Conflict & Justice

Syrian prison offers a glimpse into Assad’s brutal rule

Syria

Sednaya prison in Damascus was once synonymous with death and disappearance. Yet over the past week, thousands of families rushed to the prison in the hope of finding their missing loved ones. Many left with no answer. 

As Ukraine loses ground in the east, the mobilization debate becomes more heated

Ukraine

After Assad’s fall, long-displaced Syrians begin to return home

Syria

‘We are experiencing a taste of freedom’: Syrians react to President Bashar al-Assad’s downfall

Syria

Russia’s military role in Syria

Syria

Women in Afghanistan can no longer attend medical institutes

Afghanistan

A new directive from the Taliban bans women from studying dentistry, nursing and midwifery. The group, which took over the country by force in 2021 after the US withdrawal, also reportedly prevents women from getting treatment from male doctors unless a male guardian is present. Human rights activists say they are worried about what these restrictions mean for the future of Afghan women’s health.

Is the Russian flag a symbol of war?

Ukraine

In nearly three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of people have left Russia. Outside of Russia, anti-war activists have attempted to organize support, but often, these attempts have led to harsh disagreements. The most recent debate is about whether the Russian flag has become a symbol of war.

Native Americans hold National Day of Mourning on Thanksgiving in solidarity with Indigenous struggles around the globe

Human rights

For more than half a century, groups of Native Americans have been gathering on Thanksgiving to mark a National Day of Mourning at a historic site in Massachusetts. They honor their ancestors who were subject to atrocities by settlers in the 17th century. Over the years, they have also been a voice for other oppressed Indigenous groups around the world.

The Italy-Albania migrant deal seems set for failure. One Albanian town still wants it to succeed. 

Migration

A year after Italy signed a controversial migration deal with Albania, the detention facility built to house asylum-seekers in Albania stands empty as human rights groups call the migration deal cruel. But a remote village in northwestern Albania is still hopeful the plan will come to fruition.

After 1,000 days of full-scale war with Russia, is there a mood shift in Ukraine?

Ukraine

In Ukraine, nearly three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, there are signs of a significant societal mood shift. According to a recent poll, support for continuing to fight has declined across every region in the country. And more than half of the population wants to negotiate an end to the conflict.