Tolerance.ca
Director / Editor: Victor Teboul, Ph.D.
Looking inside ourselves and out at the world
Independent and neutral with regard to all political and religious orientations, Tolerance.ca® aims to promote awareness of the major democratic principles on which tolerance is based.
Human Rights Observatory
Click on the article that you want to view.
South Korea: President Impeached for Abuse of Power The revolving door of Africa's displacement crises Syria: 35,000 registered missing in 13 years of conflict as ICRC helps families seek answers Lessons from Aceh: How language unites and segregates in conflicts UN rights chief urges accountability for post-electoral violence in Venezuela Iran: Detained Activists Denied Medical Care Iran: UN experts call for strict new hijab law to be repealed Protesting farmers are having to fight off the radical right, conspiracy theorists and climate sceptics Why Scottish salmon’s rebrand may end up harming the integrity of a top export and hurting producers Daniel Craig’s turn as queer writer and an ‘unfilmable’ book brought to life – what you should watch, read and see this week FBI director guides the agency in confronting complex international threats, investigating federal crimes and running 55 field offices Georgia: Police committing shocking human rights violations amid ongoing crackdown on protesters Trump wants China’s help in making peace in Ukraine. He’s unlikely to get it Western self-sufficiency in computer chips is just not going to happen Exercise boosts memory for up to 24 hours after a workout – new research Three promising outcomes from the world’s first official summit to conserve and restore mangroves St John’s wort: six drug interactions you should know about Guinea: Authorities must carry out an independent and impartial investigation into the dramatic incident at the Nzérékoré stadium and the security forces’ behaviour Ebola: how a vaccine turned a terrifying virus into a preventable disease South Africa wants to make alcohol more expensive. Why it’s a good idea – health economist South Africa’s low-cost housing model is broken – study suggests how to fix it Shrink by Rachel M. Thomas: a compelling graphic novel about navigating fatphobia as a young woman How tiny hoverflies migrate thousands of miles Why AI eyes-open meditation apps could do more harm than good for your mental health Who is Syria’s new prime minister – and what will he do? The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will delight fans of Peter Jackson’s trilogy – but offers no fresh twist Earning half the minimum wage: new report reveals pressures on artists to sustain creative life Rail disruption in the UK is so common that the economic damage it causes is barely noticed – but change is possible Is Reform really pulling ahead of Labour? Polling expert on what to really make of Farage’s supposed lead Brain inflammation may be the reason behind muscle fatigue after infection and injury We developed a way to use light to dismantle PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ – long-lasting environmental pollutants Stop and think: An undervalued approach in a world that short-circuits thoughtful political judgment Why Quincy Jones should be prominently featured in US music education − his absence reflects how racial segregation still shapes American classrooms Ferns’ ability to evolve ‘backward’ offers insights into the meandering path of evolution Response to CEO killing reveals antipathy toward health insurers − but entire patchwork system is to blame for ill feeling Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ almost didn’t air − and why it endures Women in Botswana make up 54% of voters, but less than 10% of parliament: political parties can change that What is the drug captagon and how is it linked to Syria’s fallen Assad regime? The Coalition reveals the cost of its nuclear power plan – but the devil is in the missing detail Türkiye: No Transparency on Earthquake Deaths Inquiry US Landmine Transfers Contravene Long-Standing Policy Saudi Arabia: Hosting UN Internet Conference Amid Crackdown UN Security Council Recommits to Protecting People with Disabilities A new treaty could prevent some misappropriation of Māori and Indigenous design – and shouldn’t be ignored Teenage prodigy Gukesh D defeats Ding Liren to become youngest world chess champion The work of Chinese artist Cao Fei explores our brave new human condition in a technological world A sustainable, circular economy could counter Trump’s tariffs while strengthening international trade Tech companies claim AI can recognise human emotions. But the science doesn’t stack up How is the Big Bash League faring after 14 years of ups and downs – and what’s next? From bells to choirs, different ‘timbres’ ring in the Christmas holiday season Naughty, often naked, deeply wild: F Christmas is a joyous gift at the time we need it most At least 68 journalist killings in 2024, UNESCO reports Santa, maybe? Why we have different names for who ‘hurries down the chimney’ on Christmas This holiday season, ‘Don’t Call Me Resilient’ brings you a booklist with your playlist Been drinking and your heart’s fluttering? You may have ‘holiday heart’ What Assad’s fall means for the Middle East – and Russia From ‘ghost guns’ to gangs, 5 lessons from Canada for NZ firearms reform Are tobacco and cannabis economic substitutes or complements? New research suggests it changes with age Many people don’t get financial advice even though it can help ensure a comfortable retirement Decorating your Christmas tree? Try these crafts inspired by Aussie plants and animals Will we have a COVID wave, spike or blip this Christmas? It depends where you live Friday essay: Ukraine is the world’s most heavily mined country. Meet some of the people cleaning up this deadly mess Sudan: SAF airstrike on crowded market a flagrant war crime England’s planned pay increase for teachers isn’t enough to recruit the 6,500 more the government wants US role in Syria is unclear in wake of Assad’s fall from power What the US Supreme Court will consider when it rules on gender-affirming care for trans children ‘Administrative law’ sounds dry but likely will be key to success or failure of Trump’s plans for government reform Why the religious beliefs of Trump defense pick Pete Hegseth matter We interviewed 30 Black public school teachers in Philadelphia to understand why so many are leaving the profession Why winter makes you more vulnerable to colds – a public health nurse explains the science behind the season 15% of global population lives within a few miles of a coast − and the number is growing rapidly South Korea shook a presidential power grab – failure to impeach now risks damaging democracy NASA’s crew capsule had heat shield issues during Artemis I − an aerospace expert on these critical spacecraft components Vaccines and values: When you’re having a tough conversation about medicine, don’t just pile on evidence − listen to someone’s ‘moral foundations’ The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is a failure, and new immigration limits make a bad situation worse Counting Uganda’s lions: we found that wildlife rangers do a better job than machines Who owns the traditional ‘family home’ in South Africa? Court sets a new precedent, but the law remains murky Freemasons, homosexuals and corrupt elites in Cameroon – inside an African conspiracy theory Can the UK’s ‘Online Safety Act’ tame the hidden violence in leisure communities? What the fall of Assad says about Putin’s ambitions for Russia’s great-power status Argentina’s soaring poverty levels don’t seem to be hurting president Javier Milei – but the honeymoon could be over Air pollution has contributed to 16 million deaths in India in the past decade – new study Claus for concern: why we should be worried about Santa’s health Rising desertification shows we can’t keep farming with fossil fuels Who really cares for the British countryside? Not landowners, says green campaigner’s new book Santa Claus was inspired by a real figure who fought against miscarriages of justice Human settlement of Mars isn’t as far off as you might think Grattan on Friday: Dutton’s nuclear policy would have coal-fired power stations operating for a lot longer Why distrust in powerful politicians is part of a functioning democracy – podcast Hippos have been neglected by scientists – that’s why we’re building Africa’s first hippo database Syria’s self-governing democratic north-east comes under attack with country in flux It’s hard to distinguish conscious from unconscious states in patients – a more precautionary approach is needed Syria: fall of Assad a blow for Iran’s ‘Shia crescent’ – here are its foreign policy options in the new-look Middle East Red One: this Dwayne Johnson flop demonstrates Hollywood’s longstanding problem with Christmas How to catch a supernova explosion before it happens – and what we can learn from it Christmas adverts: decoding the trusted formula used to pull on consumers’ heart strings Three ways to reduce Europe’s flood risk El Salvador: New Laws Threaten Free Expression, Privacy Venezuela: Reveal Whereabouts of Disappeared Woman Lebanon: Israeli air strikes that killed at least 49 civilians further evidence of war crimes News bargaining incentive: the latest move in the government’s ‘four-dimensional chess’ battle with Meta Moira Deeming’s defamation win shows nobody can play fast and loose with language – not even politicians Historic climate change advisory: what the case before the International Court of Justice might mean Climate projects take ‘invisible’ care work for granted: why this needs to change The African Union has a poor record of protecting democracy. 2024 was no different Sugarcane trash can produce energy – what South Africa’s small farmers need to make this happen Mali: Atrocities by the Army and Wagner Group 10 Good News Stories for Kids in 2024 Ukraine Parliament Adopts Bill on Legal Status of CRSV Survivors Syria: Post-Assad Transition Should Center Human Rights Worldwide, Policies Leave Health Care Inaccessible for Too Many ‘I'm Still Here': The Brazilian story of forced disappearances by the military dictatorship Hypnosis won’t put you under a spell. But it can open your mind to change – and help treat pain Republicans soared in the recent US elections, but Democrats have reasons for optimism for 2026 A Meta outage hit Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and more. Here’s what we know so far Sports diplomacy: why the Australian government is spending $600 million on a new NRL team in PNG Victorian independents’ potential High Court challenge to political donations laws has merit - and there are federal implications too Big tech firms like Meta forced to pay for news, under Albanese government’s ‘news bargaining incentive’ charge What’s next for Albertsons after calling off its $25B grocery merger with Kroger: More lawsuits Deliberate disinformation campaigns are a public health risk – but NZ has no effective strategy to deal with it Disaster happens when soldiers don’t act ethically. We can provide better training to support them Politics with Michelle Grattan: For Mark Dreyfus, antisemitism is very personal Russia: Reject discriminatory bill banning non-Russian speaking migrant children from schools “I was injured, but they can never take my life.” Haiti: Justice and protection must follow reports of mass killing in Cité Soleil Why Australian politicians are flocking to ‘Little Red Book’ to engage with Chinese voters ‘Is this all there is?’ Retirement can be a painful transition if we don’t adjust our thinking These 3 simple actions can save you money and help make the most of your rooftop solar Many Australians are recording their visits to the doctor – some without permission Don’t understand your child’s report? Ask their teacher these questions instead ‘A virtual seat at the family table’: why older people are among the biggest users of social media The sharp, smart humour of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein – and Gene Wilder’s genius performance – still stands up after 50 years Penis envy, the Oedipus complex and authentic paths to meaning: 25 writers, from Siri Hustvedt to Colm Toibin, reflect on Freud’s legacy Alberta’s lifting of restrictions on wolverine trapping could spell disaster for a declining population Assad’s fall in Syria will further weaken Hezbollah and curtails Tehran’s ‘Iranization’ of region How Israel’s regional war contributed to the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria 23andMe’s struggles are a sign that direct-to-consumer DNA testing needs stronger oversight MAiD and the law: B.C. case shows how courts offer crucial oversight when lives are at stake Northeast Syria: Displacement Worsens Aid Crisis Shaping human rights for all Trump wants to shake up the FBI – here’s why he nominated Kash Patel to do it Elon Musk and Giorgia Meloni: a burgeoning friendship the world should keep an eye on Why Donald Trump’s election could hasten the end of US dollar dominance Obsessing over the ‘true’ meaning of lyrics misses the point of songwriting Polluting shipwrecks are the ticking time-bomb at the bottom of our oceans Dave Onawelo and Wayne Bayley died from sickle cell crises – what needs to change so others might live? Seven Victorian paper craft projects that could cut your Christmas consumption Assisted dying: what we might learn from experience of other controversial decisions in medicine Early years funding boost: why the UK government is prioritising getting children school ready Azerbaijan’s Post-COP29 Crackdown Mozambique: More than 30 killed in one week as protest death toll reaches 110 Global: Confirmation of Saudi Arabia as 2034 FIFA World Cup host puts many lives at risk Ghana’s election system keeps women out of parliament. How to change that Hamas – hemmed in and isolated – finds itself with few options for the day after the Gaza war The chilling crime spree of The Order – and its lasting effect on today’s white supremacists Why being forced to precisely follow a curriculum harms teachers and students US secretary of education helps set national priorities in a system primarily funded and guided by local governments Infectious diseases killed Victorian children at alarming rates — their novels highlight the fragility of public health today High rises made out of wood? What matters in whether ‘mass timber’ buildings are sustainable Trump wants to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport immigrants – but the 18th-century law has been invoked only during times of war Jacob Zuma’s MK Party poses a major threat to South African democracy – new book Red Sea tensions: 4 scholars explain what’s at stake for global trade and security Cat videos and wild caracals: how the internet’s viral trends can help conservation Chad’s break with France: why it happened and what it means for power dynamics in the Sahel region ADHD can be diagnosed by looking at brainwaves – here’s the neuroscience behind it Sardines, mackerel and other oily fish: the benefits of marine lipids in the fight against cancer Blood tests are currently one-size-fits-all − machine learning can pinpoint what’s truly ‘normal’ for each patient Why is Latin America's birth rate declining? Kenya has moved people out of the country illegally: what the law says about extraordinary rendition The UK’s booming creative industries could employ even more people – if they attract fresh international investment Queer: Daniel Craig is superb in this courageous William Burroughs adaptation Russia and Ukraine face off at European security conference as all sides wait for Trump presidency Israel government’s boycott of left-wing Haaretz newspaper is understandable for an administration in wartime Poliovirus found in wastewater in Spain, Germany and Poland – what you need to know The hidden benefits of birdsong Eighteen sad Christmas songs that will help you ease the festive blues We’ve found an answer to the puzzle of how the largest galaxies formed The human rights wins of 2024 DRC: Senior army officials must be investigated for possible crimes against humanity over Goma massacre Moroccan schools are fuller thanks to cash grants. The problem now is the quality of their education – study Global trade in wild animals is soaring – South Africa’s laws aren’t doing enough to prevent harm Louis Vuitton, Notre Dame and the quest for ‘secular immortality’ Our analysis of wealth trends suggests Australia’s middle class may be ‘shrinking’ Labor guarantees 3 days of childcare and 160 new centres. What does this mean for families? Afghanistan: Women Artists Help Drive Resistance to Taliban ICRC: "We have the chance to improve the lives of millions" Vietnam: Repeal Harmful Internet Laws Chinese security companies are putting boots on the ground in Myanmar. It could go disastrously wrong Crisis accommodation is failing women fleeing domestic violence. Here’s how to fix it If ‘correlation doesn’t imply causation’, how do scientists figure out why things happen? Christmas can be tricky for kids with separated parents. Here are 5 tips to help them cope As Many Syrian Refugees Return Home, Others Cannot Vietnam: Repeal Harmful Internet Laws Birth registration increases, but 150 million children still ‘invisible’ Syrians, in a triumph of hope, turn the page on the horrors of Assad ‘Pressure makes diamonds’: how Australian sprint sensation Gout Gout can get even faster BlueTriton’s exit from Ontario shows the effectiveness of bottled water opposition movements Local governments are using AI without clear rules or policies, and the public has no idea Georgia’s Human Rights Crisis Deepens Amid Mass Protests Retiring with debt? Experts explain downsizing, using super for your mortgage, and pension eligibility ‘I was scared’: many student teachers had bad maths experiences at school. Here’s how they can do better Vaccination rates among Australian teens are dropping. Here’s how we can get back on track Raygun’s claim against a parody musical may not stand up: here’s what the law says A different kind of Australian masculinity: the fractured life of influential photographer Max Dupain Syrians rejoice in a new beginning, after 54 years of tyranny Teachers lack resources to meet classroom needs, and absences shouldn’t surprise us Psychoanalysis explains why Donald Trump is taunting Canada and ‘Governor Justin Trudeau’ Sediment is a time capsule that shows how past climate change altered our landscapes – and hints at their future Why bovine colostrum supplements could be a health gamble Canadian policymakers should avoid handling Trump 2.0 like another pandemic Arctic has changed dramatically in just a couple of decades – 2024 report card shows worrying trends in snow, ice, wildfire and more Swedish academics suffer widespread threat and harassment – most of it from their own colleagues and students King Charles is changing his diet to keep his cancer at bay – here’s what the evidence says Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet at the Tate offers a glimpse into the future past Jaguar Type 00: the controversial pink car is more in step with the brand’s history than detractors think Haruki Murakami and the challenge of translating Japanese’s many words for “I” Iran: hijab ‘treatment clinics’ echo historical use of mental illness to control women The west is already at war with Russia. And large-scale conflict may not be far off Surging global tourism emissions are driven by just 20 countries – major new study Canada’s holiday tax break will have winners and losers — here’s what you need to know Death threats, phone tapping and stalking: the consequences academics can face from sharing their research AI was supposed to make the UK benefits system more efficient. Instead it’s brought bias and hunger. Kyrgyzstan is Relentless in its Crackdown on Civil and Political Rights Anthony Albanese to promise three days subsidised child care without an activity test Large language models: how the AI behind the likes of ChatGPT actually works ‘News influencers’ are racking up billions of views – and not checking their facts What Dolph Lundgren’s journey from terminal diagnosis to ‘cancer free’ can tell us about cancer care Glen Coe: fresh archaeological discoveries bring new insights into lives of massacred MacDonald clan Turkey’s silencing of an independent radio station highlights the country’s escalating assault on media freedom Subsidised community restaurants could help tackle the UK’s broken food system – here’s how Hypnosis is not just a parlor trick or TV act − science shows it helps with anxiety, depression, pain, PTSD and sleep disorders I’m a scholar of white supremacy who’s visiting all 113 places where Confederate statues were removed in recent years − here’s why Richmond gets it right Links between gender stereotypes and American patriotism date from the Cold War − but weren’t true then either When AI goes shopping: AI agents promise to lighten your purchasing load − if they can earn your trust Albania-Italy: migration deals risk becoming a requirement for EU membership Pearl Young, the first woman to work in a technical role at NASA, overcame barriers and ‘raised hell’ − her legacy continues today Stadiums don’t have to be a drain on taxpayer dollars − 4 lessons from St. Louis Polarization, brain rot and brat – the 2024 words of the year point to the power, perils and ephemeral nature of digital life New set of human rights principles aims to end displacement and abuse of Indigenous people through ‘fortress conservation’ Universities must teach students what freedom is – a South African course is trying to do just that Maternity care in Ghana is meant to be free, but it’s not – and many can’t afford it Kenya’s wailing warriors: how women in Pentecostal churches claim their power Reconciling technology with humanism: the future of education in the age of generative AI Syria crisis: Nothing must stop peaceful transition, says UN Special Envoy Live: Human Rights Day around the world “We won’t rest until Manahel is free” Iran: New compulsory veiling law intensifies oppression of women and girls Europe: Safety of Syrians in Europe must not be sacrificed to political interests Baobab is a superfood with growing global demand – that’s bad news for the sacred African tree Climate information is useful at local level if people get it in good time: how African countries can build systems to share it Rupert Murdoch loses his legal battle, leaving future of media empire in the balance View from The Hill: another Liberal moderate to leave Dutton team Fully fenced dog parks alongside nature reserves could help protect wildlife Sudan: War Crimes in South Kordofan Poland: Brutal Pushbacks at Belarus Border Amnesty International launches letter-writing campaign to fight injustice as demise of global order threatens human rights ICRC Statement: "We have the chance to improve the lives of millions" From bean-counters to cyber-sleuths: how accountants are a frontline defence against online crime Secret twins? A casually brutal biography of Joan Didion and ‘soul mate’ Eve Babitz blurs ethical boundaries, but exhilarates Fluoride in drinking water is in the spotlight again. Let’s not forget how it transformed our oral health Action Needed to Confront Domestic Violence in Central Asia Ravaged jungle: just 25% of the world’s surviving tropical rainforests are in good condition Culturally tailored patient education can improve heart health What Father David Bauer can tell us about Canadian hockey today Abu Mohammed al-Golani may become the face of post-Assad Syria – but who is he and why does he have $10M US bounty on his head? Around 9,000 species have already gone extinct in Australia and we’ll likely lose another this week – new study The social media games: why sports teams and leagues aren’t just competing on the field Human Rights Day: 5 key things to know World News in Brief: Haiti gang massacre, Taliban crackdown continues, Ukraine’s civilian death toll rises India is the new China – NZ needs to see the bigger picture in trade negotiations How much do you need to retire? It’s probably a lot less than you think Australians’ cars are typically larger, heavier and less efficient than in Europe – here’s why Why a musical instrument is the perfect gift this Christmas (and some suggestions for which to get) Does menopause hormone therapy increase or decrease your risk of dementia? Here’s the science ‘Unseen world’: researchers capture fascinating footage of the world’s smallest penguins in a bid to save them The human right to science is 76 years old. It’s a reminder for us all to be more curious The book that sparked a revolution: One Hundred Years of Solitude, the literary masterpiece now adapted for TV Human toll of senseless conflict ‘is incalculable’, says Türk Türkiye: Gezi Park defendants must be acquitted and the chronicle of injustice brought to an end Niger: Prominent Civil Society Activist Arbitrarily Arrested Wales’ women step into the spotlight with Euro 2025 qualification – what it means for the game One Hundred Years of Solitude: Netflix adaptation is faithful, ambitious and beautifully realised Leaded petrol probably affected the mental health of millions of Americans – new study Bhopal: after 40 years, ongoing effects of world’s worst industrial disaster show environmental racism is alive and well What Syria’s rebel takeover means for the region’s major players: Turkey, Iran and Russia How the loss of its Mediterranean naval base in Syria would weaken Russia as a global power Why Jaguar is taking such a big risk with its rebrand and pink concept car The UK could be facing a ‘quad-demic’ this winter – here’s how to protect yourself How France can be more ‘European’ to avoid political chaos Ghana’s president John Mahama makes a comeback – what lies ahead COP29 failed Africa – what went wrong with the climate financing bid and what happens next Why the fall of Bashar al-Assad is unlikely to lead to peace in Syria Grand Theft Hamlet documentary shines a light on reinventing Shakespeare in a virtual world Farmers’ markets are a vital but overlooked part of fixing Canada’s struggling food system Niger: Prominent Civil Society Activist Arbitrarily Arrested Rashid Vally: South African visionary whose indie record labels shaped the jazz scene South Africa’s climate battle: mining district exposes gaps in emissions control How Colombia’s disarmament process transformed weapons into symbols of peace People who are good at reading have different brains A ‘doom loop’ of climate change and geopolitical instability is beginning As floodwaters rise, toxic contaminants released from old landfills pose more of a hazard to nature and to us How to get on board with secondhand shopping this Christmas It’s not just churches: why closed communities like sport and youth groups can harbour abuse African men most at risk of prostate cancer – new study flags genetic causes What is the universe expanding into if it’s already infinite? How utilities are working to meet AI data centers’ voracious appetite for electricity How to combat toxic bosses: Social media and flexible work can save careers, new research shows Meditation can reduce stress – but the pressure to overwork remains Trump’s plans for tougher border enforcement won’t necessarily stop migrants from coming to US − but their journeys could become more costly and dangerous Why does Colorado have so many ballot measures? In 2024, independent voters grew their share of the vote, split their tickets and expanded their influence I interviewed Syria’s militias at the start of the war – they will listen if other countries engage them How to stay safe during Nigeria’s festive season: 4 tips from a security expert Planned UK-Gulf Trade Agreement Risks Implicating the UK in Labor Abuses Middle East: Live updates from Syria and the wider region for 9 December Chad: Authorities must release acquitted relatives of killed opposition leader and ensure fair trial rights for those sentenced Senegal: Meet the feminist activist who raises community awareness and supports survivors Unveiling the Antarctic ‘plastisphere’, a unique and potentially hazardous new ecosystem – new research Mary: as a Biblical scholar, I can’t recommend this right-wing funded Netflix biopic The Melbourne synagogue fire is being treated as a terror attack. Here’s why that matters At first glance, Australia’s new treaty with Nauru seems to be a win-win. But questions remain UN: Deploy New Haiti Mission to Restore Security Argentina: Don’t Name Supreme Court Justices by Decree Colombia: Labor Violations, Sexual Exploitation in Webcam Studios How death threats, job losses, and lack of protection affect whistleblowers in West Africa China restricted young people from video games. But kids are evading the bans and getting into trouble Memories of Aceh Chinese: We too remember, we too belong Forgotten histories: what fetal and baby remains in medical collections tell us about inequality Albanese announces antisemitism taskforce, as synagogue firebombing investigation upgraded Bovaer is added to cow feed to reduce methane emissions. Does it get into milk and meat? And is it harmful for humans? Why Bashar al-Assad’s security state collapsed so dramatically in Syria Bashar al-Assad’s regime has fallen in Syria. How will this change the Middle East? Newspoll returns to a tie after Coalition leads, but Labor has worst result this term in Resolve As Australia’s giant trees succumb to fire or drought, we’re racing to preserve their vital genetic data After 54 years of brutal rule under the Assads, Syria is at a crossroads. Here are 4 priorities to avoid yet another war Life ‘out of nowhere’ at the ‘scraping of midnight’: two illustrious poets illuminate the times Assad leaves behind a fragmented nation – stabilizing Syria will be a major challenge for fractured opposition and external backers Should we give students awards at school? Homelessness much worse than before COVID leaves agencies battling a perfect storm Up to 40% of bushfires in parts of Australia are deliberately lit. But we’re not doing enough to prevent them Horror, myth and a feminist reworking of Thomas Mann: Olga Tokarczuk’s The Empusium defies classification Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore at 50: the film that marks a path not taken in Scorsese’s career New research reveals a key evolutionary benefit of sleeping for a season – or for centuries A New Dawn for Syria Syrians now have ‘historic opportunity’ to build a peaceful future, says Guterres Assad leaves behind a fragmented nation – stabilizing it will be a major challenge for fractured opposition and external backers Syria: Historic opportunity to end and redress decades of grave human rights violations under President Assad must be seized Bashar al-Assad’s regime has fallen in Syria. How will this impact an already fractured region? Market-driven approaches to plastic pollution won’t end inequalities – and waste pickers are speaking up Trump’s demonization of asylum-seekers undermines global protections — will Canada be complicit? We can, and must, do more to protect students in higher education from the risks of post-COVID condition What Roblox’s safety updates mean for its users Community acceptance is key to developing shellfish farms in Canada Share pledging is linked to higher corporate misconduct in China, study finds Syria: We will continue to respond wherever we can, says UN aid chief View from The Hill: Albanese announces more funding for Jewish security, labels synagogue firebomb ‘terrorism’ Africa’s worsening food crisis – it’s time for an agricultural revolution Kenya’s forgotten Mau Mau freedom fighters and the impeached deputy president that stood up for them Report exposes systematic torture in Syrian detention facilities Honoring Haitian women challenging injustice and ushering in change in Haiti and beyond The Need to Continue Protecting Syrian Refugees Colombia: The tortuous path of women searching for the victims of enforced disappearance What we can and (still) can’t predict about earthquakes Greenland is getting greener – helped by a mining company and a group of tree enthusiasts Imogen Heap’s AI revolution: how one British musician is shaping the future of music Syrians are torn between fear and hope as the frontlines rapidly shift Generative AI is making traditional ways to measure business success obsolete Ghana elections: religion and ethnicity are key to voters – and political leaders know it Rape is still rape even if you’re married – report finds some South African men don’t believe it is How authoritarian regimes are targeting critics abroad Motion in Stillness – compelling exhibition explores the art of dance and movement A new global carbon trading market could be held hostage by speculators The Crown of Thorns returns to Notre Dame after the ‘modern miracle’ of its rescue from the fire What it’s really like to be ‘rescued’ from modern slavery How primate eye tracking reveals new insights into the evolution of language Going home for the holidays can be challenging if you’re a young trans person – here’s how to prepare Five ways to make your daily walks even more beneficial Protests, sectarian violence and a growing spat with India: Bangladesh’s new leaders are beset with challenges to its democracy What is the ‘way of the warrior’? Students investigate the arts of war and peace in this course about virtue and the ethics of violence Love it or hate it, nonliteral ‘literally’ is here to stay: Here’s why English will survive Trump attacks diversity, but a fellow New Yorker − US Rep. Vito Marcantonio − worked to represent all Americans in a multiracial democracy What is Salt Typhoon? A security expert explains the Chinese hackers and their attack on US telecommunications networks Extraterrestrial life may look nothing like life on Earth − so astrobiologists are coming up with a framework to study how complex systems evolve What does the NASA administrator do? The agency’s leader reaches for the stars while navigating budgets and politics back on Earth Mystery disease kills dozens in Congo – what we know so far The case for lying to kids about Santa – from a philosopher Yemen’s Houthis Still Detaining UN, Civil Society Staff Europe readies for war as Russian rhetoric escalates Ghana elections: religion and ethnicity are key to voters - and political leaders know it Rape is still rape even if you’re married - report finds some South African men don’t believe it is Meet Namibia’s first female president-in-waiting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah Rates of youth radicalisation are climbing in Australia and abroad. Here’s what to look out for Mental health and motherhood: South Africa now has treatment guidelines, the trick will be to make them work Children of the border: Uncovering the crisis of child labor and sexual exploitation at the Pakistan-Afghanistan border OEWG: ICRC Statement on Threats OEWG: ICRC Statement on International Law After 65,000 years caring for this land, First Nations peoples are now key to Australia’s clean energy revolution Plans to stabilise Earth’s climate rely on emerging carbon removal technology – we need to get moving Land of opportunity or bicultural nation? Twin visions of national identity face off over the Treaty principles Kyrgyzstan: Defense Lawyer Held, Charged in Apparent Retaliation Climate change is making Canada’s ice roads hard to navigate Some people say they have a high pain threshold. Here’s why Why is soccer fandom so linked to violence? Mexico: Boom in organised crime making femicide invisible, local activist says World News in Brief: Human rights in Ukraine, multilateralism gets airborne, enforced disappearances in Colombia Afghanistan: UN condemns Taliban ban on women attending medical classes Survey on AI finds most people want it regulated, but trust in government remains low Workplaces need to do a better job at supporting menstruating workers Planning for old age? Here’s what the aged care changes mean for you How pop-up warnings and chatbots can be used to disrupt online child sex abusers An annual roadshow is helping kids from remote Australia realise their dreams of becoming a scientist Friday essay: ‘A future of dust’ – Jeff Sparrow on Gaza and why, in evil times, writers have a responsibility to take sides Funding research for economic return sounds good – but that’s not how science really works ‘War on drugs has failed, completely and utterly’: UN human rights chief The political eclipses the personal in Jasleen Kaur’s Turner Prize win Adults grow new brain cells – and these neurons are key to learning by listening What your finger length might predict about your drinking habits – new study Victorian Christmases were both thrifty and indulgent – try these DIY projects and yours could be too Quick climate dictionary: what actually is a carbon footprint? On climate change, the international court of justice faces a pivotal choice Why children play the same game or watch the same show over (and over) again How India’s Hindu nationalist rhetoric played a role in the violence at a Canadian temple I research race in politics – Kemi Badenoch’s views on inequality should worry Black Britons Nigeria Airstrike Victims Need Justice Tanzania’s President Takes on Forced Evictions of Maasai Community US: Agents Block, Mistreat Mexican Asylum Seekers Mexico: Boom in organized crime making femicide invisible, local activist says Ghana heads to the polls: why the economy is the biggest issue for many voters Why did the French government fall and what happens next? Avian flu virus has been found in raw milk − a reminder of how pasteurization protects health Can you choose to believe something, just like that? ‘Lebanon wanted us gone … it was a risk to leave’ − Syrian refugees who fled Israeli bombs face hostility and uncertainty on return Bluesky isn’t the ‘new Twitter,’ but its resemblance to the old one is drawing millions of new users Some black holes at the centers of galaxies have a buddy − but detecting these binary pairs isn’t easy Long-standing American principle of birthright citizenship under attack from Trump allies White and Black activists worked strategically in parallel in Detroit 50 years ago, fighting for civil rights What is a self-coup? South Korea president’s attempt ended in failure − a notable exception in a growing global trend Atlantic salmon need saving, but current conservation measures could do more harm than good Successful caps on English letting agents’ fees disprove the idea that it’s unwise to meddle with free markets The end of Taylor Swift’s Era’s tour will be a loss for many – here’s how to handle it, according to experts and fellow fans Five things young women need to know about the menopause One in three domestic abuse victims is male – here’s why we need to talk about them Putin’s ‘yes men’: why some senior officials resort to flattery and others don’t Hunter Biden pardon: both sides are finding fault with the US president – here’s why they are right Tough talk on Nato from Putin and his proxies may hide a willingness to compromise Mozambique’s deadly protests: how the country got here Fossil tracks paint a picture of South Africa’s ancient coastal landscape: five essential reads What does it take to build a peaceful society? The 3 golden rules that make a difference Rwanda: Authorities must immediately release detained journalist and members of political opposition From grieving orcas to opposums playing dead: how animals respond to death – podcast The cost of heritage: Notre Dame rises from the ashes, but will it remain free for all? Ukraine: Flawed Legislation on Collaboration Why are boys outperforming girls in maths? Grattan on Friday: frustrated government can only bite its tongue as it waits on Michele Bullock The government wants to create a new class of financial adviser for super fund members. Here’s why – and how it might work Film Crew Stopped and Questioned in Autonomous Republic of Uzbekistan Killer Robots: UN Vote Should Spur Treaty Negotiations How artists in exile are becoming a focal point for the Russian diaspora abroad Amnesty International investigation concludes Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza What is hindering the complete eradication of polio in Africa? Arts Project Australia gives us a small revolution: art reflecting back at us what it is to live in contemporary Australia Trusted partner to the Pacific, or giant fossil fuel exporter? This week, Australia chose the latter Australians with disability are 4 times more likely to die early – often not due to their disability Reflecting on 20 years of the Aceh tsunami: From ‘megathrust’ threat to disaster mitigation AI weather models can now beat the best traditional forecasts 3 surprising vegan foods that can make you sick this summer Azerbaijan: Authorities must immediately release human rights defender Rufat Safarov Scientists counted 49 ways Australia is destroying the ecosystems we hold dear – but there is hope Many Australians do not like the way politics is reported. Here’s how it can improve France’s government has fallen and political chaos has returned. Here are 3 scenarios for what could happen next ‘It’s the worst feeling’ – young New Zealanders regret their vaping addictions but feel unsupported to quit Spotify Wrapped is about more than what songs you listen to – it’s about what makes you you NZ school science results improve – but international testing highlights a stubborn socioeconomic gap Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ disrupts popular narratives of Mumbai How a director of national intelligence helps a president stay on top of threats from around the world Social media platforms are throttling access to news – with far-reaching implications for democracy Microsoft, TikTok and AI are ‘disrupting’ book publishing. But do we want their effortless art? Chatbots won’t help anyone make weapons of mass destruction. But other AI systems just might The genetic risk of depression is a stronger predictor of heart problems in women than men: new research Australia boasts some of the world’s most stunning beetles. Look out for these 5 beauties this summer NZ is consulting the public on regulations for puberty blockers – this should be a medical decision not a political one Syria: Civilians at Risk Amid Renewed Hostilities Prenatal supplements largely lack the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids to help prevent preterm birth − new research Geneticists have finally solved the mystery of Garfield’s orange coat South Africa’s new research guidelines are not a green light for heritable human genome editing How mother’s diet affects baby’s health: What insights from different cultures can tell us Sexual identity is more fluid than previously thought, says twelve-year study Deep seabed mining: Bad for biodiversity and terrible for the economy Why your personality might be affecting your salary – and how it shapes the gender pay gap Conclave: tight thriller about Vatican power politics chimes with a year of elections How home fragrances can impact indoor air quality – and your health Delhi’s annual air pollution has become a human-made calamity The Russia-Iran-Assad ‘axis of the vulnerable’ is cracking in Syria Hello Kitty at 50: a Japanese success story of simplicity and cuteness Putin’s nuclear threats aim to scare the west – but Ukraine’s allies are now calling his bluff Live updates: UN humanitarians highlight global needs for 2025 SABC crisis: South Africa needs its public broadcaster – but who is going to fund it? Looking for work? Your mindset could be hampering your search Smart windows could be the next big thing in renewable heating Wales plans a tourism tax from 2027 – what it means for visitors and communities