For years, human rights groups have been urging world leaders to hold China accountable for its alleged human rights abuses
There have been numerous reports of human rights abuses within China, but no clear way of holding the country to account.
In particular, reports of abuse against the Uyghur population in the Xinjiang province have sparked global concerns.
The UN Human Rights office released a report highlighting the brutality of abuse against muslim minorities in China.
The damning report confirms what human rights groups have been concerned about for years. It details victims accounts of “detention, torture, cultural persecution and forced labor.”
While, the UN Human Rights Office says it’s committed to supporting China to address the issues evident in the report, other groups say immediate action is required.
Non-governmental organisation, Human Rights Watch, is calling on Australia to join other leading nations in making Chinese crimes against humanity punishable.
The organisation wants to see China exposed to sanctions, starting with legislation to prevent the import of any goods made with forced labor.
The group wants businesses, states and the international community to take action.
Holding China accountable
While the reports of China’s abuse in the Xinjiang region are horrific, world leaders seem to be finding it difficult to hold the communist country accountable. It raises questions about where accountability comes from and how it is policed.
Human Rights Watch want the Australian Government to move in line with other leading nations like the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada to target China’s behaviour.
They want businesses to stop importing goods that are manufactured through forced labor, and a new legislation in place to enforce it.
However, thousands of Australian businesses rely heavily on China’s manufacturing hubs.
For some, they’re the backbone of their survival. So is it fair or realistic to put this expectation and responsibility on Australian business owners?
However, the level of complexity attached to a problem shouldn’t justify turning a blind eye to it.
Australia lagging behind
The EU, US, UK and Canada have all made significant efforts to tackle China’s alleged human rights abuses.
They have taken a stand by implementing acts and legislation to deter China’s behaviour. The United States, for example, has the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which provides customs authorities increased powers to enforce bans on imports from forced labor.
This has many wondering why Australia hasn’t taken any concrete action to condemn China’s human rights abuses.
Tensions between Australia and China have been at an all time high since Australia moved to investigate the origins of the coronavirus.
Some say Australia is concerned for the repercussions and consequences of holding China accountable on the global stage.
Does China care about sanctions?
As a communist country, China has shown time and time again that it does not mind being an outlier on the global stage.
Some say that targeted sanctions will not deter or stop the abuse against ethnic minorities. While others say if a coalition of countries band together to call out the abuse, then it is more likely to have a real impact.
Double standards
Many countries around the world has or has had reports of human rights abuses in one way or another.
Soon, Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which in largely known for its human rights abuses. In particular, there have been reports of human rights abuses during the construction of the stadiums required for the cup.
However, all of the countries who are now taking a stand against China are heading to the world cup. It raises questions of hypocrisy and whether leading Governments are selecting who they hold accountable based on their own political rhetoric.
Are world leaders picking and choosing where justice falls?
Holly is an anchor and reporter at Ticker. She's experienced in live reporting, and has previously covered the Covid-19 pandemic on-location. She's passionate about telling stories in business, climate and health.
YouTube sensation Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, is set to embark on a groundbreaking venture with Amazon MGM Studios, unveiling plans for a new reality competition show titled “Beast Games.”
This collaboration marks a significant stride in bridging the realms of online entertainment and traditional television.
“Beast Games,” touted as “the biggest reality competition series ever,” is slated to host a staggering 1,000 contestants vying for a remarkable $5 million cash prize.
Donaldson, acclaimed as the most-followed individual creator on YouTube with over 389 million subscribers across his channels, is renowned for his extravagant productions that rival professional television standards. From elaborate sets to jaw-dropping cash prizes, his content has captivated audiences worldwide.
In a recent interview on “The Colin and Samir Show” podcast, Donaldson disclosed that the budget for his YouTube videos can soar up to $5 million each, emphasizing that the forthcoming show will surpass even these extravagant expenses.
Industry analysts estimate the collaboration between Donaldson and Amazon to be valued at approximately $100 million, underlining the magnitude of this groundbreaking partnership.
Cash splash
“It’s like our normal videos, but just 20 times better,” Donaldson remarked during the podcast interview.
“Money’s not a constraint on the show. And so I can also just do anything, which is like a lot more freeing than you would think and so mind-blowing.”
The move to collaborate with a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video allows Donaldson to circumvent the constraints imposed by algorithms prevalent on platforms like YouTube.
While acknowledging the vast reach of Amazon Prime Video, which boasts 80 million active households in the U.S.,
Donaldson remains confident in the immense potential of “Beast Games” to captivate audiences worldwide.
“Beast Games” epitomizes a broader trend in which creators are diversifying their content beyond social media platforms to explore new revenue streams.
Earlier this year, the YouTube group “Sidemen” debuted a documentary on Netflix, while the D’Amelio family aired the third season of their reality show on Hulu, exemplifying the expanding influence of digital creators in the realm of traditional media.
In a huge shift for the iconic James Bond franchise, reports indicate that British actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson has been formally extended an offer to step into the coveted role, succeeding Daniel Craig.
The revelation, as per The Sun, comes amid much anticipation surrounding the future of the long-standing spy thriller series.
Eon Productions, the entity behind the Bond films, appears poised to commence production this year, with Taylor-Johnson seemingly primed to don the mantle of 007.
Sources close to the production suggest that the formal offer has been made, awaiting Taylor-Johnson’s response.
“Should he wish to accept it, Bond is Aaron’s job,” an insider remarked.
The last James Bond actor, Daniel Craig.
“The formal offer is on the table, and they are waiting to hear back. As far as Eon is concerned, Aaron is going to sign his contract in the coming days, and they can start preparing for the big announcement.”
This development follows a period of speculation regarding who would inherit the role, with Taylor-Johnson emerging as a contender alongside other notable actors such as Cillian Murphy, Idris Elba, Henry Cavill, and James Norton.
In response to inquiries about his potential involvement, Taylor-Johnson expressed gratitude, stating, “I find it charming and wonderful that people see me in that role. I take it as a great compliment.”
Best Supporting Actor
The actor’s journey to the cusp of the Bond franchise has been marked by a diverse array of roles, including notable performances in films like “Nocturnal Animals,” for which he received a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
Insiders cite this as evidence of Taylor-Johnson’s suitability for the role, asserting that his talent and range make him an ideal successor to Craig’s portrayal.
Daniel Craig, who portrayed Bond across five films, bid farewell to the character following the release of 2021’s “No Time To Die,” a film that concluded with a dramatic finale, leaving the fate of 007 ambiguous.
With Aaron Taylor-Johnson potentially stepping into the iconic role, fans await eagerly for further developments as the next chapter of the Bond saga begins to take shape.
One of the standout moments from the recently concluded SXSW in Austin, Texas, was the crowd’s reaction during the film premiere of “The Fall Guy,” featuring Ryan Gosling.
Attendees voiced their displeasure with an AI video sizzle reel, which failed to resonate with the everyday consumer, resulting in boos from the audience.
The incident underscores the growing importance of understanding and catering to the human experience in technology and entertainment.