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Non-violence

Freedom of speech and expression

Hate Speech in Sri Lanka Increased 113 Per Cent after November 2024, Says UN

According to the United Nations in Sri Lanka, over 35 per cent of all gender-based harmful speech recorded in November was targeted at women candidates campaigning for the parliamentary elections.

OWSA Contributor - 26 February 2025

Accountability

Sri Lanka: Human Rights Commission Says Complaints Against Police Increasing

One of the primary concerns raised during the meeting was the role of the Special Investigations Unit of Sri Lanka Police, which is responsible for investigating law enforcement officers accused of torture and enforced disappearances.

OWSA Contributor - 25 February 2025

Civil society

At Security Council Meeting, Guterres Alludes to ‘Clear’ Threat of Nuclear War

“Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges. We see a dark spirit of impunity spreading. The prospect of nuclear war remains – outrageously – a clear and present danger.”

OWSA Contributor - 19 February 2025

E-governance

Google’s Willingness to Develop AI for Weapons Raises Concerns: Human Rights Watch

Google’s revised Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy signals a worrying shift in the company’s stance on the development of AI for military applications, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has warned.

OWSA Contributor - 11 February 2025

Disaster Management

Genocide 2.0 — Trump’s Plan for Cleansing Gaza

The UN adopted the Genocide Convention 1948 and it went into effect in 1951. Among the punishable offenses are “acts committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”

Inter Press Service - 3 February 2025

Accountability

Bangladesh: Reforms Needed to Restore Democracy, Says Human Rights Watch

The actions taken by the interim government in the coming months will determine whether the sacrifices of the Monsoon Revolution pave the way for a brighter future or become a fleeting moment in the nation’s turbulent history.

OWSA Contributor - 30 January 2025

Afghanistan

In Landmark Dubai Meeting, India Pledges Support for Afghan Refugees

For Afghanistan, India’s support represents a vital lifeline as it navigates complex domestic and regional challenges. The agreement to promote trade, enhance humanitarian aid, and address shared security concerns lays the groundwork for a more cooperative relationship.

OWSA Staff - 9 January 2025

Disaster Management

Syrians Now Have ‘Historic Opportunity’ to Build a Peaceful Future, Says Guterres

There is much work to be done to ensure an orderly political transition to renewed institutions, Guterres, and noted that his Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen, will be working with all Syrians to this end.

OWSA Contributor - 10 December 2024

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Latest News

Animals and wildlife30 May 2025

Sri Lanka’s Elephant Corridor Plan ‘Unscientific’

Nearly 5,000 elephants and 1,600 people have been killed in the last 15 years in clashes between elephants and humans in Sri Lanka, home to one of the largest remaining populations of Asian elephants, according to official figures.

Climate change30 May 2025

New Projections Show Extreme Glacier Loss Already at 2°C

Staying close to 1.5°C on the other hand preserves at least some glacier ice in all regions, even Scandinavia, with 20-30 per cent remaining in the four most sensitive regions; and 40-45 per cent in the Himalayas and Caucuses; stressing the growing urgency of the 1.5°C temperature goal and rapid decarbonization to achieve it.

Agri-business29 May 2025

Government Extends Interest Relief for Farmers, Reinforces KCC and MISS as Pillars of Agricultural Credit

Through the KCC framework, farmers benefit from revolving credit facilities for up to five years. This flexible structure allows them to draw and repay funds as per their seasonal requirements without having to reapply for loans each season.