Stories about Citizen Media from November, 2020
Between commemoration and rage: Haitians confront a growth in fatal kidnappings
“The proliferation of armed men, the uncontrolled circulation of illegal firearms, and growing insecurity touch every aspect of life in Haiti"
Trinidad & Tobago deports Venezuelan women and children as matter of ‘national security’
The deportation of 16 Venezuelan minors and nine women shortly before they were supposed to have a habeas corpus hearing has prompted energetic debate in Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean football enthusiasts mourn the passing of Diego Maradona
The loss of Maradona is being felt around the world, including across the football-obsessed Caribbean region.
In Pakistan, social media platforms risk bans under new ‘draconian’ rules
New rules vesting the government with the power to regulate online content and ban entire platforms drew criticism from human rights groups and tech companies.
Are some citizens being targeted more than others when it comes to Trinidad & Tobago's COVID-19 legislation?
Many fear that inconsistencies regarding who is brought before the law for breach of COVID-19 protocols is adding to public confusion, which could result in further flouting of the legislation.
In Jamaica, backlash over limestone quarry in ecological area sparks youth online activism
Jamaican youth are rallying against a government decision to allow limestone quarrying in an ecologically sensitive area, and proving they know how to use online tools to their advantage.
In the Middle East, words escape prison walls to inspire freedom and hope
"Why is our homeland so small and tight, and why am I considered a criminal or an enemy that threatens it!”
Somali journalists say new media law will muzzle free press
Somalia’s media workers say that the draconian new media law will repress journalists who are already struggling in a hostile media environment.
Two white snakes, first of their species in the world, found in Nepal
Two white-coloured kraits (Bungarus), discovered during rescue calls in the Province 2, in the southeastern region of Nepal, are first recorded cases in their species in the world.
Proposed tax on books in Brazil may disadvantage readers in poorer neighbourhoods
The Brazilian government is considering a 12 percent tax on literary works. Cultural initiatives warn that the proposal risks widening existing inequalities in access to reading.
The pandemic in Bangladesh through the lens of its independent filmmakers
Global Voices spoke with Zuairijah Mou, the co-founder of Bangladeshi filmmaking collective Tong-Ghor Talkies, who have recently released a series of short films set in the context of the pandemic.
Spain’s official linguistic institution steps back from gender-neutral pronoun
"The RAE is a bit like the Pope: we don't care what they say, but that they say it is half the battle."
The victims of forced sterilizations in Peru continue to demand justice
The violation of the bodies and lives of women sterilized against their will and the delays in delivering justice mark Peru as a perpetrator of human rights violations.
Five new digital media platforms for uncensored news from Colombia
In Colombia, a new generation of journalists are fighting self-censorship and investigating corruption.
Brazilian food delivery drivers strike against employers, citing poor working conditions
Brazilian delivery drivers have been protesting about their working conditions. The COVID-19 crisis, fall in income, and the lack of support from apps are among the main problems facing them.
Shutdowns, throttling and stifling dissent online: Africa’s new normal, Part II
Weaponizing digital blackouts or social media clamp down by Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania is an ominous sign of a deeply problematic system of governance.
Shutdowns, throttling and stifling dissent online: Africa’s new normal, Part I
African governments are using school examinations and politically charged moments as an excuse to effect digital blackouts or clamp down on social media.
‘What a Bam Bam!’ Jamaicans celebrate Biden/Harris victory
Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ congratulatory tweet emphasised Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris’ Jamaican heritage and called her historic achievement a “monumental accomplishment for women all over the world.”
October – A bleak month for freedom of expression in Sri Lanka
This article offers a snapshot of challenges to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka during the month of October, 2020.
Sora, an indigenous language from India, is getting a new typeface
Indian type designer Sony Salma has recently created a new typeface for the Sorang Sompeng, an old and little-used alphabet of the Sora.