Human & Political Rights

Freedoms in MENA in the Times of COVID-19

Arab Barometer According to this Arab Barometer infographic, citizens, with varying degrees across countries, say that freedoms of expression, demonstration, and the media are among the most threatened ones. Article

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Sudan: Media Laws Drafted during COVID-19 Don’t Meet Free Speech Standards

Article 19 This Article-19 legal analysis examines Sudan’s draft media laws, indicating that they failed to meet international freedom of expression standards during the COVID-19 pandemic. Article

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Syrian Government’s Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid Pushes Health Systems to “Near Collapse” in Northern Syria: PHR Report

Physicians for Human Rights This Physicians for Human Rights report provides evidence of compounded health disparities and inequities across northern Syria in the wake of a decade-long assault on health care by the government. Report

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Syrian Government’s Obstruction of Humanitarian Aid Pushes Health Systems to “Near Collapse” in Northern Syria: PHR Report [Arabic]

Physicians for Human Rights This Physicians for Human Rights report provides evidence of compounded health disparities and inequities across northern Syria in the wake of a decade-long assault on health care by the government. Report

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UN Women and ESCWA launch 3 studies on the impact of COVID-19 on women in Yemen

UN ESCWA The studies are aimed at supporting stakeholders in addressing the challenges that women face and increasing the effectiveness of efforts towards gender equality in all sectors, in the era of COVID-19 and beyond. Article

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Impact of COVID-19 on the Rights of Minorities and ‘Minoritized’ Populations: Consultation with Civil Society

Minority Rights Group International This study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on minorities and ‘minoritized’ populations in Tunisia, namely the Amazigh population, disabled persons, the LGBTQI+ community, black Tunisian citizens, Sub-Saharan migrants and religious minorities. Report

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Sudan Coup Prompts Fresh Health and Humanitarian Fears

The Lancet This article explores the impact of the coup in Sudan on health and humanitarian conditions. Medicine, food, and fuel shortages could deepen further in Sudan after a military coup sparked large pro-democracy protests and threatened further economic instability. Article

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Ministerial Forum Declaration: The future of Social Protection in the Arab Region

UNICEF This report presents highlights from a “high-level” ministerial forum for Arab ministers responsible for social protections in their respective countries. The forum is coordinated by UNICEF, ILO, and UN-ESCWA. Report

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Yemen’s Triple Emergency: Food Crisis Amid a Civil War and COVID-19 Pandemic

Health in Practice This article sheds light on the food crisis in Yemen amid the civil war and COVD-19 pandemic. Journal Article

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Lessons of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict for Public Health: The Case of the COVID-19 Vaccination Gap

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health This article explores the importance of recognizing the Israeli and Palestinian jurisdictions as a single epidemiological unit and illustrates how doing so is a pragmatic positioning that can serve self-interest. Journal Article

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