Stories From An African Perspective

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Stories from an African perspective

Posts in Human Rights
Examining the Vote: Unpacking Top Issues in the US Elections

Recent ballot initiatives in states appear to show that reproductive rights are increasing turnout for women voters, as the conflict in the Middle East and student deft relief animate young voters. Meanwhile, the economy and inflation remain top issues for voters across demographic groups. But this is just a fraction of what is on voters’ minds heading into the 2024 presidential election. On October 23, ASD at GMF will convene top political analysts to attempt to decipher, for both US and European audiences, what issues are driving voters to the polls.

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Remarks by APNSA Jake Sullivan at the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum

MR. SULLIVAN:  Well, thank you, Joy.  I will not tell you that story tonight.  I need, like, two or three drinks before I tell it.  So -- (laughter) --
 And now I'm the one standing between you and the refreshments, so I will not try to speak for too long.


 But I really did want to come over from the White House, on behalf of the President, to say: Thank you all for being here.  It's really great to be surrounded by so many longtime supporters of the U.S.-Africa partnership, from ministers to ambassadors, to colleagues from Congress who have come through over the course of the day, the private sector, and of course, civil society.

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FACT SHEET: Outcomes of the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council

During the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council, the United States worked closely with UN Member States to highlight and address pressing human rights concerns and to uphold the universal values, aspirations, and principles that have underpinned the UN system since its founding.  Our statements and positions underscored the U.S. commitment to promoting the universality of human rights, including by addressing discrimination, inequity, and inequality in multiple contexts.

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LEAH SHARIBU 21st BIRTHDAY: SETTING CAPTIVES FREE AND RECORDS STRAIGHT

On her 21st birthday, we were concerned to read media reports about captive Christian heroine schoolgirl Leah Sharibu. While most of the facts reported in the story is old news, including our world exclusive report on her birth of a second child in captivity, we’re troubled by the claim that Leah converted to Islam and was married, “According to a "repentant" terrorist, Sharibu first married Abdulrahman after converting to Islam and had a son with him.”

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN: U.S. Abstention from UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza

Today, the United States abstained on UN Security Council resolution 2728. This abstention, which comes on the heels of the Russian and Chinese veto of our comprehensive draft resolution in the Council, reaffirms the U.S. position that a ceasefire of any duration come as part of an agreement to release hostages in Gaza. While we do not agree with all provisions included in this text, adjustments made by the resolution’s sponsors over recent days are consistent with our principled position that any ceasefire text must be paired with text on the release of the hostages.

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Impunity for Crimes against Journalists  is 'Unacceptably High' at 86% - UNESCO

According to UNESCO observatory of killed journalists, Impunity for killings of Journalists remains unacceptably high at 86%. Between 2006 and 2020, over 1,200 journalists have been killed around the world, with close to 9 out of 10 cases of these killings remaining judicially unresolved, according to the UNESCO.

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Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Persons with disabilities often face stigma, exclusion and discrimination, and are over-represented amongst the people living in persistent poverty, and are less likely than others to be able to lift themselves out of poverty.

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