Hong Kong Government Seeks to Ban “Glory to Hong Kong” The Hong Kong government is seeking a court order to ban people from singing, broadcasting, or distributing the protest song “Glory to Hong Kong.” This move has drawn criticism from Amnesty International, with the Head of its China Team, Sarah […]
Month: June 2023
“International Action Needed: Kakhovka Dam Destruction Threatens Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine”
International Humanitarian Law Violated by Destruction of Kakhovka Dam The destruction of Kakhovka Dam in the southern part of Ukraine‘s occupied territory by Russia is a catastrophe that endangers the lives of civilians and poses a significant threat to the environment. Marie Struthers, Regional Director, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, […]
“Acquittal of human rights defenders marks a step towards justice in Turkey”
Convictions of Human Rights Defenders in Turkey Quashed The convictions of four human rights defenders, including Taner Kılıç, the Honorary Chair of Amnesty Türkiye, and Idil Eser, the ex-director of Amnesty Türkiye, were quashed by a Turkish court. Although Amnesty International described the ruling as a huge relief, they also […]
Risks Loom as Central African Republic Holds Referendum
Referendum in Central African Republic Poses Risks to Civil Society and Freedom of Expression Background The Central African Republic (CAR) is scheduled to hold a constitutional referendum on July 30, 2023, which could have severe implications for civil society and democratic progress in the country. The proposed constitutional amendments aim […]
The Economic and Political Costs of EU’s Migration Paranoia
European Union’s Trade and Development Scheme Jeopardized by Migration Paranoia The Issue The European Union’s (EU) external policies are being threatened by European governments’ obsession with curbing immigration. The Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), which grants trade preferences to low- and middle-income countries for poverty reduction and sustainable development, is […]
Sinjar Reconstruction Stymied by Political Fights in Iraq
Political Dispute Hinders Reconstruction in Sinjar, Iraq Human Rights Watch reported that the reconstruction of the Sinjar district in northern Iraq, which suffered significant damage due to the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), has been delayed by the political dispute over the administration of the territory. Prime Minister Mohammed […]
“Why Nigeria’s Airstrike Victims are Still Waiting for Justice”
Nigeria: No Justice for Civilians Killed in Airstrike The Nigerian military’s airstrike on January 24, 2023, which resulted in the death of 39 civilians and the injury of at least six others, has yet to receive accountability from the government. The Nigerian air force, in response to an inquiry from […]
Tanzania’s Brutal Treatment of Maasai People During Forced Evictions
Amnesty International Reports Tanzanian Authorities’ Forced Evictions and Brutal Treatment of the Maasai People Amnesty International released a report on June 23rd, 2023, detailing how Tanzanian authorities forcibly evicted members of the Maasai Indigenous community from their ancestral lands in Loliondo, Tanzania, with excessive force and without due process. The […]
Senegal’s Democracy at Risk as Government Cracks Down on Opposition and Dissent
Senegal: Political Unrest and Crackdown on Dissent Senegal, a country known for its democratic and peaceful environment, is currently facing political unrest and a crackdown on opposition and dissent. The protests erupted on May 31, 2023, after the criminal court sentenced notable opposition leader Ousmane Sonko to two years in […]
The Oversight of Fossil Fuels in the Plastic Treaty Negotiations
Role of Fossil Fuels Absent at Plastics Treaty Negotiations Overview Despite the conclusion of the second round of United Nations Environment Programme’s plastics treaty negotiations in Paris last week with a mandate for a “zero draft” of the treaty to be prepared by the negotiating committee’s chair prior to this […]