The hottest Human Rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

USA vs the world: Blockade on Cuba opposed by 97% of countries at UN

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. The United States' embargo against Cuba is opposed by 97% of countries at the United Nations, with only Israel in support and Ukraine abstaining.
  2. The US has maintained a blockade against Cuba for over 60 years, with the goal of causing 'hunger, desperation, and overthrow of government'. This embargo costs Cuba an estimated $159 billion, roughly 150% of its GDP.
  3. Cuba suffers immense economic losses due to the US blockade, with $4.87 billion lost in just a year. The embargo directly harms the Cuban people and is considered a violation of human rights and an act of genocide by Cuba.

MY LAI, AND ITS OMENS

Seymour Hersh • 58 implied HN points • 26 Dec 25
💾 History Human Rights
  1. US soldiers in 1968 killed large numbers of Vietnamese civilians at My Lai and nearby hamlets, and very few people were held accountable for those massacres.
  2. A Pentagon Inspector General study in 1967 found that many troops didn’t understand the Geneva Conventions and some admitted they would mistreat or kill prisoners; that report was rewritten or shelved and not acted on.
  3. The failure to train, enforce, and respond to those warnings helped create conditions for atrocities and cover-ups, highlighting a need for stronger training and accountability in wartime.

Disgusting

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 425 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. The treatment of undocumented migrants by ICE is harsh and inhumane. People should not be treated violently, especially those doing essential jobs.
  2. Many people come to America seeking a better life, and it's important to acknowledge their struggles and contributions. It's a privilege to be in a country that many aspire to join.
  3. We need to examine our own leadership and policies rather than just focusing on issues abroad. If we want to be a compassionate nation, we must act in ways that reflect our values.

How British Abortion Advocates Overplayed Their Hand

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. British lawmakers recently voted to decriminalize abortion until birth, a big change for the country's abortion laws. Supporters believe this will enhance reproductive rights and prevent women from facing criminal investigations after ending a pregnancy.
  2. Some feminists are worried that pushing for such extreme changes might lead to a backlash against abortion rights. They think it's important to find a balance and not go too far too fast, which could hurt the movement.
  3. A proposed amendment aimed to establish abortion as a human right and remove almost all regulations. However, many critics argue that this could create more problems than solutions.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Matti Friedman: The Family that Never Came Home

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 788 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. A family from Israel faced a tragic loss, as the husband returned home alive but his wife and two children did not. Their deaths shocked the community, making it hard for people to accept the reality at first.
  2. On a certain day, masked individuals displayed four coffins at a ceremony in Gaza, while Israeli TV chose to show happy pictures of the deceased taken before the conflict. This highlights the stark difference in how narratives are presented in media.
  3. The piece reflects on the emotional impact of loss during war and how it can affect families, leading to deep sorrow and disbelief among their loved ones.

Profiting From Genocide

The Chris Hedges Report • 372 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. Many companies are making big profits from the Israeli occupation of Palestine. This includes tech firms, banks, and even universities, which are involved in various ways.
  2. The report emphasizes that these corporations are complicit in serious human rights violations and could face legal consequences for their actions. It calls for these companies to stop their cooperation with Israel.
  3. The ongoing violence against Palestinians is not just a political issue but also a profitable business, which has turned into a cycle of exploitation and oppression with widespread accountability needed.

West vs the rest: World opposes sanctions, only US & Europe support them

Geopolitical Economy Report • 677 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. The UN Human Rights Council voted overwhelmingly to condemn sanctions, with only the US, UK, EU member states, Georgia, and Ukraine expressing support for unilateral coercive measures.
  2. Sanctions, violating international law, have a negative impact on human rights, especially affecting vulnerable populations like women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
  3. Global opposition against sanctions, with the majority of UN member states standing against unilateral coercive measures, demonstrates a clear West versus the rest divide in international relations.

Shared Humanity

Nader's Thoughts • 628 implied HN points • 22 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Both Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace and human rights.
  2. Human rights are applied selectively based on borders, races, ethnicities, and religions.
  3. People have the right to stand up for themselves and fight for what's theirs.

NZ's Human Rights Commission is going to undergo some changes "in terms of the personnel".

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. New Zealand's Human Rights Commission is changing its leadership. The current Commissioner, Paul Hunt, will not be reappointed, which some see as a step towards improvement.
  2. There is criticism about the Commission being too focused on activism, which some feel should not be funded by taxpayers. People are hoping for a more balanced approach in the future.
  3. Recent appointments within the Commission raise questions about their commitment to the Treaty of Waitangi. Some believe these changes might lead to confusion rather than clarity in human rights issues.

Russia's Global Genocide

Diane Francis • 999 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Putin's war in Ukraine is described as a genocide that threatens food supplies for millions around the world. His actions have severely impacted agriculture in Ukraine, which is known as the 'breadbasket' of Europe.
  2. Landmines and destruction from the war have made farming extremely dangerous and led to a significant drop in crop yields. Experts say it will take years to repair the damage and restore Ukraine's agricultural productivity.
  3. The ongoing conflict is causing a global food crisis, with many people facing hunger and food insecurity. Countries, especially in Africa, are feeling the effects, as they rely heavily on grain exports from Ukraine.

The Unthinkable Becomes Inevitable

Anima Mundi • 82 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Human Rights
  1. Economic systems can change quickly and unexpectedly. Slavery, once seen as essential, became morally wrong in a short time due to various factors like economic shifts and the resistance of enslaved people.
  2. Today's society faces a similar situation with climate change and inequality. Current systems are proving unsustainable, but many individuals and countries are hesitant to change because it might mean losing out in a competitive world.
  3. Younger generations are more open to alternative economic models because they haven't built their lives around the current unsustainable practices. If we act now to create and share new ways of living, we might be able to make positive changes before time runs out.

Small Islands

rachaelmeager • 337 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Human Rights
  1. Forced resettlement of people for conservation can lead to serious ethical concerns, as it may be viewed as a form of genocide by those affected. It's crucial to balance conservation goals with human rights.
  2. Many people engage in activism mainly for emotional reasons, which can lead to a mix of real concern and performative actions that don’t address the actual issues. Understanding our true motives can help us engage more sincerely.
  3. Smaller crises in the world often get overlooked in favor of larger, more dramatic issues. We should pay attention to these smaller problems, as they are real and affect real people, and acknowledging them allows for a better understanding of larger-scale issues.

Criminals welcome as US recruits foreign proxies to wage 'irregular war' on adversaries

Geopolitical Economy Report • 637 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. The US military recruits foreign fighters as proxies for irregular warfare but does not vet them for past atrocities.
  2. Special Operations Command plays a significant role in secretive shadow wars across the globe.
  3. US special operations forces have been active in the majority of countries worldwide, focusing heavily on irregular warfare.

The Genocide in Gaza and Its Enablers

Eunomia • 334 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Biden's response to the war in Gaza shows the consequences of giving another state unlimited support.
  2. Many Democrats believe that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, yet Western governments are hesitant to act on this evidence.
  3. Public confidence in Biden's ability to handle international crises is low, especially after his support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.

Bearing Witness to Gaza (audio dispatch 14)

The Joyous Struggle • 355 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. When discussing complex issues like the situation in Israel and Gaza, it's important to move beyond simplistic notions of 'goodies and baddies' and approach conversations from a more mature and nuanced perspective.
  2. Understanding different perspectives and historical contexts is crucial in comprehending complex conflicts like the one in Israel and Gaza, and it can help in fostering empathy and effective communication.
  3. Engaging in continual learning, having epistemic humility, and staying politically engaged are essential for the health of open societies and for citizens to understand complex global issues like the situation in Gaza and The Hague.

Israel Supporters Are Some Of The Worst People In The World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2230 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Some Israel supporters display extreme vitriol and disregard for human suffering, justifying monstrous acts against innocent children in Gaza.
  2. The behavior of these specific Israel supporters is seen as shockingly disturbing, leading to accusations of immorality and dishonesty.
  3. The negative behavior highlighted is not exclusive to Israelis or Jews, but extends to various ideological groups, illustrating a troubling trend of unwavering support for violent actions in Gaza.

Putin's Other Genocides

Diane Francis • 819 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Putin is using ethnic minorities in Russia to fight in Ukraine, putting them at greater risk of dying in battle. Many of these groups, like Tatars and Mongols, are being forced into the military without proper training.
  2. Russia's treatment of its ethnic minorities has led to growing resentment and activism among these groups. They are starting to organize against the government and some are even supporting Ukraine in the conflict.
  3. The war is revealing deep inequalities in Russia, with minorities facing discrimination and poverty. Activist groups from these regions are emerging to protest and help those targeted by the draft.

What's Martin Luther King, Jr. Got to do with Gaza?

Humanities in Revolt • 339 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Hundreds of thousands expected to participate in a mass mobilization against Israel's war in Gaza for ceasefire, end of blockade, and international law mediation.
  2. Growing international awareness and alarm over dire conditions in Gaza leads to increased turnout in historic peace marches.
  3. The principles and practices exemplified by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., such as active justice, love ethic, and opposition to economic injustice, militarism, and racism, resonate with urgent demonstrations for Gaza.

Tortured Logic

Slack Tide by Matt Labash • 285 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. Migrants are facing serious abuse in detention centers, with bad conditions that often resemble torture. This isn't just happening in distant places, but here at home too.
  2. Many migrants simply want a better life, and treating them with dignity should be a priority. We need to remember that they are human beings, just like us.
  3. There’s a moral responsibility to speak out against these injustices. We should strive to treat everyone, including deportees, with respect and compassion.

The Atrocity Famine in Gaza Keeps Getting Worse

Eunomia • 294 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. There is no major international effort underway to prevent the worsening atrocity famine in Gaza.
  2. The conditions in Gaza, including lack of food and water, are dire and leading to mass suffering.
  3. Immediate ceasefire and full restoration of humanitarian aid are urgently needed to prevent further deaths from hunger and disease in Gaza.

Gaza’s Hunger Games

The Chris Hedges Report • 316 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. Starvation is being used as a weapon against Palestinians. This tactic aims to destroy their ability to sustain themselves and force them to leave their homes.
  2. People are facing extreme dangers while trying to access food. Many risk their lives to reach aid hubs, often facing gunfire and trampling in desperate crowds.
  3. The current situation in Gaza is pushing people into a state of extreme dependence and humiliation, as aid is tightly controlled and often withheld.

An illegal bill?

A Lawyer Writes • 550 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. The Illegal Migration Bill raises questions about its compliance with human rights conventions.
  2. The bill includes provisions that may lead to the UK breaching international law.
  3. The bill allows for the detention of illegal arrivals, but does not block the court's power to grant habeas corpus.

In Venezuela, activists cry foul after reported priest suicide

The Pillar • 294 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Fr. Josiah K'Okal was a Kenyan missionary living in Venezuela who advocated for the human rights of indigenous communities, particularly the Warao people.
  2. His death was ruled a suicide, but activists, media, and Catholics believe foul play was involved due to inconsistencies in the case.
  3. K'Okal's work to expose human trafficking and defend indigenous rights in a region plagued by criminal groups raised suspicions about the circumstances of his death.

On Palestine And The Worthlessness Of The Western Liberal

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1862 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza is often paired with support for Israel's right to exist, despite its genocidal history.
  2. The idea of a Jewish ethnostate in historic Palestine without tyranny and abuse is contradictory; it would require a complete overhaul of Israel's systems.
  3. Many liberals want to maintain the status quo with a facade of justice, but lack a real push for actual change on various issues.

Tightening up rule 39

A Lawyer Writes • 255 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. Battle lines drawn over interim measures by the European Court of Human Rights on the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill
  2. Different interpretations of Clause 5 of the bill regarding compliance with interim measures by ministers vs officials
  3. Discussion on the need for procedural changes and reforms in using rule 39 measures by the European Court of Human Rights

Wars of the Sexes

In My Tribe • 820 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Human Rights
  1. Cultural conflicts often arise between men and women, but not everyone fits neatly into one side or the other. It's more about which side certain people feel connected to.
  2. Women's movements like suffrage and temperance had a huge impact historically, but not every cause gained lasting support. For example, the end of Prohibition showed a shift in societal values.
  3. There's a growing trend in institutions towards more feminine values, but this can create tension. Ideally, we should find a way for masculine and feminine values to coexist peacefully and appreciate each other.

Putin's Ethnic Cleansing

Diane Francis • 959 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🌍 World Politics Human Rights
  1. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Putin, accusing him of war crimes related to the kidnapping and abuse of Ukrainian children. This severely damages his reputation and complicates Russia's relationship with China.
  2. Evidence shows that Russia has committed genocide by forcibly deporting and adopting Ukrainian children without consent. This has caused immense suffering for families and has been documented as a violation of international law.
  3. Negotiating with Putin is deemed impossible because attempts at peace would allow him to retain stolen territories. The situation reflects a larger narrative of unchecked aggression and violence against innocent civilians.

Ady Barkan, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Be A Hero, dies at 39.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Human Rights
  1. Ady Barkan was a passionate advocate for healthcare reform who passed away at the young age of 39 due to ALS. He fought tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to essential health care.
  2. He co-founded 'Be A Hero' to help protect the Affordable Care Act and promote universal healthcare. Even while battling illness, he inspired many to join the cause for better healthcare rights.
  3. Ady's love for his family and friends was a driving force in his activism. He believed that everyone should have the care they need to spend more time with their loved ones.

The United Nations Colonized Palestine

JoeWrote • 67 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Human Rights
  1. Israel has repeatedly violated ceasefires, resulting in many civilian casualties, while the situation for Palestinians remains extremely dangerous.
  2. The recent U.N. resolution backed a plan that essentially allows foreign oversight and control over Gaza without recognizing Palestinian rights or statehood.
  3. The ongoing discourse around the two-state solution often ignores the reality of Palestinian suffering and appears to favor maintaining the status quo rather than promoting genuine peace.