Stories about English from April, 2016
As UN Decides Future of Western Sahara Peacekeeping Mission, Sahrawis Press for Human Rights
While international diplomats met this week to determine the future of the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara, demonstrators throughout the occupied territory are calling for self-determination and human rights.
Iraqi Protestors Storm Parliament; State of Emergency Declared
Hundreds of Iraqi protestors stormed the Parliament building, in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, in protest against a deadlock in approving a new government today. A state of emergency was declared.
Meet the Anti-Discrimination Non-Profit Behind the Jamaican Version of a ‘Privilege Walk’
"We believe that everyone, no matter who they are, is deserving of respect. [...] This is necessary in changing the course [of] human rights development in Jamaica."
Tackling Child Marriage in India, One Wedding Tent at a Time
"How can we call ourselves progressive where such evil custom of society thrives."
South Sudan Is a Dangerous Place to Work as a Journalist
"South Sudan: 7 journalists killed in 2015. No killers brought to justice. No explanation from government."
Cambodia Cancels Screening of Film About Murdered Environmentalist Chut Wutty
"This ban provides yet another example of Cambodia's pervasive culture of impunity, and the lengths that the government will go to preserve it."
South Africa Bans Several Sports Bodies From Hosting Global Events Over Lack of Diversity
"The ban on hosting global sporting events is another nail in the coffin for economic development and job creation."
Russia's Vilest Website Grows a Heart
One of the vilest, most mean-spirited corners of the Russian Internet is now behind one of the sweetest, most compassionate flashmobs in RuNet history.
Five Cameroonian Data Journalists Take Stock of Paul Biya's 33 Governments
A data journalism project sheds light on all 33 different governing bodies during the Paul Biya administration in Cameroon.
The Fight to Control the Narrative in Burundi's Crisis
Government critics are rejected as plotting or linked to insurgency, while government supporters and security services employees become collectively associated with authorities' repressive tactics.
Anatomy of a Macedonian ‘Colorful Revolution’
"Why do I protest, and what is the Colorful Revolution? This is a struggle against the authoritarian and corrupt regime, personified by ex-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski."
Syria: What Forgiveness Doesn't Mean
'I wish the soul of the revolution was enough for me to be able to pardon them all, if only in the “court in my head”.
Eight Challenges Indian-Language Wikipedias Need to Overcome
While native-language Wikipedias are becoming game-changers in other parts of the world, India, in spite of having numerous languages, lags way behind. Here are a few of the reasons why.
Macedonian Protesters ‘Congratulate’ Pardoned Ex-Interior Minister at Her PhD Graduation
Protesters crashed a public ceremony where Gordana Jankuloska was formally receiving her doctoral degree and unfurled a banner reading "Congratulations on your pardon!"
Chinese Big Brother Is Watching You, Even in Australia
"We are concerned that Mr Wu is becoming a victim of the Chinese government’s increasingly intrusive attempts to curb voices of dissent among overseas Chinese."
European Union Slams China Over Missing Hong Kong Booksellers
"The case involves a serious violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms and raises grave concerns about the rule of law under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle..."
Arrests Add Fuel to Anti-Impunity Protesters’ Fire in Macedonia
"We have shaken the regime! But we must not yield or surrender! The fight is not over! We must go to protests in mass numbers."
Xulhaz Mannan, an LGBT Activist in Bangladesh, Is the Latest Victim in a String of Brutal Killings
Since 2005, at least 23 bloggers and activists have been killed and scores of others attacked or threatened with death for their progressive and secular views.
Russian Prosecutor General Accuses ‘Right Sector’ of Using Social Media to Overthrow the Kremlin
The Russian Prosecutor General claims that Ukrainian nationalist group "Right Sector" used the Russian social network VKontakte to organize "mass riots and unsanctioned public events."
After Weeks of Scorching Heat, Myanmar Is Hit by the Worst Hailstorm in 50 Years
Strong winds struck Mandalay, Sagaing, and the states of Shan and Chin, while hailstones as big as golf balls rained down on these regions.
A University Professor Is Hacked to Death, Another Victim of Deadly Intolerance in Bangladesh
Rezaul Karim Siddique joins a long list of intellectuals, bloggers and foreigners who have lost their lives in similar killings purportedly carried out by Islamist militants.