Local Voices

Just Security’s “Local Voices” section features perspectives and analysis from individuals directly affected by conflict, human rights abuses, and political crises around the world.

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316 Articles
Swat Police Officers Shooting With Firearm while crossing a red smoke wall

Abusive “Counterterrorism” Crackdowns Choke Independent Civil Society in the Middle East

Abusive counterterrorism practices—whether in Saudi Arabia, Israel, or elsewhere—threaten fundamental norms and undermine the rule of law.
An elderly man pushes a cart in front of destroyed buildings leveled by Russian missile strikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Wrecked materials, as well as a car, surround the man.

Justice for the Crime of Aggression Today, Deterrence for the Aggressive Wars of Tomorrow: A Ukrainian Perspective

Accountability for the crime of aggression against Ukraine is necessary for both justice today and deterrence tomorrow.
People demonstrate for the liberation of 13 convicted environmentalists with a banner depicting murdered Honduran environmental leader Berta Caceres as they arrive for a hearing in the country's capital, Tegucigalpa, on February 28, 2019. Thirteen environmental leaders of the Guapinol community, Tocoa municipality, Colon department, who oppose the mining exploitation of the Montana de Botaderos National Park by the company Inversiones Los Pinares, were arrested on charges of usurpation, burning, aggravated theft and illicit association. (Photo by ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP via Getty Images)

The US Must Help Fight the Criminalization of Activism in Central America, Not Make It Worse

Without safeguards, promoting private-sector investment to slow migration risks fueling a crisis for human rights defenders.
A photo of women holding up green bandanas as they protest for abortion rights before the Colombian Constitutional Court. The bandana in the foreground reads "Poder Elegir", or "[we] can choose." A woman smiles behind the bandana, out of focus.

How Latin America Could Inspire and Inform the US Fight for Reproductive Justice

After the reversal of Roe, activists offer lessons from Latin America on building a grassroots reproductive rights movement.
Two Afghan women wearing traditional blue burqas walk past a Kabul cemetery. Below walks another woman with three young children.

After a Year of Privation With the Taliban’s Return, the People of Afghanistan Deserve Better from the US and the World

Tactical, short-sighted measures are not sufficient to prevent further worsening of conditions. A new approach is needed to meet the moment.
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - JULY 08: Counter protestors are held back by riot police as the Ku Klux Klan leaves a staged rally on July 8, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Five Years After “Unite the Right”: Reflections on Charlottesville for Today’s Threat Landscape

Charlottesville was a watershed moment in US politics and a wake-up call to the counterterrorism community. What lessons have been learned on how to counter white supremacist extremism?

America’s Forgotten Balkan Allies

Before Russia opens yet another war theater through its proxies, the US must recalibrate policy to restore influence in the region.
Tunisian protesters carry signs on July 22, 2022, during a demonstration along Habib Bourguiba avenue in the capital Tunis, against their president and the upcoming July 25 constitutional referendum.

Tunisians, Fed Up With `Non-Delivering Democracy,’ Set to Vote on Retrograde Constitution: Civil Society’s Role

A civic leader says the coming referendum reflects the frustration of citizens who want a democratic system but need economic prosperity too.
Military members stand during rescue and search operations in front of a damaged facade of a hit by shelling apartment building on June 26, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Protecting Civilians from Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas: A New Political Declaration

On June 17, states gathered at the United Nations (U.N.) in Geneva to discuss the final draft of a potentially ground-breaking political declaration that sets new and express standards…
Image: Lawyers protest outside of Prime Minister Ariel Henrys private home to force the government to relocate the civil court to a safer area, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on April 8, 2022. - The demonstration of lawyers in the capital Port-au-Prince on Friday is an indicator of a judicial system at a standstill, without financial means to function and gagged by the gangs that plague Haiti. (Photo by VALERIE BAERISWYL/AFP via Getty Images)

What the World Owes Haiti Now

People in the United States and France outraged by their governments’ unjust treatment of Haiti in 1823 and 1914 can do something about it in 2022. They can start by insisting…
A person walks along a street past a charred residential building in the city of Mariupol on April 29, 2022, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine. (Photo by ANDREY BORODULIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Transitional Justice in Ukraine: Guidance to Policymakers

A successful mechanism must involve civil society and include the impact of Russia’s armed conflict preceding this year’s full invasion.
A person walks along a street past a charred residential building in the city of Mariupol on April 29, 2022, amid the ongoing Russian military action in Ukraine. (Photo by ANDREY BORODULIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Перехідне правосуддя в Україні: рекомендації для полісімейкерів

Будь-яка успішна система перехідного правосуддя для України повинна враховувати той вплив збройного…
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