Dear members, partners and friends of the International Society for Human Rights,

As we prepared this issue of our newsletter, we received the joyful news of the release of the German-Iranian human rights activist Nahid Taghavi. “It is over. Nahid is free,” her daughter Mariam Claren was finally able to announce on the online platform X, after more than four years of relentless efforts. This success is a testament to the power of public pressure, amplified in no small part by the political sponsorship program of the German section of the ISHR. Through this initiative, members of parliament lend their political weight via media channels and diplomatic efforts to advocate for the freedom of those unjustly imprisoned.

The need for such persistent, media-driven appeals and diplomatic interventions remains urgent in many regions across the globe. In this issue of the ISHR Newsletter, we present articles highlighting human rights challenges in Bangladesh, Kenya, Tibet, Iran, Ghana, Eastern Congo, the United States, and Uganda. These reports shed light on the ongoing struggles for freedom, dignity, and justice faced by individuals and communities in these countries.

Beyond country-specific cases, we also address broader topics of global concern. One such issue is the alarming rise of antisemitism worldwide, a phenomenon that demands vigilance and concerted action from all sectors of society. We also give an update on the latest edition of a well-known yearbook that examines the fundamental human right to freedom of religion or belief, a principle that continues to be threatened in various parts of the world.

Looking ahead, we are pleased to announce the upcoming Annual Conference of the German Section of the ISHR, as well as the ISHR International Council Meeting. These events will provide a vital platform for dialogue, strategy development, and international cooperation in our shared mission to defend and promote human rights.

Human rights work requires perseverance, solidarity, and hope. The release of Nahid Taghavi reminds us that our joint efforts (also in cooperation with like-minded organizations and networks), even when they sometimes seem like drops in an ocean of injustice, can have a decisive impact. Together, let us continue to raise our voices for those who cannot, striving for a world where human dignity is upheld for all.

Many thanks for your support and

Best Regards from the ISHR Secretariat in Bonn!

Matthias Boehning
Secretary General, ISHR