Around 70 countries in the world still criminalize same-sex relationships. In 11 of these countries, there is evidence of the death penalty occuring or being ‘allowed” for same-sex relationships. A quarter of the world’s population believes that being LGBTQI+ should be a crime.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis still sending shock waves across public health systems, governance structures and markets. In response, parliaments had to quickly adapt to the new environment by not only adjusting their procedures and operations to respond to quarantine demands, but also passing legislation to address the emergency.
From COVID to climate to quakes, crises have become the new normal. Around the world, governments are grappling with simultaneous emergencies and the situation is only going to get worse. Experts predict that children born this year will experience a sevenfold increase in extreme weather events compared to their grandparents.
The National Democratic Institute (NDI) has released the results of its latest national survey in Ukraine. According to the study, completed in July - August 2021, Ukrainians remain united in their desire for the country's democratic future. Although the overall mood in the country is less optimistic compared to previous waves, people in Ukraine are still politically engaged and are willing to provide their input to the government.