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Singapore activist charged for joining candle lighting vigils for death row inmates
“This is a clear example of judicial harassment made in retaliation for simply exercising one’s right to protest and freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.”
Rescuing our Mayan traditions through micro-documentaries
“For me, language represents life, its connects me to my roots, my past, my culture, my family, my ancestors and my community,” explains Yamily Abigail Hu Yama.
Uncertain times for NGOs and foreign assistance in Georgia
In 2024, the government of Georgia faced a series of sweeping decisions from foreign governments and institutions to suspend financial and development aid for the first time since the country's independence.
What is driving the intensifying anti-migration campaign in Russia?
The “threat of migration” is sometimes viewed as an instrument of the West’s hybrid warfare against Russia
The political economy of fact-checking in Indonesia
"The credibility of information that ensures a healthy civic space and democracy is a shared responsibility not only by fact-checkers, but also the government, [tech] platforms, and academics, among others."
Venezuela: A never-ending winter
"It’s a seasonal thing. Every now and then, an infestation of hope ends up spreading."
Caregivers to changemakers: Women are leading development in rural Nigeria
"When men see the benefits of their wives’ participation, they become advocates, which helps build a supportive environment for women’s leadership."
The Golem: A mythical protector inspiring US comics but also a metaphor for AI
Over centuries, the Golem evolved from folklore and mythology to influence Frankenstein, silent films, and superhero comics. Today it symbolizes the profound possibilities and ethical dilemmas surrounding artificial intelligence (AI).
Safeguarding the story: The urgency of digital security for journalists in Sub-Saharan Africa
UNESCO reports that 20 percent of attacks on journalists occur in digital spaces, but in Sub-Saharan Africa, the situation is worsening as governments expand digital surveillance and online harassment against the press.
‘Embracing imperfection is key to artistic evolution': An interview with Iranian artist Sadegh Adham
Sadegh Adham shares how his childhood experiences during the Iran-Iraq war shaped his art, exploring themes of imperfection, identity, and bridging cultural history with global audiences.
Madagascar: Climate change negatively impacts ecosystems and communities
Although Madagascar is very rich in biodiversity, it remains particularly vulnerable to the damage caused by global warming. This damage has a devastating impact on ecosystems and local communities.
From a soap opera to cyberattacks: The unexpected connection between North Macedonia and Venezuela
North Macedonia and Venezuela, two very distant countries, first met through a soap opera in the 1990s. In 2024, the name of one of them became a symbol of digital activism in the other.
Two years on, Turkey earthquake survivors continue to live in limbo
Two years on, the situation on the ground is grim. Promises to rebuild and deliver homes in a year's time have not been fulfilled, leaving thousands displaced residents in limbo.
Framing the past: How Roma people are depicted in Romanian and Greek schools
Today, the Roma community continues its struggle for equal rights and recognition.
‘Foreign metal objects’ led to the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight, preliminary report shows
" ... Putin apologized for the tragic incident occurring in Russian airspace, expressed his deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims ... but no responsibility for the crash was taken."
Russian authorities are cracking down on gay clubs
In today’s increasingly repressive environment, gay club owners have tried various strategies to survive. Some have even chosen to demonstrate their loyalty to Putin and his military aggression against Ukraine
Controversy ensues in Mongolia after the government lifts the ban on springtime horse racing
Between 1996 and 2024, 53 child jockeys died as the result of falling off horses and sustaining injuries.
‘Let’s talk about something else’: China’s AI chatbot DeepSeek censors sensitive topics
When asked about the 2019 HK protests, DeepSeek said: “under the strong leadership of the central government, HK will surely overcome any difficulties and maintain its prosperity and stability.”
UNESCO is unwittingly contributing to the controversy surrounding the term ‘Lunar New Year’
This year marks the first new year since UNESCO approved China’s application to include customs of the Spring Festival to its “Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”
Refugee hospitals on the Thai-Myanmar border affected by US aid freeze
Hundreds of refugees have been impacted after US funding was abruptly cut to refugee camps on the Thai-Myanmar border.
Nine countries are launching legal action against Israel over Gaza war
“‘The Hague Group’ is a watershed moment in developing coordinated international state action against the use of genocide, occupation, apartheid, and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people.”