Human Rights in the News: July 2021

Welcome to the July 2021 edition of Human Rights in the News, Woven Teaching’s monthly collection of important human rights stories from around the world.

A demonstrator, wearing a white headscarf on their head and over their mouth, is arrested and detained by two police in riot gear (Credit: ​​Daniel Romero/LongVisual/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock)

A demonstrator, wearing a white headscarf on their head and over their mouth, is arrested and detained by two police in riot gear (Credit: ​​Daniel Romero/LongVisual/Zuma Wire/Rex/Shutterstock)


‘I just need my son’: the people who disappeared amid Colombia’s protests
Joe Parkin Daniels | The Guardian | July 7, 2021

At least 77 people have disappeared since the start of protests in Colombia in April. More than 40 have been killed by police and other state actors during the demonstrations. Learn more >

German gymnast Sarah Voss performing a routine in a black and pink full-body leotard (Credit: Rolf Vennenbernd/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)

German gymnast Sarah Voss performing a routine in a black and pink full-body leotard (Credit: Rolf Vennenbernd/Picture Alliance via Getty Images)


Skirts. Bikini bottoms. Leotards. Ahead of Olympics, athletes call out sexist uniform practices.
Candace Norwood | The 19th | July 22, 2021

“This year’s [Olympic] games will see a record number of women competing [...] Yet women athletes, particularly those of color, continue to face enhanced public scrutiny for their looks, from their hairstyles to the cut of their uniforms. This societal pressure is compounded by formal dress code regulations and unofficial uniform traditions that do not serve any athletic purpose, leaving critics to question why they exist at all.”  Learn more >

The backdrop of a press conference featuring a large Sheriff’s star badge featuring the words “Sheriff’s Office Pasco County, We Fight As One”

The backdrop of a press conference featuring a large Sheriff’s star badge featuring the words “Sheriff’s Office Pasco County, We Fight As One”


Pasco Sheriff’s Office letter targets residents for ‘increased accountability’
Kathleen McGrory | Tampa Bay Times | July 24, 2021

An investigation by the Tampa Bay Times revealed that the Sheriff’s Office in Pasco County, Florida has been monitoring and harassing a group of people “likely to break the law.” It has also been tracking youth with lower than average grades and poor attendance, keeping their names on a list of “potential future criminals.” Learn more >

A person wearing a black cap in a crowd of people, photographed from behind, carries a sign which reads, “Black Lives Matter, Smash racism by any means necessary” (Credit: Frank Augstein/AP)

A person wearing a black cap in a crowd of people, photographed from behind, carries a sign which reads, “Black Lives Matter, Smash racism by any means necessary” (Credit: Frank Augstein/AP)


Illinois becomes first state to require Asian American history to be taught in public schools
Leah Asmelash | CNN | July 9, 2021

Earlier this month, Illinois became the first state in the U.S. to require the teaching of Asian American history in public schools. The bill does not provide specifics on what should be taught; content will be left up to local school boards. Learn more >

Many people in Turkey pushing against one side of a barricade, with police in riot gear on the other side (Credit: Sedat Suna/EPA)

Many people in Turkey pushing against one side of a barricade, with police in riot gear on the other side (Credit: Sedat Suna/EPA)


Marcus Rashford mural and Cuba protests: human rights this fortnight – in pictures
Sarah Johnson, compiled by Eric Hilaire | The Guardian | July 17, 2021

Check out this stunning collection of photos from around the world. View the pictures >

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