In Pakistan, unions and corporations pledge to work together to guarantee safety of garment workers
After years of campaigning, the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry is likely to improve the safety and welfare of workers in Pakistan
Palestinians strike in West Bank following death of freedom fighter Nasser Abu Hmeid in Israeli prison
Hmeid was diagnosed with cancer in August 2021. Appeals for his release from prison so that he may access better treatment were denied by the Israeli courts and prison authorities
Colombian guerrilla group ELN declares temporary unilateral ceasefire
The ceasefire is set to last from December 24 until January 2, 2023 “to create an atmosphere of peace” over Christmas and New Year. The announcement comes just days after the conclusion of the first round of peace talks between the ELN and the Colombian government
Tunisian parliamentary elections see voter turnout of less than 9%
These were the first parliamentary elections held under President Kais Saied’s new political system. All of Tunisia’s major political parties had called for a boycott of the elections
Israel forcibly deports Palestinian human rights activist Salah Hammouri to France
Israel revoked Salah Hammouri’s residency status in October 2021 and kept him in prison under administrative detention from March 2022 before deporting him on December 18
Greeks protest police killing of 16-year-old Roma youth
16-year-old Kostas Fragkoulis died eight days after being shot by a police officer allegedly because he did not pay EU 20 for gasoline. Left and progressive organizations have condemned the killing
Iran calls its removal from UN Women Commission illegal, against UN charter
The resolution for Iran’s removal from the UN commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) was placed by the US and its allies in the ECOSOC, with various countries, including China, Russia and Venezuela, questioning its legality
Rail workers across the UK begin massive strike action protesting substandard pay offer
The National Union of Rail, Maritime, and Transport Workers (RMT) has been at the forefront of the protests against the austerity-driven policies of the Tory government in the UK and the fight against the ongoing cost of living crisis