Global Affairs

Trusted news agencies tracing tendencies of democratisation and autocratisation globally

23. January

Germany, Ethiopia warn against collapse of rules-based order

Equal distribution of resources19. January

Surging billionaire wealth is a political threat, Oxfam warns

Legislative constraints on the executive08. January

Pope hosts cardinals after calls for collegial governance

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.

DNA

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.

DNA

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.

DNA

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.

DNA

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.

AFP English

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 The US had previously withdrawn from the UN's rights council, reflecting disenchantment with the organization on the part of the Trump administration.

DNA

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.

Individual liberties21. October

Religious freedom continues to decline worldwide, according to report

Two-thirds of the global population is affected by a growing number of "serious violations" of religious freedom, a new report by a Catholic association warns.

DNA

Civil Society Participation15. October

The "Gen Z Revolution": a modern reinterpretation of democratic values

They are fed up with corrupt politicians and empty promises. Young protesters from Generation Z are putting pressure on their governments in Africa, Asia and South America. In doing so, they are putting their own spin on democratic values.

DNA

15. September

Israel slams UN General Assembly endorsement of two-state solution

Israel has rejected a UN General Assembly motion calling for a two-state solution as "detached from reality." The US was also critical. Hours earlier, Netanyahu had said: "There will be no Palestinian state" as he launched a key settlement project on the West Bank.

DNA

15. August

Navalny's widow tells Putin before summit to release war opponents

As Trump and Putin began their first summit since the start of the Ukraine war, Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, called for the release of Russian political prisoners. While expressing hope for the summit, she was also sceptical of its success.

DNA

15. August

UNESCO urges access to education for Afghan women

The UN's educational and cultural body has issued a call to the world to pressure the Taliban to allow women to receive formal education in Afghanistan. UNESCO believes as many as 2.2 million young women have been denied the right to an education.

DNA

13. August

US criticises Europe in report for alleged restrictions on free speech

Donald Trump and the new US administration have a different view of the global human rights situation than President Joe Biden did in previous years. In an annual report on the matter, the focus has shifted. Long-standing partners of the US are now also facing harsh criticism.