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Kartik Raj

@kartikraj.eurosky.social
2.2K followers 228 following 1K posts

Work: @hrw.org on human rights in Europe Non-work: Migrant. Parent. Pedant. Anorak. #dadjokes. He/him. Barcelona-based. Work output here: www.hrw.org/about/people/kartik-raj

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Reposted by Kartik Raj
Nobel Prize @nobelprize.org · 09/10/2026
BREAKING NEWS The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay for her efforts to promote peace and international law.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 08/10/2026
I detect some serious tentsion here.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 08/10/2026
Rest in peace, Maricarmen www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o... May her struggle and the difficulties she faced now lead to positive change for the housing rights of many others.
theguardian.com
María del Carmen Abascal, symbol of Spain’s housing protests, dies aged 87
Maricarmen’s eviction from Madrid apartment after over seven decades set off wave of protests against housing crisis
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 08/10/2026
Anna Politovskaya remains an inspiration 20 years after her murder. A journalist murdered for holding power to account. Read @hrw.org's @tanyalokshina.bsky.social writing for CNN 10 years ago. Tanya's words ring even truer with the changes in Russia since then. edition.cnn.com/2016/10/06/o...
edition.cnn.com
Why Anna Politkovskaya still inspires | CNN
Anna Politkovskaya was a leading voice in Russia, reporting on Chechnya, says Tanya Lokshina. 10 years later, journalists are still working to get to the truth.
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Reposted by Kartik Raj
Andrew Cutting @andrewcutting.coe.int · 05/10/2026
📢A new megapoll has found that 53.4% of people in the UK want to stay in the ECHR versus 24.2% of people against👇 🔗 www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o... via @theguardian.com The ECHR is on the side of the people, and vice versa.
theguardian.com
Half of UK wants to rejoin EU and backing it could drive up Labour vote, megapoll finds
Exclusive: Findings will bolster those in No 10 who want to negotiate on re-entry but some senior figures remain wary
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 05/10/2026
Sharing here some good pieces on Spain's snap election on November 29, in English for Anglophone followers: @politico.eu: www.politico.eu/article/spai... @nytimes.com: www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/w... @elpais.com: english.elpais.com/internationa... @theguardian.com www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
nytimes.com
Spain Is to Hold Early Elections After Housing Crisis Roils Government
Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish prime minister, had faced rising challenges to his authority amid a migration crisis and several corruption scandals involving his inner circle.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 05/10/2026
Straight-shooting comment and analysis by @stephenburgen.bsky.social on the Spanish snap election, and what it means for the exiled Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont. Well worth a read. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/o...
theguardian.com
Exiled separatist leader is likely to return to a very different Catalonia
Nine years on from a failed independence push, former president Carles Puigdemont will find times have changed
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Reposted by Kartik Raj
Ben Ward @bpward.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Steed captures the Zeitgeist in his latest @newyorker.com cartoon
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 04/10/2026
Greece: Rights Defenders on Trial “The upcoming trial of Panayote Dimitras and Tommy Olsen is a blatant attempt to criminalize and silence their legitimate human rights work. Prosecutors should drop this politically motivated case...” @evacosse.bsky.social @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2026/10...
hrw.org
Greece: Rights Defenders on Trial
The ongoing prosecution of two prominent human rights defenders in Greece is a politically-motivated attempt to silence their efforts to expose abuses against migrants, Human Rights Watch said today. ...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 01/10/2026
Useful thread on yet to be enacted "socio-economic inequality duty" in UK law.
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Pablo Bustinduy @pbustinduy.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Del Consejo sale la prórroga y congelación de todos los contratos que vencen hasta el 29, protección frente a los desahucios, regulación del fraude de temporada, habitaciones y pisos turísticos, la prohibición de compra para fondos buitre y la renovación automática de los contratos de alquiler.
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why not? @why-not.eurosky.social · 27/09/2026
Neue Studie zum Regelsatz (Grundsicherung für Erwerbslose, Erwerbsunfähige und im Alter, also SGB XII und SGB II) erschienen: „Die Studie beziffert das soziokulturelle Existenzminimum auf 999,70 Euro. ⬇️
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 23/09/2026
Britain, 2026. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/s...
theguardian.com
Far-right activist Daniel Thomas slashes dinghy in Channel with blade while rescue worker onboard
Thomas called followers to protest against arrival of asylum seekers in Gosport, but Border Force instead transported them to Dover
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 22/09/2026
Important training opportunity for Civil Society Organizations thinking of engaging with the European Social Charter and its mechanisms, offered here directly by the specialists on social rights at the @coe.int. Registration form here: forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/Respon...
Image advertising Council of Europe event:
Training on the European Social Charter
Monitoring and implementing the European Social Charter
2 October 2026
9.30-12.00 CET
Registration deadline 30 September 2026
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Reposted by Kartik Raj
Jay Rayner @jayrayner1.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
On the BBC News Katya Adler has just described Germany, where the far right AFD keep winning elections, as entering 'uncharted political territory'. Hmmm. Where Germany is concerned I think that territory is pretty well charted.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 16/09/2026
Strongly recommended event for followers on here from UK organisations working on issues of social inequality -- a human rights argument can help strengthen your work and give you new advocacy avenues and levers, as well as broadening the appeal of your messages!
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 15/09/2026
Big boots to fill.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 15/09/2026
If ever anyone needed further persuading that the proposed enactment of the socioeconomic equality duty were a good idea -- remember this was legislated for in 2010, and is still pending --- then I think this delightfully unhinged Telegraph opinion piece with a glorious subhead should do the trick.
Screenshot of Daily Telegraph opinion piece: 
Author: Annabel Denham
Title: Britain does not need any more equality
Subtitle: Labour is planning to impose a Procrustean ‘socio-economic duty’ on all public bodies that will only make our economy more sluggish
Image: a still from the Two Ronnie's TV show with the caption "Socio-economic duty suggests that fairness is not about equal treatment, but differential treatment based on class"
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Reposted by Kartik Raj
Koldo Casla @koldocasla.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
EU law is not prescriptive. No more excuses. Time to take democratic control of this essential public service. 🇪🇺 END 🧵
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Koldo Casla @koldocasla.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
... safety and affordability by the market without public intervention.
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Koldo Casla @koldocasla.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Housing, irrespective of its public or private nature, should be seen as a ‘service of general economic interest’ (in the sense of Art. 106 TFEU), meaning, a service that delivers a public good that would not be supplied under adequate conditions of quality, ...
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Koldo Casla @koldocasla.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The European Commission is clear that multiple forms of intervention are valid. Now it is up to the competent local, regional or national authorities of the Member States to make the right to housing real and effective.
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The Guardian @theguardian.com · 10/09/2026
‘Fundamentally unfair’: Burnham must overhaul migration reforms, says TUC general secretary
theguardian.com
‘Fundamentally unfair’: Burnham must overhaul migration reforms, says TUC general secretary
Paul Nowak says changes to immigration rules risk overstretching social care and fuelling far-right sentiment Andy Burnham must overhaul Shabana Mahmood’s migration reforms or risk overstretching social care and fuelling far-right sentiment, the TUC general secretary, Paul Nowak, has warned. Speaking ahead of the TUC’s annual congress in Brighton next week, Nowak welcomed the “sense of optimism” around Burnham’s fledgling government, but he urged the PM to act in a series of areas, including migration and the cost of living. Continue reading...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 09/09/2026
"por confusión"...
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Reposted by Kartik Raj
Ben Ward @bpward.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Disappointing to see Hungary's government maintain for four months the state of crisis on migration, despite any objective justification. Authorities should focus on ensuring compliance with EU and human rights law and protecting migrants and asylum seekers, @hrw.org says www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
hrw.org
Hungary Extends Abusive Migration State of Emergency
Hungary’s government has extended until December 31 the “state of crisis caused by mass migration,” prolonging an emergency regime introduced in 2016 despite the absence of the conditions that could j...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 08/09/2026
I hope fellow pedants laughed as much as I did at the stray definite article in this sentence in the @theguardian.com today, making reference to the Mayor of London's approach to local authorities and licensing laws. www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026.... Sadly now corrected.
The government is due to grant new powers to the Khan, allowing him to “call in” local council decisions he opposes.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 04/09/2026
Notes from @hrw.org colleagues @bpward.bsky.social @lizevenson.bsky.social on the Serbian state response after Ratko Mladic's death, and what genocide denial means. www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
hrw.org
Serbia’s Genocide Denial in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Survivors’ groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina have condemned the announcement that the Serbian government plans to bury the convicted genocidaire Ratko Mladić with “highest military and state honors.” M...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 03/09/2026
Wishing Jess McQuail and the @justfairuk.bsky.social team the best with this transition. We @hrw.org have learned much from her strong and clear--yet kind and gentle--leadership in advancing economic, social, and cultural rights in the UK as Just Fair's director. justfair.org.uk/a-message-fr...
justfair.org.uk
A message from our Director, Jess McQuail | Just Fair
Some personal news… after a wonderful 6+ years as Director of Just Fair, I have decided it’s time to pass the baton of this incredible organisation to a new leader. My commitment to rights and social ...
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Reposted by Kartik Raj
sunderjhrw.bsky.social @sunderjhrw.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Spain has finally started sheltering thousands of migrants & asylum seekers who lived outdoors for 3 weeks in Ceuta. Many still need adequate shelter & food, and all of them need fair, individual assessments. Our report after a four-day mission to Ceuta: www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
hrw.org
Spain: Humanitarian and Rights Crisis in Ceuta
The Spanish government and local authorities in its North African enclave Ceuta should act urgently to provide adequate shelter to all migrants and asylum seekers living unsheltered since entering Ceu...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 26/07/2026
Back in four weeks (and a bit).
static.klipy.com
Living The Dream
Alt: Living The Dream - an amusing gif of an older man in swimming trunk sitting on a children's toy plastic car, rolling it down a children's slide, and then faceplanting into a swimming pool.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 14/07/2026
France’s New Anti-Racism Plan Falls Short Tackling Systemic Racism Means Addressing Discrimination by the State @almazteffera.bsky.social explains for @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
hrw.org
France’s New Anti-Racism Plan Falls Short
The French government announced a new national plan last week aimed at combating racism, antisemitism, and discrimination. Unfortunately, the plan fails to tackle the systemic and institutional nature...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 14/07/2026
Proposed Law in France Threatens Civic Space ‘Entryism’ Bill Risks Deepening Repression of Nongovernmental Groups @evacosse.bsky.social explains for @hrw.org www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
hrw.org
Proposed Law in France Threatens Civic Space
The French government is expected at any moment to unveil troubling draft legislation to address so-called entryism: the idea that certain groups seek to infiltrate state institutions to influence and...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 08/07/2026
A very worrying development in Germany. When governments reverse transparency laws, one has to wonder what it is they want to hide, or at a minimum, what they would rather not be held accountable for by their public.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 06/07/2026
Hungary's new government is taking its first steps to address low pension levels and rising poverty among older people. I argue here that these announcements are positive, but that deeper pension reform should follow. Thanks @mercehu.bsky.social for the HU version. www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
hrw.org
Hungary: New Government’s First Step on Pensioner Poverty
Prime Minister Péter Magyar is moving swiftly with policy measures and legislative reform that will hopefully have positive impacts on people’s lives and rights. On May 25, he announced in an intervie...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 06/07/2026
In case you missed it, comment for @hrw.org on the new Hungarian parliament's vote last week to abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office, a nasty Fidesz-era institution. Here in English: www.hrw.org/news/2026/07... Also available in Hungarian: www.hrw.org/hu/news/2026...
hrw.org
Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office Abolished
Hungary’s parliament voted overwhelmingly on June 30 to abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office, an institution created by the previous Fidesz government to target independent journalists, civil soc...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 03/07/2026
An institution moves. genevasolutions.news/human-rights...
genevasolutions.news
UN human rights office moves out of the historic Palais Wilson - Geneva Solutions
As the UN's human rights arm prepares to vacate its iconic lakeside premises in Geneva, which once served as the headquarters of the League of Nations, a photo essay by John Penney of PassBlue, a New ...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 02/07/2026
Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office has been abolished The SPO was a nasty entity that went after independent journalists, academic and NGOs. A short piece for @hrw.org on this important step in restoring the rule of law and human rights in post-Fidesz Hungary. www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
hrw.org
Hungary’s Sovereignty Protection Office Abolished
Hungary’s parliament voted overwhelmingly on June 30 to abolish the Sovereignty Protection Office, an institution created by the previous Fidesz government to target independent journalists, civil soc...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 01/07/2026
Just published for @hrw.org in @mercehu.bsky.social, an op-ed on the important first steps that the new Tisza government has taken on improving pensions and old age poverty, and the hard work that lies ahead for a fundamental overhaul of pensions. merce.hu/2026/07/01/n...
merce.hu
„Nincs reményem a jövőre nézve. Így fogok élni életem végéig” – alapjaiban kell megváltoztatni a nyugdíjrendszert « Mérce
Mélyrehatóbb nyugdíjreformra van szükség.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 25/06/2026
Hungary: Rushed Constitutional Changes Undermine Rule of Law “The progress the government makes on restoring the rule of law after years of damage is precious & fragile. It can be undone with hasty legislation that rides roughshod over due process & fairness.” www.hrw.org/news/2026/06... @hrw.org
hrw.org
Hungary: Rushed Constitutional Changes Undermine Rule of Law
The new Hungarian government’s plan to make sweeping changes to key institutions through a rushed 17th amendment to the constitution, risks halting advances to restore the rule of law, Human Rights Wa...
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 25/06/2026
As a bearded person, I value such input, from my partner, my family, my friends, people working in establishments that serve food, and frankly any polite interlocutor confronted by the presence of such stray morsels.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 25/06/2026
Just seeing @stephenburgen.bsky.social's update on the @theguardian.com live blog that 212 deaths reported in Spain as heatwave breaks June temperature records - www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
theguardian.com
UK Met Office extends red heat warning into Friday night as extreme heat grips Europe – live
The highest UK temperatures are expected across the east and southeastern England while heatwave-related deaths climbed across Europe
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 25/06/2026
Sometimes I wonder why people even get paid to write columns.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 25/06/2026
Britain, 2026. www.theguardian.com/environment/...
theguardian.com
’It can flip quickly from being idyllic’: the reality of life for young van dwellers priced out of Cornwall’s housing market
With tourists buying up property and landlords opting for lucrative Airbnb rentals, young Cornish people are turning to old campervans to provide a roof over their heads
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 24/06/2026
A quarter. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Nearly a quarter of voters in Europe now back far-right parties
Analysis by more than 150 political scientists finds proportion who back such parties has increased nearly fivefold since 1995
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 19/06/2026
Great to see @notzachcampbell.bsky.social's investigation for @hrw.org covered in such detail by @politico.eu. Bulgaria approved the sale of intrusive surveillance technology to rights abusing countries. Worth asking the broader question: is the EU's dual-use export control regime fit for purpose?
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 18/06/2026
🔥🔥🔥 Strongly recommended reading for anyone interested in the Palestine Action proscription case in the UK. And probably essential weekend reading for counterterrorism and constitutional law boffins.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 18/06/2026
Bulgaria Licensed Surveillance Exports to Rights Violators Latest from @hrw.org - investigation by @notzachcampbell.bsky.social www.hrw.org/news/2026/06...
hrw.org
Bulgaria Licensed Surveillance Exports to Rights Violators
The Bulgarian government between 2018 and 2023 licensed exports of surveillance equipment to countries that were likely to use it for internal repression or to commit serious human rights violations.
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 17/06/2026
Nouvel rapport* sur le système discriminatoire des amendes policières en France, qui piège les jeunes noirs, arabes et nord-africains dans le surendettement. Ces amendes sont utilisées comme outil de profilage racial. (*rédigé par @hrw-fr.hrw.org, Re-Claim et MCDS) www.hrw.org/fr/news/2026...
Une mère de famille fait face à une dette de plusieurs dizaines de milliers d'euros accumulée par des amendes impayées de ses fils, suite aux multiples verbalisations durant leur enfance ; Paris, France, juin 2026. © 2026 Souleymane Fofana (Commeas)
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Kartik Raj @kartikraj.eurosky.social · 17/06/2026
New research on France's discriminatory system of police fines, that traps youth (especially Black, Arab & North African boys and young men) in debt with long-lasting impact. The fines are also used as a tool of racial profiling. Report by @hrw.org, Re-Claim and MCDS www.hrw.org/news/2026/06...
A mother faces her sons’ unpaid fine debt of tens of thousands of euros resulting from dozens of fines they received throughout their childhood, Paris, France, June 2026. © 2026 Souleymane Fofana (Commeas)
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