Locked Up: Unmasking Australia’s Aboriginal Youth Prison Crisis

The Aboriginal people have been severely marginalized by Australia’s government, but among the most impacted are the group’s children.

A young Aboriginal girl. mingzhuxia. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Indigenous people make up approximately 3% of Australia’s overall population and are considered the country’s most disadvantaged group. It is believed that the Aboriginal people lived in Australia for over 47,000 years prior to European colonization. Even today, the Aboriginal people continue to suffer some of the consequences of violent colonization such as low literacy rates, low life expectancy and a high unemployment rate.

Aboriginal children in particular are 30 times more likely to be stopped and prosecuted than other Australian youths. This reveals a pattern of racial profiling and stereotyping that has been called out by protests affiliating with the U.S.’s Black Lives Matter movement. 

Progress was made in 2018, when police in Western Australia apologized for practicing “forceful removal,” the separation of Indigenous children from their families. Forceful removal was popular throughout the late 19th century and was legal until 1969. Many refer to those impacted by forceful removal as the “Stolen Generation.” 

Since May 26, 1998, Australians have observed “National Sorry Day” as a way to apologize to the Aboriginal people for the harmful practice. It is a nationwide campaign committed to paying homage to affected groups while teaching youth of Australia’s harmful past actions. In 2008, former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a proposal in front of Parliament to help bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. 

Australia’s National Sorry Day in 2015. butupa. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Yet, the gap between the Aboriginal community and other Australians remains as wide as ever. In February, the police of New South Wales revealed details about the Suspect Targeting Management Plan, which is intended to prevent future crimes by targeting likely or repeat offenders. Reports from 2016 to 2018 show that up to 72% of targeted children were likely from Indigenous descent. The youngest child identified was 9 years old. 

The minimum age of criminal responsibility in Australia is one of the lowest in the world, allowing children as young as 10 to be sentenced to jail. Additionally, Aboriginal children are 17 times  more likely to be jailed than non-Indigenous youth. Statistics from Western Australia say that 60 to 70% of children currently being held in the state’s detention centers are of an Aboriginal background. 

As of now, very little research proves that locking up children reduces criminal activity in the future. In fact, youth already in the criminal justice system are far more likely to be repeat offenders, challenging the original intent of New South Wales’ Suspect Target Management Plan. 

There is a push by lawyers and advocacy groups to raise the age of criminal responsibility in Australia to at least 14. Others believe that an alternative is to provide better health care and other social services in an attempt to elevate Aboriginal children’s socioeconomic standing. The end goal would be to improve their overall quality of life, allowing for better employment opportunities and an end to the societal obstacles currently facing the group.

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Eva Ashbaugh

Eva is a Political Science and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies double major at the University of Pittsburgh. As a political science major concentrating on International Relations, she is passionate about human rights, foreign policy, and fighting for equality. She hopes to one day travel and help educate people to make the world a better place.

Venezuela Labels Coronavirus-Infected Citizens as ‘Bioterrorists’

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has implemented harsh measures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to arrest, detain and punish those infected with the virus and citizens who have broken quarantine measures. These authoritarian measures mark a stark contrast with the relief efforts of neighboring countries, as Maduro has labeled those suspected of coming in contact with the virus as “bioterrorists.”

The government was initially quick to respond to the virus, suspending all flights from Europe and Colombia and banning all public gatherings on March 12, before the country had officially reported any cases. However, cases in Venezuela have since risen, with experts suggesting that the current tally of 42,898 infections is much lower than the actual case number due to an insufficient amount of testing materials.

Infected Venezuelan citizens have been subjected to inhumane treatment, leading many to defy the government’s orders. According to a taxi driver from Caracas who was forced into a state-run isolation facility, the government treats infected citizens in an inhumane manner.

“I spent three days sleeping on an aluminum chair,” the driver said in an interview with Bloomberg. “They fed us cold rice, lentils and arepas. The place was controlled by armed militias and Cuban doctors.”

Venezuela’s approach to the pandemic is a result of its failing health care system and Maduro’s resistance to internal reforms advocated for by activists over the past decade. The country’s sociopolitical system, which at one time was hailed by some as one of Latin America’s best, was brought to its knees after oil prices plummeted in the early 2010s. This just exacerbated shortages of basic food staples that began under the presidency of Hugo Chavez.

Using drastic anti-protest tactics which became commonplace in the mid-2010s, Maduro has authorized security forces to impose punishments for violating social distancing protocol such as sitting under the hot sun for hours, intense physical exercise and beatings.

In response to citizens evading testing facilities for fear of being subjected to harsh punishments, the Venezuelan military has encouraged citizens to turn in neighbors who they suspect have come into contact with the virus throughout the summer.

“Defense for the health of your family and community,” one tweet by the military stated in Spanish. “[Someone who helps others hide their infections] is a bioterrorist, which puts everyone’s health at risk. Send [us] an email with their information and exact location. #ReportABioterrorist.”

Maduro has largely ignored calls to reform his response to the pandemic, dismissing claims that those infected have been treated inhumanely.

“[In Venezuela] you’re given care that’s unique in the world, humane care, loving, Christian,” Maduro said in an Aug. 14 national address.

In response to calls for aid from organized opposition groups, on Aug. 21 the United States granted activists access to millions of dollars of previously frozen Venezuelan assets to be used to support health care workers. However, it is unclear how these funds will be accessed by opposition-supported health care workers, or if the Venezuelan government will be able to interfere with their distribution.

As of this article’s publication, Maduro has not responded to calls for pandemic relief reform, nor have efforts been made to test in a more humane manner.

Jacob Sutherland

is a recent graduate from the University of California San Diego where he majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish Language Studies. He previously served as the News Editor for The UCSD Guardian, and hopes to shed light on social justice issues in his work.

The Back-to-Africa Movement: A Response to Racism

Some Black Americans have chosen to move to Africa to embrace their heritage and ancestral roots after experiencing racism, violence and stereotyping in the United States. 

A village in Tanzania. ceasrgp. CC BY-SA 2.0

The Back-to-Africa movement was initially started to encourage those of African ancestry to travel back to Africa where their ancestors once lived. Even though many are unsure of the movement’s founder, many in the U.S. attribute it to Marcus Garvey, who founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914 in New York City’s Harlem district. He encouraged many Black people to seek social equality even if it meant moving to Africa through “self-emancipation.”

However, the Back-to-Africa movement can be traced even further back to the 19th century and the establishment of the American Colonization Society The predominantly-White group, founded by Robert Finley in 1817, shipped up to 12,000 freed slaves and freeborn Black Americans to Liberia. Historians’ views on the American Colonization Society’s work remain split; some view it as an early group dedicated to Black Americans’ freedom while others see it as nothing more than an attempt to remove Black people from the United States. Either way, the group was unpopular among the African American community, and should not be confused with more recent Back-to-Africa movements.

Painting of Marcus Garvey. David Drissel. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Many African Americans have more recently picked up the Back-to-Africa movement to help strengthen Black identity. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcom X both made visits to Ghana in order to reconnect with their heritage. 

Obadele Kambon is a recent example of the modern Back-to-Africa movement. Kambon was living in Chicago in 2007 when he was wrongfully accused of possessing a loaded firearm illegally in his car. In reality, he had an unloaded, licensed gun. The fear of mistreatment and wrongful convictions, sometimes even leading to death, was a main influence in Kambon’s decision to move to Ghana in 2008.He said his participation in the Back-to-Africa movement made him realize what it “feels like to be a White person in America, just to be able to live without worrying that something is going to happen to you.”

Many of those who have moved to Africa from the United States fear that “nothing can fix [racism].” Africa holds the potential to reconnect people with their roots while offering them a life less affected by racism and violence. 71% of African Americans in the United States have said that they have experienced discrimination in some form. For many African Americans, heading abroad frees them from the need to prove themselves to be more than their skin color.

2019 was marked by Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo as the “Year of Return.” It coincided with the 400th anniversary of what is believed to be the first enslaved Africans arriving in the United States. Last year, Ghana rewarded over 100 citizenships to Black individuals from the Americas as a part of its “Year of Return” initiative. The campaign brought over 500,000 visitors to the region—and some of them have decided to stay.

Eva Ashbaugh

is a Political Science and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies double major at the University of Pittsburgh. As a political science major concentrating on International Relations, she is passionate about human rights, foreign policy, and fighting for equality. She hopes to one day travel and help educate people to make the world a better place.

Iowa’s ‘Inland Hurricane’ Wreaks Havoc on Locals — and the World’s Food Supply

On Aug. 10, Iowa and much of the United States’ Midwest experienced one of the most damaging storms seen in recent history. Hurricanes usually strike states like Florida and Louisiana, so the idea of one ravaging a landlocked state like Iowa was something residents were not prepared to face. After nearly a week, the Midwest is finally free of the devastating derecho, and now some are coining it as “Iowa’s Katrina.” 

The prolonged storms in Iowa are what the National Weather Service refers to as a derecho, a widespread, persistent windstorm associated with a band of quick-moving showers or thunderstorms. Because these storms are so powerful, they tend to leave similar damage to hurricanes and tornadoes. “Straight-line wind damage,” when the wind gusts powerfully in one direction, generally concentrates the destruction caused by derechos. 

According to the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center, it barreled eastward across the Midwest, traveling 770 miles in just 14 hours. Since the storms, thousands are still without water and power, with Cedar Rapids being one of the hardest-hit cities. According to Greg Smith, the city’s fire chief, more than 800 buildings have partially collapsed and more than 20 school buildings in Cedar Rapids have been damaged.

Cornfields on an Iowa farm. inkknife_2000. CC BY-SA 2.0.

This sweeping derecho  impacts not only Iowans and Midwesterners but also the world’s food supply. According to Iowa’s Gov. Kim Reynolds, this storm destroyed at least one-third of Iowa’s crops, which is about 10 million acres. Tens of millions of bushels of stored grain were blown away by extreme winds as well.

Soy farm in Iowa. User1778011. Pixabay.

Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said in total, 14 million acres of insured crops were in the path of the derecho. About 3.57 million acres of corn and 2.5 million acres of soybeans in 36 counties were damaged or destroyed during the storms. 

As the United States is one of the largest exporters of soy and the top exporter of corn, this could place a strain on domestic and international food and feed supplies. Iowa and Illinois, the top corn-producing states, typically grow about one-third of the U.S. crop. The widespread devastation of crops in the region only increases the burden on an already strained agricultural industry recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Damage in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Alli_jakoubek. Instagram.

While this event has been classified as a federal emergency, Iowa residents and farmers will not see much assistance. The federal major disaster declaration approved on Aug. 17 does not include financial assistance for Iowans despite President Donald Trump tweeting that he approved the state's application in "FULL." Gov. Kim Reynolds' request for $82.7 million to cover the 8,273 homes that were damaged or destroyed was not approved. Also denied were her requests for $3.77 billion for damage to farmland, grain bins and buildings along with a request for $100 million toward private utilities repair. The state did receive $45 million from the federal government to put toward recovery. 

This storm has shown the importance of states like Iowa as the repercussions of the derecho radiate across borders. For suppliers reliant on corn and soy as well as farmers who use the crops for feed, the derecho has depleted essential supplies already strained by the pandemic. While very little international attention has been given to this derecho, Midwestern farmers’ vital role in agriculture is essential to the world.

Renee Richardson

is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.

Trump Administration Suspends Private Charter Flights to Cuba

On Aug. 13, the United States Department of Transportation suspended nearly all charter flights between the U.S. and Cuba. The announcement comes five months after the Trump administration suspended charter flights to any airport on the island aside from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana.

Under the order, only a handful of public charter flights will be authorized to fly between Havana and the U.S., as well as flights authorized in relation to emergency medical assistance, search and rescue and “other travel deemed to be in the interest of the United States.”

In a letter to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo explained that the measures are being taken as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts against the Maduro administration in Venezuela.

“To … strengthen the economic pressure on the Cuban regime as a means to restrict the regime’s ability to repress its people and support the illegitimate Maduro regime in Venezuela … I respectfully request that the Department of Transportation suspend until further notice all charter flights between the United States and all airports in Cuba over which the Department of Transportation exercises jurisdiction, except for authorized public charters to and from Havana, and other authorized charter flights for emergency medical purposes, search and rescue and other travel deemed to be in the interest of the United States,” Pompeo wrote.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded to the announcement in a tweet condemning the new policy.

“The United States has suspended all charter flights: a measure which will isolate more Cuban families,” Diaz-Canel wrote in Spanish. “[This] continues hostile rhetoric, a resurgence of the blockade, and hate and scorn against Cubans.”

Proponents of the decision like Mercedes Schlapp, a Cuban-American who is currently working on President Trump’s reelection campaign, argue that while the measure will further restrict travel to the island, it will not prohibit Cuban-Americans from visiting family members.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, Cuban-Americans can continue to visit their families while the United States continues to hold the regime in Havana and its allies in Venezuela, Colombia and Nicaragua accountable,” Schlapp said in a statement in Spanish to CiberCuba.

However, opponents of the decision argue that the policy only furthers the separation of families on the part of both the Trump and Diaz-Canel administrations.

“This action only helps the Cuban regime to continue separating families - a tactic the Trump administration has disturbingly embraced,” Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for Biden for President, stated in a press release. “Make no mistake: this is a cynical, cruel and calculated political decision, but with real, human consequences.”

Historically, the United States has maintained a standard of limited travel to Cuba. Beginning in 1963 under the Kennedy administration, travel to the island nation was prohibited for most Americans.

These restrictions, as well as the ongoing embargo against the island, began to be lifted under the Obama administration. In March 2016, President Obama announced that the Department of Transportation would allow U.S. citizens to travel to the island under a “People to People” visa, a policy which saw numerous airlines and American businesses begin working in the country. Obama notably traveled to the country to meet with then-President Raul Castro, the first time a sitting U.S. president had visited Cuba in 88 years.

This policy was reversed only three years later by the Trump administration. In June 2019, Trump removed the “People to People” visa and banned all cruise ships, private yachts and fishing boats from docking in the country.

These restrictions were further tightened later that year when Trump suspended all commercial flights to any Cuban airport aside from Jose Marti International Airport in Havana. This was done in an attempt to reinforce the long-standing tourism embargo.

Prior to last week’s charter flight suspension, the Trump administration had imposed an annual limit of 3,600 charter flights beginning on June 1, 2020, which would only be allowed to land in the nation’s capital city.

Experts believe that these increasingly restrictive policies are being made in an effort to help Trump win Florida, a swing state which contains a large Cuban-American population and has recently polled in favor of Joe Biden. However, it is unclear whether this new policy will have a dramatic effect on the outcome of the November general election.

Jacob Sutherland

is a recent graduate from the University of California San Diego where he majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish Language Studies. He previously served as the News Editor for The UCSD Guardian, and hopes to shed light on social justice issues in his work.

In Kashmir, Military Lockdown and Pandemic Combined Are One Giant Deadly Threat

COVID-19 is taking a terrible toll worldwide. But in the Himalayan territory of Kashmir, it’s only the latest indignity in a 73-year cycle of oppression, militarization and scarcity.

At least, that’s what the minimal news from Kashmir indicates. The Indian part of Kashmir – which shares volatile borders with Pakistan and China – has been an information black hole since August 2019, when the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi stripped the region of its autonomous status and split it in two territories to be directly governed by India.

To enforce this radical change, a military lockdown was imposed, which saw Indian soldiers using brutal and indiscriminate violence. As a result, Kashmiris had already been confined to their homes, fearful and isolated, for months before the coronavirus pandemic began ravaging India.

Pandemic life in Kashmir. Sanna Irshad Matoo, CC BY-SA

Occupied territories

In my academic research, I study how militarization impacts the social, political and cultural fabric of human life. I grew up in Kashmir valley, one of more than 40 territorial conflict zones in the world.

From Western Sahara to Palestine, residents in these places endure a traumatizing array of human rights violations. These include arbitrary arrests, harassment by security forces, extrajudicial killings and disappearances. So-called “collective punishments,” such as the destruction of homes and farmland, and restricted access to water and other resources, are also common.

Kashmir – home to about 8 million Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Christians – became a contested territory in 1947, when India and Pakistan became two separate nations after almost 200 years of British rule. Its king agreed to join India on certain conditions, including maintaining its autonomy.

Kashmir’s accession to India triggered three major wars with Pakistan, turning generations of Kashmiris into casualties of war.

Today Pakistan owns about one-third of Kashmir, and the part of Kashmir under Indian rule is the most militarized place on Earth. With 500,000 troops deployed there, there is one soldier for every 30 civilians, according to the 2020 Armed Conflict Survey. That’s a higher soldier-civilian ratio than wartime Afghanistan.

Most Kashmiris view India as an occupying power and, according to a 2010 poll by the think tank Chatham House, a majority favor independence. The ongoing Indian occupation and thus the desire for freedom has contributed to the rise of some militant insurgencies in Kashmir.

A military checkpoint in Kashmir during the pandemic. Saqib Bhat/Barcroft Media via Getty Images

Removal of autonomy

Until recently Kashmir did, however, enjoy substantial political and economic autonomy. The Indian government had limited powers to make law there, and only Kashmiris could own property or hold government jobs.

As of August 2019, Indian citizens are now allowed to invest, work and live in Kashmir, with some restrictions.

To suppress local opposition to Kashmir’s revoked autonomy, more soldiers were sent in. For seven months, people were forbidden from leaving their homes. All forms of communication, including the internet, phone lines and post offices, were suspended. Deadly clashes between troops and anti-India protesters erupted in the streets.

Soldiers confront Kashmiris during the August 2019 military crackdown. Tauseef Mustafa/AFP via Getty Images

A few intrepid local, Indian and foreign journalists were able to surreptitiously report on conditions in Kashmir, leading to international outcry. Eventually, in March 2020, pressure from rights organizations like Amnesty International and the Internet Freedom Foundation compelled India to restore partial internet service to Kashmir.

Then came COVID-19.

A new lockdown

Kashmiris, only recently reconnected to the world, are now living under a strict curfew due to the pandemic.

According to news reports from the area, anyone who violates curfew – even those with valid passes allowing them to leave their homes – risks being detained by soldiers or police and possibly beaten.

Even doctors, who’ve been celebrated as heroes elsewhere in the world, report being harassed on their way to work in Kashmir, which already suffers an acute lack of medical resources and staff.

Limited access to information has also obstructed Kashmir’s coronavirus fight. The region uses 2G internet, an online connection so slow that it is nonexistent elsewhere in the world. Early in the pandemic, Kashmiri health care providers told the Indian news site The Wire it took them an hour to download international recommendations for COVID-19 patients in intensive care.

And that’s when the internet is working: Indian authorities have cut online access in Kashmir 55 times since it was restored in March 2020, according the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Societies, a local group that documents and litigates human rights abuses. This has delayed doctors’ ability to read emerging treatment guidelines and new research on the disease.

Settler colonialism

So far, though, soldiers appear to be more dangerous in Kashmir than COVID-19. As of June 30, more than 229 people in Indian Kashmir have been killed by the military over the past six months. The coronavirus has taken 141 lives.

India continues to take possession of Kashmir despite being hit ever harder by the pandemic.

Tens of thousands of Indians have been granted residency in Kashmir since June 2020. Tourism has been opened for Indian visitors as well, even though most of Kashmir remains on high COVID-19 alert.

The Kashmir Valley is beautiful and fertile. Sanna Irshad Matoo, CC BY

More soldiers keep arriving to Kashmir from across India, too, to maintain control over an increasingly restive local population. Since January, 107 “cordon and search operations” – violent raids of neighborhoods reported to house rebels – were executed in Kashmir.

These operations, which include the ransacking of homes and the use of explosives, have reportedly left hundreds of Kashmiris homeless during the pandemic. Many other Kashmiris have been jailed for breaking curfew, doing journalism or opposing military orders.

All of this puts local people at unnecessary risk of contracting COVID-19, according to Stand With Kashmir, an advocacy organization of diaspora Kashmiris.

In a recent statement, the group protested India for “systematically” denying the the “human rights, democratic rights, health care, education and access to information” of the Kashmiri people, allowing the virus to invade an “already fragile health system.”

Ifat Gazia is a Doctoral Student in Communications and Film, University of Massachusetts Amherst

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY FEATURED ON THE CONVERSATION

Coral Reefs: Climate Change and Pesticides Could Conspire to Crash Fish Populations

Australia barely had time to recover from record breaking fires at the start of 2020 before the Great Barrier Reef experienced its third mass coral bleaching event in the past five years. Only five of these have occurred since records began in the 1980s. High water temperatures and marine heatwaves, caused by climate change, are making coral bleaching an almost regular occurrence in some parts of the world.

Coral reefs are among the most vibrant ecosystems on the planet, but they are also very sensitive to stress. Meteorologists predict that 2020 is likely to be the hottest year on record, threatening yet more bleaching on reefs around the world. But it’s not just the coral itself that suffers.

Reef fishes exposed to high temperatures tend not to behave normally. Underwater noise and pollutants, such as agricultural pesticides, can have the same effect. Juvenile fish exposed to this kind of stress are less able to identify and avoid predators. But scientists aren’t sure exactly why this is.

In our new study, we found that a double whammy of higher water temperatures and pesticide exposure may be affecting the development of baby reef fish, with consequences for the entire ecosystem.

Metamorphosis in coral reef fish

Metamorphosis might bring to mind the transformation a caterpillar undergoes to become a butterfly, but it is also very common in coral reef fishes. After hatching from eggs, most reef fish develop as translucent larvae in the open ocean, before transforming into juvenile fish as they are recruited to their life on the reef.

This journey is a very important transition that is fraught with danger. Many predators like to eat reef fish while they’re in this small and vulnerable stage.

Like most coral reef fish, convict surgeonfish are transparent while larvae (left). During recruitment, they change into something more typically resembling a fish (right). Marc Besson, Author provided

During metamorphosis, fish rapidly develop their eyes, noses and lateral line system, a special set of organs that allows them to detect changes in water pressure. Reef fish rely on these senses to spot and avoid predators.

Recent studies have shown that the process is regulated by hormones in coral reef fish. So if man-made pressures as diverse as increasing temperatures, underwater noise and pollution can cause juveniles to behave strangely and fail to avoid predators, perhaps it all has something to do with their hormones.

We decided to test this in a lab. We exposed the larvae of the surgeon convict fish to chemical hormones and hormone blockers and found that it directly influenced the development of their eyes, noses and lateral line systems. When fish received a hormone blocker, their sensory systems developed more slowly, they were less able to identify a predator by sight or smell and predators caught them more easily.

High temperatures and pesticides can disrupt sensory development in young fish. Aldine Amiel/Kahi Kai, Author provided

The lab tests showed that exposure to a hormone blocker can prevent fish from developing the necessary defences for life on a coral reef. So how might they be faring in the ocean, given that pesticides drain off the land into coastal waters, where these chemicals might disrupt hormones in fish?

In further experiments, we exposed fish to different temperatures and doses of a common agricultural pesticide called chlorpyrifos. Higher temperatures and high levels of the pesticide made fish worse at avoiding predators, but when given extra hormones, the fish recovered their abilities. This shows how climate change and pollution can affect how fish naturally regulate their development, and how important it is for them to be able to metamorphose in a healthy environment.

Hotter water and exposure to pesticides might seem like totally different things, but our results suggest they affect metamorphosis in a similar way. This is worrying, because most coral reef fish species metamorphose early in their lives, and if their environment changes too much, it might endanger entire coral reef communities.

Luckily, our results suggest that these negative effects are mostly felt at higher doses, but they are at the extreme end of what is already being detected on reefs. That means that we still have time, but our habits must change soon.

William Feeney is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Evolutionary Ecology, Griffith University

Marc Besson is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Marine Ecology, École pratique des hautes études (EPHE)

THIS ARTICLE WAS ORIGINALLY FEATURED ON THE CONVERSATION

South Africa’s Success Continues in Slowing Rhino Poaching

Poaching, the illegal hunting and sometimes killing of animals, has always been a serious threat to conservation efforts. Animals like rhinos, elephants, tigers and lions are often the target of poachers looking to make money through exotic pet sales and traditional medicine practices. While habitat destruction does contribute most to the strain on many animal species, the illegal trading and selling of wildlife has gained popularity as e-commerce continues to grow. 

Kruger National Park, South Africa. Vincent van Zalinge. Unsplash.

In South Africa, this illegal practice has finally decreased to the point where native rhino species can finally thrive. Rhinos are often hunted in South Africa because their horns are used for traditional medicine in Asia. In just the first six months of 2020, South African rhino poaching decreased by 53% - a goal that the South African Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries has been working toward for the past five years. Only 166 rhinos have been poached for their horns in the first six months of 2020. This is a significant drop when compared to the 316 rhinos that were poached in the first six months of 2019.  

Street art against rhino poaching. Kosmoseleevike. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Barbara Creecy, South Africa’s minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, said, “After a decade of implementing various strategies, and campaigning against ever-increasing rhino poaching by local poachers recruited and managed by crime syndicates, efforts are paying off. We have been able to arrest the escalation of rhino losses.” The ministry credits this success in part to COVID-19 lockdown measures as they kept poachers from actively hunting. 

Poached rhinoceros. Kehworks. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Additionally, the lockdown measures have made poachers much easier to spot. From January to June, 38 suspected rhino poachers have been arrested in Kruger National Park and 23 firearms have been confiscated. These arrests also led to historic convictions as the ministry reports that from January to June, the National Prosecuting Authority managed to obtain convictions in 15 cases marking a conviction rate of 100%. To guarantee that these poachers will not return to poaching, they were given lengthy sentences. Coordinated efforts with the South African Police Service, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (also known as the “Hawks”) and the Department of Justice have curtailed the selling and purchasing of poached rhino horns. 

White rhino silhouette in Kruger National Park. Javier Ábalos. CC BY-SA 2.0.

South Africa’s success came just in time to celebrate World Ranger Day on July 31, a day dedicated to rangers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The minister paid tribute to these brave men and women who have risked their health and safety, both by stopping poachers and risking possible exposure to COVID-19. “Our rangers have remained at the forefront of the battle against poaching, despite the national lockdown, contributing to the decrease in poaching. In this time, rangers have had to face not only the threats posed by poachers, but they, and their families, have also had to deal with the danger of contracting COVID-19,”  said the minister. It is apparent that their bravery has paid off as the rhino population of South Africa is now at a decreased risk of population decline.

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Renee Richardson

Renee is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.

Indians Declare Victory in the Fight Against Deforestation — For Now

In today’s world, it is fairly common to see vast forests being torn down to make way for infrastructure; in India’s case, it is a way to make extra money during the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year alone, “3.8 million hectares” of primary forests were torn down and destroyed - “the third highest since the turn of the century.” Just recently, the people of Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Arand forest feared that they would suffer the fate of Korba - a region where families were displaced by coal mines. The area was even “identified as a ‘critically polluted area’ by the Central Pollution Control Board.” 

The global pandemic that has swept over the world has left lasting impacts on governments everywhere. In India, the central government offered up 41 coal blocks near the biodiverse and coal-rich Hasdeo Arand forest to commercial bidders to increase revenue after the country’s economy took a hit earlier this year. After India sold the first five coal blocks and gave the green light for mining companies to deforest an estimated 6,800 hectares of forest, the surrounding communities and Chhattisgarh state’s government began to push back. This ultimately led to the central government reversing its decision, making the Hasdeo Arand region safe - for now. This comes as a result of an ongoing campaign to prevent what happened to neighboring Korba, where mines forced hundreds out of their homes, threw many into unemployment and caused “respiratory issues ranging from asthma to lung cancer.”

What Happened in Korba?

Korba was once much like Hasdeo Arand - a land filled with lush forests, rivers and over 300 species of wildlife. Mining started in the 1970s and four decades later, people are still suffering from displacement, health concerns and other environmental problems. Korba in particular is home to “the world’s second-largest open-cast mine - Gevra.” This mine has led to nearby streams drying up and becoming filled with waste, killing up to 12 people in Sahli. 

The migration patterns of elephants have been impacted as well, leading to human-animal encounters in almost every village. Ash ponds have been dumped into, polluting water in neighboring irrigation fields and destroying crops. Lastly, the villagers have reported an increase in respiratory issues and other health risks directly linked to the area’s coal mines and power plants. Currently, “Korba is the power hub of Chhattisgarh. It has 10 to 12 power plants, which generate nearly 20,000 megawatts of electricity annually.” However, the environmental and social impacts of these coal mines and plants have left citizens homeless, disrupted and often with serious health issues. The locals have learned their lesson and organized to halt the construction of a proposed power plant in the Hasdeo Arand forest itself.

What’s Next?

After the events in Korba, the leaders of the Hasdeo Arand region have done their best to avoid the construction of any more power plants or coal mines. India’s central government gave up on mining in the Hasdeo Arand forest due to strong local resistance to the plans. Campaigns have begun against the central government, asking for a stop to the mining and a greater focus on the villagers who have been displaced. Deforestation occurs all around the world, but sometimes locals hold the power to stop environmental catastrophes in the making.

Elizabeth Misnick

is a Professional Writing and Rhetoric major at Baylor University. She grew up in a military family and lived in Europe for almost half her life, traveling and living in different countries. She hopes to continue writing professionally throughout her career and publish her writing in the future.

More Than 1,200 Women and Girls Go Missing in Peru Amid Lockdown Measures

More than 1,200 women and girls have been reported missing throughout Peru since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the country’s Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP). The Peruvian government imposed a lockdown from March 16 through the end of June, a time period in which the majority of the disappearances took place.

The South American country, which is home to over 32 million people, has seen a rise in domestic violence cases and femicides over the past decade. Experts believe that the pandemic, which required many in Peru to stay at home, has exacerbated the issue.

Isabel Ortiz, a leading Peruvian women’s rights official who recently called for the creation of a national missing persons registry, spoke with Reuters about the ongoing situation.

“The figures are really alarming,” Ortiz said. “We know the numbers of women and girls who have disappeared, but we don’t have detailed information about how many have been found … We need to have a proper register that would allow us to link the disappearance of women to other crimes like human trafficking and sexual violence.”

In April, the MIMP began efforts to combat pandemic-related disappearances by initiating a telephone program in rural areas of the country to link Indigenous leaders and local authorities to the national government. The program saw promising results at first, with assistance being provided to 88 community authorities and 120 women leaders from the beginning of the country’s lockdown to April 19. Despite this program, disappearances continued to rise throughout the country.

In July, Deputy Minister of Women Nancy Tolentino Gamarra directed the High-Level Multisectoral Commission to implement new strategies to prevent violence against women and girls in the context of the pandemic. The most notable outcome of this meeting was the Ministry of the Interior agreeing to implement a national missing persons registry in “a timely manner.” However, as of this article’s publication, no such registry has been created.

Jacqui Hunt, a prominent women’s rights activist from the nongovernmental organization Equality Now, explained in an interview with Independent how more work needs to be done to prevent disappearances.

“Peru has one of the highest rates of violence against women in Latin America, and the coronavirus pandemic has worsened what was already a dire situation,” Hunt said. “COVID-19 response measures introduced by the Peruvian government must address the particular vulnerabilities of women and girls. Strict enforcement of laws against domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence should be imposed and the justice system should be applying a gender-based lens when investigating and prosecuting cases.”

The United Nations has recommended on numerous occasions that the Peruvian government take significant measures to “promote the rule of law and access to justice for all,” with its most recent report coming out on May 8, 2019. The U.N. Development Program currently ranks Peru 82nd in the world for both intimate partner and non-intimate partner violence against women.

Jacob Sutherland

is a recent graduate from the University of California San Diego where he majored in Political Science and minored in Spanish Language Studies. He previously served as the News Editor for The UCSD Guardian, and hopes to shed light on social justice issues in his work.

Ethiopian Migrant Workers Left More Vulnerable After Devastating Explosion in Beirut

On Aug. 4, two massive explosions in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, sent a shock wave that destroyed many neighborhoods, killed more than 200 people, injured 6,000 and left approximately 250,000 homeless. The tragedy struck a country that is already suffering from a major economic crisis, an increase in COVID-19 cases, and the corruption and negligence of the Lebanese government—corruption which led to the deadly explosion. Reports emerged that the government knew about the over 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate, which is used to build bombs, and left it unattended and unsecured for six years.

As the Lebanese people’s anger boiled over, protests calling for an end to the political elite erupted, leading to the resignation of the majority of the Lebanese government. According to The Wall Street Journal, on Aug. 10 Prime Minister Hassan Diab addressed the nation in a televised address: “I set out to combat corruption, but I discovered that corruption is bigger than the state. I declare today the resignation of this government. God bless Lebanon.”

But according to Foreign Policy, “the public is unlikely to be appeased by the resignation of Diab’s government” as “the rest of the country’s political elites, the sectarian warlords of the civil war era and their descendants, clinging to positions of privilege, are still busy looking for scapegoats.” As the public continues to fight for the fall of the regime, it is hoped that not only will the Lebanese benefit, but so too will the migrant workers whose plight worsens as crises continue to befall the country.

According to The New Arab, “around 250,000 migrants work as housekeepers, nannies and carers in Lebanese homes.” Most of the workers are women, many of whom immigrated from Ethiopia and the Philippines, according to The Associated Press. The migrant workers do not have labor law protections as they were brought in through the kafala system, an exploitative and abusive sponsorship system used in Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The migrant workers are vulnerable to exploitation as the countries that practice the kafala system offer little to no protection for migrant workers—their right to work and legal presence is entirely dependent on their employer. The migration sponsorship system “increases their risk of suffering labor exploitation, forced labor and trafficking, and leaves them with little prospect of obtaining redress,” according to Amnesty International.

The ongoing economic crisis in Lebanon, along with the spike in COVID-19 cases, has made an already dire situation worse for migrant workers. According to Amnesty International, “many have reported that the value of their salaries has decreased by around a third because of the currency crash.” Their salaries were already as little as $150 per month before the severe economic crisis and pandemic, according to France 24. In June, BBC reported that more than 100 Ethiopian migrant domestic workers were fired and left homeless outside their country’s consulate in Beirut after their employers claimed they could no longer afford to pay their maids.

Now, the explosions have left the domestic workers even more vulnerable. CNN reported, “In the aftermath, rights groups are warning that this vulnerable group is facing dire situations as many of them are stranded in the country and unable to go home.” Activists like Farah Salka of Lebanon’s Anti-Racism Movement are fighting for the migrant workers’ rights. Salka told CNN, “They are running from one escalating situation to the other and it is an endless stream of trauma. They have faced COVID, economic crisis, airport closure, quarantine restrictions in often hostile conditions and they want to go home.”

Finding a way home is proving difficult for the Ethiopian migrants. According to Middle East Eye, “Ethiopia has tripled the price of repatriation for its citizens in Lebanon to $1,450, including flights and mandatory quarantine, further prohibiting the return of dozens of women stranded and destitute outside its Beirut consulate.” This is approximately a $900 increase from a May 21 article from Quartz Africa which reported, “Ethiopia’s consulate had collected $550 registration fees for the repatriation flights.”

People on social media are calling for better treatment of migrant workers in Lebanon after footage showed an Ethiopian migrant worker saving a young child from shattered glass as the second explosion erupted in the capital. Lebanese journalist Luna Safwan tweeted, “Migrant worker grabs toddler and saves her from shattered glass and windows as the second big explosion erupted in Beirut earlier today. She did not even think. Migrant workers deserve better in #Lebanon – this woman is a hero.”

Asiya Haouchine

is an Algerian-American writer who graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2016, earning a BA in journalism and English. She was an editorial intern and contributing writer for Warscapes magazine and the online/blog editor for Long River Review. She is currently studying for her Master’s in Library and Information Science. @AsiyaHaou

A Three-Pronged Crisis Hits Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is calling for international aid after its inflation rate increased to over 700%. The southern African country’s inhabitants are facing not only a humanitarian crisis, but also a hunger crisis on top of the problems created by COVID-19. The World Food Program warns that by the end of the year, 60% of Zimbabwe’s inhabitants will be food insecure. 

The Humanitarian Crisis

The 2017 overthrow of the country’s former dictator, Robert Mugabe, brought dreams of change to the entire country as Emmerson Mnangagwa took over. Mnangagwa, a member of Mugabe’s ZANU-PF political party, promised better days and pledged to create a new democracy. However, he has not delivered and instead kept the “old authoritarian regime.”. Mnangagwa’s failure to deliver any new form of government has brought on “a crisis reminiscent of the regime’s darkest hours.” The streets of Zimbabwean cities have been filled with protesters calling for change, with many being arrested at first sight as military police stand on “maximum alert.” Despite the country’s many crises, there have been no substantive changes or public messages from Mnangagwa himself. The ruling ZANU-PF’s top response: arresting political opponents and “banning anti-corruption protests”. 

Additionally, Zimbabwe faces huge unemployment rates in the cities, overwhelming rural areas as “migrants return to their villages.” As family heads can no longer support their households, , a new problem has arisen: child prostitution. Now, children are “playing hide and seek with police” as they line the streets, eager to bring home what little money they can to feed their families. 

The Hunger Crisis 

Currently, Zimbabwe is facing problems with farmers harvesting less than half of the country’s yearly needs. This comes as the country faces its third consecutive year of drought, an issue that could become much worse as Zimbabwe enters into the “lean season.” The year has only yielded about “1.1 million tonnes of maize, the country’s staple crop.” Subsistence farmers make up about three-quarters of Zimbabwe’s population, and the continued drought is just perpetuating the country’s severe food crisis. The World Food Program (WFP) says the situation has led to “emergency levels of hunger,” and it plans to bring aid to about 5 million people at the start of next year’s “lean season.”

The Impact of COVID-19 on Zimbabwe

COVID-19 has ravaged the entire world, but the impacts have been even more extreme in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. With over 4,600 cases and 104 deaths, many speculate that the government has inaccurately reported numbers of COVID-19 cases, effectively downplaying the full extent of the catastrophe. President Mnangagwa has taken measures to close the country’s borders and to shut down nightlife through curfews, but cases have spiked anyway. The Zimbabwean government recently released a statement saying it was “concerned over reports of unauthorized persons issuing statements regarding virus test results.” It has been stated that Zimbabwe, along with South Sudan, is among the most vulnerable countries in Africa due to its relatively low level of development, lack of aid and internal political conflicts. 

Ultimately, Zimbabwe is facing a crisis from several fronts as it fights for survival amid a pandemic, poor harvests and an ailing economy. The country’s president, Emmerson Mnangagwa, has called for international aid in light of his country’s crisis. Additionally, the United Nations’ food agency has called for an additional $250 million to put toward relief efforts. Lola Castro, WFP’s regional director for southern Africa, stated that it “needs the international community to step up now to help us prevent a potential humanitarian catastrophe.”

Elizabeth Misnick

is a Professional Writing and Rhetoric major at Baylor University. She grew up in a military family and lived in Europe for almost half her life, traveling and living in different countries. She hopes to continue writing professionally throughout her career and publish her writing in the future.

French Guiana’s Fight Against COVID-19 Shows Colonialism’s Continued Effects

French Guiana, a small sliver of South America that remains a French territory, holds a very tumultuous history due to colonization. Since the 1503 arrival of the Spanish, French Guiana’s native people have been fighting occupation. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, locals see glimpses of the past as they rely on French doctors to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Beach near French Guiana’s capital of Cayenne. Chicobarros. Pixabay.

Currently, the region is considered France’s most worrisome virus hot spot as its nearly 300,000 people face commonplace poverty and an inadequate health care system.

In 2016, 104 doctors were available per 100,000 people in France, while there were only 55 per 100,000 in French Guiana. Making matters worse, most of these were concentrated in one city, the capital of Cayenne. The arrival of French doctors to administer testing and treatment for COVID-19 is necessary, but it has not brought security to the Guianese people. In a quote given to The Associated Press, Jean-Philippe Chambrier, a member of the Arawak tribe and a representative of French Guiana’s Indigenous communities, said,  “There is still in the minds the time of colonization and the havoc wreaked by viruses brought by colonizers. So when they saw White people from the mainland, they made the link.” The people of French Guiana, some of whom live in the territory’s dense rainforests, were not prepared for this sudden arrival as many had not even been made aware of the pandemic’s extent.

A rainforest in French Guiana. Micahernandez. Pixabay.

Additionally, the territory’s proximity to COVID-19 hot spot Brazil and the multitude of languages spoken across French Guiana make treatment difficult. It took more than a month to translate the French government’s original COVID-19 guidance into all the local languages, and the slow response put the region at greater risk as more than half of the population lives under the national poverty line. France must focus on the economic and racial disparities caused by colonization if it intends to assist French Guiana in the fight against COVID-19.

Sunset in French Guiana. Chicobarros. Pixabay.

While French Guiana lacks the infrastructure to combat the pandemic, much of this inadequacy is caused by colonization. The French initially used the region as a slave colony and later turned it into a penal colony for French prisoners. 

Though French Guiana is no longer a colony, it has not yet gained independence. French Guiana became a national department in 1946; France still has control over the region and the people of French Guiana follow France’s constitution. The French left locals to sort out the systems they had established, leaving wealth inequality and racism in its wake. French Guiana’s people live within a system not designed by them or specifically for them. 

To this day, 62% of French Guiana’s exports go to France, so it is apparent that France’s influence continues unabated. Now, in the midst of a pandemic, the French might finally give French Guiana a much-needed second look.

Renee Richardson

is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.

Arab World Joins the Space Race with the Launch of the UAE’s Mission to Mars

On July 19, the United Arab Emirates became a new contender in space exploration upon the successful launch of the Emirates Mars Mission’s (EMM) Hope Probe, the first interplanetary science mission led by an Arab country.

The Hope Probe (Al-Amal in Arabic) is an uncrewed spacecraft that is on a mission to orbit Mars and study the red planet’s atmosphere. The Hope Probe will be the first probe to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere and its layers upon reaching Mars’ orbit in February 2021. In the past, “probes have only provided snapshots of the Martian climate, (whereas) the Hope Probe will examine how it changes throughout daily and seasonal cycles,” according to Smithsonian Magazine.

The mission’s goals include monitoring Mars’ weather dynamics to see how they correlate with climate change on the planet. Mars once contained large bodies of water like Earth, so “the mission will try and unearth the reason behind Mars’ barren, dusty atmosphere and environment by closely studying its weather and climate” in order to solve the mystery of the now-dusty red planet.

Although this is the Arab world’s first interplanetary mission, the region has long played a part in space research. Smithsonian Magazine wrote, “During the Middle Ages, Islamic scientists used math and science to refine the movements of the planets and the stars, leaving an indelible mark on astronomy and space science.” In addition, 24 lunar craters were named after Islamic scientists, “including Abbas Ibn Firnas (810-887), an Andalusian inventor, physician, musician, engineer, humanitarian and poet — and the first man to fly,” as reported by Arab News. The poet Mu’min Ibn Said wrote of Ibn Firnas’ first flight, “He flew faster than the phoenix in his flight when he dressed his body in the feathers of a vulture.”

The scientist in charge of leading the Mars mission, Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, told the scientific journal Nature that, “It was very important for us to fit into an area of science that was relevant not only to the UAE but the global science community.”

In addition to being in charge of the Emirates Space Mission, Al Amiri is president of the UAE Space Agency, chair of the Emirates Scientists Council and Minister of State for Advanced Sciences. In an interview with National Geographic, Al Amiri said the program “had to develop an entirely new division that was completely foreign to us, and that is space science.” She went on to say, “The Hope science team is 80% women, a figure that reflects the high percentage of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs among the UAE’s youth and in its universities.” Women also make up 34% of the EMM team. According to Nature, “Women make up a much bigger share of the Emirati team than for the U.S. counterpart.” In a field that is generally dominated by men, Emirati women are making great strides toward paving the way for women to enter the field of advanced sciences.

Asiya Haouchine

is an Algerian-American writer who graduated from the University of Connecticut in May 2016, earning a BA in journalism and English. She was an editorial intern and contributing writer for Warscapes magazine and the online/blog editor for Long River Review. She is currently studying for her Master’s in Library and Information Science. @AsiyaHaou

Aliens Built the Pyramids? The Perils of Mixing of Archaeology and Ethnocentrism

On July 31, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted, “Aliens built the pyramids obv.” With almost 90,000 retweets, over 500,000 likes and 25,000 replies, theories about extraterrestrial efforts to build Earth’s architectural marvels continue to stir conversation. These debunked theories have been popularized by the TV show “Ancient Aliens,” which focuses on the supposed possibility that aliens built many of the grand structures seen today. 

Elon Musk’s tweet about the Egyptian pyramids. Elon Musk. Twitter.

While the theories can be entertaining to consider, many academics and archaeologists find that this perspective erases the history of the people present when these structures were built. With regard to the pyramids, the belief that extraterrestrials deserve credit erases possible Black African history in Egypt.

Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation replying to Elon Musk. Rania A. Al Mashat. Twitter.

Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation, Rania al-Mashat, corrected Musk by tweeting, “I follow your work with a lot of admiration. I invite you & SpaceX to explore the writings about how the pyramids were built and also to check out the tombs of the pyramid builders.” This correction by the minister was necessary, as speculation over how the Egyptian pyramids were built can be answered by accurate historical accounts.

The belief that aliens are responsible for building structures such as the pyramids is called pseudoarchaeology and it has gained popularity on the internet. Several serious books have been written about the topic, and many of these texts have even been peer reviewed by other archaeologists. The first pseudoarchaeological book to gain widespread traction was a series of texts written by Erich von Daniken, the first of which was called "Chariots of the Gods." Thirty-two more volumes followed. Most of Von Daniken’s texts question architectural structures specifically in non-White regions like Latin America, Africa and Asia, with little speculation directed at ancient Viking or Celtic structures.

The Great Sphinx and two of the Egyptian pyramids. Museums Victoria. Unsplash.

A major problem with texts such as “Chariots of the Gods” comes from the ethnocentric bias many of them have. Rather than crediting the actual, often non-White, builders for architectural feats like the pyramids of Egypt, the assumption is that the structure is too complex for humans to understand or build. Archaeologist Eric Cline told Forbes that, “Pseudoarchaeologists cannot accept the fact that the mere humans might have come up with great innovations such as … the Sphinx all on their own; rather, they frequently seek or invoke divine, or even alien, assistance to explain how these came to be.” 

Mexico’s Teotihuacan. Alejandro Morelos. Unsplash.

Questions have even been asked about the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Teotihuacan, an ancient Aztec city located near present-day Mexico City. Many pseudoarchaeologists believe the ruins could have once been a spaceport due to the presence of mica and liquid mercury in the area. This type of misinformation may be interesting, but it greatly takes away from the intricate planning necessary to accomplish such great feats of engineering. 

While far-fetched theories about the past are entertainment for some, it is clearly more important to recognize the history which has already been uncovered. Theorizing without noting facts not only discounts history itself, but also greatly takes away from those who built Earth’s great marvels.

Renee Richardson

is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.

4 Abandoned Railroads that Have Been Brought Back to Life

Abandoned railroad tracks are everywhere. Although many trains are still running, they rarely hold the same mysterious charm as the ones that have been neglected. To many, trains signify a bygone era, an old means of transportation, and an opportunity to see the world without the drama of plane flights. While many enthusiasts have created databases of abandoned railroads, there has also been a wave of people who are remodeling these railroads to give them a new purpose and life. 

The golden point of the Transcontinental Railroad. J. Stephen Conn. CC BY-NC 2.0

Golden Spike National Historical Park

The Golden Spike National Historical Park is home to the “golden spike,” the final spike needed to complete the United States’ Transcontinental Railroad. Located in Promontory, Utah, this park attracts about 60,000 visitors each year. While the site has an abundance of offerings, its main attraction is the “golden spike” itself. The Transcontinental Railroad was built over a period of six years, with the last spike being laid in 1869. It is worth noting that the Transcontinental Railroad was actually built by two separate companies, the eastbound Central Pacific Railroad and the westbound Union Pacific,. Nevertheless, the Transcontinental Railroad was a symbol of western progress at the time and finishing the railroad was cause for major celebration. The park hosts reenactments of the event every year on May 10, with last year being a celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad’s completion. 

A view from New York City’s High Line. Finchermac. CC BY-ND 2.0

The High Line

Located in New York City, the High Line is a refurbished railroad track that allows visitors to enjoy a picturesque 1.45-mile walk above Manhattan’s West Side. The line became fully operational in 1933 and transported supplies such as meat and produce, but it declined in use in the 1980s as people began to favor trucking for supply delivery. Although the High Line was set for demolition, a new project gained traction in the early 2000s that allowed for its conversion. Today, the High Line has integrated a multitude of sustainable practices, community engagement initiatives and small businesses into the overall experience. The walkway is adorned with over 500 different species of plants and trees and there are regular art installations that are either on the High Line or can be seen from it. 

A shot of the High Trestle Trail Bridge lit up at night. Tony Webster. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

High Trestle Trail

The High Trestle Trail, a multi-use 25-mile trail on the outskirts of Des Moines, Iowa, is a popular biking and outdoor activity destination. The High Trestle Trail is one of many rail-to-trail projects, with this one opening in 2011. There are a multitude of amenities nearby, such as a bike shop, restaurants and visitor centers, but the trail itself contains the top points of interest. One such location is the High Trestle Trail Bridge, which has been dubbed “Iowa’s Stonehenge.” After the railway was decommissioned in 2003, Union Pacific wanted to reuse the steel beams of one of the bridges on the route but had no use for the original support structure. The company left 22 huge, 130-foot-tall concrete pillars which used to hold up the bridge. As interesting a landmark as this was, the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation realized that these poles could have a more practical purpose. After an extensive project costing over $1.75 million, the bridge was revamped and now stands as an impressive light-up art installation that is an ode to the area’s mining history.

Nature, art and train tracks. French_Villain. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

La Petite Ceinture

This railroad is quite different from the others. It is located in Paris, France, and contains one of the best access points to the city’s catacombs. Additionally, this abandoned rail line is home to an abundance of graffiti and artwork. In terms of natural life, the area is now home to more than 200 different plant species and more than 70 types of animals. La Petite Ceinture was built intermittently between the years of 1852 and 1869 but has been unused since 1934. While the tunnels themselves can be dark and less than pleasant, the open areas of La Petite Ceinture offer an intriguing destination and a beautiful example of how people might organically reclaim abandoned spaces. 

Phoebe Jacoby

is a Media Studies major and Studio Art minor at Vassar College who believes in the importance of sharing stories with others. Phoebe likes to spend her free time reading, drawing, and writing letters. She hopes to continue developing her skills as a writer and create work that will have a positive outward effect.

Gender Discrimination Is Nothing New in Poland

Many view the reelection of Polish President Andrzej Duda in July as a further setback for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights in the country.

Andrzej Duda, the president of Poland, meets with a leader of the Roman Catholic Church. EpiskopatNews. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

For much of the 20th century, Poland was under the influence of foreign countries, particularly the Soviet Union. This caused communism and its ideologies of censorship and control to direct the Poles’ daily lives. During that time, the Roman Catholic Church provided a safe space for many people to feel freedom. Thus, post-communist Poland has continued to embrace Catholicism, with 93% of Poles practicing it despite the country having no official religion.

A result of the Catholic Church’s widespread influence has been restrictive measures toward women and those in Poland’s LGBTQ+ community. One of the first major impacts seen was the passage of an “anti-abortion law” in 1988. While this law banned most instances of the procedure, many doctors and hospitals did not fully enforce it at the time. 

Abortion is still a topic of debate in Polish political campaigns. In the Catholic Church’s eyes, abortion is seen as murder and a direct violation of God’s will. Thus, any practice which may go against God’s “original intent” is normally frowned upon.

Due to the Catholic Church’s continued influence in Poland, most legislation passed today still follows the Church’s guidance. This includes on LGBTQ+ rights, where as of June nearly 100 locations had declared themselves to be “LGBT-free zones.”. Yet the fight for LGBTQ+ rights has continued, especially since the election of the staunchly-conservative Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

LGBTQ+ activists in Poland. Sakuto. CC BY-NC 2.0.

Additionally, the reelection campaign of President Andrzej Duda painted a narrative that LGBTQ+ individuals are a threat to society. As a part of the right-wing Law and Justice Party, his ideologies align with protecting Poland’s “traditional values.” Duda even went so far as to call the LGBTQ+ rights movement “an ideology worse than communism.” He also tapped into anti-Semitism that has been prevalent since World War II by saying that Jewish interests would become more important than Polish ones if his opponent Rafal Trzaskowski had won.

Two weeks after Duda’s victory in the July presidential election, it was announced that Poland was in the process of withdrawing from a European domestic violence treaty known as the Istanbul Convention. This treaty protected women from any forms of violence and placed responsibility on European states to take appropriate measures to protect women and punish attackers.

As justification for the government's decision, Poland denounced the treaty as an infringement on parents’ rights since it required children to be taught about nontraditional gender roles. Duda claimed that the treaty “contains elements of an ideological nature, which we consider harmful.” Many women have argued that withdrawing from the treaty only legalizes domestic violence in Poland.

Eva Ashbaugh

is a Political Science and Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies double major at the University of Pittsburgh. As a political science major concentrating on International Relations, she is passionate about human rights, foreign policy, and fighting for equality. She hopes to one day travel and help educate people to make the world a better place.

Reclaiming African American History, One DNA Test at a Time

“Go back to Africa.” These are the words many African and Black Americans hear from those who have animosity toward the color of their skin. But how can African Americans even consider returning when their ancestors were forced to come to the United States, and little to no records were kept? The United States has a history and a foundation built by hands that were forced to work against their will. These peoples’ origins were never documented and failed to get passed down. Much of the United States’ history has been unanswered for so many people, but now Black and African Americans are finally having some of their questions answered.  

Slaves cutting sugar cane on the island of Antigua in 1823. British Library. Unsplash.

Thanks to the DNA testing site 23andMe, the lineage and heritage of many African Americans have been identified, and key genetic traits are appearing. Joanna Mountain, senior director of research at 23andMe, began on this project before the company even existed. For over 10 years, she and her team built a genetic database of mostly 23andMe customers whose grandparents were born in a geographic region linked to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Although medical experimentation and research on African Americans has often not been performed for their benefit, all participants consented to have their DNA used in the research. 

Essentially, the company created this project to shine a much-needed light upon the genetic impact that slavery has caused and to confirm historical accounts. The report, which includes more than 50,000 people and 30,000 of African ancestry, confirms where people were taken from in Africa and where they were enslaved in the Americas. What was found is significant not only in the sense that so many unknown lineages were tracked, but also regarding the fact that distinctions in genetics have been made. The centuries of mistreatment against Africans brought to America has impacted the structure of their genetics and DNA. 

A map of African Slave Trade Regions during the time period of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Queen Mother Kradin Goree. CC BY-SA 4.0

To conduct the current study, researchers compared Mountain’s genetic database with a historical one, Slave Voyages, which holds massive amounts of information about slavery, such as numbers of enslaved men, women and children along with embarkment and disembarkment points. From this historical database, researchers were able to align information. This allowed historians and scientists to discern that 5.7 million people were forced to migrate from West Central Africa to the Americas, explaining why so many African Americans today trace their lineage to Nigeria.

Another finding was that women’s DNA made up much more of the current population’s DNA than males, and European ancestry was common in African American descendants. The study reveals that enslaved women in the United States gave 1.5 times more to the modern-day gene pool of African American people than enslaved men. Additionally, European women contributed three times less to the current gene pool of African Americans than European men. Eric Depradine, a Kansas City, Missouri, resident who participated in the study, said, “It’s part of us, whether we like or not. It’s painful; it sucks having to talk about how our grandmothers were treated a long time ago. Unfortunately we can’t do anything about that in 2019 but just recognize that’s part of us and just don’t let those stories fade into oblivion.” This reveals how deeply rampant sexual assault by European owners was against female slaves, and how that impact on the heritage of many African Americans cannot be ignored.

The 23andMe study has helped merge historical and genetic findings together to bring forth the realities of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. According to the project’s website, the researchers intend to expand the study with the help of funding from the National Institutes of Health in order to “help alleviate some of the existing disparities in genetics research between people of European ancestry and people of African, Latino and Asian ancestry.” Their ultimate goal is to provide genetic insights for populations underrepresented in the studies of genetics and health.

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Renee Richardson

Renee is currently an English student at The University of Georgia. She lives in Ellijay, Georgia, a small mountain town in the middle of Appalachia. A passionate writer, she is inspired often by her hikes along the Appalachian trail and her efforts to fight for equality across all spectrums. She hopes to further her passion as a writer into a flourishing career that positively impacts others.