Universal Social Security Systems Can Reduce Poverty and Inequality Overview Human Rights Watch and Development Pathways have released a Q&A document that calls on governments and international lenders to support universal social security systems. According to the report, amid the intersecting crises of economic, food, and climate, governments need to […]
Month: May 2023
“Union Leader and Strikers in Cambodia Casino Convicted: A Setback for Worker Rights and Democracy”
The Conviction of Cambodian Labor Union Leader Chhim Sithar and Members Background A Phnom Penh court recently handed a two-year prison sentence to Chhim Sithar, leader of the Labor Rights Supported Union (LRSU) of Khmer Employees of NagaWorld, while eight other union members or former members received one to one […]
Climate Activists Detained as Private Jets Favored Over Climate Crisis Countermeasures
Activists Arrested for Peaceful Protest against Private Jets Sales In an effort to spread awareness and bring attention to the issue of private jets and their impact on the environment, at least 102 climate activists were arrested in Geneva, Switzerland after protesting against Europe’s largest private jet fair, the European […]
Mexican Democracy in Danger: Public Accountability and Privacy at Risk
Mexican Government Undermines Public Accountability and Privacy Rights The Mexican government, under President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and legislators from his party, has paralyzed the country’s National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Data Protection (INAI) by blocking nominations to fill vacant seats on its board. This independent agency […]
Uzbekistan’s Religious Freedom Progress in Jeopardy
Uzbekistan‘s Backsliding on Religious Freedom Raises Concerns The government of Uzbekistan is reportedly restricting religious freedom and continues to arrest and prosecute Muslims on charges of extremism, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The government’s claims promising to eliminate restrictions on religious freedoms seem to indicate partial adherence to international […]
Political and Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies: Lao Refugee Shot Dead in Thailand
Exiled Lao political activist killed in Thailand The killing of exiled Lao political activist, Bounsuan Kitiyano, demands an immediate response from the Thai authorities, says the human rights watchdog Human Rights Watch. Bounsuan’s body was discovered on May 17, 2023, in the Si Mueang Mai district of Ubon Ratchathani province […]
The EU Should Move Beyond Audits to Ensure Sustainable Raw Materials
EU‘s Flawed Reliance on Audits and Certifications for Raw Materials Rules: Human Rights Watch Warns of Insufficient Protection The European Union (EU) may be relying too heavily on voluntary audit and certification initiatives to protect human rights in minerals supply chains, according to a recent inquiry by Human Rights Watch. […]
Cambodia’s Crackdown on Land Rights Activists: A Dangerous Backslide
Cambodian Land Rights Activists Face Baseless Charges Overview On May 22nd, 2023, three staff members of the Coalition of Cambodian Farmer Community (CCFC) were charged with plotting and incitement, a move that has been described as politically motivated by Human Rights Watch. The three activists, Theng Savoeun, Nhel Pheap, and […]
Vietnam’s Crackdown on Dissent Continues With “Propaganda” Charge Against Activist.
Activist Charged With “Propaganda” Bui Tuan Lam Faces 12 Years in Prison for Criticizing Government Online The Vietnamese government is set to put Bui Tuan Lam, a renowned activist and pro-democracy advocate, on trial on May 25, 2023. Lam is facing charges of “propaganda against the state” for exercising his […]
Climate Activists Stage Massive Protest at Europe’s Biggest Private Jet Event, Targeting Luxury Mega-Polluters
Climate Activists Disrupt Private Jet Sales Event in Europe Climate activists from various organizations, including Greenpeace, Stay Grounded, Extinction Rebellion, and Scientist Rebellion, have disrupted Europe‘s biggest business aviation sales event, the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva. The activists have demanded a ban on private jets […]