Bassam Khawaja
@khawaja.bsky.social
Deputy Director, Middle East and North Africa, @HRW.org
Senior Fellow, Human Rights Institute, Columbia Law School
Counsel to Human Rights & Privatization Project, NYU Law
Senior Fellow, Human Rights Institute, Columbia Law School
Counsel to Human Rights & Privatization Project, NYU Law
Amnesty: Tunisian authorities have over the past three years increasingly dismantled protections for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, particularly Black people, with a dangerous shift towards racist policing and widespread human rights violations www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
Tunisia: Rampant violations against refugees and migrants expose EU’s complicity risk
The Tunisian authorities have over the past three years increasingly dismantled protections for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, particularly Black people, with a dangerous shift towards racist ...
www.amnesty.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Amnesty: Tunisian authorities have over the past three years increasingly dismantled protections for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, particularly Black people, with a dangerous shift towards racist policing and widespread human rights violations www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...
Israeli settlers carried out at least 264 attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during October, the biggest monthly total since the UN began tracking these attacks in 2006: www.reuters.com/world/middle...
Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians reach record number in October, U.N. says
Israeli settlers carried out at least 264 attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during October, marking the biggest monthly total since United Nations officials began tracking such incidents in 2006, the U.N. said on Friday.
www.reuters.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Israeli settlers carried out at least 264 attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank during October, the biggest monthly total since the UN began tracking these attacks in 2006: www.reuters.com/world/middle...
The US government should address Saudi human rights abuses during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected visit to Washington, DC, on November 18—the first since he approved the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in March 2018 www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
US: Prioritize Rights During Saudi Leader’s Visit
The United States government, including Congress, should address Saudi human rights abuses during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected visit to Washington on November 18, 2025.
www.hrw.org
November 10, 2025 at 7:48 AM
The US government should address Saudi human rights abuses during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s expected visit to Washington, DC, on November 18—the first since he approved the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in March 2018 www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
HRW: At least 600 migrant workers employed by Saudi Arabian Baytur Construction Company have not received their salaries for at least eight months. The actual figure of unpaid workers could be significantly higher. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Saudi Arabia: Migrant Workers in Mecca Arrested for Demanding Unpaid Wages
At least 600 migrant workers employed by Saudi Arabian Baytur Construction Company have not received their salaries for at least eight months.
www.hrw.org
November 6, 2025 at 9:28 PM
HRW: At least 600 migrant workers employed by Saudi Arabian Baytur Construction Company have not received their salaries for at least eight months. The actual figure of unpaid workers could be significantly higher. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Congress’ failure to extend public subsidies for private health insurance threatens the right to health and financial security of millions. With open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, millions of households will no longer be able to afford insurance. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
US: Millions Face Soaring Health Costs as Subsidies Expire
The US Congress’ failure to extend public subsidies for private health insurance threatens the right to health and financial security of millions of people.
www.hrw.org
November 6, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Congress’ failure to extend public subsidies for private health insurance threatens the right to health and financial security of millions. With open enrollment beginning Nov. 1, millions of households will no longer be able to afford insurance. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
HRW: The US government’s violent campaign of raids and detentions this summer in LA set the stage for abuses in cities around the country, with ICE officials stalking and seizing people, separating families, and terrorizing communities. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
US: ICE Abuses in Los Angeles Set Stage for Other Cities
The US federal government’s violent campaign of raids and detentions during the summer of 2025 in Los Angeles set the stage for similar and subsequent abuses in cities around the country.
www.hrw.org
November 4, 2025 at 12:50 PM
HRW: The US government’s violent campaign of raids and detentions this summer in LA set the stage for abuses in cities around the country, with ICE officials stalking and seizing people, separating families, and terrorizing communities. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
The collective wealth of the top 10 US billionaires has soared by $698bn in the past year, according to Oxfam. They found that Trump's policies risk driving US inequality to new heights. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Human Rights Watch on X: "An anti-drug police operation in low-income neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro has resulted in more than 100 killings. Rio authorities’ decisions leading to such a disastrous operation should be investigated. Families of victims deserve truth and justice. https://t.co/oTWzqSkkfN" / X
An anti-drug police operation in low-income neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro has resulted in more than 100 killings. Rio authorities’ decisions leading to such a disastrous operation should be investigated. Families of victims deserve truth and justice. https://t.co/oTWzqSkkfN
x.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The collective wealth of the top 10 US billionaires has soared by $698bn in the past year, according to Oxfam. They found that Trump's policies risk driving US inequality to new heights. www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Intersection has a new report out "Behind the Walls" documenting evidence of torture and medical neglect in the Tunisian prison system between 2015 and 2025: intersection.uno/en/behind-th...
Behind the Walls: Report on Torture and Medical Neglect in the Tunisian Prison System - جمعية تقاطع
To access the report: Behind the Walls Report on Torture, Ill-Treatment, and Medical Neglect at the Heart of Tunisia’s Prison System Tunis, 28 October 2025 — The Intersection Association for […]
intersection.uno
October 29, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Intersection has a new report out "Behind the Walls" documenting evidence of torture and medical neglect in the Tunisian prison system between 2015 and 2025: intersection.uno/en/behind-th...
The USDA said it will stop distributing payments for essential food assistance through SNAP November 1 if the federal government is still shut down. Suspending these payments would force tens of millions to cut back on food, undermining their human rights. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Tens of Millions at Risk of Hunger if US Food Assistance Lapses
The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced last Friday that it will stop distributing payments for essential food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) startin...
www.hrw.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:20 PM
The USDA said it will stop distributing payments for essential food assistance through SNAP November 1 if the federal government is still shut down. Suspending these payments would force tens of millions to cut back on food, undermining their human rights. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
HRW: dozens of videos posted on social media in recent days show Rapid Support Forces carrying out extrajudicial killings and other serious violations against people fleeing North Darfur’s capital El Fasher www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Sudan: Mass Atrocities in Captured Darfur City
Dozens of videos posted on social media in recent days show Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carrying out extrajudicial killings and other serious violations against people fleeing North Darfur’s capital, E...
www.hrw.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:14 PM
HRW: dozens of videos posted on social media in recent days show Rapid Support Forces carrying out extrajudicial killings and other serious violations against people fleeing North Darfur’s capital El Fasher www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
US state laws requiring healthcare providers to notify a parent about a young person’s abortion are causing harm. A new HRW & and IfWhenHow report shows how these laws threaten young people’s health and safety and can push abortion out of reach. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
US: Parental Notice for Abortion Causes Harm
State laws requiring healthcare providers to notify a parent about a young person’s abortion decision cause harmful delays and can block access to abortion, Human Rights Watch and If/When/How: Lawyeri...
www.hrw.org
October 29, 2025 at 4:59 PM
US state laws requiring healthcare providers to notify a parent about a young person’s abortion are causing harm. A new HRW & and IfWhenHow report shows how these laws threaten young people’s health and safety and can push abortion out of reach. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Saudi authorities on October 22 appointed a new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia who has demonized the country’s Shia Muslim minority in past public written statements and comments: www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Saudi Arabia: Grand Mufti Should Back Religious Tolerance
Saudi authorities on October 22, 2025, appointed a new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia who has demonized the country’s Shia Muslim minority in past public written statements and comments.
www.hrw.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Saudi authorities on October 22 appointed a new Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia who has demonized the country’s Shia Muslim minority in past public written statements and comments: www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
This month, Altético Madrid and Inter Milan played a friendly match in Benghazi International Stadium, hosted by Khalifa Hiftar, commander of the abusive LAAF. Sports clubs should be wary of burnishing the image of human rights-abusing states and entities. hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Are European Football Clubs Sportswashing Libyan Abuses?
On the evening of October 10, two European football giants played a friendly match amid much fanfare in the newly renovated Benghazi International Stadium, to the spectators’ delight. The catch? The m...
hrw.org
October 29, 2025 at 2:15 PM
This month, Altético Madrid and Inter Milan played a friendly match in Benghazi International Stadium, hosted by Khalifa Hiftar, commander of the abusive LAAF. Sports clubs should be wary of burnishing the image of human rights-abusing states and entities. hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Saudi authorities should immediately release 10 Nubian Egyptians unjustly detained for over 5 years. On September 6, the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh reduced the sentences of the prisoners on appeal, yet all 10 remain unjustly detained. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Saudi Arabia: Release 10 Nubian Egyptian Men Immediately
Saudi authorities should immediately release 10 Nubian Egyptians who have been unjustly detained for over five years.
www.hrw.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Saudi authorities should immediately release 10 Nubian Egyptians unjustly detained for over 5 years. On September 6, the Specialized Criminal Court in Riyadh reduced the sentences of the prisoners on appeal, yet all 10 remain unjustly detained. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
HRW: Israel should comply with its obligation to cooperate with the UN by ensuring the unhindered provision of essential aid to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as the International Court of Justice ruled in an October 22 advisory opinion www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
World Court: Israel Needs to Allow UN Aid into Gaza
Israel should comply with its obligation to cooperate with the United Nations by ensuring the unhindered provision of essential aid to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the Intern...
www.hrw.org
October 24, 2025 at 6:41 PM
HRW: Israel should comply with its obligation to cooperate with the UN by ensuring the unhindered provision of essential aid to Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory as the International Court of Justice ruled in an October 22 advisory opinion www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
UN Rapporteur on Poverty: Decades of efforts by mainstream politicians to roll back welfare programs have given rise to an “extremely dangerous” discourse that has helped fuel the rise of the far right and rightwing populists in countries around the world www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
Welfare cuts have fuelled rise of far right and populism, top UN expert says
Exclusive: Poverty rapporteur says governments must rethink welfare state as essential to fabric of society
www.theguardian.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:28 PM
UN Rapporteur on Poverty: Decades of efforts by mainstream politicians to roll back welfare programs have given rise to an “extremely dangerous” discourse that has helped fuel the rise of the far right and rightwing populists in countries around the world www.theguardian.com/world/2025/o...
HRW: The Taliban have gutted Afghanistan’s media since taking control of the country in August 2021—they have subjected the remaining news outlets to surveillance and censorship, and punished journalists and other media workers for any perceived criticism. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Afghanistan: Taliban Tramples Media Freedom
The Taliban have gutted Afghanistan’s media since taking control of the country in August 2021.
www.hrw.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:14 PM
HRW: The Taliban have gutted Afghanistan’s media since taking control of the country in August 2021—they have subjected the remaining news outlets to surveillance and censorship, and punished journalists and other media workers for any perceived criticism. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
HRW: Federal law enforcement agents have since mid-September 2025 used excessive force against peaceful protesters, legal observers, volunteer street medics, and journalists during demonstrations outside an ICE detention facility in Illinois www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
United States: Federal Agents Use Excessive Force in Illinois
Federal law enforcement agents have since mid-September 2025 used excessive force against peaceful protesters, legal observers, volunteer street medics, and journalists during demonstrations outside a...
www.hrw.org
October 23, 2025 at 1:15 PM
HRW: Federal law enforcement agents have since mid-September 2025 used excessive force against peaceful protesters, legal observers, volunteer street medics, and journalists during demonstrations outside an ICE detention facility in Illinois www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
The Russian drone operators knew they were targeting a UN convoy. That they shared the video for all to see indicates they do not believe they will face any consequences. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Russian Forces Deliberately Attack UN Aid Convoy
On October 14, news broke that Russian forces, using drones, had attacked a United Nations interagency convoy delivering humanitarian aid to Bilozerka in the region of Kherson, southern Ukraine.
www.hrw.org
October 22, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The Russian drone operators knew they were targeting a UN convoy. That they shared the video for all to see indicates they do not believe they will face any consequences. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
As the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa hold the “first ever” EU-Egypt summit with Egypt's President Sisi, they should not ignore the many human rights abuses Egyptian people face under Sisi’s rule www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
EU/Egypt: First summit should not ignore human rights violations
As the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa hold the “first ever” EU-Egypt summit with Egypt’s President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi on 22 October, t...
www.hrw.org
October 21, 2025 at 6:41 PM
As the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa hold the “first ever” EU-Egypt summit with Egypt's President Sisi, they should not ignore the many human rights abuses Egyptian people face under Sisi’s rule www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Saudi authorities on October 20, 2025, executed a man convicted of alleged crimes committed as a child. He was the 300th person executed by Saudi authorities in 2025. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Saudi Arabia: Spate of Executions of Child Offenders
Saudi authorities on October 20, 2025, executed a man convicted of alleged crimes committed as a child.
www.hrw.org
October 21, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Saudi authorities on October 20, 2025, executed a man convicted of alleged crimes committed as a child. He was the 300th person executed by Saudi authorities in 2025. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
HRW: Three women died in Qarchak prison, a Tehran women’s prison notorious for abysmal conditions, between September 16 and 25, following a lack of medical care www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Iran: Three Prisoners Dead after Denied Medical Care
Three women died in Qarchak prison, a Tehran women’s prison notorious for abysmal conditions, between September 16 and September 25, 2025.
www.hrw.org
October 20, 2025 at 5:39 PM
HRW: Three women died in Qarchak prison, a Tehran women’s prison notorious for abysmal conditions, between September 16 and 25, following a lack of medical care www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Bassam Khawaja
Moroccans are claiming their human rights and calling for an end to corruption.
Will King Mohamed VI deliver on his promise to create jobs and improve health care and education? Will his government investigate the use of lethal force by the police against protestors?
Read👇
https://bit.ly/4hgLq3h
Will King Mohamed VI deliver on his promise to create jobs and improve health care and education? Will his government investigate the use of lethal force by the police against protestors?
Read👇
https://bit.ly/4hgLq3h
October 17, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Moroccans are claiming their human rights and calling for an end to corruption.
Will King Mohamed VI deliver on his promise to create jobs and improve health care and education? Will his government investigate the use of lethal force by the police against protestors?
Read👇
https://bit.ly/4hgLq3h
Will King Mohamed VI deliver on his promise to create jobs and improve health care and education? Will his government investigate the use of lethal force by the police against protestors?
Read👇
https://bit.ly/4hgLq3h
Rather than easing pressure now, the EU should act on its own findings, uphold international law, and end the impunity that fuels Israel’s past and ongoing crimes. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Ceasefire or Not, EU Should Keep Pressure on Israel to End Abuses
As European Union leaders and foreign ministers prepare for meetings to discuss the situation in Israel and Palestine, some of their representatives in Brussels, and Israel’s new ambassador to the EU,...
www.hrw.org
October 17, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Rather than easing pressure now, the EU should act on its own findings, uphold international law, and end the impunity that fuels Israel’s past and ongoing crimes. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
The Trump administration is poised to mount a two-pronged attack on refugee resettlement. Refugee admissions would be slashed from 125,000 to 7,500 and authorities would prioritize the immigration of people who oppose the immigration of other people. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
For the US, a 180-Degree Turn on Refugees
The Trump administration is poised to mount a two-pronged attack on refugee resettlement.
www.hrw.org
October 16, 2025 at 9:54 PM
The Trump administration is poised to mount a two-pronged attack on refugee resettlement. Refugee admissions would be slashed from 125,000 to 7,500 and authorities would prioritize the immigration of people who oppose the immigration of other people. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...