2023

Estonia: the start of a rainbow domino effect?

First post-Soviet state to recognise same-sex marriage, with others expected to follow

Cloud lingers over Sierra Leone’s election

Transparency urgently needed to dispel doubts

Guatemala clings to democratic promise

Political elite reacts by manoeuvring to try to protect its power

CENTRAL AMERICA

Finland tilts to the far right

Once-fringe right-wing populists a major partner in new government

Myanmar: military junta gets a free pass

Regional body should follow civil society’s roadmap towards democracy

CONFLICT | CRISIS

UN Cybercrime Convention: could the cure be worse than the disease?

Treaty under negotiation could give repressive states further tools to stifle dissent

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

UN Security Council: new members but little change

Authoritarian Belarus loses bid to join – but structural reform remains much needed

GLOBAL GOVERNANCE

USA: battle still on for abortion rights

Regression and resistance both play out as focus shifts to medication abortion

Hong Kong’s lights of freedom extinguished

Attempts to mark anniversary of Tiananmen Square Massacre met with further repression

Hungary’s latest assault on LGBTQI+ rights

Proposed law adds to the pressure on a community vilified for political advantage