Stories about Governance from January, 2024
Turkey's sweet F-16s deal
On January 26, the US approved the sale of 40 new F-16 fighter jets worth USD 23 billion. The deal, also includes, the equipment to modernize 79 existing Turkish F-16s.
Uzbekistan’s repression survivors tell their harrowing stories in a new documentary
This is one of the first attempts to tell the story of more than 18,000 people who were jailed on trumped-up charges and labelled “extremists” by Uzbekistan's Karimov government.
Jamaica is developing, but at what cost?
Increasingly large developments along Jamaica’s idyllic north coast, a popular tourist destination, have local environmentalists concerned about several recurring issues observed in environmental decision-making in the country.
Why are Afghans still seeking out the ‘weakest’ passport in the world?
Acquiring the Afghan passport — the world’s weakest passport — demands substantial patience and skill in navigating bureaucratic hurdles.
Council of Europe members vote to suspend Azerbaijan
The credentials of Azerbaijan's delegation at PACE were challenged on the grounds the country failed to meet "major commitments" as part of its membership to the Council of Europe.
Can Indonesia's President Jokowi remain neutral while his son runs for vice president?
"We have the moral obligation to remind him to stay neutral in the election and that history will not judge him kindly for interfering with the democratic process."
A Brazilian municipality has approved a bill written by ChatGPT
Councilor Ramiro Rosário revealed that he sent ChatGPT a 289-character directive to write a bill. He decided to reveal the use of AI after the law was sanctioned by the mayor.
Uzbekistan is finally starting to address its air pollution problem
In December 2023, Tashkent recorded the second-highest air pollution levels, coming behind only India’s Delhi.
In Azerbaijan, the stakes are always high for political activists
A few weeks after the announcement of a new social activism platform, its founder, Aliyev went missing on December 23.
Terrorists from Tajikistan have become a global menace
Over the last decade, Tajikistan’s foreign terrorist fighters (FTFs) have brought their homeland under a negative limelight on numerous occasions.
Do national parks and wildlife conservation regulations in Nepal benefit Indigenous people?
Nepal has seen many successes when it comes to wildlife conservation. However, Nepal's Indigenous communities have endured a series of human rights abuses due to oppressive conservation policies.
First Turkish astronaut travels into space
At a time when the country is battling the cost of living crisis, high inflation, and depreciating national currency some questioned the government's decision to send Gezeravci into space.
Residents of Rio de Janeiro's favelas make unprecedented claim for reparations for persecution under dictatorship
An organization bringing together residents' associations saw leaders arrested, and was considered subversive in the 1960s, under Brazil’s military dictatorship
Indonesian candidates urged to address human rights concerns
"Indonesia continues to fail to guarantee people’s rights to express their opinions peacefully amidst a shrinking civic space."
Amidst floods in Brazil, government minister turns environmental racism into a national debate
Floods and heavy rains in the state of Rio de Janeiro caused 12 deaths and devastation in January. After Racial Equality Minister Anielle Franco pointed out environmental racism, the term sparked a national debate.
Can a third political party realistically compete and thrive in Ghana?
The multi-party system is enshrined in Ghana's constitution through the Political Parties Act 574, established in 2000. Nevertheless, the political scene is primarily dominated by two parties: the National Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party.
Azerbaijan ‘successfully’ uncovers another spy network
Pundits link the recent diplomatic tensions between Azerbaijan and France to the latter’s support for Armenia.
Documentary about the protest of soldiers’ wives, sisters and mothers created in Russia
Women demanding 'demobilisation' say: "Our topic, it's kind of forbidden. Do you understand? I'm scared to say what I think. I'm scared that I might never see my husband again."
Kyrgyzstan’s self-proclaimed ‘new God’ and former presidential candidate found dead in prison
Abdyldaev’s death is another incident of the alarming trend that has been unfolding under the rule of the current president Sadyr Japarov.
Indonesian court acquits two activists over charges of defaming government minister
"The government must also end reprisals against human rights defenders and allow human rights defenders and civil society organisations to operate freely and safely."
DRC: opposition groups are decrying President Félix Tshisekedi's re-election as fraudulent
Félix Tshisekedi has been reelected as DRC's president for a second term but the opposition is contesting these results due to numerous violations in the electoral process
