AGP Executive Report

El Salvador’s “state of exception”: A rights brief warns the emergency regime has become permanent, suspending assembly, detention safeguards and habeas corpus, with over 91,000 people jailed and reports of arrests without evidence and abuse in custody. Iraq–IS repatriations: Iraq has started steps to return about 6,000 foreign Islamic State-linked detainees, excluding those sentenced to death, while critics allege rushed trials and torture-linked confessions. South Sudan election peace push: Faith leaders are urged to spread civic and voter education through churches and mosques ahead of elections, aiming to reduce tensions and strengthen social cohesion. Iran executions: Iran executed Majid Adineh over January protests, with monitors and rights groups condemning the death penalty as intimidation. Palestine and West Bank settlements: Former French and British diplomats call for stronger action, warning “Palestine is being erased,” while EU and Arab pressure grows over Israel’s E1 settlement plans. Pakistan press freedom: A PoJK rights council says journalist Danish Irshad was reportedly placed on a terrorism watchlist for covering protests, demanding transparency and removal. Punjab rape-case allegation: India’s NHRC has taken cognisance of claims that Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case; she denies wrongdoing and challenges the accuser to prove it. US–Liberia deportations: The US has begun sending deportees to Liberia under a third-country deal, with critics warning of legal loopholes and uncertain futures for arrivals.

Refugee Protection: A Japanese court ordered refugee status for a Cameroonian man facing deportation after finding he was tortured and could face persecution for anti-government activism. Humanitarian Accountability: UN-linked reporting around World Humanitarian Day highlighted the need to protect civilians and humanitarian workers, as partners mobilized in Cameroon. Missing and Unidentified Bodies: Amnesty International urged Nigeria to urgently account for hundreds of unidentified bodies reportedly moved from Imo State mortuaries to unknown destinations, warning of possible unlawful killings and calling for independent investigation. Mass Violence in Nigeria: Amnesty also demanded action after bandits killed seven and abducted more than 17 people in Sokoto State rural communities. Migration Safety: A migrant boat sank off Tunisia, with 13 missing as rescuers searched near Zarzis. Digital Rights and Due Process: The Dutch data watchdog fined Uber nearly €825 million for automated driver suspensions without adequate human review. Media Freedom: Iraq’s communications regulator reportedly issued at least 18 bans on journalists and public figures in 2026. Arbitrary Force in Custody: India’s Armed Forces Tribunal upheld discipline over December 2023 custodial deaths in J&K, stressing excessive force against civilians is unlawful.

Arbitrary detention and forced displacement in the Philippines: Environmental and human rights groups condemned the Aug. 19 arrest of three Indigenous Peoples leaders in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya, tied to a barricade against a mining firm, calling the charges warrantless and demanding they be dropped. Due process under strain in Pakistan: A Punjab case has reignited fears of extrajudicial killings after police admitted killing two missing men in an “encounter” and secretly burying them months earlier, raising alarms about impunity. Women’s rights and alleged corruption in India: The NHRC has ordered Punjab officials to investigate claims that Bhagwant Mann’s wife demanded Rs 5 crore to suppress a rape case, with an action report due in two weeks. Migration deaths and missing people in Tunisia: At least 13 Tunisians are reported missing after a migrant boat capsized off Tunisia while heading to Italy, with two survivors rescued. Deportation rights concerns in the US-Liberia pipeline: Reports say deportees who resisted removal from Liberia were flown onward to Equatorial Guinea, highlighting the risks of third-country deportation deals. Human rights and rule-of-law pressure in Malawi: A coalition is pushing for reform of state asset forfeiture laws, warning of selective justice and calling for stronger oversight of seized property. Russia cracks down on dissent: Lev Shlosberg was sentenced to 11 years for “discrediting” the military over a debate and reposted content, further shrinking space for anti-war voices.

Gaza Accountability: Turkey says it will seek an Interpol red notice for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu over the Gaza flotilla detention case, renewing pressure amid allegations of rights abuses. Arbitrary Detention & Due Process: Malawi’s High Court granted bail to human rights activist Sylvester Namiwa, ordering prosecutors to disclose their case after authorities arrested him over remarks they framed as treason. Indigenous Rights vs. Extractives: In the Philippines, environmental and human rights groups condemned the arrest of three Indigenous leaders during negotiations over a mining community barricade, calling the charges arbitrary. Religious Freedom: Armenia’s International Observatory for Democracy will hold a press conference on the country’s post-election democratic climate, with international legal and human rights experts. War Crimes & Civilian Harm: Russia’s drone attacks on Ukrainian shopping centers killed dozens, with Zelensky calling it an atrocity and urging global action. Deportations & Family Separation: The U.S. deported 161 Haitians after TPS ended, with arrivals reporting fear amid gang violence. Human Rights in Detention: U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro says ICE blocked his visit to a 5-year-old detained at Dilley, highlighting ongoing concerns about access and oversight. Religious Persecution Watch: A Catholic group launched a petition urging the UN and Council of Europe to protect freedom of religion amid persecution in dozens of countries.

Deportations & Migration Pressure: The US has deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans to Guatemala this year, with reports saying they’re routed through “transit stopovers” before being sent onward—sparking Mexico’s objections and rights-group concerns about safety and legal protections. Third-Country Deportations: The first group of US deportees arrived in Liberia under a deal allowing transfers of non-Liberians, drawing criticism that people may be sent to places with no ties. Hong Kong Crackdown on Dissent: A Hong Kong court convicted Tiananmen vigil organizers Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung of inciting subversion under the national security law, with up to 10 years possible—another blow to freedom of expression. Religious Freedom Under Pressure (Iran): Iran condemned new US sanctions as “economic terrorism” and “crime against humanity,” while a separate report says authorities seized a historic Protestant church in Tehran, highlighting ongoing pressure on religious minorities. LGBTQ Criminalisation & HIV: Uganda-linked reporting at AIDS 2026 warns that criminalising LGBTQ people drives people away from HIV services and worsens outcomes. West Bank Settlements: European UN Security Council members and others condemned Israel’s E1 settlement project, warning it threatens a viable Palestinian state. Humanitarian & Rights in Conflict: A fact-finding mission flagged serious IHL and human rights violations in the “Toboso 19” killings in Negros, alleging civilians were shot despite soldiers having a clear view.

Philippines Conflict Accountability: A fact-finding mission on the “Toboso 19” killings in Negros Occidental says soldiers had a clear view of who was armed and who was not, yet fired indiscriminately—reporting nine victims were civilians. Iran Kurdish Crackdown: Kurdish rights monitors report three Kurdish men arrested without warrants after intelligence raids, with families denied information on charges or detention status. Israel/Palestine Settlements: Canada and European governments condemned Israel’s E1 settlement tender, while fresh calls push for real sanctions. US Third-Country Deportations: The US has deported nearly 2,300 Mexicans via Guatemala and sent deportees to Liberia under a new deal, raising concerns about asylum rights and legal loopholes. Afghanistan UN Detentions: Taliban authorities released two UN staffers detained in Herat, though the reasons remain unclear. Disability Access Online (Kyrgyzstan): A monitoring report found only four of 20 government websites partially accessible for people with disabilities. Police Custody Deaths (Haryana, India): Haryana approved Rs 7.5 lakh compensation for deaths in police custody tied to torture or negligence, with recovery from guilty officers’ salaries. LGBTQ+ Rights (US): A new analysis says the US LGBTQ+ population hit a record high, even as support for some issues—especially trans-related—shows polarization. Cuba Protest Pressure: An NGO reports an unprecedented rise in protests in Cuba’s first half of 2026 amid energy, water, and health crises.

Zambia Election Violence: UN rights chief Volker Türk urged Zambia to stop arbitrary arrests after opposition members were detained around the Aug. 13 vote, as the opposition also faces a deadly raid tied to opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Israel/Palestine: Human Rights Watch warned that Israeli settler attacks and settlement expansion are driving forced displacement and “erasure” of Palestinian communities in the West Bank, accusing authorities of enabling violence. Iran Protests Crackdown: Iran executed a foreign citizen tied to January protests, adding to a growing death-penalty toll and intensifying concerns about due process. Afghanistan Gender Apartheid: Former Afghan parliament deputy speaker Fawzia Koofi said Taliban rule amounts to “gender apartheid,” while women resist through underground schools and solidarity networks. Religious Freedom & Travel Bans: Finnish MP Päivi Räsänen challenged the UK after her travel authorization was canceled following her hate-speech conviction over a church booklet. Workplace & Public Safety: New York’s “Traveling with Dignity Act” advanced to improve accessibility for people with disabilities at public venues. Mental Health in Uniform: India’s CRPF formed a senior “core group” to prevent self-harm after 59 suicides in 2025. Ukraine War: A Russian missile and drone barrage killed at least 14 in Kyiv region, with Ukraine urging more air defenses. LGBTQ+ Rights: Bolivia marked its first same-sex civil marriage, a legal milestone that could set a precedent.

ICC vs US sanctions: UN rights chief Volker Türk and European leaders condemned fresh U.S. sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, calling them an attack on judicial independence and due process. Israel-Palestine accountability: Israel’s IDF launched criminal probes into some Gaza killings, including the 2024 deaths of five-year-old Hind Rajab and paramedics, while HRW warned the new E1 settlement housing tender could entrench displacement and apartheid. Zambia post-election detentions: Türk urged Zambia to end “arbitrary” detentions of opposition figures after the Aug. 13 election, stressing access to lawyers, family contact, and prompt court review. Philippines youth violence: CHR called for a full probe into the Ateneo de Zamboanga school shooting and stricter gun controls, as lawyer Lorna Kapunan linked worsening youth violence to Vice President Sara Duterte’s rhetoric. Australia-Israel aid strike: Australia’s Penny Wong said she’s “outraged” by Israel’s decision not to investigate the 2024 aid convoy strike that killed Australian Zomi Frankcom, and vowed to press for justice. Nigeria drug policy clash: NDLEA commander fired back at Omoyele Sowore after he urged legalization and regulation of cannabis, arguing NDLEA’s farm destruction wastes economic opportunities. Ghana rights in sports: A court ordered Ghana Chess Association to reinstate a suspended chess instructor and pay GH¢25,000 after finding due-process and privacy violations. Nicaragua diplomacy: The OAS voted to summon foreign ministers over Ortega’s move to end elections and pressure on the Catholic Church. Humanitarian/war in Mali: Sahel hostage releases highlighted diplomacy gains, but Mali’s junta remains under pressure as insurgents expand.

ICC Under Sanctions: The US imposed sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, escalating a push to “dismantle” the court and drawing sharp condemnation from the ICC and allies. Custody and Due Process: In the US, an ICE detention case involving a long-time legal resident with serious health needs sparked outrage over alleged denial of proper care and disregard for a judge’s order. Syria Custody Death: In Syria, protests erupted after a man reportedly died following detention and beatings, with authorities promising an investigation and arrests. Religious Freedom Under Pressure (Vietnam): Vietnam sentenced a Montagnard Protestant pastor to 7.5 years for allegedly “undermining national unity,” rights groups say the case is meant to intimidate believers. Civil Society Squeezed (Russia): Russia’s court shut down the Russian LGBT Network after labeling it “extremist,” warning of further crackdown on LGBTQ support. Child Safety After School Shooting (Philippines): The Philippines’ Commission on Human Rights called for a thorough probe into the Zamboanga school shooting and stronger safeguards to keep guns away from children. Humanitarian Day in Iraq: UN officials marked World Humanitarian Day, commemorating the 2003 Baghdad bombing that killed UN staff and helped inspire the annual observance.

ICC Sanctions Escalation: The US imposed new sanctions on International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, freezing assets and targeting the court’s work on alleged war crimes. Israel/Palestine Settlements & Rights: Israel published a tender for 1,234 homes in E1, a move critics say would sever West Bank contiguity; B’Tselem also alleges 47 Palestinian families face expulsion risk amid water cutoffs. Palestinian Christian Community Under Pressure: Bishop James Curry condemned Israel’s declaration of Taybeh as a closed military zone, warning it could choke tourism and scrutiny. Police Abuse Claims: In Nigeria, residents accused an Adamawa police DPO of arbitrary arrests, bail extortion and torture; a Lagos man alleged four days’ detention and ₦45,000 extortion over a false phone theft claim. Deportations & Due Process: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US. Torture & Prison Conditions: UN experts found Morocco violated the Convention against Torture in the case of Sahrawi defender Abdelmoula El Hafidi, citing degrading detention conditions. Death Penalty: UN experts condemned Singapore’s drug-related executions and urged an immediate halt to capital punishment. Afghanistan Child Safety: UN and EU statements condemned Kabul school blast injuries to dozens of children. Humanitarian Values: Pakistan’s leaders marked World Humanitarian Day, reaffirming protection for vulnerable people and humanitarian workers.

Philippines Labor Rights: Over 300 displaced workers at Davao Mighty Steel Corporation are seeking help after a PAOCC and NBI raid over alleged substandard steel, with claims workers were “rescued” from exposure to radioactive materials and toxic fumes. Russia Peace & Dissent: A Russian court sentenced anti-war politician Lev Shlosberg to more than 11 years and upheld Yabloko’s exclusion from elections, shrinking space for peaceful opposition. Afghanistan School Safety: A grenade blast near a Kabul school injured 52 people, including children, as a UN expert called it a heinous attack and urged a full investigation. Cambodia-Thailand Border Impact: Poipet factory closures tied to the shut border put about 4,000 jobs at risk, while CHRC alleges serious rights violations against Cambodian migrant workers in Thailand. Human Rights in Detention (Syria): A death days after release from Syrian police custody has sparked outrage and scrutiny of post-Assad security institutions. China Religious Freedom: Seven Protestants disappeared after a police raid, with authorities refusing to say where they are held or why. Singapore Death Penalty: UN experts condemned executions for drug offences as unlawful and called for an immediate halt. Israel/Regional Tensions: Israel struck Syria’s Abu al-Duhur airbase, causing material damage without reported casualties, amid rising Israel-Turkey frictions. FIFA Governance: FIFA confirmed COO Kevin Lamour has left after criticizing Infantino’s commercial rights plan. Nigeria Drug Policy Debate: Omoyele Sowore condemned NDLEA for destroying cannabis farms in Edo and urged legalization and regulation. EU Sanctions Pressure: A German lawmaker urged EU sanctions on Israel’s Ben-Gvir over remarks advocating killing dozens nightly in Gaza.

Afghanistan Education: Secret classrooms run largely by Afghan women are keeping thousands of girls learning despite the Taliban’s ban on schooling beyond grade six. Philippines Insurgent Violence: The NTF-Elcac briefed the UN on alleged communist insurgent killings and a deadly “spy-tagging” campaign targeting civilians. Russia Prison Policy: Russia’s war recruitment is shrinking prison populations in Altai Krai, as contracts and lighter sentencing reduce incarceration. Brazil Online Safety: Discord suspended livestreams in Brazil after regulators cited child-safety failures following a suicide case. Uyghur Transnational Repression: Human Rights Watch reports China is pressuring Uyghur Australians to spy on their communities during tightly controlled visits. Myanmar Rohingya Abuses: The Arakan Army is reportedly forcing hundreds of Rohingya women and girls into recruitment in Rakhine State, with possible child recruitment. DRC Information Crackdown: Authorities in eastern DRC have cut mobile and internet access in Fizi Territory for over a month, disrupting rights to information. Yemen Civilian Harm: UN rights chief Volker Türk urged de-escalation as civilian casualties rise in escalating hostilities. Pakistan Custodial Deaths: A HRCP probe into the deaths of two women in Lahore custody calls for a judicial tribunal over contradictions and alleged interference. Spain/Morocco Press Freedom: Morocco expelled RTVE and EFE journalists covering the Ceuta migrant crisis, raising alarms over access and scrutiny.

UN & Philippines: The NTF-Elcac briefed UN human rights officials on 71 documented cases of alleged arbitrary killings and “spy-tagging” by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army since Jan 2025, spotlighting civilian targeting in Mindoro and Negros. Ukraine: Russian strikes killed at least 9 and injured at least 43, including a jet-drone hit on a shopping center in Odesa; UN data says July was Ukraine’s deadliest month for civilians since 2022. Iran: Parliament approved a bill that could criminalize contact with “hostile” foreign media, with prison terms for interactions and sharing materials. Afghanistan (rights crisis): UN reporting warns women and girls face worsening restrictions five years after Taliban rule began. Palestinian rights & education: UN and rights reporting highlights families trapped by settlers in the West Bank and the fragile fight for higher education for Palestinian refugees amid Gaza’s destruction. Migration & borders (Ceuta/Spain): Reuters reports unions warned Spain weeks before the July Ceuta rush; Spain is investigating alleged sexual assaults as hundreds of migrants remain in the enclave. Religious freedom (US): Repeated Qur’an burnings in the US sparked widespread condemnation and calls to curb hate incitement. Workplace & identity: Minnesota lawmakers push to bar trans girls from girls sports amid legal fights; Turkey faces rising workplace harassment concerns. Business & rights (Guatemala): UN business and human rights experts will visit Guatemala to assess government and company duties under the UN Guiding Principles.

Police torture in Syria: Authorities in Latakia detained seven people after Mohamed Ghumeira, who has haemophilia, died following alleged beatings in custody, with family alleging torture and officials promising accountability. Border crackdown in Morocco/Spain: Moroccan forces arrested 294 migrants trying to reach Ceuta and detained 61 alleged facilitators after social-media calls for a new mass crossing, following a deadly surge two weeks earlier. Afghanistan diplomacy after five years: A deputy prime minister says Kabul now has engagement with nearly 40 countries, including European states, while UN-linked warnings continue about worsening rights for women and girls. Bangladesh violence against women: Mohila Parishad reports 1,667 women and girls faced violence from January to July, including 292 rape cases, urging better protection beyond underreported media counts. Ghana sexual harassment response: Ghana’s Education Ministry says sexual harassment has no place in tertiary institutions and calls for survivor-centred prevention, reporting and support systems. South Africa reconciliation document: Declassified 1994 Cabinet minutes say ANC leadership was positive about indemnity for apartheid-era “politically motivated crimes,” raising questions about a secret settlement. UK prison family access dispute: Fury erupted after Henry Nowak’s killer was approved for prison-to-prison video chats with his mother, intensifying anger at victim-family exclusion. Syria arrests relatives of ex-security chief: Raids in Damascus targeted relatives of Rustum Ghazaleh, with allegations tied to past security power and bribery attempts. Osun election monitoring: Nigeria’s Transition Monitoring Group praised INEC’s smooth result transmission while still flagging vote-buying, intimidation and harassment concerns.

Afghanistan Surveillance: Taliban CCTV expansion is tightening control and fear five years after Kabul’s fall, with women and activists describing constant monitoring and detention risk. Iran Death Penalty: Iran executed Shahram Sadeghi over January protest-linked allegations, as rights groups warn executions are rising and used to silence dissent. Haiti Gang Violence: A UN report says 613 people were killed and 375 injured in Haiti from March–July, with civilians increasingly trapped between gangs and security operations. West Bank Fire Attacks: Israeli settlers set homes on fire in Masafer Yatta, with residents describing terror and targeted attacks. Osun Election Accountability: SERAP urged INEC, EFCC and ICPC to investigate Osun vote-buying, intimidation, violence and misuse of resources after the election result. Ceuta Border Crackdown: Morocco intercepted 294 people trying to reach Spain’s Ceuta, using heavy security after online calls for another mass attempt. Prison Oversight in Europe: Europe faces overcrowding and is debating “prisons for hire,” raising human-rights and oversight concerns. Malaysia School Safety: Malaysia’s education ministry says its pupil protection policy and pledge are meant to guide safety, not punish teachers, amid frequent reported student injuries.

Afghanistan (5-year Taliban anniversary): UN experts and Amnesty International marked five years since the Taliban returned to power, warning that “normalizing” ties risks legitimizing repression—especially bans on girls’ education beyond grade 6 and restrictions on women’s work and public life. Gaza (ceasefire under fire): Reports say Israeli strikes and drone attacks continue despite a fragile truce, including a Deir al-Balah incident that injured civilians and highlighted an enforcement vacuum behind the ceasefire. Israel/Palestine (settler violence): In the West Bank village of Qusra, Palestinians say they are trapped by settler threats while international pressure grows over Israel’s failure to rein in violence. Ceuta migration (Morocco/Spain): Morocco foiled mass crossings into Spain’s enclave of Ceuta and intercepted hundreds, while Morocco’s human rights council urged Spain’s ombudsman to investigate alleged abuses against Moroccan migrants, including minors. Kenya (election violence): A coalition warned that political goonism and hired violence could undermine participation ahead of the 2027 election, calling for investigations and accountability. Lebanon (civilian killings): Hezbollah lawyers’ group condemned attacks on civilians in southern Lebanon and urged Lebanon to pursue legal action internationally. Humanitarian access (Sudan): A rights-focused report described Sudan’s health system collapse as a generational human rights emergency, with many facilities non-functional and civilians facing preventable death.