The Norwegian Nobel Committee has announced the winners of the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize: Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov. Both journalists have “safeguarded the freedom of expression” and represent “all journalists who stand up to this ideal”. The chair of the Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, recognised “their courageous fight for freedom of expression in the…
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UN Human Rights Chief calls for a stop to racism
The United Nations Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet has called for equality in her recent report regarding racism. By advocating human rights on the behalf people from African descent, she argued states should “stop denying – and start dismantling”. This report was based on findings across 60 countries and concluded discrimination against those of African…
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China and Russia to join UN Human Rights Council
China and Russia have both been re-elected for another three-year term to the UN Human Rights council. China ran against five other nominations in the Asia-Pacific region and whilst votes for the country were significantly down from the previous election in 2016, Beijing maintained its seat. Russia ran unopposed for the seat in the Eastern…
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Offshoring is utterly inhumane
‘Offshoring’ – not a term I am fond of. To be found with ‘offloading’, ‘offcasting’, ‘offending’. ‘Offshoring’. In terms of business, defined as relocating processes or services overseas and taking advantage of lower costs to improve competitiveness. ‘Offshoring’: an idea being considered by the UK government in an inhumane attempt to fix the asylum system….
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Is the EU ignoring human rights abuses in Libya?
A shocking report produced by Amnesty International has revealed brutal human rights abuses against Libyan refugees. Various interviews conducted by the organisation detail harrowing accounts of rape, torture, unlawful killings, and enforced disappearances. It is believed European Union policies are partially to blame for the humanitarian emergency. Libya is in crisis. The country is currently…
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China’s crimes against the Uighur population
Desperate cries haunt the international community as the Uighur population plea for aid against alleged human rights abuses in China. “We just need hope”, Jevlan Shirmemmet, whose mother has been arrested for “supporting terrorism”, tells Sky News. “My mother… our family members [are] now in hell. Not in prison… [it] is hell”. China has been…
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“We had to jump in the river so the shots didn’t reach us… they were shooting to kill”
Protests have submerged the Chilean capital of Santiago in the most deadly outbreak of violence since the dictatorial regime of Augusto Pinochet. In recent weeks many have accused the Chilean police and military of using excessive force on those taking part in the protests. One graduate in Santiago, who wishes to remain anonymous for their…
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Australia to re-open detention centre
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a statement to say he will re-open the asylum seeker detention centre on Christmas Island. This facility processes asylum seekers aiming to enter the country, but is widely criticised by human rights groups who say that these people are effectively imprisoned. The detention centre was closed in late 2018,…
Features
Using privilege to leverage help for Malawi’s expectant mothers
On my way to a maternity health care facility in one of Malawi’s most deprived districts, Ntchisi, I tried to stay level headed. If I was scared, how did the women I was about to meet feel? This was not my first time seeing the horrors of Malawi’s health care system but it was my…
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