1000 Days of War in Sudan: Documenting Genocide, Demanding Justice
UN Human Rights Chief Türk addresses Sudan’s three-year conflict: ongoing atrocities and humanitarian crisis affecting civilians at unprecedented scale.
Author
Robert Johnson
Robert Johnson is an investigative reporter at The European Times, where he covers human rights, hate crimes, extremism, and freedom of religion or belief. He is a member of the International Association of Religion Journalists (IARJ).
His reporting includes coverage of UN reports on the protection of religious and ethnic minorities, the work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, and analyses of policies affecting religious communities in Europe and beyond. He has also reported on humanitarian crises, including in Sudan and the Indo-Mediterranean region.
Through his articles, he examines the intersection of human rights, policy, and religious freedom, contributing to public understanding of these complex issues.
Articles by Robert Johnson
UN Report on Minority Rights Flags Systemic Gaps as Human Rights Council Convenes in Geneva
The new OHCHR report, Rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, reveals a critical gap in global anti-discrimination protections. Presented to the 61st UN Human Rights Council session, the document highlights that less than a quarter of nations have laws meeting international standards. High Commissioner Volker Türk warns of rising political polarization and hate speech targeting ethnic and religious minorities. This comprehensive analysis calls for urgent legislative reforms to ensure meaningful participation and protection for marginalized communities worldwide. Explore the key findings and legal implications of this vital human rights assessment.
China’s Methodical Crackdown on the Church of Almighty God: A Record Year of Persecution
The Church of Almighty God (CAG) released its 2026 annual persecution report on February 13, documenting the most severe year of state repression since the organization began systematic record-keeping in 2017. The report reveals alarming statistics: 19,191 arrests, 2,291 prison sentences, 23 deaths attributed to persecution, and approximately USD 47 million in confiscated assets. These figures demonstrate a coordinated institutional elimination campaign rather than isolated enforcement actions.
UN Special Session on El-Fasher Spotlights Sudan’s Humanitarian Crisis Fueled by Arms and Commerce
As the Human Rights Council prepares to convene on February 9, growing evidence links external support—to atrocities in the Darfur region, while the gum arabic trade emerges as a critical revenue source for armed actors.
Human Rights Defenders at Risk: UN Report Warns of Rising Repression
On 24 September 2025, Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights, presented the Secretary-General’s report on cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives, and mechanisms in the field of human rights to the Human Rights Council during its 60th session.The report confirmed previous findings, highlighting the high number of reported acts of intimidation and reprisals by both State and non-State actors against individuals or groups seeking to cooperate, or having cooperated, with the United Nations. It also found that many civil society actors continue to face significant restrictions on their activities.
Indo-Mediterranean: Women and Children Are Extremism’s First Victims
The Indo-Mediterranean is volatile and in conflict with wars raging from Yemen, to Somalia, from Syria to Pakistan. The geopolitical volatality affects the weakest and most vulnerable individuals, especially women and children. The world is also connected, with the effects of radicalization being felt in Europe and South Asia with extremism, anti-semitism and terrorism as well as indoctrination of youth more rampant. To discuss this a side event is being held at the United Nations Human Rights Council’s 60th session.
Brussels Faces Backlash Over Push for Centralized EU Tax Powers
The European Commission is moving ahead with proposals that would give Brussels sweeping new control over how Member States tax and regulate tobacco, despite significant opposition at the national level….
Navigating Peace: Civic Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution in a Complex World
In the realm of civic diplomacy, Dr. Stephen Eric Bronner stands as a beacon of hope, bridging idealism and realism in pursuit of peace. Shaped by his background as a child of German-Jewish refugees, Bronner developed a deep contempt for authoritarianism and a commitment to social justice. As the Director of the International Council for Diplomacy and Dialogue-USA, he champions the often-overlooked interests of civil society, focusing on those suffering from violence and conflict.
UN Report: A Detailed Analysis of Human Rights Violations in Sudan
As of November 2024 the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has founded the extent of violations of human rights in Sudan since December 2023
UN Report Reveals Urgent Need to Protect Religious and Ethnic Minorities Worldwide
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has provided and shared a report entitled “Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities” in order to discuss the current situation of minority people all over the world. The document discusses the challenges affecting the national, ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities in 2024, with a view to focusing on the situation of religious freedom and anti-discrimination situations.