Steve Cockburn

112 Israeli strikes in one day, March 18, 2025.
465 deaths.
Only 16 were Hamas members.
On average, nine family members killed alongside them

PM words on Gaza: 29 July 2025 Prime Minister Keir Starmer's words on Gaza.

Recognising the Palestinian state would be right.

But how can the current catastrophe possibly be described simply as ‘a catastrophic failure of aid’ rather than a deliberate Israeli strategy of starvation?

www.gov.uk/government/s...

Clear, correct, brave.

Israel's leading human rights organisation calls the deliberate destruction and starvation of Gaza what it is - genocide.

What is stopping everyone else from saying the same?

www.btselem.org/publications...

FT Editorial: "Unless the Israeli government agrees to an immediate end to the war and a surge of aid into Gaza, western countries should be sanctioning Netanyahu and his government." www.ft.com/content/69d5...

Wonderful moustaches!

Respecting Human Rights Official home of the IOC. Find the latest news and featured stories, information about IOC members plus Olympic principles, values and legacy.

The IOC has a human rights policy embedded in the Olympic Charter. The race for the 2036 Olympics will be a huge test of whether it is serious. Not just for Qatar, but for all those bidding. India, Turkey, Chile, Germany and Indonesia all have hats in the ring too.

www.olympics.com/ioc/human-ri...

Qatar confirms bid to host 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Qatar has every right to bid for the 2036 Olympics - but the IOC must ask what it has done to compensate the workers who suffered to make the World Cup happen, and prevent a repeat. Sports bodies cant just go from one event to the next while workers await justice.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/650...

This is a policy that would be dismissed as completely extremist even a year or two ago. And it’s now being proposed by the leader of the opposition.

If a Brit married someone born overseas and had a (British!) disabled child, for example, they would be cut off from state support under this plan.

"For some, genocide is profitable” - UN Special Rapporteur lambasts companies for profiting from the destruction of Gaza as well as Israel's apartheid and illegal occupation. States must step in and stop the economy of genocide.

Stars, Stripes, and Double Standards The U.S. will co-host the World Cup in a year's time. Will journalists, fans and watchdogs hold it to the same standard as Qatar? Or will American exceptionalism shield it from critique?

The U.S. will co-host the World Cup in a year's time. Will journalists, fans and watchdogs hold it to the same standard as Qatar? Or will American exceptionalism shield it from critique?

www.sportspolitika.news/p/trump-worl...

World Cup: A year out, growing attacks on rights Largest-ever sporting event poses major risks for fans, workers and athletes

The 2026 men’s World Cup kicks off one year from now, amidst an escalating crackdown on human rights in the US.

Real risks to fans, journalists, residents and players.

The militarised crushing of protest in LA is a warning.

With @sportrightsall.bsky.social

www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...

This is a big and crucial step from @ituc.bsky.social - formally challenging Saudi Arabia to reform its labour laws and protect millions of migrant workers from exploitation.

And on the same day as the ILO announces a new partnership with Saudi Arabia too.

Time for action...

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Migrant domestic workers in Saudi Arabia face severe exploitation. Kenyan women hired as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia endure grueling, abusive and discriminatory working conditions.

Kenyan women hired as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia endure gruelling, abusive and discriminatory working conditions, which often amount to forced labour and human trafficking.

Our new report, out now 👇

Hugely important research from Fair Square showing familiar failures to prevent, investigate and verify migrant worker deaths in Saudi Arabia.

With such huge projects underway, and a World Cup to prepare, serious labour reform is a matter of life and death.

FairSquare co director @lynchj.bsky.social in conversation with the BBC Today programme on our prediction of a surge in unexplained deaths in Saudi Arabia.

In the real world, however, Keir Starmer also used the words “incalculable damage”. And as importantly, none of the levers he pulled fix the “problem”:

Extraordinary and chilling moment at the UN. Relief chief Tom Fletcher accuses Israel of using starvation “as a bargaining chip.” Urges the Security Council to act decisively to prevent genocide in Gaza.

🧵 A new report by Amnesty International reveals how Kenyan domestic workers in #SaudiArabia endure grueling, abusive and discriminatory conditions, which often amounts to forced labour and human trafficking.

One positive note - the women we spoke to were receiving support and help from some incredible organisations including Trace Kenya and Azadi Kenya.

The support and solidarity they provide have been essential to helping these women rebuild their lives.

Saudi Arabia: Migrant domestic workers face severe exploitation, racism and exclusion from labour protection Kenyan women hired as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia endure grueling, abusive and discriminatory working conditions.

As Saudi Arabia prepares the 2034 World Cup, attention will focus on the conditions of male construction workers - and the urgent reforms needed to protect them.

This report is a reminder: dont forget the 4 million domestic workers who need protection too.

www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...

The women were often locked in their homes, unable to leave. They are also locked out of Saudi Arabia's labour protections - since domestic workers are not covered by the country's labour law, these women face far weaker safeguards than others.

Widely lauded labour reforms have had little impact

Much of the abuse the women suffered was fueled and shaped by persistent anti-Black racism - most women described as being called monkeys or slaves, and treated as possessions.

The East African slave trade and later British colonialism continue to cast a long shadow.

Amnesty interviewed 72 Kenyan women who returned from working in Saudi Arabia. The conditions they faced:

❌At least 16h work per day, with no days off
❌Wages averaging 50 cents per hour
❌Sleeping on the floor, eating rotten food
❌Physical and sexual abuse
❌Phone and passport confiscation

Saudi Arabia: Migrant domestic workers face severe exploitation, racism and exclusion from labour protection Kenyan women hired as domestic workers in Saudi Arabia endure grueling, abusive and discriminatory working conditions.

New @Amnesty report reveals the severity of exploitation and racism faced by Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia - who remain locked out of the country's labour law protections.

Saudi Arabia says it's changing, but behind closed doors it's a different story.

www.amnesty.org/en/latest/ne...

Met these two outside St James Park yesterday - walking 1400 miles from Teeside to Benidorm, carrying a fridge, to raise money for mental health and suicide awareness.

Please give them some love (and money) onemanandhisfridge.com/donate/

#NEWCHE

This whole week in Madrid, I have been lobbying for more spaces for Afghan women in exile. This is excellent news. Congratulations to everyone for advocacy especially my colleague @stevecockburn.bsky.social for updating us and working on it along with others at Sport & Rights Alliance 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!!

Today, we have written to Darren Eales, CEO at NUFC, regarding the consultation process of the proposed change of the Newcastle United crest.

You can read our letter here 👇

📢 Big breakthrough - FIFA announces creation of an official Afghan women’s refugee team.

Much still to do but a crucial step towards recognition and massive kudos to the incredible players leading this campaign! 👏⚽️

inside.fifa.com/organisation...