Note: in my “from the news” posts, quotes are shown italicised and blue, my comments are in a different shade of blue, and “good” items are shown in green. I have loosely grouped the posts where such seemed reasonable, but that is subjective (i.e., my opinion - others are free to disagree), and challenging, as some posts belong in multiple “groups”.
Fromm this week’s news on human rights (note: I may continue to add links for a few days, possibly up to a week, after these are published), noting that many issues have probably not made it into the news that I see:
- “Climate Crisis could drive 200 million Africans to Extreme Hunger by 2050” https://www.juancole.com/2024/03/climate-million-africans.html
- the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention published their “2023 Year in Review” report https://www.lemkininstitute.com/_files/ugd/854712_e10e7e8f02994bbf96cc13292970326e.pdf , which provided specific information on 32 situations, including anti-Roma sentiment, anti-trans violence, Artsakh, Femicide, attacks on Journalists, Indigenous rights, Bangladesh/Rohingya, Israel, migration to Europe, Myanmar, Nigeria, occupied Palestine, strengthening of the Far-Right, Sudan, Syria, threats to free speech, Tunisia, Ukraine, USA, Uyghurs, weapons manufacturers, and Yemen. Each section describes the concerns and the context, and includes URLs to sources & further reading;
- “Where Do Rights Come From? A Modern Pagan View | John Beckett” https://www.patheos.com/blogs/johnbeckett/2024/03/where-do-rights-come-from-a-modern-pagan-view.html This is an excellent analysis, going back to the Ancient Greeks, and considering the philosophical track of human rights development - and the attempted highjacking of that by neochristians
- “As Yemen enters tenth year of war, militarisation and economic crisis compound suffering – Oxfam” https://theaimn.com/as-yemen-enters-tenth-year-of-war-militarisation-and-economic-crisis-compound-suffering-oxfam/
- “UN report: Credible allegations Ukrainian POWs have been tortured by Russian forces” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1148026
- “Rights expert finds ‘reasonable grounds’ genocide is being committed in Gaza” https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/03/1147976
- “Gangs, kidnappings, murders: why thousands of Rohingya are desperately trying to escape refugee camps by boats” https://theconversation.com/gangs-kidnappings-murders-why-thousands-of-rohingya-are-desperately-trying-to-escape-refugee-camps-by-boats-224515
- in an appalling leap backwards by Australia - away from international law, human rights, and decency, “Immigrants could face jail if they refuse deportation” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/politics/australian-politics/2024/03/26/labor-rush-through-immigrant-detention-laws “Labor’s ‘shame’: Race to pass tough new deportation laws sparks anger” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/race-to-pass-tough-new-deportation-laws-sparks-anger/dm46b5erj “The
federal government is racing to pass new laws ahead of a High Court
decision on immigration detention, with its approach criticised as
"botched" and “deeply undemocratic”” “Analysis: Andrew Giles, the former refugee lawyer, finds himself in a rush to bolster deportation powers” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-26/andrew-giles-immigration-legislation-rushed-high-court-iran/103634758 “Extraordinary powers to deport non-citizens may never be used, despite rush to legislate” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-27/extraordinary-powers-to-deport-non-citizens-may-never-be-used/103637168 Which, frankly, is not the point “Labor’s deportation bill could be used to blacklist entire countries’ citizens from obtaining visas to Australia” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/28/labor-deportation-bill-blacklist-entire-countries-citizens-visas-australia-immigration “Greens attack legislation, now the subject of a Senate inquiry, as a ‘Trump-style travel ban’” “The consequences of the government’s new migration legislation could be dire – for individuals and for Australia” https://theconversation.com/the-consequences-of-the-governments-new-migration-legislation-could-be-dire-for-individuals-and-for-australia-226713 “The
Albanese government came to power with a promise to be “strong on
borders without being weak on humanity”. But there was little humanity
in parliament yesterday as the government tried to force through some
of the most draconian migration laws this country has seen in decades”
- “Protestors And Police Clash At Anti-Trans Rally In Melbourne” https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/protestors-and-police-clash-at-anti-trans-rally-in-melbourne/229484 “Tensions
reached a boiling point when pro-trans activists attempted to breach
police lines attempting to get closer to the speakers, triggering a
forceful response from law enforcement. ... The rally, attended by
approximately 100 people was advertised as an event for the
#WomenWillSpeak movement, however many spotted supporters of the crowd
sporting Nazi insignia” “Self-described ‘nationalist’ speaks at anti-trans rights rally on Victoria parliament steps” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/26/victoria-anti-trans-rally-parliament-neo-nazi-allegations-matthew-trihey-organiser-michelle-uriarau-ntwnfb “Matthew Trihey, former member of the Lads Society, opened the #WomenWillSpeak event in Melbourne on Saturday” “Police defend using pepper spray at #WomenWillSpeak rally on Victoria parliament steps” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/24/police-defend-using-pepper-spray-at-womenwillspeak-rally-on-victoria-parliament-steps “Melbourne
Activist Legal Support (MALS) sent a team of seven legal observers to
the rally. They said they had concerns about what they described as
“dangerous crowd control tactics” by police, including the use of OC
spray against protesters and “the use of police horses in crowded
conditions”. ... The organisation said it raised similar concerns
regarding “biased and discriminatory policing” a year ago at the “Let
Women Speak” event” First off, fascists/neo-n_z_s are NOT peaceful: their ideology is inherently violent - they want power of the “strong man” type at any cost, which may ultimately lead to the sort of violence seen in the USA on 6th January, 2020; to get duped by that raises questions about the professional judgement and competence of police. Secondly, the police reaction appears to have been triggered by pro-trans protestors - and, while I can understand pro-trans protestors’ anger, as I feel it myself, I note that effective protest requires self discipline - and the behaviour of protestors when being beaten at the Dharasana salt works in 1930 is an example of what may sometimes required, and what can come from it. (Too
extreme an example? At the moment, yes ... down the track after the
neo-n_z_’s stochastic t_rr_r_sm has had its full impact ... ?.)
However, having said that, the police response was egregiously violent
in my opinion, and will continue to erode the little remaining trust in
police. Thirdly, a protest that is making vile accusations of child abuse against people is NOT peaceful - it is highly likely to
lead to the killing of a trans person by one of them - or by one of the
sock puppets who has been triggered by the neo-n_z_’s stochastic
t_rr_r_sm ... and there has already been one mass attack on trans people (in NSW). When that happens, police will share moral culpability for that death. On stochastic t_rr_r_sm, see: “How Stochastic T_rr_r_sm Uses Disgust to Incite Violence” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-stochastic-t_rr_r_sm-uses-disgust-to-incite-violence/ “Stochastic t_rr_r_sm” https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stochastic_t_rr_r_sm&oldid=1215158171 “Stochastic
t_rr_r_sm appears to be on the rise globally. Extremism experts explain
how this form of violence has gone mainstream” https://www.businessinsider.com/stochastic-t_rr_r_sm-meaning-definition-form-of-extremist-political-violence-2022-11 “Jargon Watch: The Rising Danger of Stochastic T_rr_r_sm” https://www.wired.com/story/jargon-watch-rising-danger-stochastic-t_rr_r_sm/ “Stochastic t_rr_r_sm: critical reflections on an emerging concept” https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17539153.2024.2305742 “An atmosphere of violence: Stochastic t_rr_r in American politics” https://www.vox.com/2022/11/5/23441858/violence-stochastic-t_rr_r-american-politics-trump-pelosi
- I came across a video during the week from a major US newspaper on the increasing threats to LGBTQIA+ children, developed around a recent killing of a nonbinary student. I haven’t posted any details here as the hate in the comments - especially the ones which tried to use a veneer of alleged concern for LGBT children (often expressed as denial that the murdered student was LGBT) - was completely unmanaged by that newspaper. Hate speech is illegal in many decent nations - and even in the USA there are some (inadequate) limits on speech, but to be so grossly uncaring as to allow those comments to remain shows that (a) their video failed (unless it was intended to trigger more online hate speech), and (b) newspaper is still as effectually homophobic/biphobic/generally anti-LGBTQIA+ as it has seemed in recent years, and I am right to continue avoiding them and avoiding giving them publicity.
- “The Year the Commonwealth Government Went MIA on LGBTIQ Issues | Alastair Lawrie” https://alastairlawrie.net/2024/03/24/the-year-the-commonwealth-government-went-mia-on-lgbtiq-issues/ This person is one of Australia’s leading advocates; my experience is that many others in the LGBTQIASB+ communities share his opinion
- “Right now our Indigenous children are not safe – but locking them up is no solution” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/29/alice-springs-youth-curfew-indigenous-children-safety-comment “Youth
crime is escalating with rates of child removal. Early access to
trusted, Aboriginal-controlled support services can keep children with
families and help them thrive” “Former NRL star helping Indigenous teens break the cycle” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/former-nrl-star-helping-indigenous-teens-break-the-cycle/ghftcv9km
- “Police launch investigation after Eddie Betts posts video of 'sickening' racial abuse” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/not-even-safe-in-our-own-homes-afl-great-eddie-betts-shares-horrific-video/7ukj32bh5 “The AFL and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan are among those who have condemned the video, which showed children being racially abused as they played basketball in a front yard” “Police investigate racist abuse at AFL legend’s home” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/people/2024/03/30/eddie-betts-racist-abuse-kids “Support is flooding in for the family of AFL legend Eddie Betts after vile racial abuse of his sons was captured on home security footage” “Former AFL player Eddie Betts shares video of racist abuse hurled at children playing in yard” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/29/former-afl-player-eddie-betts-shares-video-of-racist-abuse-hurled-at-children-playing-in-yard “Victoria police launch investigation after Indigenous star posts CCTV footage on Instagram and states ‘Aboriginal kids deserve to be able to play safely’” “Sport: Police investigate after Eddie Betts posts security footage of racist abuse at his home while kids are playing outside” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-29/eddie-betts-racist-attack-outside-home/103649050 “AFL community's show of support for Eddie Betts after racist attack” https://www.sbs.com.au/news/video/afl-communitys-show-of-support-for-eddie-betts-after-racist-attack/k2xvo044p This behaviour is appalling - at least the police appear to be taking it seriously
- “Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance backs Mparntwe curfew, calls for community-led initiatives as lasting solution” https://nit.com.au/28-03-2024/10528/aboriginal-medical-services-alliance-nt-backs-mparntwealice-springs-to-ensure-community-safety “Alice Springs youth curfew: state of emergency called after violence in town centre” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/27/alice-springs-brawl-teenager-death-todd-tavern “A group of 70 people attacked the Todd Tavern on Tuesday after a memorial ceremony for a teenager who died in a car crash” “Alice Springs curfew receives mixed response from Aboriginal organisations | SBS NITV” https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/article/alice-springs-curfew-receives-mixed-response-from-aboriginal-organisations/cr3ilnpri “Curfew order after ... violence in Alice Springs” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/news/state/nt/2024/03/27/alice-springs-curfew-youth I have removed one possibly applicable, possibly inflammatory click bait word from the title of the last article. The key aspect, for me, is that Indigenous organisations are backing this “NT Police makes more arrests over Alice Springs unrest as youth curfew continues” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-29/nt-arrests-alice-springs-unrest-curfew-continues/103649878 “Legal experts and NT children's commissioner raise concerns over police powers in Alice Springs curfew” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-29/nt-legal-experts-raise-concerns-over-alice-springs-curfew/103644876 “Alice Springs' youth curfew is canary in coal mine for other troubled Australian towns” https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-29/unpacking-alice-springs-new-curfew/103645254 For context: “Alleged hit and run in Mparntwe/Alice Springs could be death in custody” https://nit.com.au/24-03-2024/10434/alleged-hit-and-run-in-mparntwe-being-treated-as-possible-death-in-custody-police-say “Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said the incident was being treated as a death in custody due to officers having interacted with the deceased on Saturday, during a separate incident in the Mparntwe CBD” A driver has been arrested and vehicle seized
- “Descendant of Victorian colonial family calls for removal of monuments to her ancestors” https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/mar/28/descendant-of-victorian-colonial-family-calls-for-removal-of-monuments-to-her-ancestors “Suzannah Henty says the spray-painting of monuments shows they continue to have a damaging impact on Indigenous people”
- “East Arnhem university hub to boost higher education in the region” https://nit.com.au/25-03-2024/10442/east-arnhem-university-hub-to-boost-higher-education-in-the-region
- “Kenya: Women governors in rare unity push for political space” https://www.theafricareport.com/341770/kenya-women-governors-in-rare-unity-push-for-political-space/ They have put aside their political differences to promote more women in political positions “‘Women farmers are invisible': A West African project helps them claim their rights — and land” https://apnews.com/article/women-agriculture-climate-change-development-senegal-africa-376734977ad99bfee82c0d99b68e5fb8
- “Luis Rubiales faces jail time for unsolicited World Cup kiss” https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/sport/2024/03/28/luis-rubiales-kiss-prison Good
- “What’s the difference between autism and Asperger’s disorder?” https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-autism-and-aspergers-disorder-223643 “Questioning the diagnosis of autism denies the difficulties people like me live with” https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/mar/25/autism-diagnosis-ndis “Being autistic doesn’t explain everything about me – but it helps make sense of my experiences” “Changes in the Concept of Autism - Francesca Happé CBE” https://youtu.be/YnU01HBN6zg?si=goeR-Ykjlxa60b0k See also https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now/new-autism Francesca is Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London - see https://www.gresham.ac.uk/speakers/professor-francesca-happe-cbe-fba Downloadable PDF transcript available at https://www.gresham.ac.uk/sites/default/files/transcript/2024-02-28_1300_Happe-T_0.pdf Good explanation on how the evidence is that autism is NOT being over-diagnosed - society is just doing “catch up”. The nuances of the spectrum were also covered well, I thought. It is also good to hear someone from officialdom talking about the problems of masking! And that abuses etc create a major risk of trauma/complex trauma/PTSD
Assumptions / basis
In writing this, I have assumed / started from the following:
- this blog states quite clearly that it is about political and human rights matters, including lived experience of problems, and thus I will assume readers are reasonable people who have noted the content warning in the post header;
Possible flaws
Where I can, I will try to highlight possible flaws / issues you should consider:
- there may be flawed logical arguments in the above: to find out more about such flaws and thinking generally, I recommend Brendan
Myers’ free online course “Clear and Present Thinking”;
- I could be wrong - so keep your thinking caps on, and make up your own minds for yourself.
If they are of any use of interest, the activism information links from my former news posts are available in this post.
If you appreciated this post, please consider promoting it - there are some links below.
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