Essays & Commentary
Explore the competing values, necessary tradeoffs, and implicit assumptions behind disagreements about human rights
Why Giving Israel Defensive Weapons Is Completely Justified Under Humanitarian Law
Does providing Israel with Iron Dome make other countries liable for potential violations of international law—or does protecting civilians remain justified regardless of Israel’s conduct?
Human Rights Watch Says Cluster Munitions Aren’t Worth the Risk. But Whose Risk Is It?
Human Rights Watch points out the dangers of cluster munitions. But are they better suited to decide on the relative risks than the government of Ukraine?
How ‘Occupation’ and ‘Genocide’ Became Justifications for Violence
Palestinian militants and many of their supporters have transformed legal concepts such as occupation and genocide into what amount to moral permission slips.
Flaws in International Law Were Exploited Against Israel at the ICC
Poorly conceived international law was exploited at the International Criminal Court to Israel’s detriment.
Self Determination: The Crucial Question That Hasn’t Been Asked
Rights come with responsibilities. Is the right of self-determination contingent on fulfilling any responsibilities at all?
If Israel Is ‘Sportswashing,’ Why Isn’t That Standard Applied to the World Cup?
Activists have long argued against sportswashing violations of human rights. So what about soccer’s World Cup kicking off this week in the US, Canada, and Mexico?
The Real Human Rights Violation Is Not Offering Gazans a Choice
Trump says Palestinians should be allowed to relocate. Arab leaders call it ethnic cleansing. But shouldn’t Palestinians themselves be the ones to make this choice?
Why Amnesty International Whispers About Hamas Yet Shouts About Israel
More than two years after Hamas perpetrated its massacre on Oct. 7, 2023, Amnesty International finally released a report documenting those crimes. But they’ve made it hard to find.
They Shouldn’t Ban Shechita, But Sure They Can
The International Court of Justice Ruled Against Israel; Then Its President Became PM of Lebanon
When the President of the International Court of Justice quits to become Prime Minister of Lebanon, it becomes yet another reason to suspect bias.
Mamdani Is Wrong About International Law — and Hamas
Mamdani believes conflicts would be resolved if only everyone would abide by international law. But it’s not that simple.
UN Human Rights Experts Want More War in Gaza
How can over thirty United Nations human rights special rapporteurs oppose a plan for a ceasefire?
Ramaphosa at the White House: South Africa’s Double Standard on Genocide
What Ramaphosa said at the White House to defend South Africa is nearly identical to claims made by Israel to refute the genocide and apartheid charges his country brought against it.
Doctors Without Borders and Sinister Intent
Had Doctors Without Borders recent, one-sided criticism of Israel made a mockery of their commitment to neutrality?
Condemn Israel, Starve Miners: South African Hypocrisy Makes a Mockery of Human Rights
While hypocrisy is as old as time itself, sometimes it is so flagrant, glaring, and infuriating that we can’t help but take note.