The democratic rights to protest and to freedom of association are fundamental rights enshrined in the international human rights regime.
Protests have historically ignited long-lasting socio-economic and cultural change--from the Arab Spring to the Stonewall Riots to the recent Global Climate Strike. Common thematic triggers for these movements are inequality, injustice, and corruption. Young people are often on the front lines of protests.
Here is a brief snapshot of current protests happening around the world and their goals:
GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE
The Extinction Rebellion movement has spurred worldwide protests demanding governments act immediately to combat the climate change crisis. Protests have taken place in the US, UK, Germany, Spain, Austria, France, and New Zealand so far. In mid-November 2019, supporters of the group in 22 countries kicked off global hunger strikes to illustrate the impending risk of hunger and starvation which the world will deal with in the coming years as food production will be affected by climate change.
PAKISTAN
Supporters of an ultra-religious party gathered in Karachi to protest the legitimacy of current Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government. Protestors allege that the 2018 election where Khan claimed victory was rigged.
CHILE
Increasing inequality and rising oil prices are why the citizens of Chile have been protesting since early October 2019, calling for political and economic reforms. President Sebastián Piñera declared the country to be in a state of emergency. Tens of thousands of soldiers are patrolling the streets to enforce a nighttime curfew. At least 20 people have died and over 1,000 injured as a result of riots, looting, and arson. In mid-November 2019, the government announced that it would hold a referendum on the country’s constitution.
SPAIN
A Supreme Court ruling that sentenced nine leading separatist activists and politicians to lengthy prison terms sparked protests across the region. The separatist movement leaders were tried for their attempt to secede from Spain in 2017. Since mid-October 2019, over 500 people have been injured during protests.
LEBANON
Since the end of September 2019, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese citizens have taken to the streets to protest government corruption in response to the dire economic conditions. A government proposal to put a tax on WhatsApp messages caused further outrage and the protests have since turned violent. The government approved a reform package where it significantly cut the salaries of politicians, however this has not alleviated the concerns of citizens.
HONG KONG
In June 2019, the streets of Hong Kong overpoured with passionate protesters opposing an extradition law which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Protests have since transitioned to a larger, pro-democracy movement with young people taking the lead. Many in Hong Kong feared the new law would have allowed Beijing to exert greater influence and control over the autonomous territory. The use of violence from both sides--law enforcement and the protesters--has become increasingly prevalent. The protests are in their sixth month.
ECUADOR
The government announced that it would scrap long-standing fuel subsidies, among other austerity measures, which led to a sharp rise in prices and a quick reaction from the people. Indigenous groups, rural communities, and the poorest fear that they will be hit the hardest. Protesters blocked highways, stormed parliament, and continue to clash violently with security forces. In mid-October, plans to end fuel subsidies were abandoned. Protests have continued, though, in reaction to President Lenin Moreno’s newly-proposed economic reforms involving a multi-billion dollar loan agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which the National Assembly subsequently rejected.
IRAQ
The current Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi is the target of protests, which broke out on October 1, 2019, for his government’s inability to provide adequate public services. High unemployment is also at the forefront of issues for which people are demanding immediate action. Most recently, protestors have blocked roads leading to oil fields and forced the closure of the country’s central bank. More than 300 people have been killed.
INDONESIA
After a new criminal code was announced, thousands of protesters in Jakarta--primarily students--clashed with police forces. The new code criminalises sex outside marriage and pre-marital cohabitation amongst other laws. These are the largest protests in Indonesia since those in 1998, which led to the downfall of former President Suharto’s regime.
FRANCE
The yellow vest (‘gilets jaunes’) protesters continue to fight for economic justice through the grassroots, populist movement, which began a year ago. The gilet jaunes protests broke out in November 2018 in response to heightened fuel taxes representing general increasing socio-economic inequality in France. These protests have often turned violent, eliciting hostile responses from security forces.
HAITI
Over two months of protests have left the poorest country in the Americas in turmoil. Fuel shortages, yet again, triggered the protests, which are now primarily focused on removing current President Moise from power. To date, almost 50 people have been killed. Police officers have also protested across the country about their working conditions.
Co-founder of Human Rights Pulse, Aqsa enjoys channeling her inner-journalist and frequently writes about domestic and international human rights issues.