9 powerful social change movements you need to know about

Rights are hard won and easily lost. Fortunately, the world is full of determined people ready to stand up, organise, and take collective action. Here’s nine people-powered social change movements that are sure to fill you with hope. 1. Black Lives Matter With the killing of George Floyd by a US police officer in May 2020, …

5 concerns with Australia’s policing during COVID-19

First things first: restrictions on our movement during the COVID-19 health crisis are an essential measure to protect our community. It’s vital that we stay at home as much as possible, and our success in slowing the spread is in large part thanks to people like you, changing your lives for the sake of fellow …

How to stay safe online during the COVID-19 crisis

With much of the world on lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, many of us are relying on our phones, laptops and other devices to stay connected. While cyber-surveillance is a longstanding threat to human rights defenders and others, this new normal means options for using physical security alternatives (like simply communicating sensitive information in …

COVID-19, surveillance and the threat to your rights

People across the world are currently facing an unprecedented global health emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19.  Technology can and should play an important role during this effort to save lives, including by spreading public health messages and increasing access to health care. However, in the name of combatting the disease, some governments are …

Humanity in uncertain times

This was originally published by and for Pro Bono Australia, By Maggie Cogan. Maggie Coggan is a journalist at Pro Bono News covering the social sector. It’s no easy task leading a charity like Amnesty International Australia (AIA) through a pandemic.  Vulnerable communities are set to bear the brunt of COVID-19, and already financially-stretched charities …

5 women activists tell us what climate justice means to them

Climate change is a challenge that burdens us all, but not equally. Women and girls are among those affected disproportionately, especially those belonging to marginalized and discriminated communities in the Global South. And yet their voices are rarely heard in decision making forums. But from the rubble of stark division we are seeing movements unite. Spearheaded …

Explained: The situation at Greece’s borders

What’s happening at Greece’s borders with Turkey? On 27 February 2020, Turkey announced that it would no longer stop refugees trying to cross its borders into Europe, which have been closed since 2016. Turkey hosts 3.6 million Syrian refugees – more than any other country. Since December 2019, hundreds of thousands more people have fled towards the …

In a dangerous world, human rights activists have been winning all year

With inequality, injustice and hate speech seemingly ever more prevalent across the globe, you’d be forgiven for thinking 2019 has been a bad year for human rights. Yet, we have also seen some significant wins. Activists the world over have been galvanised to stand up and fight for our human rights – and thanks to …