Philippines Rights Watch: A new HRMI assessment ranks the Philippines among Southeast Asia’s weakest on civil and political rights, flagging a “very bad” score for protection from arbitrary arrest and warning that people targeted for activism and nonviolent political activity face heightened risk. Tacloban Juvenile Justice Debate: After a school shooting killed three students and injured 20, lawmakers and advocates clash over whether the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act should be amended, including calls to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility. Pakistan Crackdown on Dissent: Anti-terror court sentences Balochistan rights activist Mahrang Baloch and an associate to life in prison over a July 2024 protest killing, deepening concerns about due process. South Africa Migrant Violence: Civil society says government inaction is worsening anti-migrant hostility and forced evictions, leaving refugees and migrants exposed to xenophobic violence. Hong Kong Press Freedom: DW marks jailed pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai, whose national security law case ended with a 20-year sentence and years in solitary confinement. Israel/Palestine Child Safety: A UN commission accuses Israeli forces of deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank, renewing genocide and war-crimes allegations. US Immigration Custody Deaths: HRW and Physicians for Human Rights report ICE detention deaths have hit a decade high, citing overcrowding and inadequate medical care. Nigeria Security Overhaul: The Senate passes a state police bill creating a dual federal-state policing system, with safeguards aimed at limiting political abuse. China Ethnic Unity Law: Australia warns the new law could enable overseas repression, while Uyghur advocates say it helps Beijing hide an ongoing genocide. Kenya Protest Anniversary: Police seal roads and deploy heavily across Nairobi and other towns ahead of Gen Z memorial protests, with commuters stranded and businesses closed.