In Jordan, a women-run initiative carries out recycling to both enhance their economic independence and to protect the environment. In a country with widespread violation of women’s rights, this initiative strives to bring about social change and to raise ecological awareness. Despite the many challenges they face while transforming their immediate environment, they are determined to continue their activities.

In Turkey, “We Are Students” Association offers a space for young people’s academic, cultural and social development, providing ample opportunities for youth’s equal access to and active participation in culture and arts. Through numerous activities in education, arts and sciences, they encourage young people to defend their rights. The association gives youth a platform to freely express themselves in creative projects.

In Greece, following the parliament’s approval of a bill allowing the opening of private universities, tens of thousands of students took protest action to criticize the controversialuniversity reform. They continued their action despite police intervention and violence. Students and faculty members maintained that such a move would hamper equal access to education and pave the way for the commodification and commercialisation of higher education.

In Turkey, workers that joined the Agriculture Worker’s Union (Tarım-Sen) to protect their labour rights against unfavourable and precarious working conditions at Agrobay Greenhouse were laid off. The workers organised a march from Izmir to Ankara to call attention to their working conditions and rights violations. Maintaining that their constitutional rights have been breached, workers have been struggling for months to claim their rights.

In Kenya, the unveiling of a finance bill, seeking to put the sovereignty debt burden on the shoulders of public through additional taxes, sparked mass protests in many cities led by young people. Protesters advocated that the bill would further strain the economy and increase the cost-of-living for a population that already suffers from financial hardships. As a result of their struggle, the bill was withdrawn.

In Turkey, founded to revive the long-forgotten traditions, language and history of Orthodox Christian community of Antioch, Nehna undertakes activities to promote the history and culture of Antakya. In the aftermath of the [devastating] earthquakes of February 6th, Nehna set up community kitchens and documented the culinary culture. By creating digital memory maps of the city, they continue efforts to preserve the multicultural nature of Antakya in solidarity with its inhabitants.

In Switzerland, a group of women organised under the name KlimaSeniorinnen, called attention to the negative impact of climate change on senior citizens, challenging the government’s inadequate climate policies and defending the right to life. The group filed a lawsuit against the government demanding carbon emission reduction that considers the global warming threshold. The Court ruled that Switzerland has failed to perform its duties, and concluded that climate targets should be set based on science. Thanks to this initiative, for the first time, climate action was considered in relation to human rights, marking a landmark achievement for future climate litigation.

In Australia, with the rise of as acts of violence against women and femicide got on the rise, nationwide mass protests were held, demanding declaration of national emergency and more stringent laws. During the protests, it was emphasised that instead of discussing the safety of women, it is imperative to fight against male violence.

In Turkey, Social Games and Street Arts Society, works with disadvantaged groups affected by wars, pandemics, and disasters, and enhances solidarity through various games and art activities. They use artistic tools in a unique way in their activities encouraging creativity and getting stronger together.

In the United Kingdom, anti-fascism protests took place in response to a series of far-right riots targeting migrants and ethnic minorities. Protesters gathered in many cities, carrying banners with messages of solidarity with the targeted communities, condemning racism and racist threats, and demanding inclusive policies.

In Turkey and Greece, a common voice is rising against the privatisation and transfer of coastlines. In Turkey, locals continue to protest the transfer of coastlines in the Aegean and Islands to private use under the motto “coastlines belong to all of us”; while in Greece, “The Towel Movement” calls for keeping at least 50% of all coastlines for public use, and undertakes actions to ensure the enforcement of laws.

In Iran, Mahsa Jina Amini’s death under morality police custody, sparked mass protests in the country, embodying the systematic oppression of women. Regardless of all the harsh punishment including execution, many groups including human rights activists, artists, lawyers, and students continue to voice their demands on women’s rights, freedom of expression and the need for a drastic change [in the country].

In Latin America, as part of their struggle for the right to abortion, women painted the streets in green on the International Safe Abortion Day. In Mexico, the Supreme Court’s ruling to decriminalise abortion was celebrated in public events; while in Argentine, there were mass protests against the president-elect Javier Milei due to his anti-abortion stance. In addition to abortion, protests also called attention to gender-based violence and violations of rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.

In Bangladesh, student protests against quotas in public sector jobs turned into a widespread uprising, resulting in Prime Minister’s resignation. The protests initiated by students and later joined by masses who have been struggling with poverty for years, paved the way for a historic change of government.

In Turkey, following the unveiling of a bill on putting stray dogs to sleep, animal rights defenders undertook simultaneous protests in many cities. Campaigns launched by animal rights organisations, statements issued by veterinaries against the bill, and individual campaigns altogether set a great example of solidarity of masses. The struggle continues for a future where all living beings are treated with the respect they deserve, and where their right to life is safeguarded.

In Israel and Palestine, people and organisations standing against violence as well as those that insist on living together, undertake protest action against genocide, take risks to bring visibility to the humanitarian crises, and relentlessly struggle for the right to life and human rights. We greet salute all courageous rights defenders who persistently strive to seek ways of living together regardless of ongoing policies of violence.