The article discusses the impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on women, highlighting the patriarchal violence exacerbated by war and societal norms. It describes the plight of refugees in Masis, Armenia, and the trauma experienced by women and children due to domestic violence linked to the conflict. The piece includes interviews with activists and experts who address the increase in domestic violence, the societal expectations placed on women, and the normalization of violence due to war. It also touches on gender-selective abortions and the marginalization of women in politics. The article concludes with the efforts of the Feminist Peace Collective to unite women across borders against patriarchal oppression.

World AIDS Day 2023 emphasizes the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the importance of awareness, support for those living with HIV, and the commemoration of those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. The article discusses the significance of the red ribbon as a symbol of support, the current state of HIV treatment and infection rates, and the efforts of activists like Chris Vincent. Despite advancements in treatment, the virus remains a significant threat, particularly in regions like Southern Africa, East Europe, and Central Asia.

The right-wing extremist PVV, led by Geert Wilders, emerged as the largest party in the Dutch elections, securing 37 seats. This result has caused significant concern among the Muslim and migrant communities. Despite Wilders' attempts to present a milder image, his post-election speech was marked by strong anti-immigration rhetoric. The political landscape in the Netherlands is fragmented, with potential coalitions being discussed, but many parties have ruled out working with the PVV. The election results reflect a broader trend of political disillusionment and a shift towards extreme positions in the country.

The Netherlands is set to hold early parliamentary elections following the collapse of Prime Minister Mark Rutte's coalition over family reunification for refugees. Rutte, with the longest tenure in Dutch history, and D66 leader Sigrid Kaag have resigned amid threats and harassment. The VVD, now led by Dilan Yeşilgöz, faces competition from new and existing parties, including Pieter Omtzigt's NSC, a joint campaign by GroenLinks and PvdA led by Frans Timmermans, and Geert Wilders' far-right PVV. Polls show a close race among these parties, with notable decline for D66 and varying support for PVV. The BBB, led by Caroline van der Plas, has lost visibility despite previous success. Discussions on potential coalitions and the softening of PVV's stance are ongoing, with many voters still undecided ahead of the elections.

Protests in Rotterdam against the 2G rule and a nationwide fireworks ban escalated into violent riots, with hundreds of participants clashing with police. The unrest led to 51 arrests, with many participants being minors. Rotterdam's mayor and police officials condemned the violence, labeling the rioters as criminals rather than demonstrators. The police used live ammunition, aiming at the legs of rioters, resulting in injuries. National police and union leaders expressed concern over increasing violence against police, politicians, scientists, and journalists. The riots were linked to organized crime, with football hooligans among the participants. Similar unrest spread to other Dutch cities, leading to further arrests.

The article features an interview with Soldado Kowalisidi, a transman from Siberia, Russia, who fled to Ukraine and then to the Netherlands due to severe discrimination and violence. Soldado shares his experiences as an LGBTQ+ activist, the challenges he faced in Russia and Ukraine, and his life as a refugee in the Netherlands. The piece highlights the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance and the ongoing struggles of the trans community worldwide. Soldado's story underscores the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in hostile environments and the importance of finding a safe and accepting place to live.

The Netherlands is grappling with the fallout from the child benefits scandal, which saw the wrongful reclaiming of childcare subsidies, predominantly affecting migrant families. This led to severe financial distress and the removal of over 1,100 children from their families between 2015 and 2020. Key figures like Peter Kwint and Peter Omtzigt have called for further investigation and immediate government action to reunite affected families. Despite some compensation, many families still await justice. The scandal has had profound social impacts, including poverty and family breakdowns, as highlighted in the recent documentary 'Alone Against the State'.

Migrant workers in the Netherlands face exploitation and precarious conditions, often recruited from poorer EU countries by temporary employment agencies. These workers endure low wages, poor living conditions, and job insecurity, with many ending up homeless. The Dutch government is considering reintroducing licensing for employment agencies to address these issues. Organizations like FNV and La Strada are working to combat these exploitative practices, but face significant challenges. The article highlights personal stories and expert opinions to shed light on the systemic problems affecting migrant labor in the Netherlands.

Dutch environmental organizations won a court case against Shell, requiring the company to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. The court ruled that Shell's significant CO2 emissions pose a risk to the Netherlands and the Wadden Sea region. Milieudefensie, along with other groups and individuals, initiated the lawsuit, highlighting Shell's long-standing knowledge of the harmful effects of oil and gas. The ruling is expected to influence global legal actions and pressure other oil companies and politicians to adopt greener policies. Shell's defense that other suppliers would fill the gap if they reduced fossil fuel sales was rejected by the court. The article also mentions environmental damages caused by Shell in Groningen, Curacao, and Nigeria, and references a previous landmark case by Urgenda against the Dutch government.

Teakwood from Myanmar, prized for its durability and prestige, continues to enter the EU market despite a ban on imports that cannot prove sustainable and legal sourcing. The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) mandates market participants to verify the legality and sustainability of their wood sources, but enforcement is inconsistent across member states. Germany's stringent controls contrast with more lenient practices in countries like Italy, which remains a major importer. Experts suggest listing Myanmar's natural teak under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a potential solution, though cooperation from Myanmar's military regime is unlikely. The EU is also considering new legislation for deforestation-free supply chains.

The article explores the complex and often problematic nature of international adoptions, focusing on the experiences of Dilani Butink, a Dutch woman adopted from Sri Lanka. It highlights issues such as falsified documents, the 'White Saviour Complex,' and neocolonial attitudes. Investigations reveal that many international adoptions involved unethical practices, leading the Dutch government to halt such adoptions. Experts argue that the demand for healthy babies fuels corruption and that supporting local families would be more sustainable. The article also discusses the emotional and legal struggles faced by adoptees seeking their origins.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding the use of illegal teak wood from Myanmar in the restoration of the German Navy's training ship, Gorch Fock. Environmental organizations like WWF and the Environmental Investigation Agency criticize the EU and Germany for failing to enforce regulations against illegal timber imports. The article also highlights similar issues in the yacht-building industry, mentioning a megayacht for Jeff Bezos. The sentiment towards the involved organizations and individuals is largely negative, focusing on the ethical and environmental implications of using illegal teak.

Olexiy Ladyka, currently in Kramatorsk, describes the tense situation as residents prepare for potential Russian attacks. Despite the fear and anger, the community is actively supporting the military and organizing resources. Many have evacuated, but a significant number remain, determined to defend their city. The current conflict is contrasted with the 2014 situation, highlighting a stronger local resistance and unity against the Russian forces. Ladyka, though unable to continue his journalism work, uses social media to keep the public informed.

Lady Galore, a prominent drag queen from Amsterdam, discusses her journey, the challenges of being a drag queen, and her new book 'Glitter maakt alles beter'. The book serves as a biography, a guide to LGBTQIA+ terms, and a resource on mental health. Despite the Netherlands' liberal stance, Lady Galore highlights ongoing struggles for acceptance and safety within the LGBTQ+ community. She uses her drag persona for activism, aiming to bring attention to important issues. The interview underscores the importance of personality, drive, and creativity in becoming a successful drag queen.

The Netherlands faces significant challenges due to rising sea levels caused by climate change, with a quarter of the country already below sea level. The government aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 95% by 2050 and is investing in flood protection and renewable energy projects, including the construction of the world's largest wind turbine, Haliade-X. Despite these efforts, the country struggles to meet its energy goals, with sustainable energy currently accounting for only 14.2% of total energy consumption. The NVDE has introduced the Green Energy Day to highlight the need for increased sustainable energy use.

Teak, a highly prized hardwood, is increasingly popular among the mega-rich for yacht decks, despite EU sanctions against illegal timber trade following Myanmar's military coup. The European Timber Regulation aims to prevent illegal timber sales in the EU, but lacks a pan-European procedure, leading to illegal timber entering through countries like Italy, Croatia, and Greece. The Environmental Investigation Agency and Thünen Institute in Germany are investigating and testing timber origins, but face challenges due to mixed stockpiles and indistinguishable borders. Jeff Bezos's new mega-yacht by Oceanco and Germany's military training ship renovation have been linked to potentially illegal teak. Solutions include listing teak under CITES and using technology for logging area monitoring, while the EU is developing a supply chain law to curb illegal timber imports.

Amsterdam-based designer Zsofia Kollar is pioneering the use of human hair to create sustainable clothing through her initiative, Human Material Loop. By collecting hair from local salons, she aims to reduce waste and promote local production, thereby cutting down on CO2 emissions. The project has produced a prototype jumper made entirely of recycled human hair. The initiative aligns with the goals of organizations like Fashion Revolution, which advocate for a closed-loop system in the fashion industry to minimize environmental damage. Experts like Dieuwertje de Wagenaar and Yophi Ignacia support the use of existing materials to create sustainable solutions.

The Netherlands is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable hydrogen production, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. The Dutch government has set ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions and is investing in hydrogen fuel infrastructure, including wind turbine farms and hydrogen filling stations. Major companies like Tata Steel and Shell are involved in this transition, with plans to significantly reduce their carbon footprints. The article also highlights the upcoming COP26 conference and the importance of international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement in addressing global warming.

The Netherlands is focusing on green hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels, with the government being legally mandated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The country is hosting discussions on hydrogen strategies and launching projects like the Amsterdam hydrogen hub and the world's largest wind park by Vattenfall. Tata Steel plans to switch from coal to hydrogen by 2050, and Shell has opened hydrogen refueling stations. Public transport in Groningen is also adopting hydrogen, and Schiphol Airport aims to be emission-free by 2030.

The article discusses the trial of two suspects in the murder of Dutch investigative journalist Peter R. de Vries, highlighting the pervasive fear of organized crime in the Netherlands. The trial, which began this week, involves Delano G. and Kamil E., who are accused of carrying out the murder. The article details the ongoing investigations into the masterminds behind the crime, suspected to be local drug cartels. The piece also touches on the broader implications of the case, including the perception of the Netherlands as a narco-state and the government's efforts to combat organized crime. Key figures such as the prosecutor René de Beukelaer and the lawyer Peter Schouten provide insights into the case's significance and the challenges faced by the judicial system.

The LGBTQ+ community in Ukraine faces significant challenges, including limited legal rights, increasing hate crimes, and societal discrimination. Despite these obstacles, visibility and support for the community are growing, particularly through events like Kyiv Pride. Activists and organizations such as the National MSM Consortium and TERGO are working to improve conditions and raise awareness. The ongoing conflict with Russia has exacerbated the situation, leading to a rise in nationalism and radicalization. Efforts to educate and support LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth, continue amidst these difficulties.

Esther Goedvolk, a 56-year-old DJ from Amsterdam, has reignited her passion for music after overcoming personal challenges, including a severe health issue. She now performs under the name DJ 'Je Moeder' and aims to work full-time as a DJ, aspiring to play at major festivals like Lowlands. The article also highlights the experiences of the performance trio 'Lady Joker,' consisting of Liv Sublime, Laura Sestri, and India Zahra, who navigate the male-dominated music industry. Despite the challenges, they emphasize the importance of women claiming their space in the industry. The article underscores the gender disparity in music festivals, with a call for more female representation and support within the DJ community.

Royal Dutch Shell has been ordered by a court in The Hague to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030 in a landmark legal case initiated by Milieudefensie and other environmental organizations. The ruling, which is legally binding only in the Netherlands, marks the first time a company has been mandated to change its policy without financial compensation. The decision is expected to set a precedent for similar cases worldwide, pressuring oil and gas companies to reduce their fossil fuel investments. The case follows a successful climate lawsuit against the Dutch government by the Urgenda Foundation, highlighting the growing legal momentum for climate action.

Female participation in the Dutch election is at a record high, with 37% of candidates being women and 10 women leading political parties. Despite this progress, online sexism remains a significant barrier, with 10% of tweets directed at female candidates containing hateful or sexist comments. Sigrid Kaag, a prominent female politician, received a substantial amount of online abuse. This hostile environment discourages many women from pursuing political careers, as highlighted by Devika Partiman and Joelle Canisius. The Utrecht Data School's research underscores the prevalence of online misogyny, which perpetuates a patriarchal system and hinders gender parity in politics.

In the upcoming Dutch parliamentary elections, over half of the listed 37 parties are new, with a record number of female candidates. The conservative-liberal Volkspartei (VVD) leads the polls, but is expected to lose seats, followed by the right-wing populist Party for Freedom (PVV). Newcomers with a chance for seats include the right-conservative JA21, pro-EU Volt, 'citizen-democratic' Code Oranje, and left-leaning BIJ1. The high number of female candidates has highlighted issues of sexism and online harassment, with a study showing at least one in ten tweets directed at female politicians contained hate or sexism. Key targets of such harassment include D66's Sigrid Kaag and BIJ1's Sylvana Simons, with Groenlinks' Kauthar Bouchallikht facing additional racism and Islamophobia.

The Netherlands' upcoming election is dominated by right-wing parties, but Sylvana Simons of the left-wing BIJ1 is campaigning for equality and anti-racism. Despite facing significant hate speech, Simons and her party aim to represent marginalized groups. The article also highlights the experiences of other political figures like Sigrid Kaag, who faced criticism for wearing a headscarf in Iran, and the broader issue of racism in Dutch politics. BIJ1's chances of winning a seat are slim, while D66, a coalition party, is faring better.

The Netherlands experienced its worst street violence since 1980 due to riots against the government's COVID-19 curfew. Marcel R., a 56-year-old protester, voiced his dissatisfaction with the lockdown, mask requirements, and vaccination strategy, emphasizing the need to protect civil liberties. Frank den Hertog from the Dutch Institute for Public Health and Environment noted that the riots were more about societal issues than pandemic measures, highlighting the economic and educational disparities exacerbated by the pandemic.

Amsterdam's oldest gay bar, Spijkerbar, has temporarily renamed itself IKEA in protest against COVID-19 restrictions that have forced its closure. Owners Steven Koudijs and Tomas Adamer aim to raise awareness of the financial struggles faced by small businesses during the pandemic, highlighting the disparity between the closure of hospitality venues and the operation of large stores. Despite the name change, the bar remains closed under lockdown rules, with the municipality of Amsterdam confirming no legal consequences for the renaming. The bar, a symbol of freedom and community since 1978, is seeking financial support through crowdfunding to survive the pandemic.

Sami Felix recounts the day his childhood ended when men came to take him away to work as a cocoa farmer in the Ivory Coast. Families are deceived by promises of a better future for their children, leading to a cycle of child labor.

Lesbian couple Diana Sokołowska-Kostyk and Roksana left Poland due to increasing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment and conservative policies, including near-bans on abortion and the promotion of 'LGBT-free zones.' They relocated to the Netherlands after marrying in the UK, seeking a more accepting environment. The article highlights their personal journey, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Poland, and the broader political and social context driving their decision to emigrate.

In the center of Amsterdam, near Rembrandtplein and the flower market, there is a variety of dining options including an Argentine steakhouse and the fast-food chain Febo. Febo's concept features glass compartments filled with snacks like cheeseburgers and 'Frikandeln', with items labeled in Dutch and English. The article describes the experience of different groups of tourists interacting with the Febo system, including payment methods and reactions to trying the food, such as a hot 'Krokette'.

Southeast Asian countries, particularly Cambodia and Laos, continue to suffer from the deadly legacy of US bombings during the Vietnam War, with millions of unexploded ordnances still buried in the ground. These explosives, often resembling toys, cause numerous casualties, particularly among children. Despite decades of demining efforts, the region remains heavily contaminated. Organizations like APOPO have introduced innovative methods such as using trained rats for mine detection, significantly improving the efficiency and safety of demining operations. The article also discusses the ongoing challenges and the international support for clearing mines, including financial aid from the US during Obama's presidency and the controversial reversal of a landmine ban by the Trump administration.

The responsibility of UN troops for the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia remains controversial. Initiatives are calling for the voices of the victims to be heard. On July 11, 1995, Dutch UN unit Dutchbat, led by Thom Karremans, was overpowered by Ratko Mladić's forces, resulting in the Dutch handing over 25,000 refugees to the Bosnian-Serb military. Dutchbat soldiers, feeling abandoned by the UN and their own country, face ongoing criticism. The 25th anniversary of the genocide brings these issues back to the forefront, with public remembrance and calls for more attention in Dutch history education. Campaigns like 'Srebrenica is Dutch history' by Dutch citizens with Bosnian roots seek to establish a national monument in The Hague and increase the topic's presence in history lessons.

The article explores the history of Gay Pride and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, tracing its origins back to the Stonewall Inn uprising in New York City in 1969. It highlights the earlier homophile movement and key organizations like the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, Mattachine Foundation, and Daughters of Bilitis. The Stonewall Riots are depicted as a pivotal moment that led to the formation of the Gay Liberation Front and the first pride parades. The article also covers the spread of LGBTQ+ demonstrations in Europe and the establishment of EuroPride and WorldPride events. Despite progress, it notes ongoing challenges and counter-protests faced by the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.

Myrthe van der Houwen, a 19-year-old student from Enschede, Netherlands, experiences sexual harassment as a daily occurrence and has initiated an online petition to raise awareness and compel local authorities to take action. Despite the police's inaction, her petition has gained significant traction with over 16,700 signatures in three weeks. She has been invited by the local administration to present her concerns and is scheduled to meet with the mayor. The article discusses the challenges in addressing sexual harassment, the potential exacerbation of the issue during the COVID-19 crisis, and the societal and legal obstacles to combating it.

Laos is considered one of the most tolerant communist countries for the LGBTQ+ community, yet public awareness and acceptance remain limited. The organization Proud to be us (PTBU), founded by Anan Bouapha, plays a crucial role in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, supported by the United States Embassy. Despite the government's inclusion of HIV/AIDS prevention in its national agenda, public demonstrations like pride parades are still not permitted. Discrimination in education and employment persists, particularly for transgender individuals. Greater visibility and public discourse are needed to achieve true acceptance and equality for the LGBTQ+ community in Laos.

Couchsurfing, a network with 14 million members, connects people offering a free couch with those seeking accommodation. However, the platform's low barrier to entry and lack of mandatory identity verification have led to safety concerns, particularly after incidents of assault on women and gay men. Despite a safety team, Couchsurfing's response to such incidents is criticized for being insufficient. The article contrasts Couchsurfing's approach with Airbnb and Uber, which have more robust safety checks and features. The piece also discusses the misuse of Couchsurfing by some men to target women, and the importance of users taking personal safety precautions.

La Plantation, a pepper plantation in Bosjheng, Cambodia, is committed to ecological farming and development aid. Founded by Nathalie Chaboche and Guy Porré in 2013, the plantation employs locals and supports regional schools through the project 'Les Écoles de La Plantation'. The initiative provides financial aid, workshops, and scholarships to improve educational access and quality, addressing challenges such as poverty, long commutes, and high dropout rates. Despite government efforts to improve education, issues like inadequate facilities, teacher absenteeism, and corruption persist. The plantation's school is a beacon of hope, offering children a chance at education in a country still recovering from the Khmer Rouge's legacy.

In the Netherlands, abortion is legal under certain conditions, but the COVID-19 crisis is hindering access to abortion clinics, leaving many women without practical options. A petition initiated by Women on Waves and Bureau Clara Wichmann seeks to change this by allowing abortion pills to be sent by mail, accompanied by tele-counseling. The court in The Hague rejected this proposal, citing the continued operation of abortion clinics and the desire to maintain quality standards. The political youth organization DWARS is raising awareness and demanding a swift, bureaucratic-free solution. The social-democratic politician Lilianne Ploumen has publicly questioned the Health Minister Hugo de Jonge about considering a solution similar to the UK, where abortion pills can be taken at home up to the 10th week of pregnancy without a clinic visit. The minister has not yet responded.

Cambodia's national language recognizes a third gender, kteuy, but societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals lags behind. Despite regular gay pride events in Phnom Penh since 2003, same-sex relationships are not legally recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination laws. Activists like Sidara Nuon from the Cambodian Center for Human Rights are working to change this, advocating for marriage equality and anti-discrimination laws. Discrimination is prevalent in schools and families, with many LGBTQ+ individuals facing emotional and physical abuse. Organizations like APTBY provide support and resources for the LGBTQ+ community, but societal acceptance remains limited, especially outside major cities like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

Lebanon is considered the most liberal Middle Eastern country regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with significant events like Beirut Pride. Despite this, societal and legal challenges persist, including Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code, which criminalizes 'unnatural' sexual relations. NGOs like Proud Lebanon and Helem play crucial roles in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, offering legal, medical, and psychological assistance. The Lebanese Medical Association for Sexual Health (LebMASH) works to improve understanding of sexual health among professionals. While there have been positive legal precedents and a gradual shift in societal attitudes, strong conservative currents and censorship of LGBTQ+ content remain significant obstacles.

Pavel Stotcko and Evgenii Voitsekhovskii, a gay couple, fled Russia to the Netherlands after facing severe persecution following their same-sex marriage in Denmark. They describe the hostile environment for LGBTQ+ individuals in Russia, including threats, violence, and lack of legal protection. The interview highlights the broader issues of LGBTQ+ rights in Russia, the role of the authorities in perpetuating discrimination, and the dire situation for activists. The couple calls for legal reforms and greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in Russian society.

The article discusses the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Russia, highlighting the murder of activist Yelena Grigoriyeva, the anti-homophobia statement by the band Rammstein, and the oppressive laws against LGBTQ+ propaganda. It details the lack of anti-discrimination laws, the violence by radical groups, and the difficulties in organizing gay pride events. Despite these challenges, NGOs and activists continue to fight for equality and provide support, with initiatives like the Illuminator project and the LGBT Network offering legal assistance and emergency aid. The article also mentions a gay-friendly Airbnb in St. Petersburg, promoting safe spaces for LGBTQ+ travelers.

The LGBTQ+ community in Georgia faces significant challenges due to the strong influence of the Orthodox Church and conservative societal attitudes. Despite homosexuality being legal since 2000, public acceptance remains low, with frequent discrimination and hostility. Organizations like Equality Movement and Identoba are actively working to improve conditions, though progress is slow. Notable incidents include harassment during LGBTQ+ events and the lack of educational efforts on sexual diversity. However, there are signs of gradual improvement, particularly among the younger, Europe-oriented generation. The article highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights in Georgia and the efforts of activists to create a safer environment.