International News

Women's Oppression in Afghanistan 

Afghan women have faced systemic oppression for decades, with repeating cycles of progress and regression influenced by the country’s political landscape. Historically, the rights of women have fluctuated in accordance with Afghanistan's power dynamics, particularly during periods of strict Taliban rule. These regressions have left women vulnerable, with their rights frequently being taken away in the name of cultural or religious interpretations.

Afghanistan, prior to the Taliban's first rise to power, offered some progress for women. Women held positions in schools and hospitals while young girls attended school alongside boys. However, the Taliban’s 1996 takeover brought huge change with ultra-conservative policies being implemented, dismantling these freedoms.

During this era, women were banned from education and employment, being confined to their homes unless accompanied by a male guardian. The later overthrow of the Taliban in 2001 brought hope for Afghan women, as many returned to their public lives and continued their education.

The Taliban aims to control Afghan society through an oppressive system against women and will suppress any challenges to their rule, to stay true to their strict beliefs.

As of September 2024, the situation for women in Afghanistan has worsened under new Taliban-imposed laws. A new morality law is making these restrictions on women even stricter, worsening the already severe gender segregation and oppression. Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, voiced serious concerns over this development, labeling it as “institutionalized gender persecution”, which he described as a crime against humanity.

Bennett emphasized the consequences of these policies as they don't only violate the rights of women but are also affecting Afghanistan’s overall population. These restrictions will hold back the opportunities of Afghan women for years to come, impacting their ability to get an education, find work, and have control over their own bodies. Richard Bennett has stressed how essential it is for the international community to include Afghan women in any talks about the country’s future, and to ensure women's rights are being prioritized in the country.

Despite these calls, the global response so far hasn’t done enough to stop the growing repression. Afghan women are still leading the charge, fighting not just for their own futures but for the well-being of generations to come.

UN Climate SOS 

In August 2024, the United Nations issued a Climate SOS warning that explains how the Earth is approaching its breaking point as climate change worsens. With recent influxes in heat waves, wildfires, floods, and droughts around the world, the UN has to call for urgent action to be taken to avoid irreversible damage. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that climate change threats are no longer something to put off but a harsh reality. The UN is stressing to reduce carbon emissions to keep global warming below 1.5°C. Without stronger effects, the world is on track for more extreme weather, food shortages, and rising sea levels.

The SOS also highlighted how more impoverished  nations will be facing the biggest consequences from the crisis, as they cannot afford to install proper measures to keep citizens safe. Wealthier countries were called upon to help provide more financial support to these areas to allow them to adapt and recover from climate related disasters. 

The UN is also urging individuals and businesses to take action, suggesting ways that people can help the planet. Reducing energy use, cutting waste, and applying more sustainable practices are all methods that could make a difference. Guterres points out how "Every action counts," reinforcing how important the community's efforts are toward combating the climate crisis.

The UN’s message is clear: without immediate united action the consequences of climate change could become catastrophic. The tools to address the crisis exist, but the window for action is narrow and closing fast.

Covid Surge 

In the summer of 2024, a concerning number of COVID-19 cases began spreading across multiple countries, raising concern for health experts from around the world. 

The spike is speculated to come from new variants of COVID that are not only more contagious, but are also able to evade immunity provided by previous vaccinations. These variants pose a serious challenge to public health efforts by being able to get new booster shots out in time. 

Another important reason is the slowed pace of vaccination. Even though vaccines remain extremely effective against preventing severe disease, their protection will wear off over time. Health experts encouraged everyone to stay up to date with their booster shots, considering these new variants. Staying current with vaccination will keep defenses strong against the virus.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health organizations are monitoring the situation closely to prevent any further escalation. They called for vigilance by countries, emphasizing vaccination, and targeting booster shots for any high-risk groups as ways of keeping the virus at bay and protecting vulnerable populations.

With cases of COVID-19 starting to surge, health experts remind everyone to be more alert for their safety and others'. Basic precautions can include: wearing masks in highly occupied areas, frequent hand washing, and getting vaccinations up to date. While the pandemic isn't as serious as it has been in previous years, the virus still remains a threat and taking precautions seriously allows for no serious escalation.