Human Rights

I am convinced that we also need gender mainstreaming in peace and security policy! Greeting from the Federal Minister for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Lisa Paus, MP

The landmark application by the South African government to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to institute proceedings against Israel for its reprisal military assault against the people of Gaza, following the 7th October 2023 attacks and kidnappings in Israel, caught the majority of the world off-guard. It represents a significant judicial test to the functionality of the international multilateral system.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted seventy-five years ago this week. In view of the crimes committed in Germany’s name and the Shoah, this anniversary presents the country with a particular challenge in this post-October 7 world.

The ‘My Voice, My Weapon’ music video promotes freedom of expression by raising young people's awareness for the role that they have to play in bringing about positive change and sustainable development. It is composed by the African Creative Action Network (ACAN) in partnership with Africans Rising.

The ‘Hope on the Horizon’ music video depicts the Africa that the young artists would like to see: A strong, united, prosperous Africa. The ‘artivists’ (artists + activists) creatively remind us of things that are holding back Africa’s economic take-off and the elements on which it must rely for its sustainable development. The music video is composed by ACAN (African Creative Action Network) in collaboration with Africans Rising.

Art can be a disruptive form of expression and a powerful tool to shift existing political and social realities. However, in Kenya, the creative industry is often corrupt, and the government ignores many young artists, especially those who speak up for democracy and human rights. The Kenyan psychologist and human rights defender Salima Macharia shares some insights gained through her daily work with young artivists (artist + activist) from informal settlements in Nairobi.

The "Missing Voices" human rights network from Kenya which grew out of the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya (PRWG-K) is fighting on the front line to end the vicious cycle of police abuse of power. They partnered with Juliani, Flawless Konya, Mugureness, Anthem Republiq, and Abudabi Tembekali to create ‘Uwaga’ a music video aimed to inspire Kenyans to stand up against police brutality by illustrating the power of unity and re-imagining a nation whose principles are founded on equality and justice. 

This spoken word piece by Loveth Liberty explores how a rising young Nigerian population could inspire 'another story' much different from today's reality.

The Thought Leadership Programme at Triangle Project was identified to address the historical legacies of Apartheid South Africa. Young Black LGBTQI+ people in South Africa still bear the brunt of our history and do not have innovative and structured places to create social mobility to participate in the democratic agenda. These young LGBTQI+ people are often left out in contributing to change and governance due to the lack of a good civic education which not only plagues South Africa but the African continent at large.  

In May, activists, feminists, researchers, and human rights defenders from some 35 countries from all continents will gather at the Global Assembly in Frankfurt am Main to discuss their ideas and strategies for a world with more justice and human dignity.