Global Scans · Civil Rights · Weekly Summary

• [New] Women's rights in Iran could not be postponed until after political change. NCRI
• [New] In 2026, 61.9% of women delegates will represent historically marginalized racial / ethnic communities (that proportion is 61.8% at the end of 2025). / USA Center for American Women and Politics
• [New] In 2026 nearly half (44.4%) of assemblywomen will represent historically marginalized racial / ethnic communities (that proportion is 48.4% at the end of 2025). Center for American Women and Politics
• [New] Data from the Pew Research Centre shows that women, particularly younger women, experience high levels of severe online harassment, including sexual harassment and threats of violence. CEOWORLD Magazine
• [New] Military Sexual Trauma is defined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as threatening, repetitive sexual harassment or sexual assault, including rape. Cuddigan Law
• [New] Access Inequality: Elite athletes move to cleaner environments, but grassroots athletes face severe health risks, widening gaps. / India PMF IAS
• [New] As global populations age, the role of business in shaping older persons' enjoyment of human rights will continue to expand. GlobalAgeing
• [New] To combat the threat, Human Rights Watch is urging nations to push back against aggressive superpowers such as Russia, China and now also the United States. Euronews
• [New] Rights advocates have raised free speech concerns under Donald Trump's administration, citing his crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's assault on Gaza, and his threats against liberal non-profits and groups opposed to his agenda, including his immigration and climate policies. The Guardian
• [New] Governments are held back by the fear of antagonizing the US and China, and many treat rights and the rule of law as a hindrance, rather than a benefit, to security and economic growth. Human Rights Watch
• [New] The international community, including the European Union and the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, has repeatedly warned against the undue restrictions on the work of civil society in Lao PDR, especially when it comes to freedoms of expression and assembly. ConstitutionNet
• [New] The governments of Angola, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have threatened freedom of expression and media freedom. Human Rights Watch
• [New] The EU's Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive requires companies to identify, prevent and address environment and human rights risks in their supply chains, which QatarEnergy says exposes exporters to significant risk. / Qatar Akin - Oil & Gas in 2026: Trade Policy
• [New] Like World War Two, the war in Ukraine is about whether freedom and democracy will survive in Europe, or whether a brutal, authoritarian imperialism will be allowed to overpower and crush its weaker neighbours. Times Argus
• [New] Russia will use any specific cases to further try to discredit the Ukrainian authorities, appealing to the Russian population, the people living in occupation, and the international community with claims of violations of international law, particularly in human rights. CEPA
• [New] Filling the legal gaps that could violate Ukrainians' constitutional rights, such as the right to run for office. CEPA
• [New] Global inequality remains a significant issue in 2026, with 17% of faculty considering it a top threat and 31% identifying it as a key opportunity area for business. forbesindia
• [New] In Serbia, dissidents such as Nikolina Sindjelic, a university student who helped lead protests against government corruption, have been targeted with police violence and image-based sexual abuse, part of a broader pattern of state-sponsored digital harassment to spread fear and silence critics. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] Around the world, attacks on women's rights, opportunities, and full participation in society have seemingly been ignored. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] Legal experts are warning employers to prepare for aggressive EEOC activity around reverse discrimination in 2026. Insights
• [New] By holding the 65-year-old agreement in abeyance and vowing to divert waters to Rajasthan, New Delhi has not only breached its legal obligations to Pakistan but has weaponized the most fundamental resource of life itself-water-putting the human rights of 240 million people at grave risk. Kashmir Media Service

Last updated: 01 March 2026