This Week in the New Normal #31

Our successor to This Week in the Guardian, This Week in the New Normal is our weekly chart of the progress of autocracy, authoritarianism and economic restructuring around the world. 1.Google Health researching surveillance and AI This week it was reported that Google Health (which is apparently a thing)

Sign the World Freedom Declaration – Oppose IHR amendments

The Health Freedom Defense Fund – a US-based non-profit – has published an open declaration opposing the planned amendments to the International Health Regulations.

Thailand: Free Detained Monarchy Reform Activists

(New York, May 23, 2022) – Thai authorities should immediately drop the charges and release pro-democracy activists detained for insulting the monarchy, Human Rights Watch said today.

Dr Vernon Coleman: “They faked a pandemic, they faked a test, and they faked a cure”

Dr Vernon Coleman has released his latest “old man in a chair” video.

Higher Cholesterol Is Associated With Longer Life

STORY AT-A-GLANCE This article was previously published September 2, 2019, and has been updated with new information.

9 Tell-Tale Signs an Introverted Man Is in Love

When some people begin to take their relationship seriously, they may not express open feelings.

Reimagine Global Food Systems to Prevent Hunger and Protect Rights

The past week has been another reminder of the urgent need to build global food systems that treat food as a human right rather than a commodity.

The WHO is changing their International Health Regulations…& that’s NOT good

May 22nd is the start of the World Health Organisation’s 75th annual World Health Assembly, in Geneva.

UN: Rights Chief’s Credibility at Stake in China Visit

(Geneva) – The upcoming visit to China by the United Nations high commissioner for human rights should highlight the need for justice for victims of violations and accountability for those responsible, Human Rights Watch said today. High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet is scheduled to visit China during the last 10 days of

Berlin Bans Nakba Day Demonstrations

This week, Palestinians and their supporters across the globe marked Nakba Day, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes, and the more than 400 Palestinian villages destroyed in the events surrounding the establishment of Israel in 1948. In Berlin, however, police banned

Will Zambia Protect Children from Kabwe’s Toxic Legacy?

This article appeared in the Daily Nation.

Somalia: US Redeployment Should Stress Civilian Protection

(Nairobi) – The reported United States decision to redeploy several hundred US troops in Somalia, as part of a joint operation with the Somali government and African Union forces, should make civilian protection a priority. Previous US military operations in Somalia resulted in the loss of life and property to Somali

Unexpected Risks From a Scarcity Hardly Anyone Thinks About

STORY AT-A-GLANCE This article was previously published May 20, 2019, and has been updated with new information.

Kazakhstan: Boost Rights Protection in Constitution Reform

(Berlin, May 19, 2022) – Kazakhstan should strengthen the parts of its constitutional reforms focused on plans for a human rights commissioner and for a Constitutional Court to reinforce human rights protections, Human Rights Watch said today. Kazakhstan has scheduled a national referendum on amendments to the constitution for June 5,

Guatemala: Attorney General’s Reappointment Threatens Rights

(New York) – Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei’s decision to reappoint Consuelo Porras as attorney general poses a serious risk to human rights and the rule of law in the country, Human Rights Watch said today. Concerned governments should immediately condemn the move and sanction individuals, including from the private sector,