From Russia's invasion of Ukraine to unprecedented nationwide protest movements to the ongoing fight to protect women's rights around the world; from extreme weather events related to climate change impacting millions of people to the plights of migrants and asylum seekers, these are just some of the stories that shaped the conversation around human rights in 2022, as told through the work of photojournalists. This is the year in photos.
January: China’s Human Rights Abuses Ahead of the Beijing Olympics
The 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics began amid Chinese government atrocity crimes and China’s "zero-Covid" policy, which had more than 20 million people in some form of lockdown, impacting citizens’ ability to access healthcare, food, and other necessities.
February: War in Ukraine
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fled the country during the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, often leaving with short notice and with little access to food, water, sanitation, and warming stations.
March: The Taliban's Ban on Afghan Girls’ Secondary Education
Afghan girls attended class for the first time in seven months only for schools to be closed hours after re-opening when the Taliban reversed its decision to allow access to secondary education.
April: Sri Lankans Protest Against Corruption Amid an Economic Crisis
Sri Lankan citizens took to the street across the country condemning police violence against protestors and asking for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa amidst a deepening economic crisis.
May: Siege of Mariupol, Ukraine
Russian forces’ assault on the southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol relied on indiscriminate attacks and siege tactics that resulted in disproportionate civilian suffering and loss of life.
May: Shireen Abu Aqla’s Death in Palestine
Prominent journalist Shireen Abu Aqla was killed while reporting on an Israeli military raid in the Jenin Refugee Camp in the northern occupied West Bank. She was shot while wearing a helmet and her Press flak jacket. Her death is still under investigation.
June: Abortion Rollback in the United States
On June 24, the United States Supreme Court delivered an opinion that overturned the landmark Roe v Wade decision which had provided women safe, legal access to abortion. To deny abortion access violates a woman’s basic human rights for sexual and reproductive health and autonomy.
July: Heatwaves Across Europe
Extreme heatwaves swept across Europe this year, where prolonged and unpredictable high temperatures caused thousands of deaths, disproportionately affecting older people and people with disabilities. Temperatures are expected to continue to rise, and climate change-driven heatwaves will be more common.
July: Drought Throughout the Horn of Africa
Severe drought has impacted over 36 million people across the Horn of Africa resulting in increased food insecurity and water scarcity. Long-term investment in water, sanitation, and climate-proof infrastructure by the global community will need to be put in place to safeguard against the unpredictable variations due to climate change.
August: Floods in Pakistan
Pakistan’s monsoon season and glacial melting produced disastrous floods earlier this year that impacted the lives of more than 33 million people across the country, causing billions of dollars in damages to crops, houses, and other buildings, leaving many people without homes.
September: Death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in Iran
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa (Jina) Amini following her arrest by morality policy in Tehran sparked protests across Iran and worldwide marches demanding an end to violence against women in Iran.
October: Venezuelans Turned Away at the US-Mexico Border
In October 2022, Venezuelans seeking asylum in the United States were sent back to Mexico under the abusive Title 42 border expulsion policy. The expulsions put lives at risk and violated international law.
November: World Cup Migrant Worker Abuses in Qatar
Qatar’s ability to host the 2022 World Cup in November depended largely on the migrant workers who built much of the infrastructure for the games. Many of these workers faced injuries, wage theft, and death. Many victims and their families remain uncompensated.
December: Protests Erupt Across China
Unprecedented nationwide protests continued across China as people call for an end to the government’s “zero-Covid” restrictions and for authorities to respect their basic rights and freedoms.
