International Law Blog Postings

Five years ago, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted Resolution 55/76 designating 20 June every year as World Refugee Day in honor of the courage, endurance, and spirit of the millions of people uprooted by war, civil conflict, or ethnic persecution, and to honor the staff and volunteers dedicated to providing services and aid to the world's refugees and asylum seekers. Continue Reading

On 16 May 2005, Kuwait's democratic parliament approved a bill granting women the right to vote and run for public office. Within the past two weeks, the Kuwaiti government has demonstrated commitment to the democratic ideals embodied in this reform by appointing two women to Kuwait's 16-member Municipal Council and one woman as the first female Cabinet Minister. These landmark appointments signify tangible evidence towards the realization of full political rights. Still, progress remains threatened by legal provisions applicable only to women and by constitutional challenges proposed by opponents to women's suffrage. Continue Reading