Human Rights Watch

Iran's sustained missile campaign brings cluster munitions to Israeli cities

Documenting cluster munition use as potential war crimes

The United States and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggering what Washington calls Operation Epic Fury. Iran has since fired more than 525 ballistic missiles at Israeli territory. Nearly half carried cluster warheads that scatter dozens of smaller bomblets across wide areas, a weapon type banned by over 100 nations.

Updated May 30

Eastern Congo's cycle of rebel seizure, atrocity, and fragile peace talks

Force in Play

Primary documenter of M23 atrocities in eastern DRC

Congolese authorities have uncovered at least 171 bodies in two mass graves on the outskirts of Uvira, an eastern DRC city. M23 withdrew from the city in January after the United States requested the pullback as a trust-building gesture. Local officials and civil society groups say the victims were killed by M23 fighters who suspected them of ties to the Congolese army or pro-government militias, though M23 denies involvement.

Updated May 29

Hong Kong's national security crackdown

Rule Changes

Monitoring and documenting prosecutions

When Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997, Beijing promised the city could keep its free press, independent courts, and civil liberties for 50 years. That guarantee lasted 23 years.

Updated May 27

America's third-country deportation program

Rule Changes

Monitoring and documenting deportation program

The United States has historically deported people to their countries of origin. Now it's paying African nations to accept deportees who have no connection to those countries whatsoever. Under agreements reached since July 2025, Eswatini, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ghana have collectively agreed to accept hundreds of third-country deportees in exchange for millions of dollars in U.S. payments.

Updated May 27

Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk court fire: disaster, demands for accountability, and a national security clampdown

Built World

Calling for an independent inquiry and an end to suppression of peaceful criticism

On November 26, 2025, a fire engulfed the Wang Fuk Court public housing complex in Tai Po, Hong Kong, killing at least 159 people and injuring dozens more. It was the city's deadliest disaster since 1948.

Updated May 10