23rd June 2016. As David Cameron sets this date for the upcoming European Union (EU) referendum, the majority of the media coverage focuses on the financial issues the country may face as a result of each outcome. The matter of whether to remain as part of the EU has divided opinions not just across theContinue reading “Brexit: A Human Rights Issue?”
Category Archives: Europe
Slaves Among Us: Modern Day Slavery in the United Kingdom
Modern day slavery affects at least 3,000 to 5,000 people in the UK today. This issue takes the form of domestic servitude, forced labour, and sexual exploitation. The British Empire abolished slavery in July 1833. The act did not take effect immediately. At the time, planters were still to be compensated with 20 million poundsContinue reading “Slaves Among Us: Modern Day Slavery in the United Kingdom”
Where days are numbered
I had the unique opportunity to take part in a field visit for Amnesty International Hungary when they visited the ‘Numbered Streets’, a so-called slum in Miskolc. Miskolc is a large city in northeastern Hungary housing approximately 170,000 residents. The city was particularly influential in the Soviet era, when many factories and mines were locatedContinue reading “Where days are numbered”
Catalan Independence: When Self-Determination and Human Rights Go Hand in Hand
Despite a court injunction barring a referendum, Catalan pro-independence leaders are forging ahead with a November 9th vote that could fracture the Spanish state. At this same time in 2010, support for Catalan independence was at 19%. Currently, support has climbed to a staggering 51% within Catalonia. How could so much have changed in 4Continue reading “Catalan Independence: When Self-Determination and Human Rights Go Hand in Hand”
Roma in Europe – Caught Between Social Crises and Viable Options
It is difficult for local communities to absorb large numbers of itinerant Roma as higher crime-rates seem to follow them wherever they go. Two weeks ago, The Guardian informed readers about a trial in France where the defendants were charged with forcing their children to carry out a series of burglaries. Though making up lessContinue reading “Roma in Europe – Caught Between Social Crises and Viable Options”
Are the Tory’s Toying with Human Rights?
The Conservative Party conference in Manchester took place over four days and drew to a close this Wednesday. Perhaps most notable to readers of this magazine will be what was said (and implied), on Monday regarding Britain’s involvement in the European Convention of Human Rights. Some voices within the party, including Home Secretary Theresa May,Continue reading “Are the Tory’s Toying with Human Rights?”
Pope Francis and Women’s Rights
The Catholic Church has far from a clean record when it comes to the issue of human rights in general, and women’s rights in particular. Whilst much of the world has evolved on the issue of women’s rights, the Catholic Church seems to have adopted a slower approach tackling issues such as women’s leadership –whichContinue reading “Pope Francis and Women’s Rights”
Femmes Fatales: Women in the Military
Women in the military have a history that extends over 400 years into the past. Women all over the world serve in the military and in different roles. Yet only certain nations permit women to fill active combat roles. The US recently overturned a 1994 rule banning women from serving in certain combat positions, potentiallyContinue reading “Femmes Fatales: Women in the Military”
Do They Know It’s Christmas Yet?
In November 1984 supergroup ‘Band Aid’ released their charity single ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’ and sold 3.69 million copies worldwide. Proceeds were to be donated in support of famine relief following Michael Buerk’s report from Ethiopia. The Thatcher government was highly criticised for obtaining the record’s value added tax; only later under much publicContinue reading “Do They Know It’s Christmas Yet?”
The Pussy Riot Controversy: Freedom of Speech vs. Breaching the Peace
All-female Russian punk band Pussy Riot has been thrown into the spotlight following three controversial jail sentences for its members. The women were found guilty of “premeditated hooliganism performed by an organized group of people motivated by religious hatred or hostility”. The arrests followed a spontaneous concert, for which the group are most known for,Continue reading “The Pussy Riot Controversy: Freedom of Speech vs. Breaching the Peace”
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