A potential setback on Day 2 of the Planet Under Pressure 2012 conference. The UN’s preparatory negotiations for Rio+20 are not following the script.
Tag: human rights
No time for tea in Malawi
A new US ambassador to Malawi has arrived in the middle of a diplomatic tussle between the two countries over the suspended Millennium Challenge Corporation grant for vital energy development. Will President Mutharika back down on his repression of civil liberties?
Bangladesh looks both ways on human rights
In its most recent MDG Progress Report Bangladesh has explicitly analysed the connection between human rights and poverty in the context of the MDGs.
The airport queue dilemma
We must be thankful that the terrorist crime in Times Square failed in its purpose. But many of the tensions between counter-terrorism strategies and civil liberties are back in the headlines.
Fairtrade gambles its reputation
The Fairtrade Foundation has offered certification to Kit Kat bars sold in UK and Ireland. Is this a brave step for poverty reduction in Côte d’Ivoire or an unwise Christmas present to Nestlé?
Hard times for human rights ideals
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains an inspiring set of principles for a better world. The problem is that the custodians of the idealism have been unable to keep pace with political realities.
Sri Lanka finesses its IMF loan
Over the last year the Sri Lankan government has upset UN agencies, outraged human rights groups and insulted European ministers. Why has the IMF agreed to a $2.6 billion loan facility?
Children’s rights mirror the global divide
Laws to protect children from sexual abuse in the UK are advanced and actively implemented. The absence of such laws in many developing countries is a major concern to human rights campaigners.
Sri Lanka forgoes tsunami goodwill
The tragedy of the 2004 tsunami brought peace to Aceh after 30 years of conflict. In very similar circumstances, why did Sri Lanka take the opposite approach and abandon reconciliation?
Singapore: learning in the lion’s den
Singapore is well known for its shortcomings in human rights, freedom of speech and democracy. It’s also well known for creating a stable, safe and prosperous multi-racial society. Maybe its time for students of human development to take a closer look.