Equality before the law and individual liberties12. March
Legislative constraints on the executive08. January
Pope hosts cardinals after calls for collegial governance
How democratic is the Catholic Church? This question is not explicitly addressed when Pope Lei XIV currently meets in the Vatican with cardinals from around the world for consultations. However, how and by whom the Church is governed does play a role as a topic of discussion.
Equal distribution of resources30. December
US tells UN to "adapt, shrink, or die" as it cuts funding sharply
The US has accused the UN of abandoning its mission of promoting global peace, instead promoting radical social ideologies that undermine peace and has cut funding to UN humanitarian programmes. Secretary Rubio said the deal would ensure more lives saved for fewer dollars.
Freedom of expression and alternative sources of information15. December
UNESCO: Global freedom of expression has significantly deteriorated
UNESCO sees freedom of speech as under threat from self-censorship and avoidance of sensitive issues by media professionals. Hate speech and defamation laws are being used to silence the press, and there is increased polarization and a decline in trust in information, it says.
Civil Society Participation10. December
UN rights chief sees rights under fire but youth offers hope
According to UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk, the current pushback on human rights had sparked a groundswell of human rights activism.
Freedom of expression09. December
Reporters without Borders: 67 journalists killed over past 12 months
In the last twelve months 67 journalists died in connection with their work, mostly as victims of war. Many more are imprisoned or missing, Reporters without Borders reports.
Freedom of expression05. December
Facebook Oversight Board admits "frustrations" beside achievements
An internal Oversight Board at Facebook—now Meta—began its work five years ago. Now, the group has presented a review of its work so far. The assessment is mixed: there have been some successes, but also frustration. And the next challenges are already awaiting.
Equality before the law and individual liberties07. November
US refuses to take part in UN review of its human rights record
The US has joined Israel in rejecting a UN review of its rights record by leaving an empty chair at a working group in Geneva. The US had previously withdrawn from the UN's rights council, reflecting disenchantment with the organization on the part of the Trump administration.
Freedom of expression30. October
Wife of detained British political commentator calls for his release
How far does freedom of expression go? It's the question at the heart of the case of the detainment of British political commentator Sami Hamdi by ICE in San Francisco. His arrest is triggered by his criticism of the Israeli government, his wife and lawyers say.