Stories about Governance from October, 2021
Singapore's new law against ‘foreign interference’ threatens to undermine free speech
"The solution should never be to simply give the government more and more and more broad discretionary powers that can be used against citizens ..."
‘Loss and Damage’ are critical issues for fragile Caribbean states at COP26
"It’s important for high emitting, major polluters to commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. That is what is driving the extremes of climate change. Meanwhile, we have to adapt."
Sri Lanka sacks agricultural scientist for raising concerns over agro-chemical ban
The sudden move to total organic farming could be one of the multiple triggers for a Sri Lankan food crisis that has affected the availability of essential food in the market.
Turkey finally ratifies the Paris Climate Agreement
All eyes are on the upcoming council meeting in January 2022, where the government will announce the new action plan to combat the climate crisis.
How children became the worst sufferers of COVID-19 induced lockdowns in India
VideoVolunteers Community Correspondents (CCs) report from the ground on the devastating consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns for primary education in rural schools in India.
The Pandora Papers unveil offshore companies linked to the family of Turkmenistan's President
In Turkmenistan, two brothers have used offshore companies to earn from state contracts of import-export. The problem is that they are relatives of the president.
Turkish President declares 10 diplomats persona non grata
President Erdogan's decision to expel the ambassadors comes following a statement issued on October 18, 2021 by the embassies of ten countries on the ongoing detention of philanthropist Osman Kavala.
In Georgia, there is still hope for rainbow colors
Global Voices spoke with Giorgi Tabagari, 35, founder of Tbilisi Pride on Georgia's recent anti-LGBTQ+ developments and the plight of the country's queer community.
Bangladesh’s upcoming Data Protection Act may suppress, not protect, citizens rights
Analysts fear that a proposed data protection act in Bangladesh contains some loopholes including the indemnification of government agencies, which could be weaponized like the existing controversial Digital Security Act 2018.
We need ‘painless’ glucose monitors, says Mia Chichkarikj, a 16-year-old diabetes patient from North Macedonia
“This should be a plea to the authorities at the Ministry of Health, to take our needs for 'painless' glucose monitors seriously and to provide them as soon as possible.”
‘Self governance is self love': Barbados elects first local head of state on journey to becoming a republic
"We have a good relationship with the British monarchy. Long may it continue, as equals. Congratulations to our incoming President Dame Sandra Mason."
Decoding the ‘Saakashvili effect’ with two experts in Georgian politics
As Georgia prepares for municipal elections on October 30, and Saakashvili remains on hunger strike, stability seems but an empty dream in a country deeply divided over political and economic lines.
Basque separatist group ETA lowered its weapons 10 years ago. Has reconciliation truly happened?
A lot has changed for the better in the past 10 years … but Basque society is still working out a public memory about the previous four decades of violence.
Chile rejects the migrants it once welcomed
In a study, Chileans considered themselves mostly 'whiter' than other Latin Americans and considered migrants 'dirtier.'
Tensions are escalating between Azerbaijan and Iran over border issue and Armenia
For weeks, Iran and Azerbaijan have exchanged accusations, and played war games, in what can be best described as chest-thumping.
Indigenous artist depicts the hidden history behind the creation of Bangladesh's Kaptai Lake
Few of the tourists flocking to Bangladesh's Kaptai Lake know the dark history behind the site's creation. With a stunning visual story, artist Tufan Chakma sets out to change that.
Thousands rally in Tbilisi demanding freedom for imprisoned former president
Thousands of people gathered in Tbilisi on October 14, in support of former president Mikheil Saakashvili, who is on his 14th day of a hunger strike in prison.
Fake vaccine passport scandal revealed in Armenia
Authorities estimate that over 700 people bought the fake vaccine certificates from healthcare workers in Gyumri — Armenia’s second-largest city.
Turkey and Armenia ready to ‘normalize relations’ after nearly 30 years
Almost three decades later, Turkey is now considering reopening its border with Armenia. The border has been closed since 1993.
Why are Czech elites being captured by Beijing narratives?
The ties between outgoing president Zeman as well as economic relationships over the past few years, especially in the media, raise concerns about the public narrative around Sino-Czech relations.
Pandora Papers: Sixteen Nepalis have illegally invested in offshore companies in overseas tax havens
The Pandora Papers, a global investigation by the ICIJ, has revealed how many Nepali business persons and companies have used tax havens to stash wealth to avoid taxes.
