Rising Islamophobia across Canada
Rampant Islamophobia is costing Canadian Muslims their peace of mind, their physical well-being and even their lives, suggests the Senate Committee on Human Rights in its recent end of the year report. The committee made a total of 13 recommendations to address the changes that are needed to respond to the reoccurring incidents across the country. The recommendations include calls for new comprehensive educational campaigns and resources, the introduction of new Criminal Code offences for 49-motivated crimes, and enhanced data collection by Canada Revenue Agency’s charities directorate, which reportedly has disproportionately scrutinized Muslim charities.
While there is no single solution to this complex national problem the goals should be grounded in ensuring Canadian Muslims are empowered to live, work and pray in safety—and on an equal basis with their fellow citizens. The Senate Committee on Human Rights also extended its heartfelt thanks to the various resilient Muslim communities who welcomed senators into their neighbourhoods, mosques and local schools.
Source: sencanada.ca
Young Female activists fear for their safety
More young girls are fearing for their safety as they engage in activism for a variety of reasons.
Seventeen-year-old, Ontario high school student in Chuying Huo advocates against factors leading to eating disorders, rates of which are skyrocketing among her peers. Partnering with a research incubator at Harvard University, Huo’s work has led to proposed bans of the sale of weight-loss and muscle building pills to minors.
Sadly, young activists like Huo are under threat, according to new research by Plan International. The organization found that 53 per cent of Canadian young women have feared for their safety when participating in activism. Thirty-nine per cent of young Canadian activists surveyed have faced harassment, whether that’s online trolling, bullying, physical violence or otherwise.
Plan International’s global report surveyed 840 women and girl activists and found that while 17 percent of girl and young women activists have felt unsafe, a quarter said they’ve felt psychologically unwell or anxious during their activism. And a massive 61 per cent have faced negative consequences from engaging in activism. And worse, some experts say the backlash and harassment young women and girls now face has been ramping up—and could have devastating effects on gender justice activism in years to come.
Source: Broadview
A.I. fund to help treat incurable diseases
From making variant-proof vaccines to preventing genetic diseases and improving cancer treatments, A.I. could truly be an invaluable tool in solving some of the biggest challenges in healthcare.
Against this backdrop, the UK aims to harness the tech’s potential and has launched a £100mn fund to accelerate AI deployment in areas where its capabilities could lead to breakthroughs in treating previously incurable diseases.
Neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia are at the top of the list—where A.I. could enable the development of new precision treatments. For instance, it could help leverage health data in order to identify those at risk of dementia, ensure that the right patients are participating in the right trials, develop effective treatments, and provide insights on how well the therapies work.
Other key areas include mental health conditions, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, vaccine development, drug discovery, and cancer treatment. The funding will also seek to create solutions that will reduce pressure on the NHS and waiting times for patients.
“Safe, responsible A.I. will change the game for what it’s possible to do in healthcare, closing the gap between the discovery and application of innovative new therapies, diagnostic tools, and ways of working over the next five years.
Source: The Next Web
