Human Rights Articles

Climate Refugees, Awesome Blossoms and “Harambee”

by Loretta A. Simon Helms, M.S.Ed., AWC Amsterdam 

Introduction from the Human Rights Team: We are proud to present this article from Loretta Simon Helms, a long-time supporter of Safe Spaces. In Kenya, drought forced rural people to migrate to the urban city of Nairobi seeking a better life. However, with climate change patterns, the same people are displaced...

Prostitution and Human Rights: A Delicate Balance

by Ulrike Näumann, Heidelberg IWC

Prostitution, often euphemistically referred to as “sex work,” is a complex and contentious issue that lies at the intersection of human rights, gender equality and socioeconomic factors. While some argue for its legalization and regulation, the harsh realities of this industry paint a grim picture of exploitation, violence and human rights violations.

The...

What's in Your Closet?

by Callie Rieman, AWC Hamburg

Sustainability, corporate responsibility and greenwashing (conveying a false impression or misleading information about how a company’s products are environmentally sound) are the buzzwords of the fashion world today, but the reality of being an ethical consumer and producer is far more complicated than most realize. What challenges are textile workers facing today? What challenges stand in...

Modern-Day Slavery: The Cost of Vulnerability

by Steve Galster, Freeland

Some argue that “human trafficking” and “human slavery” are two different things. Academics aside, if you consider that in both cases the person loses their freedom, is subject to abuse and does not get paid, they are close enough to being the same thing. Both result in victims. 

The UN definition for human trafficking includes...

The Global Change Impact on Human Trafficking

by Mary Adams, AWC The Hague and Human Rights Co-chair

This article examines the intersection of human trafficking with climate change, conflict, COVID-19 and technology. Challenges often bring opportunities, so we will conclude with positive impacts.

Climate change

In 2021, climate-related disasters led to the displacement of nearly 24 million people globally. The adverse impacts of climate change...