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The UN at 79: Navigating Neutrality in a Divided World

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Furqan Ahmed 

Senior Research Associate, South Asia Research Institute for Minorities (SARIM). Secretary, Research Committee 26 RC26 – Human Rights, General Research Coordinator, International Association of Political Science Students, IAPSS.

Introduction:

October 24, 2024 marks the commemoration of the ‘United Nations Day’ and this blog is dedicated to celebrate the birth of United Nations with an aim as whistleblower, highlight the challenges the UN faces in effectively addressing global peace in a divided world. The emergence of the United Nations took place on October 24, 1945 as a result of one of the most horrific wars human beings have ever witnessed. The United Nations (UN) was established by its member states, which then created a new primary body of international law and human rights that is regulated by the International Bill of Human Rights, a set of five treaties that each state has ratified in compliance with its own domestic laws on foreign commitments. 

Before we begin our dissection on why the UN is failing in maintaining global peace, we will dive into some of its major achievements, which are tantamount to success rather than failure

Here are three pillars, which define the UN’s significance achievements:  

  1. Fight against poverty, hunger, and health related initiatives: The United Nation provides food and financial assistance to over 80 million people, while, it provide aid to more than 69 million people who have fled their homeland due to persecution, conflict, or human rights violation. Along with that, the UN facilitates 45% of the world’s children with vaccines, saving as estimated 2 to 3 million lives.  
  2. Efforts for upholding Human Rights through: 
  3. Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
  4. International Convention on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights
  5. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
  6. Decolonization: Before its inception in 1945, there was a massive network of Colonizers across the world, 750 million people lived under the colonial regime. The numbers have been trickled down to 2 million people today. 

Despite these monumental achievements, the UN is still under immense pressure, be it the financial crunch, post Covid-19 and the other bulging challenges regarding maintaining a massive influx of migrants caused by two of contemporary regional conflicts of Russo-Ukraine War and Middle-East crisis, and climate change. 

Critical Analysis: 

The outbreak of the Russo-Ukraine war on February 24, 2022, and the ongoing crisis in Gaza are stark reminders that contemporary conflicts are not isolated events but rather the culmination of decades of unresolved tensions. As war experts warn of the potential for these conflicts to escalate into a global confrontation, including the frightening prospect of World War III, it is crucial to examine the effectiveness of international organizations tasked with maintaining peace.

The purpose of the following commentary is to examine the causes, which is making the UN a ‘toothless tiger. At first place, why it [UN] failed to prevent these two recent wars, while on the second place, why this intergovernmental organization is failing to maintain neutrality in establishing global peace.

Numerous independent reports document gross human rights violations in conflict zones, where innocent civilians bear the brunt of war. The UN’s failure to act decisively in these situations raises critical questions about its effectiveness as a peacekeeping body. Why has the UN struggled to prevent recent wars, and what specific cases illustrate its compromised neutrality?

“The author also gave a reference to his interaction with Prof. Dr. Heinz-Dietrich Steinmeyer in a podcast that took place on October 10, 2024 titled “Social Security and Minority Rights: Lessons from Europe for South Asia”. In response to a question to Prof. Steinmeyer, that “do you really think that UN is failing to maintain neutrality and in establishing global peace”, the guest responded that, is the world ready to live a peaceful life, that is the reason UN is becoming extremely compulsive in maintaining neutrality, because you sometimes have to deal with the good-one and the bad ones”

Is the UN on the verge of become the League of Nations 2.0?  

The following proposition will explore the similarities in the failure of the League of Nations with its replacing counterpart, the United Nations, in maintaining global peace and why it is heading towards repeating the same mistakes, which caused the demise of the League of Nations and the outbreak of World War II. 

Historical Background: 

Historically, the League of Nations provides a compelling case study of the failures in global governance. Established after World War I to prevent future conflicts, the League ultimately faltered in the 1930s, unable to respond effectively to aggression from rising powers. This historical precedent raises important questions about the current role of the United Nations (UN) and its ability to learn from past mistakes. The main reason gave birth to the creation of an intergovernmental organization, known as the United Nations, was the miserable failure of the League, the first intergovernmental organization that was established after the World War I, which was built of the principles of maintaining international peace, achieving international cooperation, and being a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.  

Reasons behind the failures of League of Nations: 

The League of Nations was sandwiched between aggressor nations [Germany, Italy, and Japan] and the abysmal performance of its own members [Britain and France], failing to appease Hitler – actions that arguably led to the outbreak of World War II. The member states became hostile to each other as a result of the ‘World Economic Depression’ in the late 1930s. The overtaking of fascist dictatorships in Germany, Italy, and Japan, which were intended for empire-building, and these countries defied the League.

   

Can the UN adapt its strategies to overcome historical pitfalls and effectively maintain global peace in the face of contemporary challenges?

 

 “76 years and half a trillion dollars later, the international community is divided on the effectiveness of the United Nations. Overall, the UN has a positive international image but the partisan divide over supporting the UN has widened, particularly in the United States. The United States’ perception of the UN is important since the United States is the largest donor to the UN and accounts for roughly 20% of the UN’s collective budget”

Katelyn Balakir

The effectiveness of the United Nations remains a contentious issue, with a positive international image overshadowed by a widening partisan divide, particularly in the U.S., which contributes 20% of the UN’s budget. While the UN has achieved significant successes in humanitarian aid, human rights, and decolonization, it faces critical limitations, including enforcement challenges, Security Council inaction, and perceptions of Western dominance, all of which hinder its peacekeeping efforts and future operations amid financial constraints and fluctuating political support from member states.

Role in Peacekeeping Missions Globally: 

Rwanda Genocide (1994): The genocide of Rwanda in 1994, despite wary of impeding violence, the mandate holder, the United Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNIMAR), lacked resources and the UN’s reluctance to mediate vehemently exhibited genocide to escalate, which caused innocent civil casualties.  

Bosnia (1992-1995):  The UN even couldn’t even protect its safe zones for civilians in Srebrenica; the Bosnian Serb forces violated attacked Peacekeepers from Netherlands [Dutch]. As a result of the UN’s inactiveness, more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were massacred. 

Syria (2011 Present):  The ineffectiveness of mediating the current conflict in Syria presents a case study of human rights defenders. Additionally, the use of chemical weapons and the humanitarian crisis have further complicated the UN’s neutrality, as various member states have been accused of using the UN as a platform to advance their geopolitical interests, rather than genuinely seeking a resolution.

Myanmar (Rohingya Crisis):  Once again, the UN’s ineptness forming a robust political stance against the Myanmar Government raised disbelief about its commitment to fairness. That is why the Rohingya Crisis is still unsettled and the UN faces hostile response for being slow in response. Critics argue that the UN’s focus on humanitarian aid has overshadowed the need for accountability and justice. 

Yemen (2015-present): This crisis is regarded as perhaps world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The United Nations is under extreme pressure for failing to hold parties accountable for violations of International Laws, particularly the Saudi-led coalition’s actions. It is perceived that the UN holds soft corner or passive in resolving and addressing these issues. 

These conflicts and crises provided the intricacies and challenges the UN faces in sustaining impartiality whereas resolving complicated conflicts. They accentuate the need for reorganization and a preemptive approach to conflict resolution to rebuild trust in its capacity to mediate fairly and effectively.

In conclusion, as we navigate an increasingly volatile world, it is imperative to critically assess the role of the UN and other international organizations. By learning from the lessons of the past and addressing their shortcomings, we may foster a more effective approach to maintaining global peace and security. 

Title: Biotechnology in the New Age: Exploring Its Synergy with AI, Economy, Policy, Entrepreneurship, and IPR

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                                                                            Anju Gupta.

                                                                                  Head Department of Political Science

                                                                                  JECRC University, JAIPUR (India)

Introduction:

Ah, biotechnology—a field that started out studying the tiny mysteries of life and has now become a full-fledged celebrity in science, stealing the limelight from even AI and blockchain at times. But don’t worry, this isn’t one of those stuffy science blogs. We’re here to mix biochemistry with a dash of humor and dive into how biotech is cozying up to some new-age trends like AI, economics, policy-making, entrepreneurship, and the ever-important intellectual property rights (IPR). Spoiler alert: It’s a fascinating ride.

 AI and Biotechnology: The Dynamic Duo We Didn’t Know We Needed

It was inevitable that Artificial Intelligence and Biotechnology would become best friends eventually. AI has been flexing its muscles in almost every industry imaginable, but in biotech, it’s like that one friend who brings the coolest gadgets to a dinner party.

– Drug Discovery: AI helps biotech companies find new drugs faster than a teenager skipping through Netflix options. By analyzing massive amounts of biological data, AI can predict which molecules are most likely to be the next big cure. While biotech is occupied with lab work, AI is there to whisper in its ear, ‘Hey, give this one a try.’ You might like it.”

– Genetic Engineering: AI-powered CRISPR technologies are on the rise, and no, we’re not talking about a new kitchen appliance. With AI’s help, scientists can now edit genes with the precision of a chef slicing a perfect avocado. This means better crops, healthier humans, and probably a few overly excited startup founders.

Together, AI and biotechnology are like Batman and Robin, except instead of fighting crime, they’re solving the mysteries of life. And no capes are involved—yet.

 The Economy: Biotech’s Financial Glow-Up

Biotechnology isn’t just for science nerds in lab coats anymore. No, it’s a full-blown economic powerhouse. Investors are investing in biotech startups as if it were the next cryptocurrency boom (with less volatility, mostly).

– Investment Trends: Biotechnology startups are now a hot ticket item. Venture capitalists are chasing them down like they’re handing out free kombucha at a tech conference. Investors are drawn to Biotech’s promise of revolutionary cures, treatments, and eco-friendly solutions. The sector is expected to hit new highs—think more IPOs and a few more yachts for those early investors.

– Job Creation: Biotech is not just creating new drugs and therapies; it’s creating jobs. From lab researchers to marketing gurus (because even gene therapy needs a brand), the industry is bolstering the economy like a protein shake for job growth.

Sure, we may not see biotechnology sponsoring the Super Bowl halftime show anytime soon, but give it a few years. 

 Policy-Making: When Science Meets Suit-and-Tie World

If you think biotech is complicated, try navigating the maze of policies and regulations around it. Policymakers act as the grown-ups in the room, trying to figure out how to allow biotech to proceed without causing a Jurrasic Park scenario.

– Ethical Debates: Should we tweak human genes? Is it okay to modify crops? These aren’t just dinner table conversation starters anymore—they’re real issues that governments are tackling. And unlike your family’s Thanksgiving debates, these come with actual consequences.

– Regulatory Hurdles: New biotech breakthroughs like CRISPR or lab-grown meat can’t just be tossed into the market. Regulations are necessary to ensure safety, but they also can slow down innovation. It’s a bit like having to explain every step of a complicated dance to a judge before you can actually perform it. Fun? Not so much. Necessary? Absolutely.

On the bright side, once policy catches up, biotech innovations usually make a splash. Plus, we can all agree that no one wants unregulated genetic experiments running amok. Thanks, government.

 Entrepreneurship: Startups, Unicorns, and Biotech Millionaires

In the old days, if you wanted to make millions, you started an app or launched a podcast. But now, biotech entrepreneurship is the new gold rush. Forget social media influencers—bio-entrepreneurs are the next superstars.

– Startups Everywhere: Biotech startups are springing up like mushrooms after a rainstorm. Whether it’s gene-editing therapies, next-gen agriculture, or synthetic biology, there’s a startup for it. And these aren’t just hobby projects; many of them have real potential to change the world (and maybe even get a Netflix documentary).

– Challenges: Sure, starting a biotech company might sound glamorous, but it’s not all pipettes and venture capital. The costs are high, the timelines are long, and there’s always the small issue of actually getting your product through regulatory approvals. Still, for those who can navigate the murky waters, the rewards can be astronomical. 

Biotech entrepreneurs are living the dream—if your dream includes FDA paperwork and petri dishes.

 Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): The Unsung Hero of Biotech

In biotechnology, intellectual property rights (IPR) are as important as lab coats. Without strong IPR protection, innovation in biotech would look like a game of Monopoly without the rules—and trust us, nobody wants that chaos.

– Patents Galore: Biotech inventions are patent-heavy. Whether it’s a new cancer drug or a genetically modified crop, patents help companies protect their work. But navigating biotech patents can feel like playing chess against a very strict librarian—one wrong move, and your company could be out.

– Challenges: IPR in biotech can get thorny. Who owns the rights to a modified gene? Can someone really patent a part of the human body? These types of questions are what make IPR lawyers both necessary and somewhat intimidating. But at the end of the day, strong IPR ensures that the people who spend years developing new technologies get to reap the rewards.

Just remember: in biotech, patents aren’t just a piece of paper—they’re the backbone of innovation.

Conclusion:

The focus of biotechnology is no longer solely on curing diseases or creating genetically modified plants. In ways that are both surprising and exciting, this field is interconnecting with some of the most significant new-age trends, including AI, the economy, policy-making, entrepreneurship, and intellectual property rights. And while the journey might be full of twists, turns, and the occasional government form, biotech is undoubtedly carving its place in the future.

In the end, whether you’re a budding bio-entrepreneur, a policy-maker scratching your head, or just someone curious about the future of humanity, biotechnology is a field worth watching—and maybe even chuckling about along the way.

A World in Peril: Climate Change and the Erosion of Human Rights

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Dr. Uzma Shujjat

Director, Area Study Centre for Europe

University of Karachi

Climate Change is a human rights threat with causes and consequences that cross borders; thus, it requires a global response underpinned by international solidarity. States should share resources, knowledge, and technologies to address climate change. Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human rights of our generation, posing a serious threat to the fundamental rights to life, health, food, and an adequate standard of living of individuals and communities across the world. 

The dramatic impact of climate change has exposed devastating clarity and the integral of a healthy environment to the benefit of all our other rights. Climate change is intimately linked with human rights because of its effect on not only the environment but also our own well-being and ultimately our survival. Big powers, especially from higher-income countries with the greatest historical responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions, are not fulfilling their responsibilities.  

World leaders, especially those from the developed world, have the greatest responsibility for greenhouse gas emissions and do not fulfill their legal obligations to address climate change and help, in the long run, adapt to the change that has already occurred.  If these developed ones are not going to respond seriously and act quickly, the effects of the unprecedented weather conditions of frequent heat waves, excessive flooding, and rainfall will continue to rise and worsen over time, creating a threat for current and future generations. Thus, the failure of governments to act in a responsible manner to address the crises accompanying scientific evidence and frequent dialers and predictions may well be the biggest intergovernmental human rights violation in human history. 

In addition to the Government, the corporate sector is responsible for addressing and respecting human rights in the context of climate change.  The impact of climate change includes warming temperatures, changes in precipitation, and increases in the frequency or intensity of extreme weather, and rising sea levels.

These impacts threaten our health by affecting the food we eat, water we drink, air we breathe, and weather we experience.  The human actions that affect climate change, such as burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, and farming livestock, have increasingly influenced the climate and the earth’s temperature. According to Resolution 53/6 July 2023, the council recognized the importance of minimizing and addressing the loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. 

The dangers of climate change are particularly important for Children. Climate change has threatened livelihoods in the last decade, and international, regional, and national Human Rights bodies have recorded a rise in human rights violations in accordance with climate change. Here, we consider some high-risk human rights violations that are solely connected with livelihoods. 

Access to clean water climate change is meagerly affecting and will continue to affect rising trends and the availability, accessibility, and affordability of water. This was mostly due to natural degradation changes and anthropogenic factors. Large corporate sectors are highly responsible for large-scale damage to the water system, contamination, and poor quality of water, which are sources of amenities. The right to life and climate change have a vital connection; sudden extreme weather events due to changes in the natural system, such as heat waves, wildfires, excessive flooding, and rainfall, usually lead to people losing their lives, resulting in a very high death toll, right to health, and food.      

Political Impact of Climate Change: The Case of Bangladesh

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Dr. M. Shahrukh Shahnawaz

Writer is a lawyer, 

Member of the Environmental Committee of the Sindh High Court Bar Association Karachi,

&

The Faculty of Department of International Relations, University of Karachi

.

The interim government of Bangladesh under Muhammad Yunus, after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid by the student protest, is facing its first challenge, which is the death, devastation, and destruction caused by the recent floods, as nearly 300,000 people are taking refuge in emergency shelters, while the student leader in the cabinet accused India of deliberately releasing water from dams. 

The fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid is also a stark reminder that economic growth and development do not ensure political stability if human rights are being trampled. According to the Human Rights Watch, in 2023, ahead of the 2024 general elections, the authorities started making mass arrests of opposition members and using excessive force against protestors.  

Amnesty International reported that the government intensified its crackdown on the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly ahead of elections, including abusing the Digital Security Act and other legislation to target journalists and human rights defenders, subjecting them to arbitrary detention and torture, and not being held accountable for enforced disappearances and custodial deaths. 

However, the present interim government can face the same fate as the government of the father of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, whose government was unable to respond to the destruction caused by the 1970 Bhola Cyclone, followed by 1974 famine, eventually leading to the declaration of emergency by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman government, followed by his assination, and a long military rule.   

The 1970 Bhola Cyclone led to the 1971 Pakistani Civil War, between West Pakistan and East Pakistan, which later turned into the 1971 Pakistan-India War, and saw the fall of Dhaka and East Pakistan, and the emergence of Bangladesh. The people of East Pakistan had many grievances from the government of West Pakistan especially the fishermen community of the East Pakistan, whose rights and plight were raised and shared by the great Faiz Ahmad Faiz, in his movie Jago Hua Savera (1959), based on the Bengali novel Padma Nadir Majhi, by Manik Bandopadhyay, which is a 1936 novel, depicted the plight of the Bengali fishermen residing on the banks of Padma river during the British colonial rule. The Bengal region paid heavy attention to British colonialism during the 1943 Bengal Famine, which killed around three million people and was a manmade disaster, primarily driven by the war policy of the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. 

Bangladesh has learned from its previous historical and political experiences pertaining to floods, famines, and cyclones, and made history when the Supreme Court of Bangladesh declared all its rivers a living entity in 2019, contributing to the development of the rights of rivers. 

Both India and Bangladesh fear China’s construction of dams in Tibet along a bend in the river, in the vicinity of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra River in India. For India, this project could trigger flash floods or create water scarcity, or give China strategic leverage over India on border disputes in the Himalayan mountains, while Bangladesh claims that it is more adversely affected than India, as the Brahmaputra River is important for sustaining Bangladesh’s livelihood and agriculture, especially in the dry season, potentially and possibly causing displacement. 

Both India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers and signed the Ganga Waters Treaty in December 1996, announced in 2024 that both sides had started technical negotiations to renew it. Before the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid toppled in August 2024, climate change caused the displacement of coastal communities, adversely affected farmers and the agriculture sector, and caused the death of farmers due to lightning. These and other environment-related causes have contributed to the uprising against the government, which has been overshadowed by student protests. The government took some remarkable steps, such as building resilient homes and providing job opportunities for climate refugees, but this was not enough.   

Bangladesh has suffered and survived many environmental disasters since British colonial rule. Its story and struggle provide lessons and warnings to other South Asian countries to seriously threaten the environment, as it has serious political implications.   The challenges for the present interim government of Bangladesh are immense, but the first one pertains to environmental disasters, exacerbated by climate change, and unless it is ready and willing to accept the environmental threat as a reality, it might end up facing the same fate as the first government of Bangladesh did in 1975.  

Equity in an Emergency: The Imperative of Climate Justice in Pakistan

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Yasir Ali

PhD Scholar and Teaching Associate 

Department of International Relations, University of Karachi 

Amidst rising environmental catastrophes and crises, Pakistan appears to be standing on the very crossroads. Climate change and its extremely serious impacts is actually not limited to any country, as it equally hits rich and poor nations alike. However, the most vulnerable countries like Pakistan are the ones who get affected by it the most fiercely. Along with other states on earth, Pakistan faces the issue of rapid climate crisis.

The country is blessed with various ecosystems ranging from the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the fertile plains of the Indus Valley, is endangered by this ongoing threat. Climate change is yielding more unpredictable weather occurrences, the melting of glaciers, more disastrous floods and longer regional droughts. These consequences further aggravate already marginalized communities, endangering human security and increasing its vulnerabilities.

Pakistan produces less than 1% of the greenhouse gas emissions in the world but continuously ranks in the top countries that are most vulnerable to climate change impacts as stated by the annual Global Climate Risk Index. In 2022, a catastrophic flood that submerged a notable area of Pakistan took lives of more than 1,700 people and displaced many others. Key structures such as roads, bridges, and electricity grids suffered extensive damage, and crops were devastated on millions of acres.

This is not a one-off event. It is getting worse every year, which is caused by climate change. From the 1960s till now, Pakistan has seen a general rise in average rainfall during monsoons as a result of temperature increase. According to climate models, extreme precipitation events becoming even more intense as global warming goes into its continuation. India is already the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China and has continued to show lukewarmness even at the recent COP2 inter sessions. Pakistan on the other hand has to compete with an uncertain scenario of the fast melting Hindu Kush glaciers along with a global climate emergency already looming over it.

With the country’s proliferating population and straining resources, the destabilizing effects of climate change become more pronounced. The poor households are at the greatest risk of losing their food security since the temperatures, precipitation, and extreme conditions are becoming extremely harsher causing a reduction of major crop production in some farming areas. Water shortages force millions of children to leave school and work instead for their families gathering supplies. For that they have to travel great distances to find them in remote places. This leads to youth unemployment, an upsurge in civil conflicts over resources, as well as insecurity and an increased sense of injustice.

In response to this catastrophe, Pakistan has actively engaged on the international stage, demanding climate justice and asking for global commitment in dealing with climate change issues. Pakistan’s ratification of the Paris Agreement and pledge towards the lowering of greenhouse gas emissions serve as a realization of the country’s accountability in confronting the climate crisis. Also, programs such as the Billion Tree Tsunami and the Clean Green Pakistan campaign demonstrate the government’s determination to improve the environment and development.

Nevertheless, despite the adoption of different strategies, there remain many obstacles that make it difficult for the government of Pakistan to put its climate policies into practice. The fact that the country is still largely dependent on fossil fuels, along with poor infrastructure, and the limited financial resources makes the transition to a low-carbon future a struggle. On the other hand, unequal distribution of resources increases the vulnerability of marginalized communities to climate change and thus limits their efforts to adaptation.

In order to overcome this situation, Pakistan has to make sure the climate justice has the prominence and priority in their policy-making. This means reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and creating opportunities for participation, as well as shielding the vulnerable groups with services and strategies that make them resilient. Investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate resilient infrastructure will not only help to reduce the negative impacts of climate change, but is also essential for achieving the inclusive development. Besides, forming global partnerships with the United Nations, non-profit organizations, as well as the private companies is a very powerful way of gathering the funds and expertise for climate change improvement.

In addition, the development of Pakistan’s policy on climate justice has to be based on a pledge to protect the rights and interests of its people, now and in the future. This needs an effective leadership that will come up with cutting-edge solutions which will help in squaring with the climate alteration challenges. In the turbulence of the uncertain and changing climate, Pakistan will have a decisive role to undertake to build a more equitable and sustainable world for everyone.

Transforming Lives: A Decade of Street Children’s Journey in Pakistan

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Syed Muhammad Ali Bilgrami

CEO Bilgrami & Associates International

Introduction

As I write this article in April 2024, memories flood back to a pivotal moment exactly a decade ago. Nine courageous street children and myself, touched down at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi. Our mission? Having represent Pakistan in the Street Child World Cup held in Rio, Brazil and won the bronze[1]. As we stepped off the plane, we were greeted by a sea of 4,000 charged football fans from across Pakistan[2]. The airport staff scrambled to get us outopening and closing one gate after the other, as this was the first time these street children experienced genuine affection and, most importantly, respect. No police officers snatched their meagre earnings or subjected them to beatings. No one molested or ridiculed them. For once, they were heroes, not invisible outcasts.

The 2014 Situational Analysis

Globally, street children faced complex socio-political challenges: India (11 million[3]) Egypt (1.5 million)[4] Kenya (0.3 million)[5] Philippines (0.25 million)[6] Germany (0.02 million)[7]. In Pakistan alone, an estimated 1.5 million[8] street children grappled with poverty, neglect, and violence[9]. Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar harboured most of this population. These resilient souls survived independently, away from formal social structures. Their numbers surged due to factors like domestic violence, family issues, poverty, peer pressure, and addiction[10]. The War on Terror also contributed to internal displacement, further swelling their ranks. Illiteracy, health issues, and vulnerability plagued them[11], with many falling victims to sexual assault[12] and crimes[13]. There was no policy or legislative agenda for them by the government.

The Turning Point

In 2014, everything changed after Street Child World Cup. The nine champs became Pakistan’s sensation, advocating for street children’s rights and protection. The National Assembly passed a groundbreaking resolution, providing social security and protection—a first. These children became ambassadors, coaches, and social workers, elevating football’s popularity in Pakistan. Corporates like HBL and the World Group supported their rehabilitation and reintegration through football.

Today’s Grim Reality

Fast-forward to today, and the situation is dire. Street children remain abandoned, betrayed by both the government and NGOs. The sport-for-development model lies forgotten, with no initiatives in sight. National Strategic Plans and Action Plans for Children overlook street children entirely. Despite two general censuses, no mapping or census has been conducted. Critical data gaps hinder policy development. UNICEF and INGOs have withdrawn funding, leaving these vulnerable children uncounted and unheard. Climate change now exacerbates internal displacement, and poverty persists as the primary driver. Protection centers are scarce, and government facilities fall short. Are we silently letting them go? Street youth involvement in crimes is rising. Is this society’s justice for ignoring them as children?

In this ongoing struggle, we must remember that street children remain “uncounted, unheard, and unseen.” Research is crucial to address the risk factors pushing them onto the streets (M. Ansari, 2019a). 

Recommendations

Pakistan faces a significant challenge with a large population of street children. To effectively address this issue, a combination of policy changes and social initiatives are needed. Conducting a national census of street children will provide crucial data for informed decision-making. Updating national action plans specifically focused on street children, along with expanding social safety nets for vulnerable families, are essential steps. Investing in education, healthcare, and regulations for safe street work activities are also key. Strengthening child protection mechanisms and reviving sports development programs like football can offer protection and opportunities. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to shift societal attitudes towards street children. Engaging the private sector through CSR initiatives and promoting community-based rehabilitation programs further strengthen the support system for these vulnerable children. By implementing these recommendations, Pakistan can work towards a future where all children are safe, protected, and have a chance to reach their full potential.

[1] https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/556574-pff-and-players-of-street-child-world-cup

[2] The Express Tribune. https://tribune.com.pk/story/692840/street-child-world-cup-the-young-heroes-return-to-pakistan

[3] Consortium for Street Children’s Civil Society Forums: South Asia, 12-14 December 2001, Colombo (with Child Hope and PEACE) and East and South East Asia, 12-14 March 2003, Bangkok. Reporting by KKSP Foundation (citing ILO figures); Aparajeyo (Bangladesh); Asha Rane (India); Save the Children UK China Programme (China); World Vision Myanmar (Burma); Terre des Hommes-Lausanne, Vietnam and partners (Vietnam).

[4] UNICEF Egypt (http://www.unicef.org/media/media_39599.html)

[5] IRIN-KENYA: Nairobi’s Street Children: Hope for Kenya’s future generation (http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=69987)

[6] World Street Children News (http://streetkidnews.blogsome.com/2003/11/14/children-in-detention-in-the-philippines/)

[7] Earth Times (http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/news/191615,growing-number-of-street-children-in-germany-report-says.html)

[8] Asian Human Rights Commission (http://acr.hrschool.org/mainfile.php/0228/461/)

[9] Identification of Key Vulnerabilities amongst street working and living girls in selected towns of Karachi conducted by Azad Foundation in 2008.

[10] Identification of Key Vulnerabilities amongst street working and living girls in selected towns of Karachi conducted by Azad Foundation in 2008.

[11] Identification of Key Vulnerabilities amongst street working and living girls in selected towns of Karachi conducted by Azad Foundation in 2008.

[12] Ibid

[13] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2013/3/14/pakistan-detains-suspected-child-bombers

Freedom of Expression vs Right to have Correct Information

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Shaista Tabassum 

Professor of international Relations 

Dean faculty of Arts and Social Sciences 

University of Karachi, Pakistan

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right as given by Art 19 of the UDHR. The basic gain of this freedom is to increase knowledge and create understanding by dialogue on any issue among the people in any society. For any democratic culture the freedom of expression is the essential and primary stepping stone for democratic values to grow. 

In Pakistan, public faced suspension of social media when the government in the end of December2023 has gradually limited the use of social media platforms. Initially by limited access and later on slowing down the X (formerly Twitter) Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Needless to mention that Pakistan is among the top most subscriber of Facebook in the World. It was reported that due to the underwater cable faults the access to internet was slowed down, however, later on the blocking was unofficially accepted on grounds that  it was due to the presence of blasphemous content or religious immorality on the social media [atforms. The blocking was primarily caused due to reports of the misuses of social media against the government, judiciary and the military establishment. The material used by the political opponents to spread disinformation based on propaganda and twisted facts using AI technology, thus creating chaos, anti-state and anti-military establishment propaganda. In societies like Pakistan where the literacy rate is below 60% there are high chances of public being easily influenced by the disinformation. Growing concerns were expressed by the religious community on the available online content and literature as misinterpretation of Islamic laws and practices equally challenging the very fabric of the society. Pakistani society is a conservative internally and is extremely sensitive on religious sectarian lines. The material on sensitive issues linked to blasphemy and pornographic material is popular and has wide market especially among the illiterate and rural young people. 

The freedom of expression is the basic human right of an individual, if it is denied, restrained or limited he or she cannot be consider as free. Every individual has complete freedom of thinking expression and writing. Any restriction is the violation of the principles of international Human rights laws.  The debate on freedom of expression becomes more complex when the use of such rights violates or caused damage to the rights of others. Thus it is agreed by international conventions that the freedom of expression is not an unrestricted right it must be balanced by the duties or responsibilities abide by the state the media and the individuals alike.  The 1950 European convention on HR very clearly agreed that this right may be limited. The primary reason being the protection of other’s rights. Article 10 of the convention is the crux of this debate, which says’

‘’everyone has the right to freedom of expression” but that this freedom may by subject to restrictions for a variety of reasons, including to protect the rights of others: The exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to such formalities, conditions, restrictions or penalties as are prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests of national security, territorial integrity or public safety, for the prevention of disorder or crime, for the protection of health or morals, for the protection of the reputation or rights of others, for preventing the disclosure of information received in confidence, or for maintaining the authority and impartiality of the judiciary.

This leads to yet to an extended discussion on the concept of Human rights. At the tip of the ice burg, every individual has the right to have knowledge and information but which is authentic, correct and genuine knowledge based on truth and facts not fictions or disinformation. Plato believed that knowledge is achievable but for him true knowledge must be trustworthy and also of the real. Any state of mind which cannot defend this claims cannot be the true knowledge.

While looking it from this angle it appears that the laws introduced by any government in such situation where the flood of information/disinformation is influencing the minds of the people the freedom of expression and the right of genuine information coincide in the state policy. The government as the custodian of the people security in every respect preferred that the public must be given right information. Now it is up to the masses to decide which right they prefer to have. Correct information or freedom of expression.

Technology and Human Rights: Balancing Privacy and Security in the Digital Era                                                                               

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Anju Gupta

                                                                                  Head Department of Political Science

                                                                                  JECRC University, JAIPUR(India.

The rapid advancement of technology has brought about a paradigm shift in growing world, where technology is advancing with each passing minute; the convergence of technology and human rights has become a prominent and pressing concern. Technology is bringing countless new innovations and advantages for us in terms of communication, transportation, and security, but at the same time it has presented us with significant challenges concerning the protection of individual privacy and human rights violations. The challenge is to strike a balance between privacy and security in the digital era.

  Innovation comes with its own set of concerns. Encryption can be used to protect sensitive data, while anonymization techniques can be used to protect personal information. Additionally, technology can be used to monitor and track individuals, which can help to deter crime and ensure public safety.. This is where the dilemma arises when technology is used for data breaches to expose personal information to unauthorized individuals, while surveillance technologies can be used to track people’s movements and activities. Additionally, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can raise concerns about bias and discrimination.

The whole conversation about technology and human rights revolves around the fundamental issue of privacy. We all have the right to privacy, to keep our personal information, communication, and daily activities confidential. But the prominent question is whether Is it possible in this digital era where our online behavior is constantly under scrutiny or surveillance? Technologies like facial recognition, fingerprint detection, and AI-driven surveillance systems are brought forward to enhance the security system; however, this raises concerns about the potential misuse of this data for abuse, financial identity theft, and discrimination.

 The challenge is to strike a balance between privacy and security in the digital era requires a multifaceted approach that involves:

Transparency and Accountability: Organizations collecting data must be transparent and accountable. Accountability systems are necessary to guarantee to use data in a responsible and moral manner.

 Ethical Technology Development:  Developers and engineers must ensure that ethics are their first priority. It is crucial to make sure that surveillance and AI systems are created with privacy protections in mind. 

Strong Legal framework: The government should introduce data protection laws globally to maintain the privacy and security of personal data. These gatekeepers will ensure that citizens’ data is morally and ethically used by the organization.

Public Awareness: Individuals need to be vigilant of the risks and benefits of using technology. They also need to be educated about how to protect their privacy and security online.

The impact of digital technology on human rights is complex and multifaceted. It is important to be aware of both the positive and negative impacts of digital technology in order to make informed decisions about its use.  There is a need to strike a balance between privacy and technology.  The digital age is not just to adapt to new technology but also to thrive while upholding the fundamental human rights values that form the basis of our democratic society. The way forward in this dynamic and linked world is obvious: we must choose a road that upholds people’s rights, protects their privacy, and assures their security. It’s a difficult road, but one that is necessary to uphold the values of democracy, freedom, and dignity that make the nations of the world what they are. The digital era is not necessarily a threat to human rights; rather, it can be a stimulus for peaceful coexistence between technology and mankind.

Cyberwarfare and human rights

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Impact of AI and the Dark Web on Democratic Process

Cássius Guimarães Chai

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The emergence of cyber warfare has introduced a new dimension to discussions on human rights, particularly in terms of disinformation campaigns and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the Dark Web to shape public opinion.

Using AI in disinformation campaigns poses a significant threat to democratic processes, as it can mislead voters and undermine elections on an unprecedented scale (Swenson, 2023). In this regard, we can cite the Brazilian example during the presidential campaign back in 2018 and the very recent attempt at the legitimate electoral proceedings of 2022. This is particularly concerning because AI-generated disinformation has become increasingly sophisticated, incorporating synthetic media designed to confuse voters, defame candidates, or even incite violence (Swenson, 2023). Nonetheless, this asymmetric narrative warfare can also be perceived in armed conflicts.

The Dark Web, intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard browsers, has also been implicated in these disinformation campaigns. Its anonymity makes it an ideal platform for spreading false information and coordinating cyberattacks (Bhattacharya, 2021).

Disinformation campaigns not only undermine democratic processes but also erode public trust in these processes. Studies show that misinformation can damage public confidence in democracy. False or exaggerated claims are frequently disseminated by foreign interests to undermine election outcomes (Brookings Institution, 2022).

Using AI and the Dark Web in disinformation campaigns raises significant human rights concerns. For instance, the right to privacy can be infringed upon by collecting and using personal data in these campaigns (RAND Corporation, 2023). Furthermore, the right to freedom of thought can be compromised when individuals or groups are influenced by information manipulation (UNODC, 2023). Countering these threats requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes efforts to detect and counter deepfakes (RAND Corporation, 2023), development of strategies to counter disinformation (RAND Corporation, 2022), and regulation of the dark web (Bhattacharya, 2021). Usefully, the tactics depleted by contemporary counter-disinformation organizations can be grouped into six high-level strategies: refutation, exposure of inauthenticity, alternative narratives, algorithmic filter manipulation, speech laws, and censorship (Stray, 2019), in the form of gag orders, for example. However, these efforts must also be balanced against the need to uphold human rights, such as freedom of expression (MIT News, 2022).

In conclusion, the intricate issue of cyber warfare’s impact on human rights demands a more critical perspective that delves deeper into the subject. While it is crucial to safeguard individuals and societies from the harmful effects of cyberattacks, it is equally important to ensure that measures to combat cyber warfare and cybercrime respect and uphold human rights. A more constructive approach to addressing this issue involves engagement and developing policies that strike a balance not only between security and human rights, but also a more coherent and effective commitment of all the international community with a truly shared equal ethical, and accountable understanding of the meaning of human dignity. Only then can we effectively combat cyber threats while upholding the fundamental values of our societies.

References:

Brookings Institution. (2022). Misinformation is eroding the public’s confidence in democracy. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/misinformation-is-eroding-the-publics-confidence-in-democracy/

Swenson, A. (2023). AI-generated disinformation poses threat of misleading voters in 2024 election. PBS. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/ai-generated-disinformation-poses-threat-of-misleading-voters-in-2024-election

RAND Corporation. (2022). Information Warfare: Methods to Counter Disinformation. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/external_publications/EP69000.html

Bhattacharya, D. (2021). The Dark Web and Regulatory Challenges. Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses. Retrieved from https://www.idsa.in/issuebrief/the-dark-web-and-regulatory-challenges-dbhattacharya-230721

Brookings Institution. (2023). Despair underlies our misinformation crisis: Introducing an interactive tool. Retrieved from https://www.brookings.edu/articles/despair-underlies-our-misinformation-crisis-introducing-an-interactive-tool/

PBS. (2023). Misleading AI-generated content a top concern among state election officials for 2024. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/misleading-ai-generated-content-a-top-concern-among-state-election-officials-for-2024

RAND Corporation. (2023). Combating Foreign Disinformation on Social Media. Retrieved from https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR4373z1.html

Stray, J. (2019). Institutional Counter-disinformation Strategies in a Networked Democracy. Companion Proceedings of The 2019 World Wide Web Conference. Retrieved from http://jonathanstray.com/papers/Counter-disinformation%20Final.pdf

PBS. (2023). U.S. lawmakers question Meta and X over AI-generated political deepfakes ahead of 2024 election. Retrieved from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/u-s-lawmakers-question-meta-and-x-over-ai-generated-political-deepfakes-ahead-of-2024-election

UNODC. (2023). Cybercrime Module 14 Key Issues: Information Warfare, Disinformation and Electoral Fraud.

Photo: Image by kjpargeter on Freepik

Back to the definition of “Human Rights”

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Radwan Ziadeh

Many definitions have been proposed in order to define this term ‘Human Rights”. Among these definitions is that proposed by René Cassin, one of the drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1968. He defined it on the basis that the science of human rights is a special branch of the social sciences whose subject It is the study of the relationships existing between people according to human dignity, while defining the rights and choices necessary to develop the personality of every human being. Therefore, this definition assumes the establishment of a modern science called the science of human rights, so that the criterion of this science is human dignity.

However, in 1973, a group of researchers, led by Mr. Karel Vasak, famous for his research and work in the field of human rights, created about five thousand words used in the field of human rights and entered them into the computer, and obtained the following definition according to this technical method: “Human rights are A science that concerns every person, especially the working person who lives within the framework of a particular state, and who, if he is accused of breaking the law or a victim of a state of war, must benefit from the protection of national and international law, and his rights, especially the right to equality, must be consistent with the necessities of maintaining public order”.

This definition assumes that the human worker is the first addressee according to this perspective, and that the principle of equality stipulated by the law is the one that takes priority.

In 1976, the Frenchman Yves Madieu published his book Human Rights and Public Liberties and put forward the following definition: The subject of human rights is the study of personal rights that are recognized nationally and internationally and which, under a certain civilization, guarantee a combination of affirming and protecting human dignity on the one hand and maintaining public order on the other hand.

All these definitions share in approaching the issue within the modern perspective of rights and law. They assume the existence of a modern state in which the law prevails. This law must guarantee freedom, dignity, equality, and justice for all citizens. However, Leah Levin tried to see the issue from another angle, and she sees that the concept of human rights two basic meanings: the first is that a human being (just because he is a human) has fixed and natural rights, and these are (moral rights) stemming from the humanity of every human being and aiming to guarantee his dignity. 

As for the second meaning of human rights, it is related to (legal rights) that were established in accordance with law-making processes in both national and international communities. These rights are based on the consent of the governed, that is, the consent of the owners of these rights, and not on a natural order as exists in the first sense. 

To this first meaning, the definition of the dictionary of political thought drawn up by a group of specialists leads to the fact that they are the rights that a human being possesses simply because he is a human being. Accordingly, human rights are defined within the state of nature, which is the state of freedom and equality that people are in before an authority arises among them that limits their right to exercise it.

According to the legal aspect, human rights are defined as an outcome acquired through human struggle over a long history, and their graph is rising with the development of the political and social conditions of the person.

But is it possible to talk about abstract natural rights of a person? Then how can these natural rights be defined and determined?

The term “human rights” is a relatively recent term, while natural rights are a term that was popular in previous centuries, specifically in the Middle Ages in relation to European development. We can say that human rights are the rights guaranteed to the human being, and related to his nature, such as his right to life, equality, and other rights related to the same human nature mentioned in international conventions and declarations.

The insistence on natural right stems from the desire to give a universal formula to these rights and not to link them to the law or the constitution, which makes them subject to the will of the authority or the state. In addition, this definition assumes mentioning the rights that coincided with the term and its emergence as a defined concept. This does not mean at all Denying the existence of human rights before it appeared as a term, as denying this is tantamount to affirming that before drawing the circle, not all rays were equal, in the words of Muhammad Si Nasser.