Stories about Human Rights from May, 2019
29 May 2019
‘End of an era’ as Jamaica's former prime minister, Edward Seaga, dies
As complicated and divisive as he was beloved, there is no doubt that the late Edward Seaga left an indelible mark on Jamaican politics.
28 May 2019
‘I don't want to be hacked to death!': Kenyans speak out against a spike in murders of women
On May 27, 20 female members of parliament in Kenya launched a campaign against femicide called "Her Life Matters," to raise national consciousness on killings that occur within relationships.
27 May 2019
Right to Information: With its new law in place, will Ghana go the way of Nigeria?
Nearly two dozen African countries have passed Right to Information laws. But while strong in principle, many have faltered in practice.
North Macedonia to hold first-ever pride parade in June 2019
North Macedonia’s first pride parade is yet another testament to the country's recent political transition. Homophobic violence was markedly tolerated by the previous government.
24 May 2019
Journalists, YouTubers, and politicians join forces in Colombia against the killings of social leaders
Social media influencers are trying to draw attention to the struggle of leaders in rural areas to those in connected urban spaces.
Can’t wait to be married: hundreds of same-sex couples celebrate their weddings in Taiwan
May 24 opens the gates to marriage equality for same-sex couples in Taiwan. Hundreds of couples got married on the island, celebrating social recognition and the end of discrimination.
30 years after the Tiananmen Massacre: The troubled history of the Goddess of Democracy
The Goddess of Democracy stood for five days in the Tiananmen Square in 1989 before the bloody massacre of June 4.
23 May 2019
Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, who taught the world ‘how to write about Africa,’ dies at 48
"There is only one Binyavanga Wainaina. He is an ancestor now. Let us celebrate his life." The world mourns the loss and honors the prolific life of Kenya's leading writer.
Inflatable Tank Man sculpture appears in Taiwan ahead of Tiananmen Massacre anniversary
"I think it is important to the Taiwanese people to continue discussing this topic – preventing people from forgetting this event"
Taiwan's same-sex marriage bill is a half-victory for rainbow families
Taiwan has officialized same-sex marriage and granted new rights to the queer community, yet for LGBT parents with children, the battle continues.
21 May 2019
Love wins: same-sex marriage law fully endorsed by Taiwan’s legislature
Taiwan is the first country in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, now officially voted by the parliament. The first weddings are expected on May 24.
20 May 2019
Angola cancelled a public tender after suspicions of fraud, indicating divisions in government
The company Telstar was created in January 2018 with capital stock of 200,000 Kwanza (600 US dollars), and the majority shareholder is the general Manuel João Carneiro.
A tale of two parents: Georgian drag artist on hostility, acceptance and learning to love life
"There is nothing modern about the idea you should love your child."
18 May 2019
Why are Colombian indigenous peoples protesting against President Ivan Duque?
Indigenous people in Colombia have organized national protests against President Duque's new development plan, joining forces with other civil society groups like afro-Colombians, small-scale farmers, labor unions and students.
17 May 2019
Netizen Report: Amid WhatsApp attacks, advocates launch legal challenge against Israeli malware maker
Spyware makers exploit a security flaw in WhatsApp, Singapore bans false information and Somalia plans to shut down social media during school exams.
30 years after the Tiananmen Massacre: An interview with survivor Zhou Fengsuo
"It is becoming more and more difficult to demand responsibility for June 4th. Do you still have any hope?"
Anti-Muslim attacks stoke tensions and incite fear amongst mourning Sri Lankans
On 12 May Sunday, anti-muslim violence started over a Facebook post by a Muslim trader in coastal Chilaw town in Puttalam District, North Western Province of Sri Lanka.
16 May 2019
Facebook posts trigger more arrests in Bangladesh, worrying netizens
Two people were arrested on May 14 and 15, for comments they had posted on Facebook. The arrests have sparked indignation and concern on social media in Bangladesh.
15 May 2019
Dear European Commission: Don't let political parties use our data to manipulate the vote
Rather than protecting individuals’ rights, exceptions to the GDPR in some countries are limiting freedom of expression, eroding privacy, and abetting the spread of disinformation.
