South Asia Rights Watch

Monitoring human rights across South Asia | Reports, analysis & verified updates | Holding power accountable

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 STATEMENT — South Asia Rights Watch 🇵🇰

South Asia Rights Watch strongly condemns the violent assault carried out by members of the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) at CMH Rawalakot.

CCTV footage shows JAAC members storming the hospital and attacking patients, as well as injured police and Federal Constabulary personnel receiving medical treatment.

Hospitals and medical facilities must remain protected spaces at all times. Any attack on patients, healthcare staff, or wounded individuals is unacceptable and undermines the rule of law.

We call for a transparent investigation, accountability for those responsible, and immediate measures to ensure the safety of civilians, medical workers, and security personnel.

Violence is never the path to justice.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 South Asia Rights Watch 🇮🇳 condemns the targeting, harassment, and abuse of women and innocent protesters by Indian Army under any circumstances.

Women must never be subjected to humiliation, assault, or intimidation, and peaceful protesters must never be met with violence.

Human rights and human dignity must be respected at all times, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 STATEMENT — South Asia Rights Watch 🇦🇫

South Asia Rights Watch strongly condemns the Taliban's violent crackdown on civilian protesters in Herat and Ghor provinces, Afghanistan.

According to reports, Taliban forces opened fire on demonstrators protesting the regime's policies and restrictions on basic freedoms. Multiple people were reportedly killed and many others injured in Herat, while further casualties were reported after Taliban forces fired on protesters in Ghor Province.

Reports also indicate that access to medical treatment was obstructed and that civilians faced intimidation while seeking care.

The use of lethal force against peaceful protesters is a grave violation of fundamental human rights. We call for an independent investigation into these incidents, accountability for those responsible, and urgent measures to protect civilians' rights to peaceful assembly and free expression.

Violence against civilians can never be justified.

[UN Human Rights @UNHumanRights]

US sanctions against #Cuba are endangering lives and must be lifted immediately- warns @volker_turk. "Children are dying because doctors lack access to essential medical supplies and medicines. This is unacceptable."
https://t.co/f3PR89ax9V

[UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett @SR_Afghanistan]

Alarmed by excessive use of force against seemingly peaceful protesters in #Herat today; it’s time to defuse the tension, respect citizens’ freedom of expression, especially women and girls, and avoid further harm. Those responsible for violence must be held accountable.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 STATEMENT — South Asia Rights Watch 🇵🇰

South Asia Rights Watch strongly condemns the violent attack carried out by members of the banned Joint Awami Action Commitee led by Shaukat Nawaz Mir in AJK.

Reports indicate the killing of 3 police personnel and 1 FC constable, multiple injuries, and an attack on a hospital facility and staff.

Violence can never be justified. We call for a transparent investigation, accountability for those responsible, and immediate steps to restore peace and protect civilians.

Violence is never the path to justice.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 Appeal by South Asian Rights Watch 🇮🇳

As Indian youth leader and CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke leads large-scale protests in New Delhi demanding the resignation of the Education Minister, large numbers of citizens are participating in demonstrations across India.

South Asian Rights Watch urges Indian authorities, security forces, police, and political leadership to respect the rights of peaceful protesters and ensure the safety of civilians.

We hope that Indian forces do not resort to firing on civilians, as seen during previous protest crackdowns. The rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression must be protected. All parties should exercise restraint, avoid violence, and ensure that public order is maintained in a peaceful and lawful manner.

[UN News @UN_News_Centre]

#BREAKING

UN General Assembly ELECTS following States as non-permanent members of the Security Council for two-year terms beginning 1 Jan 2027:

🇦🇹 Austria
🇵🇹 Portugal
🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

Voting continues for the remaining one seat from the Asia-Pacific States.

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

#Cameroon is the sixth African country to accede to UN Water Convention.

🎙️Our French-language podcast speaks to Gérance Zambo, Ministry of Water Resources & Energy 🇨🇲, about the benefits & projects associated with the Convention's implementation.

@UNECE_Water @UNECE @UN_Water

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

South Asia Rights Watch Condemns Rising Anti-Muslim Hate Incidents in India During Eid-ul-Adha

South Asia Rights Watch has strongly condemned the reported rise in anti-Muslim hate incidents and extremist actions targeting Muslims in different parts of India during Eid-ul-Adha.

According to multiple reports and local accounts, extremist Hindu groups and individuals linked with BJP-affiliated networks attempted to disrupt Eid prayers in several areas by throwing pigs and other offensive objects near Muslim worship gatherings in an apparent effort to mock, intimidate, and provoke the community during one of Islam’s holiest occasions.

The organization also expressed serious concern over previous incidents involving the demolition and targeting of mosques during religious periods, as well as the continuing pattern of atrocities, discrimination, and communal violence against minorities in India, particularly Muslims and Christians.

South Asia Rights Watch stated that such acts of hatred, religious provocation, and intimidation against minority communities must not be normalized and called on Indian authorities to ensure the protection of religious freedoms and minority rights in accordance with international human rights obligations.

The organization further warned that increasing religious extremism and mob hostility threaten communal harmony and regional stability, urging immediate action to prevent further escalation.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 STATEMENT — South Asia Rights Watch 🇮🇳

South Asia Rights Watch expresses deep concern over the rising number of religious hate speech incidents and hate crimes targeting Muslims and Christians in India, as documented by multiple human rights organizations.

Recent data shows a troubling increase in organized hate speech cases between 2024 and 2025:

• Hate speech targeting Christians increased by 41%, rising from 115 recorded incidents in 2024 to 162 in 2025.

• Hate speech targeting Muslims increased by 12%, rising from 1,147 incidents in 2024 to 1,289 in 2025.

According to documented reports covering the period from July 2024 to June 2025:

• 419 hate crime incidents against Indian Muslims were recorded, affecting approximately 1,460 victims, including at least 25 reported deaths.

• 85 hate crime incidents against Indian Christians were recorded, affecting approximately 1,505 victims.

These figures reflect a deeply concerning environment of intolerance, communal hostility, and growing insecurity faced by religious minorities.

South Asia Rights Watch reiterates that freedom of religion and the protection of minorities are fundamental human rights that must be upheld under all circumstances.

We urge the relevant authorities to ensure accountability for perpetrators, strengthen protections for vulnerable communities, and take immediate measures to curb hate speech, incitement, and violence targeting religious minorities.

📑 Sources:
• Center for the Study of Organized Hate
• Association for Protection of Civil Rights

[UN News @UN_News_Centre]

The UN Charter is a survival guide for humanity, António Guterres tells Security Council

“A promise born from the devastation of two world wars … and preventing a third world war. But today, the purposes and principles of the Charter are under profound strain.”

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

🚨 STATEMENT — South Asia Rights Watch 🇵🇰

South Asia Rights Watch expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the deadly attack carried out by BLA militants, an internationally designated terrorist organization, which resulted in severe civilian casualties and destruction in nearby residential areas.

Preliminary reports and visuals emerging from the affected area indicate:

• Significant loss of civilian life and multiple injuries.

• Extensive damage to homes and civilian infrastructure in surrounding neighborhoods.

• Displacement and trauma faced by local families and residents.

• Heartbreaking cases of entire families being affected, including the reported loss suffered by Khalid Javed’s family.

The disturbing visuals and testimonies emerging from the scene reflect the devastating humanitarian impact such violence has on ordinary civilians.

South Asia Rights Watch reiterates that civilians must never be targeted under any circumstances. We further condemn any celebration, glorification, or justification of attacks resulting in civilian harm.

We urge relevant authorities to ensure protection of civilians, provide urgent assistance to affected families, and uphold accountability under international human rights and humanitarian principles.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

South Asia Human Rights Watch – Urgent Statement 🇵🇰🚨

South Asia Human Rights Watch expresses grave concern over the reported suicide attack by BLA militants in Quetta, Balochistan, which has resulted in the tragic loss of a civilian family.

Ordinary citizen Khalid Javed was martyred along with his wife and daughter in this deeply distressing incident. These civilians were non-combatants and were not involved in any conflict, yet they became victims of indiscriminate violence.

The loss of Khalid Javed and his family highlights the severe humanitarian impact of such attacks on innocent civilians.

South Asia Human Rights Watch calls for:

• An immediate and transparent investigation into the Quetta incident
• Identification and accountability of those responsible
• Enhanced protection measures for civilian populations
• Urgent support and assistance for affected families
• Strong efforts to prevent future attacks on innocent civilians

The killing of innocent civilians is a grave violation of human rights and must be condemned in the strongest terms.

[South Asia Rights Watch @SA_RightsWatch]

South Asia Human Rights Watch – Urgent Statement 🇵🇰🚨

South Asia Human Rights Watch expresses grave concern over the terrorist attack reportedly carried out by BLA militants targeting a civilian passenger train in Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan, on 24 May 2026.

According to reports, the attack targeted innocent civilians, including women, children, and elderly passengers travelling on the train. The attack caused severe damage to the passenger train and surrounding area, while rescue and clearance operations were immediately launched by security forces and emergency responders.

At least 24 people, including civilians, were reportedly killed, while more than 40 others sustained injuries in the attack.

The deliberate targeting of civilian transportation and populated areas represents a serious violation of human rights and poses a grave threat to public safety and regional stability.

Reports indicate that BLA militants have claimed responsibility for the attack.

South Asia Human Rights Watch calls for:

• An immediate and transparent investigation into the Quetta train attack
• Identification and accountability of all individuals and networks responsible
• Enhanced protection measures for civilians and public transportation
• Immediate medical assistance and support for victims and affected families
• Stronger counterterrorism measures to prevent attacks on civilian targets
• Urgent efforts to protect peace and stability in Balochistan

The protection of civilians, respect for humanitarian principles, and accountability for acts of terrorism must remain the highest priority.

[UN Human Rights @UNHumanRights]

The UN General Assembly endorsement of the International Court of Justice’s climate ruling is key - the climate crisis is also a human rights crisis and States have legal obligations to protect people and planet.
We now need urgent action – law reform, policy change, international cooperation and accountability – to stop the climate crisis from worsening and open paths towards reparations for those affected. - @volker_turk

[Human Rights Watch @hrw]

Do you have a video or photo of someone being killed or who died during the October 29 Tanzanian election?

Upload it to this secure platform and answer the questions, and help Human Rights Watch document what happened: https://t.co/bWZtUtJex2

[United Nations Geneva @UNGeneva]

May is #MentalHealthMonth.

1️⃣ in 7️⃣ young people faces mental health issues, yet signs are often missed.

Parents, carers & teachers can help spot when a child needs support.

Latest @WHO publications: https://t.co/6yYdoZILUi

[UN Human Rights @UNHumanRights]

#Palestine/#Israel: New @UNHumanRights report documents 19 months of large-scale violations of international law including atrocity crimes.

https://t.co/fAcVdFtVmJ

[UN Human Rights @UNHumanRights]

Civilians must never pay the price of conflict. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties.

Read more: https://t.co/hfyK57IUXR