Tomorrow is international Human Rights Day, recalling the day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
To mark the occasion, my colleagues Paul Aufiero and Kristina Varganova have collected stories from 2022, reminding us of the year’s positive news, particularly when people inspired us all by fighting for their rights. Here are some of them…
In Afghanistan, Resistance Means Women: Happy Human Rights Day to the brave women of Afghanistan who are standing up to the Taliban’s repression and demanding recognition of the right to education and the reopening of girls’ secondary schools. They are calling for respect for women’s fundamental rights and demanding women’s social and political participation in society. We stand with them.
Schoolgirls Leading Iran Protests for Freedom: Women and girls are leading protests across Iran, waving their head coverings and chanting “women, life, freedom!”, after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa (Jina) Amini following her arrest by morality policy in September. The protests and young women at their center are a true story of bravery. (To which, the regime is responding with brutality – see today’s second top story below.)
Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Rights Defenders from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine: This was a great choice, giving well-deserved recognition to the activists fighting for human rights and justice on behalf of populations under siege.
A German Court’s Conviction for State Torture in Syria: The conviction of a former Syrian intelligence officer for crimes against humanity by a German court was the latest in a groundbreaking step toward justice for serious crimes in Syria, and another meaningful moment for civilians who survived torture and sexual abuse in Syria’s prisons.
Colombia Expands Abortion Rights: People in the United States, where the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June, can look to Colombia for inspiration in the fight for reproductive rights.
First Black Woman to Serve on the US Supreme Court: The confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson was a significant step forward for the country.
Indonesia Military Finally Ends Abusive ‘Virginity Test’: In a landmark move, Indonesia’s military has finally ended degrading “virginity tests” as part of the recruitment process for women. (Unfortunately, the country’s new criminal code is a disaster.)