When consumer choices become political statements
In a world increasingly divided by complex geopolitical tensions, consumers are showing solidarity with humanitarian causes by challenging multinational corporations. Last month, Gaza Cola – the beverage ‘with a message and a mission’ – took off in the UK. The popularity of this ‘apartheid-free’ alternative to boycotted brands among pro-Palestine supporters...
Current in Change
Amnesty International says Israel is committing genocide in Gaza
The human rights organisation has alleged that Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip constitutes the crime of genocide under international law. This morning, December 5th, Amnesty International released a report titled, 'You Feel Like You Are Subhuman': Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza. It contains months of research, extensive...
Namibia’s first openly queer candidates vie for parliamentary seats
In Namibia’s elections, two openly LGBTIQ+ candidates, Kevin Wessels and William Minnie, made history by vying for parliamentary seats. Despite not winning, their candidacies have proven the country’s inclusion and respect to human rights. 28-year-old Kevin Wessels and 22-year-old William Minnie made history a week ago as Namibia’s first...
Owner of the ‘UK Nightlife’ TikTok account has been arrested
A new era of public exposure has landed us here. A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of stalking and harassment after covertly filming women on nights out and uploading the videos to TikTok and Instagram. The clips, often titled ‘Manchester nightlife’ or ‘Liverpool nightlife’ were uploaded daily, and featured...
Why are ecosystems in west India vanishing?
As developers commodify pristine landscapes to meet the growing demand for luxury coastal living in Goa, the state faces an environmental reckoning that threatens not only its natural heritage, but the survival of its delicate ecological balance. Long celebrated for its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, the picturesque coastal state...
Confronting the political weaponisation of transgender issues
In the charged landscape of modern global politics, where culture wars often overshadow human rights, the transgender community’s struggle reveals deep-rooted systemic inequalities. Political campaigns and electoral systems worldwide continue to marginalise transgender communities, reflecting complex layers of social, economic, and political discrimination. What was once a marginal discussion has...
UK lawmakers get closer to legalising assisted dying
Should assisted dying be made available in the UK? Many government representatives across the nation believe so – and they’ve just moved one step closer to legalising it. Last week marked a historic shift in the contentious debate on assisted dying in the UK. For the first time in nearly a decade, MPs voted in favour of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill which, if passed, would allow...
New Zealand faces protests over controversial new bill
The Treaty Principles Bill, introduced by the ACT Party, has sparked heated debate in New Zealand, raising concerns about its potential impact on Māori rights and the foundational partnership established by the Treaty of Waitangi. In recent days, New Zealand saw peaceful protests with tens of thousands of people marching in Wellington and other cities. Seen as a powerful expression of Māori identity and resilience, the protests stood against the...
The case for real versus artificial Christmas trees
It’s the festive debate to end all festive debates. But which tree really is better for the planet? For decades, the debate over real versus artificial Christmas trees has been the festive equivalent of pineapple on pizza. It’s divisive, personal, and a little exhausting. You might choose artificial trees for their convenience, cost-effectiveness, or the promise of a consistent aesthetic. Or, you may insist a real tree, with its scent and imperfections,...
Understanding Africa’s unmet needs at COP29
The just concluded COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, once again left Africa grappling with unfulfilled commitments from previous summits. Baku’s COP29 brought together close to 200 countries, highlighting the Global South’s critical need for financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building to adapt to escalating climate challenges. Nevertheless, major promises made at previous COPs have remained grossly unmet, intensifying Africa’s vulnerabilities to climate impacts despite being the smallest emitter - 3%...
