Behind the Ballot: Corruption, Repression, and Hope in the 2024 Venezuelan Elections

This year, a handful of elections were scheduled. At least 27 countries, including Algeria, Senegal, Pakistan, and Venezuela, held their presidential elections. Because of the varying political climates, let’s visit the most recent Venezuelan elections, which illustrate human rights violations in the form of voter intimidation and political persecution. The development of the events raises … Continue reading Behind the Ballot: Corruption, Repression, and Hope in the 2024 Venezuelan Elections

Russia-Ukraine War Update and Interview with Ukrainian UAB Student

Recently, North Korea has promised closer ties with Russia and to further its aid in the Russia-Ukraine war. Throughout the war, many civilian structures have been destroyed, as Russia has continued to target educational facilities, homes, and hospitals. For many Ukrainians, their country has been something they’ve constantly had to fight for.  UAB (The University … Continue reading Russia-Ukraine War Update and Interview with Ukrainian UAB Student

Pro-Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai’s Case and The History of Hong Kong

In recent years, many freedoms of Hong Kong citizens have been stripped away. Once a British colony now under the rule of Beijing, legislation has restricted the voice of its journalists and activists.  Critiques of the Hong Kong and Chinese government are met with an iron fist. New laws such as the National Security Law … Continue reading Pro-Democracy Activist Jimmy Lai’s Case and The History of Hong Kong

Pélicot Trial Questions French Laws Regarding Sexual Assault

Gisèle and Dominique Pélicot got married in the spring of 1973 in France at the age of 21. Considered the ideal couple that managed to find rare and great love in their life stories, it was a tale that brought about three children and seven grandchildren. A loving marriage of about 50 years with regular … Continue reading Pélicot Trial Questions French Laws Regarding Sexual Assault

China: Violations of Freedom of Expression, Speech, and Peaceful Assembly

Thousands of miles away, activists for basic human rights sit in prison cells. Most await punishments that far exceed the crime. In China, heavy prison sentences weigh on the shoulders of its brightest human rights activists, scholars, and lawyers.  According to Amnesty International, freedom of expression and speech is having the right to say what … Continue reading China: Violations of Freedom of Expression, Speech, and Peaceful Assembly

The Treatment of People with Disabilities in Institutional Care Settings in Brazil

  Overview of the Issue  In Brazil, thousands of children and adults with disabilities are confined to institutions for people with disabilities, facing widespread neglect, abuse, and isolation. Designed ostensibly to provide care, many of these institutions have instead devolved into detention centers where individuals are deprived of their autonomy and dignity. Reports from Human … Continue reading The Treatment of People with Disabilities in Institutional Care Settings in Brazil

Child Soldiers in Northeast Syria

Exposure to warfare at a young age has been associated with distress that does not easily wither away. This correlation can be seen in the reality of many children as young as 12 years old in the autonomous northeastern region of Syria. The region is governed by the Kurdish Autonomous Administration of North and East … Continue reading Child Soldiers in Northeast Syria

The Aftermath of Mahsa Amini: A Glimpse into Women’s Rights in Iran Two Years Later

September 14th, 2024, marked two years since the murder of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in Iran’s capital, Tehran. Amini was arrested by the “Gasht-e-Ershad,” also known as the morality police, who are responsible for enforcing Iran’s strict dress code. For women, this includes a head covering called a hijab and loose-fitting clothes. Authorities claimed that Amini … Continue reading The Aftermath of Mahsa Amini: A Glimpse into Women’s Rights in Iran Two Years Later

Syria: An Update on the Current Crisis

Syria has been home to numerous atrocities over the past few decades, making it an important country to monitor. Since 2011, the country has experienced the collapse of its society due to civil war. However, human rights abuses have existed prior, with the suppression of freedoms being carried out by the government. Not only has … Continue reading Syria: An Update on the Current Crisis

The Battle of NGOs in Nicaragua: A Human Rights Crisis

Arbitrarily detained, beaten in prison, exiled, and stripped of their nationality has become a common experience for activists in Nicaragua. This is the case of Kevin Solís, who was arbitrarily detained twice; in 2018 for allegedly obstructing public services and carrying a firearm, and later in 2020 for alleged robbery and assault. The United Nations … Continue reading The Battle of NGOs in Nicaragua: A Human Rights Crisis