These stories are part of Global Voices’ special coverage of COVID-19 and offer a view on the pandemic from the perspective of our global community of contributors.
Stories about COVID-19 from April, 2020
Fiji general cites need to ‘stifle criticism’ in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic
"The COVID-19 pandemic is not an excuse for human rights violations. Excessive force and brutality are unacceptable from any of our enforcement or security forces."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Chinese netizens’ tribute to whistleblower Dr. Ai Fen
There are still people who are brave enough to speak up, and we value these people and try our best to spread their messages.
Japanese superfood can't combat COVID-19, but may prolong your life
In mid-March, a consumer research company in Japan found that nearly 40 percent of Japanese people they surveyed incorporated special foods into their diet in order to "boost their immune systems."
In Mexico, relief program ‘insufficient’ to keep 30 million informal workers at home
"If I don't sell, I don't eat. It's that simple."
To fight COVID-19 in Myanmar, a call to end the war and internet shutdown in Arakan region
"During the global pandemic, we need to stop the war and internet shutdown to fight COVID-19 in Rakhine."
Coronavirus and surveillance technology in India: Public health vs. privacy
Global Voices interviewed rights lawyer Mishi Choudhary and tech and policy researcher Srinivas Kodali to discuss the newest proposal in India to use unique ID data for #FacialRecognition with drones.
A selection of Latin American and Caribbean ‘coronavirus songs’
The songs' mood range from solemn to humorous.
Notes from Kazakhstan: Pigeons, disinfectant and COVID-19
In authoritarian Central Asia, the COVID-19 crisis is an opportunity for states to make a show of strength of strength, yet it also lays bare their weaknesses.
Setbacks for freedom of expression as Tunisia fights COVID-19
Two bloggers have been arrested for accusing local authorities of corruption in relation to aid distribution, while a journalist who criticized the health minister faced insults online.
Despite COVID-19, no respite for human rights crackdowns in Egypt
Prominent blogger and activist Alaa Abd El Fattah has gone on a hunger strike to protest his unlawful detention, his family said.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: A fake performance
They yelled out from their windows “fake, fake, it is all formalist performance”. This is not the first time the people in Wuhan express their resentment.
Russians under lockdown (re)create famous artworks online
The Izoizolyatsiya photo challenge has become a national obsession. To the RuNet's delight, thousands of Russians are recreating famous artworks using ordinary household items — in hilarious and often bizarre ways.
‘Clean city-state’ image of Singapore shows double-standards in its treatment of migrants in times of COVID-19
"....even if you do most things right, if you're not considering or proactively looking out for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, you're not going to effectively fight #COVID19."
Out of 20,000 COVID-19 cases in the Balkans, more than a third are in Serbia
In Serbia, the government first ignored COVID-19 and even made fun of it.
Zanzibar relies on strong communities of care to confront COVID-19
Zanzibar thrives on unity. A wave of community-based health initiatives has ramped up their presence on the islands to raise awareness and educate islanders about the highly contagious coronavirus.
COVID-19 in the Middle East: Is this pandemic a health crisis or a war?
War-like rhetoric around COVID-19 has allowed governments in the Middle East and North Africa to execute emergency powers and impose draconian measures that would otherwise be unacceptable.
Prosecutions mount as Russia intensifies fight against COVID-19 ‘fake news’
Russia has made sharing "fake news" a criminal offence. Rights activists fear that charges will be brought against anybody questioning the state's account of the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Feelings of insecurity
I want to go to the park to take a stroll after the lockdown is lifted...
Jamaican activists spent Earth Day at home, online
Jamaican netizens explored the connections between COVID-19 and climate change and the response has been so strong that Earth Day has turned into Earth Week.
A high-profile funeral highlights a double standard in Nigeria under lockdown
In Nigeria, a high-profile burial amid COVID-19 lockdown orders highlights a double standard when it comes to state guidelines on best practices to mitigate the spread of the deadly disease.
COVID-19 exposes gaps in services for Azerbaijan’s elderly
Azerbaijanis over 65 are not permitted to leave their homes. Therefore many cannot receive their pensions, buy badly needed medication, or access social support.
