On April 4, 2025, Human Rights Watch representative Mary Wareham highlighted the indiscriminate nature of land mines amid reports of Finland and other nations withdrawing from the Ottawa Convention, stressing the humanitarian risks such weapons pose to civilians.

HRW’s International Justice Director, Liz Evenson, condemned Hungary for failing to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, arguing that such actions undermine the integrity of international human rights protections and politicize the International Criminal Court. This statement comes amid a global crisis triggered by U.S. tariffs and retaliatory measures.

On March 28, 2025, as reported by Foreign Policy, Human Rights Watch was mentioned among international watchdogs raising alarm over aggressive policing methods in Turkey, including the use of pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons against peaceful protesters. This action underscores HRW's role in opposing authoritarian measures and advocating for human rights.

Human Rights Watch has issued a strong criticism against a proposed Polish bill that would suspend the processing of asylum claims at the Belarus border, arguing that it formalizes unlawful pushbacks and violates international as well as European law.

Human Rights Watch’s investigation and documentation of abuses at El Salvador’s megaprison underscores its commitment to countering authoritarian practices and protecting vulnerable populations.

Human Rights Watch condemned the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu as politically motivated and called for his immediate release, signaling a strong stance against authoritarian repression.

Human Rights Watch issued a strong condemnation of the politically motivated detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, characterizing the charges as bogus and indicative of an authoritarian crackdown on dissent.

Human Rights Watch's 35th annual report emphasizes the urgent need to uphold human rights and democratic accountability amid rising authoritarian practices globally. The report critiques the failure of several governments to meet their human rights obligations and underscores the organization's commitment to defending these principles.

Human Rights Watch published an in‐depth analysis detailing how authoritarian regimes weaponize 'foreign agent' laws to stifle dissent and delegitimize independent civil society, underscoring a robust commitment to democratic accountability.

Human Rights Watch published a comprehensive report detailing transnational repression by authoritarian governments abroad. The report highlights cases of forced disappearances, unlawful extraditions, and the abuse of technologies for surveillance, showcasing HRW's commitment to combating authoritarian practices and protecting human rights globally.

Human Rights Watch published an in‐depth report investigating forced labor links within the automotive industry, exposing how companies are complicit in unethical sourcing practices under authoritarian pressures. The report calls for transparency, responsible supply chain management, and robust government action to address these human rights abuses.

In December, Human Rights Watch published a report titled 'Extermination and Acts of Genocide' addressing alleged abuses in Israel and Gaza. Although far‐right critics have dismissed the report as inaccurate and defamatory, the publication aligns with HRW’s longstanding commitment to documenting human rights violations and holding power to account.