The article discusses the impact of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on women, highlighting the patriarchal violence exacerbated by war and societal norms. It describes the plight of refugees in Masis, Armenia, and the trauma experienced by women and children due to domestic violence linked to the conflict. The piece includes interviews with activists and experts who address the increase in domestic violence, the societal expectations placed on women, and the normalization of violence due to war. It also touches on gender-selective abortions and the marginalization of women in politics. The article concludes with the efforts of the Feminist Peace Collective to unite women across borders against patriarchal oppression.

World AIDS Day 2023 emphasizes the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS, highlighting the importance of awareness, support for those living with HIV, and the commemoration of those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses. The article discusses the significance of the red ribbon as a symbol of support, the current state of HIV treatment and infection rates, and the efforts of activists like Chris Vincent. Despite advancements in treatment, the virus remains a significant threat, particularly in regions like Southern Africa, East Europe, and Central Asia.

The right-wing extremist PVV, led by Geert Wilders, emerged as the largest party in the Dutch elections, securing 37 seats. This result has caused significant concern among the Muslim and migrant communities. Despite Wilders' attempts to present a milder image, his post-election speech was marked by strong anti-immigration rhetoric. The political landscape in the Netherlands is fragmented, with potential coalitions being discussed, but many parties have ruled out working with the PVV. The election results reflect a broader trend of political disillusionment and a shift towards extreme positions in the country.

The Netherlands is set to hold early parliamentary elections following the collapse of Prime Minister Mark Rutte's coalition over family reunification for refugees. Rutte, with the longest tenure in Dutch history, and D66 leader Sigrid Kaag have resigned amid threats and harassment. The VVD, now led by Dilan Yeşilgöz, faces competition from new and existing parties, including Pieter Omtzigt's NSC, a joint campaign by GroenLinks and PvdA led by Frans Timmermans, and Geert Wilders' far-right PVV. Polls show a close race among these parties, with notable decline for D66 and varying support for PVV. The BBB, led by Caroline van der Plas, has lost visibility despite previous success. Discussions on potential coalitions and the softening of PVV's stance are ongoing, with many voters still undecided ahead of the elections.

Protests in Rotterdam against the 2G rule and a nationwide fireworks ban escalated into violent riots, with hundreds of participants clashing with police. The unrest led to 51 arrests, with many participants being minors. Rotterdam's mayor and police officials condemned the violence, labeling the rioters as criminals rather than demonstrators. The police used live ammunition, aiming at the legs of rioters, resulting in injuries. National police and union leaders expressed concern over increasing violence against police, politicians, scientists, and journalists. The riots were linked to organized crime, with football hooligans among the participants. Similar unrest spread to other Dutch cities, leading to further arrests.

The article features an interview with Soldado Kowalisidi, a transman from Siberia, Russia, who fled to Ukraine and then to the Netherlands due to severe discrimination and violence. Soldado shares his experiences as an LGBTQ+ activist, the challenges he faced in Russia and Ukraine, and his life as a refugee in the Netherlands. The piece highlights the significance of Transgender Day of Remembrance and the ongoing struggles of the trans community worldwide. Soldado's story underscores the dangers faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in hostile environments and the importance of finding a safe and accepting place to live.

The Netherlands is grappling with the fallout from the child benefits scandal, which saw the wrongful reclaiming of childcare subsidies, predominantly affecting migrant families. This led to severe financial distress and the removal of over 1,100 children from their families between 2015 and 2020. Key figures like Peter Kwint and Peter Omtzigt have called for further investigation and immediate government action to reunite affected families. Despite some compensation, many families still await justice. The scandal has had profound social impacts, including poverty and family breakdowns, as highlighted in the recent documentary 'Alone Against the State'.

Migrant workers in the Netherlands face exploitation and precarious conditions, often recruited from poorer EU countries by temporary employment agencies. These workers endure low wages, poor living conditions, and job insecurity, with many ending up homeless. The Dutch government is considering reintroducing licensing for employment agencies to address these issues. Organizations like FNV and La Strada are working to combat these exploitative practices, but face significant challenges. The article highlights personal stories and expert opinions to shed light on the systemic problems affecting migrant labor in the Netherlands.

Dutch environmental organizations won a court case against Shell, requiring the company to reduce its CO2 emissions by 45% by 2030. The court ruled that Shell's significant CO2 emissions pose a risk to the Netherlands and the Wadden Sea region. Milieudefensie, along with other groups and individuals, initiated the lawsuit, highlighting Shell's long-standing knowledge of the harmful effects of oil and gas. The ruling is expected to influence global legal actions and pressure other oil companies and politicians to adopt greener policies. Shell's defense that other suppliers would fill the gap if they reduced fossil fuel sales was rejected by the court. The article also mentions environmental damages caused by Shell in Groningen, Curacao, and Nigeria, and references a previous landmark case by Urgenda against the Dutch government.

Teakwood from Myanmar, prized for its durability and prestige, continues to enter the EU market despite a ban on imports that cannot prove sustainable and legal sourcing. The EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) mandates market participants to verify the legality and sustainability of their wood sources, but enforcement is inconsistent across member states. Germany's stringent controls contrast with more lenient practices in countries like Italy, which remains a major importer. Experts suggest listing Myanmar's natural teak under the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a potential solution, though cooperation from Myanmar's military regime is unlikely. The EU is also considering new legislation for deforestation-free supply chains.