Eastern Europe
The history of the International Society for Human Rights is closely tied to that of the Soviet Union. After its fall in 1991, ISHR sections formed in many countries of the former USSR, including all six countries of the Eastern Partnership (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine) as well as in Russia. Currently, exciting joint projects regarding freedom of information and media and strengthening civil society actors are being carried out in the region by the sections, iniated by the ISHR in Germany, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office.
Bangladesh: Children at Risk over Measles Outbreak and the Failure of Public Health Accountability
The ISHR expresses its profound concern over the alarming resurgence of measles across Bangladesh in 2026, which has already resulted in significant loss of young lives and exposed deep vulnerabilities within the national public health system.
Bangladesh: ISHR Brief, Human Rights Situation – April 2026
The human rights landscape in Bangladesh throughout April 2026 has become increasingly precarious, primarily due to a disturbing surge in mob violence and vigilantism.
Bangladesh: International Workers’ Day
On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, I write as the Bangladesh representative of the ISHR to reflect on the state of labour in our nation.
Ukraine: ISHR observes court proceedings
Fair proceedings despite the war
Russia: Political prisoners. Our mission: To remember, to warn, to help
According to information from OVD-Info, the only remaining human rights organization operating underground in Russia, approximately 1,400 to 1,700 people are currently imprisoned for political reasons.
Pakistan: Gratitude for liberation
“Good news: Javed Masih and his family are deeply grateful and happy as they have finally been freed from debt bondage.”
Lebanon: Solidarity with the weakest in times of war
Fear of the future has returned to Lebanon, a country that was once predominantly Christian and prosperous.
Russia: Kevin Lick, 20 years old, former political prisoner Arsenij Turbin, Jegor Balaseikin and other young prisoners still need our support
“It won’t be easy for you here!” That’s how the director of the Velsk penal colony in northwestern Russia greeted Kevin Lick when he began his prison sentence.
Pakistan: Christian girls are forced to convert to Islam
Courts legitimise abuse of minors
Nigeria: Largely unnoticed, the killing of Christians continues
The ISHR helps survivors
Pakistan: The third generation is already toiling like slaves
Even the grandfather of 15-year-old Sania fell into debt bondage
Iraq: Promoting skilled workers and the willingness to stay
Subaz Ali is a doctor because the ISHR enabled her to study medicine
Bangladesh: Arrest Over Online Satire Sparks Debate on Civil Liberties
We express our deep concern over the recent arrest of a Facebook user in Bangladesh for allegedly sharing a satirical cartoon on social media.
Worldwide: “Chain of Lights for Persecuted Christians” in Hamburg receives award
Foundation honours initiative with “Stephanus Special Prize 2026”
Pakistan: Unknown assailant shoots Ahmadi
Structural persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat continues
Pakistan: A Christian has been behind bars for years for alleged blasphemy
The ISHR and the Evangelical News Agency IDEA have named Pakistani Christian Imran Rehman their “Prisoner of the Month” for April 2026.
China: House church co-founder released from prison
Zhang Chunlei, co-founder of an evangelical house church, was released on March 16, 2026, after serving a five-year prison sentence.
Bangladesh: Erosion of Independence
The Repeal of the National Human Rights Commission Ordinance
Beirut International Conference on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue for Sustainability
Upon the special request of the President of Lebanon, the President and the Secretary General of the ISHR participated in the first-ever Beirut International Conference on Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue for Sustainability.
54th Annual Conference of ISHR
Europe as a Guarantor of Human Rights and Peace
Speech marking the 15th anniversary of the “Mission Freedom” safe houses
Speech against (forced) prostitution: “Women are increasingly being treated as commodities”
ISHR receives the Health:Angel
International human rights organization honored with prestigious medical media award
‘Russian society is atomized’
Russia is home to members of various indigenous peoples. For example, the Itelmen in Kamchatka. Itelmen human rights activist Dmitry Berezhkov, who lives in exile in Norway, explains how they are oppressed in Vladimir Putin’s empire.
President and Secretary General of ISHR visit Kurdistan
A report by Matthias Böhning