The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. Along with other fundamental rights, such as "the right to life, liberty and security of person" (Art 3) and "freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state," (Art 13); the UDHR also states that "Men … Continue reading Marry who you want, and marry who you like
Category: human rights
Survival isn’t …
Survival isn't about certain death. It's about keeping your head down.- 12 Years a SlaveI just watched 12 Years a Slave over the weekend. This quote, and the whole film, really, reminded me of a conversation I had last year with one of my professors. We spoke at length about groups being complicit in their … Continue reading Survival isn’t …
Africa Widening
Africa WideningI am on Think Africa Press today talking about rising obesity in Africa. Please check it out!
Women are not an interest group
I recently finished a Masters degree in peace studies. Throughout the course, a lot of emphasis was placed on Johan Galtung’s idea that peace is commonly defined negatively- that is, that peace is often referred to as the absence of war, rather than the presence of something else. That “something else,” peace, has to include … Continue reading Women are not an interest group
Is it worth it to be a law-abiding citizen?
This past week, the chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chidi Odinkalu, called on Nigerian youth to take charge of their country, saying that “a society is built on values” and that the youth should defend their values to affect change. He said “I charge the younger generations to take charge of the … Continue reading Is it worth it to be a law-abiding citizen?
Gender Discrimination v. Abortion Rights
I am 100 per cent behind a woman’s right to choose what to do in the event of an unwanted pregnancy. I am completely against “informed consent” laws that require a woman to have an extremely invasive ultrasound before being allowed to go through with the procedure. It seems like a complete waste of time … Continue reading Gender Discrimination v. Abortion Rights
Is Change Coming to Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan’s presidential election will take place on Tuesday, October 9th. Coercive and undemocratic, the “republic” has concentrated money and power in the hands of the Aliyev family for the last twenty years. Unfavourable Spread of Wealth Although the country has $7 billion dollars in oil reserves and strides made towards reducing poverty, many Azerbaijanis live … Continue reading Is Change Coming to Azerbaijan?
On Gender Nonconformity
Gender is everywhere. Although there is evidence that suggests that, for example ancient Yoruba culture had no gender roles, it is hard to deny their pervasiveness today. From FGM and foot binding (now outlawed), to rigid expectations of manhood, the socially accepted ways in which we are expected to behave are arbitrarily decided on what … Continue reading On Gender Nonconformity
Let’s not give gays the right to get married
I remember talking to a friend a few years ago about how I don’t like the phrase “given the right.” For example, in New York, gay people have been “given the right” to marry. If it’s a right, then it’s not really something to be given, is it? Who is it that’s doing the giving? … Continue reading Let’s not give gays the right to get married
Doreen Akiyo Yomoah 