The Erasure of the Private Sphere in Iran
By Franzie Schatzl and Jack Budlow Before attending a local production of Chekhov’s “Ivanov,” two women publicly share a cigarette — a habit once considered socially unacceptable. Across Iran, women continue to find small ways to assert individuality, resist, and stretch the boundaries of what authorities deem acceptable behaviour. Photograph: Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times The erosion of the private sphere is a hallmark of totalitarianism. The demolition of individuality a
Genocide Watch
Nov 13
UN urges humanitarian corridor to help el-Fasher Civilians
IOM chief calls for ceasefire to allow aid groups to reach Sudanese civilians trapped in war-torn Darfur region. By Jillian Kestler-D'Amours An injured Sudanese woman who fled violence in el-Fasher receives treatment at a makeshift clinic in Tawila, North Darfur, November 3, 2025 [Mohamed Jamal/Reuters] The head of the United Nations’ migration agency has called for a ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor to help tens of thousands of civilians trapped in el-Fasher , the city
Al Jazeera
Nov 13
Sudan-Women Endure starvation, rape, bombs fleeing El Fasher
© UNFPA | A temporary clinic in Tawila for people fleeing conflict in Darfur. "There is mounting evidence that rape is being deliberately and systematically used as a weapon of war," says UN Women. 11 November 2025 | Peace and Security In war-torn Sudan, rape is likely being used as a weapon of war, and simply being a woman there is “a strong predictor” of hunger, violence, and death, the UN’s gender equality agency warned on Tuesday. “Women speaking to us from El Fasher, the
UN News
Nov 12
Taliban order women to wear burkas to access hospitals
By Anbarasan Ethirajan MSF say women are being turned away from hospitals in one Afghan city if not wearing a burka The Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have ordered female patients, caretakers and staff to wear a burka – a full Islamic veil - to enter public health facilities in the western city of Herat, medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) says. MSF said the restrictions came into effect from 5 November. "These restrictions further impede women's lives and limi
BBC News
Nov 12
Sudan Is In Free Fall
Sudan Is in Free Fall The New York Times Nov. 6, 2025 Refugees from paramilitary genocide in El Fasher, in a camp in Tawila, Sudan.Credit ...Muhnnad Adam/Associated Press Opinion/Guest Essay By Eric A. Friedman, Suad Abdel aziz and John Prendergast A Sudanese journalist, Muammar Ibrahim, stayed behind to document atrocities while thousands fled a genocidal blood bath in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur in Sudan. He was abducted and remains detained. Mohammed Elmakki, a
Slovakia curb on same-sex rights sparks concern
By enr with AFP, ANSA, BTA, CTK, dpa, HINA, PAP, TASR | 04.Nov 2025 While social acceptance of LGBTIQ+ people has increased across the EU in the last five years, the rights of sexual minorities are under pressure in the EU. The latest move by Slovakia to restrict the rights of same-sex couples stands at odds with the bloc’s strategy to promote the communities’ rights and safety. Participants in the 6th cross-border Pride parade wait for the event to begin. The parade started
European Newsroom (enr)
Nov 10
