Stories about Governance from December, 2017
31 December 2017
If You Spent 2017 in the Caribbean, This Was The Kind of Year You Had
2017 was a bit like a rollercoaster for the Caribbean archipelago, complete with incredible highs and stomach-churning lows.
30 December 2017
Brazil Introduces Tougher Regulations on ‘Fake News’ Ahead of 2018 Elections
A committee with members of the army, the federal police, and the Brazilian Intelligence Agency will monitor and possibly order the blocking of false news reports on social media.
In 2017, Stories of Resilience, Creativity and Love Were Plentiful
Injustice abounds, but the human spirit is alive, kicking, and as beautiful as ever. Take a look at these highlights of Global Voices' coverage in 2017.
29 December 2017
From Internet Blackouts to Violent Attacks, South Asia Saw New Threats to Free Expression Online in 2017
In 2017, South Asian countries faced growing challenges in the field of internet freedom, censorship, and freedom of expression.
The Good Cop? Uzbekistan Readies for Another Year of Major Changes
2017 was a honeymoon year for Uzbekistan and new President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, but challenges loom in the distance.
Ghana's President Says Africa Must Quit Its ‘Mindset of Dependency’ on Western Aid
President Nana Akuffo-Addo's declaration was criticized as dangerously inaccurate or as being the empty words of a politician. Others, however, found his statement empowering.
Teenage Abuse Victim Faces Online Criticism, Accused Granted Bail
"The case mirrors a repeated pattern which tends to dissect a sexual abuse victim's language and dress while giving the accused a pass under the 'Boys will be boys' mentality."
27 December 2017
Bleak Christmas in Oil-Rich Nigeria as Fuel Scarcity Disrupts Holiday Commute Home
Christmas frenzy ground to a halt in Nigeria as Nigerians were unable to power their vehicles and businesses.
26 December 2017
#TogoDebout: Demonstrations Against President Gnassingbé Continue Despite International Indifference
A popular joke has been shared in Togo following the fall of Zimbabwe's President Mugabe: "We pray for Togo, and God answers in Zimbabwe".
23 December 2017
Thailand's Military Junta Wants to Promote Nationalism With a Soap Opera Called ‘Love Missions’
"It’s delusional to think this is enough to alleviate the people’s sorrow and disappointment with the military in the real world."
22 December 2017
In Sri Lanka, Families of the Disappeared Treasure the Everyday Items Left Behind
"When we were displaced, this blazer and four sarees were all I had in a bag. This is all I have of his possessions."
20 December 2017
Tropical Storm Unleashes Deadly Destruction on Philippines Four Years After Super Typhoon Haiyan
"We would never have thought the storm would cause evacuation-efforts spanning three regions or paralyzed the economy of close to three provinces in Eastern Visayas."
19 December 2017
Zanzibar’s Football Heroes Win Hearts Despite Loss to Kenya in CECAFA Cup
Zanzibar Heroes shocked everyone when they made it to the CACEFA Senior Challenge Cup finals against Kenya's Harambee Stars. They lost, but Zanzibar is still cheering for its heroes.
18 December 2017
The Hypocrisy of the Philippines National Police Human Rights Mobile App
"The ‘Know Your Rights’ app is a perfect example of hypocrisy because the only application that is known to the PNP is the application of torture..."
13 December 2017
Meet the People Blocking a New Gas Mega-pipeline in Southern Italy
Local citizens in southern Italy find ways to a proposed gas pipeline, despite the creation of a prohibited zone around the construction site.
12 December 2017
The Ahwazis of Iran Face Death Sentences after False Accusations of Opposing the Government
An Iranian court sentenced two Ahwazi Arab men to death and gave six others three to 25 years for the crimes of alleged membership in non-existent opposition groups.
‘Recalcitrant’ Activist Charged by Singapore Police for Organizing ‘Illegal Assemblies’
"We do not understand why the State is pursuing the seven charges against Jolovan Wham for events which were all peaceful and non-violent."
Right To Information Requests in Sri Lanka Reveals Process for Blocking Websites
Information released by the Telecom Regulatory Commission revealed that from 2015 onward 13 websites had been blocked, including a number of websites publishing political news, and a few pornographic sites.
8 December 2017
What Future for the ‘Wikipedia Seagull’ on Kazakhstan's Brand New Banknotes?
A seagull appearing on the 500 tenge note was claimed by a Swiss photographer, but officials have not acknowledged copyright infringement.
7 December 2017
The Health of Thousands of Filipino Children Could Be at Risk, Thanks to Sanofi’s Dengue Vaccine
"Why just now...How about the thousands of children who were already given the vaccine?"
