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
Afghans watch the arrival of some of the ten-truck Red Cross convoy carrying 120 tonnes of mixed food-stuffs for homeless, on January 8, 1995, in Kabul.

Taliban Governance of NGOs – What to Expect and How to Respond

The last Taliban government imposed restrictions on registration and operation of NGOs. What can we expect from this Taliban government?
A soldier with a gun stands over debris during rescue efforts after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti and tropical storm Grace moves over Jamaica on August 17, 2021 in Les Cayes, Haiti. Destroyed homes are seen in the background behind the soldier.

Filmmaker: Ex-US Envoy’s Words Tell the Story of Our Lives in Haiti

Raoul Peck on Daniel Foote's call for the US to reset its policy and listen to the voices of Haitians trying to rebuild democracy.
A protester holds a placard reading "Parasites! Your Host Is Dying!" during a demonstration in front of the Bosnian government building in the centre of Sarajevo, on April 6, 2021.

Human Rights Plaintiff: US-EU Election Plan for Bosnia Rewards Nationalist Agendas

A politically expedient "fix" would sideline citizens, including those who fought to open the system via the European Court of Human Rights.
People offload bags of food flown in from the United States at Antoine Simon airport after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti on August 19, 2021 in Les Cayes, Haiti.

Amid Haiti’s Deepening Crisis After Earthquake, US Must Heed Citizens on Aid and Political Change

Assistance will be ineffective unless it's directed to the right people and comes with backing for civil society to fix the broken state.
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Bert Koenders hosts the large international consultations with representatives of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) and the Anti ISIS coalition in the fight against terror In The Hague, January 11, 2016.

Behind the Scenes of the Global Counterterrorism Forum: A Bypass of Human Rights and UN Consensus?

It is time to take stock of what the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF) has become and acknowledge what are the critical inflection points for its future development.
Members of the Islamic State (IS) group stand across from their weapons lying on a table, following they surrender to Afghanistan's government in Jalalabad, capital of Nangarhar Province.

India and the Foreign Fighters Conundrum

India has left many of its nationals who fought with terrorist groups languishing in prison abroad. But it has legal options - and obligations - to bring these nationals home.…
An Afghan National Army (ANA) soldier stands next to a damaged helicopter which was shot down by the Taliban near the hydroelectric Kajaki Dam in Kajaki, northeast of Helmand Province.

Running Out of Time – Do Not Leave Afghan Allies Behind

An Afghan interpreter shares the terror of being targeted by the Taliban, and urges swift evacuations.
A students carries bags and luggage across the main gate as they leave as directed by authorities of the University of Lagos to halt the spread of Covid-19 on Campus in Yaba, Lagos, on July 15, 2021. Some students wear masks.

Living with Two Pandemics: COVID-19 Amid Insecurity in Nigeria

Vaccinations remain in single digits, even as multiple types of violence spread. Yet international aid stands at 20 percent of the need.
Designated Prime Minister Ariel Henry speaks during a ceremony at La Primature in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on July 20, 2021.

Wrong US Call — Haiti Needs a Credible Transitional Government

The Biden administration can still support a successful move to a credible civil society-brokered transitional government in several ways.
Supporters of Zhou Xiaoxuan, a feminist figure who rose to prominence during China’s #MeToo movement two years ago, display posters as they wait for Zhou outside the Haidian District Peoples Court in Beijing on December 2, 2020, in a sexual harassment case against one of China's best-known television hosts.

Feminist Foreign Policy: One Path Forward in U.S.-China Relations

The Biden-Harris administration can elevate the role of feminist organizations in China and the voices of women in both countries.
An Afghan woman trader is interviewed in her shop at the Kabul International AgFair in Kabul on November 1, 2013. Clothes hang behind her and jewelry sits on the table in front of them.

With No Choice But to Continue, Women’s Entrepreneurship Presses Ahead in Afghanistan

Afghan women entrepreneurs continue to launch businesses even in the face of dire security and economic conditions.
Police run through the streets with large guns, covered faces, helmets, and camouflage gear near the police station of Petion Ville after Haitian president Jovenel Moïse was murdered on July 08, 2021 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Bystanders take video or pictures with phones. Small fires burn in the street.

An Appeal to President Biden: Change Course on Haiti Now

The brazen assassination of serving President Moïse reinforces the need for the US to back Haitians in crafting their own future.
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