On June 25, around 4,500 gathered in Strasbourg demanding justice in Turkey, near the Council of Europe and ECtHR buildings. The fourth edition of the Strasbourg Justice Gathering took place on June 25 in front of the Council of Europe, continuing its mission to spotlight human rights violations in Türkiye. Organized by the Europe-based Peaceful Actions Platform, with Human Rights Solidarity as a co-organizer, this year’s event centered on the theme “Justice for All.” Around 4,500 Turkish expatriates gathered along Allée de la Robertsau, a 900-meter stretch near the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) buildings.

The demonstration began at 11:30 AM Central European Time with a march and chants, drawing participation from six members of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). Among the notable speakers were French MPs Emmanuel Fernandes and Sandra Regol, Spanish MP Laura Castel, Belgian MPs Benjamin Dalle and Christophe Lacroix, and German MP Vinzenz Glaser.

In their speeches, the parliamentarians highlighted systemic injustices in Türkiye, including the tragic death of 15-year-old Sümeyra Gelir—who succumbed to illness three months after being forced to care for her siblings following her mother’s arrest—and the ongoing imprisonment of opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu.

French MP Sandra Regol underscored the erosion of the rule of law in Türkiye since 2016, stating: “Innocent people are jailed on baseless terrorism charges. Prisons are overflowing 130 new facilities have been built in just a few years. Trials rely on prejudice, not evidence. The repression extends beyond Türkiye’s borders, with abductions abroad continuing unabated. Among Council of Europe members, Türkiye leads in prison overcrowding.”

Participants, including victims of post-coup decree (KHK) dismissals, renewed their call for the Council of Europe to enforce the Yalçınkaya ruling. They urged immediate compliance with ECtHR judgments in the cases of Yalçınkaya, Kavala, and Demirtaş, demanding an end to unlawful detentions that persist despite the court’s rulings.

Human rights activists protested in Strasbourg, wearing yellow T-shirts and holding banners, to denounce ongoing rights violations in Türkiye. The demonstration, near the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), drew around 4,500 people chanting slogans like “Justice for All” and “Children Do Not Belong in Prison.” Representatives from rights groups, including Human Rights Solidarity (HRS), submitted letters to ECtHR and Council of Europe officials, signed by 16 European associations, condemning Türkiye’s worsening rights record since 2016—including political imprisonments, press suppression, and unfair trials.

Protesters criticized Türkiye’s stalled legal system, urging the ECtHR to bypass exhausted domestic remedies and fast-track cases. They also slammed inadequate compensation in some rulings. The rally highlighted specific cases, like 15-year-old Sümeyra Gelir, who died after her mother’s arrest, and jailed opposition mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, calling for international accountability.

Letter to Secretary-General Alain Berset

The letter addressed to Secretary-General Alain Berset demanded public recognition of Türkiye’s failure to comply with rulings from the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), particularly in the Yalçınkaya case, and called for the initiation of Article 46(4) violation proceedings. It also urged the Council of Europe to engage with oppressed communities and civil society actors—both within Türkiye and in the diaspora—as legitimate stakeholders in dialogue and reform efforts. Additionally, the letter emphasized the need for coordinated action among member states to uphold democratic values and the integrity of the ECtHR.

Ride for Rights

Under the banner Ride for Rights, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) mobilized cyclists from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, and France to raise global awareness about the ongoing oppression and unlawful practices in Türkiye through a unique and impactful advocacy initiative.

Last year, a dedicated team of five to six cyclists rode an impressive 900 kilometers, starting in the UK and passing through the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and France before joining the march in Strasbourg on October 2. This year, the campaign evolved into a relay-style event, with volunteer teams cycling in their respective countries to contribute to the cause. We extend our deepest gratitude to every cyclist who participated in this powerful display of solidarity.

Justice Wall

Alongside the demonstrations, HRS installed a massive Justice Wall measuring 20 meters long and 2.5 meters high next to the main stage. Over the course of a week, artists painted striking illustrations highlighting human rights violations in Türkiye on the upper section. These included portraits of prominent political prisoners like Osman Kavala, Selahattin Demirtaş, and Ekrem İmamoğlu; a tribute to 15-year-old Sümeyra Gelir, who tragically died from an epileptic seizure on April 3, 2025, after her mother, Melek Gelir, was imprisoned; crackdowns on Boğaziçi University students; suppression of journalists; the struggles of families affected by KHK decrees; and the forced replacement of elected officials in Kurdish and CHP-run municipalities with government-appointed trustees.

The lower section of the wall was reserved for participants, who left heartfelt messages and signatures in support of human rights, justice, democracy, and peace—transforming the installation into a powerful collective statement against injustice.

On Human Rights Day, HRS built a Justice Wall opposite Downing Street where supporters wrote their messages about rights abuses. Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) organised an important action on 10 December Human Rights Day. HRS activists built a 3 metre high and 15 metre long Justice Wall (made of canvas) opposite the Prime Minister’s Residence (10 Downing Street).

The top half of the wall had previously been painted by an artist depicting the persecution and rights violations of different groups in Turkey. On the lower half of the wall, which was left empty, hundreds of people who supported the protest wrote messages of justice and peace.

The Justice Wall was also unveiled during the 3rd March for Justice in front of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on 2 October 2024 and attracted great interest from the participants. The march called on Turkey to implement the judgements of the European Court of Human Rights.

The Justice Wall on Whitehall Street, where the Prime Minister’s residence and some ministerial buildings are located, remained open from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. During this time, hundreds of passers-by supported the action and wrote their demands and complaints about human rights on the Justice Wall.

Some of them reflected their thoughts on justice and equality on the wall by drawing striking pictures. While there were people of all ages from 7 to 70 among those who wrote messages, it was noteworthy that the expressions were written in languages other than English and Turkish, such as French, German and Arabic.

HRS also issued a statement on the occasion of Human Rights Day on 10 December. In the statement read by Ceyda Kemanci, leader of HRS Women’s Rights Committee, the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was commemorated and it was emphasised that the continuation of wars, torture and rights violations around the world caused deep disappointment.

Stating that the Declaration proclaimed in 1948 was a great step towards securing human dignity and equality, the statement said: “However, we see that wars have not ended, torture still continues, the rights of women, children, minorities, refugees and people who think or believe differently are usurped every day. The principle of ‘everyone has equal rights from birth’ promised by the Declaration remains like a cry that does not find an echo in many corners of the world.”

The statement reminded that more than 2 million people in Turkey have been subjected to terrorism investigations on trumped-up grounds and nearly 200 thousand people have been arrested in the last 8 years, and it was stated that the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights have not been implemented. In addition, the ongoing persecution and violations in many countries such as Palestine/Gaza, China, Afghanistan, India, Iran and Yemen were explained.

The statement ended with the following statements: “Today, humanity is facing one of the most critical tests in the struggle for rights. The fundamental rights of millions of people are at stake and we should not wait for a global catastrophe to rediscover human values. We must fight together for a world where human rights are truly realised for every individual in every geography.”

Today marks the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a landmark document created in 1948 to protect the dignity and equality of all people. Born from the horrors of World War II, it was a commitment to prevent such tragedies and affirm the non-negotiable rights of every individual.

Yet, 76 years later, the gap between these ideals and reality remains vast. Wars continue, torture persists, and the rights of women, children, minorities, and refugees are still violated daily. Even in Western countries, which led the declaration, human rights violations endure, and globally, the situation in many nations is even more dire.

One year after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which resulted in over 44,000 deaths and widespread destruction in Gaza, the conflict’s impacts endure.

For 76 years, Palestinians have faced apartheid and crimes against humanity by Israel, enduring systematic discrimination. Decades of oppression and displacement have stripped Palestinians of their rights and marginalized their culture, in violation of international law.

A year of continuous violence in Gaza and Israel, without a meaningful ceasefire, has intensified the suffering of millions. Meanwhile, accountability for these atrocities remains virtually nonexistent.

United Kingdom and Europe

• In 2024, strict border policies targeting migrants and refugees persisted across the United Kingdom and Europe, resulting in 315 lives lost in the English Channel alone.
• Across Europe, reports of pushbacks and mistreatment of refugees remain widespread.
• Violations of digital freedom of expression are rising, with thousands of individuals’ privacy compromised by data security breaches.

United States

• Police violence with racial undertones continues, echoing tragic incidents like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, while Black and Latino individuals remain disproportionately incarcerated.
• Children are still forcibly separated from their families at the border, with migrants held in harsh detention conditions.

Turkey

• Over the past eight years, approximately 2 million people in Turkey have faced terrorism investigations based on unfounded accusations, with hundreds of thousands imprisoned.
• As of 2023, Turkey remains one of the highest violators in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), with over 4,000 convictions.
• Despite this, Turkey continues to disregard ECHR rulings, with 65 journalists imprisoned and hundreds of human rights defenders facing legal pressure.
• More than 300 women are killed annually in gender-based violence cases.

China

• UN data reveals that over 1.8 million Uyghur Turks are detained in “re-education camps” in East Turkestan.
• The systematic suppression of religious freedoms and cultural heritage continues in Tibet.
• In 2024, over 40 multinational companies faced criticism for involvement in forced labor practices in China.

Russia

• Over 20,000 people were detained for participating in anti-war protests.
• 80% of independent media outlets were either shut down or labeled as “foreign agents.”
• Conditions for LGBTQ+ individuals have worsened, with over 500 people prosecuted under “propaganda laws.” 

India

• In 2023, over 200 religion-based hate crimes were reported, revealing widespread discrimination against minority groups.
• Women face an average of 87 sexual assault cases daily.
• Muslim communities endure systematic threats, including displacement and loss of citizenship rights.

Iran

• The women’s rights movement gained momentum after the death of Mahsa Amini, yet over 800 female protesters were detained in 2024.
• More than 600 lives were lost during protests.
• Women continue to endure severe consequences for demanding basic rights and freedoms.

Afghanistan

• Under Taliban rule, women’s rights to education have been fully stripped away, leaving over 1 million women without access to university education in 2024.
• 80% of journalists have either been forced to leave their profession or flee the country.

Myanmar

• The systematic ethnic cleansing of Rohingya Muslims continues. According to the UN, 1 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh live in dire, inhumane conditions.

Syria and Yemen

• In Syria, the ongoing civil war has displaced nearly 14 million people.
• In Yemen, 2.2 million children face the risk of death from hunger and malnutrition.

Today, humanity faces one of its most critical tests in the ongoing struggle for rights. Human rights are not a distant dream but an urgent and unshakable responsibility that demands our attention now. The fundamental dignity of millions hangs in the balance, and we must not wait for a global catastrophe to rediscover our shared humanity.

We are not naive optimists. We are determined individuals, strategically and resolutely committed to defending human dignity. Rights are not privileges granted from above; they are shared values earned and protected through continuous struggle. As Martin Luther King Jr. so powerfully reminded us, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Proudly announcing our report on the UK youth knife crime, tackling root causes: deprivation, mental health challenges, and youth exploitation. Knife crime in the UK remains a critical issue, with a worrying 7% increase in knife-related offenses in 2023 highlighting the urgency for comprehensive action. The tragic Southport stabbings, where three young girls lost their lives, have intensified the focus on the vulnerabilities faced by children in a society grappling with violence.

Our analysis examines the root causes of knife crime, including socioeconomic deprivation, the exploitation of youth by criminal networks, and mental health challenges. The findings underscore the need for early interventions, community-driven strategies, and policy reforms rooted in human rights and public health principles. Key insights emphasize the importance of coordinated, multi-agency responses, bringing together educators, healthcare professionals, social workers, the NHS, and law enforcement to achieve sustainable change.

This initiative is the result of extensive collaboration with Greenwich University, Goldsmiths University, and St. George’s, University of London. Their representatives and emerging professionals contributed invaluable perspectives, shaping a project that is both academically rigorous and practically impactful. Together, we have established a foundation for a comprehensive strategy to address the underlying causes of youth knife crime while empowering communities to build safer environments. The potential use of AI tools, such as predictive analytics, offers an innovative way to support these efforts by identifying at-risk areas and individuals.

This summary outlines the central themes, findings, and conclusions from our in-depth analysis in an accessible format. We are proud to announce the upcoming publication of the full report as a book and the organization of a parliamentary side event in February 2025. This event will bring together policymakers, academics, and community leaders to discuss actionable solutions and plan the next steps in tackling knife crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of young people and communities.

In alignment with the government’s proposed initiatives, we advocate for the establishment of a new youth program tailored to addressing knife crime while tackling the rising mental health challenges among young people. This program should be integrated with support from NHS professionals and leverage advancements in AI to provide early intervention and preventative measures.

The strategies we propose go beyond theoretical exploration to offer a pragmatic roadmap for meaningful change. Designed to be actionable, adaptable, and focused on breaking down systemic barriers, our approach integrates academic rigor with community-centered insights. By doing so, we aim to move beyond identifying problems to actively driving progress toward safer communities.

War zones expose children to daily dangers, denying them safety, education, food, and basic rights, necessitating urgent global humanitarian action. This year on International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression we remember the children of Gaza, Sudan, Myanmar, Turkiye, Syria, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Haiti and Nigeria.

Children residing in war zones around the world witness unimaginable horrors on a daily basis. It is unsafe for them to play outside, sleep at home, attend school, or go to hospitals for medical attention.

Children around the globe endure unspeakable horrors even adults find unbearable and they are innocently caught in the midst of warring parties. They are being subjected to sexual violence, and abduction and are being forced to join armed groups, all while being deprived of essential humanitarian aid.

UN Reports, in Gaza the number of children killed is higher than from four years of world conflict. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said “This war is a war on children. It is a war on their childhood and their future” [1]. More than 14,000 children have been reportedly killed and thousands have been injured. If not injured or killed children are deprived of essential needs, displaced and don’t have access to water, food and medicine. UNICEF had initially reported that “Rafah is now a city of children, who have nowhere safe to go in Gaza”. On the 26th of May 2024, the tents and shelters in Rafah have now been bombed which leaves no safe place for the children of Gaza. UNICEF reports that even wars have rules and no child should be cut off from essential services in accordance with international humanitarian law [2] reflecting that this is not a war but a genocide[3].

There is a silent war and famine going on in Sudan affecting innocent children. Human Rights Watch reports a gruesome incident where RSF Forces first shot the parents in front of their children and then piled up the children and shot them. They later threw their bodies into the river and their belongings after them[4].

To mark a year of brutality against Sudanese children, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) issued a media statement highlighting the violations resulting in 24 million children in Sudan being at risk of generational catastrophe. Among these children, 14 million are in dire need of humanitarian support, 19 million are out of school, and 4 million are displaced, according to UNICEF, making Sudan now the largest child displacement crisis in the world[5].

Since the military coup in 2021, the armed conflict, and the suffering and cruelty continue in Myanmar. Innocent children who are too young to comprehend the chaos around them, are caught in the midst of the conflict, malnourished and deprived of essential needs. UNICEF reports that 6,000,000 children are in need of humanitarian assistance [6].

A year after the deadliest earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria, children are still feeling the effects of the tragedy. Almost 7.5 million children in Syria still require humanitarian aid. 3.2 million children in Turkiye still need essential services as families are homeless and without access to essential services, including safe water, education, and medical care [7].

The human rights violations continue in Turkiye not only affecting innocent adults but affecting innocent children. Thousands of children are growing up in prison with their parents who are only detained due to Erdogan’s dictator regime in Turkiye. The government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is dismantling human rights protections and democratic norms in Turkiye on a scale unprecedented in the 18 years he has been in office, said Human Rights Watch [8]. Recently, several girls under 18 were detained and subjected to psychological torture due to non-implementation of the Constitutional Court and ECHR rulings.

Ethiopia is facing multiple crises due to climate crises (flood and drought), armed conflicts, diseases and economic shocks. Floods have affected the education sector in the Somali region with the disruption of the schooling of over 66,000 children (32.3 percent girls) and damage/destruction to school infrastructure (56 out of 146 flood-affected schools). The scale of damage to the schools and the reported sheltering of IDPs on school grounds will prevent thousands of children from returning to school [9].

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the decades-long armed conflict continued to cause grave violations against civilians and children. The M23 committed more unlawful killings, rapes, other apparent war crimes and crimes against humanity in areas under their control [10]. Save the Children has reported that 78,000 children have been forced to flee their homes due to the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)[11]. As armed conflict is a daily reality for the children in the Democratic Republic of Congo, these children are facing poverty, sexual violence, being abducted, deprived of food and water and even being trained as child soldiers [12]. UNICEF’s Director of Child Protection said “I met children who survived the horrors of recruitment and use by armed groups and the unspeakable trauma of sexual violence – atrocities that no one should experience, let alone children” [13].

On 8 May 2024, Save the Children reported that children in Haiti are being forced into armed gangs due to extreme hunger. According to the UN, between 30% to 50% of armed groups in Haiti currently have children within their ranks. Save the Children’s Food and Livelihood Advisor in Haiti said “The hunger situation is so desperate our staff are hearing stories of children joining deadly gangs just so they can get food to eat” [14].

OCHA reports that in Nigeria children are at risk of forced recruitment into armed groups when unaccompanied and separated from families, especially children of those considered to be formerly associated or affiliated with armed groups. Protection concerns continue more so for women and girls, who run a higher risk of being subject to violence, abduction, rape, gender-based violence, forced and child marriage, and other violations of their rights. Children in Nigeria face malnutrition on an incomprehensible scale, 1.53 million children under five years old are expected to face acute malnutrition and about 511,800 children are expected to face severe acute malnutrition, a life-threatening condition. [15]

On this international day of innocent children victims of aggression we remember all the innocent children who, instead of crying over lost toys, are crying due to fear, destruction, and violence. These children, born into a cruel world, deserve a childhood filled with love and safety, not suffering.

BY CEYDA KEMANCI

Sources:

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was established by the United Nations in 1966 to combat racial.. discrimination worldwide. It commemorates the tragic events of March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa, where police killed 69 peaceful protesters during a demonstration against the apartheid pass laws, which enforced severe racial segregation and discrimination. This day serves as a reminder of the continuous struggle against racism. It promotes activities and actions to raise awareness and find solutions for those most affected by racial discrimination. Despite the abolition of apartheid in 1991 and similar racist legislation in other countries, the fight against racial prejudice is far from over.

Racial discrimination remains a prevalent issue, as evidenced by statistics from the UK, where racially motivated hate crimes are the most reported, with racially aggravated offenses increasing by 19% to 109,843 incidents in 2021/22. This stark reality underscores the vital importance of this day in advocating for and raising awareness about the ongoing efforts needed to educate future generations and eradicate racism. The belief that some people are inherently superior or inferior due to skin color is a harmful notion that we must actively work against to ensure everyone has the freedom and dignity they deserve.

After establishing the definitional framework of hate crimes and the specific strands monitored in England and Wales, it becomes imperative to delve deeper into these incidents’ nuanced statistical tapestry and real-world ramifications. The following section provides a comprehensive dissection of hate crime data, casting light on the demographic profiles of victims, the typologies of hate crimes most frequently documented, and the profound emotional and psychological repercussions these transgressions inflict upon individuals.

This transition from a generalized overview to a granular analysis offers a more lucid comprehension of the prevailing terrain of hate crimes in the United Kingdom. It illuminates the diversity of victims and occurrences and the formidable obstacles encountered in confronting and mitigating these profoundly impactful crimes.

Within this crucible of analysis, we witness the complexities of addressing hate crimes. These complexities extend beyond legislative frameworks and encompass the arduous task of catalysing attitudinal shifts and fostering community empathy.

The definition of hate crime in England & Wales was agreed in 2007 by the Police Service, Crown Prosecution Service, Prison Service, and other agencies.

Hate crime in England and Wales is defined as ‘any criminal offense which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic:

There are five centrally monitored strands of hate crime:

• race or ethnicity.
• religion or beliefs.
• sexual orientation.
• disability
• transgender identity.

The recent ‘Hate Crime Summary’ report sheds light on the concerning prevalence of hate crimes in the UK, with racial bias being the primary motivating factor, accounting for 45% of reported incidents. Disability-related hate crimes followed closely, comprising 15% of the total cases, underscoring the multifaceted nature of this issue. Notably, the report documents a staggering 1,426% increase in gender identity-motivated incidents, soaring from 18 to 276 cases. Furthermore, there has been a significant 462% increase in reports related to sexual orientation, highlighting the evolving landscape of hate crimes in the country.

The interaction with authorities reflects the urgency and the spectrum of needs among the victims; 60% of the contacts were to report incidents or update ongoing cases. In parallel, 23% sought listening support, advice, or referrals, indicating the critical role of supportive services in the aftermath of hate crimes.

According to the report, racial motivations persist as the predominant driver of hate crimes, with incidents related to disability following as a significant concern. The pronounced rise in gender-motivated incidents by 322% signals an urgent call for attention to this growing issue.

Analysing the types of hate crimes reported reveals verbal abuse at the forefront with 287 incidents, closely followed by threatening behavior in 238 incidents. Harassment, offensive language, and anti-social behavior were also significantly reported, with 209, 132, and 98 cases, respectively. These statistics not only depict the severity of hate crimes in the UK but also emphasize the need for robust response mechanisms to support the victims and address the root causes.

In efforts to gather comprehensive data on instances of hate incidents, the report strives to include a wide range of demographic details such as age, gender, and ethnicity of those affected. This information aids in the nuanced understanding and addressing of hate incidents. However, sometimes, individuals may be hesitant to disclose such personal information, or when a report is made on someone else’s behalf, the informant may lack access to these details. Additionally, there are circumstances where it becomes impractical or insensitive to pursue these questions further, such as when a person is too distressed to communicate effectively or the conversation ends prematurely.

Among individuals who reported experiencing a hate incident and were willing to share personal information, 2% identified as transgender, with the majority identifying as female (61%) and male (36%). Our team endeavors to gather as much demographic information (e.g., age, gender, ethnicity) about those affected by hate incidents. However, there are instances where individuals may choose not to disclose such information, or the information might be unavailable if the report is made on someone else’s behalf. In situations where it is either impossible or appropriate to inquire for more details (e.g., the person is too upset or the conversation ends abruptly), no data can be recorded.

Regarding disability, 54% of individuals who disclosed information reported being neurodiverse, with autism accounting for 17% of this group. There was a significant increase in individuals reporting physical/mobility disabilities, rising by 176% (from 13 to 40 individuals).

Concerning ethnicity, 28% of the individuals who disclosed their background described themselves as coming from a white background, with 17% specifying White British. Additionally, 27% identified as having a Black background, 32% as Asian, and 5% as Mixed. Notably, there was a significant rise in reports from individuals identifying with an “Other Black Background,” increasing from 7% to 18%.

Age-wise, the bulk of individuals reporting hate incidents and willing to share their age fell within the 25 to 64 age range (74%), with those between 35 to 54 years old being the most likely to report such incidents (39%).

From a religious perspective, 38% of those disclosing information identified as Christian, and 17% as Muslim. Specifically, for faith or religious hate incidents, a majority identified with Islam (71%) or Christianity (9%).

Concerning living situations, over 75% of those experiencing a hate incident and willing to disclose this information were in some form of rented accommodation, with 36% in local authority housing, 20% in housing association properties, and 17% renting from a private landlord.

In the 2022/23 period, law enforcement agencies documented 145,214 incidents where hate crimes, as identified by central monitoring criteria, were considered a motivating factor. This marks a 5% reduction compared to the statistics from 2021/22. The historical rise in the documentation of hate crimes has been partially linked to improvements in recording practices and an enhanced awareness regarding the importance of reporting such offenses.

Since April 2015, notable increases in hate crimes, particularly those of a racial or religious nature, have been observed during significant events such as the EU referendum, the terrorist attacks in 2017, and the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. Although similar upsurges were seen in the summers before and after these events, the patterns of increase were consistent across both categories of offenses. When looking at data by Police Force Area for 2022/23, the highest incidence rate of hate crimes, considering all types of offenses recorded by the police, was in the West Yorkshire Police Force area, with 441 incidents per 100,000 people. Conversely, Dorset reported the lowest rate, with 103 incidents per 100,000 population.

Individuals who fall victim to hate crimes are significantly more likely to endure emotional and psychological distress than those affected by crimes in general. Specifically, 42% of hate crime victims reported feelings of vulnerability or a loss of confidence, a stark contrast to the 19% among general crime victims. Additionally, nearly 29% of those targeted by hate crimes struggled with sleep disturbances, compared to 13% for all crime victims. Anxiety or panic attacks were reported by 34% of hate crime victims, a figure that more than doubles the 14% reported by victims of other crimes. Moreover, 18% of those subjected to hate crimes faced depression afterward, doubling the rate of 9% seen in victims of all types of crime.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we reflect on the progress and challenges in our fight against racism. While societies have become more aware and legal frameworks have been established, individuals, communities, and groups continue to suffer from injustices and stigma perpetuated by racist ideologies and practices.

The data on hate crimes in England and Wales serve as a reminder that racism is still deeply entrenched, manifesting in violence, harassment, and marginalization. This day is a call to redouble our efforts, challenge and dismantle prejudices that fuel hate, and amplify the voices of the oppressed and marginalized.

Everyone’s encounter with racism is unique, shaped by their circumstances and intersecting identities.

On this day, we must reaffirm our commitment to creating a welcoming and diverse society where individuals of all ages, races, religions, and backgrounds can live together harmoniously, free from fear of abuse or harm.

By BURAK BATUHAN KARAKUS

At the Women’s Day march in London, thousands of people, including HRS volunteers in purple raincoats and masks, demanded justice. The London march for International Women’s Day took place on Saturday 9 March this year. Thousands of women took part in the march, which started on Oxford Street and ended in Trafalgar Square. Organised by Million Women Rise, the event is supported by all associations or foundations working in the field of women’s rights in the UK.

As in the previous 3 years, Human Rights Solidarity (HRS) Women’s Rights Committee members were also present at the march, which is known as the ‘world’s biggest women’s rights’ event. HRS Women’s Committee participated in the march with an interesting concept this year. About 40 HRS volunteer women wore purple raincoats and white masks on their faces. On the masks were written the names of women who were arrested in Turkey despite being sick, pregnant or having babies.

HRS volunteers also carried placards expressing the problems of all women who have been subjected to injustice or persecution. For example, there were banners written in Kurdish to draw attention to the injustice suffered by Kurdish women in Turkey, including one with the name of former MP Huda Kaya, who is currently in detention. There were also banners drawing attention to the current ‘genocide’ in Gaza, the war in Ukraine and the persecution of Uyghur people.

Throughout the march, women drew attention to the fact that more than 9,000 women have been killed in Gaza and frequently chanted slogans calling for an immediate ceasefire. The women also emphasised the need for governments to take more measures to end male violence.

HRS Women’s Committee Chair Ceyda Betul Kemanci made the following statement about the event: “As HRS, we participate in this important march with a different concept every year. Last year, we marched with a platform with a woman and child mannequin that we placed in a boat to explain the problems experienced by those who had to flee from Meric River due to unlawful behaviour in Turkey. This year we wore purple raincoats to represent women’s rights. There are also many women who are unjustly and unlawfully imprisoned in Turkey. In order to make their voices heard, we wore masks with the names of women, especially those who are sick, pregnant or with babies. We demanded an immediate end to these atrocities. We demanded that the ECtHR’s Yalcinkaya judgement be implemented without further delay. We demanded an end to the systematic torture and that those responsible be punished.

At the rally organised in Trafalgar Square where the march ended, speeches were made in line with the general concept of the march. Those who took the floor raised the voices of all girls and women who had been subjected to violence and expressed that they could put an end to male violence together. The demand for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was also voiced here.

Lawyers in Danger Day was dedicated to Iran this year. HRS organised a protest and sent a letter Iranian Ambassador. 24 January Lawyers in Danger Day was dedicated to Iranian lawyers this year. As HRS, we organised a demonstration outside the Iranian Embassy in London in support of lawyers facing rights violations in Iran. Together with lawyers in Iran, we demanded justice, freedom and democracy for all their colleagues around the world. We also sent a letter to Ambassador Mehdi Hosseini Matin with our concrete proposals.

International Day of Endangered Lawyers has been celebrated all over the world on 24 January since 2010. This date was chosen because on 24 January 1977, four lawyers and a colleague were killed in Madrid and this event is known as the Atocha Massacre.

Iran is among the most dangerous countries for lawyers. Since the 1979 revolution, lawyers have been subjected to harassment and persecution. Following the protests that followed the tortured murder of Jina Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022, the crackdown intensified, particularly on lawyers defending imprisoned protesters.

Since 2021, around 60 lawyers have been detained and hundreds have lost their licences. Most recently, Saleh Nikbakht, the lawyer for Mahsa Amini’s family, was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of “propaganda activities against the Islamic Republic of Iran” and “collaboration with hostile states”.

The independence of lawyers is heavily restricted by law. There is an almost complete lack of access to legal representation of one’s choice for anyone arrested and charged in connection with protests.

Women lawyers in Iran face additional difficulties. They are forced to wear the hijab in court, and some have been prosecuted for refusing to do so. Female lawyers also face particular harassment in the courtroom.

Please find below the letter we sent to the Iranian Ambassador to the UK, Mehdi Hosseini Matin:

Following the protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini, lawyers in Iran have faced unjust arrests and harsh sentences. On January 24th, we observe the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer, a day dedicated to bringing attention to the risks lawyers face worldwide—persecution, intimidation, and violence—simply for doing their jobs. This date remembers the tragic events of January 24, 1977, when four Spanish lawyers and their colleagues were brutally murdered in what is known as the Massacre of Atocha, a moment that deeply moved Symone Gaasbeek-Wielinga and Hans Gaasbeek. Shocked by such violence, these two Dutch lawyers embarked on a monumental journey in the Philippines in 1990, uncovering the grave dangers faced by lawyers involved in politically charged cases.

Driven by a commitment to protect their peers, Symone and Hans played pivotal roles in establishing the International Day of the Endangered Lawyer in 2009. They also founded the Day of the Endangered Lawyer Foundation, aiming to cast a spotlight on this urgent issue and urging governments worldwide to cease the persecution of legal practitioners.

This year, our focus turns to Iran, a country where lawyers, following the protests triggered by Mahsa Amini’s death, face unjust arrest and severe punishment. Figures like Nasrin Sotoudeh and Mohammad Hossein Aghasi symbolise the courage of those detained for defending the right to protest.

On this day, we stand in solidarity with endangered lawyers in Iran and around the world who are being persecuted simply for carrying out their professional duties and upholding human rights and the rule of law. We call on the international community to demand the release of lawyers imprisoned for doing their jobs. Our colleagues deserve to be able to practice without fear or intimidation.

International law clearly recognises lawyers’ essential role in upholding justice and human rights in any society. The United Nations Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers specify certain protections and rights that lawyers globally should be afforded to allow them to perform their roles without being subject to interference or intimidation. These principles assert that lawyers should not be identified with their clients’ causes or held responsible for them. It is incumbent upon governments to ensure that lawyers can execute their professional responsibilities freely, devoid of harassment or undue interference. In instances where lawyers face threats to their safety, the authorities are obliged to provide necessary protections.

Furthermore, these principles forbid any discrimination in the licensing of lawyers based on gender, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs. Ensuring access to legal representation for all individuals is a mandate. Independent bar associations, which shield lawyers from persecution and excessive limitations, must be allowed to operate without external interference.

Determining the exact count of lawyers incarcerated in Iran is difficult due to the lack of transparency. Nonetheless, it is understood that a significant number have been targeted, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death. According to information from the United Nations dated June 2023, between September 16, 2022, and January 10, 2023, at least 44 lawyers were arrested for participating in the protests. While 27 of these legal professionals were freed, the remainder remain in detention.

The Iranian government should take the following steps to ensure lawyers can perform their professional duties without interference or intimidation:

Release lawyers imprisoned for convictions related to their work. Stop prosecutions and other sanctions against lawyers for actions taken ethically in their professional capacity.

Ensure lawyers are not identified with their clients’ causes. Do not charge lawyers for representing clients, regardless of the charges against those clients.

Allow lawyers to form independent professional associations without government interference.

Ensure disciplinary proceedings against lawyers are overseen independently by the legal profession, not the government.

Do not discriminate against people entering or practising law based on race, gender, religion, etc.

Protect the safety of lawyers who face threats due to their work.

Allow lawyers freedom of expression, belief, assembly, and association like all citizens.

Ensure everyone has access to legal services and lawyers of their choice, regardless of social or economic status. Fund legal aid sufficiently.

Inform accused persons immediately of charges against them and allow prompt access to a lawyer of their choice. Recognise lawyer-client confidentiality.

Allow lawyers access to information necessary to defend their clients.

Accept an independent international inquiry into the death of Mahsa Amini and other protest victims, given the questionable motivations behind prosecutions of lawyers and the need for justice.

In closing, We have included a detailed report compiled by the International Coalition for Endangered Lawyers and Iranian Attorneys, which sheds further light on the grave dangers faced by lawyers in Iran who are persecuted for fulfilling their professional responsibilities. I implore legal professionals, bar councils, human rights groups, and other associations globally to access and review this illuminating report. Please aid in spreading awareness regarding the struggles of endangered Iranian lawyers by circulating this report through social media and your networks.

BY BATUHAN KARAKUS

Over the past few months, HRS undertake a project to investigate six key areas of human rights abuses in India. The current BJP Indian government has been responsible for some of the significant human right violations. The government and its associated have been involved in extrajudicial killings; torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by police and prison officials; political prisoners or detainees; and unjustified arrests or prosecutions of journalists. HRS has undergone a project over the past few months to investigate six key areas of human rights violations in India:

1. Freedom of Expression
2. Freedom of Assembly
3. Religious Freedom
4. Discrimination based on Caste
5. Human rights violations against Kashmiris
6. Rights of Children

Each of the six reports details past and present studies and details of the current situation in India respective to the topic covered, while also providing points of reflection and recommendation for ways forward. The hope is to both spread awareness and inspire action.