Conflict-related Sexual Violence

World | Conflict and Excess
The effects of sexual violence echo across generations, through trauma, stigma, poverty, poor health and unwanted pregnancy. The children whose existence emanates from that violence have been labelled “bad blood” or “children of the enemy”, and alienated from their mother’s social group. Their vulnerability may leave them susceptible to recruitment, radicalization and trafficking. In South Sudan, sexual violence has become so prevalent that members of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan have described women and girls as “collectively traumatized”.

Bridging Gaps in African Democracies

Africa | Democratic Processes
In 2019, general elections will be held in many African countries, offering them an opportunity to deepen, consolidate, and institutionalize democracy and strengthen their governance systems. Nevertheless, as the 2018 presidential elections in several African countries have shown, without a governing process supported by true separation of powers, effective checks and balances, an independent judiciary, a free press, and a robust and politically active civil society, the 2019 elections will most likely have limited impact on freedom and equality across the continent.

Making Sense of Migration

World | Migration
International migration is a complex phenomenon that touches on a multiplicity of economic, social and security aspects affecting our daily lives in an increasingly interconnected world. Migration is a term that encompasses a wide variety of movements and situations that involve people of all walks of life and backgrounds. More than ever before, migration touches all states and people in an era of deepening globalization. Migration is intertwined with geopolitics, trade and cultural exchange, and provides opportunities for states, businesses and communities to benefit enormously.

Stunned By Law Mine, Goa Govt Treads Gingerly

India | Policy
In a breather for the mining industry, the Supreme Court on April 4, 2018, allowed the export of iron ore from loading points on river jetties while disposing a joint special leave application filed by Vedanta Resources and another local mining company. The Apex Court bench of Justice Madan Lokur and Justice Deepak Gupta maintained the iron ore for which royalty has been paid to the state government and has been extracted on or before March 15 this year, should be allowed to be transported. Senior advocate Shyam Divan and Kapil Sibal, appearing for the firms, had argued those ores were excavated prior to March 15 and firms had statutory approvals for export.

Human Rights of Victims of Terrorism

World | Terrorism
States have different approaches to countering and preventing the spread of terrorism, however, underpinning all actions is the need to uphold the right to life of their people. Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights explicitly articulates States’ obligations to protect the right of life of individuals under its territory, and it is this obligation that must remain central to the actions of Member States when responding and preventing acts of terrorism.