Burma Satellite Imagery Shows Mass Destruction: Daily Brief

This week, world leaders are convening at the United Nations in New York for the annual General Assembly meetings. With so much at stake around the world, the commitments made at the meetings should focus on protecting the millions of people facing conflict, displacement, harassment, and persecution. Displaced Syrians are trapped as never before, facing an immediate threat as the Syrian government forces they fled advance along the border with Jordan. Meanwhile, those trapped along the Turkish border face danger if they try to cross. The right to flee is vitally important and after enduring six years of war, Syrian civilians should be afforded this right. An activist in Russia posted to Facebook in 2015 on sexual health for LGBT people. Russian authorities charged him with creating "gay propaganda." It's a further blow to free expression in Russia, and a flimsy excuse to discriminate against LGBT people. French President Macron has announced an initiative to form a global pact that would bolster international efforts to protect the environment from climate change, pollution, and other threats. At its heart is an understanding that many human rights begin with the right to a healthy environment. As the United Kingdom gears up for Brexit, human rights are on the table. Some of the rights enjoyed by people in the UK, including workplace protections, privacy, and safeguards against discrimination, are the result of European Union membership. With that membership in jeopardy, attention to preserving these rights is increasingly important.