Human Rights in the News: February 2021
/Curated by Nikki Bambauer
Welcome to the February 2021 edition of Human Rights in the News, Woven Teaching’s monthly collection of important human rights stories from around the world.
Person with short hair and arms outstretched behind them. They are in a grand room with multiple sets up stairs and columns behind them (Credit: Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam)
The Dutch Government Just Promised to Return Any Stolen Colonial-Era Objects in Its Collections Back to Their Countries of Origin
Sarah Cascone | Artnet | February 4, 2021
A recent statement from the Dutch government stated, “Because of the imbalance of power during the colonial era, cultural objects were—effectively—often stolen.” It announced the creation of a commission to assess requests for restitution and advise museums about objects that were acquired involuntarily. Learn more >
Ranjitsinh Disale, wearing a blue collared shirt and khakis, stands at the front of a classroom full of children. He is speaking and has his hands clasped in front of his stomach (Credit: Vaibhav Gadekar)
Exceptional teacher inspires students and fights scourge of child marriage
UN News | February 19, 2021
Indian elementary school teacher Ranjitsinh Disale won the UN-backed Global Teacher Prize in 2020. He “is driven by empowering students, particularly girls, so they can ‘unleash their potential.’” Learn more >
A traffic cone and a sandwich board that reads “vaccine, end of line” with a large black arrow pointing right (Credit: Damian Dovarganes/Associated Press)
False claims in texts, emails led to misuse of vaccine codes intended for those in need
Julia Wick, Laura J. Nelson, Maya Lau | The Los Angeles Times | February 24, 2021
In California, a government attempt to vaccinate high-risk and historically marginalized communities–including Black and Latinx communities–has gone awry. Access codes meant for these groups were somehow leaked to affluent communities, who then took many of the vaccination appointments meant for others. California governor Gavin Newsom announced that changes to the program were forthcoming. Learn more >
Riot police stand in front of a crowd in Rangon, the capital of Myanmar (Credit: Maung Lonlan/EPA)
Pro-choice protests in Warsaw and Myanmar coup: 20 photos on human rights this week
Compiled by Eric Hilaire | The Guardian | February 26, 2021
Check out this stunning collection of photos from around the world. View the photos >
The entrance to the Camp Delta facility at Guantánamo Bay detention center. There is a high chainlink fence with barbed wire at the top (Credit: Kathleen T. Rhem via Wikimedia)
UN rights experts call for US to address ongoing violations at ‘Kafkaesque’ Guantánamo military prison
UN News | February 23, 2021
In response to U.S. President Joe Biden’s announced review of Guantánamo Bay detention center, UN human rights experts said that it was also vital to address human rights abuses at the site. This includes alleged torture and other cruel and degrading treatment. Learn more >
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