human rights
More countries recognize the state of Palestine during UN General Assembly
During a joint UNGA session chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, more countries formally recognized a Palestinian state. It came about a week after a UN inquiry found that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. But many are hoping the move will go beyond just a symbolic gesture.
US authorities arrest a former Syrian official in Los Angeles
Samir Ousman al-Sheikh, an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was arrested at the airport on his way out of the US this week. The World’s host Carolyn Beeler discussed the significance of the move with Mouaz Mustafa, who played a key role in his detention.
These Israelis are trying to counter other Israelis blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza
Since Israel’s offensive began in Rafah in May, the amount of aid actually entering Gaza has dropped by two-thirds, according to the United Nations. Some of it has been stopped by Israeli citizens blocking the aid from entering. Now, other Israelis are pushing back to try to help get aid in.
Iranian rapper receives death sentence for his work and support of human rights
The work of 33-year-old Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi is as poetic as it is technically challenging — covering topics ranging from government corruption to the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, he channels the voice of Iran’s disillusioned youth. This week, a revolutionary court in Isfahan overruled a previous court decision granting leniency for Salehi, and sentenced him to death.
‘We are helpless’: Protesting farmers in India pose challenges — and demands — to Modi
With polls opening this month in India, farmers are angry with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In 2021, Modi made a rare concession by repealing farm laws after they were met with massive months-long protests in Delhi. Now, farmers are returning to the streets. Sushmita Pathak reports from Delhi that the main demand now is guaranteed crop prices.