Violence against women

According to the Taliban’s own Commission for the Collection of Beggars and Prevention of Begging, nearly 75,000 individuals – 74,968 to be precise – have been rounded up from Kabul’s streets since the nationwide campaign began in 2022.

As fighting continues in Rakhine State, the report serves as a stark reminder that Rohingya civilians remain trapped between warring factions, their safety and dignity under relentless assault.

Human Rights Watch lambasts the “explosive mob vigilantism,” calling for safeguards against assaults on journalists (340 incidents in 2025) and minorities.

Supporters argue that Gates’ philanthropic contributions – saving millions of lives through vaccination programs – should not be overshadowed by past errors. Detractors highlight the hypocrisy in a figure promoting ethical global solutions while entangled in such controversies.

Experts emphasise that real change requires engaging men and boys, religious and community leaders, and the private sector. Shifting attitudes among the younger generation through comprehensive sexuality education and school-based prevention programmes will be crucial.

The Nepalese government has vowed to tighten immigration enforcement and crack down on illegal brokers operating within its borders. Authorities are also appealing to community leaders and families to remain vigilant and report suspicious operations that may prey on vulnerable individuals.

As the countdown to February 12 continues, the question hanging over Bangladesh is whether the interim government can deliver the security and fairness it promised – or whether the country’s most vulnerable citizens will once again pay the price for political change.

The UN Human Rights Office has urged the Sri Lankan government to take immediate and concrete steps to address past abuses.