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Category Article

15 Aug

Migration Beyond the EU: Externalisation of Borders and Raising Concerns

The EU's new Pact on Migration and Asylum, approved in April 2024, aims to reform Europe's asylum system, but has faced criticism for failing to address and reduce pressures on states of first entry, unlawful pushbacks, and human rights violations. Externalisation policies, used to curb irregular migration, have led to human rights violations in North Africa and neglected long-term migration challenges. Critics call for a more balanced approach, including legal migration pathways and addressing authoritarianism in third countries.

8 Aug

Addressing the Convergencies Between Voluntary Sex Work and Sexual Exploitation for a Sex Positive Culture

Many laws on the criminalisation of sex trafficking and most approaches to the sex work profession lack a distinction between voluntary sex work and exploitation within sex work. This makes the whole fight against sex trafficking result in an objection against the sex work industry as a whole, which, however, increases discrimination against sex workers and has not reduced cases of sex trafficking. The article intends to explore the convergencies between sex trafficking and voluntary sex work, emphasising the real causes of cases of exploitation in the industry, which is capitalist and labourist society and not sex work per se. It also delves into the different legislative approaches to sex work and their implications, promoting respect for the self-determination and freedom of voluntary sex workers.

5 Aug

The “Comfort Women” and Their Right to the Truth

The Imperial Japanese Army forced women from occupied countries into sexual slavery during World War II, referred to as "Comfort Women," with many victims suffering severe physical and psychological abuse. Japan's insufficient acknowledgment of responsibility and reparations remains a subject of international controversy, with critics highlighting the lack of formal apologies and inadequate compensation. Despite non-binding apologies and efforts like the Asian Women’s Fund, survivors and advocates argue Japan has yet to fully address the Right to the Truth and justice for the victims.

4 Jul

Sex Talks: the Rage Against the Sex Industry Disguised as a Fight Against Trafficking

In the US, the SESTA/FOSTA bills, introduced to combat sex trafficking, have worsened the conditions for voluntary sex workers by driving them offline, increasing exposure to violence, and limiting their access to income and health services. The laws, while reducing some trafficking online, fail to address the deeper causes of exploitation and stigmatise consensual sex work, violating workers' rights and freedom of expression. This article argues for distinguishing voluntary sex work from exploitation and emphasises recognising sex work as legitimate labour while advocating for sex workers' autonomy and protection.

1 Jul

The 16th Meeting of the 56th Session of the Human Rights Council: Discussion on Discrimination Against Women and Girls

The Human Rights Council's 16th meeting discussed gender discrimination, highlighting challenges like gender stereotypes, insufficient representation, and violence against women. Recommendations included promoting equality and combating discrimination.

17 Jun

Prosecuting the Taliban Regime’s Violations of CEDAW in Afghanistan: Legal Obstacles

The article examines the potential legal action against the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, assessing the challenges to women's rights within Afghan legislation.

17 Jun

Iran Women’s Movement: A Decade Of Political Activism

The death of Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022, after being detained by Iran's morality police for not wearing her veil correctly, triggered a wave of unprecedented protests across the country. These demonstrations, marked by the participation of women and youth, signal profound social changes in Iran. While the protests of 2022 represent a significant moment, they follow a long history of civil resistance since the 1979 revolution, highlighting the growing importance of women as central figures in Iran's political and social activism. This article explores the evolution and radicalisation of these movements.

8 Jun

The Role of Digital Platforms and Pornography in Online Sexual Violence Cases

This article examines Pornhub's 2020 cases and the positive implications for women in mainstream pornography, highlighting the lack of specific instruments to prevent online violence.

20 May

Being a Black Woman in Italy: a Hyper-Sexualisation Rooted in Colonial Heritage

Italy's Black women face discrimination and harassment due to skin color, racial fetishism, and colonial legacy, perpetuating hyper-sexualization, exclusion, and biases, particularly in Italian colonies.

11 May

Voices in the Rain: Vietnam’s UPR Session Amid NGO Protests

The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of Yemen in Geneva has highlighted significant human rights violations in Yemen, prompting calls for international action and highlighting the country's commitment to addressing these issues.

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Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) is a dedicated advocate for human rights worldwide. Based in The Hague, the city of peace and justice. We work tirelessly to promote and protect the fundamental rights of individuals and communities. Our mission is to create a more just and equitable world, where every person's dignity and freedoms are upheld. Join us in our journey towards a brighter future for all.

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