Between the 16th and 19th centuries, around 27 million Africans were forcefully taken from their homes and shipped across the Atlantic. Only 7.4 million reached their destination, where they faced exploitation and abuse. The impact of the slave trade persists, perpetuating racism and inequality. established 23 August as the to bring attention to the history of enslavement. , let's pay tribute to the victims and freedom fighters by renewing our commitment to eradicating racism and discrimination.
Recent developments in generative artificial intelligence and the application of artificial intelligence raise serious human rights concerns, including racial discrimination, according to the 缅北禁地Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. Ashwini K.P. warns that there is an enduring and harmful notion that technology is neutral and objective but in a new she explores how this assumption allows artificial intelligence to perpetuate racial discrimination. The Rapporteur notes that a clear example of how racial bias is reproduced through technological advances is predictive policing.
In 2023, Yemen saw a significant arrival of women and girls from the Horn of Africa, totalling 21,130, including 3,773 girls. Many of these migrants endured severe forms of sexual violence, abuse, and exploitation, inflicted by ruthless traffickers and smugglers. Rehana was one of those who faced these horrors firsthand. Arriving at the International Organization for Migration () facilities in Aden, many migrants, like Rehana, suffer from injuries, severe dehydration, and abuse. Held by smugglers in abysmal conditions, they endure physical and sexual violence. Rehana, like many others, receives mental health and psychological support at the Migrants Response Point, aiding her emotional recovery.
Amid the arid landscapes of Zinder, a migration-prone area in central-eastern Niger, 11-year-old Zara's journey back home sheds light on the battle against child trafficking. Zara was sent to Algeria by her mother to find work but was intercepted during the journey. According to the International Organization for Migration (), more than half of the child victims the involvement of friends and family in their recruitment into trafficking, especially where extreme poverty is common. The Centre for Victims of Trafficking, managed by the National Agency for the Fight against Trafficking in Persons and Illicit Migration with support from IOM, has become a sanctuary for survivors like Zara.
Win Faidah, a survivor of abuse, now raises awareness and empowers Indonesian women to protect themselves from exploitation and violence as migrant workers.
Roma and Sinti, two of the world's largest marginalized communities, face widespread discrimination and often segregation in many areas of life. They have been persecuted for hundreds of years, and during the Second World War, hundreds of thousands were murdered by the Nazi regime. On 2 August, the United Nations joins the European Union in commemorating the International Holocaust Memorial Day for Sinti and Roma to remember the last 4,300 members of these communities who were murdered by the SS that night at the German Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
The Nelson Mandela Rules, overseen by the , establish essential benchmarks for humane prison management worldwide, promoting safety, security, and dignified treatment of prisoners.
When Gaby, a 27-year-old indigenous Awaj煤n transgender woman, returned to Mamayaque, she confronted the pervasive violence against women and discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
鈥淗uman rights 鈥 is the strongest tool that we have in our hands to be a voice of those who don't have power and to speak truth to those who have the power and to make sure that they understand that yes, that there are limits to power.鈥
Volker T眉rk has the greatest respect for those able to hold onto hope when all appears to be lost. As 缅北禁地High Commissioner for Human Rights, he has devoted his life and career to helping the world鈥檚 most vulnerable people.
鈥淲hat has always struck me was encounters with people who are extremely resilient 鈥 who actually see hope, including in the most atrocious circumstances, and who just keep doing the right thing.鈥
In this episode, Volker reflects on holding rulebreakers to account, the strength displayed by refugees, and why the best ideas often arrive in the dead of night.
"[...] for me refugees almost become... They epitomize, they represent us in our humanity."
Photo:漏UN/Anthony Headley
Artificial Intelligence (AI) was in the spotlight at the fifth annual . The Summit is the leading action-oriented 缅北禁地platform to promote AI to advance global development priorities. In his vision statement 缅北禁地Human Rights Chief Volker T眉rk says 鈥淎s AI use continues to evolve and impact our daily lives, it鈥檚 crucial that we ensure its development benefits everyone." provides guidance on adopting a human rights-based approach to the development and deployment of technologies, including AI, ensuring they uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals.
The protection of hospitals is crucial for the welfare of sexual violence survivors. The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict (19 June) highlights the role of hospitals as sanctuaries of safety and recovery for all, particularly for those who have endured sexual violence. International humanitarian law safeguards health facilities against attacks, underscoring the principles of distinction and proportionality. The international community must safeguard these structures, as they are essential for the support of sexual violence survivors.
Hate speech is a marker of discrimination, abuse, and violence, often targeting groups based on race, ethnicity, or religion. Digital platforms only amplify it. As young people are often most affected by hate speech, especially online, they must be part of the solution. Governments, local authorities, religious, corporate and community leaders must promote tolerance and inclusivity and challenge hate speech. As we mark the International Day for Countering Hate Speech (18 June), let鈥檚 work to promote human rights education, involve young people in decision-making, and counter intolerance.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (15 June) is the annual event dedicated to opposing elder abuse and recognizing the dignity and rights of older individuals. This year's theme, "Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies," underscores the urgent need to protect older individuals during crises. It calls for prioritizing their safety in emergency plans, developing inclusive policies, and providing education for responders and caregivers. By highlighting these issues, we can create a more protective environment for older persons and ensure that no one is left behind during emergencies.
Current practices in measuring sexual orientation and gender identity in population censuses vary widely, with some countries including questions related to these aspects while others do not, reflecting ongoing debates and evolving social attitudes towards LGBTQ+ issues globally.
International Albinism Awareness Day, celebrated annually on 13 June, was launched 10 years ago. Due to their unique physical appearance caused by the lack of melanin in their hair, skin and eyes, persons with albinism have been subject to marginalization and social exclusion, and even persecution fed by superstition. This year we celebrate the strides made through the tireless efforts of albinism groups from around the world and reflect on the continued legal, policy and practical changes still required to ensure the full and equal enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism.