Coup in Thailand

On May 22 a military coup was announced in Thailand. The new military government has committed numerous human rights abuses including arresting supporters of the previous government, censoring media, and enforcing a curfew.

For more information read this article by Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/05/24/thailand-rights-free-fall-after-coup

Child Marriage

Child marriage is a world-wide problem. It affects both boys and girls, although it more commonly impacts the later. In many developing countries parents will marry off their daughters (or sons) before they are 18 years of age. In some cases this is because of traditional gender roles or poverty. In most developing countries women are seen as less valuable than men and a burden that should be discarded with as soon as possible. By marrying off their children early, families can also reduce their expenses. No matter the reason, the result is the same. Child brides are often subject to sexual assault and are more susceptible to having complications during childbirth. They also typically do not receive an education; this in turn contributes to trapping them in this horrible situation. 

Currently Yemen is considering passing a law to end child marriage in their country.

For more information on child marriage visit these websites:

• http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/
• http://www.unicef.org/protection/57929_58008.html

For More information on child marriage in Yemen read this article by Human Rights Watch:

http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/04/27/yemen-end-child-marriage

Somalis In Kenya

Kenya has been detaining and deporting Somalis in the country who do not have proper identification papers as part of an anti-terrorism measure. The Kenyan government, however, makes it nearly impossible for the Somalis to get identification papers. Many of Somalis are in the country as refugees seeking asylum.

For more information read this article by amnesty international: http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/kenya-somalis-trapped-in-%E2%80%98catch-22-amid-crackdown-on-refugees

Russia's Crackdown on Free Media

Russia has initiated a crackdown on free media. This includes blocking websites, television stations, and print media. These new measures taken by the Russian government are meant to silence dissent relating to the referendum that was held in Crimea. Crimea voted today to secede from the Ukraine and become a part of Russia.

For more information read this article by Amnesty International: http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/russia-media-black-out-ahead-of-disputed-crimea-referendum

Education

It is common in the U.S. for children to complain about having to go to school, but millions of children around the world are unable to receive an education. Yet without an education many of them become trapped in a web of poverty. Young girls are especially affected. Many countries that allow boys to go to school refuse to educate girls. When denied schooling, however, they become vulnerable and dependent on men. In countries like India, Thailand, and Cambodia they are sold into sex trafficking. Even when given a choice, many cannot earn a living elsewhere without an education.

Those who try to affirm their right to education are often brutally punished. Malala Yousafzai stood up for girl's education in Pakistan and was shot by the Taliban as a result. She survived her ordeal and continues to speak out in favor of education for all children. For more information I highly recommend reading her book I Am Malala.

Schooling is at the heart of many poverty centered issues. When people are educated they not only can get better jobs, but are also less likely to be manipulated.

To support this cause you can donate to the Malala Fund.

Sochi Winter Olympics

With the commencement of the 2014 Winter Olympics, Russia has been arresting civil society activists for protesting environmental violations that occurred during the building of the Olympic stadium. They are arrested on trumped up charges like "petty hooliganism."

For more information read these articles from amnesty international:

•  http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/russia-civil-society-activist-arrested-ahead-start-sochi-olympics-2014-02-03
• http://www.amnestyusa.org/news/news-item/sochi-olympics-countdown-sees-russia-jailing-second-prisoner-of-conscience-this-week

The Rohingya Boat Children

The Rohingya are a minority Muslim group from Burma. They have been migrating to Thailand, often in small boats since Burma continues to deny them citizenship. Once in Thailand, however, many of them end up in trafficking camps and are then sold into slavery. The Thai government is doing nothing to protect them. Many of the migrants are children.

To find out more visit: http://www.hrw.org/news/2014/01/06/thailand-protect-rohingya-boat-children