THINK STOP SILENCE

Global LGBTQ+ Rights Crisis: Challenges, Advocacy, and the Path Forward Introduction The global LGBTQ+ community continues to face significant challenges, particularly in countries with restrictive laws, religious intolerance, or rising political conservatism. While progress has been made in some regions, violence, discrimination, and state-sponsored persecution remain rampant in others. This report outlines the major regions where LGBTQ+ rights are under threat, examines efforts for legal reform, and advocates for international solidarity to advance equality. 1. The Middle East: Harsh Legal Frameworks and Cultural Barriers In countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, LGBTQ+ individuals face some of the harshest penalties, including execution for same-sex relationships. In Iran, the regime employs both public hangings and covert police violence to enforce anti-LGBTQ+ laws. While some Middle Eastern countries like Israel have made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, these are exceptions rather tha

Input for the research on the use of universal criminal jurisdiction in cases of enforced disappearance  Submitted by: Dean Bordode Date: September 11th 2024 Word Count: Approximately 3200 words  Introduction The principle of universal criminal jurisdiction stands as a critical tool in addressing heinous international crimes, particularly enforced disappearance. This legal doctrine allows states to prosecute certain grave offenses regardless of where they occurred or the nationalities of the perpetrators and victims. Its significance lies in its potential to overcome the limitations of conventional legal mechanisms, especially in cases where political constraints, state complicity, or a lack of accountability in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred might otherwise lead to impunity. Enforced disappearance, characterized by the arrest, detention, or abduction of persons by state agents or those acting with state authorization, followed by a refusal to acknowledge the deprivation

 A comprehensive and robust advocacy strategy against conversion practices in Africa: Report on Conversion Practices in Africa: Strategic Litigation and Multi-Sectoral Responses **Introduction:** Conversion practices, also known as “conversion therapy,” are harmful practices aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity. In Africa, these practices persist due to deep-rooted social, cultural, and religious beliefs that stigmatize LGBTQ+ identities. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, combining legal frameworks, strategic litigation, advocacy, health interventions, and education. This report provides an overview of conversion practices in Africa and outlines key strategies for combating these harmful practices through legal action, cross-sector collaboration, and targeted interventions.  **Strategic Litigation and Legal Approaches:** Legal strategies play a pivotal role in challenging and dismantling conversion practices. Strategic litigati

Global Human Rights at Risk: Addressing Forced Organ Harvesting, Corporate Influence, and the Threat of Authoritarianism Executive Summary This report provides an in-depth analysis of current global human rights issues, focusing on psychological torture, forced disappearances, and the complicity of corporate and state actors in human rights violations. It highlights the severe impact on activists, particularly women, and addresses systemic issues such as the use of SLAPPs (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) to suppress dissent. The report includes specific case studies and makes recommendations for improving protection and accountability. Its goal is to offer a comprehensive overview for policymakers, organizations, and activists dedicated to human rights advocacy. Introduction Human rights defenders worldwide face increasing threats from both state and non-state actors. Psychological torture, forced disappearances, and smear campaigns are significant challenges that ac

The Web of Influence: Understanding Global Malign Operations Introduction In an increasingly interconnected world, the landscape of global power dynamics is shifting dramatically. Nations and non-state actors are employing increasingly sophisticated strategies to extend their influence, often operating in the shadows of legitimate activities. This article explores the intricate web of malign influence operations that threaten democratic institutions, economic stability, and social cohesion worldwide. Recent events, from election interference allegations to cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, have brought these issues to the forefront of international concern. As we navigate this complex terrain, understanding the multifaceted nature of these threats becomes crucial for policymakers, security professionals, and informed citizens alike. The Multilayered Approach Malign actors rarely rely on a single method of influence. Instead, they orchestrate complex campaigns that leverage mu

Threats to Human Rights Activists in the Context of Global Malign Influence Operations   Introduction Human rights activists play a crucial role in exposing abuses, promoting accountability, and advocating for social justice. However, they face significant threats from global malign influence operations that target not only democratic institutions but also individuals and organizations working to protect human rights. These threats don't exist in isolation but are often part of larger, coordinated efforts by state and non-state actors to suppress dissent and control narratives on a global scale. Direct Threats  1. Transnational Repression - Surveillance: Activists may be monitored through advanced digital tools, even when operating outside their home countries. - Intimidation: Threats to activists or their families, both in-person and online. - Physical harm: In extreme cases, activists may face kidnapping attempts or assassination, as seen in cases like the murder of Jamal Khash

Presentation on Preventing and Eradicating Conversion Practices in Africa.” Presentation  **Title Slide:** **Preventing and Eradicating Conversion Practices in Africa**  *Presented by: Dean Bordode, Human Rights’ Defender, Canada*  *Date: [Conference Date]*  **Slide 1: Introduction** - **Topic Introduction:**   - Conversion practices are widespread human rights violations faced by sexual and gender minorities in Africa.   - Despite global opposition, these practices persist under various guises, fueled by legal, social, and cultural influences.   - This presentation will explore the nature of these practices, their impacts, and the strategies for preventing and eradicating them across Africa. ### **Slide 2: Understanding Conversion Practices** - **Definition:**   - Conversion practices include any attempt to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.   - Forms of conversion practices include physical violence (e.g., beatings), psychological