August 18, 2023
Senegal: Democracy in the Balance?
Civic space is deteriorating in Senegal ahead of next February's presidential election. Recent protests have been met with lethal violence and internet and social media… Read more »
July 31, 2023
Southern Africa: Civil Society Space in Southern Africa Shrinking As Government Repression Rises
Freedom of expression is under threat as governments in Southern Africa have enacted laws restricting civil society organizations, says global rights advocacy organisation,… Read more »
August 03, 2023
Nigeria: How Nigeria's Legal System Is Failing to Safeguard Widows' Rights
In February this year, Chichi Okonkwo not only lost her husband but was stripped of everything they owned together. Her husband was severely injured in a car accident about a month… Read more »
July 21, 2023
Eswatini: Election With No Democracy On the Horizon
Eswatini heads to the polls soon, with elections scheduled for September. But there's nothing remotely democratic in prospect. The country remains ruled by King Mswati III,… Read more »
July 18, 2023
Africa: Mandela Day Reminder to Stand Witness to Human Rights Defenders
As human rights increasingly deteriorate, rights defenders are being violently suppressed. Abducted, detained, tortured, and humiliated, many now live one day at a time. They have… Read more »
July 14, 2023
Africa: Marginalising Key Populations Impacting Efforts to End HIV/Aids Epidemic
A report released this week has highlighted how continuing criminalisation and marginalisation of key populations are stymying efforts to end the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. Read more »
July 13, 2023
Zimbabwe: Human Rights Concerns Ahead of Zimbabwe Polls
Zimbabwe holds general elections next month amid growing human rights and press freedom concerns in what analysts say could mar conditions for undisputed poll results. Read more »
July 10, 2023
Africa: Re-Thinking Disability Inclusion for the SDGs
By Ulrika Modéer and Jose Viera Read more »
July 05, 2023
Africa: Recognising Human Rights Defenders As Remarkable Agents of Positive Change
In recent years, the global landscape for human rights defenders (HRDs) has become more difficult and complex, with both new and heightened challenges. With hundreds of defenders… Read more »
June 20, 2023
Africa: Safety of Human Rights Defenders in Exile Imperiled By Host Countries' Declining Civil Rights
Home Away From Home is the theme of World Refugee Day 2023. However, for many, including human rights activists who have fled their homes, a decline in civil rights in their host… Read more »
June 19, 2023
Africa: Migration - Europe's Complicity in Massive Human Rights Violations
Make no mistake: European States are complicit in the death of thousands and thousands of human beings on their shores, land borders and at home. The massive drowning of hundreds… Read more »
June 12, 2023
Malawi: Cyclone Freddy Has Put Women & Girls in Malawi At Greater Risk of Sexual Abuse & Exploitation
"Cyclone Freddy was a terrible experience, and now many women who lost their homes and their livelihoods are at increased risk of sexual exploitation and abuse," warns Caleb… Read more »
June 06, 2023
Africa: Does Artificial Intelligence Need a Regulatory UN Watchdog?
The frighteningly rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have triggered the question: is there a UN role for monitoring and regulating it? Read more »
June 07, 2023
Africa: AI Genie Is Out of the Bottle - UN Should Take the Challenge to Make It Work for the Good of Humanity
Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury is Former Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of the United Nations and Founder of the Global Movement for The Culture of Peace. Read more »
May 18, 2023
Africa: Human Rights & Sovereign Debt Restructurings - a Proposal for an Optimal Outcome
Zambia defaulted on its debt in November 2021 but has not yet reached an agreement with its creditors. Its president recently warned that this situation is hurting its citizens and… Read more »
May 08, 2023
Sudan: The Privilege of Making a Choice
A civilian student named Saber was caught in the crossfire in Khartoum. He had two choices: either flee and lose everything; or die. But within a moment his option to choose was… Read more »
April 27, 2023
Africa: 'Defending Human Rights Is a Crime in Some Countries and a Deadly Activity in Others'
By Bibbi Abruzzini and Clarisse Sih, Forus Read more »
April 14, 2023
Africa: International Human Rights Law As a Tool to Stop Rising Homophobia in Africa
Imagine your government enacted a law where you and all people of your race or economic status were imprisoned for extended periods, with some facing the death penalty, simply for… Read more »
April 13, 2023
Africa: Should Internet Access Be Declared a Basic Human Right?
The United Nations defines human rights as "rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status". Read more »
April 03, 2023
Africa: Ending Discrimination Against Women in Family Law Is Vital for Economic Progress
Discriminatory family laws and policies that restrict women's access to educational opportunities, employment, inheritance, property ownership and equal pay, are making women… Read more »
March 31, 2023
Africa: Civicus Report Exposes a Civil Society Under Attack
As conflict and crises escalate to create human emergencies that have displaced over 100 million people worldwide, civil society's vital role of advocating for victims and… Read more »
Africa: The Need for a Strong Legal Treaty On Business And Human Rights
The ongoing discussions on an internationally treaty, described as a "legally binding instrument" on business and human rights, remains one of the most neglected issues that should… Read more »
March 29, 2023
Uganda: UN Experts Condemn Egregious Anti-LGBT Legislation
A group of UN experts* on human rights has blasted the Government of Uganda for making homosexuality punishable by death. Read more »
March 23, 2023
Africa: If We Value Human Rights and the Rule of Law, Then We Must Fight for Climate Justice
Human life is sacred and every individual deserves an equal chance in life. We have a common desire, we all want to lead a free, fulfilling existence, with dignity, where our basic… Read more »
March 20, 2023
Africa: War Criminals & Military Aggressors Who Occupy Seats in the Security Council
Come April 1, a post-Ukraine Russia, will preside over the UN Security Council in a month-long presidency on the basis of alphabetical rotation. Read more »