Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!

Inside the "kafala" migrant labor system

The system has come under scrutiny over alleged human rights and labor abuses during the construction preceding the World Cup.
Foreign laborers make up the overwhelming majority of Qatar. The country's "sponsorship" system has come under scrutiny from human rights activists in the leadup to the World Cup.
Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

EU ramps up financial pressure on Hungary's right-wing government

Nov 8, 2022
The EU is withholding billions of euros in grants over concerns surrounding corruption and discrimination.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán faces mounting pressure over policies the EU says violate international standards.
Getty Images / ATTILA KISBENEDEK

Global brands address forced labor in China, but risk alienating Chinese consumers

Mar 25, 2021
A number of companies, though concerned about treatment of Uyghurs, appear to have tried to appease widespread consumer anger.
Some companies have protested the reported abuse of Chinese Uyghurs but face a backlash in the Asian nation.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Furious, China summons US ambassador over Hong Kong bills

Nov 28, 2019
The U.S. laws mandate sanctions on Chinese and Hong Kong officials who carry out human rights abuses in Hong Kong.
Pro-democracy protesters take part in a Thanksgiving Day rally at Edinburgh Place on November 28, 2019 in Hong Kong, China.
Chris McGrath/Getty Images

FIFA gets countries to bend laws all the time. Why nothing on LGBT laws in Russia?

Jun 1, 2018
FIFA and Russia lay down the law, but corporate sponsors have influence too.
Fans fly the rainbow flag before the game between New York City and Los Angeles FC at Banc of California Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California.
Harry How/Getty Images

From human trafficking victim to survivor

Apr 24, 2015
One woman describes her journey from invisible to visible.

In China talks, trade and human rights don't mix

Jul 23, 2012
Concern about China's human rights actions may be rising in the U.S., especially after its veto of U.N. sanctions against Syria, but they're not likely to be part of annual trade talks.

For public good, not for profit.

U.N. Human Rights Council condemns Syria

Mar 1, 2012
The U.N. Human Rights Council voted today to condemn the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad. The council says the regime's attacks against its own citizens may amount to crimes against humanity.

China and the U.S. have dueling human rights reports

Apr 11, 2011
Sunday night, China released a report detailing human rights abuses in the U.S. This came just after the U.S. released a report on human rights...