GORSTRA RESEARCH GROUP

Latin America and the Caribbean is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity, but it is also the region experiencing the fastest biodiversity decline. From record-breaking Amazon wildfires to the alarming deforestation driven by the beef industry, the environmental challenges are vast and urgent. Senior Research Analyst Claudia Concha delves into the intersection of biodiversity conservation and human rights, highlighting the critical role of Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in safeguarding our planet's ecosystems. Her analysis underscores the importance of global agreements like the Escazú Agreement and initiatives from COP16 in Colombia, calling for stronger protections for environmental defenders and a human rights-based approach to conservation. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/ennPKzy7 #Biodiversity #AmazonRainforest #ClimateChange #HumanRights #COP16 #EnvironmentalJustice #IndigenousPeoples #Afrodescendants 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country undergoing great change; in which the promises of a greater future are overshadowed by widespread atrocities committed in the hopes of prosperity. The nation, one of the poorest in the world - with a GDP per capita of $1 552 - has in recent years attracted significant international interest, considering that it holds a majority of the world’s reserves of cobalt, a crucial metal in the world’s transition to green energy. However, the almost ridiculous untapped wealth the country possesses has acted as more of a curse than boon, inspiring exploitation and human rights abuses in the name of profits which never reach the Congolese people. GorStra reports on the story. Read the most recent Africa Desk report by analyst Michael Gurney. https://lnkd.in/dYGD3QD6

Honduras is grappling with some of the highest rates of femicide and gender-based violence in Latin America, with Indigenous women being among the most vulnerable. Despite international efforts and advocacy, a culture of impunity and machismo continues to undermine women's safety and rights. Research analyst David Neef, MPA, MA explores the systemic violence and inequality faced by Indigenous women in Honduras, shedding light on the critical role of grassroots movements and international initiatives working to combat gender-based violence and empower women in rural and marginalized communities. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/eHU9VG7b #Femicide #GenderBasedViolence #Honduras #IndigenousWomen #WomensRights #SexualViolence #DomesticViolence #IndigenousCommunities #Justice #Machismo #Impunity #HumanRights

Investigating the Forced Removals of Maasai People in Tanzania New #GorStra report written by our very own Africa Desk analyst Michael Gurney, who focuses on the emerging human rights violations occurring against the Maasai people of Tanzania. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/dKMpnYn6

Investigating the Forced Removals of Maasai People in Tanzania New #GorStra report written by our very own Africa Desk analyst Michael Gurney, who focuses on the emerging human rights violations occurring against the Maasai people of Tanzania. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/dKMpnYn6

Mayan languages in Guatemala are at a critical crossroads, facing significant challenges from economic pressures, migration, and the dominance of Spanish. Despite the 1996 Peace Accords, which aimed to improve Indigenous rights, obstacles remain. This report by Research Analyst David Neef, MPA, MA offers a deep dive into the current state of Mayan languages, uncovering the historical suppression and the powerful role of digital initiatives and grassroots activism in revitalizing these endangered languages. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/eAACpZ2g #MayanLanguages #CulturalPreservation #Guatemala #HumanRights #IndigenousVoices #EndangeredLanguages #IndigenousLanguages #MayanCulture #IndigenousCommunities

The issue of blasphemy in Pakistan is a complex and systemic one. An inherited colonial law, altered to enshrine protections for Islam, has created an reactionary, politicised and sometimes deadly situation. Research analyst Anida Ramsamy explores this issue for the Asia-Pacific desk and identifies the key areas both Pakistan and the global community need to address to ensure key freedoms are protected for all. To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/eFEz-8ZS #Pakistan #Freedomofreligion #blasphemy #humanrights

Transitional Justice in Iraq: The Impact of De-Baathification Twenty Years Later Read the most recent #GorStra report for the Middle East desk by analyst Aakil Visram. "The impact of de-Baathification heightened tensions within the Sunni community, which bore the brunt of job losses and civil rights restrictions. The law's implementation was susceptible to abuse, with individuals often falsely accused of Ba'athist affiliation for personal or political reasons. This politicisation fuelled widespread discontent among Sunni communities and contributed to the emergence of a Sunni/Ba'athist insurgency in 2003." #MiddleEast #Iraq #TransitionalJustice https://lnkd.in/eqVN9H_b

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam - Where to Next? Read the most recent #GorStra report by analyst Michael Gurney! "The construction of the GERD, which is expected to be completed by September of 2024 (although it has been producing electricity for some years now), has been marred by its political implications rather than engineering failures, giving little reason to cover the latter. The political timeline of the GERD, of far more relevance, began with a treaty between Britain and Egypt in 1929 - with a revision in 1959 - which entitled Sudan and Egypt to the entirety of the Nile’s water flow (Egypt gaining the far greater share of the flow), despite the fact that Ethiopia sources about 85% of the Nile’s water. Subsequent to the announcement of the GERD, a flurry of activity concerning the dam and its potential effects took place: studies were undertaken, expert panels formed, and negotiations conducted. However, little has materialised." #AfricaDesk #Ethiopia https://lnkd.in/dq3uFdud

Over 6.5 million Venezuelans have migrated to Latin America and the Caribbean, marking one of the world’s largest migration crises. Initially welcomed, countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile are now tightening their stances, creating significant challenges for the economic inclusion of Venezuelans. In her latest report, Research Analyst Geeta Gunjal delves into these shifts towards tougher immigration policies and the rise in xenophobia in the region. Click here to read the most recent #gorstra report for the Latin America and Caribbean Desk: https://lnkd.in/e9iWJSkW #HumanRights #Venezuela #Xenophobia #VenezuelanMigration #HumanitarianCrisis #RefugeeandMigrantCrisis #ImmigrationPolicy