Stories about English from September, 2019
Undercover journalist exposes harsh working conditions at Amazon warehouse in Japan
A new book by a Japanese investigative reporter exposes deadly working conditions at a giant Amazon facility just outside of Tokyo.
Censorship and online threats against the press spell trouble for the future of Pakistani journalism
The Committee to Protect Journalists says as many as 61 journalists have been killed in Pakistan since 1992; in most cases, the perpetrators could not be identified.
Press freedom watchdog dismisses China’s '70 Years of Progress on Human Rights’ as ‘smokescreen’
Reporters Without Borders slams China's white paper on human rights as "a smokescreen" to mask the country's "horrendous record" with regard to human rights and press freedom.
Global rally to urge U.S. congress to vote for the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act
'This is a plea for universal human rights, for democracy and for the freedom to choose…'
The little-known beauty of rice sheaf artistry from India and Nepal
The tradition of decorating houses with rice sheaves woven into beautiful forms is slowly disappearing.
Caring for Myanmar’s orphaned elephants
Myanmar's wild elephants are under serious threat from poaching, with elephants being killed at the alarming rate of one a week.
A snapshot of climate strikes across Southeast Asia
The protest actions in Southeast Asia highlighted various issues such as the impact of large-scale mining, haze pollution, and continuing dependence on fossil fuels.
Russia's return to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe: Diplomacy or defeat?
Amending the Council of Europe’s (CoE) sanctioning rules to restore Russia’s voting rights in its Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) has divided democracy and human rights advocates.
Trinidad & Tobago government unimpressed with BBC report on Venezuelan refugees
A BBC report about Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago has not been well received by locals. Many feel the report did not portray an accurate representation of the situation.
Broken bones, internal bleeding: Hong Kong police used ‘reckless, indiscriminate’ tactics during protests, says Amnesty
"...police officers meted out violence prior to and during arrests, even when the individual had been restrained. The use of force was clearly excessive, violating international human rights law."
Trinidad & Tobago government to rethink Sedition Act
"What is needed is an urgent amendment of the Act to qualify seditious intention by adding a specific requirement that the prohibited acts and statements must urge forceful/violent action."
Yale-NUS college draws criticism in Singapore after canceling a class on ‘dialogue and dissent’
"If we cannot make space and listen to the person that says no, then democracy dies. It’s that fundamental."
In a Pakistani town, Hindu-Muslim relations are tested after a Hindu temple is vandalised
"[The] government ought to arrest those ruined the Temple and school, no one has the right to harm other religious places."
Why the Bahamas needs kindness right now
The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season has been a frightening one — and the climate crisis makes it even scarier for small islands. But we can rise above the fear by giving.
Five years after an HIV outbreak in a Cambodian commune, villagers feel forgotten
"When the outbreak of this disease happened, there was an increase in both national and international aid for them. But later on, it seems quiet."
Indian authorities approve uranium exploration in Nallamala Forest, sparking protests
The Chenchu indigenous community, environmentalists and civic bodies protest proposed uranium mining in the Nallamala Forest located in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states in India.
A day in the life of a bamboo shoot harvester in Myanmar
Meet Ko Pho La, a bamboo shoot harvester living in Kyee Bin Village in Irrawaddy Region.
Filipino community radio stations struggle to survive amid attacks and difficulties
"If the marginalized are underserved by the mass media establishment, they must be allowed to be their own voice."
Tobago's coral bleaching alert makes it clear there is ‘no alternative’ to fighting the climate crisis
As warmer ocean temperatures wreak havoc on coral reefs around Tobago and other islands in the Caribbean Sea, we talk to a biologist who is concerned for their future.
Jamaica remembers Hurricane Gilbert, but is the island prepared for a Dorian?
As the climate crisis worsens and the islands of the Caribbean often bear the brunt of the storms' wrath, the time for talk is over.
Muharram in Pakistan: Daring to observe Ashura
Sectarian violence against Shia Muslims and Shia Hazara communities are common in Pakistan. Yet people came out in their numbers once again this year for Muharram, amidst tight security.