South Africa South African communities vs Shell: high court victories show that cultural beliefs and practices count in climate cases Oyster gatherers on a Wild Coast beach at low tide. The sea is integral to these communities’ lives and culture. PaulGregg By Louise Du Toit, University of Southampton; Brewsters Caiphas Soyapi, North-West University, and Louis Kotzé, North-West University When the Shell petroleum company announced in 2021 that it wanted to explore for fossil fuels off South Africa’s pristine Wild Coast, Indigenous communities in the area immediately fought […] todayMay 20, 2024 28
insert_link World Chinese journalist jailed for reporting on Wuhan COVID-19 outbreak to be released The current whereabouts of a Chinese citizen journalist, Zhang Zhan, who was imprisoned for four years due to her reporting on the early days of the pandemic in Wuhan, remain unknown, causing concern among activists. Zhang Zhan was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of “picking quarrels and provoking trouble,” a vague charge frequently used in political cases. She completed her sentence at Shanghai’s Women Prison. The Associated […] todayMay 14, 2024 22
insert_link Africa Female genital mutilation is on the rise in Africa: disturbing new trends are driving up the numbers By Tamsin Bradley, University of Portsmouth Thirteen-year-old Salamatu Jalloh had her whole future to look forward to. But in January 2023, her lifeless body was found wrapped in a pink and blue shroud on an earthen floor in a village in north-west Sierra Leone. Salamatu and two other girls bled to death after participating in a secret Bondo society initiation into womanhood. The ceremony, which […] todayMay 13, 2024 25
insert_link Namibia Namibia sees increase in violence against LGBTQAI+ community Two additional suspects, 23-year-old Tashiya Nandomba and 21-year-old Joslin Booysen, have appeared in the Katutura Magistrate’s Court in connection with the brutal murder of Christoph Fredericks, a transgender woman who was stabbed 42 times. This incident highlights the increase in violence against LGBTQAI+ community members in Namibia. Linda Baumann, an activist for women's and LGBTQI rights, for comment. todayMay 9, 2024 36
insert_link Africa Zimbabwe’s likely to abolish the death penalty: how it got here and what it means for the continent By Frans Viljoen, University of Pretoria Zimbabwe is likely to abolish capital punishment, following a cabinet decision on 7 February 2024. However, its parliament still has to endorse the move and pass the necessary law enabling the change. The question is when this will happen, especially since it appears that it would require a constitutional amendment. When this happens, Zimbabwe will not only draw a line […] todayMay 8, 2024 13
insert_link Local Community urged to unite against gender-based violence following tragic incidents. The Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (MGEPESW) strongly condemns the recent tragic incidents of violence against women and children in Namibia, particularly the alarming prevalence of rape. We are gravely distressed by the loss of innocent lives and the brutal violations of human dignity that have unfolded. The tragic death of Ms. Angelique Delia Maarsdorp, a victim who appears to have been ruthlessly […] todayMay 3, 2024 17
insert_link World OHCHR alarmed by reports of mass graves in Gaza Disturbing reports continue to emerge about mass graves in Gaza in which Palestinian victims were found reportedly stripped naked with their hands tied. Responding to these developments the UN human rights office OHCHR expressed deep concern about possible war crimes. OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. In the statement, the United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk said the UN human rights office had "renewed concerns about possible war crimes" after officials […] todayApril 24, 2024 39
insert_link Africa Pressure mounts in Mali to nullify military’s political activity suspension Pressure is mounting in Mali on the Supreme Court to nullify the military government's order which seeks to suspend political activities. A group of political parties and civil society organizations have filed an appeal at the top court arguing that the order is repressive. Nabil Ahmed Rufai reports from Accra. todayApril 23, 2024 6
insert_link World Five people die attempting to cross the English Channel United Kingdom Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill will finally become law after a parliamentary showdown ended late in the night. According to the BBC, plans to send some asylum seekers to Africa have met with fierce criticism, but the bill passed on Monday when the Lords dropped their opposition. Sunak said in a statement "Nothing will stand in our way" now of getting flights off the ground". Meanwhile, French authorities say […] todayApril 23, 2024 14
