On Global Rights Defenders Podcast, you will hear from human rights activists worldwide. Tune in each week to hear how we, as listeners, can help.

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When Abiy Ahmed decided not to hold the national election in 2020, the Tigrayan People's Liberation Front (TPLF) decided to hold their own. The Prosperity Party (PP) refuses to recognize the TPLF, and in November 2020, Ethiopia's armed forced invaded Tigray. The dispute was only meant to last a matter of weeks, yet this passing month has marked the war's 1 year anniversary. The war in Ethiopia is intensifying. Tigray is now pushing for independence, and is forming coalitions with various ethnic groups. If they were to succeed, it could mean an economic collapse and overall destruction for the region. 

On this week's episode, Tigrayan activist, Teklehaymanot G. Weldemichel, joins us. He shares stories from his lived experiences, provides his opinion regarding the current affairs, and finally urges the international community to join in and show their support for Tigrayans.

To follow Teklehaymanot: Twitter -@TeklehaymanotG

Blog-https://teklehaymanotblog.wordpress.com/ 

**DISCLAIMER- In the podcast introduction, I said that Abiy Ahmed's political party was the Ethiopian People's Democratic Revolutionary Front (EPDRF) however that is incorrect. That was dissolved and replaced by the Prosperity Party

Episode 2: 'I No Longer Call Myself Ethiopian' - Says Tigrayan Activist

When India’s Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi passed the Farm Bill in 2020, the farmers rose up in revolt. Faced with the hardships from the global pandemic, and pre-existing inequities, the proposed farm bill would only add further strain. Farmers have little control over their sector which include issues around land ownership, irrigation, corruption, and unpredictable weather.  At the time this podcast was recorded, the protest had realized it’s one year anniversary.  The proposed laws work together to remove bargaining power from the farmers, all to keep them in a cycle of perpetual debt. Sixty percent of India’s 1.3 billion inhabitants rely on the agricultural sector, whereas only 11% contributes to India’s overall GDP.

***It should be noted, this podcast was recorded November 15th, 2021, four days before India PM Modi repealed the controversial reforms.

To keep up with Kavitha, check out her different activities:

Twitter - @KKuruganti

Alliance for Sustainable & Holistic Agriculture (ASHA) - https://www.kisanswaraj.in/about/

Forum for women’s farmers rights [Mahila Kisan Adhikaar Manch  (Makaam)] – https://makaam.in/about-us/

Episode 3: 'We Need to Visibilize the Invisible' - Says Indian Social Activist

In this special episode, Global Rights Defenders hosted Annabel Symington, the head of communications, advocacy & marketing for World Food Programme, Yemen. Annabel broke down the dire situation in Yemen, and urged the international community to act quickly.

Yemen currently faces an extreme humanitarian crisis, and as of January 2022 will have to cut half of its food rations due to lack of funds. As we all celebrate with our family's during this holiday season, let us not forget about those families who could use some extra love and support.

If you are interested in learning more, see the links below:

World Food Programme- wfp.org

Donate to the World Food Programme - https://donatenow.wfp.org/wfp/~my-donation?_ga=2.267594062.1509834250.1640592991-2067978171.1640592991&_cv=1

Share the Meal - https://sharethemeal.org/en/

Follow the World Food Programme on Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

or Follow Annabel Symington- @A_Symington

Episode 4: Yemen Needs Your Help

In this week's episode, Rai Jordan interviews Nicholas Coghlan, Canada's first resident diplomat in Khartoum, Sudan (2000-2003). He was also the first resident Canadian ambassador in Juba, the capital of the newly independent South Sudan. Coghlan and his wife, Jenny, were awarded the Meritorious Service Cross for their role in the evacuation of Canadian citizens from Juba when civil war broke out in late 2013.

In this episode, Rai and Coghlan discuss the current geopolitics of Sudan and South Sudan, analyze the role the US has played and continues to play in the country and region, and what it would mean if democracy were to fail and be replaced by autocracies. Moreover, the two also discussed potential outcomes if Sudan's political parties and their leaders were held accountable for their alleged war crimes, as well as the message it would send to the rest of the world.

If you want to keep up with Nick, you can follow him on twitter: @NicholasCoghlan or visit his website to see what him and his wife Jenny are up to: https://www.bosunbird.com/