Philippe Dam
@philippedam.bsky.social
HRW's EU Advocacy Director, in #Brussels.
Trade bans with #Israel 's settlements & measures by 12 states, including 8 #EU states, are significant but overdue, say UN Human Rights Experts
All states should address economic support to atrocities. But @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's failure to act perpetuate abuses.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
All states should address economic support to atrocities. But @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's failure to act perpetuate abuses.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
September 18, 2026 at 6:02 AM
Trade bans with #Israel 's settlements & measures by 12 states, including 8 #EU states, are significant but overdue, say UN Human Rights Experts
All states should address economic support to atrocities. But @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's failure to act perpetuate abuses.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
All states should address economic support to atrocities. But @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's failure to act perpetuate abuses.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Reposted by Philippe Dam
Last year, @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu proposed suspending the #EU - #Israel trade agreement and sanctioning "extremist" ministers & settlers
One year on, she has almost nothing to show - and a lot more to deliver, starting with a settlement trade ban: hrw.org/news/2026/09... #SOTEU
One year on, she has almost nothing to show - and a lot more to deliver, starting with a settlement trade ban: hrw.org/news/2026/09... #SOTEU
September 15, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Last year, @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu proposed suspending the #EU - #Israel trade agreement and sanctioning "extremist" ministers & settlers
One year on, she has almost nothing to show - and a lot more to deliver, starting with a settlement trade ban: hrw.org/news/2026/09... #SOTEU
One year on, she has almost nothing to show - and a lot more to deliver, starting with a settlement trade ban: hrw.org/news/2026/09... #SOTEU
Reposted by Philippe Dam
#SOTEU
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu says trade inbalance with #China is unsustainable & that EU will use all tools at its disposal to rebalance our relationship.
Indeed, EU need to takes into account the cost of China Human Rights violations.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu says trade inbalance with #China is unsustainable & that EU will use all tools at its disposal to rebalance our relationship.
Indeed, EU need to takes into account the cost of China Human Rights violations.
September 16, 2026 at 7:59 AM
#SOTEU
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu says trade inbalance with #China is unsustainable & that EU will use all tools at its disposal to rebalance our relationship.
Indeed, EU need to takes into account the cost of China Human Rights violations.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu says trade inbalance with #China is unsustainable & that EU will use all tools at its disposal to rebalance our relationship.
Indeed, EU need to takes into account the cost of China Human Rights violations.
With more EU states taking clear positions, @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu can't hide behind politics to justify @ec.europa.eu's inaction.
Time to come up with proposal to ban trade w/ #Israel s illegal settlements - or confirm #EU s irrelevance & complicity with violations.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Time to come up with proposal to ban trade w/ #Israel s illegal settlements - or confirm #EU s irrelevance & complicity with violations.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
September 9, 2026 at 9:00 AM
With more EU states taking clear positions, @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu can't hide behind politics to justify @ec.europa.eu's inaction.
Time to come up with proposal to ban trade w/ #Israel s illegal settlements - or confirm #EU s irrelevance & complicity with violations.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Time to come up with proposal to ban trade w/ #Israel s illegal settlements - or confirm #EU s irrelevance & complicity with violations.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Good @euatun.bsky.social led #HRC63 joint statement on declining human rights situation in #Ethiopia.
Quite shocked by lame comments on elections & civic space, but important call to UN OHCHR to monitor and report back on situation.
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Quite shocked by lame comments on elections & civic space, but important call to UN OHCHR to monitor and report back on situation.
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
September 8, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Good @euatun.bsky.social led #HRC63 joint statement on declining human rights situation in #Ethiopia.
Quite shocked by lame comments on elections & civic space, but important call to UN OHCHR to monitor and report back on situation.
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Quite shocked by lame comments on elections & civic space, but important call to UN OHCHR to monitor and report back on situation.
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
#HRC63: it took years for @euatun.bsky.social to include reference to #Tunisia situation. @eudiplomacy.bsky.social: years of silence came at a price for human rights.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu: Review EU-Tunisia relations, call for release of arbitrarily detained
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/...
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu: Review EU-Tunisia relations, call for release of arbitrarily detained
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/...
September 8, 2026 at 3:34 PM
#HRC63: it took years for @euatun.bsky.social to include reference to #Tunisia situation. @eudiplomacy.bsky.social: years of silence came at a price for human rights.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu: Review EU-Tunisia relations, call for release of arbitrarily detained
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/...
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu: Review EU-Tunisia relations, call for release of arbitrarily detained
www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/...
On one side, #Germany led creation of a UN inquiry on #Sudan which just confirmed #UnitedArabEmirates' support to abusive #RSF.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
On other side, F. Merz rolls out red carpet to #UAE leader to talk weapon sales & big money.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
On other side, F. Merz rolls out red carpet to #UAE leader to talk weapon sales & big money.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
September 8, 2026 at 7:42 AM
On one side, #Germany led creation of a UN inquiry on #Sudan which just confirmed #UnitedArabEmirates' support to abusive #RSF.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
On other side, F. Merz rolls out red carpet to #UAE leader to talk weapon sales & big money.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
On other side, F. Merz rolls out red carpet to #UAE leader to talk weapon sales & big money.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
#Gaza: UNSR Francesca Albanese warns large-scale removal of rubble by #Israel is becoming way to erase evidence & undermines identification of victims.
Preservation of evidence is key for future accountability. Destroying evidence is illegal.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Preservation of evidence is key for future accountability. Destroying evidence is illegal.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
September 7, 2026 at 12:28 PM
#Gaza: UNSR Francesca Albanese warns large-scale removal of rubble by #Israel is becoming way to erase evidence & undermines identification of victims.
Preservation of evidence is key for future accountability. Destroying evidence is illegal.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Preservation of evidence is key for future accountability. Destroying evidence is illegal.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Good to see quick @eudiplomacy.bsky.social's statement following last night's 'conspiracy case' devastating verdict.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu should publicly acknowledge cost of #EU silence since 2023 deal w/ Saied & call for review of EU policy & coop. w/ Tunisia (#SOTEU ?)
x.com/ExtSpoxEU/st...
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu should publicly acknowledge cost of #EU silence since 2023 deal w/ Saied & call for review of EU policy & coop. w/ Tunisia (#SOTEU ?)
x.com/ExtSpoxEU/st...
September 4, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Good to see quick @eudiplomacy.bsky.social's statement following last night's 'conspiracy case' devastating verdict.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu should publicly acknowledge cost of #EU silence since 2023 deal w/ Saied & call for review of EU policy & coop. w/ Tunisia (#SOTEU ?)
x.com/ExtSpoxEU/st...
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu should publicly acknowledge cost of #EU silence since 2023 deal w/ Saied & call for review of EU policy & coop. w/ Tunisia (#SOTEU ?)
x.com/ExtSpoxEU/st...
Echoing @hrw.org's reports, UN Human Rights office concludes #Israel 's 2025 Operation Iron Wall in Jenin, Nur Shams & Tulkarm, killing of civilians, large-scale destructions & forced displacement, amounts to war crimes, possible crime against humanity.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Israeli forces expelled Palestinian refugees from three West Bank camps, in violation of international law – UN report
GENEVA – A UN Human Rights report published today says Israeli security forces forcibly displaced the entire Palestinian populations of three refugee camps in the occupied West Bank in January and Feb...
www.ohchr.org
September 4, 2026 at 9:41 AM
Echoing @hrw.org's reports, UN Human Rights office concludes #Israel 's 2025 Operation Iron Wall in Jenin, Nur Shams & Tulkarm, killing of civilians, large-scale destructions & forced displacement, amounts to war crimes, possible crime against humanity.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Devastating: Confirmation in #Tunisia of unjust sentences against score of critics, activists & lawyers is travesty of justice.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's 2023 deal has rubberstamped repression. @eudiplomacy.bsky.social: time to speak up, review cooperation w/ Tunisia.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's 2023 deal has rubberstamped repression. @eudiplomacy.bsky.social: time to speak up, review cooperation w/ Tunisia.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
September 4, 2026 at 7:12 AM
Devastating: Confirmation in #Tunisia of unjust sentences against score of critics, activists & lawyers is travesty of justice.
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's 2023 deal has rubberstamped repression. @eudiplomacy.bsky.social: time to speak up, review cooperation w/ Tunisia.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
@vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu's 2023 deal has rubberstamped repression. @eudiplomacy.bsky.social: time to speak up, review cooperation w/ Tunisia.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
UN #Sudan inquiry confirms individuals & entities from #UnitedArabEmirates are central in networks providing fighters, arms & logistics to #RSF.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Yet @eudiplomacy.bsky.social has fails to act. @kajakallas.bsky.social: time to speak up & sanction #UAE entities involved.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Yet @eudiplomacy.bsky.social has fails to act. @kajakallas.bsky.social: time to speak up & sanction #UAE entities involved.
September 3, 2026 at 7:42 AM
UN #Sudan inquiry confirms individuals & entities from #UnitedArabEmirates are central in networks providing fighters, arms & logistics to #RSF.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Yet @eudiplomacy.bsky.social has fails to act. @kajakallas.bsky.social: time to speak up & sanction #UAE entities involved.
www.ohchr.org/en/press-rel...
Yet @eudiplomacy.bsky.social has fails to act. @kajakallas.bsky.social: time to speak up & sanction #UAE entities involved.
#Tunisia intensified crackdown on civil society - closing groups, detaining workers & weaponizing judicial proceedings. But for @ec.europa.eu @ec.europa.eu, it's business as usual.
Time to speak up & review EU's cooperation with Tunisia.
@hrw.org's report 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Time to speak up & review EU's cooperation with Tunisia.
@hrw.org's report 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Tunisia: Civil Society Under Siege
The Tunisian government has systematically cracked down on civil society groups and their members since 2024, all but shutting down the vibrant civic space that emerged after the 2011 revolution.
www.hrw.org
September 2, 2026 at 10:40 AM
#Tunisia intensified crackdown on civil society - closing groups, detaining workers & weaponizing judicial proceedings. But for @ec.europa.eu @ec.europa.eu, it's business as usual.
Time to speak up & review EU's cooperation with Tunisia.
@hrw.org's report 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Time to speak up & review EU's cooperation with Tunisia.
@hrw.org's report 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/09...
Reposted by Philippe Dam
“Independence is essential to the work of civil society organizations working to scrutinize government actions, expose wrongdoing, hold those in power accountable, and advocate for reforms.”
- Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch
Read more⤵️
- Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch
Read more⤵️
Nigeria: Foreign Aid Bill Endangers Civil Society
A proposed law to regulate foreign aid risks undermining the independence of civil society organizations and shrinking civic space in Nigeria.
www.hrw.org
August 31, 2026 at 9:45 AM
“Independence is essential to the work of civil society organizations working to scrutinize government actions, expose wrongdoing, hold those in power accountable, and advocate for reforms.”
- Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch
Read more⤵️
- Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch
Read more⤵️
#China's decade of impunity, crimes & repression against #Uyghurs requires bold int'l responses, as forced labor in #Xinjiang affects global supply chains.
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social: Implement forced labor ban, adopt sanctions, speak up at #HRC63.
@hrw.org's take 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social: Implement forced labor ban, adopt sanctions, speak up at #HRC63.
@hrw.org's take 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
August 27, 2026 at 7:38 AM
#China's decade of impunity, crimes & repression against #Uyghurs requires bold int'l responses, as forced labor in #Xinjiang affects global supply chains.
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social: Implement forced labor ban, adopt sanctions, speak up at #HRC63.
@hrw.org's take 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social: Implement forced labor ban, adopt sanctions, speak up at #HRC63.
@hrw.org's take 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
With scores of CSO groups, we call on #HRC63 to renew mandate of UN inquiry on #Sudan for two years.
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social should play a critical role to extend UN scrutiny & ensure its key recs are implemented.
defenddefenders.org/sudan-extend...
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social should play a critical role to extend UN scrutiny & ensure its key recs are implemented.
defenddefenders.org/sudan-extend...
August 24, 2026 at 7:36 AM
With scores of CSO groups, we call on #HRC63 to renew mandate of UN inquiry on #Sudan for two years.
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social should play a critical role to extend UN scrutiny & ensure its key recs are implemented.
defenddefenders.org/sudan-extend...
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social should play a critical role to extend UN scrutiny & ensure its key recs are implemented.
defenddefenders.org/sudan-extend...
Crimes & attacks by settlers in #WestBank are supported, funded & granted impunity by #Israel authorities.
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social's failure to act puts should stop.
Time to:
✍️ sanction those implicated & officials supporting abuses
🛑ban trade with illegal settlements
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social's failure to act puts should stop.
Time to:
✍️ sanction those implicated & officials supporting abuses
🛑ban trade with illegal settlements
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
West Bank: Israel-Backed Settler Violence Drives Displacement
Attacks by settlers in the occupied West Bank are increasingly driving the forced displacement of Palestinian communities, with dozens at risk of erasure.
www.hrw.org
August 20, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Crimes & attacks by settlers in #WestBank are supported, funded & granted impunity by #Israel authorities.
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social's failure to act puts should stop.
Time to:
✍️ sanction those implicated & officials supporting abuses
🛑ban trade with illegal settlements
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
@eudiplomacy.bsky.social's failure to act puts should stop.
Time to:
✍️ sanction those implicated & officials supporting abuses
🛑ban trade with illegal settlements
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
#AfricaCorps killed civilians, looted & burned homes in central #Mali in July 2026, with apparent green light from junta - @hrw.org report exposes today.
Civilians are caught between brutal armed groups & gov't forces & their #Russia n allies.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Civilians are caught between brutal armed groups & gov't forces & their #Russia n allies.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Mali: Russia’s ‘Africa Corps’ Massacres Villagers
Russian government-controlled Africa Corps’ forces summarily killed nine civilians, including four children, and beat dozens of others in central Mali in early July 2026.
www.hrw.org
August 20, 2026 at 7:49 AM
#AfricaCorps killed civilians, looted & burned homes in central #Mali in July 2026, with apparent green light from junta - @hrw.org report exposes today.
Civilians are caught between brutal armed groups & gov't forces & their #Russia n allies.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Civilians are caught between brutal armed groups & gov't forces & their #Russia n allies.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08... @eudiplomacy.bsky.social
Reposted by Philippe Dam
The US government sanctioned two additional International Criminal Court officials this week under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025.
ICC member countries should strongly condemn this misuse of sanctions.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4wGQioL
ICC member countries should strongly condemn this misuse of sanctions.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4wGQioL
August 19, 2026 at 1:38 PM
The US government sanctioned two additional International Criminal Court officials this week under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in February 2025.
ICC member countries should strongly condemn this misuse of sanctions.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4wGQioL
ICC member countries should strongly condemn this misuse of sanctions.
Read more: https://bit.ly/4wGQioL
Reposted by Philippe Dam
@eucopresident.consilium.europa.eu and I stand firmly with the International Criminal Court, President Tomoko Akane and the officials who uphold its mission.
The ICC helps deliver justice to the victims of some of the world’s most horrific crimes.
The ICC helps deliver justice to the victims of some of the world’s most horrific crimes.
August 19, 2026 at 11:13 AM
@eucopresident.consilium.europa.eu and I stand firmly with the International Criminal Court, President Tomoko Akane and the officials who uphold its mission.
The ICC helps deliver justice to the victims of some of the world’s most horrific crimes.
The ICC helps deliver justice to the victims of some of the world’s most horrific crimes.
Reposted by Philippe Dam
🚨 New from @hrw.org: UN Security Council should ensure that an international force remains in #Lebanon to protect civilians and deter human rights abuses by the Israeli military and Hezbollah.
The best option would be UNIFIL, which is already there but slated to withdraw starting on Jan 1, 2027.
The best option would be UNIFIL, which is already there but slated to withdraw starting on Jan 1, 2027.
UN: Keep International Force in Lebanon to Protect Civilians
The United Nations Security Council should ensure that an international force remains in southern Lebanon to protect civilians and deter human rights abuses by the Israeli military and Hezbollah, Huma...
www.hrw.org
August 13, 2026 at 9:19 PM
Reposted by Philippe Dam
My latest op-ed for The Hill:
Migration deals will take the pressure off the Taliban for their ongoing abuses. This kind of “technical” engagement will send a dangerous message that no range of rights abuses will stop others from making deals with you.
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
Migration deals will take the pressure off the Taliban for their ongoing abuses. This kind of “technical” engagement will send a dangerous message that no range of rights abuses will stop others from making deals with you.
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
No one should be sent back to Taliban rule
It’s the height of hypocrisy to condemn Taliban abuses in one breath and cooperate in sending people back to them in the next.
thehill.com
August 15, 2026 at 3:58 PM
My latest op-ed for The Hill:
Migration deals will take the pressure off the Taliban for their ongoing abuses. This kind of “technical” engagement will send a dangerous message that no range of rights abuses will stop others from making deals with you.
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
Migration deals will take the pressure off the Taliban for their ongoing abuses. This kind of “technical” engagement will send a dangerous message that no range of rights abuses will stop others from making deals with you.
thehill.com/opinion/inte...
Reposted by Philippe Dam
New dispatch from @hrw.org: Rapid returns follow crossings of thousands of migrants & some asylum seekers to #Ceuta; Spain & Morocco should ensure rights-focused responses & independent investigations.
Summary expulsions are wrong, regardless of how people arrive.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
Summary expulsions are wrong, regardless of how people arrive.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
Rapid Returns Follow Migrant Crossings to Ceuta
The arrival of an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 people in Ceuta, Spain’s enclave in North Africa, on July 30-31 was not only unprecedented but also tragic. At least 72 people died, including many who dro...
www.hrw.org
August 3, 2026 at 8:25 PM
New dispatch from @hrw.org: Rapid returns follow crossings of thousands of migrants & some asylum seekers to #Ceuta; Spain & Morocco should ensure rights-focused responses & independent investigations.
Summary expulsions are wrong, regardless of how people arrive.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
Summary expulsions are wrong, regardless of how people arrive.
www.hrw.org/news/2026/08...
Reposted by Philippe Dam
🚨#Israel plans for more potential war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank as Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs the military to take control of another West Bank refugee camp. New from @hrw.org 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
July 31, 2026 at 7:42 PM
🚨#Israel plans for more potential war crimes and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank as Defense Minister Israel Katz instructs the military to take control of another West Bank refugee camp. New from @hrw.org 👇
www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
www.hrw.org/news/2026/07...
Reposted by Philippe Dam
Germany has lost its moral compass, as it shields Israel from sanctions and legal scrutiny
Germany has lost its moral compass, as it shields Israel from sanctions and legal scrutiny
Germany has betrayed its post-war moral and legal foundations by shielding Israel from accountability for alleged violations of international law, writes former EU envoy Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff.
euobserver.com
July 31, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Germany has lost its moral compass, as it shields Israel from sanctions and legal scrutiny