The changing of place names (toponyms) that have indigenous origins, is inextricably linked to a variety of political and cultural factors in some countries. The Iranian regime’s long-term efforts in shaping … Read more →
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Human Rights Opinion From Every Corner of the World
Hong Kong: What does the new security law mean for press freedom?
Hong Kong’s recently enacted National Security Law on Monday claimed its first major target, with the arrest of media boss Jimmy Lai and six others associated with his company Next Media, on charges of colluding with foreign powers. Lai, a long-time critic of Beijing and pro-democracy activist, is well used to the constabulary’s knock on the door – he has previously been charged twice this year with illegal assembly and … Read more →
Femicide in Turkey is increasing, but protections for women are under threat
Women in Turkey have taken to the streets to protest increasing femicide in the country. Anger over gender-based violence grew in recent weeks after the horrific murder of Pınar Gültekin, a 27-year-old student, by her ex-boyfriend. It has also been reported that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) is considering … Read more →
Ballots and bots: the threats to democratic elections
2020 is one phenomenal election year across the world. There have been, or there will be 20 elections across Europe, 15 across Africa, 14 across Asia, nine in North America, seven in South America, five in the Middle East, and eight in Oceania. Elections are the bedrock of any democratic society. They are the most formal expression of the public’s political will. The integrity of them and their outcomes are … Read more →
Same-sex Irish couples face discrimination in their reproductive rights
A three month investigation conducted by Noteworthy – an Irish investigative journal which is funded by readers to investigate stories chosen by readers – into Ireland’s laws around surrogacy and egg and sperm donation has found that recent reforms aimed at broadening the rights of children and parents conceived through donor-assisted human reproduction (DAHR) in so-called ‘non-traditional’ families, have ultimately fallen short. Clinicians, legal experts and parents have said new … Read more →
Combatting disinformation: Why trust matters
The coronavirus crisis has substantially increased news consumption for mainstream media yet trust in the media and news remains low, especially in the UK. Trust in news and media matters, particularly during a time of crisis. As trust decreases people turn to alternative sources that exploit the weaknesses of traditional media outlets, often peddling conspiracy theories, promoting misinformation and, at worst, spreading false information deliberately intended to mislead. … Read more →