In August 2020, Shia Muslims faced a total of 356 incidents of anti-Shiism. As a result of violence, 112 individuals were injured, 37 killed, based on their faith. Shia Rights Watch notes the recorded incidents are only cases of direct violence. Cultural and systemic forms of anti-Shiism cannot be quantified …
Read More »Anti-Shia protests in Karachi, Pakistan
Shia Rights Watch expresses immense concern in regards to recent anti-Shia protests in Karachi, Pakistan. Within the rally, affiliates of Sipah-e-Sahaba and Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan waved flags and shout derogatory slurs against Shia Muslims, calling them “infidels” and damaging not only identified Shia property but also the city’s public infrastructures. …
Read More »Bahrain’s Counterproductive Covid-19 Measures
Shia Rights Watch raises concerns for the state of human rights in the Holy Month of Muharram. In advance of the Holy Month, Bahraini authorities announced restrictive measures in religious congregation and public organizations expressing Muharram commemorations. Prominent organizers of mourning rituals have been summoned and threatened with detention. Some …
Read More »Muharram 2020 Advisory
Late August 2020 coincides with the Holy month of Muharram. Shia Muslims face heightened rates of human rights violations in this month as their open and visible rituals make them targets for anti-Shiism. In advance of Muharram 2020, threats of arrest and detainment of mourners have been announced by authorities …
Read More »Muharram 2020: Individual and Community Guides Against Covid-19
While millions of dollars have been spent on COVID-19 vaccinations, not much has been done to address mental health dilemmas related to the pandemic. As necessary as public health actions such as social distancing are, they leave people feeling isolated and alone. The lack of face-to-face communication and reduced social …
Read More »International Youth Day, 2020
Shia Rights Watch observes August 12 as the International Youth Day. Designated by the United Nations in 1999, International Youth Day celebrates young people’s actions and engagement in political, economic, and social processes. Approximately 26% of the international population is under the age of 15, yet the group is underrepresented …
Read More »Happy Eid al-Ghadeer
Shia Rights Watch expresses warm wishes to observers of Eid al-Ghadeer. Eid al-Ghadir calls for respect for all religions and sects. It promotes democracy and freedom for all segments of the people and in all countries of the world. It is a day that guarantees the realization of social justice …
Read More »Incidents of Anti-Shiism, July 2020
The month of July stood witness to 406 individual incidents of violence, mainly in the countries of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq. Shia Rights Watch emphasizes that reports of anti-Shiism serve as the tip of the iceberg. Many cases of Anti-Shiism are not reported due to fear of …
Read More »Best Eid al-Adha Wishes
Shia Rights Watch expresses best wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, is an international occasion marked by all Abrahamic religions. Traditionally, Muslims celebrate in communion and charitableness. Young and elderly join together, expressing the promotion of global citizenship. This year, Muslim communities …
Read More »Incidents of Anti-Shiism, June 2020
Shia Rights Watch presents a monthly analysis of the trends of Anti-Shiism, as reported by activists and survivors. Anti-Shiism, direct and indirect, crosses international borders. Shia Muslims all over the world face unique hardships based on their religious identity. In June, Shia Muslims in the countries of Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Iraq, …
Read More »