Feed aggregator

Le président américain affirme que sa menace concerne les meurtres de chrétiens, bien que les experts affirment qu'il n'existe aucune preuve qu'ils soient disproportionnellement visés.

Le président américain affirme que sa menace concerne les meurtres de chrétiens, bien que les experts affirment qu'il n'existe aucune preuve qu'ils soient disproportionnellement visés.

FC Bayern München meldet Rekordumsatz von 978,3 Millionen Euro. Vorstandschef Dreesen betont die Notwendigkeit von Kreativität im Wettbewerb mit finanzstärkeren Klubs. Diese müssten für ihr Geld nicht so hart arbeiten.

Une étape significative vient d’être franchie dans le mégaprojet stratégique de la ligne ferroviaire Béchar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet. L’Agence nationale d’études et de suivi de la réalisation […]

L’article Ligne ferroviaire Bechar-Tindouf-Gara Djebilet : Le méga-projet entre dans sa phase ultime est apparu en premier sur .

L’excellence de la production de dattes algériennes a été saluée par le guide culinaire, TasteAtlas. Dans son nouveau classement des meilleures dattes au monde, le […]

L’article Les dattes algériennes séduisent : TasteAtlas les classe parmi les 25 meilleures au monde est apparu en premier sur .

Tanzania: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Tanzania

Tanzania: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Tanzania

Tanzania: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the elections in Tanzania

Ein 34-jähriger Mann wurde in einem Nachtclub in Rümlang ZH mit einer Stichwaffe verletzt. Die Polizei verhaftete einen 26-jährigen Tatverdächtigen in Aargau. Die Ermittlungen zum genauen Tathergang dauern an.

Bei einer Messerattacke in einem Zug nahe der englischen Kleinstadt Huntingdon wurden zehn Menschen verletzt, darunter neun lebensbedrohlich. Acht Minuten nach dem ersten Notruf verhaftete die Polizei zwei Männer. Das Protokoll der Tat.

BOMARE COMPANY, entreprise algérienne pionnière dans l’industrie électronique et technologique, annonce le lancement officiel de la nouvelle gamme de produits informatiques de sa marque STREAM. […]

L’article STREAM, la marque de BOMARE COMPANY, dévoile sa nouvelle gamme de produits informatiques est apparu en premier sur .

Seit Anfang September ist die Zahl der Schutzstatus-S-Anträge von 18- bis 22-jährigen Ukrainern in der Schweiz gestiegen. Rund 1000 Personen dieser Altersgruppe stellten ein Gesuch.

Das Traubenpressen mit nackten Füssen ist die älteste Technik der Weinbereitung überhaupt. In Portugal gehörte das gemeinsame Stampfen der Trauben zur Weinlese dazu. Zurzeit erlebt die sanfte Methode ein Revival. Das steckt dahinter.

Schockmoment bei S'Rindlisbachers: René Rindlisbacher kollabierte am Samstagabend bei einer Vorstellung auf der Bühne. Die Vorstellung wurde abgebrochen. Gegenüber Blick gibt der Komiker jetzt Entwarnung.

Was ist jetzt, fragt sich Kolumnist Werner Vontobel: Brauchen wir dringend Arbeits- und Fachkräfte, oder brauchen wir mehr Milliardäre? Beides beisst sich.

Dass die einst britische Marke MG unter chinesischem Dach nicht nur günstige, sondern auch technisch hervorragende E-Autos bauen kann, beweist der neue Edel-SUV IM6. Im ersten Test auf Schweizer Strassen wirds mit irren 751 PS feurig!

Au Bénin dans le cadre d'une visite de travail et d'amitié, le président du Parlement sénégalais a effectué une descente dans la cité historique de Ouidah, ce samedi 1er novembre 2025. Après avoir visité différents sites et projets touristiques en cours de réalisation, El Malick NDIAYE a salué les efforts de développement du tourisme mémoriel au Bénin.

Invité du président de l'Assemblée nationale à l'ouverture de la seconde session ordinaire de l'année 2025, le président du Parlement sénégalais a fait une visite d'immersion à Ouidah ce samedi 1er novembre 2025. El Malick NDIAYE a visité le temple des pythons, et la Basilique de l'Immaculée conception qui fait face. Le chef du Parlement sénégalais a noté à cette étape, la présence de la mosquée située juste à côté du temple des pythons. Occasion pour lui de saluer la collaboration pacifique entre les religions au Bénin.
Après cette étape, l'hôte de Louis VLAVONOU s'est rendu à la forêt sacrée de Kpassè, la Route de l'Esclave, en plein chantier où il a pu se plonger avec toute sa délégation, dans le souvenir de la place des enchères de Ouidah, de la maison fleurie, de l'arbre de l'oubli, des cases Zomaï, du Mémorial du Souvenir, de l'Arbre du Retour et de la Porte du Non-Retour.

Au terme de sa visite, El Malick NDIAYE a salué les actions en cours au Bénin pour développer le tourisme mémoriel. « Je dois aussi saluer les efforts qui ont été fournis par le président Patrice TALON et le gouvernement du Bénin, à savoir développer le tourisme que je pourrais appeler le « tourisme mémoriel ». « Tout est en chantier parce qu'il veut faire de Ouidah la capitale touristique du Bénin », a-t-il confié. Les autorités sénégalaises a-t-il annoncé, vont s'inspirer de l'exemple du Bénin. Et à cet effet, il entend inviter le ministre sénégalais du tourisme à effectuer une visite à Ouidah, afin de « transformer Gorée et tous les sites mémoriels du Sénégal avec un vrai parcours touristique, un bon aménagement et toutes les infrastructures qui conviennent pour développer ce tourisme-là, qui est l'un des piliers économiques de nos différents pays ».

F. A. A.

Amitabh Behar speaks to IPS at ICSW2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. Credit: Zofeen

By Zofeen Ebrahim
BANGKOK, Nov 2 2025 (IPS)

Speaking to IPS on the sidelines of the International Civil Society Week in Bangkok (November 1–5), Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International and a passionate human rights advocate, highlighted his concerns about rising inequality, growing authoritarianism, and the misuse of AI and surveillance. Yet, he expressed optimism that, even as civic spaces shrink, young people across Asia are driving meaningful change. He also shared his vision of a just society—one where power is shared, and grassroots movements lead the way.

Excerpts from the interview:

IPS: What does civil society (CS) mean to you personally in today’s global context?

Behar: In an age of grotesque and rising global inequality, civil society is ordinary people challenging elites and the governments that are elected to serve them. It’s the engine that keeps democracy from being just a mere formality that happens at a ballot box every four years.

IPS: What was the role of CS society in the past? How has it evolved? How do you see it in the next decade?

Behar: During Asia’s economic miracle, governments invested in public services while civil society worked alongside unions to defend workers’ rights and speak up for communities. Today, with austerity and rising authoritarianism around the world, civil society is stepping in where governments should be but are currently failing. It runs food banks, builds local support networks, and defends citizens and workers even as basic freedoms and the right to protest are increasingly under attack.

IPS: What do you see as the greatest challenge facing CS today?

Behar: A tiny elite not only controls politics, media, and resources but also dominates decisions in capitals around the world and rigs economic policies in their favor. Rising inequality, debt crises, and climate disasters make survival even harder for ordinary people, while repressive governments actively silence their voices.

IPS: What’s the most significant challenge activists face when it comes to democracy, human rights or inclusion? 

Behar: Authoritarian governments crush dissent and protests with laws, surveillance, and intimidation. AI and digital tools are now being weaponized to track and target and illegally detain protestors, deepen inequality, and accelerate climate breakdown, all while activists risk everything to defend democracy and human rights.

IPS: How can civil society remain resilient in the face of shrinking civic spaces or restrictive laws?

Behar: From protests in Kathmandu to Jakarta, from Dili to Manila, one encouraging theme is emerging: the courage, inspiration, and defiance of young people. Gen Z-led movements, community networks, and grassroots campaigns are winning real change, raising wages, defending workers’ rights, improving services, and forcing action on climate disasters. Despite the immense odds, we will not be silenced. This is our Arab Spring.

IPS: Can you give examples from recent days that indicate that the work of CS is making a difference? Has the outcome been (good or bad) surprising?

Behar: In cities across Asia, Gen Z-led protests are winning higher wages, defending workers’ rights, and forcing local authorities to respond to youth unemployment and climate threats.

IPS: In your experience, what makes partnerships between civil society actors most effective?

Behar: Partnerships work when civil society groups trust each other and put the people most affected at the center. When local networks, youth groups, and volunteers coordinate around community leadership, as in cyclone responses in Bangladesh, for example, decisions are faster, resources reach the right people, and the work actually makes a difference.

IPS: How can civil society collaborate with the government and the private sector without losing its independence?

Behar: Civil society can work with governments and businesses strategically when it genuinely strengthens people’s rights rather than erodes them. But the moment politicians or corporations try to co-opt, stage manage or greenwash their work, civil society can be compromised. Real change only happens when communities set the priorities, not politicians or CEOs.

IPS: What are the biggest strategic choices CSOs need to make now in this shrinking civic space or rising pushback?

Behar: When governments erode rights across the board, from reproductive freedom to climate action, to the right to protest, civil society can’t just stay on the back foot. It must fight strategically, defending civic space, backing grassroots movements, and focusing power, time, and resources where they matter most. The core struggle is inequality, the root of nearly every form of injustice. Striking at it directly is the most strategic way to advance justice across the board.

IPS: In your view, what kinds of alliances (across sectors or geographies) matter most for expanding citizen action in the coming years?

Behar: The alliances that matter are the ones that actually shift power and resources away from the elites. Young people, women, Indigenous communities, and workers linking across countries show governments and corporations they can’t ignore them. When those on the frontlines connect with the wider world, people’s movements stop being small and start changing the rules for everyone.

IPS: How can the marginalized voices be genuinely included in collective action?

Behar: Marginalized voices aren’t there to tick a box or make up the numbers. At spaces like COP in Brazil this year, they should be calling the shots. Indigenous people, women, and frontline communities live through the consequences of rampant inequality every day in every way conceivable. It’s time we pull them up a chair at the table and let them drive the decisions that affect their lives.

IPS: Are emerging technologies or digital tools shaping the work of CS? How? Please mention both opportunities and risks.

Behar: Across Asia, Gen-Z activists are leading protests against inequality and youth unemployment, using digital tools to mobilize, amplify, and organize. But AI and intrusive surveillance now track every post and monitor every march, giving governments even greater powers to violently clamp down on civil society.

IPS: How do you balance optimism and realism when facing today’s social and political challenges?

Behar: I’m optimistic because I see ordinary people, especially young people, refusing to accept injustice. They’re striking, protesting, and building communities that protect each other. But we have to be realistic about the challenge, too. Obscene levels of inequality, worsening climate disasters, and repressive governments make change hard. Yet, time and again, when people rise together, they start to bend the rules in their favor and force the powerful to act.

IPS: What advice would you give to young activists entering this space?

Behar: Keep your fire but pace yourself. Fighting for justice is exhausting, and the challenges can feel endless. Look after your mental health, lean on your community, and celebrate the small wins that can keep you energized for the next challenge. The fight is long, and staying strong, rested, and connected is how you’ll keep on making a difference.

IPS: If you could summarize your vision for a just and inclusive society in one sentence, what would it be?

Behar: A just and inclusive society is one where the powerful can’t rig the rules, the most vulnerable set the agenda, and fairness runs through every policy.

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

Follow @IPSNewsUNBureau
!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?'http':'https';if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+'://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js';fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, 'script', 'twitter-wjs');   Related Articles

• Defending Democracy in a “Topsy-Turvy” World
• Climate Finance Will Be the First Casualty of Rising Militarism: Ali T. Sheikh Warns Ahead of COP30

Der FCZ steckt in der Sackgasse. Die Kolumne von Felix Bingesser ist ein offener Brief an Ancillo Canepa.

Die RSF-Rebellen im Sudan schlachten Zivilisten ab. Über 10 Millionen Menschen sind auf der Flucht. «Wenn die Situation ausser Kontrolle gerät, fördert das illegale Migration», warnt Premier Kamil Idris – und fordert mehr Hilfe von der Schweiz.