Robert Fisk is one of my heroes. In terms of journalism relating to the Middle East I can’t find anyone who can compare to his depth of experience, knowledge and insight. He’s been there for it all. His column is well worth following and his books should be a must read for anyone interested in the Middle East. In this video he shares some of his insight on western involvement in the Middle East and [...]

You could be forgiven if you thought that Iran was the biggest abuser of human rights in the Middle East since that’s where media attention is focused and has been since Saddam Hussein was toppled in Iraq. Prior to that taking place, Iraq was in the headlines and being viewed as the biggest abuser – it served the push for war extremely well. The method is clear, highlight the human rights abuses undertaken by the [...]

I am a fan of the United Nations or at least, the concept of it. I believe the idea is good – a majority of the nations of the world coming together to dialogue and trying to forge paths forward for humanity in order to avoid the catastrophic mistakes we have made in the past with the two world wars setting the stage for its formation. The Charter of the United Nations states its purpose [...]

New York – The United Nations General Assemblys election of Human Rights Council members today was marred by lack of competition in three of the five UN regional groups, the NGO Coalition for an Effective Human Rights Council said. Although Azerbaijan was defeated in a competitive election, other rights abusers benefited from the lack of choices, said the human rights groups. In most regions, the number of candidates was equal to the number of open [...]

“By allowing Beijing to host the Games you will help the development of human rights.” Liu Jingmin Vice-President of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee April 2001

This just received from Brooks Addicott at the Sundance Institute: Global Stories Resonate With International Talent Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program announced 16 film projects to receive financial and creative support from the Sundance Documentary Fund. Out of 325 applications working in more than 52 countries, the 16 feature-length documentary films selected will receive a total of $512,500 in support for emerging and established filmmakers. The Sundance Documentary Film Program supports U.S. and international documentary [...]

The Humanitarian Chronicle received this email regarding the New Zealand Human Rights Film Festival: Dear Human Rights Supporter “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” The Human Rights Network of Aotearoa is proud to present the fourth annual New Zealand Human Rights Film Festival – a cinematic event celebrating extraordinary people striving for success and achievement amidst the most difficult circumstances and conditions. 2008 is a particularly special year for [...]