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The fight for a fair COVID-19 vaccine explained

The race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine is gathering pace, and it seems like there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel. But as wealthy countries continue to hoard doses, the lifesaving potential of vaccines risks being undermined by inequality and corporate interests.   Now is the time to demand that COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone – regardless of where they live, who they are, or what they can afford.  COVID-19 is a truly global crisis, and we …

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Pride is a celebration for some; a protest for many

We all know the joyful images (probably the one illustrating this piece, too) of people revelling in pride marches all over the world. It’s a great time for the Queer community and their allies to celebrate freedom of expression, and the right to be exactly who they are. But, just like Sydney’s iconic Mardi Gras, …

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Explained: Reproductive rights under threat in Poland

Peaceful protesters against the new restrictions on abortion in Poland have faced excessive use of force by police officers, and have been arbitrarily detained without access to lawyers. Protests began on October 22nd after Poland’s constitutional tribunal ruled abortions due to foetal defects as unconstitutional.  What are the abortion laws in Poland? Poland has one …

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What’s happening in Armenia and Azerbaijan?

On July 14th, an escalation in conflict at the Armenia – Azerbaijan border resulted in at least 16 deaths, and reignited a generations-long conflict between the two nations. By the end of September this erupted into heavy fighting which in recent weeks has led to thousands of civilians being displaced as both sides continue to …

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When is targeted surveillance wrong?

Your phone rings. Within seconds, it’s infected with secret spyware that’s tracking everything you do. This isn’t a conspiracy theory or a twist in a Netflix thriller. It’s happening right now to people like you – and you have the power to stop it. We all know that privacy matters. Our private thoughts, texts, friendships, social …

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Amnesty International’s Updated Abortion Policy: FAQs

1. Why is Amnesty International revisiting its position on abortion? We have updated our position to align with evolving international human rights law and standards, to make it as inclusive as possible, and to ensure it addresses the full range of barriers that impede access to safe abortion and the full range of human rights …

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Solving the “Social Dilemma”: Overhauling Big Tech’s business model

If there’s one thing 2020 has underscored, it’s our reliance on the online world for social connection and interaction. For many of us, online platforms and services like Facebook and Google’s offered a lifeline during the pandemic, allowing us to stay in touch with family and friends, to move work and schooling online and to …

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It’s a COVID crisis, but we still have rights

New restrictions, increased police powers and the ability to suspend acts of Parliament have been introduced by the Victorian State Government to deal with a rapidly increasing number of positive COVID-19 cases. We’re all thinking of our family, friends, colleagues and those we don’t know in Victoria as we try to navigate our way through …

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