2024 General Election

Leaving the European convention on human rights won’t stop the boats – but it will create other problems for the UK

— Rishi Sunak threatens to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to address illegal migration, but this won’t legally allow the UK to “stop the boats.” Withdrawal could damage the UK’s international standing, breach the Good Friday Agreement, and strain UK-EU relations.

UK Politics

UK ‘taking back control’ of its borders risks rolling back human rights protections

— The High Court in Belfast ruled key parts of the UK’s Illegal Migration Act incompatible with the Windsor framework, violating asylum seekers’ human rights in Northern Ireland, highlighting the UK’s commitment to human dignity and peace.

Venezuela

Venezuela: Why Maduro is ramping up his attack on free speech

— In Venezuela, a joke in a travel video led to terrorism charges against its author, underscoring President Maduro’s escalating repression of dissent as elections approach amid severe human rights and economic crises.

European Union

What are the EU’s new migration rules, and why did they take so long to pass?

— The European Parliament has passed the Pact on Migration and Asylum after almost ten years of impasse since the 2015 crisis. It aims to distribute responsibilities across EU states, offering nations options to host migrants or pay, amidst ongoing debates about refugees’ rights.

Climate Change

The ECHR’s first climate ruling: What does it mean?

— The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Switzerland violated human rights by not sufficiently tackling climate change, setting a legal precedent for future climate litigation and potentially impacting national policies across Europe.

UK Politics

Theresa May leaves legacy of cruelty for domestic workers

— Theresa May’s heartless policies will go on tormenting migrant domestic workers long after she steps down as MP.

Argentina

Argentina: Javier Milei’s government poses an urgent threat to human rights

— Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in Argentina to commemorate victims of the country’s military dictatorship amid renewed concerns for human rights.

Immigration

Rwanda deal: Why the media should focus more on the policy and less on the politics of immigration

— Media coverage of the government’s migration policies, notably the plan to send undocumented migrants to Rwanda, focuses more on political aspects than policy implications and human rights. Scrutiny should prioritise policy over politics for informed public understanding.

Death Penalty

Why the death penalty is incompatible with democracy

— Despite the global death penalty decline, Kenneth Eugene Smith’s recent Alabama execution raises concerns about democratic principles. The crucial point is that capital punishment violates democracy itself.

UK Politics

Rishi Sunak’s Rwanda bill: How much trouble is the prime minister really in as MPs threaten a parliamentary rebellion?

— The potential significance for Rishi Sunak of losing the Rwanda bill vote, an unusual event, lies in its impact on immigration policy. However, winning the vote isn’t particularly noteworthy, as more challenges are anticipated, including the possibility of rebellion and amendments.

Disabilities

UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people

— UK’s new back-to-work plan will make life even harder for disabled people. Progressive welfare reform would tackle disablist policies, banning sanctions and raising benefits to reflect the true costs of living.

Immigration

Supreme Court rules Rwanda plan unlawful: A legal expert explains the judgment, and what happens next

— The UK Supreme Court deems the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful, citing concerns about refoulement and lack of respect for non-refoulement principles. The ruling challenges the government’s Illegal Migration Act, necessitating a reevaluation of asylum policies.

Human Rights

How Saudi Arabia’s unchallenged 2034 World Cup bid could weaken Fifa’s human rights demands

— The Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup has been marred by controversies, such as allegations of bid bribery and human rights issues. With Saudi Arabia poised to host the 2034 edition, advocacy organisations are urging FIFA to ensure concrete, legally binding commitments to safeguard human rights.

Civil Rights Movement

Isaac Newton Farris Jr.’s remarks 60th-anniversary March on Washington

— Sixty years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela fought for Democracy and against segregation. Today, the fight is not just about electing officials but ensuring a judiciary that upholds equality and liberty for all.

Immigration

Sending UK asylum seekers to Ascension Island is a legal non-starter – if the government really is planning to do it

— The UK government is briefing that a remote patch of land in the South Atlantic, Ascension Island, could become a processing hub for people crossing the Channel in small boats.

Japan

Watered-down LGBTQ ‘understanding’ bill shows how far Japan’s parliament is out of step with its society – and history

— Japan has a rich queer history and is seeing societal changes in favour of greater LGBTQ recognition. That said, national politicians have yet to catch up.