Articles tagged with Human Rights
USC researchers have developed a new methodology to measure the success of public health work while considering human rights concerns. The approach identifies approximately 40 key indicators that can monitor human rights dimensions in public health services, helping ensure that services serve the people they intend to reach.
The research highlights the importance of peaceful transition to inclusive democracy and power-sharing in facilitating voluntary returns. Notably, older people with positive memories of before wartime were more likely to return, while women were less likely to want to go back. The study also emphasizes the crucial role of lawyers and n...
Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Human Rights Science has received a $100,000 grant from Open Society Foundations to explore the positive impact of emerging technologies on human rights. The grant will enable the center to catalog and share developing technologies with the broader human rights community.
The discovery of 15 new species in the genus 'smiley faced' spiders challenges previous estimates of biodiversity in the Caribbean. Researchers named these species after notable figures including Obama, Sanders, David Bowie and DiCaprio to promote awareness about human rights, equality and climate change.
A UC researcher examines how President Trump's 'hell of a lot worse than waterboarding' rhetoric affects legal norms. The study finds that the Trump administration is breaking from previous administrations' efforts to justify controversial practices.
A new paper aims to establish a global standard for social responsibility in the seafood sector by focusing on human rights violations and improving food and livelihood security. The initiative calls for governments, businesses, and nonprofits to work together to address these social challenges.
A University of Kansas study found that US grant programs providing training to international military and civilian personnel since 1995 are tied to fewer conflict-related civilian casualties. In contrast, arms-sales programs have no effect on improving human rights in foreign countries.
A new study calls for a global code of conduct for marine conservation, considering social justice and accountability practices. The code could ensure fair governance and respect for fishers' livelihoods, food sovereignty and dignity.
The FRAME project offers 40 policy recommendations to protect human rights in the EU, focusing on migration, austerity measures, and social rights. The proposals include broadening access to humanitarian visas and family reunification to reduce smuggling incentives.
A study estimates that 814 medical personnel were killed in the Syrian conflict, with nearly 200 attacks on health facilities in 2016. The authors call for greater accountability and protection for health workers, highlighting the need to address human rights law violations.
Case Western Reserve University awards Marian Wright Edelman the 2017 Inamori Ethics Prize for her life's work as a fierce advocate for children's rights, poverty alleviation, and access to education. The founder of the Children's Defense Fund has championed policies to protect vulnerable populations and ensure their well-being.
The war on drugs has devastating effects on human rights and public health worldwide. Experts call for drug policy reform, citing mass incarceration's failure to deter drug consumption or trafficking. They also highlight the lack of access to medicines like morphine to treat pain in millions of people.
Over 300 participants from 80 nations share expertise on torture rehabilitation, addressing issues like Syria's refugee crisis and Guantanamo Bay survivors' denied rehabilitation. The symposium aims to deliver on the right to rehabilitation, a UN-recognized right for victims of torture.
Researchers developed an AI method to predict ECtHR outcomes by analyzing case text with a machine learning algorithm. The method identified non-legal facts as key determinants of judgements, supporting previous findings on high-level court decision-making processes.
The practice of female genital mutilation/cutting affects millions worldwide, causing physical and psychological harm. Alternative rites of passage, such as education and community celebrations, hold promise in eliminating this harmful tradition.
Researchers in Madrid are working on a three-year project to improve laws regarding disability, focusing on universal design and accessibility. They aim to integrate all stakeholders and create new specialists in disability support, while analyzing existing regulations and proposals to develop alternative frameworks.
A new study estimates that the world's 60 million refugees need at least 2.78 million surgeries annually, with many types of care, including C-sections and burn care, being essential but often neglected in crisis situations. The researchers call for increased attention to surgical needs in refugee populations.
A recent study found that 40% of women in Delhi experienced sexual harassment in the past year, leading to a significant impact on their daily lives. The research highlights the importance of addressing women's safety in public spaces and implementing effective measures to prevent such incidents.
A new review in the Annals of Global Health explores the health consequences of climate change, including increased vector-borne diseases, foodborne illnesses, and mental health problems. Experts call for decisive action to prepare for and mitigate the effects of climate change on public health.
The Boston Center for Refugee Health & Human Rights is expanding its services to provide novel programs and support medical, behavioral and social services for torture survivors and their families. The center will gather outcomes data and build critical infrastructure related to new initiatives and programs.
The center will use the funding to develop new ways of collecting, processing, archiving, and analyzing large volumes of user-generated photographic and video evidence. This technology is currently only available to military, corporate, and intelligence personnel.
The O'Neill Institute and WOLA are developing guidelines for public health approaches to legalizing marijuana, drawing from research and experience in regulating other products like tobacco and alcohol. The project aims to minimize public health harms and maximize benefits, with a focus on expert input from the public health community.
International terrorism and the Islamic State are top foreign policy issues facing the next president, with most Americans opposing military intervention. Diplomacy is a widely supported approach to addressing global problems, including human rights and economic interests.
NYU researchers have received a MacArthur Foundation grant to develop cutting-edge visualization tools for human rights advocates. The team, led by Enrico Bertini, Oded Nov, and Margaret Satterthwaite, aims to help organizations effectively display complex data on human rights violations, conflict-related deaths, and economic injustices.
Women's human rights addressing maternal mortality and morbidity is crucial globally. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in tackling gender inequalities and domestic violence by embedding human rights principles into care delivery.
A study of over 135,000 people found no correlation between psychedelic use and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. The researchers suggest that psychedelics may even be linked to fewer mental health problems, with benefits including deeply meaningful experiences and lasting positive effects.
Professor John Savage argues that a multistakeholder model is key to maintaining a free and open Internet. He suggests disaggregating governance into smaller, manageable issues and utilizing existing international organizations for non-technical public policy matters.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh found that individuals who generate creative solutions tend to build on existing ideas rather than using unrelated concepts. The study, published in Design Studies, collected data from over 350 participants and showed that ideas closely related to a problem were more likely to be ...
A new study finds that autocratic leaders who sign human-rights treaties do so for domestic political maneuvering rather than economic gains. The researchers analyzed four core treaties and found no evidence of tangible material rewards for ratification.
A Monash University study reveals that 42 Commonwealth countries continue to criminalize homosexuality, posing a threat to the LGBTQI community. The laws violate basic human rights and are fueled by religious beliefs in some nations.
A major new Series on HIV and sex workers published in The Lancet concludes that decriminalizing sex work is crucial for controlling the HIV pandemic. Decriminalization could avert at least a third of HIV infections among sex workers and their clients, while reducing sexual violence and improving access to healthcare.
A new measurement model reveals that human rights are actually improving, contrary to common claims. The model takes into account changes in data collection and categorization, showing more countries with better human rights records.
New research suggests that diplomatic pressure and sanctions by the international community can actually support regimes in power, rather than changing their behavior. Countries like Cuba have successfully used stigma and shaming to maintain their sovereignty and resist Western influence. The findings highlight the need for a deeper un...
A law academic suggests surveillance minimisation as a way forward to rebuild public trust after revelations about personal data collection. The concept applies the principle of data minimisation to communications surveillance, targeting it rather than making it universal and warranting its use at data access points.
Despite Kaesong industrial zone reopening, North Korean scholar Dr. Sang-Yi O-Rauch expects no improvement in human rights due to the regime's control and terror system. The country's brutal oppression of its people is rooted in Kim Jong-un's power struggle, with an estimated 200,000 people detained in camps.
DNA identification technology is essential for humanitarian efforts, yet unequal access restricts its use. International structures are necessary to promote fair and efficient access, prevent misuse, and ensure victim rights.
A UCLA-led study found that 73% of UN member states guarantee the right to medical care services, while only 27% guarantee public health. The US does not have a constitutional right to health care, despite universal recognition of the right to health.
A new report highlights the challenges of collecting DNA for human rights purposes, such as protecting victims of human trafficking. The authors propose multiple approaches and solutions to combat this issue, including collaboration among government authorities, law enforcement, social services, academics, and victim advocates.
The MacArthur Foundation has awarded Carnegie Mellon University a $175,000 grant to investigate the role of social media and big data analytics in advancing human rights protection. The project aims to analyze the effectiveness of these technologies in gathering and analyzing data on human suffering and political repression.
The study finds that Jewish-Israeli children of Holocaust survivors and Cambodian-Canadians reject the idea of inherited trauma, instead embracing their parents' memory as a source of empowerment. Cultural values and worldviews play a significant role in shaping responses to trauma.
An international advisory group argues that female genital surgeries are poorly understood and unfairly characterized, citing medical research and cultural complexities. The practice is often misconstrued as mutilation and a violation of human rights, but experts argue it's an aesthetic enhancement in many societies.
A study found that plus-sized consumers create a collective identity as 'fatshionistas' and mobilize for greater inclusion by identifying influential designers and retailers. The authors identify institutional entrepreneurs like Beth Ditto who inspire the movement.
A new Cochrane Review concludes that all countries should consider establishing proper home birth services to provide low-risk pregnant women with informed choice options. Home births in many settings can be as safe as hospital births with fewer interventions and complications, according to the review.
A study published in PLOS Medicine analyzed medical records of 325 patients attending a clinic in Darfur, finding consistent evidence of torture, including beatings, gunshot wounds, and sexual assault. The research enhances the credibility of patient claims, but lacks data to corroborate assailant identities or genocidal intent.
Human rights violations against people with mental and psychosocial disabilities are pervasive in low-income and middle-income countries due to stigma and discrimination. The authors advocate adopting the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities framework and implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent these viola...
In Malawi, public radio has become an unlikely platform for ordinary people to air their grievances about abuse and corruption. The Nkhani Zam'maboma programme features contributions by villagers, highlighting local development success stories that often reveal complaints about leaders' behaviour. This approach highlights the complexit...
The Nuffield Council on Bioethics proposes a framework to address ethical concerns in biofuel production, focusing on human rights, environmental sustainability, and fair trade. Biofuels are seen as a vital renewable energy source, but current policies have backfired, causing deforestation and displacing indigenous populations.
A study published in PLoS Medicine reveals that medical personnel at Guantánamo Bay failed to investigate and document causes of physical injuries and psychological symptoms in detainees. The review of nine cases corroborates allegations of torture, highlighting a breach of fundamental human rights.
A study by Physicians for Human Rights found that 91.9% of households in Chin State reported forced labor and other human rights violations. The authors conclude that widespread reporting of rights abuses may amount to crimes against humanity.
Experts argue that Canada's assisted death laws should be linked to equal access to palliative care, highlighting a need to address the country's inequitable healthcare system. The Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary emphasizes the importance of optimized palliative care before considering legalization.
The Lancet criticizes Canada and Quebec governments for exporting asbestos, a cause of deadly mesothelioma, to developing countries. The export will continue due to a loan guarantee, sparking protests and concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable populations.
The PLoS Medicine Editorial argues that drug companies' human rights responsibilities have not been adequately addressed, despite the need to make medicines available to those in need. The editorial highlights the importance of accountability and calls for an external body to monitor pharmaceutical companies' policies and practices.
Researchers found mortality rates 3-5 times higher than sub-Saharan Africa average, with 81% forced to flee homes since 2002. High percentages reported traumatic events and symptoms consistent with depression and anxiety. The study informs aid programs, security sector reforms and accountability processes.
A community-based maternal health delivery strategy, MOM, implemented in eastern Burma improved access to antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendants, and family planning. The project increased women's participation in these services by up to tenfold, with modern contraception use rising from 24% to 45%.
The CAPRISA 004 trial results demonstrate the effectiveness of a 1% tenofovir gel in reducing a woman's risk of HIV transmission. This breakthrough provides a tool for women to take control of their health and protect themselves from HIV infection.
A review of evidence shows widespread abuse of human rights among people who use drugs, increasing risk of HIV infection. Rights-based responses have had good results in implementing harm reduction services and involving people in policy development.
A Palestinian perspective on aid critiques the politics behind aid provided to the occupied territory, highlighting how it maintains an unacceptable situation. The authors argue that generous aid subsidizes Israel's expansion and perpetuates donor dependency, with 42% of health expenditure financed by donors.
A new symposium investigates the link between terrorism and human rights, finding that restricting citizens' rights can fuel terrorism. The research also suggests that governmental repression in response to terrorism is limited, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to curbing terrorism.
A report by Queen's University Belfast finds that Northern Ireland's social housing provision is inadequately funded, violating international human rights standards. The report recommends increasing funding for new social housing and tackling land banking practices to address the housing crisis.
Survivors of Cyclone Nargis continue to face challenges in accessing relief and reconstruction efforts, with basic rights remaining unmet. Community-based organizations play a crucial role in responding to disasters in challenging settings like Burma.