Emojis with Disabilities Means Inclusion

THE WEEK IN RIGHTS | FEBRUARY 14, 2019 Emojis with Disabilities Means Inclusion

Photo © 2019 Apple Emoji is thought to be the world’s fastest-growing language. It is only right that people with disabilities, as the world’s largest minority, are represented in, and able to access, culture and communication like this equally. Later this year, smartphones will have 59 new emojis representing people with disabilities. The new icons include men and women with a range of disabilities. There will be people with a white cane, with a service dog, with prosthetic limbs, using a wheelchair, and with a hearing aid. There is also an emoji of someone using sign language. There is still a long way to go for full inclusion and accurate representation of people with disabilities, but it is a big step forward to be included in the emojis. READ MORE »

Great News! Bahraini Footballer Goes Home to Australia Thailand has freed Bahraini refugee football player Hakeem al-Araibi threatened with extradition since November 2018 following global pressure from athletes, sports federations, and rights groups. READ MORE »   Emirati Woman’s Ordeal to Seek Protection from Abuse Hind Albolooki fled the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after receiving threats from family members for wanting to divorce an abusive husband. Her decision to flee says much about the lack of protection available to women in the UAE. READ MORE »   Will the US Deport Rapper 21 Savage? US Rapper 21 Savage wasn’t able to perform during Sunday’s Grammys Awards. Instead, the 26-year-old father of three was in US immigration detention. READ MORE »

IN MEMORIAM Remembering Alison Des Forges, 10 Years Later Alison was a rock for Human Rights Watch’s Africa division, where she served as a senior advisor and led our Great Lakes work for nearly two decades. Her 789-page book, “Leave None to Tell the Story,” became the definitive account of the Rwandan genocide. READ OUR TRIBUTE »

Thank you for supporting Human Rights Watch! Follow Us On: Home | Take Action | Privacy | Manage email preferences | Unsubscribe Human Rights Watch | 350 Fifth Avenue, 34th Floor | New York, NY 10118-3299 USA | t 1.212.290.4700