Ben Ward
@bpward.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Ward
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe today called on member states to adopt legislation to “prohibit conversion practices, providing for criminal sanctions and based on a clear and comprehensive definition of the proscribed practices”.
pace.coe.int/en/news/1018...
pace.coe.int/en/news/1018...
PACE calls for ban on conversion practices
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting in plenary session in Strasbourg, today called on member states to adopt legislation to “prohibit conversion practices, providing fo...
pace.coe.int
January 29, 2026 at 7:03 PM
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe today called on member states to adopt legislation to “prohibit conversion practices, providing for criminal sanctions and based on a clear and comprehensive definition of the proscribed practices”.
pace.coe.int/en/news/1018...
pace.coe.int/en/news/1018...
The Greek Parliament should reject measures in a new immigration bill that explicitly link civil society groups & humanitarian workers with criminal conduct, when in reality they are simply helping people in distress trying to reach Greece, @hrw.org says
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Greek Immigration Bill Demonizes Civil Society
The Greek government has introduced an immigration bill with measures that explicitly link nongovernmental groups and humanitarian workers with criminal conduct, when in reality they are helping peopl...
www.hrw.org
January 29, 2026 at 7:03 PM
The Greek Parliament should reject measures in a new immigration bill that explicitly link civil society groups & humanitarian workers with criminal conduct, when in reality they are simply helping people in distress trying to reach Greece, @hrw.org says
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Ben Ward
"They left the building. Not the truth."
A powerful new documentary, 80 Angry Journalists, shows how Hungary’s once-independent news outlet Index was taken over, and how reporters resigned together rather than submit to political pressure.
Trailer⤵️
A powerful new documentary, 80 Angry Journalists, shows how Hungary’s once-independent news outlet Index was taken over, and how reporters resigned together rather than submit to political pressure.
Trailer⤵️
80 Angry Journalists | Early International Festival Teaser
In 2020, Hungary’s largest independent newsroom, Index.hu, collapsed under growing political pressure. In a historic act of protest, more than 80 journalists…
vimeo.com
January 28, 2026 at 10:08 AM
"They left the building. Not the truth."
A powerful new documentary, 80 Angry Journalists, shows how Hungary’s once-independent news outlet Index was taken over, and how reporters resigned together rather than submit to political pressure.
Trailer⤵️
A powerful new documentary, 80 Angry Journalists, shows how Hungary’s once-independent news outlet Index was taken over, and how reporters resigned together rather than submit to political pressure.
Trailer⤵️
The killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis offers a stark warning to the UK government of the dangers of treating civic action as a security threat rather than as a fundamental right & cornerstone of democracy, @yasmineahmed.bsky.social & @lydsg.bsky.social explain www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Protest Is Not a Security Offence
The killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents (News, Viewpoint 16 January) offers a stark warning to the UK Government of the danger in treating c...
www.hrw.org
January 27, 2026 at 12:49 PM
The killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis offers a stark warning to the UK government of the dangers of treating civic action as a security threat rather than as a fundamental right & cornerstone of democracy, @yasmineahmed.bsky.social & @lydsg.bsky.social explain www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
The trial of 6 Italian officers for a 2023 shipwreck in which at least 94 people died is an important opportunity for justice for deaths of migrants and asylum seekers at sea, @hrw.org says
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Italy: Shipwreck Trial Opportunity For Justice
(Milan, January 27, 2026) – The trial, due to start this week, of 6 Italian officers for a 2023 shipwreck in which at least 94 people died is an important opportunity for justice for deaths of migrant...
www.hrw.org
January 27, 2026 at 10:57 AM
The trial of 6 Italian officers for a 2023 shipwreck in which at least 94 people died is an important opportunity for justice for deaths of migrants and asylum seekers at sea, @hrw.org says
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Ben Ward
In Hungary, almost half a million older people receive pensions that leave them living below the poverty line.
In a new report, HRW shows how the Hungarian government is failing to ensure older people’s rights to social security and an adequate standard of living.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jBH4VG
In a new report, HRW shows how the Hungarian government is failing to ensure older people’s rights to social security and an adequate standard of living.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jBH4VG
January 14, 2026 at 7:31 AM
In Hungary, almost half a million older people receive pensions that leave them living below the poverty line.
In a new report, HRW shows how the Hungarian government is failing to ensure older people’s rights to social security and an adequate standard of living.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jBH4VG
In a new report, HRW shows how the Hungarian government is failing to ensure older people’s rights to social security and an adequate standard of living.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4jBH4VG
Reposted by Ben Ward
New @hrw.org research out tomorrow on inadequate pensions and older people experiencing poverty in Hungary 🇭🇺
- interview testimony from older people 👵🏻👴🏻
- difficulties affording food 🍞🥩🍓☕, gas/electricity 🔌💡, medical supplies 💊🤕
- lots of graphs and charts 📊〽️
Media queries to @kooyjan.bsky.social
- interview testimony from older people 👵🏻👴🏻
- difficulties affording food 🍞🥩🍓☕, gas/electricity 🔌💡, medical supplies 💊🤕
- lots of graphs and charts 📊〽️
Media queries to @kooyjan.bsky.social
1/3 I’ve just returned home after a week interviewing older people on low pension incomes in Hungary for @hrw.org. The findings will be out in the coming months.
This photo is of an 80 year old woman showing me her notebook of expenses, in which every last forint is meticulously accounted for.
This photo is of an 80 year old woman showing me her notebook of expenses, in which every last forint is meticulously accounted for.
January 13, 2026 at 10:27 AM
New @hrw.org research out tomorrow on inadequate pensions and older people experiencing poverty in Hungary 🇭🇺
- interview testimony from older people 👵🏻👴🏻
- difficulties affording food 🍞🥩🍓☕, gas/electricity 🔌💡, medical supplies 💊🤕
- lots of graphs and charts 📊〽️
Media queries to @kooyjan.bsky.social
- interview testimony from older people 👵🏻👴🏻
- difficulties affording food 🍞🥩🍓☕, gas/electricity 🔌💡, medical supplies 💊🤕
- lots of graphs and charts 📊〽️
Media queries to @kooyjan.bsky.social
Reposted by Ben Ward
When protest is criminalized, democracy weakens. My @theguardian.com op-ed on why UK protest laws should worry us all.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Slowly but surely, a state can repress its people. Why is the UK channelling Viktor Orbán’s Hungary? | Lydia Gall
I know enough about the erosion of civil rights to fear what I now see in the UK. Britons should understand how this ends, says Lydia Gall of Human Rights Watch
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 4:20 PM
When protest is criminalized, democracy weakens. My @theguardian.com op-ed on why UK protest laws should worry us all.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted by Ben Ward
Freedom of assembly is not a gift or privilege governments grant their citizens, it's a right that protects citizens from their governments. @hrw.org report out today about the impact of the UK's increasingly repressive anti-protest laws. www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
January 8, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Freedom of assembly is not a gift or privilege governments grant their citizens, it's a right that protects citizens from their governments. @hrw.org report out today about the impact of the UK's increasingly repressive anti-protest laws. www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
UK authorities are severely restricting the right to protest, in breach of human rights obligations, creating an climate in which peaceful dissent is increasingly treated as a criminal act and the fabric of democracy is undermined, new @hrw.org research finds
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
UK: Protest Crackdowns Undermine Democracy
UK authorities have severely restricted the right to protest, in contravention of their international human rights obligations, creating an environment in which peaceful dissent is increasingly treate...
www.hrw.org
January 8, 2026 at 12:49 PM
UK authorities are severely restricting the right to protest, in breach of human rights obligations, creating an climate in which peaceful dissent is increasingly treated as a criminal act and the fabric of democracy is undermined, new @hrw.org research finds
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/01...
Reposted by Ben Ward
🚨Going out on Thursday January 8:
"Silencing the Streets’: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK”.
New, 47-page report @hrw.org.
Reporters can DM me for access to embargoed report, interview requests etc.
"Silencing the Streets’: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK”.
New, 47-page report @hrw.org.
Reporters can DM me for access to embargoed report, interview requests etc.
January 5, 2026 at 10:06 AM
🚨Going out on Thursday January 8:
"Silencing the Streets’: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK”.
New, 47-page report @hrw.org.
Reporters can DM me for access to embargoed report, interview requests etc.
"Silencing the Streets’: The Right to Protest Under Attack in the UK”.
New, 47-page report @hrw.org.
Reporters can DM me for access to embargoed report, interview requests etc.
Reposted by Ben Ward
In Memory of Gyula Balog (1959-2025), an inspiring housing rights and anti-poverty activist
Here is a brief reflection on behalf of @hrw.org to express our condolences, as Gyula’s friends and colleagues lay him to rest today in Budapest.
Rest in power, Gyula bacsi!
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Here is a brief reflection on behalf of @hrw.org to express our condolences, as Gyula’s friends and colleagues lay him to rest today in Budapest.
Rest in power, Gyula bacsi!
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
December 17, 2025 at 8:30 AM
In Memory of Gyula Balog (1959-2025), an inspiring housing rights and anti-poverty activist
Here is a brief reflection on behalf of @hrw.org to express our condolences, as Gyula’s friends and colleagues lay him to rest today in Budapest.
Rest in power, Gyula bacsi!
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Here is a brief reflection on behalf of @hrw.org to express our condolences, as Gyula’s friends and colleagues lay him to rest today in Budapest.
Rest in power, Gyula bacsi!
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Truly shocking from a party in government that previously introduced the Human Rights Act. Then it was “bringing rights home“ Now it is apparently about sending them away.
We will all pay the price for this folly.
We will all pay the price for this folly.
December 10, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Truly shocking from a party in government that previously introduced the Human Rights Act. Then it was “bringing rights home“ Now it is apparently about sending them away.
We will all pay the price for this folly.
We will all pay the price for this folly.
As European leaders meet to discuss the European Convention on Human Rights, here's a reminder that efforts to weaken the Convention and Court to serve the interests of states on migration will undermine the rights of everyone in the Council of Europe region
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
When Politicians Undermine Europe’s Rights Court, We All Lose
The European Court of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights are under attack again.
www.hrw.org
December 10, 2025 at 2:20 PM
As European leaders meet to discuss the European Convention on Human Rights, here's a reminder that efforts to weaken the Convention and Court to serve the interests of states on migration will undermine the rights of everyone in the Council of Europe region
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
A new @europarl.europa.eu “Scrutiny Working Group” on funding for NGOs is painted as an effort to boost transparency. But its superfluous mandate, narrow focus and biased composition suggest the real aim is to silence and stigmatize civil society, @hrw.org says
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
EU Right-Wing Lawmakers Target Civil Society
Nongovernmental groups have sounded the alarm as the European Parliament’s new “Scrutiny Working Group” on funding for nongovernmental groups held its first meeting on November 26. The inquiry is pain...
www.hrw.org
December 3, 2025 at 11:42 AM
A new @europarl.europa.eu “Scrutiny Working Group” on funding for NGOs is painted as an effort to boost transparency. But its superfluous mandate, narrow focus and biased composition suggest the real aim is to silence and stigmatize civil society, @hrw.org says
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/12...
Russia’s banning of @hrw.org as an “undesirable” foreign organization, made public today, is yet another mark of the Kremlin’s repression. It only redoubles our determination to document the Russian authorities’ human rights violations and war crimes
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Russia: Government Designates Human Rights Watch “Undesirable”
(Berlin, November 28, 2025) — Russia’s designation of Human Rights Watch as an “undesirable” foreign organization, made public by the Justice Ministry on November 28, is yet another mark of the Kremli...
www.hrw.org
November 28, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Russia’s banning of @hrw.org as an “undesirable” foreign organization, made public today, is yet another mark of the Kremlin’s repression. It only redoubles our determination to document the Russian authorities’ human rights violations and war crimes
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Ben Ward
"A political deal that erases these crimes is not a peace plan. It is permission for future atrocities."
- Kseniya Kvitka (@hrw.org), in must-read, published by @kyivindependent.com⤵️
- Kseniya Kvitka (@hrw.org), in must-read, published by @kyivindependent.com⤵️
"As discussions about a possible peace deal unfold, Ukraine and its allies must not betray the small but unwavering candlelight of hope for justice held by thousands of victims of this war," writes Kseniya Kvitka of Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division in her recent op-ed.
The light Ukraine cannot lose: Justice
About the author: Kseniya Kvitka is an assistant researcher with Human Rights Watch’s Europe and Central Asia Division. She is based in Kyiv.
As I sat down to write this, my apartment, like many othe...
kyivindependent.com
November 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
"A political deal that erases these crimes is not a peace plan. It is permission for future atrocities."
- Kseniya Kvitka (@hrw.org), in must-read, published by @kyivindependent.com⤵️
- Kseniya Kvitka (@hrw.org), in must-read, published by @kyivindependent.com⤵️
Reposted by Ben Ward
Good riddance to rubbish policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
November 26, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Good riddance to rubbish policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
The end to the UK's "two child limit" social security policy has been announced, and it will soon be gone.
We @hrw.org welcome the news, as one of many, many, many voices calling for an end to this arbitrary, cruel social security policy.
Reposted by Ben Ward
🚨 New from @hrw.org: UN leadership & member states should preserve the UN's long underfunded human rights pillar
Independent mechanisms responding to grave crises need to be saved. Cutting or merging them won't solve the UN's funding crisis caused by US, #China & others not paying their dues.
Independent mechanisms responding to grave crises need to be saved. Cutting or merging them won't solve the UN's funding crisis caused by US, #China & others not paying their dues.
UN Should Protect its Long Underfunded Human Rights Pillar
The United Nations leadership has launched a major reform plan to make the cash-strapped world body more efficient and cost-effective. Unfortunately, it has offered little on how this will impact the ...
www.hrw.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:23 PM
The Harder They Come
YouTube video by Jimmy Cliff - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Bad politics as well as bad policy…
After more than 10 years of “the Danish Model”, nativism is hegemonic in the country, the far right polls near level highs again, and the Social Democrats lost Copenhagen and poll at historic low.
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
European Social Democrats should look at the facts, not the myths!
Me in @theguardian.com
The ‘Danish model’ is the darling of centre-left parties like Labour. The problem is, it doesn’t even work in Denmark | Cas Mudde
This week’s local elections are the latest reminder that when social democrats move rightwards, they’re making a mistake, says academic and author Cas Mudde
www.theguardian.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Bad politics as well as bad policy…
Oped by @yasmineahmed.bsky.social on UK govt's immigration plans:
"We've seen the injustices caused by a hostile environment with the Windrush generation. Instead of learning from that shameful chapter, these proposals risk recreating the same architecture of precarity"
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
"We've seen the injustices caused by a hostile environment with the Windrush generation. Instead of learning from that shameful chapter, these proposals risk recreating the same architecture of precarity"
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Mahmood’s Immigration Plan Breaks Labour’s Promises
Shabana Mahmood’s newly unveiled asylum and returns policy is being sold as a moment of ‘restoring order’. In truth, it marks a profound retreat from the humane, pragmatic approach Labour promised vot...
www.hrw.org
November 21, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Oped by @yasmineahmed.bsky.social on UK govt's immigration plans:
"We've seen the injustices caused by a hostile environment with the Windrush generation. Instead of learning from that shameful chapter, these proposals risk recreating the same architecture of precarity"
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
"We've seen the injustices caused by a hostile environment with the Windrush generation. Instead of learning from that shameful chapter, these proposals risk recreating the same architecture of precarity"
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Ben Ward
We’re thrilled to share that Human Rights Watch’s #WithHumanity campaign has been selected as a Gold award winner at the Anthem Awards. 🙌
www.anthemawards.com/winners/list...
www.anthemawards.com/winners/list...
November 18, 2025 at 9:21 PM
We’re thrilled to share that Human Rights Watch’s #WithHumanity campaign has been selected as a Gold award winner at the Anthem Awards. 🙌
www.anthemawards.com/winners/list...
www.anthemawards.com/winners/list...
France is failing to provide education to all children in the French overseas department of Mayotte ,
@hrw.org research finds. The French government’s neglect of Mayotte is an ongoing legacy of colonialism that has left the island persistently underdeveloped
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
@hrw.org research finds. The French government’s neglect of Mayotte is an ongoing legacy of colonialism that has left the island persistently underdeveloped
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
France: Overseas Territory’s Education Barriers
The French overseas department of Mayotte, an island territory in the Indian Ocean and a former French colony, is failing to provide education to all children.
www.hrw.org
November 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
France is failing to provide education to all children in the French overseas department of Mayotte ,
@hrw.org research finds. The French government’s neglect of Mayotte is an ongoing legacy of colonialism that has left the island persistently underdeveloped
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
@hrw.org research finds. The French government’s neglect of Mayotte is an ongoing legacy of colonialism that has left the island persistently underdeveloped
www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Ben Ward
This is now a familiar rubric for ideas that are hard to sell on merits.
2019: Boris Johnson’s agenda is the only way to stop Nigel Farage’s.
2024: Nigel Farage’s agenda is the only way to stop Tommy Robinson.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
2019: Boris Johnson’s agenda is the only way to stop Nigel Farage’s.
2024: Nigel Farage’s agenda is the only way to stop Tommy Robinson.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Dark forces are stirring up anger in the UK. My asylum reforms are our chance to stop them | Shabana Mahmood
I know some of these measures will face opposition. But a country without secure borders is less safe for those who look like me, says Shabana Mahmood, the home secretary
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:56 AM
This is now a familiar rubric for ideas that are hard to sell on merits.
2019: Boris Johnson’s agenda is the only way to stop Nigel Farage’s.
2024: Nigel Farage’s agenda is the only way to stop Tommy Robinson.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
2019: Boris Johnson’s agenda is the only way to stop Nigel Farage’s.
2024: Nigel Farage’s agenda is the only way to stop Tommy Robinson.
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...