICE Put Protester Photos Into Palantir’s Surveillance Database
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly added photos of protesters to a surveillance database built by Palantir, raising concerns that people exercising free speech rights are being tracked by immigration authorities. The report has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue the practice blurs the line between immigration enforcement and monitoring of political activity inside the United States.
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The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association, a leading human rights organisation in Tbilisi, is drawing attention. The group is known for providing free legal aid, monitoring courts and elections, and defending civil rights in Georgia. Its work has placed it among organisations recognised for defending human rights and the rule of law, and discussion is centring on its role amid ongoing concerns over judicial independence and civil liberties in the country.