Stories about English from December, 2019
Trinidad and Tobago continues to face HIV stigma and lack of sex education
Drugs that can prevent HIV are available, but Trinidad and Tobago's Ministry of Health won't make it available because he thinks it will promote promiscuity.
Comics fans in southern Europe celebrated the triple anniversary of cult publications in 2019
Comics fans in several southern European countries celebrated three golden jubilees in 2019: the 50th-anniversary publication of Italian comics series Alan Ford, the ‘Yugoslav Asterix’ Dikan, and Serbian magazine Stripoteka
All I want for Christmas is a free Hong Kong: How activists used festive cards to get the word out
People volunteered to translate holiday greetings into different languages and write letter templates for people of different backgrounds.
Global Voices quinceañera: How the climate crisis and other disasters affected the Caribbean in 2019
Like other Small Island Developing States, the Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable regions when it comes to the effects of the climate crisis. Part 4 of 5.
Who has ruined Christmas peace and joy in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong’s Christmas was neither peaceful nor joyful as riot police charged major shopping districts with anti-riot weapons to disperse flash mob protests.
Global Voices quinceañera: The Caribbean steps out of the box
Pride parades. Cannabis legislation. £20 million in reparations. These were some of the victories in the Caribbean for 2019. Part 3 of 5.
Bangladesh's first Human Milk Bank faces challenges before inauguration
With the aim of saving their lives, the Human Milk Bank will help newborns in critical care get much-needed mother's milk.
Longest internet disruption in Myanmar’s Rakhine state sets dangerous precedent
"There has been no evidence that the disproportionate decision has had any positive effect on reducing the conflict, which remains pervasive."
Death toll reaches 27 in India's citizenship protests
Mass demonstrations have engulfed both large and small cities nationwide.
Conference in Thailand debates state of human rights in the northeast provinces
"We need to shame the government for using violence and intimidation against villagers who are just trying to preserve their livelihoods."
A look at the 2020 Taiwan presidential election through an online poster design challenge
As the election nears, netizens are election posters through the hashtag #GraphicDesignForDemocracy.
Macedonian government promises to retract misogynist school textbook
The text has been taught in Macedonian schools since 2002.
How China's Belt and Road Initiative is affecting Shan communities in north Myanmar
"The majority of the people are worried about losing their homes, farmlands and water resources. Some people voiced concerns about losing natural resources and heritage places."
Anti-vax groups in the Balkans find support with the Russian Orthodox Church
The Russian Orthodox Church defends the right of parents to choose not to vaccinate their children.
Nigerian government orders release of Omoyele Sowore, journalist and human rights activist
Omoyele Sowore was arrested in August on charges of treason, money laundry and harassing President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria. He has been in jail despite court pronouncements ordering his release.
8 West African countries rename currency in historic break from France — but colonial-era debts persist
Changing the CFA franc to "Eco" does not change the fact that many West African countries are still locked in a legacy of debt to France in its colonial-era deposit system.
In Hong Kong, local entrepreneurs champion the pro-democracy cause
Many believe that citizens' economic power is a potent weapon to bring about meaningful political change to the city.
Protests, internet shutdowns and biryani: 2019 in South Asia
Overall, our coverage in the past 12 months highlighted stories of protests and internet shutdowns from across the region.
After costume controversy at Miss Universe, Jamaicans celebrate Miss World win
The furore surrounding a Miss Universe national costume that played up the horrors of slavery is assuaged by the #BlackGirlMagic of Toni-Ann Singh copping the 2019 Miss World title for Jamaica.
Masterminds behind Ampatuan massacre convicted but campaign against impunity continues in the Philippines
"The past ten years have galvanized us, fortified our ranks. After the massacre, killings of journalists continued. Fifteen of our colleagues have been gunned down under this administration."
Scenes from Ma'shour: On the brutal suppression of protests in an Iranian city
"In the days after the horrific incident, the stench of charred corpses in the marshes remained so strong that it reached across the city."