Two Yazidi women receive human rights award
According to the New York Times, Nadia Murad and Lamiya Aji Bashar Yazidi have received the European Union’s Sakarov Prize for Freedom of Thought. These two Yazidi women received the award for their contributions to educating people of the atrocities that ISIS is committing against the Yazidis.
Authorities begin removing Dakota Access Pipeline protesters
North Dakota authorities began removing Dakota Access Pipeline roadblock protesters on Oct. 27, CNN reported. Authorities have already arrested 141 protesters. The conflict is over a 1,172-mile pipeline which could potentially destroy Native American burial grounds and damage the environment.
Uber drivers in the UK win the right to be employees
In a landmark case in the U.K., Uber drivers won the right to be considered employees, BBC reported. Prior to this decision Uber drivers were considered private contractors who weren’t entitled to employee benefits. They are now entitled to paid rest breaks, holiday pay and subject to the national minimum wage.
Thousands of men in Britain to be pardoned for homosexuality
According to The New York Times, Britain will pardon men that were once convicted of homosexuality. Though Britain had decriminalized homosexuality by 1982, there are still thousands of men with charges on their record. The pardon is estimated to apply to 15,000 men that were convicted and are still alive.
Islamic State kidnaps Mosul civilians
According to BBC, Islamic State (IS) militants have kidnapped thousands of civilians in and around the Iraqi city of Mosul. As Iraqi and Kurdish forces approach, the UN fears that these civilians will be used as human shields. The UN reported that the IS has already killed 190 former members of Iraq’s security service and 42 civilians for disobeying their orders.
US lawmakers look into AT&T’s deal to buy Time Warner
According to BBC, U.S. lawmakers and both presidential candidates have voiced concern over AT&T’s deal to buy Time Warner. AT&T is paying $85.4 billion for the company that owns Cartoon Network, HBO and CNN. This is the largest merger to occur in 2016.
