US democracy’s set-up is crumbling, are there prospects for passing a voting rights bill?
With the relentless wave of voter suppression bills crashing over America, it is deeply disturbing that voting rights are still not regarded by some as a foundational pillar of our nation’s infrastructure. Especially now, as our democracy’s infrastructure is crumbling. President Joe Biden calls the sweeping bipartisan infrastructure package under...
Covid nationalism: Regions where cases soar are the places where next variant will emerge
As I write, mass fatalities from Covid-19 have begun in Africa. Overall, only 1.1 per cent of people in low-income countries have received at least one vaccine dose. In my own Liberia, the proportion of people who have had both doses is just 0.18 per cent. Recorded cases in the...
Kenya was heaven until thieves broke in, fuzzed our dreams and they are now robbing our lives
A few days ago, I met an agemate who hails from a rich family. They live in Nairobi. His retired father was a senior government official after independence. The family is wealthy even today. Stinking rich! My friend does not understand why some Kenyans live wretched lives. The scum of...
How Covid-enforced lockdowns have improved air quality in big towns
Covid-19 has caused worldwide grief and hardship, and altered how we live, work and interact. But there have been a few positive developments. For instance, having fewer commutes during lockdown has helped reduce outdoor air pollution, and people have spent more time than before in parks and nature preserves, increasing...
Strangest Olympics yet: Without spectators at Tokyo 2020, we are left only with the champions themselves
Elite sport demands superlatives. Whether it be the fastest, the furthest, the highest, the longest; the very purpose is to find a place in the extremities of history. Before the torch has even been lit, the XXXII Olympiad has succeeded in finding its transcendence. Tokyo 2020 is certain to be...
Decolonising journalism: Is objectivity really possible or it is only to people who don’t have to fight to be seen fully?
Dear readers, Since last year, institutions the world over have been exploring how to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in their work. The New Humanitarian is no exception. We have, of course, been a leading voice in examining this issue within the humanitarian sector – namely through our Rethinking Humanitarianism...
Covid and ageism: Experts say age discrimination in the West results from pre-pandemic policies
After the pandemic’s deadly first peak in April 2020, it became clear that Sweden’s quest to protect its elderly had failed. My home country had become the last outpost for a “herd immunity” approach, with the government ignoring international calls for quarantine. Sweden’s strategy had two central goals: Limit the...
Racism: As a Black woman, I had to change my route home because England lost
Football during the Euros and World Cup brings out a weird sense of patriotism in me, more than any other time. It’s when I, as a Black woman, feel unquestionably British. As British as white people. They shout, ‘Is it coming home Paula?’ and I respond, ‘Of course it is!’...
Covid has made UN’s goal to combat illicit financial and arms flows more urgent to fight cybercrime
This July, the UN High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is convening to undertake a thematic review of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), among other key goals. Within SDG 16 is Target 16.4, which aims to significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return...
Zuma has proved South Africa is just another African country like Kenya with its tribalism or Nigeria with its corruption
Post-apartheid South-Africa always begs the question: Is South Africa just another African country; what can we do about it? “In the midst of the political confusion that has gripped our country, many people are wondering if we have come to the end of South Africa. The answer is simple: The...
