During the Opening Ceremony of the Rio2016 Olympics, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, a 23-year-old South Sudanese runner, led the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team into the stadium behind the banner of the International Olympic Committee. This is the first time that refugees participate in Olympic Games. It not only shows the spirit of Olympic Games—unity and diversity, but also proves that being... Read more
In the News
Refugee Olympic Team makes history at Rio Games
Wesleyan Student Newspaper Defunded Following Controversial Op-Ed
The Argus, one of Wesleyan University's student newspapers, has seen a 57% cut to its budget following the publication of an opposite-editorial critical of the Black Lives Matter movement. The cuts come from the Wesleyan Student Assembly and the Student Budget Committee. During deliberations, University President Michael Roth urged members of the WSA and SBC to reconsider their positions, saying... Read more
A Culture of Violence
The death penalty is arguably wrong on the basis that it goes against a fundamental human rights principle enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and that is the right to life. The death penalty could also be considered a form of torture, another right [to live a life free from torture] that is enshrined in the UDHR in 1948. Yet across the world, and across the United... Read more
Australia's Treatment of Asylum Seekers
In the last week, Australia has been condemned by various international non-governmental organizations for its treatment of asylum seekers in off-shore detention centers. In 2014, Australia implemented a defence policy that aimed to stop illegal boats of asylum seekers from arriving on-shore. This policy involved establishing processing centers on nearby island countries and territories,... Read more
The Detention of Human Rights Lawyers in China
On August 1, 2016, a prominent human rights lawyer in China was released almost a year after being formally arrested by Chinese officials and subsequently imprisoned. As a proponent of the growing human rights movement in China, Wang Yu has represented advocates for China's Uyghur ethnic minority and feminist groups. In January of this year, Wang was accused of "subverting state power", with her... Read more
Wartime Rape: The Path of Justice for Victims
Rape has been endemic in war for centuries, used as an instrument of torture, humiliation and control against both men and women. Brutalised, these victims often suffer not only personal violation and trauma, but also stigmatisation and rejection from their communities, families and society as a result. Individuals borne from rape similarly suffer in many countries from Europe to Africa. For the... Read more
Censorship in Turkey Increased After Failed Coup
In the midst of the attempted coup in Turkey earlier this month, President Erdogan used a CNN affiliate station to address the nation and help organize opposition. In the past, Mr. Erdogan has repeatedly used tax penalties to punish and control that same station. Proponents of press freedom had hoped that the media's role in saving Mr. Erdogan's rule would convince him to lighten restrictions on... Read more
The Flood in Xingtai
In Xingtai, China, the great rainstorm has continued for days and caused great damage to the local residents. According to the local government and media, 9 people died in the flood and 11 people were still missing by the time they reported the situation in news. Once published, the news caused a wide-range indignation among the local residents. More information was posed on social... Read more
Industry Reform: Back to Rana Plaza
Three years ago, in 2013, the Rana Plaza factories in Bangladesh collapsed. The tragedy sent shockwaves throughout the global apparel industry, and set a new definition for the word “horrific.” 1,134 workers were killed, and hundreds more were injured because of the collapse, including loss of limbs. Such a tragedy should serve as inspiration for reform in the global-scale garment industry. The... Read more