Across three days in June, the first Migrant Workers Festival brought together nearly 100 migrant workers, survivor leaders, community organizers, artists, journalists, funders, practitioners, and allies from across Africa and Asia. Read our blog: humanityunited.org/perspectives...

We’ve just dropped our newsletter featuring the latest news and updates about HU and our partners. Read our newsletter: mailchi.mp/humanityunit... Or sign up to receive our next edition in your inbox: mailchi.mp/humanityunit...

Elizabeth Murray, Professor Nora Groce, and Professor Maria Kett, from the International Disability Research Centre at University College London (@ucl.ac.uk), share their perspective on the current state of disability rights in security and peace agendas in their guest blog: https://bit.ly/4uSRa8K

A new practical toolkit published by OECD DAC aims to help donors move faster to shift power and resources to local, community-led solutions. https://bit.ly/3SQOQl7

Thailand is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of seafood, but in the early 2010s, investigations revealed widespread human trafficking and forced labor in both the fishing and seafood processing sectors.

HU partners Free The Slaves report recent policy and human rights engagements brought together government, civil society, and survivor voices to strengthen legal frameworks, improve protection systems in Kenya.

In the LA Times, Emily Risko, HU’s Associate Program Manager for Forced Labor and Human Trafficking, argues that forced labor policy should protect workers, not serve as a pretext for broad tariffs. If ending forced labor is the goal, policy must be designed accordingly.

Issue 04 of Peace Prospects, Collective Power, Collective Peace, examines how collective action helps shape more peaceful and just futures. In “Funding Courage,” HU's Bryan Sims writes about why philanthropy must keep backing social movements: https://peaceprospects.org/funding-courage/

A new global report reveals the growing scale and impact of online violence targeting women journalists and media workers, including rising levels of self-censorship, psychological harm and AI-enabled abuse.

HU’s Vijay Simhan joins leaders José García (Ford Foundation) and Havovi Wadia (The Freedom Fund) to explore why labor rights are central to both economic justice and democracy. Their message: philanthropy must listen to workers, support worker-led organizations, and invest in long-term change.

Aramco is a headline sponsor of this summer's FIFA Men's World Cup. A new investigation from @fairsq.bsky.social finds migrant workers in its supply chain face extreme heat, dangerous driving hours, slum housing and little to no compensation after injury or death.

Congratulations to those nominated for the 2026 NABJ Salute to Excellence Awards. Among this year’s nominees are Humanity United partners @theguardian.com, @themarshallproject.org, @damaso.bsky.social from @nyamnews.bsky.social, and Dr. Xanthe Scharff from The Freedom Fund: https://bit.ly/4uY0ysJ

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will have an estimated 50,000 FIFA accredited journalists and media workers. The Committee to Protect Journalists have compiled safety resources to help journalists minimize risks and protect themselves against potential threats. https://bit.ly/4u39ICE

(1/2) Every worker has rights. Why does ICE need to be at the World Cup? At HU, we believe that the World Cup should be safe and secure for all, including workers who are more vulnerable to exploitation.

What would it look like if development was truly locally led? This vision is already within reach − but only if we act together. We’ve signed Peace Direct’s invitation to action. Join and help shape the future of development today: bit.ly/4u41fAd

What happens when the communities most in need of support are the hardest for philanthropy to reach? Read the full article, co-written by Bryan Sims, Director of Peacebuilding and Partnerships at Humanity United.

This piece from @ssir.org challenges funders to rethink how they approach risk, embrace flexibility, and act with courage to support those on the front lines. https://bit.ly/3R4fq9D

Groundbreaking lawsuit against Levi Strauss NL B.V. and Levi Strauss & Co EU BV 💼 Levi’s presented itself as an ethical brand by claiming responsible production. The reality: Workers protesting at a Turkish factory faced violence & dismissal. www.somo.nl/levis-sued-o... @schonekleren.bsky.social

As conflict disrupts global oil supplies, fuel prices in the Philippines have surged, making it harder for fishermen to go out to sea, earn a living, and feed their families. Many are now catching less, earning less, and struggling to afford even basic meals.

⚠️ MSC-certified seafood may be produced with forced labor. Companies using MSC certification to buy seafood are enabling forced labor to continue entering seafood supply chains. They need to move beyond certification and address real labor risks in their supply chains.

At a time when organizations face conflicting signals this report offers much-needed clarity. Rights CoLab’s new report charts a practical DEI Roadmap for businesses and investors navigating an increasingly polarized landscape. Read the full report: rightscolab.org/whats-the-ma...

In collaboration with Nancy Lindborg and Peter Laugham, President and CEO of Humanity United Srik Gopal have published this latest piece exploring the role of philanthropy in efforts to shape a trusted development system.

Explore the Center for Evaluation Innovation full evaluation report to discover how philanthropy can shift its norms, embrace trust-based funding, and support a new paradigm for social change with culture at its core.

Center for Civilians in Conflict urges the international community to take immediate action to de-escalate hostilities and to ensure that the protection of civilians remains central to all diplomatic and military efforts.

Amnesty International reports governments in countries like Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, and Venezuela are introducing or tightening “anti-NGO laws” that make it much harder for independent organizations to operate.

(1/2) Join a curated group of philanthropic leaders, social innovators, and practitioners to explore how we can advance more equitable, trust-based, and locally led approaches to funding. 🗓️ Tuesday, April 21 🕰️ 8:00–9:15 AM 📍 Cosy Club, 20 Cornmarket St, Oxford, OX1 3EY

Environmental Justice Foundation have released a new toolkit providing technical guidance for practitioners working alongside small-scale fishing communities.

The war with Iran is deepening suffering across the region, especially for migrant workers in the GCC. HU calls for an immediate ceasefire, emergency protections, and long-term labor reforms. https://humanityunited.org/perspectives/humanity-united-statement-on-the-conflict-in-the-middle-east/

Our global survey revealed a stark reality: peacebuilders face shrinking funding, rising demands, and limited decision-making power. It’s time to shift resources and leadership to those closest to conflict. Read more: https://bit.ly/4t5rs02

Center For Civilians In Conflict analyzes immediate risks to civilians across the wider Middle East region and outlines urgent, feasible steps to prevent further civilian harm, displacement, and damage to civilian objects and essential services.

To raise awareness of the abuse and harassment faced by women journalists, the Committee to Protect Journalists highlights how gender influences the threats journalists encounter worldwide and outlines ways to better support those working in the field.

In a new report from @saferworld.bsky.social, explore how flexible, predictable funding empowers Women’s Rights Organisations to lead locally driven peace and security initiatives in environments marked by risk, shrinking civic space, and growing backlash.

Our latest newsletter explores what a decade of investing in networks has taught us about shared agreements and community leadership, highlights partners advancing racial justice and feminist movements, and shares new insights on inclusive peacebuilding and participatory philanthropy. bit.ly/4upG0Jz

Congratulations to Ayin Network on receiving the 2025 Human Rights Tulip Award from the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We’re honored to support your work to ensure Sudan’s stories are seen, verified, and remembered.

A report by @eval-innovation.bsky.social on @fordfoundation.org Natural Resources & Climate Change International Strategy (NRCC-I) shares how foundations can effectively navigate the delicate balance between aspirational goals and real-world impact and accountability.

A decade of survivor leadership. In a new guest blog, Hon. Ummra Hang reflects on the 10-year milestone of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking and insights from the 2025 Annual Report — from addressing root causes to building true continuums of care for survivors. https://bit.ly/3MLiu97

Senior Manager of Humanity United, Noah Ponton reflects on our journey to shift from traditional, top-down grantmaking toward participatory approaches that center people with lived experience.

Government partnerships can transform global health and diplomacy — but they demand patience, accountability, and serious implementation discipline. Read more from @justsecurity.org.

In this guest perspective, Pedro Portela — trainer and facilitator in social complex systems, network weaving, and governance — shares lessons from eight years of collaboration with Humanity United. In complex systems, adaptability may matter more than stability. Read more: https://bit.ly/400fEQs

This #BlackHistoryMonth, join @liberationventures.bsky.social for another session of the Reparation Information Thought Series. The conversation starts today at 1PM ET. #BlackHistoryMonth

Disasters are growing in size, frequency, and complexity, but philanthropic giving for disasters is shrinking. Reducing the impact of future disasters means balancing emergency response with long-term recovery, better preparedness, and practical steps that help communities withstand future shocks.

In our latest blog, Jesse Eaves explores what we’ve learned from investing in networks—and why it’s not the network itself that drives change, but the agreements that shape relationships within it. 🔗 https://humanityunited.org/perspectives/networks-agreements-systems-change/

"Now is the time to work collectively to articulate and robustly support visions for peace, and work in solidarity to defy the forces that seek to sow the seeds of violence and division." Read @saferworld.bsky.social’s article to understand the trends shaping 2026 and peacebuilding’s urgent role.

Leading a mission-driven organization isn’t just about passion. It’s about balancing purpose, people, and day-to-day realities. From managing stress to delegating effectively, there’s a lot leaders can learn from humanitarian work.

openDemocracy’s Beyond Trafficking & Slavery has received the @freedomunitedhq.bsky.social Storytelling for Freedom Award, recognizing powerful storytelling that exposes the systems driving exploitation and reshapes anti-trafficking discourse.

Venezuela’s crisis is severe with 8 million in need of aid, poverty and food insecurity rising, and violence adding to the fragility. Yet humanitarian groups are cautiously resuming work, 56 political prisoners were released, and easing sanctions could improve conditions.

Last week, we hosted a dual launch event for two new resources that advance more inclusive and effective peacebuilding: A Pathway to Peace: An Engagement Framework for the Next Evolution of Peacebuilding and the Inclusion and Accessibility in Peacebuilding Expert Study Group Report.

2025 brought seismic shifts; from shrinking aid to eroding human rights norms. And still, communities organized. Partners adapted. Solidarity deepened. Srik Gopal - President & CEO at Humanity United reflects on what we learned and how we’re preparing for 2026.

Can addressing collective trauma and polarising narratives help break cycles of violence? Humanity United’s Managing Director of Programs Melanie Greenberg will join a virtual panel to discuss these ideas further. Register today: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...

2026 has begun with actions that further erode international law and norms, setting a dangerous tone for peace and security. As #conflict deaths rose in 2025 and political & financial support for #peacebuilding declined, defending international law & supporting those building peace is vital in 2026.