Links to recent news and analysis on the implementation of international human rights law in all respects, including democracy and the impartial rule of law.
Beijing wants more children, but only a certain kind
15/6/2021: The Chinese government has announced that it will allow all couples to have three children, an increase from two. But one-child, two-child or three-child policies are all the same. All are infringements on women’s reproductive rights: treating human beings as instruments of achieving the goals of the state.
Source: The Interpreter
Pandemic sets back sexual and reproductive health rights
15/4/2021: The UN's State of the World Population 2021 report paints a disturbing picture of maternal health. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increasing sexual violence, more unintended pregnancies, and new barriers to reproductive health services, contributing to a maternal mortality ratio of 211 for every 100,000 live births.
Source: Devex
China considers new actions to lift flagging birth rate
19/2/2021: China's National Health Commission has issued a statement saying it will conduct research to “further stimulate birth potential". Despite ending its controversial one-child policy four years ago, the plunging birth rate continues to threaten to economic progress and social stability, .
Source: CNA
Biden acts to undo Trump damage to women’s health
28/1/2021: President Joe Biden has issued a presidential memorandum that addresses four regressive policies of the past administration. In particular, it revokes the Protecting Life in Global Health Policy, also known as the “Global Gag Rule.”
Source: Human Rights Watch