From protest to power: #ShutItAllDown movement transforms into political force for Namibia’s future

From protest to power: #ShutItAllDown movement transforms into political force for Namibia’s future

By Dilia Mazula The #Shutitalldown movement, originally known for its groundbreaking protest in October 2020 following the tragic death of 22-year-old Shannon Wasserfall, whose remains were reportedly found buried in a shallow grave 6 months after she went missing, recently announced its transition from a grassroots advocacy group to a political party, aiming to actively participate in Namibia's 2024 parliamentary elections. Speaking to Future Media News, Ndilokelwa Nthengwe, an […]

January 10, 2024 62

World

South Korea bans dog meat trade

South Korea has passed a new law, that aims to end the slaughter and selling of dogs for their meat by 2027. The BBC reports that under the law, raising or slaughtering dogs for consumption will be banned, as will distributing or selling dog meat. Those butchering dogs could face up to three years in prison, while those who raise dogs for meat or sell dog meat could serve a […]

January 9, 2024 14

Opinion Pieces

South Africa’s genocide case against Israel: expert sets out what to expect from the International Court of Justice

By Magnus Killander, University of Pretoria The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will be holding public hearings on 11-12 January at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the court, in a case brought by South Africa against Israel. South Africa has accused Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention in its military bombardment and siege of Gaza, which started after the deadly 7 October Hamas attack […]

January 9, 2024 18

Opinion Pieces

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest democracies, but it’s weaponising defamation laws to smother dissent

Tim Mann, The University of Melbourne Two former coordinators of one of Indonesia’s most prominent human rights organisations have escaped conviction in a defamation case brought by a powerful government minister. While their astonishing acquittal is welcome, the case marked a bleak new low for freedom of expression in one of the world’s largest democracies. Haris Azhar and Fatia Maulidiyanti, who had coordinated the Commission for the Disappeared and Victims […]

January 9, 2024 19

Africa

Uganda court hears challenge to harsh anti-gay law

Uganda’s Constitutional Court is hearing a case challenging the anti-homosexuality law that came into effect in May. The law imposes severe punishments on those convicted of same-sex acts including the death penalty for some crimes. According to the BBC, it is being challenged by a group of both individuals and human rights organisations who argue that it violates constitutional rights and freedoms.

December 18, 2023 7

Namibia

For national women’s day we spoke to a few Namibians on the streets

With December 10th being international Humans Rights Day, and International women's day for Namibia, we spoke to a few people on the streets to find out why they think its important to have a designated day to celebrate Namibian women. And this is what they had to say. https://youtu.be/x5wCOuAonOE

December 12, 2023 21

Namibia

Apartheid in Namibia: why human rights and women are celebrated on the same day

By Henning Melber, University of Pretoria, via the conversation 10 December is worldwide commemorated as Human Rights Day. It marks the anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted on that day in 1948. Many countries and organisations acknowledge this as a significant marker. It created a lasting, normative framework defining fundamental human rights. UN Member States, while in constant violation, have all ratified the principles. They remain […]

December 8, 2023 13

Namibia

NamPol launches operation against GBV in Oshikoto

The Namibian Police Force and the Men and Women Network against Crime in the Oshikoto Region have initiated a three-day operation to address gender-based violence (GBV). The regional police deputy commissioner, Wynand Neels, stated during the launch in Omuthiya on Monday that the operation is scheduled to take place from 04 to 06 December 2023. It aligns with the 16 days of activism against GBV campaign which started on 25 […]

December 5, 2023 7

World

UN Human Rights Office calls for political solution for Israel-Hamas conflict

The United Nations Human Rights Office is calling for a political solution to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, built on the only viable long-term basis, the full respect of the human rights of Palestinians and Israelis. UN Human Rights chief Volker Türk says the renewed and intensified hostilities will lead to even more deaths, diseases, and destruction than seen before.

December 4, 2023 21