Human Security Centre Human Rights and International Security Research

The 2019 IAEA general conference offered a refreshing demonstration of commitment and support for an international organisation.

The 2019 PIF offers a glimmer of hope for engagement. However, it simultaneously moderates what to expect at upcoming climate summits.

Between 28 and 29 June 2019, Japan hosted the 14th annual G20 summit. Occurring at a time of peaking international tensions – particularly in terms of trade and environmental issues – the 2019 summit tested the resolve and priorities of the international community.

In May 2019, the OHCHR released a report that concluded North Korea was failing to provide its citizens with a number of basic rights – including an adequate standard of living.

The horrific scale of fatalities and types of crimes committed in Rwanda in 1994, shocked the globe and rightly triggered powerful shifts in reform and practice for the international domain.

With the first month of 2019 already concluded, the triumphs and shortfalls of 2018 appear increasingly distant, with new issues and priorities quickly taking their place. However, with many governments only recently returning to full function after their New Year breaks, now is an opportune time to reflect on the year that was and contemplate what lies ahead for 2019.

Whilst not an easy task, the potential establishment of a US national space forces serves as a cautionary reminder that space is no longer the unknown, but a tangible domain for human exploration and exploitation.

Despite its shortfalls, the UN Human Rights Council remains a critical element in the international community’s ability to protect and promote human rights.

Optimistically, there is a chance that 2018 will be studied in the future as a positive watershed in nuclear proliferation and diplomacy. However, there is an equal chance that 2018 will be hallmarked by errors and nuclear instability.

With almost a year having past since the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, now is a timely opportunity to examine the agreement's significance.