On February 28th, 2024, the Ghanaian parliament passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Act, a bill intended to criminalize a wide array of LGBT activities. Even for a country with a poor record on LGBT rights, the bill is repressive: same-sex relations, heretofore vaguely defined as “unnatural carnal knowledge” by the law, are explicitly criminalized. Nevertheless, the bill is not yet law. While it has passed parliament, it does not go into effect until signed by the president of Ghana, which President Nana Akufo-Addo has not done. Why not?

Turkey's controversial withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention raises questions about the nation's stance on women's rights and combating domestic violence. While the government claims to be prioritizing its interpretation of family values and social norms, critics argue this may be a political maneuver. The decision highlights the tension between international human rights standards and national sovereignty, revealing the complexities of implementing global agreements within diverse cultural contexts. 

Though the latest United States Human Rights Report praises the government’s recent strides toward reform, there continue to be obstacles to accessing sexual and reproductive health services.