Newsletter

It has been long since ISHR news landed in your inboxes but so much has been happening in the world of human rights some of which we will capture in this ‘bumper edition.’

Many families around the world are spending this Christmas without their loved ones who are innocently in prison. They have been arrested for standing up for human rights and democracy and for drawing attention to abuses in the country. The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) recalls the fate of political prisoners and prisoners of faith who are imprisoned under inhumane conditions in countries such as Cuba, Iran, China, Turkey, Belarus or Russia during the Christmas holidays and demands their immediate release.

What is your definition of equality – is a question we posed to our online community this month to mark the International Human Rights Day. Equality – reducing inequalities, advancing human rights was the dedicated focus of this year’s commemoration of the day.

As Autumn takes over in the northern hemisphere, the sun makes a comeback in the southern hemisphere and we launch into the third year of the pandemic accompanied by crises such as climate change and return of the Taliban to name a few, September and the months ahead are packed with strategic meetings to shape a different future.

As the global recession in democracy and rise in authoritarianism deepens, the International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) upholds their comprehensive efforts in advocating for and supporting those fighting for their civil and political rights worldwide. The year 2021 marks the 15th consecutive year of decline in global freedom, the Freedom in the World Report 2021 states.

Great events are coming up – next year our International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) will celebrate 50 years of existence – a great anniversary. I would like to take this as an opportunity to call on all national sections and actors of the ISHR in this newsletter to review on these decades of working for human rights as well as look forward for ways to strengthen and expand the ISHR even further.