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Category: International Relations
International Relations
Sifat Patel

Labor Law and Mental Health: Addressing Workplace Stress and Psychological Safety

International Labour Law Labor Law and Mental Health: Addressing Workplace Stress and Psychological Safety Abstract This paper examines how labour laws address mental health, including psychological safety and workplace stress. As mental health issues become more prominent, many countries are beginning to integrate mental health protections into labour legislation. The discussion will cover existing legal frameworks, the challenges of enforcement, and future directions to ensure that mental health is adequately protected in the workplace. The goal is to present a comparative analysis of labor laws, highlighting specific reforms to make workplaces more supportive environments. Introduction The prevalence of workplace stress and mental health issues, such as anxiety and burnout, is increasing across the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic amplified these issues, as many employees transitioned to remote work, blurring work-life boundaries. While labor laws have traditionally focused on physical safety, psychological well-being has historically been less addressed. However, mental health conditions have significant effects on employee productivity and retention, underscoring the need for robust legal protections. Labour laws in some countries, particularly in regions such as Europe and North America, have begun to adapt, offering frameworks to support mental health in the workplace. This paper explores these adaptations and considers reforms that could enhance psychological safety globally. Current Legal Frameworks for Mental Health in Labor Law 1. International Standards and Guidelines The International Labour Organization (ILO) provides guidelines for managing mental health at work and advocates that member countries adopt policies that protect workers’ mental health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed frameworks promoting mental health awareness and resources in workplaces, encouraging companies to consider mental health as part of employee welfare. 2. Country-Specific Labor Laws European Union: EU labor law includes provisions under the Framework Directive on Health and Safety at Work (Directive 89/391/EEC) that require employers to assess and mitigate workplace stress. United States: While the U.S. does not mandate mental health protection under federal labor laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) indirectly supports employees with mental health conditions by prohibiting discrimination and requiring reasonable accommodations. Australia: Australia’s Work Health and Safety Act mandates employers to create mentally healthy workplaces and acknowledges psychological health alongside physical health. 3. Corporate Mental Health Programs Many companies now voluntarily include mental health programs, such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), to support workers. These are often encouraged through government incentives, though not always required by law. Challenges in Implementing Mental Health Protections in Labor Law Recognition and Stigma Mental health issues are often misunderstood or stigmatized, making it difficult for employees to seek help without fear of judgment or job loss. Lack of awareness among employers also creates challenges in identifying and appropriately managing mental health issues. Enforceability Even when laws require psychological safety, enforcement can be inconsistent. Inspectors and regulatory bodies may lack the tools to assess psychological risk effectively. Proving mental health harm or unsafe conditions is more complex than physical injuries, making compliance difficult to measure. Workplace Culture and Remote Work A lack of supportive workplace culture can undermine legal protections. Companies must foster environments where mental health concerns are treated as seriously as physical safety. Remote work has increased psychological risks, including isolation and burnout, which require novel legal approaches to ensure protections. Case Studies in Mental Health Protections Sweden: The Work Environment Act Sweden’s labor law includes explicit protections for mental health, including the obligation for employers to prevent workplace stress. This proactive approach is highly regarded for reducing burnout. Canada: Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) The MHCC promotes the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, which serves as a guideline for employers to create mentally safe work environments. The adoption of this voluntary standard has led to positive outcomes, as more companies are embedding psychological health in workplace policies. Japan: Mental Health in the Workplace Act Japan mandates annual stress checks for employees in large companies, aiming to identify psychological risks early. While not enforceable for all companies, this law highlights a structured approach to address mental health proactively. Future Directions for Mental Health in Labor Law Mandating Mental Health Policies More countries could adopt mental health-specific requirements as part of labor codes, obligating companies to offer mental health services, regular stress evaluations, and training for managers. Enhanced Employer Accountability Policies could include metrics for mental health outcomes, like tracking stress-related absences, and mandate that employers report and mitigate causes of workplace stress. Legal Support for Remote Work Mental Health Issues As remote work becomes more common, labor laws may need to establish new guidelines for mental health protection outside traditional workplaces, emphasizing boundaries and mental well-being. Conclusion Addressing mental health in labor law is essential for creating a supportive, productive workforce. Although some countries have made strides toward integrating mental health protections, further reforms are needed to ensure comprehensive support. This includes reducing stigma, enforcing compliance, and addressing unique challenges of modern workplaces like remote work. A global approach to labor law, emphasizing psychological safety, can help shift corporate cultures and contribute to healthier, more sustainable workplaces. References International Labour Organization. (ILO) on managing mental health at work. World Health Organization (WHO). Frameworks for mental health in the workplace. European Commission. Directive 89/391/EEC on Health and Safety at Work. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Protections for mental health in the workplace. Safe Work Australia. Work Health and Safety Act and psychological health. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Psychological safety. Sweden’s Work Environment Act on mental health. Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety. Japan’s Mental Health in the Workplace Act and stress checks. European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. Research on workplace stress. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Workplace mental health programs.American Psychological Association (APA). Employer support for mental health. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Stigma and mental health in the workplace.Harvard Business Review. Workplace culture and mental health. National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH). Data on workplace mental health. Occupational Safety and Health

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February 19, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Samriddhi Shet

Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War: The Hidden Tactic of Conflict and Control

Sexual violence as a weapon of war is not incidental; it is a calculated strategy used to terrorize communities and assert dominance. From Rwanda to Bosnia, Ukraine to Afghanistan, countless women have suffered as tools of warfare, yet international mechanisms remain alarmingly ineffective. The failure of global institutions to enforce justice perpetuates this cycle of trauma. Despite legal frameworks, the lack of real accountability leaves survivors abandoned. If this inhuman warfare tactic remains unchecked, its scars will linger far beyond the battlefield. Urgent action is needed to create survivor-focused solutions and enforce meaningful consequences for perpetrators.

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February 16, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Abhishek Kulkarni

France’s Influence in the EU Before and After Brexit: A Deep Dive

France has played a pivotal role in the European Union, both before and after Brexit. As the UK exited, France’s influence in EU governance, trade, and diplomacy grew significantly. This paper explores France’s evolving leadership, economic strategies, and political stance, shaping the future of European integration and international relations.

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February 15, 2025 No Comments

STRATEGIC BIFURCATION AND HEGEMONIC CONTESTATION: DECIPHERING THE MULTIPOLAR REALIGNMENTS IN US-CHINA GEOSTRATEGIC FRICTIONS ACROSS THE INDO-PACIFIC

The South China Sea, a geostrategic cauldron in which the United States’ doctrine of a liberal-internationalist maritime regime clashes with neo-Chinese claims of jurisdictional hegemony manifest in the virtually spurious nine-dash line doctrine, has become the arena of power contestation, both kinetic and otherwise. There, territorial conflicts go beyond territory and map onto the complex networks of economic hegemony, environmental securitization, and infrastructural hegemony. The contrast of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative with Washington’s Blue Dot Network indicates the new divide in global infrastructure diplomacy, where development paradigms oscillate somewhere in between state-directed economic patronage and multilateral regulatory stringency. At the same time, the securitization of the maritime commons compounds environmental vulnerability, converting militarization and resource extraction into an ontological crisis for the coastal states. Such a tangled geopolitical tableau affords an argument for a polycentric analytical lens that transcends the bounds of orthodox realist dogma and embraces a constructivist dialectic that synthesizes competing sovereign narratives into a coherent multilateral framework.

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February 15, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Vaibhav puri

Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan: The Taliban’s War on Women’s Rights

Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan: The Taliban’s War on Women’s Rights Introduction The Taliban, an extremist militia, first seized control of Herat in 1994 before capturing Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, on September 27, 1996. Their rule plunged Afghanistan into a brutal totalitarian regime, imposing gender apartheid that stripped women and girls of their fundamental human rights. Under Taliban rule, women were banned from education and employment, denied healthcare, forced into seclusion, and subjected to severe violence and oppression. The erasure of women from public life not only violated human rights but also led to devastating social and economic consequences for the entire population. This paper will explore the systematic oppression of women, the wider societal impact of Taliban policies, and the long-term consequences of their gender-based restrictions on Afghan society. Historical Background Women in Afghanistan have experienced significant shifts in status and rights over the past century. In the early 20th century, King Amanullah Khan (1919–1929) promoted women’s education and discouraged veiling. His wife, Queen Soraya, was a key advocate for women’s rights. However, these reforms faced backlash, and subsequent rulers reversed many of them. During the 1960s and 1970s, urban Afghan women gained more rights, including access to education and employment. The 1964 constitution granted them the right to vote. However, the Soviet invasion (1979–1989) and ensuing civil war (1990s) disrupted these advancements. While the communist government promoted gender equality, the rise of mujahideen factions and later the Taliban (1996–2001) led to severe oppression—women were banned from working, attending school, and appearing in public without a male guardian. After the U.S.-led invasion in 2001, efforts to improve women’s rights gained traction. By 2021, millions of Afghan girls were attending school, and women were active in politics and the workforce. However, the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021 reversed many gains. Women were once again restricted from education beyond sixth grade, barred from many jobs, and required to follow strict dress codes. Afghan women have continually resisted oppression, with activists advocating for education and rights despite severe restrictions. Their struggle remains a central issue in Afghanistan’s ongoing political and social landscape. (International Journal), (UN women).                                                      Women’s Rights in Afghanistan Before 2001 Women in Afghanistan were not always restricted in their rights. In fact, Afghanistan was once considered one of the more progressive countries in the region regarding gender equality. Women were granted the right to vote as early as 1919, a milestone that placed Afghanistan ahead of many Western nations at the time. The 1964 Constitution further strengthened women’s rights, guaranteeing equal opportunities in education, employment, and politics. During the 1970s and early 1980s, Afghan women in urban areas, especially in Kabul, had access to higher education, and many worked as doctors, teachers, and government officials. However, these advancements were not universal. In rural areas, conservative traditions remained strong, and many families still kept women from pursuing education or working outside the home. Despite legal protections, the gap between urban and rural women’s experiences was stark.   The political shift in 1978, when the communist-backed People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA) took power, brought a wave of reforms aimed at modernizing Afghan society. The government encouraged women’s education and participation in the workforce, but these changes were met with resistance from conservative factions. Many saw the PDPA’s policies as an attack on traditional Afghan values, fuelling unrest that eventually led to the Soviet invasion in 1979. During the Soviet-Afghan War (1979-1989), women’s rights remained a deeply contested issue. While the Soviet-backed government continued promoting gender equality, the Mujahideen—Afghan resistance fighters who opposed Soviet rule—held much more conservative views. When the Mujahideen took control after the Soviet withdrawal, Afghanistan descended into civil war, and women’s freedoms were gradually stripped away. The situation worsened when the Taliban emerged victorious in 1996. Under their strict interpretation of Sharia law, women were completely removed from public life. They were banned from attending school, working, or even leaving their homes without a male guardian. The Taliban imposed a strict dress code, forcing women to wear the all-encompassing burqa, and those who disobeyed faced severe punishment, including public beatings and executions. In just a few years, decades of progress had been erased.  Changes Under the U.S.-Backed Government The fall of the Taliban in 2001, following the U.S.-led invasion, brought a new chapter for Afghan women. The new government, backed by international support, prioritized gender equality. The 2004 Constitution granted men and women equal rights, and efforts were made to rebuild Afghanistan’s education system, ensuring that girls could return to school. By 2011, approximately 2.7 million Afghan girls were enrolled in school, a dramatic increase from zero under Taliban rule. Women also re-entered the workforce, taking on roles in journalism, politics, and education. For the first time in decades, Afghan women held government positions, and a quota system was introduced to ensure female representation in parliament (Brookings Institution).                                                 Despite these achievements, challenges remained. Security threats, cultural opposition, and the ongoing war made it difficult for many women to exercise their rights, especially in rural areas. Women in public roles often faced threats and violence from extremist groups. While the government promoted gender equality, many Afghan families still followed traditional customs that limited women’s freedoms.                                       The situation of women after the Taliban In the last 3 years and 6 months after regaining power in Afghanistan, the Taliban, have created the world’s most serious women’s rights crisis. Afghan women and girls now face institutionalized gender apartheid, with restrictions on almost all spheres of normal life. The education ban has denied millions of Afghan girls the right to learn. Girls beyond sixth grade are barred from attending school and the Taliban has officially banned young women from attending universities. This ban has effectively removed women from formal education removing all their chances of being employable and reinforcing patriarchy. Along with the educational ban, there’s a ban on women from the workforce except few sectors like healthcare and primary educators. This has further intensified poverty as many

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February 15, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Vaibhav puri

Role of International Institutions in conflicting resolutions

INTRODUCTION: The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, stands as one of the most catastrophic conflicts of the 21st century, resulting in massive loss of life, widespread displacement, and a humanitarian crisis. The war has drawn in various international actors, thus increasing the complexity of the crisis and complicating the dynamics of conflict resolution and humanitarian intervention. Amidst this turmoil, the United Nations (UN) has played a central role, attempting to mediate peace talks, provide humanitarian aid, and uphold international law. Yet, the UN’s effectiveness in addressing the Syrian crisis has sparked considerable debate among scholars, policymakers, and humanitarian organizations. This research article aims to analyse the role of the United Nations in the Syrian Civil War, exploring its strategies, challenges, and the broader implications of its actions on the ground. RELEVANCE: This research on understanding the United Nations’ role in the Syrian Civil War is crucial for comprehending the complexities of international intervention in conflicts. By examining the UN’s strategies and the challenges it faces, this research provides important insights that can inform future peacekeeping and humanitarian initiatives in similar crises like the Ukrainian-Russian War. Additionally, it contributes to the broader discourse on the efficacy of diplomacy and mediation in resolving conflicts, especially as global governance contends with mounting pressures from national interests and geopolitical rivalries. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: This paper evaluates the challenges faced by UN in facilitating the political resolution in Syria particularly, examining the influence of external powers, the fragmentation of conflicting parties and the implications of the constitutional committee’s stalled progress in the peace process. It specifically focuses on UN’s lack of enforcement mechanisms, the political deadlock within the United Nation Security Council (UNSC), and the challenges in ensuring the accountability for war crimes. THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE UNITED NATIONS IN ADDRESSING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS DURING THE SYRIAN CIVIL WAR Major Human Rights Violations in the Syrian Civil War: The Syrian civil war has resulted in significant human rights violations and a substantial loss of life. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, at least 306,887 civilians were killed between March 2011 and March 2021, representing about 1.5% of Syria’s pre-war population. Estimates of the total number of deaths, including combatants and non-civilians, vary. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported approximately 617,910 deaths from March 2011 to March 2024. Widespread human rights abuses have marked the conflict. All parties involved have conducted unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The Syrian government, in particular, has been implicated in mass killings, torture, and the use of chemical weapons against civilian populations. The war has also led to a massive displacement crisis, with millions of Syrians forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge both within and outside the country. Analysis of the UN’s Accountability on War Crimes:For over 13 years, the government of Syria, its allies, and armed opposition groups have perpetrated countless attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, violating international law. Government forces have committed murder, torture, and sexual violence as a matter of state policy. All parties to the conflict continue to commit acts that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and repeated violations of ceasefires heighten the risk of recurrence of large-scale conflict. It remains unsafe for Syrians to return to their country. As various armed groups attempt to consolidate their control over territory in a fragmented Syria, civilians are facing indiscriminate hostilities and systematic human rights violations in Syria. Detention and disappearance are used by the government and other parties as a strategy to control and intimidate civilians, confirming ongoing patterns of crimes against humanity and war crimes. Despite the ICJ provisional measures order, the Syrian government continues to perpetrate enforced disappearance, torture, and ill-treatment against detainees and deliberately obstruct families’ efforts to learn the fate and whereabouts of their loved ones. The grave situation across Syria is partly a consequence of the UN Security Council’s (UNSC) inability to hold perpetrators accountable. Since 2013, the UNSC has passed dozens of resolutions on the situation in Syria; however, none have been fully implemented, and the Syrian government has directly violated many of them. Russia and China have jointly vetoed ten draft resolutions, and Russia has independently vetoed an additional eight, shielding Syria from international accountability. To close the accountability gap, on 21 December 2016, the UNGA established an International, Impartial, and Independent Mechanism to assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of atrocities in Syria. Several countries have initiated proceedings or convicted suspected Syrian perpetrators under universal jurisdiction. In June 2023, Canada and the Netherlands jointly initiated proceedings against Syria before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) concerning alleged violations of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. On 16 November 2023, the ICJ issued provisional measures calling on the government of Syria to prevent acts of torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, and ensure its officials do not commit any acts of torture while preserving relevant evidence. [Un report by global center] United Nations Mediation in Syria: The UN mediation efforts are generally guided by preventive diplomacy, impartiality, and consensus-building among conflicting parties. Mediation efforts are complicated in situations like civil war; it becomes more challenging due to the fragmented nature of the parties involved (Becovitch and Jackson, “Conflict Resolution in Civil Wars”). The Geneva Process:The earliest attempt of the UN was the Geneva Process in 2012. The cornerstone of the initial mediation was the Geneva Communiqué, which was adopted at an international conference by Kofi Annan. This communiqué outlined a six-point plan for peace, which included measures aimed at de-escalating violence and paving the way for a political transition. The plan, introduced by then-UN-Arab League Special Envoy Kofi Annan in 2012, emphasized the following key points: Commitment to a Syrian-led political process: Syrian government and the opposition were urged by the United Nations to engage in an inclusive dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully. Cessation of violence: All parties

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January 21, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Tanuj Samaddar

NORMATIVE DISRUPTIONS IN THE INDO-PACIFIC

In this geo-political context of dynamism the Indo-Pacific region indeed becomes a crucible of multifaceted normative disruptions that center on the intricate interplay between complex power dynamics, other economic stratagems and sociopolitical paradigms to create a landscape which in nature is transformative. The article presents a systematic and theoretical analysis of the paradigmatic shift from the erstwhile Asia-Pacific framework to the emerging Indo-Pacific construct holding that such a transition is not a simple superficial rebranding but a deep metamorphosis underscored by the ascendant influence of the United States and its allies.
This treatise studies the geopolitical ramifications of Belt and Road Initiatives and its concomitant implications in terms of regional stability as a whole so that the precarious state of balance surrounding India’s current strategic posture has been defined despite its tumultuous neighbourhood. This further questions the effectiveness of QUAD as a normative mechanism in bringing about an inclusive and rules-based order yet still dealing with the tensions inherent in the neoliberal economic imperatives versus the exigencies of national sovereignty.
This paper navigates through the convoluted hallways of food security climate change and socio-economic disparities and holds that the future of the Indo-Pacific is irrevocably entwined with the resiliency of the constituent countries This exposition strives to contribute to the growing body of literature on the Indo-Pacific paradigm and provides a richly textured analysis that cuts through the old-fashioned dichotomies and speaks to the rapidly changing geopolitics.

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January 21, 2025 2 Comments
International Relations
Samriddhi Shet

Global Counterterrorism Policies with special emphasis on the Sub-Saharan Region

Global counter-terrorism policies in Sub-Saharan Africa focus on combating groups like Al-Qaida and Boko Haram through military intervention, capacity-building, and socio-economic initiatives. International coalitions and local governments collaborate to dismantle militant networks, address root causes like poverty and governance challenges, and enhance security for long-term regional stability.

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January 18, 2025 No Comments
International Relations
Abhishek Kulkarni

French Colonial Legacy in Africa: A Deep Dive into Françafrique and Post-Colonial Influence

Discover the enduring impact of French colonial legacy in Africa, exploring Françafrique, migration patterns, military interventions, and cultural assimilation. This in-depth analysis reveals how historical ties continue shaping security, economics, and cultural identity, highlighting both resistance and influence in post-colonial Africa’s evolving relationship with France.

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January 18, 2025 No Comments