The Obama administration’s announcement that it will combat efforts abroad to criminalize homosexual conduct is drawing criticism from U.S. conservatives, and praise from gay and human rights activists. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced the new policy this week at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. The United States has long advocated equal [...]
Tag: human rights activists
December 11, 2011
December 3, 2011
Arab Spring Gets Mixed Results in Advancing Human Rights
While the so-called Arab Spring, which continues to this day, has had mixed results in advancing human rights, activists around the world say they have been inspired by the movement to fight for change in their own countries. Some are taking notice as the world prepares to celebrate Human Rights Day on December 10. Newly [...]
November 12, 2011
At Least 13 Killed in Syrian Protest Violence
Human rights activists say Syrian forces have killed at least 13 people during anti-government protests around the country Friday, as the government faces new accusations that it may be guilty of “crimes against humanity.” The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says most of Friday’s casualties occurred in the Homs region. Security forces have launched a [...]
November 1, 2011
Tunisia Testing Newfound Freedom of Expression
Tunisia’s revolution has exploded longstanding curbs to free expression. Media, civil society groups and political parties are flowering. Journalist and blogger Haythem el Mekki, 29, earns a living poking fun at politicians for Tunisia’s popular Radio Mosaique. It is the kind of free-wheeling satire that did not exist here a year ago. During the marathon [...]
September 17, 2011
College Students Explain Why They Picked Their Schools
Why I Picked Howard UniversityMarquis Gibson, junior It was not the renowned Homecoming celebration, the thrill of leaving home, or the fast pace of D.C. life that attracted me to Howard University. I wanted a source of stimulating education, and Howard still is that source for me. I have fed my educational, spiritual, and cultural [...]