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Newest Debates Series:

 

Social science experiments: How can they support the work of human rights advocates?

Human rights scholars are increasingly using experimental research methods to explore the impact and efficacy of human rights work. In this series, authors explore when and how experiments can help support evidence-based human rights advocacy. Read on...

Resilience as resistance: Mental health & well-being in human rights

The mental health and well-being of advocates has often been neglected by human rights organizations, funders, and advocates. This series examines a range issues including: research on the mental heath impacts of human rights work, obstacles to advancing mental health and well-being, and strategies to prevent and alleviate the harmful effects of human rights work. Read on...

Engaging with perpetrators for human rights: When, how and at what cost?

This debate explores various perspectives on whether, when and how to engage with perpetrators of human rights abuses, including discussions of ethical, moral and strategic considerations. Read on...

Our latest:

Human rights data used the wrong way can be misleading

Meg Satterthwaite 1 September 2016

While data is important for human rights advocacy, the risks of misleading people are also very real and advocates must insist on rigor.

 

Fighting misconceptions and logistics to raise funds in Brazil

Ana Valéria Araújo and Maíra Junqueira 31 August 2016

Logistical issues and lack of awareness among Brazilians have created significant—but not insurmountable—obstacles to fundraising for human rights. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on funding and human rights. Español, Português

Opening up civic space requires creativity and careful navigation

Rachel Hayman 30 August 2016

Even where civil society space is constrained, local organisations can create positive relationships with state and external actors. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on closing space for civil society. Ру́сский, العربية

The UN undermined both public health and human rights in Haiti

Valerie Percival 25 August 2016

Failing to acknowledge its involvement in the 2010 Cholera outbreak in Haiti, the UN undermined public health norms and violated the human rights standards that it asks countries to uphold. Español

The end of the grant era

Ellen Sprenger 24 August 2016

Asking donors for money and then implementing programs is an old model from which civil society must break free. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on funding and human rights.  Español

Will tougher sentences prevent female genital mutilation in Egypt?

Amel Fahmy 18 August 2016

Egypt is considering tougher sentences and stiffer fines for doctors and parents who perform female genital mutilation on their daughters. But will that change anything? العربية

It’s time for development banks to start listening

Maina Kiai 17 August 2016

The aid community often ignores the wishes of the very people it’s supposed to be helping. The world needs a more bottom-up approach to development. A contribution to openGlobalRights’ closing space for civil society debate. Español

New Katanga trial shows DRC’s potential to try complex international crimes

Paul Seils and Myriam Raymond-Jetté 16 August 2016

A DRC warlord convicted by the ICC will now also face prosecution by national courts in the DRC—an enormously welcome step.

New approach to refugee protection must prioritize self-sufficiency

Mallory Mroz 15 August 2016

A new approach to refugee protection needs to draw on the principles of self-sufficiency to prevent aid dependency and let refugees work so that they contribute to host communities.

Human rights and the failed coup in Turkey

Richard Falk 11 August 2016

There are risks for human rights in the post-coup purges in Turkey. But we must applaud more loudly the coup’s failure as a victory for human rights and democracy. Türkçe

Taking stock—the Universal Periodic Review's achievements and opportunities

Aoife Hegarty and Hans Fridlund 11 August 2016

After 10 years, the UN’s Universal Periodic Review mechanism for scrutinizing Member States’ human rights records is having a real impact—but more must be done to ensure its continued success. Français

In Venezuela, data is power

Christian Medina-Ramirez 10 August 2016

Venezuela’s lack of reliable data on socio-economic metrics poses both challenges and opportunities for human rights advocates. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on closing space for civil society. Español

Human rights organizations and the state: how different are we really?

Maayan Geva 9 August 2016

How different are human rights organizations and the state institutions they challenge? A key Israel group has pulled away from cooperation with the army, arguing that some close ties are counter-productive.

Dying in pain in the global South

Diana Guarnizo 8 August 2016

Throughout the developing world, people are dying in pain due to an inability to access proper medication. But the problem is about much more than money. Español

Phantom rights: the systemic marginalization of economic and social rights

Philip Alston 4 August 2016

Neither the UN nor civil society is doing much about the deep resistance of many states to proper recognition of economic and social rights. A contribution to openGlobalRights’ economic and social rights debate. Español

To implement Agenda 2030 in Africa, people must be at the centre

Charles Kojo Vandyck and Maame Darkwaa Twum Barima 3 August 2016

Increasing threats to citizens’ freedoms will derail the sustainable development goals. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on closing space for civil society.

Are human rights treaties a “reputational umbrella” for foreign investment?

Ana Carolina Garriga 2 August 2016

Evidence suggests that human rights treaties provide a reputational shield for companies to invest in the worst rights-violating countries.

Scientists and engineers as partners in protecting human rights

Theresa Harris 1 August 2016

Growing interest in pro bono service among scientists and engineers is generating new opportunities for human rights organizations. Español

Mapping global business opinions on human rights

Marc Limon 28 July 2016

A global survey of over 800 corporate leaders shows overwhelming recognition that companies must respect human rights, although confusion regarding the exact scope of their duties is a key obstacle to action.  

Impact investing: a new player in protecting human rights?

Motoko Aizawa 27 July 2016

Impact investing is rewriting the way companies can improve human rights conditions.

 

Colombia’s constrained peace process: how courts alter peace-making

Sandra Borda, Courtney Hillebrecht, and Alexandra Huneeus 26 July 2016

The Colombia case shows international courts do impact local peace-making, but in ways more subtle and nuanced than commonly claimed. A contribution to openGlobalRights debate on the ICC. Español

In Asia, freedom of speech is critical in the fight for human rights

Henri Tiphagne and Marte Hellema 25 July 2016

Protecting freedom of speech, assembly and association in Asia is the lynchpin to protecting all human rights. A contribution to the openGlobalRights debate on closing space for civil society.