Information and stories about human rights.

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Fighting Poverty Among People With Albinism in Malawi

People With Albinism in MalawiMalawi has one of the highest rates of albinism in the world; an estimated one in 130 people is born with the genetic condition, more than 134,000 in total. Albinism causes a lack of melanin pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes, significantly increasing the vulnerability to sun damage and, therefore, skin cancer. Yet for those living with albinism in Malawi, health risks are only a fraction of the struggle.

Harmful superstitions have fueled discrimination and ritual attacks, with some erroneously believing that some body parts of people with albinism bring wealth or good fortune. These dangers leave individuals with albinism isolated and economically vulnerable. Growing advocacy efforts are helping to challenge stigma, improve access to protection and build safer, more inclusive opportunities for Malawians with albinism.

Poverty and Discrimination Among Malawians With Albinism

Of the 134,000 Malawians with albinism, 53,000 are primary and secondary school age. From an early age, many Malawian children with albinism face bullying and discrimination at school. Social exclusion, alongside misinformation about their condition, causes many to withdraw or drop out entirely.

Without a full education, opportunities for higher-paying or skilled employment become limited, increasing the likelihood of lifelong poverty. Those who struggle to find work are often pushed toward low-wage, outdoor labor, such as farming or manual jobs, which places them under direct sunlight for long hours and heightens health risks.

Health concerns further compound these economic barriers. As melanin helps protect the skin from ultraviolet exposure, people with albinism are highly susceptible to severe sunburn and skin cancer. Access to sunscreen, protective clothing and dermatology services is limited, particularly in rural areas. Both medical challenges and threats of violence trap individuals with albinism in a cycle where discrimination and poor health drastically narrow opportunities for mobility and economic participation.

The Association of Persons With Albinism in Malawi

The Association of Persons with Albinism in Malawi (APAM) is the country’s leading grassroots advocacy group for the rights, safety and economic inclusion of people with albinism. APAM documents attacks and human-rights violations, presses police and government to act and, through engagement with local communities, demands better protection and services. In recent years, the group has shifted its focus from emergency response to long-term inclusion.

It now implements school outreach programs to reduce stigma, supports leadership and entrepreneurship training to help members transition into safer, higher-quality work and advocates for policy measures. APAM also partners with health-focused NGOs to expand sunscreen distribution, vision care and dermatology referrals, recognizing that health protection and socioeconomic well-being are interlinked. By combining case documentation, public education and policy advocacy, APAM has helped place albinism on Malawi’s national agenda.

It has prompted the government and donors to commit to sustained funding for protection programs, a vital step in breaking the cycle of discrimination and poverty.

Standing Voice

Standing Voice is an international nonprofit working in Malawi (and across Africa) to deliver long-term, scalable solutions for people with albinism. Rather than focusing only on crisis response, the organization operates programs that prioritize individuals’ safety, attending school and participating confidently in public life. In the health sector, Standing Voice establishes clinical networks and provides access to sunscreen, dermatology and low-vision services.

These are critical interventions that enable people with albinism to participate in school or the world without being sidelined by illness. On the education and livelihoods front, the organization works to reintegrate children into schools and provide vocational and livelihood support. This enables adults with albinism to access safer and more sustainable employment rather than outdoor, high-risk labor.

Additionally, like APAM, Standing Voice undertakes advocacy to break cycles of stigma, violence and exclusion by amplifying the voices of people with albinism and influencing policy. Its holistic strategy links protection with economic empowerment, addressing both root causes and outcomes of poverty for Malawians with albinism.

Final Remarks

People with albinism in Malawi continue to face preventable dangers and barriers that limit both their safety and socioeconomic participation. Yet, the progress led by advocacy organizations, health initiatives and community education shows that these challenges are not inevitable. With continued investment in protection, accessible health care and inclusive employment, Malawians with albinism can build secure, independent futures.

– Elysha Din

Elysha is based in Guildford, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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3 Organizations Defending Migrants’ Rights in Austria

migrants' rights in austriaAustria is a prosperous country with an enviable location at the epicenter of Central Europe. It calls seven countries its neighbor, so it is little wonder that the country experiences a significant migrant footfall. It also boasts one of the strongest social systems in Europe, meaning that support for unemployed, sick or injured people is generous in comparison to Austria’s European counterparts.

The country offers a bright outlook for many fleeing conflict or poverty. However, many migrants slip through bureaucratic cracks. Whether it is due to a lack of education, inability to speak the native language or legal setbacks when applying for work permits and residency documentation, many migrants find themselves in a legal gray zone that strips them of any meaningful way to make money and integrate into the country.

That is where organizations like Ikemba, Südwind and Megaphon come in. Armed with expertise in social integration, knowledge transfer and legal counsel, and access to invaluable resources, each works tirelessly to defend migrants’ rights in Austria, help them get a footing in the job market and secure a fulfilling future.

Ikemba

“We need humanity.” That is Ikemba’s resounding call on its homepage, and it is this philosophy that informs all the work it does in Graz’s underprivileged migrant communities. Its focus is on equipping migrants, low-threshold families and “hard-to-reach people” with skills that will increase their chances of a sustainable future.

A combination of social integration, help with language skills, cultural education and health support has seen Ikemba empower underrepresented communities. Courses include “Low-threshold A1 German courses for women” and “Empowerment communication course on the topic of ‘Health,’” among others. By offering this kind of education free of charge, Ikemba is one step closer to its vision: a society in which diversity is lived and valued. It is essential when it comes to fighting for migrants’ rights in Austria.

Südwind

While Südwind’s core focus is climate justice, the charity recognizes that this goes hand in hand with poverty and social inequality. Climate justice is innately connected to human rights and global sustainable development, which is why it fights for fair working conditions across every stage of international supply chains and campaigns for international solidarity and access to food and education for all.

It is no mean feat. Tackling all these major societal issues simultaneously takes a strong vision and an airtight strategy. The charity invests a significant portion of time in educational workshops that are carried out across the whole country ,the Südwind magazine and international PR campaigns that inform readers about climate justice and its impacts on migration and disadvantaged communities.

Megaphon

Taking a different approach to Südwind and Ikemba, Megaphon recognizes the bureaucratic challenges that many migrants face when in Austria. Its mission is to keep as many migrants as possible out of financial precarity by offering them the opportunity to sell its street magazine, Megaphon, without any work permits.

Offering an empowering alternative to begging on the street, Megaphon recognizes the legal battles that many migrants face in Austria and offers them legal counseling regarding visas, permits and residency. And while profits for the magazine are always welcome, the organization’s main objective is to get its vendors into meaningful and long-lasting jobs that secure a sustainable future for themselves and their families.

Looking Ahead

All three organizations are cornerstones of the social sector in Graz. Whether defending migrants’ rights in Austria by loudly taking to the streets to protest or quietly managing tedious paperwork that makes migrants’ lives easier, each proves how important such organizations are in lifting people out of poverty for the long term.

– Saroj Spickett

Saroj is based in Graz, Austria and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Being Poor in Venezuela

Being Poor in VenezuelaTo feel trapped in a country that is meant to be your home — a place of refuge, comfort and safety — is now the reality of more than 80% of households in Venezuela, with more than half living in extreme poverty. Being poor in Venezuela has become a familiar, looming presence under the rule of President Nicolás Maduro.

A Demand for Change

According to the BBC, for two decades, Maduro’s regime has inflicted suffering across Venezuela. Following a government-controlled election, Maduro claimed a third successive term, crushing hopes for change.

With renewed control over the country’s foreign policy, Maduro banned platforms such as Binance – a global cryptocurrency exchange – and social media platform X, which provide visibility into Venezuela’s economic crisis. Without such visibility, Venezuelans remain at the mercy of a corrupt regime and stay trapped in a cycle of being poor.

Mass Exodus: Searching for Safety

Being poor in Venezuela has become a daily struggle after decades of hyperinflation, leaving the country in dire straits. Citizens face extreme poverty, with an average income of just $0.72, and since the bolivar no longer functions as a viable currency, many must seek alternative means for survival.

Victims of this crisis now seek refuge in neighboring countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), “nearly 8 million Venezuelans have been forced to flee” in search of safety and economic stability.

A Call for Action

Supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo González denounced the National Electoral Council’s (CNE) recent election results. Analysts at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) outlined a “Day After” Postcrisis Recovery and Reform Framework, calling for comprehensive institutional reconstitution to restore political and economic stability.

To be successful, they emphasize how global powers such as the United States and other countries can support Venezuela through the crisis – especially the devastating realities of being poor in Venezuela, where citizens face systematic hardship and lack access to basic resources.

United Against Corruption

Maduro has succeeded in isolating Venezuela’s global markets, economically imprisoning citizens and limiting access to foreign currencies. Being poor in Venezuela now means navigating a collapsed economy with few lifelines.

Jorge Jraissai, the president of the Economic Inclusion Group, urges individuals to support organizations such as the Human Rights Foundation, which work to give Venezuelans a fighting chance against currency collapse.

In his analysis, The Role of Freedom Tech in Venezuela’s Fight for Freedom, Jraissai explains how the Human Rights Foundation has united activists and developers to create new digital solutions. Cryptocurrency platforms such as Binance, he argues, play an essential role in helping people to safeguard their earnings and access global currencies. These tools allow Venezuelans to bypass government restrictions and achieve economic autonomy.

Digital Lifelines

The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), a non-governmental organization (NGO), which operates to alleviate poverty and protect human rights globally, with a focus on countries ruled by authoritarian regimes. Founded in 2005 by Venezuelan human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen Mendoza, HRF continues to provide initiatives such as the Oslo Freedom Forum, which brings together activists and technologists to promote global freedom.

HRF raises awareness about the threats of authoritarianism and poverty. In 2023, its policies appeared across top major media outlets including CNN, CNBC, The Atlantic, POLITICO, Newsweek and the BBC. According to HRF, the organization received 17.8K media mentions, $772M in earned media value, and 23M social media Impressions.”

To support innovative solutions, HRF’s advocacy efforts “protect activists, journalists and other civil society leaders targeted by authoritarian regimes.” 

The organization developed the “Tyranny Tracker,” a research tool that analyzes and identifies countries most vulnerable to political oppression. Its methodology classifies nations as either democratic (103 countries: 2.2 billion), Hybrid Authoritarian Regimes (40 countries: 2.7 billion) or Fully Authoritarian Regimes (57 countries: 3 billion).

By supporting NGOs like HRF, global citizens can stand in solidarity with Venezuelans and help combat the devastating effects of being poor in Venezuela.

From Survival to Renewal

Poverty in Venezuela does not represent an unbreakable chain – it demands unity and action. Digital technology, institutional change and global collaboration could provide Venezuelans a fighting chance against poverty. 

– Gabriela E Silva

Gabriela is based in Addlestone, Surrey, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Human Rights: Remedying the South African Grant Algorithms

GrantWith an unemployment rate of 33% and more than 25% of its residents living at the extreme poverty level, South Africa maintains the title of “most unequal country in the world.” In the wake of economic turmoil catapulted by the coronavirus pandemic, rural-dwelling South Africans increasingly depend on government-issued social grants for survival.

However, significant programs like the Social Relief of Distress (SRD) R370, a grant in which eligible South African citizens and refugees receive a stipend of $21.2 per month, are increasingly administered by grant algorithms that deny qualified recipients grants for basic goods and welfare accommodations.

Inception of the Social Relief of Distress Grant

In a first attempt to remedy this, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) responded to the pandemic’s tumultuous economic conditions by launching an Economic Reconstruction and Recovery plan. The plan included measures to address the social distress caused by the pandemic.

By 2023, social grants served as the primary form of income for working-age South Africans living at the extreme poverty level, individuals who would otherwise collect a maximum of $40 per month in means. The stipend is available to any unemployed South African of working age. However, many eligible residents encounter demographic obstacles that make acquisition nearly impossible.

Barriers To Grant Approval

For one, the platform, which largely benefits inhabitants of rural areas populated by native speakers, is strictly available in English. Applications are only received digitally, requiring impoverished individuals to acquire a device for submission.

To receive the SRD grant, an individual’s maximum income may not exceed 624 ZAR ($35.21), significantly below the food poverty threshold. The SRD grant is administered by a digital grant algorithm that scans bank accounts and flags any indication of income.

The Automated Means Test

This process, known as the Automated Means Test, rejects qualified applicants whose accounts possess erroneous means that may not reflect sustainable income. One such miscontextualization of funds perpetually influences Brenda Mtshali, a widow and tomato vendor who scarcely makes enough to support her six children.

In her case, the grant algorithm disqualified her from benefaction, falsely arguing that her account contained a loan. In addition to this invasion of personal and financial data, the detection software misinterprets miscellaneous funds as “means” that exceed an already underrepresentative poverty threshold.

Since the inception of the Automated Means Test, the number of grant beneficiaries has decreased from 10.9 million to eight million, despite an existing eligibility pool of approximately 17 to 18 million people. In analyzing this disparity, the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) identified an exclusion rate of 89.7%. Whereas failures on the Automated Means Test cause millions of rejections, the IEJ concluded that only 24% of cases should be eliminated in ethical circumstances.

Benefits of the Social Relief of Distress Grant

On the contrary, the beneficiaries of the stipend report significant increases in quality of living. “Mind the People,” a short film directed by Mozilla Africa Mradi (and available for streaming on YouTube), dissects the disparate qualification process by collecting testimony from individuals who reside in the rural Mountain View and Eldorado regions of South Africa.

Ntombizodwa, an individual who testifies in Mradi’s film, describes how the SRD grant allows her to live a “much better life,” providing access to toiletries, food and electricity that she previously lacked. Nonetheless, significant improvements in accessibility must be made to improve the efficacy of the program.

Researcher Response to Algorithmic Inequity

According to the IEJ Report, applicants should be permitted to submit documents supporting their petition for a grant and that means tests should be conducted over a longitudinal period to eliminate algorithmic error. To improve accessibility, the report suggests shifting to a hybrid and multilingual application model.

A 2024 document published by the European Union–Agence Française de Développement (EU-AFD) Research Facility on Inequalities proposed a new structure to improve the efficacy and sustainability of the former SRD model. The document recommended that SASSA use self-reported data to assess eligibility, increase grant amounts and establish grant permanence.

Conclusion

Ethical access to social grants in South Africa is not only an issue of socioeconomic disparity, but also a matter of social equity and justice. Whereas recent projects have advanced critical conversation about broken South African grant algorithms, many people remain excluded from the precise benefits that might salvage them from tragedy. 

– Talia Gitlin

Talia is based in Natick, MA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Latet and Aiding Holocaust Survivors in Poverty

Holocaust Survivors in PovertyAs of 2021, more than 2.5 million people in Israel are living in poverty, including 1.4 million adults. In addition, 36.1% of all Israeli households live in poverty and 22.1% of those households lack access to basic human needs, such as food, health care and proper education. This crisis affects not only the working-age population but also many Holocaust survivors who are among those experiencing poverty in Israel.

Efforts by Latet

As of April 2025, more than 220,000 Holocaust survivors worldwide are living below the poverty line and rely on outside aid or pension programs. Holocaust survivors reportedly face much worse living conditions than their fellow citizens of Israel. Lack of awareness regarding their plight leaves these individuals struggling for resources and help. 

Fortunately, one organization committed to protecting and serving Holocaust survivors and elderly Israeli citizens is Latet. Latet is a nonprofit that provides aid to more than 100,000 families and about 1,600 Holocaust survivors living in poverty. Its services include food banks and educational programs for those in need. Latet stated that one out of every three Holocaust survivors lives in poverty and that 30,000 Holocaust survivors in Israel live near the poverty line.

The Jewish United Fund

The Jewish United Fund, based in Chicago, is another organization supporting Holocaust survivors living in poverty. It provides funding and resources to Israel to assist those who need them most. This aid allows Holocaust survivors to meet their day-to-day living expenses, including medical bills. The Jewish United Fund also provides home furnishings for Holocaust survivors, helping improve their well-being and quality of life.

Looking Ahead

Organizations such as Latet and the Jewish United Fund play an important role in supporting vulnerable populations and Holocaust survivors in Israel. Continued funding, support and recognition from the media and public can potentially help these organizations expand their reach and effectiveness. Helping Holocaust survivors acknowledges their resilience and contributes to providing them with greater stability and opportunities. By supporting these initiatives, donors and advocates contribute to efforts aimed at improving the well-being of some of Israel’s most vulnerable citizens.

– John Menechino

John is based in Marietta, GA, USA and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fragility and Rule of Law in Russia

Rule of Law in RussiaThe rule of law is central to any functioning democracy, ensuring the exercise of power within legal limits. However, the rule of law in Russia has become fragile under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin. Since first taking office in 2000, he has consolidated power through the suppression of opposition, constitutional manipulation and influence over the judiciary and legislature, eroding the independence of legal institutions. As legal checks disappear, rising inequality and poverty become characteristic of the Russian state, with the burden falling on those with the least protection. This article explores how Russia’s legal system prioritizes loyalty over justice, reinforcing structural exclusion.

Separation of Powers in Russia

Russia is an authoritarian political system led by President Putin, who has remained among the highest authority ranks since his first election in May 2000. Throughout his years in government, he has reshaped the balance of power to secure his dominance and weaken institutional checks. In 2004, he announced a stage of recentralization, dismantling many regional powers and bringing political authority under tighter Kremlin control. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, this shift entrenched centralized, top-down governance rooted in loyalty to the president and dominated by Kremlin-aligned political parties. With control over the courts, most of the media and the legislative branch, the Kremlin continues to repress citizens’ rights domestically while adopting foreign policy decisions that defy international norms, further eroding the rule of law.

The emergence of informal mechanisms has allowed state ideology to shape legal interpretations and enforcement, with unofficial directives treated as binding by the political system. As government transparency declines, informal rules overshadow international law and constitutional provisions, weakening the principle of equality before the law. This undermines the impartiality needed to combat corruption, ensure fair resource distribution, or secure fundamental rights. The breakdown of judicial independence leaves marginalized groups without meaningful legal recourse and institutionalizes exclusion.

The Legislative Branch: The Duma and the Federation Council

Composed of the Duma (lower house) and the Federation Council (upper house), the Russian Federation’s legislative branch should be independent, but the President controls many of its decisions. The Duma confirms that the President nominates the Prime Minister and other state ministers and passes laws that the executive proposes.

Regional governments and parliaments select 85 of the 170 Federation Council members, while the president directly appoints 30. Notably, the president has considerable influence over regional governors through recentralization. The president nominates governors instead of allowing public elections, and regional legislatures, that pro-Kremlin parties dominate, confirm them.

The result is the political sidelining of regional voices and minority populations. Areas marked by inequality have no formal channel to advocate for social support or investment. The lack of regional autonomy or accountability leads to disparities between Moscow’s political elite and the rest of the population, weakening public trust in the rule of law. 

The Constitution and the President

It should be no secret that the Russian Constitution has granted President Putin significant power, raising serious concerns about how far that power has extended and how this shift impacts the rule of law. According to the document, the president is the head of state and the guarantor of the constitution, giving him control over most foreign and domestic policy decisions. Endowing him with sweeping legislative powers, the Constitution allows Putin to appoint security ministers, making these issues almost exclusive to the president’s competence.

In 2020, Putin introduced constitutional amendments that further reduced citizens’ rights while expanding executive power. These changes extended presidential terms, enhanced control over the judiciary and granted former presidents lifelong immunity and a permanent seat in the Federation Council. Legal accountability is virtually absent in a system with no meaningful electoral competition or judicial independence. This structure allows the state to ignore inequality while preserving elite privilege and those outside the core political apparatus face systemic neglect.

Russia and the Rule of Law Today

One of the most significant legal tools for controlling dissent is the 2012 “foreign agents law.” Initially applied to NGOs receiving international funding, it has since expanded to target media outlets, advocacy groups and individuals. The 2022 revisions added the broad and ambiguous “foreign influence” category, allowing the state to label critics as national security threats. As a result, the government has cracked down on civil society groups, especially those advocating for human rights, ethnic minorities and the economically vulnerable, forcing them to operate underground.

Poverty in Russia remains a pressing issue, particularly in rural areas and among minority populations. According to the World Bank, around 12.1% of Russians lived below the national poverty line in 2022, with the rate disproportionately affecting families and those in underdeveloped regions. Weak rule of law exacerbates this problem by limiting access to fair legal recourse, reinforcing corruption and enabling the misuse of public funds intended for social welfare.

Following the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s courts became even more visibly biased, enforcing laws that serve state narratives. The state now regularly carries out political trials, arbitrary detentions and harsh sentencing. With growing restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, the Kremlin reasserts dominance and undermines the rights of its citizens.

In response to these challenges, some initiatives continue to push for reform. The EU-Russia Civil Society Forum and its “Legal Discourse” program seek to enhance the potential of the participation of NGOs in the discussion of legal matters between the European Union and Russia. This platform emphasizes the importance of promoting and protecting values like human rights, the rule of law, separation of powers, government accountability, administrative compliance and judicial independence.

Resistance and Civil Society

Despite growing repression, Russian civil society continues to resist. Journalists, activists and ordinary citizens risk their freedom to challenge state abuse. Though weakened since the 1990s, moments like the 2011–2012 electoral protests and quiet acts of defiance in response to the invasion of Ukraine reflect a resilient spirit. Individual resistance now outweighs mass movements, with citizens using subtle, creative means to oppose the regime.

Organizations such as Global Call to Action Against Poverty and Caritas of Mother of God Archdiocese have been working to fight poverty within the federation. Making information about patient rights more available to citizens, GCAP’s Russia program aims to improve healthcare in impoverished communities. Caritas of Mother of God Archdiocese, formerly known as Caritas Russia, is a national agency operating under the Catholic Church that focuses on providing the poor and victims of disasters, accidents and armed conflicts with medical and social support. Recently, the organization has been supporting families that have fled Ukraine into Russia, supplying them with food, hygiene materials, medicine and bedding.

Looking Ahead

Authoritarian control has severely damaged Russia’s legal institutions, leaving its citizens with a system that silences opposition and allows inequality to grow unchecked. Under Putin, the rule of law in Russia has withered, concentrating power in the hands of the elite while marginalizing large segments of the population. Through constitutional manipulation, centralized political appointments and laws targeting dissent, the state has built a framework that prioritizes loyalty over fairness. 

Yet, resistance endures. Programs such as the EU-Russia Civil Society Forum and grassroots initiatives such as Caritas and GCAP demonstrate that, despite repression and challenges with the rule of law in Russia, the fight for the protection of the vulnerable and the promotion of justice continues. In the face of adversity, quiet resistance remains a tool for fighting for a more inclusive, equitable, and lawful future.

– Rafaela Paquet

Rafaela is based in Montreal, Canada and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Voice to Value: Data of TracFM Produces Change in Uganda

TracFMIn the hills and towns of Uganda, a quiet revolution is taking place over the airwaves. Across Africa, interactive radio shows have long allowed citizens to voice their concerns, but in Uganda, a tech-for-good organization called TracFM is taking it further. It’s pioneering a program that keeps the conversation going, turning public feedback into real action.

The nonprofit’s key innovation is not the radio show itself. It has software that transforms thousands of scattered opinions from SMS messages into clear, structured data, offering policymakers undeniable evidence of citizens’ needs.

By systematically collecting and analyzing this citizen-generated data, TracFM is amplifying voices to reduce poverty in a way that is measurable, targeted and impossible to ignore. This data-driven approach is creating a new, more responsive relationship between the Ugandan people and their leaders.

Quantifying Invisibility: Data on Identity

One of the most profound barriers to escaping poverty is invisibility. This lack of legal recognition has tangible consequences, barring individuals from enrolling in school, accessing government health programs or even securing a formal job. Recognizing this, TracFM’s VOICES Campaign tackled the issue by engaging citizens on the importance of civil registration.

The campaign did more than talk; its polls generated quantifiable data, revealing concrete problems like limited knowledge about civil registration and its benefits. This data produces change at a subregional level, allowing local governments to deploy registration units with greater precision, shifting the issue from a collection of anecdotes to an evidence-based policy challenge.

This new civil registration data will undoubtedly support African leaders and the World Bank Group in their goal of ensuring every citizen has a digital identity by 2030. They believe proper identification enables “financial inclusion, improved governance and the empowerment of women and girls.” It also unlocks a wide range of additional benefits.

From Identity to an Individual’s Rights

Another campaign of TracFM targets the complex issue of governance and human rights. Without a clear understanding of their fundamental rights, citizens may be afraid to speak up or assemble. TracFM’s Human Rights Awareness campaign, known as the Sauti Stream, directly confronted this by educating people on their rights to freedom of expression, association and assembly.

The data from the SMS polls created a vital feedback loop, essentially a report on the state of civic literacy, “with 64% of respondents either unaware of their rights or lacking access to information.” Additional data from the reports offer educators and civil society groups insight into which rights are least understood, helping them to tailor their outreach programs accordingly.

This process is a grassroots application of the principles championed by the United Nations Development Program’s (UNDP) “Human Rights-Based Approach to Development.” The approach argues that development is most effective when people are empowered agents of change. The data of TracFM produces change by providing the concrete evidence needed for that empowerment to translate into responsive public engagement, ensuring resources for civic education can be directed where they are needed most.

A Look at Land Ownership

Armed with an identity and knowledge of their rights, citizens can tackle core economic issues like land. Insecure land rights are a primary driver of poverty and conflict, particularly for women and farmers. TracFM’s Land Rights in Uganda campaign addressed this by polling citizens on their knowledge of land laws and their experiences with local land management.

These polls developed data that highlighted where legal literacy was lowest and where citizens felt most powerless. Surprisingly, only 18% of respondents said they had registered their land, stating that the process is “too expensive or complicated.” About 68% of respondents believed that their registration would only benefit the elite and they were not misled in their assumptions.

Given their reduced access to legal counsel and information, the average citizen is vulnerable to land fraud and corruption. Such issues point toward a clear need for greater transparency and more responsible collection of information. The concept of citizen-generated data to improve economic stability is at the forefront of global development. The World Bank’s 2021 report, “Data for Better Lives,” details how such data can help design more effective public services, including land registration programs that secure property rights for people experiencing poverty. This data-driven model also aligns with global trends in governance.

Conclusion

Ultimately, TracFM’s power lies in its process: it captures the human voice, translates it into the language of data and presents it as clear evidence. It proves that data produces change and that citizen-driven information is most effective when voices are not just heard, but counted and given weight.

– Levi Ravnsborg

Levi is based in Summerland, BC, Canada and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Greta Thunberg’s Advocacy: The Fight for Global Equality

Greta Thunberg's AdvocacyGreta Thunberg’s steadfast advocacy at only 22 years old revolutionizes the new generation with her impact, inspiring the youth to speak up. Her influence fosters a sense of shared power while encouraging collective action among individuals with similar political beliefs by highlighting aspects of her identity that resonate with diverse groups and drawing broader public focus to urgent global issues.

The Greta Effect

Thunberg has earned recognition as an environmental activist, but her rise to global prominence through the Fridays for Future movement, sparked by a solitary school strike amplified by social media, has significantly influenced policymaking, public discourse and behavior. This resulted in the tag “Greta effect.” As one of the first political icons shaped entirely by the dynamics of social media, Thunberg engages a younger, digital-savvy audience and communicates across multiple platforms.

Her impact challenges traditional frameworks of environmental communication and digital activism, as she also embodies aspects of celebrity culture, garnering both widespread support and sharp criticism. Thus, this duality has fueled opposition, contributing to broader backlash against climate activism and raising concerns about increasing polarization, misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Political Activism

Thunberg’s outreach through public speeches and protests, including the lack of action on climate change, highlights the effectiveness of reshaping policy agendas.

Her involvement included the United Nations Climate Action Summit in 2019, where she spoke about the climate change crisis with sustainable development goals to transition the world into a healthier, livable ecosystem for all by limiting global warming. She used her public platform and voice to emphasize this vital matter to political leaders by challenging them to speak up regarding global temperatures and emissions rising. 

Thus, Thunberg’s political involvement expanded beyond environmental issues, but also toward human rights activism. In recent events, with the ongoing genocide in Gaza, Thunberg and 11 activists sailed to Gaza with the intent to safely open the humanitarian corridor. As Gaza faces more than three months of Israeli blockade, nearly 2.1 million of the population is facing food shortages, creating one of the world’s worst hunger crises.

The Madleen ship, boarded by the 12 activists carrying aid, was seized by Israel and this led to the deportation of Thunberg. However, by confronting political leaders and leveraging platforms such as social media, television and conferences, Thunberg has compelled global attention to this issue, even prompting criticism from President Donald Trump. Ironically, such criticism has amplified her message, drawing millions to her activism and inspiring others to adopt similar strategies.

What’s Next?

Greta Thunberg’s advocacy, speeches and social media outreach have generated widespread media attention and heightened awareness of global equality overall. Through what many call the Greta effect, her activism has pressured politicians to respond to the growing movement she represents. It has helped shift environmental activism into the digital space, inspired millions to take action through social media and school strikes, making climate change a central issue in global politics and public discourse, especially among the youth.

The extensive coverage of her efforts has helped shape policy agendas, influenced political leaders to take action and demonstrated how individual voices can drive meaningful change in public opinion and political decision-making.

– Hibah Iqbal

Hibah is based in Houston, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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COPHCI: Addressing Disability and Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire 

Disability and Poverty in Côte d’IvoireSince its founding in 2012, Confédération des Organisations des Personnes Handicapées de Côte d’Ivoire (COPHCI) has been on the frontlines of the fight for people with disabilities (PWDs) for over a decade. It has made their mark as a bastion of support for the disabled and a pillar of social and political progress, particularly when it comes to addressing the often-intertwined challenges of disability and poverty in Côte d’Ivoire. 

A Closer Look at Disability and Poverty in Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has seen a rapid rise in the Human Development Index (HDI) since the turn of the 21st century, surpassing the threshold of a country with medium development in 2017. This has resulted in a windfall of social progress in the country, with life expectancy at birth increasing by over 10 years by 2023-24, and the average GNP nearly doubling in the same time frame.

Nevertheless, people with disabilities (PWDs) in Côte d’Ivoire still face a litany of impediments which keep them from reaping the rewards of such progress and from proper inclusion in their communities. For instance, an observational study by COPHCI found that 83.56% of polling stations lacked accessibility for PWDs during the presidential elections in 2020, and the legislative elections in 2021. Additionally, UNICEF found that only 26% of children with disabilities had access to education. Such glaring inadequacies in the treatment of children and adults with disabilities have created a dire need for a reimagined approach to inclusivity in Côte d’Ivoire.

The burden to change the status quo has thus fallen on local organizations – often working in collaboration with one another – to support those whom the country’s hastening development has neglected. Many also work on building ties with various government ministries in an effort to highlight the often-ignored ails which the country faces. 

COPHCI’s Fight

COPHCI is an umbrella organization, heading more than a dozen Federations which are separated by type of disability or by the specific needs of disabled individuals. It acts as a central unifier for all of these groups, working as, in their own words, a liaison between them. 

COPHCI seeks to give a voice to the usually voiceless and bring awareness to problems which are otherwise completely overlooked by authorities. As an umbrella organization, COPHCI focuses primarily on awareness-raising, and it has acted as a crucial part of many social inclusion and aid initiatives undertaken in Côte d’Ivoire.

For this reason, workshops and community events form the backbone of much of the work which COPHCI does. Not only do they meet with and educate disadvantaged communities, they also act as a link between them and Côte d’Ivoire’s governing bodies. In 2024, the organization undertook a number of initiatives, one of which was a two-day November workshop with fellow advocacy groups to push for the involvement of PWDs in the burgeoning economic development of the country. As the economy continues to expand, COPHCI has worked tirelessly to ensure that space is made for people who have historically been left out of the job market.

Key to the country’s development is the Youth Employment Agency, an agency which has worked to improve employment opportunities for youth in Côte d’Ivoire since its establishment in 2015. COPHCI has worked tirelessly to lobby this agency, especially in 2024, and successfully pushed for a special desk for people with disabilities. This was a major victory for PWDs in the labor market, finally giving them a voice and place in the economic expansion of their country.

Continuing the Fight in 2025

COPHCI has so far stayed out of any headlines in 2025, however, the group’s website shows its continued efforts to train caregivers and educate local communities. As Côte d’Ivoire continues to blossom on the world stage, it is organizations like COPHCI which will ensure that disabled and disadvantaged people can finally take part in their country’s progress, and that disability and poverty in Côte d’Ivoire cease to be a barrier of entry to participation.

– Alex Degterev

Alex is based in Brookline, MA, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Uyghur Muslim Rights: Organizations Making a Difference

Uyghur Muslim RightsThe Uyghur Muslims are a population steeped in history, practicing their religion for centuries. The religion has amassed a rich culture which ranges from unique music known as Muqam, to their very own language. However, as unique as Uyghur culture may be, it is one in decline as a result of continual persecution from the Chinese State.

Since 2017, what China describes as “re-education” centers have appeared across the country’s west. Uyghurs are held in these centers without legal process and, in many cases, are forced to undergo slave labor, such as picking cotton. This horrific situation has continually garnered international condemnation, with the former U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, describing the situation as an “ongoing genocide.”

With the case being such a high-profile one, many groups are fighting for the freedom of the Uyghurs.

Coalition to End Forced Labor in the Uyghur Region

The Coalition to End Forced Labor in the Uyghur Region is an internationally endorsed initiative united in ending “state-sponsored forced labour and other egregious human rights abuses against people from the Uyghur Region.” It calls on companies and governments to challenge the Chinese government’s oppression against the Uyghurs.

The coalition documents many different stories from those who are subject to this oppression, helping to highlight the awful conditions in the “re-education” centers. Other than calling on action from both companies and governments, the coalition seeks to enhance and protect Uyghur Muslim rights by continually highlighting the abhorrent abuse that Uyghurs face. By highlighting these rights abuses, there is a greater chance of the Uyghur’s fight for freedom garnering public attention as it did in the late 2010s.

Anti-Slavery International

Anti-Slavery International is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that highlights slavery and human rights abuses. On many occasions, the organization has covered the Uyghur Muslim rights violations, also highlighting how many Western countries enable these violations.

The nonprofit highlights different Chinese exports and links them as products of Uyghur slavery, including tomato paste, solar panels and electric vehicles. The organization calls on governments to ban imports with potential links to slavery as a means of combating the shameful tirade that China imposes on Uyghur Muslim rights.

World Uyghur Congress

The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) aims to “promote democracy, human rights and freedom for the Uyghur people.” The congress has a comprehensive leadership system chosen by more than 170 delegates from 27 countries, outlining how global the group has become. The WUC relies heavily on grassroots mobilization to drive meaningful change.

It encourages individuals to take action through petitions, public demonstrations and letter-writing campaigns addressed to government officials. Amid the ongoing persecution of the Uyghur population in China, the WUC’s role has become increasingly vital in advocating for the protection and advancement of Uyghur Muslim rights within the country.

Conclusion

Organizations like the Coalition to End Forced Labor, Anti-Slavery International and the WUC continue to lead efforts to defend Uyghur Muslim rights. Indeed, by raising awareness, pressuring governments and mobilizing global support, they play a vital role in challenging oppression and keeping the fight for justice alive.

– Andrew Nicoll

Andrew is based in Long Melford, Suffolk, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash