Global Perspectives on Social Justice & Advocacy

 Global Perspectives on Social Justice & Advocacy

The fight for human rights is a significant challenge that is continually faced worldwide. Below are two issues occurring in other parts of the world that I found particularly interesting.


Women’s Rights in Afghanistan

  • Since the Taliban’s takeover, Afghanistan has become the only country to ban girls from education beyond sixth grade. Women face severe restrictions, ranging from employment, freedom of movement, and even visiting parks. Protections around gender-based violence having been dismantled, many women are subjected to physical violence and intimidation, even detained for “bad hijab”. Afghanistan women disproportionately are affected to things such as food insecurity, due to restrictive policies on healthcare access and employment. The dignity and rights of Afghan women and girls are constantly in jeopardy due to this “institutionalized system of discrimination”. 
    • What can be done?
      • Advocacy for women’s education and employment, alongside sanctions that target Taliban leaders, can apply pressure. Yet, international humanitarian aid would directly support the vulnerable populations, such as women.
    • Advocacy in Action
      • The non-profit Women for Afghan Women (WAW) works to support Afghan women by providing shelter, education, and legal assistance. In exile, WAW also supports Afghan refugees globally. Providing both a platform and crucial aid to amplify the voices of Afghan women.


Indefinite Military Conscription and Repression in Eritrea

  • Eritrea enforces indefinite military conscription, often recruiting young people and punishing families of draft evaders. Arbitrary arrests, torture, and inadequate prison conditions are common, and often religious minorities are the target. Eritrean forces have also committed atrocious acts in Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict, which include sexual violence and abductions. All of which highlight systemic abuse and exemption from punishment.
    • What can be done?
      • International diplomatic pressure and sanctions can be applied to push Eritrea to reform conscription policies and address human rights violations.
    • Advocacy in Action
      • The  Eritrean Human Right Concern  (EHRC) raises awareness of these abuses and provides support to Eritreans displaced by the regime. Advocating for international accountability EHRC measures and assists refugees in resettling safely.


These issues highlight the importance of international cooperation, and grassroots action to protect human dignity and rights in some of the world’s most oppressive regimes. Organizations like WAW and EHRC, collectively empower and bring hope to those that suffer from these systemic injustices.



Sources:


Human Right Watch. (2024, August 12). Afghanistan: Taliban Tighten Grip 3 years into rule. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/08/11/afghanistan-taliban-tighten-grip-3-years-rule 


Human Rights Watch. (2024b, October 14). Un debate shows growing momentum for treaty to address crimes against humanity. Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/10/14/un-debate-shows-growing-momentum-treaty-address-crimes-against-humanity 


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