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Human Rights

Global human rights are the right to life, food, education, work, health, and liberty. These rights are inherent to humans and independent of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. The rights are universal and inalienable, indivisible and interdependent, equal and non-discriminatory, and, perhaps most importantly, both rights and obligations.

In 1948, the United Nations’ “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (UDHR), was the first legal document to set out the fundamental human rights to be universally protected. There are currently nine treaties and nine optional protocols encompassed in international law. Each United Nations Member State has ratified at least one treaty and one protocol, with 85% of  the Member States ratifying four or more.

Below are some of our most popular news, articles, and podcasts related to human rights, including campaigns, watches, violations, and the UN’s sustainable development goals that encompass specific human rights. Click to see a list of other popular global topics.

Seeking Justice At The UN Human Rights Council In Geneva
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2022, human rights cases and the experience and process of seeking justice at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The discussion includes an array of viewpoints, from human rights defenders, investigators, and victims. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Biden’s Pick For The Top US Human Rights Post: Sarah Margon
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2021, President Biden’s pick for Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy Human Rights and Labor. The discussion includes a background introduction of Sarah Margon, as well as key events that shaped her understanding of human rights. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Attack On Catholic Worshipers In Nigeria And Other Security Issues
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2022, Nigeria and the recent attack on Catholic worshippers by well-organized gunmen. Includes a discussion about the broader security issues, accountability, and why presidential candidates are not focused on solutions. Click here to listen to the podcast.

United States Quitting The UN Human Rights Council – 2018
Read the article, from June 2018, about why Trump is pulling the US out of the UN Human Rights Council. The move follows a 2017 ultimatum from Nikki Haley (US ambassador to the United Nations) for the council to either reform to her liking or risk having the US quit the council. Click here to read the article.

United States Rejoining The UN Human Rights Council – 2021
Read the article, from February 2021, about the US rejoining the Human Rights Council, its need to compete with China, and a desire to regain the leadership role in advancing global human rights. Click here to read the article.

Afghan Human Rights Activist Speaks Out About Taliban
Listen to insiders, in August 2021, describe the Taliban scourge that continues to shatter the human rights, lives, and dreams of Afghans. Hear what it’s like on the ground in the country, and for those trying to get friends and family out. Click here to listen to the podcast.

COVID-19 And Its Impacts On Human Rights
Listen to experts discussing, in April 2020, specific examples of how governments around the world are using the pandemic as a pretext to consolidate power, erode civil liberties, and crack down on basic human rights, such as the free press.  Click here to listen to the podcast.

LGBTI Rights Watchdog At The UN Defends Human Rights Around the World
Listen to experts discussing, in October 2019, how the United Nations’ LGBTI watchdog protects the LGBTI community against violence and discrimination around the world. Learn about the recent LGBTI global rights report. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Iran And The Human Rights Council
Read the article, from February 2018, about the offensive Iranian speech that was given during the open forum section of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, and the concerns it raised among human rights proponents around the world. Click here to read the article.

Venezuela Seat on the Human Rights Council
Read the article, from October 2019, about how Venezuela’s brutal Maduro regime was elected to the Human Rights Council, how the bad-actor coalition may distract the council’s work, and the potential consequences of US disengagement. Click here to read the article.

How “Longtermism” is Shaping Foreign Policy | Will MacAskill
Listen to experts, in August 2022, discussing longtermism, an emerging philosophy that prioritizes the survival of humanity and avoidance of extinction scenarios. Learn how it is shaping foreign policy at the UN and with its member states. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Ethnic Violence is Escalating in Ethiopia
Listen to experts discussing, in June 2022, the increase in ethnic violence and ethnic cleansing occurring in Ethiopia.  Learn about the latest attacks in the Oromia and Tigray regions and the general broadening of mass atrocities in Ethiopia since the November civil war. Click here to listen to the podcast.

The Hellish Plight of African Migrants Trapped in Libya
Listen to experts discussing, in May 2022, the lives of the many African migrants captured and imprisoned in Libya, and the hellish detention camps in and around Tripoli. Learn about the world’s “deadliest migration route”, and how and why this human rights disaster has developed. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Live From The UN General Assembly: The Key Stories To Follow During UN Week | What Happened At The Transforming Education Summit? (Day 1)
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, Day 1 of the UNGA 77. Learn about the Transforming Education Summit, the value of closing the education gap, the investment surge in Africa, and the need for increased multilateralism in formulating global solutions. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Live from the UN General Assembly: Food Security In Focus | The Global Refugee Crisis (UNGA Day 2)
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, Day 2 of the UNGA 77. Learn about the key messages of the Food Security Summit, plans for addressing the global refugee crisis, and the linkages that exist between local and regional conflict, famine, IDPs, refugees, and fertilizer access. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Somalia is on the Brink of Famine
Listen to experts discussing, in September 2022, the UN’s continued warnings about an impending famine in Somalia.  Learn how multiple factors, including Covid-19 based shortages, sustained drought, local conflict, and severe poverty have created an overwhelming wave of IDPs, malnutrition, and death. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Human Rights and the Qatar World Cup
Listen to experts discussing, in November 2022, the systemic Human rights issues that persist during the production of a large sporting event. Learn how organizing committees like FIFA, create human rights disasters by not programming and enforcing humanitarian requirements into each facet of the event, beginning with host selection, and ending with accountability. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Protests In China And The Death Of Jiang Zemin
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, rare protests in China. Learn how Covid lockdown barriers blocked a building fire response, killing ten residents, and sparking pent-up civilian outrage against Xi’s Zero Covid policy and government censorship. Learn why the death of revered leader Jiang Zemin may be fueling the historic anti-government movement. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Ukraine: Prosecuting War Crimes And Russian Aggression In Ukraine
Listen to experts discussing, in December 2022, the prospect of prosecuting Russian aggression, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Ukraine. Learn about the history of international war crime accountability and the organizations and forums that may make Russian prosecution a reality. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Can Canadian Diplomacy Help End Cameroon’s Civil War
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the bloody Cameroon civil war, its history, failed previous negotiations, and the party’s current consideration of Canadian facilitation of peace talks. Learn about the Anglophone Crisis and prospects for a lasting resolution. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Xi Jinping Went To Moscow
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the Xi Jinping-Putin summit in Moscow, the mutual objective of the autocratic leaders, and how the summit may have evolved Chinese-Russian relations and policy. Learn about the internal forces in China that may form a practical limit on the “no limit” stated partnership. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Nigeria Elections: The Key Challenges Facing Incoming President Bola Tinubu
Listen to experts discussing, in March 2023, the three candidates’ Nigerian presidential results and the challenges that face the incoming government.  Learn why the new president will need to articulate a positive vision, increase revenue, and negotiate a fuel subsidy. Click here to listen to the podcast.

An Extremely Fragile Democratic Transition Is Underway In Sudan
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Sudan’s governmental instability, and the adequacy of the December 5th peace agreement between the military and civilian political parties. Learn about the provisions of the agreement and the fragile transition to a more democratic government that is underway. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Will War Resume Between Armenia And Azerbaijan?
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, the deteriorating Azerbaijan-Armenian ceasefire and control over the former Azerbaijan region of Nagorno-Karabakh. Learn about regional supply blockades, a worsening humanitarian crisis and the hopeful intervention by the European Union to stabilize the conflict. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Can One Of The World’s Largest Refugee Camps Handle A Coming Rush Of Arrivals?
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Dadaab, the world’s largest refugee camp, its ballooning population, and the ability of its humanitarian agencies to provide basic services. Learn about concern over needed infrastructure expansion and a worsening incidence of acute childhood malnutrition. Click here to listen to the podcast.

How To Catch A Dictator
Listen to experts discussing, in February 2023, Hissene Habre, exiled Dictator of Chad, his crimes against humanity, and his ultimate accountability. Learn about Reed Brody, author of “To Catch A Dictator”, and veteran war crimes prosecutor, his coalition, campaign, and practices that brought Habre to justice. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Crisis In Peru
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the escalating political crisis in Peru, its history, current leadership chaos, class-based protests, police corruption, and disproportionate police response. Learn about the escalating cycle of violence and prospects for a consensus leader and political stability. Learn the causes and consequences of this political crisis.  Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Young People May Determine The Outcome Of Major Elections In Nigeria
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the upcoming Nigerian Democratic election, its parties, platforms, and 3rd party candidate Peter Obi. Learn how a protest movement against police brutality, has inspired a youth political awakening that may disrupt traditional 2 party dominance. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Why Are So Many African Countries Facing A Huge Debt Crisis Right Now?
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the elements and complexity of the debt crisis across many African countries. Learn about the causes and consequences of the crisis and what accommodations are required to prevent bankrupting the populations that must live under their government’s unserviceable debt load. Click here to listen to the podcast.

Bangladesh: Protests, Crackdowns And A Coming Election
Listen to experts discussing, in January 2023, the eruption of pre-election protests across Bangladesh, the significance of these protests, it’s skyrocketing inflation and the remarkable economic growth it has experienced under its authoritarian prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Click here to listen to the podcast.

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