Stories about Citizen Media from May, 2016
Global Voices Partners With Groundviews From Sri Lanka
Global Voices and Groundviews have launched a partnership that will combine our focus on citizen media and Groundviews's analysis/expertise to bring our readers original and in-depth coverage from Sri Lanka.
Trinidad and Tobago Reconsiders Marriage Act After Push to Recognise Child Marriage as Abuse
Trinidad and Tobago is a society of contradictions: the legal age of sexual consent was recently raised from 16 to 18, even as another law on marriage differs significantly.
A Japanese City Uses Frightening CGI to Teach Residents Tsunami Survival
Do you know where to run if a tsunami strikes? The city of Kamakura has created a simulation that aims to help residents answer this question.
Mexico Launches National Transparency Platform
Mexico has a new tool to combat the opacity of public servants and of those who govern. But its effectiveness in practice remains to be seen.
Argentina's ‘March of the Cap’, a Movement That Won't Stay Silent on Deadly Police Brutality
"We are the guys and girls from the 'hoods, dances, and football fields, from the jails all over the country. We are the workers who fight every day for dignity".
‘Enfants du Pays’ Project Remembers Victims of Burundi’s Crisis With Life Stories and Artwork
"Thank you #EnfantsDuPays for making sure Burundians do not die 'twice.'"
The Oil Spill in the Adriatic Sea Is a Sneak Peek at Looming Natural Disasters
A malfunction at an oil refinery caused an oil spill in the Adriatic Sea off the coast in Croatia last week, wreaking havoc on the local environment and spreading panic.
Pakistanis Demand Arrests as Threat of Violence Looms Over Christians of Chak 144
"We do not simply want the Police to 'defuse' the incident, we want them to arrest those who are whipping up hatred and plotting sectarian violence."
The Luhansk Excursions: Dashcams and Nostalgia in Eastern Ukraine
Videos of the contested eastern Ukraine city of Luhansk filmed with dashboard cameras have become a way for displaced residents to reconnect with their home.
Protests and Looting Rock Venezuela as Public Chaos Spreads
With shortages rising and a political crisis brewing, many have voiced worries that Venezuela seems to be flirting with potential disaster.
Ugandans Are Finally Back on Social Media After Days-Long Blackout
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the sites blocked for "security reasons" ahead of President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration. Authorities also blocked access to social media during elections in February.
‘Biko Zulu’, ‘They Call Me Daktari’ and ‘Mummy Tales’ Among the Winners of the Kenyan Blog Awards
The winners of the Kenyan Blog Awards 2016 were announced at a gala event that took place on May 14 in Kenya's capital Nairobi.
27 Graffiti Murals From São Paulo's Suburbs That You Should Check Out
While graffiti from São Paulo's central neighborhoods are featured in international travel guides, those from the suburbs remain relatively unknown, even for the residents of Latin America's largest city.
Prepare for Pushback If You Call Jamaica Violent (Even Though It Can Be)
"These pockets of violence [...] are not as insignificant as we think. We have not begun to uncover the various forms of violence [...] in our society. Violence is pervasive."
Cameroonian Rapper Valsero Launches a Scathing Musical Attack on President Biya's 33-Year Rule
"Look at these youths! All they dream of is to go far away / Look at these youths! They’ve lost the will to fight because it’s not worth it"
Russians Aren't Happy About Losing Eurovision, But They Weren't Happy Before, Either
Russia's narrow defeat this weekend in the 2016 Eurovision music contest wasn't the only tension in a competition full of lights, pyrotechnics, and nationalism.
The Government of Mozambique is “Spying on its Citizens”, According to @Verdade
The order to intercept information was secured by military command between 2012-2014, and installed by the Chinese ZTE Corporation. Listening in on citizens is said to have begun in 2013.
Kyrgyzstan Embraces Google Street View
Now the local KGB don't even have to leave their office.
Ethiopian Blogger and Activist Sentenced to Five Years and Four Months
Ethiopia's state prosecutor conflated digital security training with terrorism. A local judge agreed.
Why Twitter Users in Quito Can't Stop Talking About Orange Juice
"Buy orange juice from the young guy on the corner and then medicine at the neighbourhood pharmacy, reactivate the economy, everyone's happy."
A Hub for African Digital Art, From Science Fiction Maasai Warriors to Star Wars Re-Imagined in Africa
What if after an annihilation of humans by a lethal virus brought by aliens, the only survivors were the beautiful and strong Maasai people?