Current Global Issues Impacting Humanists – November 2025

Nov 02, 2025

Dear Fellow Humanists,

As we gather to reflect on our world and our shared values, today’s headlines offer both urgent challenges and opportunities for engagement. Here’s a snapshot of pressing global events affecting us as humanists, with discussion prompts for our next session:

Democracy and Justice Under Strain

- The struggle for democratic norms continues globally. In the United States, numerous controversies surround the upcoming elections, including alleged abuses of power, threats to independent election oversight, and prosecution of political rivals, raising deep concerns about the state of American democracy and the rule of law[1][2].

- Election-related violence and upheaval are not confined to the U.S. In Tanzania, post-election unrest has led to the tragic loss of life and internet shutdowns, challenging basic human rights and transparency. The African Commission is urging respect for fundamental freedoms and accountability for abuses[3].

- Meanwhile, public protests are erupting in Brazil over police violence, with residents demanding justice and reforms in the wake of deadly raids[4].

Human Rights at a Crossroads

- The Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the U.S. human rights record is underway at the United Nations, putting a spotlight on abuses against non-citizens, including immigration detention, denial of due process, and labor exploitation. Advocates are urging an end to for-profit detention and the restoration of asylum access[5][6].

- This weekend, thousands in America are organizing actions to demand justice and due process for immigrant families, reflecting growing grassroots engagement in defending human dignity[7].

- In Mongolia and other nations, international reviews continue to highlight human rights progress and setbacks, offering models for reform and solidarity[8].

Natural Disasters, Climate, and Recovery

- Hurricane Melissa recently devastated large portions of Jamaica and Haiti, leaving thousands without power and homes. Humanitarian response and recovery efforts are urgently needed, reminding us of shared vulnerability and the ethical imperative of global solidarity[4].

- In India, Indigenous women are leading efforts to protect their lands from climate change, highlighting the intersection of environmental justice and human rights[9].

What Can We Do?

- Amplify credible sources and stories defending democracy and equality.

- Support organizations advocating for transparency, accountability, and policy reforms at home and abroad.

- Discuss ways our fellowship can help locally—whether supporting immigrants, addressing climate impacts, or defending voting rights.

Let’s explore how these events connect to our humanist principles and consider actions we can take individually and collectively. I look forward to the rich, compassionate discussions we always share.

In solidarity,

Ward Hammond
Facilitator

Each section draws from today’s news and world events and is intended to nurture thoughtful conversation for our next gathering[4][5][1][6][2][3][7][9][8].

Citations:

[1] With Disinformation and Threats of Prosecution, Trump ... - UCS blog https://blog.ucs.org/liza-gordon-rogers/with-disinformation-and-threats-of-prosecution-trump-administration-targets-elections/

[2] The Next Phase of the Fight | Brennan Center for Justice https://www.brennancenter.org/events/next-phase-fight

[3] Press release on the human rights situation in the United Republic ... https://achpr.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2025-11-01/human-rights-situation-tanzania

[4] Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera

https://www.aljazeera.com

[5] US violates human rights of non-citizens: coalition report to UN ... https://rfkhumanrights.org/report/joint-submission-of-coalition-of-immigrant-rights-organizations-to-the-united-nations-universal-periodic-review-of-the-united-states/

[6] The Advocates Calls on Trump Administration to Participate in ... https://www.theadvocatesforhumanrights.org/News/A/Index?id=594

[7] This Weekend: “Disappeared In America” Actions Demand Justice ... https://www.citizen.org/news/this-weekend-disappeared-in-america-actions-demand-justice-and-due-process-for-immigrant-families/

[8] Mongolia’s human rights record to be examined by Universal ... - ohchr https://www.ohchr.org/en/media-advisories/2025/10/mongolias-human-rights-record-be-examined-universal-periodic-review

[9] Global Good News - Good news from around the world - 01 ...

https://globalgoodnews.com

[10] News Quiz for Nov. 1, 2025 https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/news-quiz-for-nov-1-2025-37185252

[11] How to spot November’s supermoon, the closest of the year https://apnews.com/article/november-supermoon-2025-6f607a83e00bea1fc97fcf2f57fa3529

[12] Latest news bulletin | November 1st, 2025 – Evening - Euronews.com https://www.euronews.com/video/2025/11/01/latest-news-bulletin-november-1st-2025-evening

[13] International News | Latest World News, Videos & Photos - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/International

[14] Sky News Breakfast | Saturday 1 November 2025 - YouTube

[15] Portal: Current events/November 2025 - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Current_events/November_2025

[16] World News: International Headlines, Breaking Reports and Video https://www.nbcnews.com/world

[17] Top stories in 90 seconds – DW – 11/01/2025 https://www.dw.com/en/top-stories-in-90-seconds/video-49496622

[18] The People’s Guide to the U.S. Supreme Court: 2025-2026 https://democracyforward.org/peoples-guide-scotus-25-26/

[19] TIME | Current & Breaking News | National & World Updates

https://time.com

[20] World Report 2025 | Human Rights Watch https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2025