A factory of Chinese automaker Zeekr.

In response to the success of Chinese electric vehicle, or EV, exports, the U.S. and Europe have opened investigations into Chinese automakers, focusing on aspects of the competition that are deemed unfair or unsafe. But another reason for concern over imports of Chinese-made EVs is so far neglected: human rights violations.

Ugandan security forces patrol opposition neighborhoods.

In Uganda, a new transport monitoring system, which recently began rolling out in Kampala, will soon allow authorities to constantly observe every vehicle on the road. But the controversial project has been criticized by human rights activists as a violation of the right to privacy, in a country known for suppressing political dissent.

A health worker vaccinates a child against malaria western Kenya.

As 2023 drew to a close, it was easy to feel like the world was trending in the wrong direction. Nonetheless, behind the many “bad news” headlines from last year are a number of other “good news” stories that didn’t get as much press coverage. To usher in 2024, here are some reasons for hope in the New Year ahead.

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