What are the best ways to stay informed about human rights issues?

Reliable sources are not always credible for telling the truth since media can just be bought nowadays. Just be human when you receive and process any information from any media or news outlet. Use your logic and moral standard. I believe that human is inherently good, therefore it is not hard to decide whether any actions are violating human rights. Trust your heart.

One good way to become informed about the pressing human rights issues of the day is to follow the Special Procedures of the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR). “Special Procedures” are independent experts appointed by the UN on different thematic and country-specific human rights issues. They regularly publish press releases and reports about issues of concern. You can find these updates on the OHCHR website and most social media platforms (under the handle “United Nations Human Rights” or “UNHumanRights”).

I find it helpful to think of human rights as entitlements that people have irrespective of their gender, age, race, social economic status or any of the many other ways in which people are distinguished. Simply because we are all human beings, we have human rights. The most important source of information on human rights in my opinion is the Universal Declaration on Human Rights and the entirety of what currently constitute International Human Rights Law. A careful study of these documents and relevant human rights instruments and institutions is useful for anyone who want to understand human rights. Many other actors have taken up human rights. Therefore human rights are just the specialisation of a few organisations and experts.

In my experience, the best way is to be there with people who is suffering from injustice, listen to them, understand the root of the problem. First diagnose, then prescribe, not the other way around

I challenge those who want to stay informed about human rights issues to also take action. In addition to following reliable news sources, be sure to explore organizations and groups that are taking meaningful action and providing ways for you to get involved. Whether it’s signing a petition or sending a letter to a local governmental representative, spreading awareness among your personal network, donating or otherwise, you have the power to not only stay informed but to make a meaningful difference.

When engaging in online discussions/communities, emphasize and support speakers that directly engaged in the issues and are members of the community themselves.

Discussing human rights — and human rights violations — is important. These conversations play a vital role in ensuring that people around the globe, at every age, are protected and respected. In addition to having these conversations face-to-face, social media and other online platforms can offer spaces to learn from others and engage in meaningful conversations. But be extra mindful when participating in online communities; be respectful, fact-check to discern fact from fiction and practice safe internet skills to protect yourself and others in the community.

I have used platforms like Human Rights Connected, which hosts resource libraries and community discussions. LinkedIn has numerous groups and networking opportunities for human rights professionals and enthusiasts. Although I am not a fan of Twitter, participating in monthly or weekly Twitter chats on dedicated human rights hashtags allows one to engage in real time. I have always bookmarked blogs of human rights activists for firsthand accounts. Another strategy I utilize is leveraging RSS feeds to aggregate content from multiple human rights blogs. The key for me has always been to be consistent in participation as it enriches one's knowledge and network.

Participating in online communities dedicated to human rights can be highly informative and empowering. These platforms offer opportunities to engage in discussions, access valuable resources, and connect with individuals who share your interests and passions. You can learn from the experiences of others, gain insights into specific human rights issues, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding these important topics. Whether you're a newcomer looking to expand your knowledge or an experienced activist seeking to stay updated, these online communities provide a wealth of information and opportunities for involvement.

Not only do you learn from your peers, but it also challenges you when you encounter different perspectives and pushback from highly skilled professionals, normal hecklers, and the occasional vicious troll. You’ll encounter them everywhere you go, so learn to deal with it from in front. See it as a gift. It forces you to be better, to marshal your knowledge and use it to defend your position. Or even to be humble and silent and graceful in defeat and head back to the books and reconsider certain angles that you have been advancing.

Attending online events focused on human rights is an excellent way to stay informed and engaged with these critical issues. Webinars, podcasts, MOOCs, and conferences provide a diverse range of formats and topics, making it easy to find resources that match your specific interests and learning style. These events allow you to access expert insights, participate in meaningful discussions, and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, enhance your skills, or network with fellow human rights advocates, online events offer a dynamic and accessible platform for your involvement.

Attending a webinar or listening to a podcast is a great way to take in a lot of information in a short period of time, while also getting to better know leading voices in human rights advocacy (or any area of interest). Those reliable resources we discussed above? Subscribe to their newsletters and follow them on social media to learn about upcoming virtual events you can enjoy from the comfort of your home, on a long commute or whenever and wherever works best for you.

Online events are little mini lectures from experts in their field. How can you pass that up? You can be the biggest expert in your field, but learning from others is the best way to sharpen your skills. It’s also great for networking. Take advantage of the questions section. This way, your name and face will be standing out from the crowd.

LGBTQ+ rights defenders in Tanzania can`t stay informed through newsletters, podcasts, blogs, or social media accounts of reputable media outlets, human rights organizations, academic institutions, and experts because such information may not be available or be negatively reported. An examples of a case of Muharami Ibrahim Nayonga a gay man who was sentenced to 30 years in prison on 17th April 2023. Not Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch or any Human rights organization considered this a human rights issue.

In my experience the best online events on human rights are those under the auspices of the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, specifically the Human Rights Council related events and events organised by human rights bodies such as Treaty Bodies or the Universal Periodic Review. As mentioned above, I think it is critical to first identify the credible and trustworthy spaces and events. One must always start by identifying which human rights are of interest, then look for specialised organisation e.g. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch on civic and political right. Not all events branded as human rights are necessarily about human rights.

IMHO: 1.) Follow the social media accounts of leading groups who address human rights issues like Human Rights Watch, Amnesty, Oxfam, etc. 2.) Follow leading accounts of minority interest groups like those of indigenous peoples or LGBTQAI+. Regardless of which causes are most important to you, there are numerous groups out there for any cause. These active accounts will definitely keep people in the loop about general updates, specific events, key resources, events to attend, etc.

Human rights are crucial for the well-being and dignity of every individual. They ensure fairness, equality, and protection from discrimination and oppression. To be informed, stay updated on global issues, follow reputable news sources, engage with human rights organizations, educate yourself on international treaties, and participate in discussions. Take action by supporting initiatives, volunteering, and advocating for human rights. Together, we can create a just and equitable society.

Take bite-size or short courses in human rights. Amnesty International's human rights Academy offers many courses lasting a few hours to weeks of learning. And is free. Also check out coursera. If you want to invest in longer courses, look at HREA for some affordable paid courses. Check out the course outline and be happy with the content, before you sign up or pay for anything.

There's no wrong place to start. Go with what motivated you to learn. Perhaps it was an injustice about the "justice" system. Go there and learn that in as much depth as feels right. The best way to learn about human rights is to make it a vehicle to achieve the social justice changes that you want to make in the world.

It’s important to understand that human rights is a huge, heavy, unwieldy field. It touches on everything, because humans are everywhere and we are easily impacted. For example, human rights, the environment, the rights of nature are often violated in acts of Ecocide. This can also potentially touch on the role of business and human rights, depending on context. So it’s important to understand the intersections, as they add a lot more depth and complexity to the analysis.