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.
316 Articles

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.

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.

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.](https://i0.wp.com/www.justsecurity.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/GettyImages-1238675138-scaled.jpg?fit=1024%2C683&ssl=1)
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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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…

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.

Перехідне правосуддя в Україні: рекомендації для полісімейкерів
Будь-яка успішна система перехідного правосуддя для України повинна враховувати той вплив збройного…