As 2012 winds down, it is time again to reflect on the year’s human rights developments. How did the world do following an eventful 2011?

When Sudan was debating the terms of its independence, many Arab Sudanese argued for a union with Egypt, their fellow sons of the Nile. And now, it seems, each is holding what may be its most important demonstrations to date.

As this year's host of Eurovision, Azerbaijan may well impress visitors with its beautiful, entertaining capital city of Baku and friendly, considerate people, but not with how its government treats the people.

At a time when most nations are trying to figure out how to stop Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad from killing his own people in a year-long struggle to stay in power, the Venezuelan government is helping to prop him up.

By redbaiting SPARK as a communist, pro-North organization, the South Korean government is trying to taint the Jeju naval base resistance and send a message to others that if they are or become involved, they too will be branded and targeted.

The recent events in England allow us the opportunity to make social scientific lemonade out of British lemons. Cameron's government should not only crack down on protesters, but also unearth funds to implement jobs programs for at-risk youth.

I'm unexpectedly overcome by horror, someone just thanked me for being raw meat for the surveillance machinery, the target of guards.