Stories about Human Rights from December, 2019
12 December 2019
Battle-scarred: The lasting impact of the PolyU campus siege on Hong Kong’s protesters
"As the siege dragged on, reports emerged of the deteriorating mental conditions of the PolyU holdouts – which included erratic behaviour, paranoia, and even self-harm."
“Burning books and burying scholars”: A book burning causes uproar on Chinese social media
"How come young people just talked about the environmental impact of burning books? Are they not aware of the historical symbolism of “book burning and scholar burying”?"
India's citizenship bill fuels anti-Muslim prejudice fears
As India's ruling BJP pushes for the 'anti-Muslim' citizenship amendment bill, critics say that it violates India's secular constitution and threatens the very essence of India's plurality.
10 December 2019
‘Creating Suspension Between Contradictory States': An interview with artist Parastou Forouhar
"I try to create the potential for suspension between contradictory states that will emotionally and psychologically engage viewers and make them ask questions."
11 birthdays in a prison: Interview with the daughter of Vietnamese dissident Tran Huynh Duy Thuc
"Whether by appeal for cassation review or by a resubmission request, we will fight until his release, to ensure that human rights are honored in Vietnam."
Ahead of 2020 elections in Ghana, citizens fight against extreme surge in data costs
The increased Communication Service Tax to 9% will create a huge barrier to affordability, increase existing digital inequalities and will be disproportionately felt in rural areas and among women.
9 December 2019
Will Algeria disrupt internet access as election day nears?
With protesters taking to social media to spread information about what is happening on the ground, the Algerian authorities repeatedly resorted to disrupting access to networks and social media platforms.
#StandWithYuli: Solidarity for deported Indonesian domestic worker Yuli Riswati who covered Hong Kong protests
"We condemn this action which may be intended to intimidate non-permanent residents and deter them from involvement in or documenting and commenting on political events in Hong Kong."
5 December 2019
Hong Kong protest artwork: Yellow Objects
"The exhibition 'Yellow Objects' is a mockery of the brutal and ruthless authority that refers to human being as objects, and a reminder to defend and uphold human dignity."
4 December 2019
Tears with truth: The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission
President Barrow’s triumph at the polls set the stage for "righting the wrongs" of the past. For Gambians, this interim leadership provided a reset button for transitional justice, following years of brutality.
Join Global Voices’ #WritingTowardFreedom Twitter chat on December 11, 2019
How has ethnic hate speech, mis- and disinformation and internet shutdowns become insidious threats to online freedom of expression in Africa? Join us for this discussion in a Twitter chat.
Why the often deadly Nepalese custom of ‘Chhaupadi’ needs to end
A number of women and girls in Nepal’s mid and far-western regions continue to die because of a centuries-old stigma against menstruation and the practice of banishment during periods.
2 December 2019
‘They call for my slaughter': Somali atheists living in fear
The Somali atheist community spans the globe, while many others remain “in the closet,” hiding their beliefs for fear of repercussions. An estimated 1.2 million seek solace online, using pseudonyms.
1 December 2019
Chilean photographers continue legacy of documenting human rights violations
Sharing their photos on social media, the group has an extensive gallery on their Facebook page from various ongoing conflicts.
