Washington Center For Human Rights
From DC to the World
CategoriesTerror FinancingIn 2025, the South African telecommunications firm MTN Group finds itself at the heart of a heated scandal involving suspicions of cooperation in terror financing linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). U.S. legal actions and legislative scrutiny have spotlighted MTN’s 49% ownership of Irancell, Iran’s largest mobile operator, which courts and authorities have […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingChild trafficking is a serious and ongoing problem in cities all over the world, and recent incidents in Quezon City, Philippines, have highlighted this secret crisis in stark relief. Two accommodation facilities—Blazingwood Apartelle in Barangay San Agustin and MC Hotel in Novaliches—had been ordered closed by local authorities for their role in child trafficking and […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingA recent money laundering probe in Spain has uncovered a chilling child trafficking racket that reportedly trafficked at least 30 babies over three years. This case highlights the complex and often hidden connections between financial crimes and human trafficking networks. The investigation not only exposed the trafficking of infants but also revealed the sophisticated financial […]
CategoriesWar CrimesThe Washington Centre for Human Rights (WCHR) expresses profound concern over the recent escalation of violence between Iran and Israel, which has been further intensified by the United States’ military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. On June 22, 2025, the U.S. conducted targeted attacks on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan sites, actions described by American […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingHuman trafficking is a very widespread and a very disturbing subject that can be found in most of the urban areas such as the state of Portland, Oregon. In 2025, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) made a concerted effort to fight this vice, especially along the 82nd Avenue area of Northeast Portland which is a […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingRepublic of Moldova stands at a historic juncture toward combating money laundering (ML) and terrorist financing (TF) in 2025. The latest Council of Europe MONEYVAL report also appreciated the major action Moldova has taken by improving the suggestions made in its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in areas like customer due diligence, politically exposed persons, […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingThe act of human trafficking is one of the worst that the 21st century has witnessed, and millions of people have been victims. A thorough system against human trafficking, victim protection, and criminal prosecution has been in place since 2008 thanks to the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings. At […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingThe issue of human trafficking is of major concern to the Central Asia region, which is characterized by the weakness of the borders, economic inequality, and expanding criminal networks. The principal importance of the regional cooperation of the Central Asian states and their international partners is reflected in the enhanced struggle against trafficking that is […]
CategoriesMedia CensorshipThe ongoing Israel-Iran war, which reignited on June 13, 2025, has intensified an already fraught environment for Palestinian journalists operating within Israel and the occupied territories. This conflict has not only resulted in widespread violence and displacement but has also led to a systematic campaign of harassment, censorship, and violence targeting Palestinian Israeli journalists. The […]
CategoriesanalysisIn June 2025, Ipsos released its annual global survey on public attitudes toward refugees, coinciding with World Refugee Day. The findings arrive at a moment of unprecedented displacement, with more than 122 million people forcibly uprooted worldwide. Despite deepening geopolitical fragility and significant cuts in humanitarian aid, the survey reveals that public support for the […]
CategoriesWar CrimesThe United Nations issued its harshest evaluation of the Israeli military operation in Gaza to yet in 2025, declaring that Israeli acts amounted to crimes against humanity and war crimes. The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry, led by former ICC judge Navi Pillay, has discovered a pattern of intentional destruction, targeting of civilians, and […]
CategoriesMedia CensorshipThe ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has not only increased military tensions, but has also heightened the already unsafe environment for journalists in Iran. In 2025, Iranian reporters and media workers are being besieged by a “double threat”: battling both state-imposed censorship and intimidation at home, and that of the risk of being targeted […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingThe recent ruling by Malaysia High Court, acquitting the former Prime Minister Najib Razak of money laundering charges, which surrounds the scandal of the 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), revives the discussion concerning the degree to which the country is serious with combating corruption. Although it is not a proper acquittal as one should be found […]
CategoriesanalysisThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is celebrated globally for its rapid economic development, glittering cities, and cosmopolitan image. Yet, beneath the surface lies a starkly different reality for the country’s vast migrant workforce, which constitutes nearly 89% of the population. Despite their indispensable role in building and maintaining the nation’s infrastructure and prosperity, migrant workers—primarily […]
CategoriesBriefsAfter more than a year of relentless conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), civilians in Darfur remain trapped in an unending cycle of violence, hunger, and displacement. Despite international attention and repeated calls for action, the region’s people face daily threats to their lives and livelihoods. “Violence, insecurity […]
CategoriesWar CrimesThe International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant marks a historic escalation in global accountability for wartime conduct. The ICC’s move, rooted in allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity during Israel’s 13-month campaign in Gaza, has triggered fierce debate […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingThe G7 solution to the issue of migrant smuggling is in the middle between humanitarianism and political rationality. With the mounting pressure of global migration, the top economies in the world have come out to work together in an effort to destroy the transnational network of smuggling activities and defend the vulnerable groups of migrants. […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses grave concern over the unprecedented scale of civilian deaths, mass forced displacement, and systematic attacks on hospitals and shelters in Gaza amid ongoing Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations under Operation Gideon’s Chariots. As an organization committed to the protection and promotion of human rights globally, we urge the […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingSwiss bank Pictet, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious private banks, has been fined $2.5 million for failing to adequately prevent money laundering activities. This penalty, imposed by Swiss financial regulators, underscores the growing scrutiny on global financial institutions to uphold stringent anti-money laundering (AML) standards. The case highlights persistent vulnerabilities in compliance […]
CategoriesBriefsThe recent Israeli airstrike that killed Ali Shadmani, a top Iranian general, in Tehran has profound human rights implications. While the strike is framed as a military necessity, the immediate and long-term suffering inflicted on civilians cannot be overlooked. Tehran, a densely populated city, experienced sudden bombings near critical civilian infrastructure, including state television and […]
CategoriesanalysisOn the night of June 13, 2025, the quiet farming village of Yelwata in Guma County, Benue State, Nigeria, was plunged into unspeakable horror. Over 200 Christians, including women, children, and displaced families, were brutally murdered in a coordinated attack by heavily armed Fulani jihadists. This massacre stands as one of the deadliest recent atrocities […]
CategoriesWar CrimesThe recent life sentence handed down by a German court to Syrian doctor Alaa M. for torture, murder, and crimes against humanity during Syria’s civil war marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against impunity for war crimes. This landmark verdict not only delivers justice for victims but also casts a harsh light on […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingIn recent years, Myanmar has witnessed a significant rise in online financial fraud, a phenomenon that poses serious risks not only to the country’s financial sector but also to its broader economic stability and security. Recognizing the growing threat, Myanmar has intensified its efforts to combat money laundering activities linked to these fraudulent schemes. This […]
CategoriesWar CrimesSince Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the conflict has wrought devastating damage on civilian infrastructure, with medical facilities becoming frequent and deliberate targets. This unprecedented assault on healthcare has forced Ukraine to innovate urgently, including relocating field hospitals underground to protect patients and medical personnel. This article explores the scale of attacks […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR), a leading independent organization dedicated to the promotion and protection of human rights worldwide, expresses deep concern over credible reports of systematic torture, extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention, and extortion by the Nigerian Police Tiger Base Unit operating in Imo State. These serious allegations, supported by testimonies from survivors, […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingHuman trafficking is an urgent global issue that continues to increase, despite international efforts to curb its growth. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reported a 25% rise in detected trafficking victims from 2019 to 2022. Shockingly, children now make up 38% of all identified victims. This disturbing trend is largely […]
CategoriesanalysisThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024 presented a stark duality: while projecting an image of economic dynamism and global engagement—hosting high-profile events and maintaining international partnerships—it continued to intensify repression at home. The year was marked by mass trials, suppression of dissent, expanded fossil fuel production, and systemic neglect of migrant workers’ rights. This […]
CategoriesAdvocacyJournalists around the world are facing increasingly dire threats, from physical violence to legal harassment, as they continue their crucial role in keeping governments and societies accountable. Advocacy groups have raised urgent concerns, demanding immediate action to protect media workers and safeguard press freedom. With violence against journalists at an all-time high and escalating digital […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingThe recent indictment of Iurii Gugnin, founder and CEO of the U.S.-based cryptocurrency payment firms Evita Pay and Evita Investments, marks a significant development in the ongoing global struggle against illicit finance, sanctions evasion, and the misuse of digital assets. Gugnin faces 22 criminal counts, including wire and bank fraud, money laundering, violating U.S. sanctions […]
CategoriesBriefsSudan is now on the verge of one of the world’s worst hunger emergencies in recent memory. The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning: famine is dangerously close to breaking out in the southern suburbs of Khartoum. Jabal Awliya, located 40 kilometers from the capital, is among the hardest-hit. The […]
CategoriesanalysisThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long sought to project an image of modernity, tolerance, and global engagement. In 2023 and 2024, this strategy was on full display as the UAE hosted COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and continued to invest in high-profile international partnerships. However, beneath this progressive façade, the UAE has […]
CategoriesSlaveryThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) is globally renowned for its glittering skylines, luxury tourism, and rapid economic growth. Yet, beneath this image lies a stark reality: the country’s prosperity is built on the labor of millions of migrant workers, most of whom are governed by the restrictive and controversial Kafala sponsorship system. With nearly 88% […]
CategoriesBriefsSudan’s healthcare system is facing an unprecedented collapse amid a brutal civil conflict that began in April 2023. Now entering its third year, the war has devastated the country’s health infrastructure, displaced millions, and triggered widespread disease outbreaks and malnutrition. This crisis has escalated into a global emergency, with over half the population requiring urgent […]
CategoriesBriefsIn the first half of 2025, Syria’s coastal Alawite community has been subjected to a brutal resurgence of sectarian violence, marking one of the most severe humanitarian crises since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. Recent clashes, massacres, and targeted killings have devastated Alawite-majority areas in Latakia, Tartous, and Hama governorates, causing […]
CategoriesanalysisThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2024 continued to present a complex picture marked by economic ambition and international diplomacy, notably hosting the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), while simultaneously facing serious criticism for its human rights record, treatment of migrant workers, and climate policies. This analysis explores the multifaceted challenges the UAE faces, […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights today issued an urgent call to the international community, donor governments, and humanitarian agencies to take immediate and decisive action to prevent a catastrophic hunger crisis in Haiti. With the 2025 hurricane season underway, a single storm could push hundreds of thousands of Haitians deeper into hunger and displacement, […]
CategoriesBriefsIn early February 2025, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) conducted a series of airstrikes on residential and commercial neighborhoods in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur. These strikes employed unguided air-dropped bombs characterized by wide-area effects and limited precision, resulting in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of property. Reports indicate that scores of civilians, […]
CategoriesAnti Money LaunderingThe recent arrest of Sergio Velazquez, former police chief of Hialeah, Florida, on multiple charges including money laundering, organized fraud, and grand theft, has sent shockwaves through the community and law enforcement circles. This case highlights not only alleged criminal conduct by a high-ranking public official but also raises critical questions about oversight, accountability, and […]
CategoriesBriefsThe human rights crisis in Afghanistan has deepened significantly since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. The regime has systematically entrenched repression through discriminatory laws, arbitrary detentions, and suppression of civil liberties, severely affecting women, minorities, journalists, and civil society. This analysis, grounded in recent UN reports and expert statements, examines the institutionalized […]
CategoriesanalysisThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly positioned itself as a global leader in renewable energy, launching ambitious projects like the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park and hosting COP28 to showcase its environmental commitments. Yet, behind the gleaming solar panels and wind farms lies a troubling reality: UAE migrant workers, who are the […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights (WCHR) unequivocally condemns the ongoing Israeli military strikes targeting schools in Gaza that serve as civilian shelters for displaced Palestinians. Recent reports confirm that these attacks are not accidental but part of a deliberate strategy, resulting in the deaths and injuries of hundreds of innocent civilians, including women and […]
CategoriesHuman TraffickingThe ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels of devastation in 2025, with Israeli strikes targeting civilian shelters, including schools, that have become sanctuaries for displaced Palestinians. This analysis examines the human rights implications of these attacks, drawing on recent evidence that these strikes are part of a deliberate military strategy, and situates them […]
CategoriesanalysisAs global temperatures rise due to climate change, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—face an escalating occupational health crisis. Millions of migrant workers, who form the backbone of the Gulf’s construction, service, and delivery sectors, are exposed to extreme heat conditions that threaten their health […]
CategoriesBriefsOn June 1, 2025, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) formally charged former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and two senior officials with crimes against humanity related to the violent crackdown on the 2024 student-led uprising. The charges allege that Hasina directly ordered a coordinated and systematic assault involving state security forces, ruling party affiliates, and allied […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights (WCHR) expresses deep concern over the alarming increase in kidnappings and violent attacks targeting heavy truck drivers in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. According to reports from the Tana Heavy Vehicle Drivers Association and other credible sources, more than 30 drivers have been abducted in the past two weeks alone. This […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Centre for Human Rights expresses deep concern over the increasing politicisation of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) in its handling of immigration and asylum cases. Recent developments indicate that political pressures and narratives are undermining the impartiality and integrity of the Court, threatening the fundamental principles of human rights protection across […]
CategoriesStatementsThe announcement by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel will maintain control over all of Gaza and allow only “minimal” humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave is a watershed moment for the international human rights community. For the Washington Centre for Human Rights (WCHR), and for all advocates of international humanitarian law, this policy […]
CategoriesStatementsThe Washington Center for Human Rights (WCHR) is extremely concerned by reports that dozens of Rohingya refugees were pushed off an Indian naval ship and dumped into the Andaman Sea in a deeply troubling act of refoulement and abuse. This alleged incident is under investigation by UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews, who has termed the […]
CategoriesAdvocacyLeading attorneys have filed a formal complaint against FIFA, claiming the organization has violated its own human rights regulations for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia. The 30-page complaint, which demands prompt action in five areas, was submitted through FIFA’s formal grievance procedure. The Swiss lawyer Stefan Wehrenberg, the British barrister Rodney Dixon, and […]
CategoriesStatementsThe world has watched with cautious hope as Russia and Ukraine, embroiled in a devastating conflict for over three years, reached an unprecedented agreement for the largest prisoner of war (PoW) exchange since the full-scale invasion began. This historic deal, involving the release of 1,000 prisoners from each side, was brokered in Istanbul and hailed […]