Front Line Defenders

Global Analysis 2025/26

The Global Analysis is directly based on Front Line Defenders’ work with Human Rights Defenders globally as well as with the HRD Memorial partners over the course of 2025.

View an interactive online version of the Global Analysis

Download the full Global Analysis as a PDF

View the press release

Cases

Sepideh Gholian

Human rights defender Sepideh Gholian released after six months upon suspension of the remainder of her sentence

#Judicial Harassment

#Arbitrary detention

#Arrest / Detention / Imprisonment

#Torture / Ill-Treatment

#Region: Middle East and North Africa

Maximilienne Ngo Mbe

Resolution of trial against Maximilienne Ngo Mbe, marked by delays, postponed once again by request of the Prosecutor's Office

#Judicial Harassment

#Threats / Intimidation

#Region: Africa

Nasrin Sotoudeh

Nasrin Sotoudeh facing new charge and reports torture and ill-treatment in detention

#Judicial Harassment

#Arrest / Detention / Imprisonment

#Torture / Ill-Treatment

#Region: Middle East and North Africa

LGBTQI+ rights defender Defne Güzel acquitted of all charges

#Judicial Harassment

#Other Harassment

#Region: Europe and Central Asia

Prince Tommy Williams

Judicial harassment against defenders of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects

#Judicial Harassment

#Arbitrary detention

#Region: Africa

Judicial harassment against defenders of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects

#Judicial Harassment

#Arbitrary detention

#Region: Africa

Lifeline Nehemiah Projects

Judicial harassment against defenders of Lifeline Nehemiah Projects

#Judicial Harassment

#Arbitrary detention

#Region: Africa

Ahmadreza Haeri

Ahmadreza Haeri charged with “propaganda against state” for the fifth time during four years of detention

#Enforced Disappearance

#Region: Middle East and North Africa

15 June 2026

Statement

Human rights defenders need support to sustain fearless work in increasingly hostile world

8 June 2026

Statement

Joint Statement: Egyptians Deserve Human Rights, Not a Fragile Status Quo Supported by the EU

Violations

#Arbitrary detention #Arrest / Detention / Imprisonment #Enforced Disappearance #Torture / Ill-Treatment

Rights

#Civil & Political Rights #Freedom of Association #Freedom of Expression #Human Rights

Location

#Egypt #Region: Middle East and North Africa

28 May 2026

Statement

Overturn the conviction of the Mother Nature environmental defenders

Violations

#Arbitrary detention #Arrest / Detention / Imprisonment #Judicial Harassment #Reprisals

Rights

#Civil & Political Rights #Environmental Rights #Freedom of Expression #Human Rights

Location

#Cambodia #Region: Asia Pacific

26 May 2026

Statement

Moroccan authorities intensify isolation and harassment on Sahrawi human rights defenders in occupied Western Sahara

Violations

#Arbitrary detention #Other Harassment #Threats / Intimidation #Violence

Rights

#Civil & Political Rights #Freedom of Association #Human Rights #Self-Determination

Location

#Region: Middle East and North Africa #Western Sahara

19 May 2026

Statement

Israel’s latest attack on the Global Sumud Flotilla constitutes another violation of international law

Violations

#Arbitrary detention #Other Harassment #Torture / Ill-Treatment #Violence

Rights

#Civil & Political Rights #Freedom of Association #Human Rights

Location

#Occupied Palestinian Territory #Region: Middle East and North Africa

19 May 2026

Statement

Joint public letter on human rights in China ahead of MEP visit

Violations

#Arbitrary detention #Surveillance #Torture / Ill-Treatment

Rights

#Civil & Political Rights #Freedom of Expression #Human Rights #Impunity / Justice

Location

#China #Region: Asia Pacific