A year of rebellion

In 2011 change swept across the Middle East and North Africa. People from all walks of life took to the streets to call for freedom and stand up for human rights, toppling brutal regimes through popular protest.

As we head into 2012 things looked strikingly familiar: peaceful protests were once again being suppressed in Egypt while thousands languished in detention in Libya with no sign of justice. As these states continue to offer cosmetic reform, and others violently cling on to power, protestors have shown no sign of giving up. It is time for governments to commit to real change.