Author: Lindsay Harris

SEATTLE — Poverty in Paraguay remains a widespread issue despite the country’s recent economic growth. Inequality and corruption coupled with insufficient taxation have made the government unable to support poverty reduction programs. However, new programs making use of advanced technology are being implemented to eliminate poverty in innovative ways. Over the past several years, Paraguay has experienced a period of rapid economic growth. Despite this, extreme inequality has left out much of the country from the benefits. More than 30 percent of the population lives in poverty in Paraguay. Paraguay’s economic boom has been driven by agricultural exports. However, much…

SEATTLE — Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe. The country is largely reliant on the agricultural sector, but much of the rural population lives in poverty. A lack of job prospects and widespread emigration have led to extreme economic stagnation. Though some development has occurred recently, poverty in Moldova remains an issue plaguing the country. After declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Moldova became the poorest country in Europe. The country is still reeling from the collapse of the Soviet Union and its tumultuous transition to a market economy. Unpaved roads and abandoned buildings are…

SYDNEY — Nauru is a small island country used by Australia for “offshore processing” of asylum seekers. Those sent to the island are housed in horrible detention-like conditions and are not permitted to travel. A clear majority of asylum seekers sent to Nauru are considered refugees who legally require protection, but almost none are resettled. Therefore, refugees in Nauru are subject to extreme human rights abuses. Refugees and asylum seekers in Nauru are both abused and neglected by Australian health and service workers. Some refugees and asylum seekers have been treated so poorly that they have requested a return to their…

SEATTLE — Technology has been called a “double-edged sword” in the fight against human trafficking. With the introduction of more and more advanced technology each year, the ease of human trafficking is rising. However, law enforcement organizations, private sector data companies and small startups are beginning to find that technology can also be used to fight human trafficking. Law enforcement needs to constantly update its approach to combating human trafficking because of ever-evolving technology. Access to massive amounts of data can assist law enforcement with checking travel documents, performing background checks on suspicious individuals and shedding light on criminal behavior…

SEATTLE — With more than 7.4 million working children aged five to 17, Bangladesh has an extremely high rate of child labor. Child labor is both dangerous and detrimental to the development of children. Working children lack access to the education and play needed from a young age to lead a successful life. They are consequently unable to exit the cycle of poverty that causes families to depend on child labor in Bangladesh. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), child labor constitutes working a certain number of hours, depending on age and type of work, with harmful effects on…

SEATTLE — The U.S. has extremely low voter turnout. Many citizens believe their vote doesn’t count because of contested issues like gerrymandering, the electoral college and big money in politics. In addition to these common concerns, many Americans are simply apathetic about elections. So, why should you vote? Here are five common myths about elections, why they aren’t true and why voting matters: Politicians don’t listen to voters. Elected officials are called representatives for a reason: they represent you. One reason why voting matters is that it is the most effective way to hold your representatives accountable. They back the…

SEATTLE — Apple, Samsung and Sony are among the numerous well-known companies that stand accused of allowing child labor in the supply chain of their products. Cobalt is an essential ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, and most of it is mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in incredibly dangerous conditions. As a result, the high demand for cobalt has been accompanied by allegations that child labor powers smartphones and that the consumption of these products is complicit in human right violations. A 2016 Amnesty International report examines the typical supply chain by which child labor powers smartphones. Traders purchase…

SEATTLE — Mobile phones provide a lifeline for refugees fleeing their homes. Though often perceived as a luxury, mobile phones help refugees navigate new and confusing situations, stay in contact with people at home and research routes to get where they need to go. Refugees even check the news throughout their journey to determine the countries into which they are most likely to be allowed. Mobile phones help them stay in contact with people-smugglers who help them safely reach their destination. Aid organizations are taking advantage of migrants’ widespread access to the internet through mobile phones. The European Asylum Support…