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

Syria’s Recent Escalation: An Urgent Need for Active and Effective U.S. Role
The geopolitical factors driving the recent escalation in Syria and an urgent call for a renewed U.S. strategy in Syria.

Key UN Committee Clears Path for Crimes Against Humanity Treaty Negotiations
After years of delay, the UN Sixth Committee cleared a path for negotiations on a global treaty regarding the prevention and punishment of crimes against humanity.

The Just Security Podcast: A Major Breakthrough Towards a Treaty on Crimes Against Humanity
The U.N.'s Sixth Committee recently adopted a resolution for negotiations on a treaty to prevent and punish crimes against humanity.

Camera-Fitted Drones May Help Locate Graves of Mexico’s Disappeared
Technologies such as multispectral cameras and drones can replicate the methods of manual search groups more safely and efficiently.

Progress on Gender Justice Continues as States Consider Next Steps on Draft Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
This fall, a number of States expressed support for the inclusion of various gender justice proposals in a potential future treaty.

As Ukraine Struggles for Troops, Its Constitutional Court Considers the Rights of Conscientious Objectors
A court case shows the complexity of weighing a constitutional guarantee against the obligation to protect the State in war.

Journalist in Exile Laments Kyrgyzstan Crackdown, Now Extending to His 12-Year-Old Son
Bolot Temirov on the personal cost of the country's repression of media and civil society, as democracy gives way to authoritarianism.

A Historic Day for Older People and Human Rights Across Africa
A new protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights obligates governments to ensure the fundamental rights of older people.

Congress Should Protect Americans from Transnational Repression
U.S. Congress should support the Transnational Repression Reporting Act to make clear that cross-border authoritarian repression will not be tolerated in the United States.

Rule of Law Index Shows Some Rays of Hope Amidst Continuing Global Recession
While the rule of law recession persists, the 2024 data show progress on some issues and some countries stepping back from the brink of autocracy.

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: Moving Forward with a New Crimes Against Humanity Treaty
As formal debates on a proposed crimes against humanity treaty have continued, we have seen in every corner of the globe why this treaty is so desperately needed, not only to prevent…

The Just Security Podcast: The Spread of Political Propaganda on Encrypted Messaging Apps
Messaging platforms such as have become highly influential tools for manipulating and misleading voters around the world.