Stories about Human Rights from January, 2024
Turkey's sweet F-16s deal
On January 26, the US approved the sale of 40 new F-16 fighter jets worth USD 23 billion. The deal, also includes, the equipment to modernize 79 existing Turkish F-16s.
Uzbekistan’s repression survivors tell their harrowing stories in a new documentary
This is one of the first attempts to tell the story of more than 18,000 people who were jailed on trumped-up charges and labelled “extremists” by Uzbekistan's Karimov government.
Jamaica is developing, but at what cost?
Increasingly large developments along Jamaica’s idyllic north coast, a popular tourist destination, have local environmentalists concerned about several recurring issues observed in environmental decision-making in the country.
Fleeing home as a queer Ukrainian
After her own escape from Kherson just before Russian occupation, the LGBTQ+ activist coordinated with international volunteers and raised funds to help others evacuate from the city.
Why are Afghans still seeking out the ‘weakest’ passport in the world?
Acquiring the Afghan passport — the world’s weakest passport — demands substantial patience and skill in navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
Council of Europe members vote to suspend Azerbaijan
The credentials of Azerbaijan's delegation at PACE were challenged on the grounds the country failed to meet "major commitments" as part of its membership to the Council of Europe.
How a Nigerian mother supported her son with Down syndrome to become a successful Olympian
The World Health Organisation estimates that Down syndrome affects approximately 1 in 1,000 live births worldwide. However, the prevalence rate of Down syndrome in Nigeria is unknown because of a lack of data.
British journalist Myriam Francois hits back on Houthi bombings and Red Sea conflict
British journalist, filmmaker, and writer Myriam Francois strongly challenges the "insane" suggestion that bombing the Houthis in Yemen should have occurred earlier for economic reasons, in her interview on Sky News.
Exploring migration, belonging and the meaning of home in Sri Lanka
At an arts exhibition in the Sri Lankan capital, multidisciplinary artist Firi Rahman portrays the agony of Slave Island residents who face the threats of gradual gentrification.
In Gaza, trapped in the rubble, body and soul
The brutality of Israel’s attack on Gaza is foreshadowed in the Japanese anime series "Attack on Titan," which first aired in 2013.
In Azerbaijan, the stakes are always high for political activists
A few weeks after the announcement of a new social activism platform, its founder, Aliyev went missing on December 23.
Terrorists from Tajikistan have become a global menace
Over the last decade, Tajikistan’s foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) have brought their homeland under a negative limelight on numerous occasions.
Do national parks and wildlife conservation regulations in Nepal benefit Indigenous people?
Nepal has seen many successes when it comes to wildlife conservation. However, Nepal's Indigenous communities have endured a series of human rights abuses due to oppressive conservation policies.
Pensions are a trap of the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua
The Sandinista regime cared little about the advanced age of many protestors when it came to imprisoning them, leading to dozens of them arriving at Nicaraguan prisons as political prisoners.
From silence to symbols: How Thais are employing language in new ways towards freedom of expression
"Thai netizens have turned to unique linguistic alternatives to continue freely expressing themselves online."
Indonesian candidates urged to address human rights concerns
"Indonesia continues to fail to guarantee people’s rights to express their opinions peacefully amidst a shrinking civic space."
Photo essay: Provisions, pots, and firewood
Helping to run a food distribution program in Gaza not only fills an urgent need given the famine there, but also provides a sense of purpose.
The femicide of Julieta Hernández, a Venezuelan migrant in Brazil, sparks outrage across South America
Hernández Martínez was a beloved street artist, clown and cycling advocate. According to the Amazonas’ Civil Police, a local couple confessed to the crime of murdering the artist.
Can a third political party realistically compete and thrive in Ghana?
The multi-party system is enshrined in Ghana's constitution through the Political Parties Act 574, established in 2000. Nevertheless, the political scene is primarily dominated by two parties: the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
Belarusians returning home from immigration receive criminal charges
Human rights defenders say that despite the "agreements," criminal cases were initiated against people who believed the authorities and returned to Belarus.
Documentary about the protest of soldiers’ wives, sisters and mothers created in Russia
Women demanding 'demobilisation' say: "Our topic, it's kind of forbidden. Do you understand? I'm scared to say what I think. I'm scared that I might never see my husband again."
