Russia’s Restricted Voices
Journalists and activist opposed to the Kremlin are under political fire from the Russian government. Nevertheless independent media is unwavering and has a growing appeal of alternative truths. Floriana Fossato shines a light on two women at the center of the harassment reports.
Paul Martin on Human Rights – Interview
Joe Schumacher interviews J. Paul Martin, executive director of the Center for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University, New York Dr. Martin, together with Professor Louis Henkin (University Professor Emeritus/Special Service Professor, Columbia University), founded the Center in 1978, and has served as its executive director ever since. Dr. Martin spent several years as a missionary and university teacher in Africa, and over the years, Dr. Martin’s primary research interest has been human rights education, especially in Africa, as well as religion and human rights. Currently his work is focused on the impact of multinational corporations on developing countries from a human rights perspective.
Do Women and Girls have Human Rights?
Women’s rights groups are trying to give their cause a lift and work past its token status. Slowed by cultural asymmetry and the bureaucracy of international organizations, the fight continues. Ilkkaracan explores the ins and outs of women’s rights campaigns around the globe.
Empathy Education
Sympathy and pity come naturally. But truly understanding a person or group of people may require you to put yourself in their shoes, and that requires empathy. A careful process of teaching and field trips can lead students toward this frame of mind, and a greater understanding of the people around them.
Human Trafficking: Chains of Fraud
Nansiri Iamsuk discusses the complex challenge posed to human rights and peace by the multi-billion dollar human trafficking industry. Focusing on Southeast Asia, Iamsuk shows how victims are deceived and exploited by international criminals, and then ignored or mistreated by governments and/or NGOs that are supposed to help them.
Key words: un, human trafficking, sex trade, slavery, human rights
Getting Away With Murder: The Khmer Rouge Tribunal
After 30 years, a tribunal has finally been established to bring some of those responsible for the Khmer Rouge attrocities to justice. As Sopheada Phy demonstrates, however, the limited scope and poor design of this tribunal will ensure that the justice served will be superficial at best, as many of those, both inside and outside of Cambodia, who supported and sustained the brutal rule of the Khmer Rouge, will not be called to account for their crimes.
The Weird Torture Debate
The Weird Torture Debate Author: Peter Krupa Originally Published at Peace and Conflict Monitor on: 12/16/2005 Category: Editorial The current debate in the US over torture is unbelievably weird. First of all, it’s weird that there’s a debate at all. For a long time the US has prided itself on its humane treatment of people, […]
Massacre Remembered
A recent conference at Columbia University brought vividly to life the events of May 13, 2005 in Andijan, Uzbekistan. Journalists and human rights advocates told riveting tales of the massacre there, where it is estimated over 700 people were murdered. Almost a year has passed now, but in many hearts and minds, Uzbek Bloody Friday is still vivid.
Olympian China: Meet the Largest and Most Censored Pool of Internet Users in the World
As Francesca Musiani writes, the widest mass of Internet end users is now located in an undemocratic country, allowing only a “tamed” version of the Internet, wrapped in state censorship and control. In this special report, Musiani discusses the unique Chinese internet experience and the implications of media regulation on the Olympics and beyond.
The African Court of Justice and Human Rights: Future Political and Jurisdictional Realities and Challenges
Thompson Ugiagbe analyzes the African Court of Justice and Human Rights by examining the court´s use of ratione materiae, ratione personae and ratione temporis . After a careful examination of the challenges the court faces, including accessibility, accountability and unclear provisions, Ugiagbe stresses the need for the Court to base its decisions on principles while being pragmatic in awards, so as to ensure legitimacy. He argues for the revitalization of the African Human Rights Commission as well as building the court´s capacity through training exchange programmes and internships.