Human Rights in the News: October 2020
/Curated by Nikki Bambauer
Welcome to the October 2020 edition of Human Rights in the News, Woven Teaching’s monthly collection of important human rights stories from around the world.
Police in riot gear move past a mural featuring paintings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, September 2020, Portland (Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
Human Rights Group Finds Portland Police Violated UN Guidelines During Protests
Alex Zielinski | Portland Mercury | October 8, 2020
Physicians for Human Rights, an organization that monitors the health implications of human rights violations, conducted its first-ever investigation of law enforcement using crowd control weapons against protestors in the United States. Their findings indicate that local and federal law enforcement undermined the work of street medics and put human life at risk in Portland, OR. Learn more >
A large demonstration in Belarus. Many in the crowd are holding the red and white flag of Belarus (Credit: AP)
Even before coronavirus hit, freedom of expression was already near rock bottom
Quinn McKew | The Independent | October 20, 2020
A new report by Article19, an organization dedicated to protecting freedom of expression, claims that the right to freedom of expression and information has reached its lowest point ever. An estimated 3.9 billion people live in contexts where their rights to speak, know, or participate are routinely violated. Learn more >
A young person, looking at the camera with a serious stare, holds a sign that reads: “Stop killing the leaders of tomorrow #EndPoliceBrutality” (Credit: Akintunde Akinleye/EPA)
Police brutality is just tip of the iceberg for protesters in Nigeria
Jason Burke | The Guardian | October 21, 2020
Earlier this month, protests demanding an end to the country’s Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) erupted in Nigeria. The movement has evolved into a broader critique of Nigerian politics and governance. On October 20, police opened fire on demonstrators in Lagos, killing at least seven. Learn more >
Two demonstrators, one leaning out of a car window, hold flags during a blockade
Poland abortion ruling: Protesters block roads across country
BBC | October 27, 2020
Demonstrators blockaded traffic in 50 Polish cities on October 26. The blockades mark the fifth consecutive day of protest against the Polish government’s near-total ban on abortion. Learn more >
Rugby player Grace McKenzie running towards another rugby player (Credit: Jackie Finlan)
World Rugby's transgender ban a 'dangerous precedent,' critics say
Alex Berg | ABC News | October 27, 2020
World Rugby, rugby’s governing body, has issued guidelines barring transgender women from playing the sport internationally. These regulations are among the sport world’s most exclusionary for transgender athletes. Learn more >
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