EMA Human Rights Blog

By Myriam Erquicia Leon Since 2000, migration has increased by 49%, and currently 3.4% of World’s population are migrants. This should not surprise us. Migration is a phenomenon that has always existed and will always exist. Nevertheless, it is true that the number of forcibly displaced persons is at a historically high level. For a few years now, we have been talking about the “migration crisis”, particularly in Europe, but is it really a migration crisis or a crisis of the governance of migration?

By Alice Gould Timor-Leste is one of the world’s newest countries, only claiming independence in 2002. Its government, which is progressive towards development, and its very young population (the median age of Timor-Leste is 18.9) have the potential to develop the country through a strong work force and commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. However, food insecurity and its results are negatively affecting Timor-Leste’s capacity to develop.

The seemingly inexorable growth of the income inequality gap is worrying economists, politicians, academia and activists alike, as its consequences place the majority in a pitfall of financial insecurity. Latin America continues to be the most unequal region of the world. The effects of stark income inequality are tangibly felt through the prevalence of poverty, which is strongly tied to poor public health, food insecurity, unfavorable living conditions, increased crime, and lack of a formal education.

By Mustapha Hadji The Bretton Woods institutions have for long been criticized for putting human rights in the backseat of their priorities. The World Bank, for instance, has for many decades used the concept of “political prohibition” as a pretext to not uphold human rights. Non-interference in the political and internal affairs of a sovereign State is something that many would agree on. However, the concept of non-interference is not an absolute one and sovereignty has eroded due to the development of international law and its spread to spaces that were exclusive domains of States. Moreover, globalization and the interconnectedness it has engendered have also contributed to the erosion of sovereignty and given it a rather malleable meaning.

By Federica Russo A key element to eradicating violence against women is having a focus not merely on the protection of women, but their empowerment. The goal is to transform the social perception of women from victims in need of protection, to being perceived as having power equivalent to men. The focus on the empowerment of women in relation to violence is particularly important because it addresses the basis of violence against women.

By Cassandra Bockstael “Because there’s nothing more powerful than the personal story. For people to understand, we have to open ourselves up. It’s hard to tell our personal stories but we are doing this to educate people. For us to heal as a country these are the stories we need to share.” - Debra Hocking, Stolen Generation survivor

By Kaloyan Kirilov The question of whether gender quotas in politics are necessary, effective or wanted is a source of a discussion between politicians, activists, academics and the general population worldwide. This conversation may be put in the context of a more general debate on the topic of gender inequality. However, by considering the most prevalent arguments for and against the use of quotas, I will seek to argue that the benefits of quotas outweigh the disadvantages, most of which are over exaggerated or simply false.

By Alice Gould Women facing the death penalty are a phenomenon that have been ignored for too long by both governments and academics. It was only at the 7th World Congress Against the Death Penalty, 18 years after the first Congress of its nature, that the particular issue of women and the death penalty was directly addressed. Whilst human rights discourse is currently going through much needed gender mainstreaming with regards to capital punishment, women remain underreported, unconsidered and invisible.

By Cassandra Bockstael F1 racing has fascinated and gathered families and friends over the past 70 years. The fastest cars, the best drivers in the world, the strategies, rivalries and passion all combine for more than two hours of intense competition. As far back as I can recall, I remember sitting with my parents in front of the TV on Sundays to watch the race. I remember the amazing cars speeding as fast as they could around the track and the incredible battles between drivers and teams to finish first. The sport inspired me as it promoted determination and cooperation to reach the top.

By Tarek Bashour No one cares about my name. I’m 26 years old and want to enjoy the brilliant years of my youth. Come and take whatever you want. I decided to sacrifice my body to continue studying.