Heather Barr
@heatherbarr.bsky.social
Women's rights associate director, Human Rights Watch. Alaskan in Cape Town. Queen of typos.
Pinned
Heather Barr
@heatherbarr.bsky.social
· Jul 14
Gender Apartheid Should Be an International Crime
All States should ensure the inclusion of gender apartheid in international law, including in the draft crimes against humanity treaty.
www.justsecurity.org
Excited to share this new piece on why @hrw.org is calling for gender apartheid to be recognized as a crime under international law. This comes after long & careful discussion w/many colleagues about if there is need for such a law and any potential downsides. www.justsecurity.org/116780/gende...
“There are other names you might not be seeing at all: Courtney Wild, Rachel Benavidez, Michelle Licata, Maria Farmer, Annie Farmer, Liz Stein, Jess Michaels, Marina Lacerda, Danielle Bensky, Anouska De Georgiou, Shawna Rivera.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/o...
Opinion | Endless Gossipy Chatter About Epstein. One Glaring Omission.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:35 AM
“There are other names you might not be seeing at all: Courtney Wild, Rachel Benavidez, Michelle Licata, Maria Farmer, Annie Farmer, Liz Stein, Jess Michaels, Marina Lacerda, Danielle Bensky, Anouska De Georgiou, Shawna Rivera.” www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/o...
Activists protested, setting burqas on fire:
“We burn this not out of hatred, but for freedom. There is no power stronger than a woman’s will for free life.”
“A woman’s body is not a site for [playing] politics.”
“Your silence helps the Taliban.” www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
“We burn this not out of hatred, but for freedom. There is no power stronger than a woman’s will for free life.”
“A woman’s body is not a site for [playing] politics.”
“Your silence helps the Taliban.” www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Taliban’s Mandatory Burqa in Herat Assaults Women’s Autonomy
The Taliban in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat have recently banned women doctors, patients, and healthcare workers from entering hospitals without wearing a burqa.
www.hrw.org
November 20, 2025 at 4:26 AM
Activists protested, setting burqas on fire:
“We burn this not out of hatred, but for freedom. There is no power stronger than a woman’s will for free life.”
“A woman’s body is not a site for [playing] politics.”
“Your silence helps the Taliban.” www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
“We burn this not out of hatred, but for freedom. There is no power stronger than a woman’s will for free life.”
“A woman’s body is not a site for [playing] politics.”
“Your silence helps the Taliban.” www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
With conflict globally reaching a level not seen since the post-WWII era, better responses to the impact of conflict on women’s rights are urgently important. Conflicts and crises harm women and girls in ways far beyond sexual violence. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
What Escalating Conflict Means for Women and Girls
Conflicts and crises cause harm based on gender. Because women and girls across the globe experience legal, economic, and cultural discrimination, they also experience the impacts of conflict in disti...
www.hrw.org
November 19, 2025 at 6:13 AM
With conflict globally reaching a level not seen since the post-WWII era, better responses to the impact of conflict on women’s rights are urgently important. Conflicts and crises harm women and girls in ways far beyond sexual violence. www.hrw.org/news/2025/11...
Reposted by Heather Barr
Nadia is unwell, so we have replaced this week's #FullScottish with a conversation between Afghan journalists, @zahranader.bsky.social and @shafikarimi.bsky.social discussing working in exile and under the Taliban. Recorded at #IPIWoCo25 in Vienna.
www.broadcastingscotland.scot/full-scottis...
www.broadcastingscotland.scot/full-scottis...
Full Scottish - 16/11/2025 - Broadcasting Scotland
On the Full Scottish this week, Jess Urquhart introduces Afghan journalists, Zahra Nader and Shafi Karimi recorded at #IPIWoCo25 in Vienna.
www.broadcastingscotland.scot
November 16, 2025 at 12:20 PM
To see the team rebuilt and competing again gives hope for future generations of Afghan women and girls that they too can reclaim their rights, not only in sports but in all aspects of their lives. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Afghan Women’s Return to Football a Human Rights Victory
Their return to compete after the Taliban banned all sports for women and girls is a true victory for human rights.
www.hrw.org
November 1, 2025 at 5:21 AM
To see the team rebuilt and competing again gives hope for future generations of Afghan women and girls that they too can reclaim their rights, not only in sports but in all aspects of their lives. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Heather Barr
We are deeply concerned by a State’s use of the word “witch” to attack a UN expert in her report to the #UNGA80 3rd Committee. Misogynistic gendered insults have no place in international dialogue and undermine women’s equality and the integrity and independence of UN mandates.
October 31, 2025 at 6:54 PM
We are deeply concerned by a State’s use of the word “witch” to attack a UN expert in her report to the #UNGA80 3rd Committee. Misogynistic gendered insults have no place in international dialogue and undermine women’s equality and the integrity and independence of UN mandates.
“We share the view of many civil society organizations and experts that gender apartheid is an urgently needed addition to the legal cannon.” www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
UN: Momentum Builds for Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
Developing an effective International Convention to Prevent and Punish Crimes against Humanity will require ambitious and forward-looking diplomacy.
www.hrw.org
October 27, 2025 at 6:59 AM
“We share the view of many civil society organizations and experts that gender apartheid is an urgently needed addition to the legal cannon.” www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Heather Barr
Please join the women’s rights division at @hrw in remembering and celebrating the life of our colleague Agnes Odhiambo, an expert researcher and advocate on women’s rights in Africa.
🗓️ November 5 @ 9AM EST / 4PM SAST
📍Registation link: https://bit.ly/4qkQjg5
📖 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qwQd59
🗓️ November 5 @ 9AM EST / 4PM SAST
📍Registation link: https://bit.ly/4qkQjg5
📖 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qwQd59
October 23, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Please join the women’s rights division at @hrw in remembering and celebrating the life of our colleague Agnes Odhiambo, an expert researcher and advocate on women’s rights in Africa.
🗓️ November 5 @ 9AM EST / 4PM SAST
📍Registation link: https://bit.ly/4qkQjg5
📖 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qwQd59
🗓️ November 5 @ 9AM EST / 4PM SAST
📍Registation link: https://bit.ly/4qkQjg5
📖 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qwQd59
Reposted by Heather Barr
Updating my LEGO White House
October 23, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Updating my LEGO White House
Reposted by Heather Barr
Spent all day reading briefs in Louisiana v. Callais and watching white people argue that the 14th amendment is a race-neutral colorblind amendment and citing Plessy for that proposition has me so angry. Just.. come the fuck on.
The Reconstruction Amendments were not intended to be race-neutral.
The Reconstruction Amendments were not intended to be race-neutral.
Just so everyone is clear, the main issue in the Supreme Court voting rights case tomorrow is whether it's racist against white people to enforce the Voting Rights Act.
I'm dead serious. We live in incredibly stupid times.
I'm dead serious. We live in incredibly stupid times.
October 15, 2025 at 1:02 AM
Spent all day reading briefs in Louisiana v. Callais and watching white people argue that the 14th amendment is a race-neutral colorblind amendment and citing Plessy for that proposition has me so angry. Just.. come the fuck on.
The Reconstruction Amendments were not intended to be race-neutral.
The Reconstruction Amendments were not intended to be race-neutral.
Reposted by Heather Barr
Wow, I didn't think he was *literally* tearing down the White House.
Demolition crews have begun tearing down part of the White House to build President Trump’s long-desired ballroom — despite his pledge that construction of the $250 million addition wouldn’t “interfere” with the existing building. https://wapo.st/4hl7jyF
October 21, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Wow, I didn't think he was *literally* tearing down the White House.
Reposted by Heather Barr
"Misogyny is a favorite tool of authoritarians." @heatherbarr.bsky.social @hrw.org
When govts convene this week in Paris to discuss feminist foreign policy, there will be a lot to talk about. The French govt’s description of the event says progress toward gender equality “is not being made fast enough.” That is an epic understatement. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Feminist Foreign Policy During a Global Backlash
When governments convene this week in Paris for a conference on feminist foreign policy, there will be a lot to talk about.
www.hrw.org
October 20, 2025 at 2:06 PM
"Misogyny is a favorite tool of authoritarians." @heatherbarr.bsky.social @hrw.org
Reposted by Heather Barr
📆♀️Cette semaine, se tient à Paris une conférence sur la diplomatie féministe.
❌Remise en cause des droits reproductifs
❌Apartheid de genre en Afghanistan
❌Débats sur le droit de vote des femmes
➡️Les sujets à aborder ne manqueront pas 👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
❌Remise en cause des droits reproductifs
❌Apartheid de genre en Afghanistan
❌Débats sur le droit de vote des femmes
➡️Les sujets à aborder ne manqueront pas 👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
Diplomatie féministe dans un contexte de recul mondial
Lorsque les gouvernements se réuniront à Paris cette semaine pour une conférence sur la diplomatie féministe, les sujets à aborder ne manqueront pas.
www.hrw.org
October 20, 2025 at 12:33 PM
📆♀️Cette semaine, se tient à Paris une conférence sur la diplomatie féministe.
❌Remise en cause des droits reproductifs
❌Apartheid de genre en Afghanistan
❌Débats sur le droit de vote des femmes
➡️Les sujets à aborder ne manqueront pas 👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
❌Remise en cause des droits reproductifs
❌Apartheid de genre en Afghanistan
❌Débats sur le droit de vote des femmes
➡️Les sujets à aborder ne manqueront pas 👇
www.hrw.org/fr/news/2025...
When govts convene this week in Paris to discuss feminist foreign policy, there will be a lot to talk about. The French govt’s description of the event says progress toward gender equality “is not being made fast enough.” That is an epic understatement. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Feminist Foreign Policy During a Global Backlash
When governments convene this week in Paris for a conference on feminist foreign policy, there will be a lot to talk about.
www.hrw.org
October 20, 2025 at 9:46 AM
When govts convene this week in Paris to discuss feminist foreign policy, there will be a lot to talk about. The French govt’s description of the event says progress toward gender equality “is not being made fast enough.” That is an epic understatement. www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Heather Barr
#NoKings event in Fairhope, Al.
A woman was arrested for "lewd conduct" because she was dressed in penis suit with a sign that said "No dick-tator"
3 cops on a 53 yo woman.
A woman was arrested for "lewd conduct" because she was dressed in penis suit with a sign that said "No dick-tator"
3 cops on a 53 yo woman.
October 18, 2025 at 9:01 PM
#NoKings event in Fairhope, Al.
A woman was arrested for "lewd conduct" because she was dressed in penis suit with a sign that said "No dick-tator"
3 cops on a 53 yo woman.
A woman was arrested for "lewd conduct" because she was dressed in penis suit with a sign that said "No dick-tator"
3 cops on a 53 yo woman.
Reposted by Heather Barr
🗣️ #WPSWednesday: No women, no peace. 25 years of UN Resolution #1325 remind us: inclusion isn’t charity—it’s strategy. Women at the table = stronger peace agreements. @heatherbarr.bsky.social @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
No Women, No Peace
This month sees the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Adopted in October 2000, Resolution 1325 established that women should be ful...
www.hrw.org
October 15, 2025 at 12:36 PM
🗣️ #WPSWednesday: No women, no peace. 25 years of UN Resolution #1325 remind us: inclusion isn’t charity—it’s strategy. Women at the table = stronger peace agreements. @heatherbarr.bsky.social @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
"If you ban women from being treated by male health care professionals, and then you ban women from training to become health care professionals, the consequences are clear: Women will not have access to health care and will die as a result." www.npr.org/sections/goa...
Afghan earthquake triggers contradictory Taliban tactics on rescuing women
The Taliban responded with contradictory stances in the effort to rescue women and girls who were wounded and left homeless. That's a reflection of tensions between hardliners and pragmatists.
www.npr.org
October 14, 2025 at 10:12 PM
"If you ban women from being treated by male health care professionals, and then you ban women from training to become health care professionals, the consequences are clear: Women will not have access to health care and will die as a result." www.npr.org/sections/goa...
“After our interview the frogs were joined by a couple of unicorns, a polar bear, and axolotl, a raccoon, and several more characters.”
Things are happening at Portland's ICE facility tonight.
Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
Read more of our protest coverage here: www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/1...
October 10, 2025 at 5:44 AM
“After our interview the frogs were joined by a couple of unicorns, a polar bear, and axolotl, a raccoon, and several more characters.”
Reposted by Heather Barr
Oct 31 is the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, & Security. Resolution 1325 has never been more important than today, as we face a global backlash against women’s rights & escalating wars & crises around the globe.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
No women, no peace
This month sees the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Adopted in October 2000, Resolution 1325 established that women should be ful...
www.hrw.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Oct 31 is the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, & Security. Resolution 1325 has never been more important than today, as we face a global backlash against women’s rights & escalating wars & crises around the globe.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Heather Barr
The German government's plan for social security "reform" is bad news for #humanrights.
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
October 9, 2025 at 4:38 PM
The German government's plan for social security "reform" is bad news for #humanrights.
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
I tried to set out why for @hrw.org here, a couple of weeks back, as we awaited details of these plans:
www.hrw.org/news/2025/09...
Reposted by Heather Barr
"Black people are tired. Not metaphorically tired—actually tired. The kind of tired that turns every group chat into a mix of gallows humor and emotional triage."
I write about white ignorance and how exhausting it is to hear white ppl insist "this isn't who we are, when it's ALWAYS who we've been.
I write about white ignorance and how exhausting it is to hear white ppl insist "this isn't who we are, when it's ALWAYS who we've been.
White People’s Performative Ignorance Is Exhausting—Opinion
Disbelief over authoritarianism in America isn’t a cutesy personality trait. It’s a confession: You haven’t been paying attention.
rewirenewsgroup.com
October 8, 2025 at 2:05 PM
"Black people are tired. Not metaphorically tired—actually tired. The kind of tired that turns every group chat into a mix of gallows humor and emotional triage."
I write about white ignorance and how exhausting it is to hear white ppl insist "this isn't who we are, when it's ALWAYS who we've been.
I write about white ignorance and how exhausting it is to hear white ppl insist "this isn't who we are, when it's ALWAYS who we've been.
Oct 31 is the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, & Security. Resolution 1325 has never been more important than today, as we face a global backlash against women’s rights & escalating wars & crises around the globe.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
No women, no peace
This month sees the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. Adopted in October 2000, Resolution 1325 established that women should be ful...
www.hrw.org
October 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Oct 31 is the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, & Security. Resolution 1325 has never been more important than today, as we face a global backlash against women’s rights & escalating wars & crises around the globe.
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
www.hrw.org/news/2025/10...
Reposted by Heather Barr
I kind of can’t believe this Bari Weiss quote is even real, and yet www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/b...
October 7, 2025 at 12:40 AM
I kind of can’t believe this Bari Weiss quote is even real, and yet www.nytimes.com/2025/10/06/b...
Reposted by Heather Barr
“More astonishing still was the Taliban’s open celebration of the mission of a foreign woman ostensibly tasked with defending Afghan women against ongoing abuses, honoring her in a public gathering and wishing her further success.” 8am.media/eng/otunbaye...
Otunbayeva and a Mission That Ended in Disrepute
Roza Otunbayeva, who for three years headed the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), recently completed her tenure and
8am.media
October 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM
“More astonishing still was the Taliban’s open celebration of the mission of a foreign woman ostensibly tasked with defending Afghan women against ongoing abuses, honoring her in a public gathering and wishing her further success.” 8am.media/eng/otunbaye...
“More astonishing still was the Taliban’s open celebration of the mission of a foreign woman ostensibly tasked with defending Afghan women against ongoing abuses, honoring her in a public gathering and wishing her further success.” 8am.media/eng/otunbaye...
Otunbayeva and a Mission That Ended in Disrepute
Roza Otunbayeva, who for three years headed the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), recently completed her tenure and
8am.media
October 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM
“More astonishing still was the Taliban’s open celebration of the mission of a foreign woman ostensibly tasked with defending Afghan women against ongoing abuses, honoring her in a public gathering and wishing her further success.” 8am.media/eng/otunbaye...