By Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX)

2025 marks the 10 year anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act. Since that time the gaps in the UK’s systems to prevent, identify and address exploitation, including trafficking and modern slavery, have been well evidenced.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill misses a crucial opportunity to drive meaningful change to ensure that all victims of exploitation are protected, whatever their immigration status.

By failing to repeal key elements of the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023, this Bill does not address key drivers of exploitation. Instead, this Immigration Enforcement centred approach fails to provide meaningful opportunities for survivors to recover through security and decent work. This only plays into the hands of exploiters.

London: T (FLEX) , 2025. 6p

By European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)

The following scenarios are based mainly on Serious Incidents Reports received by the Frontex' Fundamental Rights Office, concerning violations that allegedly took place at border areas where the Agency is operating. All cases refer to situations where third country nationals are under the jurisdiction of the authorities of the host state participating in a joint activity. In 2022-23, the Fundamental Rights Office launched approximately 100 Serious Incident Reports related to fundamental rights, matching the scenarios outlined below. This indicates that they represent potential violations of a widespread nature. Outlined scenarios, regardless of the direct or indirect involvement of Frontex staff and/or assets, may negatively impact the Agency and have potential legal implications, including for the broader European Border and Coast Guard community and respective national authorities. Active involvement by participants in joint activities in practices presented below, such as collective expulsions, amounts to a violation of EU and international law as well as a breach of the Frontex Code of Conduct. To ensure Frontex' full compliance with fundamental rights, it is necessary that the Agency makes clear to all operational participants that practices and policies as the ones described below are in violation of EU and international law and may result in Frontex' disengagement, triggering of Article 46 of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation, or other forms of administrative, financial and operational consequences. Frontex' Fundamental Rights Office recognises that similar cases often form part of broader systemic issues, identified through its monitoring. The Office is mandated to provide recommendations to the Agency, relevant also for national authorities. The following scenarios are complementary to these efforts and aim to provide basic guidance for officers deployed at the borders as well as other staff tasked with related duties. Seven different scenarios of fundamental rights violations are briefly presented. While presented scenarios have been developed on the basis of most frequently alleged violations, it is important to note that this is a non-exhaustive list. While this document includes basic references to violated rights, it is not intended to be a legal analysis. Outside of the official border crossing point. based on real-life Serious Incident Reports (SIR) Category 1, and includes a list of potentially violated rights. The last section of the document outlines "dos" and "don'ts" for border guards in case of witnessing or learning about similar cases in the performance of their duties.

Warsaw • Poland : European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), 2024 . 16p

By Ellery Sedgwick

This book is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and impact of one of the most influential political thinkers of the 18th century. Published in 1899, the book explores Paine's radical philosophy and his significant contributions to revolutionary thought in both America and Europe. Sedgwick provides a detailed analysis of Paine's major works, including “Common Sense” and “The Rights of Man,” and examines the controversies and challenges Paine faced throughout his life.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 53p.

By Richard Carlile

Richard Carlile's "The Life of Thomas Paine," published in 1821, is a detailed biography that aims to provide a comprehensive and unvarnished account of Thomas Paine's life and contributions. The book is structured to accompany Paine's writings, offering readers insights into his mind, principles, and works.

Carlile begins by discussing Paine's early life in Thetford, England, his education, and his initial career as a staymaker. Paine's journey from a staymaker to a prominent political thinker is highlighted, including his brief stint at sea and his eventual turn to excise work. His early literary efforts, such as "The Case of the Officers of Excise," are noted for their clarity and impact.

The biography delves into Paine's move to America, where he became a key figure in the American Revolution. His pamphlet "Common Sense" is credited with galvanizing American sentiment towards independence. Carlile also covers Paine's involvement in the French Revolution, his opposition to the execution of Louis XVI, and his subsequent imprisonment during the Reign of Terror.

Carlile provides a balanced view of Paine, acknowledging both his contributions and controversies. He discusses Paine's later works, including "The Rights of Man" and "The Age of Reason," and his efforts to promote political and social reforms. The biography also touches on Paine's personal life, his relationships, and his final years in America.

Overall, Carlile's work is a tribute to Paine's enduring legacy as a champion of liberty and human rights. The biography is noted for its thorough research and objective tone, making it a valuable resource for understanding the life and impact of Thomas Paine.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 28p.

By Brantz Mayer, Introduction by Colin Heston

Full Title: Captain Canot; or, Twenty Years of an African Slaver: Being an Account of His Career and Adventures on the Coast, in the Interior, on Shipboard, and in the West Indies, Written Out and Edited from the Captain’s Journals, Memoranda and Conversations.

This riveting account of the 19th century slave trade delves into the life and adventures of Theodore Canot, a notorious figure in the transatlantic slave trade. Through Mayer's meticulous writing, based on Canot's own journals and conversations, readers are taken on a journey across the African coast, the interior, and the treacherous seas. Experience the raw and unfiltered reality of the 19th-century slave trade, as Canot navigates the complexities of his morally ambiguous career. This book offers a unique perspective on historical events, providing insights into the human condition and the dark chapters of our past. It's a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the depths of human resilience and the complexities of ethical dilemmas. Embark on this unforgettable voyage with Captain Canot and witness history through the eyes of a man who lived it. It’s a story of adventure, survival, and reflection.

Key Events and Themes:

• Military Engagements: The text describes a planned military expedition involving American settlers, highlighting the tense and violent interactions between colonists and African natives .

• Escapes and Betrayals: Canot is betrayed by his crew and attempts to escape, illustrating the treacherous nature of his ventures .

• Storm Survival: A perilous sea journey showcases Canot’s leadership and navigation skills during a storm, emphasizing his resilience and quick thinking .

• Cultural Interactions: Canot’s dealings with African chiefs and societies reveal the intricacies of trade and cultural exchanges, often marked by exploitation and manipulation [52-55].

• Revolts and Discipline: A slave revolt aboard Canot’s ship underscores the constant threat of rebellion and the harsh measures taken to maintain control.

• Social Dynamics: The narrative also explores the social dynamics within Canot’s trading community, including the influence of alcohol and the tension between different ethnic groups.

First Publication: 1854. The book was first published in the United States by D. Appleton & Company in New York. This edition Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 301p.

Compiled By Joseph N. Moreau.

"Testimonials to the Merits of Thomas Paine" is a compilation authored by Joseph N. Moreau, first published in 1861. This work gathers various testimonials and commendations from notable figures, highlighting the significant impact of Thomas Paine's writings, such as "Common Sense," "The Crisis," "Rights of Man," "English System of Finance," and "Age of Reason." The collection aims to underscore Paine's contributions to political thought and his influence on revolutionary movements. In recent years, this historical work has been reprinted by publishers like Hansebooks, ensuring its continued availability to those interested in Paine's enduring legacy.

The\is 1874 edition is dedicated to Rev. M.D. Conway of Cincinnati, Ohio, recognizing him as the first clergyman to publicly defend Paine's reputation from the pulpit. This dedication underscores Moreau's intent to rehabilitate Paine's image, which had been tarnished due to his critiques of organized religion and his radical political views.

Beyond this compilation, specific details about Moreau's life and other works remain scarce. His contribution through this volume, however, reflects a 19th-century effort to acknowledge and preserve Thomas Paine's legacy in political thought and advocacy for individual rights.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 88p.

Edited by J. W. Cross

"George Eliot's Life" by J.W. Cross is a three-volume biography that provides a detailed account of the life of the renowned author George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans). Compiled by her husband, John Walter Cross, the biography is based on her letters and journals, offering a unique perspective on her personal and professional life.

Volume 1 covers Eliot's early life from 1819 to 1857. It begins with her childhood, her move to Coventry, and her early literary career. It also details her travels to Geneva and her initial forays into writing[1].

Volume 2: The second volume spans the years 1857 to 1870, focusing on Eliot's rise to literary fame. It includes her relationships with key figures in the literary world, her partnership with George Henry Lewes, and the publication of her major works such as "Adam Bede" and "Middlemarch".

Volume 3: This final volume covers Eliot's later years, from 1870 until her death in 1880. It discusses her continued literary success, her marriage to John Cross, and her reflections on her life and work. It also includes insights into her personal struggles and triumphs.

These volumes provide a comprehensive look at George Eliot's life, though some critics have noted that Cross's portrayal may lack some of the "salt and spice" of Eliot's unconventional life.

Originally published by HARPER & BROTHERS, FRANKLIN SQUARE. 1885. 631p.

By Moncure Daniel Conway

Dive into the captivating world of one of history's most influential figures with Moncure Conway's comprehensive biography, "The Life of Thomas Paine." Spanning two volumes, this meticulously researched work offers an in-depth look at the life, ideas, and legacy of Thomas Paine, the Anglo-American revolutionary whose writings inspired and shaped the course of history.

Volume 1 explores Paine's early life, his journey to America, and his pivotal role in the American Revolution. From the publication of "Common Sense" to his contributions as a soldier and secretary, readers will gain a profound understanding of Paine's impact on the fight for independence.

Volume 2 delves into Paine's later years, including his involvement in the French Revolution and his enduring influence on political thought. This volume also addresses the controversies and challenges Paine faced, providing a balanced and nuanced portrait of this complex figure.

Moncure Conway's narrative is not only informative but also engaging, making "The Life of Thomas Paine" a must-read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the revolutionary ideas that continue to resonate today. Embark on a journey through the life of a true revolutionary and discover the enduring power of Thomas Paine's words and deeds. This version contains an explanatory introduction by Colin Heston and details of the earlier publications of the works.

First published in 1893. Current version Read-Me.Org 2025. 464p.

By Ellery Sedgwick and Richard Carlile

Thomas Paine, one of the most influential political thinkers of the 18th century, played a crucial role in shaping revolutionary thought in both America and Europe. His writings, including *Common Sense* and *The Rights of Man*, championed democracy, individual rights, and the overthrow of oppressive governments. Given his enduring impact, numerous biographers have sought to interpret his life and legacy, each bringing a unique perspective to his story.

Though writing in different eras and contexts, Ellery Sedgwick and Richard Carlile explored Paine’s radical philosophy and the controversies surrounding his life. Sedgwick, a historian and editor, approached Paine’s biography with a more traditional scholarly lens, analyzing his ideas within the broader intellectual movements of the time. Carlile, a 19th-century political radical and free-speech advocate, viewed Paine as a heroic figure in the struggle for reform, often emphasizing his persecution and the suppression of his works. Together, these biographies offer contrasting yet complementary portraits of Paine, reflecting both the man and the ever-evolving debate over his contributions to political and social thought.

"Thomas Paine" 1899. "Life of Thomas Paine" 1821. This combined edition 2025. 108p.

By H. V. Morton (Author), Graeme R. Newman (Introduction)

H. V. Morton’s “In Search of England” is a captivating travelogue that chronicles his journey through the English countryside, exploring its history, legends, and landscapes. Morton visits various towns and villages, delving into their unique stories and cultural heritage. He vividly describes encounters with locals, historical sites, and the natural beauty of places like Glastonbury, Dartmoor, and Tintagel. The book is rich with anecdotes, historical insights, and Morton’s reflections on the enduring charm and mystery of England, making it a delightful read for those interested in the nation’s past and its picturesque scenery. Themes of the book may be categorized as follows:

• Local characters and culture

• Living English history

• Poignant and memorable experiences

• Not without humor

• Art of the Travelogue

The original publisher was Methuen & Co. Ltd. on June 2, 1927. The current version by Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 340p.

By John BOURKE (Author), Graeme Newman (Editor)

"On the Border with Crook" by John G. Bourke is a historical account that provides a detailed narrative of the American Indian Wars, focusing on the campaigns led by General George Crook. Bourke, who served under Crook for fifteen years, offers a firsthand perspective on the military strategies and daily life of soldiers on the American frontier.

General George Crook was a notable United States Army officer who played significant roles in both the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. Born on September 8, 1828, in Ohio, Crook graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1852.

During the Civil War, Crook served with distinction in various battles, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Chickamauga. After the war, he was assigned to the western frontier, where he became known for his campaigns against Native American tribes. His efforts in the Apache Wars and the Great Sioux War were particularly notable.

This new edition of the book originally published in 1891 has been thoroughly edited for its many grammatical and spelling errors, sometimes incomprehensible quaint usage of native American language, splatters of French and other European languages, and many, sometimes confusing attempts by Bourke, the original author, to express slang in the English language. The internal design and style of the book have also been modernized to allow for an easier and more comfortable read.

New York. Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 517p.

By George Gibbs

"Hero Tales of Our Navy" by George Gibbs, also known as "Pike & Cutlass: Hero Tales of Our Navy," is a captivating historical account written in the late 19th century. This book recounts the thrilling stories of American naval heroes and significant naval battles from the early maritime history of the United States. Gibbs focuses particularly on the exploits of John Paul Jones and other notable figures, celebrating their bravery, cunning, and adventurous spirit during critical moments of American naval warfare. Through engaging narratives, readers are introduced to the audacious actions of John Paul Jones, including his daring mission to disrupt British forces and his successful infiltration of the town of Whitehaven. The book captures the essence of naval heroism, showcasing exceptional leadership and tactical prowess in the face of adversity. "Hero Tales of Our Navy" is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the valor and adventures of America's naval warriors.
"Hero Tales of Our Navy" by George Gibbs, also known as "Pike & Cutlass: Hero Tales of Our Navy," was first published in 1900 by J.B. Lippincott Company in Philadelphia and London. Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 317p.

By Rebecca Rabinovitch,

In 2019, two appeal court decisions found that the administrative segregation regime used in Canada’s federal corrections system violated prisoners’ constitutional rights. While the two decisions differed in their analyses, some key points emerged: a constitutional system for segregating prisoners would need to ensure prisoners did not experience prolonged periods of severe isolation, and would need independent review of decisions to isolate prisoners. In response to these decisions, Bill C-83 was introduced. Among other changes, this bill aimed to abolish administrative segregation and replace it with a new system of structured intervention units (SIUs), intended to allow more humane separation of prisoners in line with the constitutional requirements identified by the appeal court decisions. However, this bill was criticized by many experts from the beginning of the legislative process as making insufficient change to truly vindicate the rights in question. Many worried that SIUs would be, in effect, administrative segregation under a new name. Now, as the five-year review of Bill C-83 approaches, there is an opportunity to assess whether SIUs have met the constitutional standards they were intended to realize. Through examination of the available data on SIUs – including documents from the Implementation Advisory Panel and Correctional Service Canada itself – this report examines the ongoing and serious violations of prisoners’ Charter rights under this system. The documented failures of the SIU regime in allowing these violations to continue highlights the urgency with which the review of Bill C-83 should be conducted. Under the SIU system, prisoners still experience a problematic degree of isolation. Many prisoners do not receive adequate time outside of their cells or engaged in meaningful human contact. Legislative standards for these activities are framed as obligations to provide opportunities rather than to ensure these standards are met, meaning that isolation can occur even when there is legislative compliance. However, prisoner refusals of offered opportunities cannot fully explain the degree of isolation present in SIUs, indicating that noncompliance with the legislation is a factor as well. These continuing conditions of severe isolation demonstrate that the holdings of the appeal court decisions relating to the duration of isolation and procedural fairness around isolation decisions cannot be dismissed as limited in relevance only to the former system of administrative segregation. Prisoners also continue to experience extended stays in SIUs. While the CCRA requires that prisoners be transferred out of the SIU as soon as possible, there is no cap on the duration of SIU stays to prevent prolonged isolation. A portion of the prisoners experiencing prolonged SIU stays also experience significant isolation caused by not receiving their entitlements to time outside of their cells and time in meaningful human contact. Under the Mandela Rules, the international standards for the treatment of prisoners accepted by Canada, this group of prisoners is experiencing torture. While Bill C-83 introduced a mechanism for review of SIU decisions by Independent External Decision Makers (IEDMs), this system contains serious flaws that impede its ability to provide  adequate procedural fairness. This problem is particularly urgent given the findings that prisoners continue to experience the very serious threats to life, liberty, and security of the person presented by the harmful degree of isolation faced in SIUs. In particular, IEDM review occurs after long periods of confinement in the SIU, and is reliant on information provided by Correctional Services Canada. This information has not been consistently complete or accurate, presenting a significant barrier to fair review. Even worse, many prisoners face delays in being referred to IEDM review at all, as well as delays in implementation of IEDM decisions. Finally, the SIU system has implications for the s. 15 Charter equality rights of particularly vulnerable groups of prisoners. Black and Indigenous prisoners are significantly overrepresented in the SIU population, meaning that these marginalized groups are placed at a heightened risk of experiencing the negative effects of SIU residence. Prisoners with mental health needs are also overrepresented in SIUs, despite their unique vulnerability to the psychological harms of isolation. The system of IEDM review has not succeeded in returning members of these groups to the general prison population, in part due to inconsistent provision of information about prisoners’ mental health status and social history factors to IEDMs. In combination, these problems indicate that serious violations of prisoners’ Charter rights remain prevalent in the SIU system. Bill C-83 cannot be said to have resolved the constitutional problems identified by the appeal courts of Ontario and British Columbia in their examination of the administrative segregation regime. As such, a thorough and expeditious five-year review of Bill C-83, involving civil society and aimed at reconsidering all aspects of SIUs, including compliance and enforcement, is imperative. In addition to the need to approach this review with urgency, this paper identifies further recommendations key to creating a system that can adequately respect prisoners’ Charter rights, including the following: • Amend the CCRA to define “solitary confinement” in line with the international standards set out in the Mandela Rules, • Prohibit prolonged solitary confinement (solitary confinement lasting over 15 days), • Prohibit solitary confinement for prisoners with serious mental health issues, and • Mandate improved data-sharing with the public and civil society   

The John Howard Society of Canada & David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights, 2023. 43p

By Anita Orav

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In recent years, the European Union has faced a significant number of asylum applications, with over 513 000 applications received in the first half of 2024 alone. Women and girls make up a substantial proportion of asylum seekers, with one in three asylum-seekers being female. In international law, the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention is the main instrument regulating asylum. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and the Istanbul Convention provide a framework for protecting the rights of women who seek protection. The EU has developed a common European asylum system that has gradually incorporated gender-sensitive elements in legal texts such as the Qualification Directive, the Asylum Procedures Directive and the Reception Conditions Directive. These directives offer special protection to vulnerable individuals, including women and children. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has played a crucial role in advancing a gender-sensitive approach in EU asylum law, acknowledging the specific experiences and circumstances of women and other vulnerable individuals seeking protection in the EU. The CJEU has recognised gender-based violence as a form of persecution and grounds for asylum or subsidiary protection. It has also acknowledged the importance of considering the individual circumstances and experiences of asylum seekers, particularly women and girls, who may face persecution or harm owing to their adherence to certain values or lifestyles. This aligns with a more gender-sensitive approach in EU asylum law and policy in recent years. Nevertheless continued progress is needed to address the human rights challenges faced by women and girls in asylum procedures.

Bruxelles/Brussels - Belgium : EPRS | European Parliamentary Research Service, 2025. 8p.

By Chris Horwood and Bram Frouws

Almost 10 months after damning human rights reports and global publicity exposed Saudi Arabian state-driven border killings of migrants – labelled by Human Rights Watch as possible crimes against humanity - the deaths and injuries continue. New evidence appears to indicate that the Saudi border authorities at their southern border with Yemen are continuing to use live weapons to fire indiscriminately at Ethiopians and Yemenis crossing the border irregularly. This update report argues that while the crimes being committed are murderous and grievous, the level of inaction and impunity in the face of global exposure and condemnation should also disturb us all.

London/Denmark: Mixed Migration Centre, 2024. 9p.

By Paul Clewett, Julia Litzkow, Jennifer Vallentine

This paper examines smuggling dynamics and the related protection risks faced by refugees and migrants in the Western Balkans in 2024. It provides an overview of EU migration policy developments in the Western Balkans, focusing on the implementation of anti-smuggling measures. It examines shifts in smuggling routes and operations, and the experiences of people on the move under stricter migration management. The report also considers the potential impact which the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum may have on smuggling dynamics and the protection risks facing refugees and migrants in the region.

The research is based on 17 interviews with refugees and migrants, 24 key informant interviews, and a review of secondary sources. It provides an overview of changes as of mid-2024, following the Mixed Migration Centre (MMC) June 2023 study Western Balkans: Mixed Migration Trends and Dynamics.

It aims to directly contribute to identifying solutions in the Western Balkans, in particular regarding the Danish Refugee Council’s (DRC) work in protecting refugees and migrants in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

London/Denmark: Mixed Migration Centre, 2024. 23p.

By Bijal Shah

Just about all outcomes of the enforcement of law, whether beneficial or concerning, are to some extent the result of administrative discretion. In her insightful new article, Misdemeanor Declination: A Theory of Internal Separation of Powers, Professor Alexandra Natapoff expertly illustrates that this is as true in criminal administration as anywhere else. In particular, Natapoff identifies and evaluates an important moment of discretion in the administration of criminal law: a prosecutor’s decision whether to decline or file formal criminal charges after police have made an arrest. This invited response both appreciates Natapoff's enthusiasm for enhancing prosecutorial discretion in criminal administration and maintains a bit of skepticism regarding its efficacy. More specifically, it draws on the immigration context in order to explore the possibilities and hazards of internal administrative checks for constraining excessive policing in both the criminal and immigration environments. First, this response suggests that directives ensuring uniformity are important to ensuring high-quality prosecutorial discretion. Second, it argues that agency culture is an important player in the internal separation of powers that reduces prosecutors’ overarching potential to constrain law enforcement. Third, it observes that the declination decision can serve a gatekeeping function that limits desirable access to adjudication, particularly for communities with fewer resources and reduced participation in democratic process. Finally, this response notes the possibilities of institutional design and public oversight for improving law enforcement accountability.

Texas Law Review Online, Volume 103, 2024, Boston College Law School Legal Studies Research Paper No. 639, 15p.

By Stephen Webb

As immigration rises to the top of voters’ concerns, a major new Policy Exchange report examines why governments of both parties have found it so hard to get the numbers down, and what policies would be needed to achieve this. 

The report, written by Stephen Webb, a former Home Office director and with foreword by The Honourable Alexander Downer AC, former Foreign Minister of Australia, sets out the incentives in the system that have led to consistently high migration. These include the power of the pro-immigration lobby, mixed incentives within Government, and a human rights case law that has consistently moved in a more liberal direction over the past 30 years. It notes that the problems we are facing in the UK are increasingly shared by other European countries.   

The report exposes that at least £11m is being spent by NGOs with a focus on migration issues on research, analysis and lobbying – with a further £30m in taxpayer funded grants to universities, most of which have a clear tilt towards liberal immigration policies. 

The report argues that the policy response needs to change the incentives, whether they be on migrants themselves, employers and renters, other government departments and third countries who do not cooperate on returning their nationals. The report recommends: 

An auction system to allocate a limited number of work visas to ensure they go to the highest quality candidates, with the proceeds used to increase wages in the care sector,A system of ‘sureties’ which impose a penalty on visa holders if they do not leave on timeIllegal migrants to know they will not be allowed to settle in the UK, but will be transferred to safe accommodation on Ascension IslandTougher laws to block visas and overseas aid going to countries that do not cooperate in returns of their nationalsMuch tougher penalties for those employing and renting accommodation to people without the right to be in the UK.A cross European coalition to reform the ECHR, with a willingness to leave if this is not delivered 

In a foreword to the report, former Australian Foreign Minister, The Honourable Alexander Downer AC, said: 

“The issue of immigration has become one of the most contentious on the Western world…so far few countries have managed the issue well…but the British immigration system is a particular shambles… 

A British government will have sooner or later to get control of the immigration program.  If they fail to do so, we can be sure populists and extremists will get elected who promise to do it.”

London: Policy Exchange, 2025. 85p.

By Human Rights Watch

This has been a year of elections, resistance, and conflict, testing the integrity of democratic institutions and the principles of international human rights and humanitarian law. Whether in response to heightened repression in Russia, India, and Venezuela, or catastrophic armed conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, governments around the world are being called upon to demonstrate their commitment to human rights, democracy, and humanitarian action. Many have failed the test. But even outspoken and action-oriented governments have invoked human rights standards weakly or inconsistently, feeding global perceptions that human rights lack legitimacy. That is an irresponsible and dangerous conclusion, and conveniently absolves governments of their legal obligations to uphold international human rights law both at home and in their actions abroad. Reflecting on the events of 2024, this is not a moment to retreat from the protections needed by everyone everywhere. Instead, governments should respect and defend universal human rights with more rigor and urgency than ever, and people and civil society need to remain steadfast in holding them accountable. The Power of Popular Resistance Elections need to abide by human rights standards, but elections are never an end in themselves. While rigged and otherwise unfair elections are a sign of more rights violations to come, even free and fair elections don’t necessarily mean a rights-respecting future. Although over 70 countries conducted national elections in 2024, their full impact on human rights will only be felt in what follows. Racism, hate, and discrimination drove many elections in the past year. In the United States, Donald Trump won the presidency for a second time, raising concerns that his new administration would repeat and even magnify the serious rights violations of his first term. Likewise, in the European Parliament elections of 2024, far-right parties made significant gains, exploiting anti-immigrant sentiment and nationalist rhetoric to advance policies that threaten minority communities and undermine democratic norms. Yet elsewhere, there was meaningful democratic resilience, as voters proved unwilling to accept populist agendas and held leaders and their parties accountable. In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hate speech on the campaign trail did not win him the electoral majority he craved, showing that even in the face of systemic challenges, democracy can still put a check on power. Authoritarian leaders tightened their grip on power in countries such as Russia, El Salvador and the Sahel nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, leveraging fear and misinformation to stifle dissent.

Our Annual Review Of Human Rights HumanRights Watch, 2025. 554p

By Stacey Cutbush, Leanne McCallum Desselle, Melissia Larson, Brianna D’Arcangelo

The past decade has seen a rapid increase in efforts to combat human trafficking. This rush has led to disparate approaches when developing programs and providing service, creating a fragmented landscape in which service providers have varying levels of preparedness and capacity. Subsequently, the services rendered to survivors of human trafficking are varied and uneven. To remedy this, there is a pressing need for a landscape analysis of existing standards in the field to inform the creation and adoption of unified standards of care (SOCs), ensuring a cohesive, consistent, and robust service response to survivors of human trafficking.

In recent years, there has been a growing demand from practitioners, evaluators, and researchers for unified SOCs in the anti-trafficking field. These stakeholders have expressed a need to establish principles, guidelines, or frameworks for service delivery to support their efforts. Establishing a cohesive, consistent, and robust framework that can be utilized across the field will benefit anti-trafficking efforts. Building on this momentum, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Office of Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) have issued a call to action to develop unified SOCs for human trafficking service providers. As part of this multi-phase initiative, Freedom Network USA received a competitive award to the lead the development of SOCs and will convene an SOCs Technical Working Group (SOC TWG) to identify, adopt, adapt, and/or develop SOCs for human trafficking service providers.

RTI’s purpose in this project is to conduct a literature review by reviewing and synthesizing all existing literature related to human trafficking SOCs. This literature review will provide the SOC TWG with a foundational understanding of the current state of the field. Additionally, the insights derived from the literature review will guide the process and criteria for the TWG’S identification, adoption, adaptation, and/or development of SOCs in response to OVC-OTIP’s call to action. 

Research Triangle Park, NC: RTI, 2023. 20p.