2021 was another tumultuous year. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the effects of inequality, war, and injustice have all but relented. From global menaces to events that threaten individuals’ and communities’ livelihoods directly, there is still much work to be done to create a just and free world for all. If the pandemic keeps highlighting anything, it is the great inequality in the world. Addressing human rights is vital in the constant improvement of our society. Although the obstacles are many, here is a retrospective on five of the many relevant human rights issues of this year to renew our focus and review the path that awaits us in 2022.
1. CLIMATE CRISIS
One of the complex issues that threaten the lives and rights of millions of people is the climate crisis. The number of victims of climate disasters is growing. Most often, the people affected are disadvantaged communities forced to live close to the consequences of this human-caused emergency. In 2021, we witnessed floods in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as fires and heatwaves in Pakistan and Canada (just to mention a few).
As the sense of urgency grows, so does the feeling of helplessness in the face of these events. Governments worldwide have repeatedly demonstrated that they are not prepared for what is to come. Yet, not much has been done to prevent it. Although the participants of the Glasgow COP26 believe that we are on a steady path to recovery, the gap between the pledges made and the scientific data is troubling. Ifthe pledges will even be upheld, that is. We should celebrate the victories of this year, but the need to hold our governments accountable and maintain the focus on the climate emergency remains.
2. DEMOCRACY AND FREEDOM OF SPEECH
2021 has been a year of uncertainty for many. Numerous countries are facing ongoing crises that menace the liberties of their citizens. In Russia, the problem of censorship has only increased due to policies and persecution by the government. The political crisis in Belarus continues after more than a year of civil rights abuses and direct repression. Myanmar, Hong Kong, and the Philippines are just a few other examples of populations in need of support and solidarity in their fight for democracy and civil rights.
The clear uneven impact of COVID-19 worldwide due to inequality in the health systems and distribution of life-saving vaccines is not the only consequence of the pandemic. In many countries, it has provided governments with a pretext for oppression. While the stability of many democracies worldwide quivers, preventing the spread of the virus has been cited by authorities multiple times as a reason for violating freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. People have been detained, persecuted, or even killed with this pretext in cases of opposition to policies related and unrelated to the pandemic. While the health of all should be protected, (violent) repression must always be condemned.
3. RACISM
The critical issue of systemic racism continues to be a crucial threat to human rights worldwide. Small victories such as the conviction of Derek Chauvin, the murderer of George Floyd, do not overshadow the reality of the facts. Not only do most verdicts continue to disappoint human rights advocates worldwide (see the cases of Kyle Rittenhouse and Rohel Aguilera-Mederos) but denial around systemic racism continues to damage lives everywhere. In the UK, a government report on racismwhitewashed the issue. It failed to adequately analyze and interpret many aspects of the experience of Black people, people of color, and people of ethnic minorities.
While racial discrimination persists, human rights are not upheld. We are still far from a peaceful post-racial society. The path starts with accountability, self-reflection, and (un)learning.
4. LGBTQI+ DISCRIMINATION
Another concerning problem related to discrimination is LGBTQI+ rights. Some important victories include the recognition of non-binary identities in Argentinaand the prohibition of unnecessary intersex surgeries in New York City hospitals. Nevertheless, the daily lives of members of the LGBTQI+ communities remain in danger in many places.
In Poland and Hungary, government policies and growing homophobia have been under EU scrutiny while thousands live in fear and uncertainty. Countries like the UK have registered a rise in transphobia in the media and public opinion. Meanwhile, vulnerable LGBTQI+ migrants and refugees across the globe are also at risk. In many refugee camps, such as Kakuma, attacks on LGBTQI+ people have demonstrated the need for attention and protection of their fundamental rights.
5. WAR
The horrors of war are among the biggest threats to human rights everywhere. Conflicts worldwide have only exacerbated the gravity of the pandemic and the inequality among people. In Ethiopia, the internal conflict in the Tigray region has caused famine, devastation, and trauma. In Afghanistan, we witnessed thousands of people attempting to escape during the Taliban takeover of August 2021. The escalation of the tension between Israel and Palestine and subsequent violence has become a crucial topic of this year, as Amnesty International joined the voices condemning violence and discrimination against Palestinians by Israeli forces.
The urgency and tragedy of these events is growing, but we cannot let this discourage us from pursuing justice and equal rights for every person on the planet. Be it in our daily lives or through collective global action, we need more humanity and empathy in our society. Hopefully, the victories along the way will fuel new energy to keep going in the upcoming year.
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