Efforts to expand digital literacy and inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire are gaining momentum as civil society organizations seek to address persistent gender gaps in access to technology and online opportunities, according to a United Nations-backed feature highlighting grassroots initiatives.

Aminata Savané, Vice-President of Centre Marée de Lumière, has been at the forefront of these efforts through a training initiative aimed at improving digital skills among women and young people. Despite widespread smartphone use in the country, she said many individuals lack the knowledge required to leverage digital platforms for economic and social advancement.

Since its launch in 2021, the organization’s Digital O’Féminin Tour programme has trained more than 600 women and 200 teenagers in areas including digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and online engagement. Participants have gone on to establish small businesses, develop content for digital platforms, or pursue further training, reflecting growing interest in the digital economy.

Savané said the challenge extends beyond access to technology, describing it as a broader issue of awareness and empowerment. While many users are active on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, they often lack the understanding needed to translate this activity into economic opportunities.“The challenge is the lack of information,” she said, noting that digital engagement remains largely limited to consumption rather than production or entrepreneurship.

“They scroll the internet but they don’t know that by creating an online activity they can make a profit.”The programme integrates technical training with leadership development, an approach Savané said is critical to overcoming social and psychological barriers. In addition to teaching digital skills, the initiative fosters peer support networks intended to encourage participation and confidence among women.

“We’re also creating a safe space, a sisterhood for these women because we’ve realized that, very often, they share the same reality,” she said. “You can impart all the knowledge in the world, but if you can’t activate what springs people into action, it won’t work.”The initiative was designed in response to disparities in digital access and usage between men and women in Côte d’Ivoire.

Savané said addressing these gaps requires challenging entrenched gender stereotypes as well as misconceptions that may limit women’s engagement with technology.Alongside efforts to promote inclusion, the programme also addresses risks associated with digital environments, particularly for younger users.

Savané highlighted concerns related to cybercrime and unsafe online practices, noting that digital literacy must include awareness of potential threats.As part of her broader advocacy work, she has collaborated with UNICEF and the Jeunes Blogueurs CI community to develop a guide on safe internet use for young people. The initiative aims to provide practical guidance on navigating digital spaces securely, reflecting growing concern over online safety in emerging digital ecosystems.

“When I was younger, I found myself in the middle of a digital world without any guidelines,” Savané said, adding that the guide was designed to help younger generations avoid similar challenges.Her work also includes advocacy for systemic change at the policy level. Savané has called for digital literacy to be incorporated into Côte d’Ivoire’s national education curriculum as a standalone subject.

She said such an approach should extend beyond basic computing skills to include online safety, data protection, digital identity, personal branding, and responsible use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.The proposal reflects a broader recognition among policymakers and international organizations that digital skills are increasingly essential for participation in modern economies.

Integrating these competencies into formal education systems is seen as a potential pathway to reducing inequality and supporting long-term economic development.Savané’s contributions have received international recognition. At the end of 2025, she was awarded at the Young Activists Summit held at the United Nations in Geneva, an event supported by a range of international organizations including UN Human Rights, UNESCO, and UNFPA, as well as civil society and private sector partners.

The initiative underscores the role of local organizations in addressing global challenges related to digital inclusion. While infrastructure and access to devices have improved in many regions, the case of Côte d’Ivoire highlights the importance of complementary investments in education, awareness, and capacity-building.

As digital technologies continue to reshape economic and social landscapes, efforts such as the Digital O’Féminin Tour illustrate how targeted interventions can help bridge gaps in participation. The focus on both skills and empowerment reflects an evolving approach to digital development, one that prioritizes not only access but also meaningful and safe engagement.

Women survivors of Nepal’s decade-long internal conflict are increasingly shaping the country’s transitional justice process, as advocacy efforts led by survivors push for accountability, legal reform, and recognition of conflict-related sexual violence.

The conflict between government forces and Maoist insurgents from 1996 to 2006 left at least 13,000 people dead and more than 1,300 missing, according to United Nations estimates. Women were among those most affected, facing arbitrary detention, torture, rape, forced displacement, and other violations, while also playing significant roles as combatants and political actors.

Devi Khadka, a former member of Nepal’s Constituent Assembly and a prominent women’s rights activist, is among those who have transformed personal trauma into sustained advocacy. Detained at the age of 17, she was tortured and subjected to gang rape by police who accused her of aiding her brother, a Maoist activist.

Reflecting on her experience, Khadka said a lack of understanding about trauma at the time shaped her response. “I didn’t understand why I suffered this,” she said, describing how she later joined the Maoist movement during a period marked by psychological distress and a desire to confront her circumstances.

Years later, the public disclosure of her rape by Maoist leaders compounded the trauma, exposing her to further harm and reinforcing the challenges faced by survivors in seeking dignity and privacy.The 2006 Comprehensive Peace Agreement formally ended the conflict and initiated Nepal’s transition toward democratic governance. Transitional justice mechanisms, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons, were established to investigate violations and promote reconciliation.

However, progress has been slow, and transitional justice remains one of the agreement’s unresolved commitments.Women survivors have faced systemic barriers in accessing justice, including stigma, social exclusion, and institutional limitations. Many lost family members who were primary earners, leaving them to assume economic responsibilities while also dealing with long-term psychological and physical impacts of violence.

Official data underscores the extent of underreporting. Of more than 63,000 complaints filed with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, only 314 were classified as cases of sexual violence prior to legal reforms in 2024. Analysts attribute this gap to fear of retaliation, social stigma, and a lack of trust in institutions.

In response, Khadka and a group of survivors established Aparajit, meaning “the Undefeated,” a network aimed at supporting victims and advocating for systemic change. The organization has facilitated access to medical and legal services while promoting collective action among survivors.Khadka said the initiative initially faced resistance and accusations of undermining national reputation.

However, support from media organizations helped bring visibility to the issue, enabling the movement to expand and gain broader recognition.Advocacy efforts have contributed to tangible legal reforms. In August 2024, Nepal amended its transitional justice law to address longstanding gaps in the treatment of sexual violence cases.

The revised legislation includes provisions to classify sexual violence more comprehensively, remove statutes of limitation, and ensure that serious crimes are not subject to sentence commutation.Khadka said previous legal definitions were inadequate, narrowly interpreting rape and excluding various forms of sexual violence. “We brought up almost 75 percent of cases where the victim herself doesn’t call it sexual violence, and society doesn’t either,” she said, highlighting the need for broader recognition of such crimes.

The amended law also reopened the process for filing complaints, allowing survivors who had previously been unable or unwilling to come forward to seek redress. These changes reflect a shift toward a more inclusive and survivor-centered approach, though implementation challenges remain.At the international level, Khadka and other survivors have engaged with United Nations platforms to advocate for reforms.

Speaking at a Human Rights Council panel in Geneva in September 2025, she emphasized the importance of including survivors in designing justice mechanisms.“Especially in the case of sexual violence… it should be done with the involvement of the survivors themselves,” she said, noting that legal frameworks often fail to capture the lived realities of victims.

UN Human Rights has supported Nepal’s transitional justice process through technical assistance, policy advice, and engagement with government institutions, civil society, and victims’ groups. The organization has emphasized the need for a victim-centered approach that aligns with international legal standards and addresses root causes of conflict.

Efforts also focus on integrating gender considerations into justice mechanisms. The UN’s Women’s Rights and Gender Section has worked to highlight issues such as gender-based violence and women’s participation in post-conflict governance, aiming to ensure that survivors’ experiences inform policy decisions.Khadka said international support has been critical in advancing reforms and amplifying survivor voices.

Representing more than 3,800 individuals in her network, she noted that access to global platforms has strengthened advocacy efforts and contributed to legislative progress.For many survivors, participation in these processes carries both practical and symbolic significance. Public testimony, particularly in the presence of state authorities, can serve as a form of recognition and validation, helping to restore dignity.

Khadka described this recognition as central to recovery. “If a person’s lived experience becomes untrue… then there is no meaning to a life,” she said, underscoring the role of acknowledgment in the pursuit of justice.Nepal’s experience reflects broader challenges in post-conflict societies, where balancing accountability, reconciliation, and institutional reform requires sustained political commitment and inclusive approaches.

The increasing involvement of women survivors in shaping policy marks a shift toward more participatory models of transitional justice.As reforms continue, the emphasis on survivor-led advocacy highlights the role of lived experience in addressing systemic gaps and advancing accountability within complex post-conflict environments.

The global push for clean energy is intensifying pressure on lithium-rich regions of northern Chile, where Indigenous communities warn that large-scale extraction risks undermining fragile ecosystems, water resources, and traditional ways of life.

Chile, one of the world’s leading producers of lithium, has become central to the energy transition as demand for electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems accelerates. However, in the high-Andean salt flats where much of the mineral is found, local communities say the costs of extraction are being borne disproportionately at the territorial level.

In the Atacama region, the Colla Indigenous community of Pastos Grandes lives near the Salar de Maricunga, a high-altitude ecosystem characterized by salt flats, wetlands, and limited freshwater sources. The environmental balance in the region depends on underground aquifers and scarce water flows that sustain both human livelihoods and biodiversity.“Living in our territory today means resisting,” said Zulema Mancilla, a member of the Colla community.

She described growing concerns over water depletion linked to lithium extraction, noting that the pumping of underground aquifers has reduced water availability in downstream areas where communities live and work.“We have serious problems with water,” she said, adding that while extraction projects are advancing, local populations face increasing environmental stress.Further north, in the highlands of Tarapacá near the Bolivian border, Aymara communities rely on pastoralism and subsistence agriculture, including llama and alpaca herding and quinoa cultivation.

These activities depend on high-altitude wetlands, known locally as “bofedales,” which are particularly sensitive to changes in water availability.“If this lithium project goes ahead, it will become an enormous ‘sacrifice zone’ for our people,” said Juana Mamani Flores of the Panavinto community, highlighting concerns over the long-term viability of local livelihoods.

For many Indigenous residents, the issue extends beyond environmental impact to encompass cultural and spiritual dimensions. Eva Mamani, also from Panavinto, described the territory as intrinsically connected to community identity and belief systems.“The waters have spirit, the shrubs have spirit, the mountains have spirit,” she said, framing environmental protection as both a practical and cultural imperative.

United Nations human rights officials say such perspectives underscore the need to reframe discussions around the energy transition. Jan Jarab, Regional Representative for South America, noted that areas targeted for lithium extraction are not uninhabited resource zones but living territories shaped by long-standing social and cultural systems.

While communities acknowledge the importance of addressing climate change and transitioning to cleaner energy sources, they emphasize the need for clearer information and stronger safeguards. Samuel García, an Aymara leader, said there is a lack of reliable data on the potential environmental impacts of lithium extraction.“We do not have a specific and reliable study of the damage,” he said, pointing to uncertainty surrounding long-term consequences.

The debate, according to observers, is shifting from whether lithium extraction is necessary to how it is conducted and who bears its costs. UN Human Rights has facilitated dialogues among Indigenous leaders, governments, and industry stakeholders across the “lithium triangle,” a region spanning Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia that holds more than half of the world’s lithium reserves.

These discussions focus on aligning extraction practices with international human rights standards, particularly the principle of free, prior, and informed consent for Indigenous Peoples. Jarab emphasized that affected communities must be involved in decision-making processes and have the opportunity to influence project outcomes.“Communities themselves best understand their needs and know how to care for the environment,” he said, adding that consultation mechanisms should enable equitable participation and benefit-sharing.

The UN has framed the issue within the concept of a “just transition,” warning that without adequate safeguards, the shift to renewable energy could replicate historical patterns of extractive industries, where economic gains are concentrated while environmental and social costs are localized.The role of both governments and corporations is central to this process.

Under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, companies involved in lithium extraction are expected to conduct due diligence, assess environmental and social impacts, and establish mechanisms to address harm. States, in turn, are responsible for regulating these activities and ensuring compliance with human rights obligations.

Jarab noted that state-owned enterprises, in particular, are expected to uphold higher standards of accountability, given their direct link to public policy and governance.The broader debate reflects a tension between global climate objectives and local realities. As countries accelerate decarbonization efforts, the extraction of critical minerals such as lithium has become essential.

However, the Chilean case illustrates the complexity of ensuring that environmental goals do not come at the expense of vulnerable communities.For Indigenous groups, the stakes extend beyond economic considerations to the preservation of cultural identity and long-term sustainability.

Decisions made in the coming years are likely to shape not only environmental outcomes but also the future of traditional ways of life in the region.The discussion, UN officials say, is ultimately about ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are distributed equitably, and that its implementation does not undermine the rights of those living in resource-rich territories.

Kyrgyzstan has reaffirmed its commitment to abolishing the death penalty following a period of intense public debate triggered by a high-profile criminal case, with authorities and international partners emphasizing prevention and rule-of-law reforms as more effective responses to violent crime.

The debate emerged after the rape and murder of a young girl in September 2025, which prompted widespread public outrage and calls for the reinstatement of capital punishment. The issue quickly gained political traction, culminating in a formal proposal by President Sadyr Japarov to seek a constitutional review of whether the death penalty could be reintroduced.

The Constitutional Court delivered its ruling on 10 December 2025, concluding that reinstating capital punishment would violate Kyrgyzstan’s international treaty obligations, which are embedded within its constitutional framework. The decision effectively blocked any immediate return to the death penalty and reinforced the country’s legal commitments under international law.

Kyrgyzstan has maintained a moratorium on executions since 1998 and formally abolished the death penalty in 2010 following its ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The protocol obliges signatory states to take all necessary measures to prevent the reintroduction of capital punishment.

The United Nations human rights office played a consultative role throughout the process. According to Matilda Bogner, Regional Representative for Central Asia, the office engaged with both executive and judicial authorities to provide guidance on international legal standards and treaty obligations.

“It is positive to see that despite an initiative that appeared to have strong public backing but did not comply with international obligations, the rule of law approach ultimately prevailed in Kyrgyzstan,” Bogner said.The episode has also prompted broader discussions within the country about the nature of justice, particularly in cases involving serious violent crime.

While public sentiment in the aftermath of the incident favored harsher punitive measures, international human rights officials have argued that such approaches are not supported by evidence as effective deterrents.UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that while the crimes cited by authorities were “clearly appalling” and required accountability, there is no empirical basis to conclude that capital punishment reduces the incidence of serious offenses.

He called instead for responses grounded in prevention, victim protection, and institutional strengthening.Türk emphasized the need for a “well-resourced, victim-centred approach” to tackling violence, particularly sexual and gender-based violence.

This approach, he said, should focus on improving access to justice and ensuring that systems are capable of responding effectively to early warning signs.Bogner echoed this perspective, noting that a predictable and consistent rule-of-law framework is more effective in preventing violence than reintroducing capital punishment into a system that may lack uniformity in enforcement. “A rule of law process that is predictable is a better form of prevention of egregious cases,” she said.

The focus on prevention has translated into ongoing institutional reforms. The UN human rights office is working with Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs to develop a new risk assessment system aimed at strengthening early intervention in cases of gender-based violence. The system is intended to enable law enforcement agencies to identify potential risks, monitor evolving situations, and take timely action to prevent escalation.

Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have also reiterated their commitment to upholding international legal standards following the Constitutional Court’s decision. Officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have emphasized the importance of maintaining adherence to the rule of law while addressing public concerns over safety and justice.

The case highlights the challenges faced by governments in balancing public demand for punitive measures with international legal obligations and evidence-based policy approaches. It also underscores the broader shift in international human rights discourse toward prevention-focused strategies, particularly in addressing gender-based violence.

Efforts to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks are seen as critical to improving outcomes for victims. This includes ensuring that police and judicial systems are adequately resourced, capable of responding promptly to complaints, and equipped to handle sensitive cases involving women and girls.

The UN human rights office has indicated that its engagement with Kyrgyz authorities will continue, with a focus on building systems that prioritize accountability and prevention. The approach aligns with broader international efforts to address gender-based violence through structural reforms rather than punitive escalation.

The developments in Kyrgyzstan reflect an evolving policy stance in which adherence to international obligations and evidence-based approaches are being prioritized over retributive measures, even in the face of strong public pressure following serious criminal incidents.

Environmental degradation and systemic inequality are leaving billions of people without access to safe drinking water and sanitation, according to a United Nations policy brief that underscores the growing intersection between climate pressures, public health risks, and human rights obligations.

The brief, prepared by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on behalf of UN-Water, estimates that around 2.1 billion people globally lack access to safely managed drinking water, while 3.4 billion do not have access to safely managed sanitation services.

The findings are intended to guide policymakers and government authorities in designing laws and strategies that address water scarcity and environmental stress through a human rights-based framework.Under international human rights law, states are required to ensure that water and sanitation services are available, accessible, affordable, acceptable, and of adequate quality.

These obligations are central to maintaining public health, supporting livelihoods, and ensuring a basic standard of dignity.Despite these commitments, the report highlights persistent and widespread gaps in service delivery. More than 1,000 children under the age of five die each day from diseases linked to unsafe water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene.

The burden of water access also falls disproportionately on women and girls, who collectively spend an estimated 250 million hours daily collecting water, often under conditions that expose them to physical risk and limit opportunities for education and employment.

The report identifies chronic underinvestment in the water and sanitation sector as a major constraint, noting that funding levels remain insufficient relative to the scale of the challenge. This underinvestment comes despite the sector’s critical role in climate resilience, economic development, and disease prevention.

According to the brief, environmental degradation is compounding existing inequalities and disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. Groups identified as particularly vulnerable include women and girls, children, older persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous communities, people living in poverty, and those displaced by conflict or environmental stress.

“For many, the denial of access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a result, not of scarcity alone, but of exclusion and inaccessibility woven into institutions and infrastructure,” the report states, highlighting structural barriers that limit equitable access.The document also draws attention to emerging and conflict-related threats to water security.

It notes that water infrastructure has increasingly been targeted in armed conflicts, in violation of international humanitarian law. In Gaza, the destruction of desalination facilities and damage to water systems has forced civilians to rely on contaminated supplies. In Sudan, attacks on water and electricity infrastructure have disrupted access for millions, while in Yemen, sanitation facilities supported by international organizations have been struck by airstrikes.

In addition to conflict-related risks, the brief identifies new pressures linked to technological and industrial expansion. The rapid growth of data centres, for example, is emerging as a significant but often overlooked source of water consumption. A single one-megawatt data centre can require more than 25 million litres of water annually for cooling, an amount roughly equivalent to the daily consumption needs of 300,000 people.

Amid these challenges, the report outlines examples of policy interventions that integrate human rights principles into water governance. Case studies from multiple countries illustrate how targeted reforms can improve access, affordability, and sustainability.In Bangladesh, a community-led initiative enabled residents in coastal areas to co-finance a climate-resilient water facility, with women trained to manage operations.

The program contributed to a reduction in waterborne diseases and improved school attendance among girls, and has since been replicated across hundreds of administrative wards.In Costa Rica, a water tariff reform introduced progressive pricing, charging higher rates for heavy users while offering subsidized rates for low-income households. The approach improved affordability for vulnerable populations while encouraging conservation, demonstrating how economic regulation can align with human rights objectives.

The brief emphasizes that such initiatives are most effective when supported by strong governance frameworks. It calls for greater transparency, public participation, and access to information, alongside legal mechanisms that allow individuals to seek redress when rights are violated.States are also urged to integrate water and sanitation priorities into broader policy frameworks, including climate adaptation plans, biodiversity strategies, and disaster risk reduction efforts.

The report highlights the need for financing models that are predictable, accessible, and aligned with human rights standards, as well as the importance of strengthening local governance capacities.Gender considerations are identified as a critical component of effective policy design.

The report calls for measures to address structural inequalities, including gender-responsive budgeting, increased representation of women in decision-making, and protections against gender-based violence linked to water access.The role of the private sector is also addressed, with the report referencing the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. Companies are expected to conduct due diligence, disclose environmental and social impacts, and provide remedies where harm occurs.

Governments, in turn, are tasked with regulating corporate activity to prevent abuses affecting water and sanitation systems.UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that addressing water and sanitation challenges requires sustained political and financial commitment. “Investment in water is an investment in dignity, equality, public health, and sustainable development,” he said in a statement marking World Water Day 2026.

The findings highlight the scale and complexity of the global water crisis, with environmental degradation, population pressures, and governance gaps continuing to strain already fragile systems.

South Africa is advancing a transition away from its coal-dependent economy through a policy framework that seeks to align climate goals with social equity, according to discussions featured in a United Nations-backed podcast examining human rights-based economic models.

The initiative, highlighted in an episode of the “Economies That Work for All” series produced by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN System Staff College, outlines how Africa’s most industrialized economy is attempting to balance decarbonization with the protection of vulnerable communities.

Dorah Modise, Executive Director of South Africa’s Presidential Climate Commission, said the transition to a low-carbon economy is not solely an environmental objective but a broader socio-economic challenge. The country remains one of the most unequal in the world, with coal-dependent regions particularly exposed to potential job losses and economic disruption as energy systems shift.

Modise emphasized that the transition must proceed but warned that its design will determine whether it mitigates or deepens existing inequalities. Communities reliant on coal production face heightened risks, particularly in a context where millions of South Africans continue to experience energy poverty and where financing constraints slow the pace of reform.

The government’s approach is guided by the Just Transition Framework developed by the Presidential Climate Commission, which seeks to integrate economic restructuring with social protection. The framework promotes the gradual decentralization of the energy system, expansion of renewable energy capacity, and the development of new employment pathways in emerging green industries.

Efforts are also underway to prepare workers for shifts in the labor market through retraining and skills development initiatives. Authorities are expanding social protection measures to cushion the impact of industrial restructuring, while also seeking to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are more evenly distributed.

A key component of the strategy involves the management of natural resources critical to the global energy transition. South Africa holds reserves of minerals required for renewable technologies, and policymakers are attempting to position the country as a supplier while adhering to environmental and labor standards.

“As we explore and extract … we need to protect workers and communities, and we need to avoid impacting the environment,” Modise said, underscoring the importance of responsible mining practices within the broader transition strategy.

The framework is rooted in South Africa’s constitutional provisions, which recognize sustainable development as a fundamental right. This legal foundation shapes the government’s emphasis on integrating human rights considerations into economic planning and environmental policy.Implementation of the transition strategy involves coordination across multiple stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and international donors.

This multi-stakeholder approach is intended to address competing interests and manage trade-offs inherent in large-scale economic transformation.The policy framework also incorporates metrics that extend beyond traditional energy indicators. Progress is being assessed not only in terms of renewable energy capacity but also through social outcomes such as reductions in inequality, increased employment opportunities for young people, and greater participation of women in decision-making processes.

Modise described the ultimate measure of success as a narrowing of disparities between different socio-economic groups. This reflects a broader shift in policy thinking that links climate action with inclusive development objectives.South Africa’s transition efforts take place within a wider global debate on how to reconcile decarbonization with economic justice, particularly in developing economies where structural inequalities and fiscal constraints complicate policy implementation.

The country’s approach is being closely observed as a potential model for integrating human rights considerations into climate policy.The podcast series situates South Africa’s experience within the broader concept of a “human rights economy,” which seeks to align economic systems with social and environmental priorities.

The framework is linked to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes inclusive growth and equitable resource distribution.As countries accelerate efforts to meet climate targets, the South African case highlights the challenges of ensuring that transitions away from fossil fuels do not disproportionately affect already marginalized populations.

The emphasis on participatory governance and rights-based policy design reflects an attempt to address these concerns while maintaining momentum toward decarbonization.

The United Nations human rights office has launched the second season of its podcast series “Economies that Work for All,” advancing its push to integrate human rights principles into global economic policymaking amid growing concerns over inequality and sustainability.

The series, produced by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in collaboration with the UN System Staff College’s Knowledge Centre for Sustainable Development, builds on earlier discussions around the concept of a “human rights economy.” The initiative seeks to address a central question posed by UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk: who benefits from existing economic systems.

The framing reflects a broader institutional concern that current economic structures are failing to deliver equitable outcomes. According to Türk, a human rights-based approach to economic governance places individuals and environmental sustainability at the core of decision-making, aligning policy outcomes with broader social objectives.

“Economies that Work for All” explores the intersection of economic systems and human rights, positioning the latter as a framework for addressing systemic challenges such as inequality, exclusion, and environmental degradation. The concept is also tied to the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which emphasizes inclusive growth and social equity.

The first season of the podcast introduced foundational ideas behind the human rights economy framework through discussions with policymakers and economists. Contributors included Mariana Mazzucato, Jayati Ghosh, Kate Raworth, Grieve Chelwa, and Epsy Campbell, who examined how rights-based approaches could reshape economic thinking and policy design.

The newly launched second season shifts focus toward implementation, examining how governments are applying these principles in practice. Through a series of weekly episodes, the podcast highlights policy initiatives across different regions, offering case studies on how human rights considerations can inform economic decision-making.

The opening episode features Spain’s Minister of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda, Pablo Bustinduy, discussing national efforts to align economic policy with inclusivity and social welfare objectives. The discussion reflects broader European debates on balancing growth with social protection and equitable distribution.

Subsequent episodes examine fiscal and structural reforms in emerging and developing economies. One episode focuses on Brazil’s approach to taxation, with Poliana Garcia Ferreira from the Ministry of Finance outlining measures aimed at reducing inequality through redistributive policies. The discussion highlights the role of tax systems in addressing income disparities and supporting public services.

Another episode explores South Africa’s efforts to implement a rights-based approach to climate transition. Dorah Modise, Executive Director of the Presidential Climate Commission, discusses strategies for aligning environmental policy with social justice, particularly in the context of shifting away from carbon-intensive industries.

The series also includes a case study on Sri Lanka, where economist Ahilan Kadirgamar reflects on the country’s economic challenges and the potential for rethinking development through a human rights lens. The episode examines how past economic crises can inform more inclusive policy frameworks going forward.

Housing policy is addressed in a separate episode featuring Leilani Farha, former UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing and current Global Director of The Shift. The discussion emphasizes the need to treat housing as a fundamental human right rather than a financial asset, particularly in urban environments facing affordability pressures.

The podcast initiative comes at a time when multilateral institutions are increasingly examining the social impact of economic policies. Rising inequality, climate-related risks, and uneven recovery patterns following global economic disruptions have intensified calls for policy frameworks that prioritize inclusivity and resilience.

Türk said that grounding economic decisions in human rights can enhance public trust and improve long-term sustainability. The approach, he argued, provides a structured way to align economic outcomes with broader societal goals, including poverty reduction, environmental protection, and access to essential services.

The UN’s emphasis on a human rights economy reflects an evolving policy discourse that seeks to move beyond traditional growth metrics. By integrating social and environmental considerations into economic planning, the framework aims to support more balanced and durable development outcomes.

The first episode of the second season became available on March 30, with subsequent episodes scheduled for weekly release. The series is accessible through major podcast platforms and forms part of a broader UN effort to engage policymakers, academics, and the public on issues at the intersection of economics and human rights.

A United Nations human rights report has warned that conditions in Afghanistan continue to deteriorate sharply under the country’s de facto Taliban authorities, with women and girls facing the most severe restrictions and millions struggling amid a deepening humanitarian crisis.

The assessment, presented by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk at the latest session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, covers developments between August 2025 and January 2026. It highlights a convergence of economic decline, reduced international aid, environmental stress, and governance policies that have significantly constrained civil liberties.

According to the report, approximately 21.9 million people around 45 percent of Afghanistan’s population—are expected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026. The situation has been exacerbated by a reduction in external funding, the return of nearly three million Afghans from neighboring countries during 2025, and persistent drought conditions affecting livelihoods and food security.

Türk said a series of directives issued since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 has had a “crushing impact” on the population, particularly women and girls. These measures, the report states, have effectively excluded women from most areas of public and professional life.

Since September 2025, Taliban security forces have barred Afghan women, including United Nations staff and contractors, from entering UN premises across the country. The restriction remained in place as of late January 2026, significantly limiting the organization’s operational capacity and its ability to deliver humanitarian assistance.The report also details the formal dismissal of women civil servants.

After being instructed to remain at home following the Taliban takeover while receiving a reduced monthly salary of 5,000 Afghanis, women were informed in January 2026 that their employment had been terminated without due process or compensation. The UN noted the absence of transparency and mitigation measures in this decision.

Educational restrictions remain in place, with girls excluded from schooling beyond the sixth grade and barred from higher education since December 2022. The report notes that medical graduation examinations were conducted in November 2025 without female candidates for a second consecutive year, following a ban on women attending medical institutes imposed in December 2024.

Additional measures have further limited women’s participation in public life. Authorities have enforced dress codes under the “Law on the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice,” and although the requirement for full-body covering appears to have been relaxed in some areas, women not adhering to prescribed attire continue to face denial of access to public transport, markets, and services.

The closure of beauty salons and the removal of books authored by women from libraries and bookstores, regardless of subject matter, have further restricted cultural and intellectual expression.“The de facto authorities have, in effect, criminalized the presence of women and girls in public life,” Türk said, adding that these policies affect access to healthcare, civic participation, and freedom of movement and expression.

The report also identifies broader human rights concerns, including the use of public executions and corporal punishment. Since 2021, authorities have carried out 12 public executions, including two during the reporting period, often in sports stadiums. Public floggings are reported to occur on a weekly basis.In late September 2025, Afghanistan experienced a nationwide shutdown of its fibre optic network, resulting in a 48-hour blackout of internet and mobile services.

The disruption affected healthcare delivery, emergency response systems, aviation operations, and financial services, according to the report, which noted that no official explanation was provided.Media freedom has also come under increased pressure. Journalists face arbitrary detention and restrictions on content, while live political talk shows have been banned since February 2025.

Broadcasting of music and drama has also been prohibited. Women journalists who remain active in the profession encounter additional barriers, including reported incidents of being silenced during official briefings.Türk described the overall situation as severe, citing widespread poverty and limited access to essential services.

“Millions of Afghans live in utter poverty, deprived of their right to adequate food, clean water, and access to education, healthcare and employment,” he said. He added that natural disasters, including two earthquakes in late 2025, have compounded existing challenges, while funding cuts have weakened humanitarian response efforts.

Security conditions along Afghanistan’s borders have also contributed to instability. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan documented 70 civilian deaths and 478 injuries attributed to Pakistani military actions during cross-border incidents in the final quarter of 2025.

The report notes that these figures exceed annual civilian casualty levels recorded in previous years, with the most intense period occurring between October 10 and 17, when more than 500 civilians were affected.In response to these developments, the UN has called on Afghanistan’s de facto authorities to reverse policies that restrict fundamental rights.

Recommendations include restoring women’s access to education and employment, halting executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty, ending arbitrary detentions, and ensuring fair trial standards. The report also calls for respect for freedom of expression and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The UN has urged member states to suspend forced returns of Afghan nationals, warning that deportees face credible risks of persecution, torture, and other serious harm. It has also emphasized the importance of supporting a newly established Independent Investigative Mechanism mandated to collect evidence of potential international crimes.

Türk noted that accountability efforts have gained some traction, referencing arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court in July 2025. He called on states to cooperate with ongoing investigations and provide financial support for accountability mechanisms.

Separately, a civil society-led People’s Tribunal for Women of Afghanistan delivered a symbolic judgment in December 2025, finding the Taliban and associated authorities responsible for crimes against humanity, including gender-based persecution and arbitrary detention.

The tribunal also called for the recognition of “gender apartheid” as a distinct international crime.Türk endorsed efforts to formalize this concept in international law, stating that defining gender apartheid would be a critical step toward addressing systemic discrimination. He urged Afghan authorities to reconsider policies excluding women from public life, emphasizing their central role in the country’s future.

“Women and girls are the present and the future, and the country cannot thrive without them.”

The targeted organization, Addameer, a Ramallah-based legal NGO founded in 1991, is widely known for providing legal representation to Palestinian political prisoners and detainees held in Israeli custody. According to U.S. authorities, Addameer maintains “long-standing affiliation” with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular Marxist faction classified as a terrorist group by both the U.S. and Israel.

While Addameer did not issue an immediate response, the move has triggered renewed debate over the politicization of humanitarian work in conflict zones. The U.S. accuses the organization of supporting the military wings of Palestinian groups, including Hamas, under the veil of aid and advocacy.

A History of Tensions

Addameer has long been a point of contention between Israel and international human rights organizations. In 2022, Israeli forces raided its offices, claiming the NGO funneled funds to terror networks. The United Nations strongly criticized the raid, stating that Israel failed to provide “credible evidence” and emphasized that Addameer was engaged in “critical humanitarian, legal, and development work in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.”

The NGO collaborates with major rights watchdogs including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and is a member of the World Organization Against Torture. Despite these affiliations, the Israeli government maintains that the group exploits its legal platform to support extremist agendas.

Advocacy and Accusations

The recent sanctions follow a formal request submitted in February by the Zachor Legal Institute, an Israeli-American group that claims to combat antisemitism and terrorism. The letter, signed by 44 additional organizations, urged the U.S. Treasury to act against Addameer. Zachor’s president, Marc Greendorfer, welcomed the decision, stating: “We are very pleased to see the Treasury following up on our request… Foreign actors spreading hate and violence must be stopped.”

The Treasury’s action reportedly relied in part on undisclosed intelligence provided by the Israeli Security Agency. Critics argue that such evidence remains unverifiable and shrouded in secrecy, casting doubt on the transparency of the designation process.

Human Rights in the Crossfire

Addameer’s work has drawn international attention for its legal defense of Palestinian detainees, including Salah Hammouri, a French-Palestinian human rights lawyer who was arrested by Israel in 2022. That incident was referenced in the U.S. State Department’s human rights report under a section titled “Retaliation Against Human Rights Defenders.”

As the conflict in Gaza intensifies and humanitarian needs escalate, the Treasury’s crackdown is likely to fuel further criticism from civil society groups who argue that legitimate humanitarian aid risks being criminalized.

With geopolitical tensions at a boiling point and humanitarian efforts under increasing scrutiny, the latest U.S. sanctions underscore the fragile intersection between aid, activism, and national security policy in one of the world’s most volatile regions.