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Articles by Ellie Cho
UNICEF chief urges Bangladesh to eliminate legal loopholes that allow child marriage
After a three-day visit to the country, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on Tuesday urged Bangladesh to end child marriage and close the gaps in national law that still allow it. In a statement released on October 20, Russell called for immediate investment in Bangladesh’s children. Her first priority was ending child marriage and keeping girls in school, as UNICEF says early marriage pushes girls out of education and leads to early pregnancy.
Amnesty International says death penalty reforms leave Singapore isolated in Southeast Asia
Amnesty International said a growing number of Southeast Asian states are cutting back on the death penalty, creating new momentum towards abolition in a region long known for its strong support for capital punishment. The statement came ahead of the World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10, alongside a new briefing examining progress towards abolition and continued resistance to reform across the region.
Amnesty International calls on France to ban stun grenades after teenager loses hand at school protest
Amnesty International on Wednesday called on the French government to permanently ban stun grenades in the policing of all protests, saying the announcement of a temporary suspension does not go far enough.
Amnesty International calls on France to ban stun grenades after teenager loses hand at school protest
Amnesty International on Wednesday called on the French government to permanently ban stun grenades in the policing of all protests, saying the announcement of a temporary suspension does not go far enough.
Colombia’s anti-drug policies could deepen racial discrimination, UN experts warn
The UN International Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equity in Law Enforcement on Thursday urged Colombia to ensure that its security and drug-control policies do not reinforce systemic racism against people of African descent. The warning comes as Colombia faces pressure to strengthen its response to drug trafficking, armed groups and criminal organizations.
Colombia's anti-drug policies could deepen racial discrimination, UN experts warn
The UN International Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equity in Law Enforcement on Thursday urged Colombia to ensure that its security and drug-control policies do not reinforce systemic racism against people of African descent. The warning comes as Colombia faces pressure to strengthen its response to drug trafficking, armed groups and criminal organizations.
South Korea enforces amended law on false and manipulated information
South Korea on Tuesday began enforcing an amended law designed to curb the spread of false and manipulated information online, amid growing concern over AI-generated content and misinformation on social media. The amendment to the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection allows courts to award punitive damages against news organizations and social media influencers found to have spread false information.
Canada passes bill amending Criminal Code to ban forced sterilization
The upper house of the Canadian parliament passed Bill S-228 on Monday to amend the Criminal Code (the Code) to explicitly criminalize forced and coerced sterilization. Specifically, the bill amends § 268(1) of the Code and prohibits the performance of a sterilization procedure without a patient’s voluntary consent as an act that wounds or maims a person under a newly inserted § 268.1 of the Code.
Canada parliament passes cybersecurity bill amid privacy concerns
The Canadian Senate on Thursday passed Bill C-8, introducing a mandatory cybersecurity framework designed to protect critical infrastructure across the country’s telecommunications, finance, energy, and transportation sectors against emerging threats. The legislation achieves its objectives by amending the existing Telecommunications Act and enacting the new Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act.
Hungary PM threatens to remove president by amending constitution
Hungary’s Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced Monday that his Tisza Party would immediately begin work on amending Hungary’s Fundamental Law to remove President Tamas Sulyok if he refuses to resign. Magyar said impeachment was one theoretical option under current law but insisted his government would avoid that route in order to preserve the dignity of the presidency.
Samsung Electronics reaches last-minute wage deal with labor union
Samsung Electronics’ labor union held off on launching a planned 18-day strike Wednesday after reaching a last-minute, tentative wage deal with the company management, alleviating immediate concerns about a potential operational shutdown at the world’s leading memory chip maker. The tentative agreement comes roughly six months after the union’s formation in November 2025.
Amnesty International condemns continued attacks on media freedom in East and South Africa
Amnesty International on Saturday issued a statement criticizing the continued harassment, arbitrary arrests, and detention of independent journalists in several countries across East and Southern Africa. In particular, the organization reported a rise in internet blockades and shutdowns, as well as the use of oppressive cybersecurity laws to restrict media freedom, especially in countries that held elections in 2025 and 2026.
UN rights experts urge Algeria to quash trial of poet
UN rights experts urged the Court in Algiers Tuesday to stop the trial of Mohamed Tadjadit, noting that the reclassified charges he now faces are punishable by death. A poet and human rights defender, Tadjadit is associated with the Hirak movement, which first arose in opposition to former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika and has since evolved into a wider call for political change and greater freedoms.
UN experts welcome anti-mercenary law in Colombia
UN experts on Friday welcomed Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s ratification of the 1989 International Convention against Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. The experts praised the signing of what amounts to a new anti-mercenary legislative package, calling it an essential step toward protecting human rights and upholding international legal obligations.
UN experts welcome anti-mercenary law in Colombia
UN experts on Friday welcomed Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s ratification of the 1989 International Convention against Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries. The experts praised the signing of the new anti-mercenary legislation, calling it an essential step toward protecting human rights and upholding international legal obligations. Colombia has experienced a decades-long armed conflict that began with the formation of guerrilla groups, notably the FARC and the ELN.
US District Judge blocks government ban on Anthropic AI
A federal judge on Thursday blocked the Trump administration from designating the artificial intelligence company Anthropic as a “supply chain risk” and banning federal contractors from using its technology. US District Judge Rita Lin ruled in favor of Anthropic, halting a presidential directive that ordered all federal agencies to cease using the company’s Claude AI model. The legal dispute stems from contract negotiations between Anthropic and the US Department of Defense.
Belarus frees 250 political prisoners after negotiations with United States
Belarus has freed 250 political prisoners following a sanctions-relief negotiation with the United States, a move human rights organizations cautiously welcomed while warning that true justice has yet to be served. President Alexander Lukashenko ordered the mass release on March 19. The decision was the result of direct negotiations with the Trump administration, which agreed to lift specific sanctions targeting Belarusian financial institutions in exchange for the prisoners’ freedom.
Iraq women rights defender assassinated
Prominent Iraqi women’s right defender Yanar Mohammed was killed outside her residence on March 2 by two unidentified men. No group has claimed responsibility for the assassination. Following the attack, Iraqi Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the killing. International human rights organizations are urging authorities to identify the perpetrators and halt a continuing pattern of targeted attacks against activists in the country.
Indonesia bans social media for children under 16
Indonesia announced on Friday a new policy banning social media and online platforms for children under the age of 16, aiming to protect youth from online abuse. Under the new regulation, existing accounts belonging to users under 16 will be deactivated starting March 28. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid stated that the restriction will initially apply to major platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, BigoLive, and Roblow.
Greece appellate court upholds convictions of extreme right-wing party leadership
An Athens appellate court on Wednesday upheld 2020 convictions of far-right party Golden Dawn’s leadership and senior members, confirming the party’s designation as a criminal organization.
UN expert urges more support for Emergency Response Rooms volunteers in Sudan
A UN expert called attention to the critical role of local Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) volunteers in delivering life-saving aid amid a brutal war in Sudan on Friday, stressing f0r more support. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan has raged for approximately three years, marked by killings, rape, and other violations, raising concerns about escalating genocidal violence.
North Korea's ninth party congress bolsters repression of youth and information
North Korea began the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea on February 20, 2026, signaling a tightening of control over youth and access to information. A key focus of the Party Congress was the current state of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s “five-point strategy for building the party in the new era,” as outlined at the Eighth Party Congress in 2021. Human Rights Watch expressed concerns about the increased repression.
Supreme Court of Canada invalidates the result in the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne
The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) on Friday nullified the result of last spring federal election in the riding of Terrebonne, overturning a single-vote victory by Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste due to an addressing error by Elections Canada. The SCC ruling leaves the Montreal-area seat vacant and sets the stage for a high-stakes by-election.
Supreme Court of Canada invalidates the result in the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne
The Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) on Friday nullified the result of last spring federal election in the riding of Terrebonne, overturning a single-vote victory by Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste due to an addressing error by Elections Canada. The SCC ruling leaves the Montreal-area seat vacant and sets the stage for a high-stakes by-election.
Russia Telegram block condemned as a blow to freedom of expression by rights group
Marie Struthers, the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director at Amnesty International, criticized Russian authorities for blocking and slowing down the Telegram messaging app, undermining people’s ability to communicate freely and securely. Amnesty International criticized the restriction, stating: These restrictions appear to be part of a broader tightening of state control over online communication in Russia, which has already seen the blocking or disruption of other messaging services.
UN experts condemn China's denial of medical treatment to human rights defender
UN human rights experts expressed concerns on Thursday over the repeated denial of adequate medical treatment for Yang Li, a Chinese human rights defender. In the statement, the experts warned, “The arrest and indictment of Yang Li appear to represent an effort by the authorities to prevent her from peacefully exercising her rights to seek redress for legitimate grievances.
South Korea former first lady sentenced to 20 months for bribery
The Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday sentenced former South Korea first lady Kim Keon Hee to 20 months in prison for accepting bribes in exchange for political favors. The court found Kim guilty of accepting luxury gifts, including Chanel bags and a diamond pendant, from officials associated with the Unification Church. In its verdict, the court stated Kim had “exploited her position to seek personal gain” and noted her ability to exert “significant influence” over the former president.
UN raises alarm over renewed clashes and prison breaks in northeast Syria
The United Nations on Tuesday expressed deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in northeast Syria. This follows renewed violent clashes between Syrian government troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) despite a ceasefire agreement, creating a security vacuum that reportedly led to the escape of some detained Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militants from prison.
Pope Leo XIV warns “zeal for war” is spreading
In a Vatican speech, Pope Leo XIV voiced concerns regarding the erosion of human rights and what he termed the modern world’s “zeal for war.” He emphasized that the fundamental prohibition against violating sovereign borders has been completely undermined, lamenting that “war is back in vogue, and a zeal for it is spreading.” The Pope’s remarks come in the wake of President Donald Trump’s January 3rd regarding the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro via an extraordinary military...
UN condemns Israel suspension of aid agencies from Gaza
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned on Wednesday Israel’s suspension of numerous aid agencies operating in Gaza, worsening an already intolerable situation for the people in Gaza. Türk urged all States with influence to use their voice to press Israel to immediately allow unhindered aid to enter Gaza.
South Korea assembly passes controversial 'fake news' bill amid free press fears
South Korea’s liberal-led legislature passed a bill against traditional and online news outlets for publishing “false or fabricated information.” The bill authorizes substantial punitive damages targeting the news media and raises concerns about increased censorship. The Conservative Party launched a filibuster, but the Democratic Party ended it 24 hours later and passed the bill with 170 votes in favour out of 177 members present.
Human rights group expresses concerns about Brazil environmental licensing bill
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday condemned Brazil’s Congress for advancing the General Environmental Licensing Bill and called on lawmakers to support negotiations at COP30 and ratify the Escazú Agreement. The bill contains controversial provisions that would simplify environmental licensing requirements through developer self-certification and revoke protections for human rights defenders.
Dozens of athletes urge UEFA to suspend Israel from all competitions
The Game Over Israel organization, with support from Athletes 4 Peace, a collective of professional athletes, issued a letter on Tuesday urging the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to suspend Israel over its human rights violations against Palestinians. The letter was signed by more than 70 prominent sports figures including footballers, cricketers, boxers.
UN experts welcome ASEAN declaration on right to development and peace
UN experts on Thursday welcomed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s adoption of a landmark declaration promoting development and peace at the 47th ASEAN Summit held on October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
UN experts welcome ASEAN declaration on right to development and peace
UN experts on Thursday welcomed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s adoption of a landmark declaration promoting development and peace at the 47th ASEAN Summit held on October 26, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur.
Human rights group urges Laos to implement rights recommendations
Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on the Laotian government on Friday to implement key recommendations regarding enforced disappearances and rejections of fundamental civil and political rights. The recommendations include ratifying effective legal measures to prevent enforced disappearance, eliminating all forms of discrimination against women in education, and applying international human rights instruments.
UN experts warn Israel offensive on Gaza will have ‘apocalyptic’ impact on people with disabilities
UN experts warned that Israel’s offensive on Gaza will be “apocalyptic” for civilians, particularly persons with disabilities, who face aggravated consequences in the besieged enclave. The experts stressed that: people with disabilities in Gaza are totally exhausted and traumatised. They face extreme difficulties fleeing – some people with mobility impairments are forced to crawl through rubble or be dragged on mattresses, while others face barriers in accessing information.
Rights Groups condemn Saudi Arabia execution of minority individual for crimes committed as a minor
Amnesty International has condemned Saudi Arabia’s execution of Jalal Labbad, who was accused of crimes allegedly committed when he was a minor. Bissan Fakih, Amnesty International’s Middle East Campaigner, said “Saudi Arabia’s execution of Jalal Labbad is deplorable and underscores the devastating toll of the authorities’ ruthless use of the death penalty in complete disregard of one of the most absolute prohibitions to its use”.
Canada government orders striking Air Canada flight attendants into binding arbitration
The federal government has ordered Air Canada flight attendants back to work after a breakdown in collective bargaining negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
Canada government orders striking Air Canada flight attendants into binding arbitration
The federal government has ordered Air Canada flight attendants back to work after a breakdown in collective bargaining negotiations between Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).
UN Working Group urges Zimbabwe to invest in girls’ rights for gender equality
A UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls has commended Zimbabwe for its constitutional commitment and legislative initiatives to advance gender equality, while urging stronger action to eliminate barriers that hinder the rights and opportunities of women and girls. The UN Working Group visited Zimbabwe and assessed progress and challenges in ensuring gender equality and eradicating discrimination in terms of the lives of women and girls.
ICC convicts Anti-balaka leaders for serious crimes against humanity
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday convicted two Anti-balaka militia leaders, Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona, for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) between 2013 and 2014. Yekatom was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Ngaissona received a 12-year sentence.
ICC convicts Anti-balaka leaders for serious crimes against humanity
The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday convicted two Anti-balaka militia leaders, Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaissona, for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in the Central African Republic (CAR) between 2013 and 2014. Yekatom was sentenced to 15 years in prison, while Ngaissona received a 12-year sentence.
Prominent human rights group leaves El Salvador under government pressure and repression
El Salvador’s most prominent human rights organization officially ceased operations in the country Thursday due to increasing repression against civil society groups. The organization, Cristosal, cited the “criminalization of human rights defenders, the imposition of [a] Russian-style Foreign Agents Law (LAEX), and the weakening of institutional independence” as key reasons for its decision.
Former South Korea president rearrested over martial law controversy
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been re-arrested 124 days after being released from his first detention. Yoon was initially taken into custody in January over accusations related to martial law and was released after spending 52 days in detention. On July 6, a special counsel team petitioned the courts for a second arrest warrant, citing a high risk that Yoon could evade capture, destroy evidence, or tamper with witnesses involved in the case.
UN Human Rights Commissioner welcomes Inter-American Court advisory opinion on climate crisis
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has praised the recent advisory opinion from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACHR) as a “landmark step forward,” urging States to take meaningful action through legislation, policy making, and international cooperation.
Peru juvenile detention in adult prisons concerns UN rights experts
The UN Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture (SPT) expressed concern Friday after visiting Peru, where it observed serious issues such as prison overcrowding, lengthy pretrial detention, and a controversial new law that treats 16- and 17-year-old juveniles as adults within the penal system. The Congress of the Republic of Peru recently passed legislation allowing teenagers aged 16 and 17 to be held criminally responsible for serious offenses such as murder and sexual assault.
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Rights group calls on France to include access to education in Mayotte reconstruction bill
Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday called on France’s National Assembly to include access to education and other core economic and social rights for children in a recent emergency bill for the French island of Mayotte.
UN human rights experts urge Tanzania to end enforced disappearances
UN human rights experts called on the Tanzanian government to immediately cease the use of enforced disappearances on Friday. They expressed grave concern over a growing pattern of violence, repression, and abuse in Tanzania targeting opposition members, youth leaders, and human rights advocates.
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