Stories about Human Rights
Digital apartheid and the use of social media algorithms in humanitarian crises
Big tech platforms extensively censor Palestinian voices, shadow banning them and their supporters, violating their rights to free speech, assembly, information access, political participation, and protection from discrimination.
Members of Belarusian band behind 2020 protest songs receive draconian sentences
"We are not cattle, cattle and cowards, we are a living people, we are Belarusians!" sang the Tor Band. Now their member are in prison with sentences up to nine years.
Malagasy political crisis viewed through the lens of photographer Rijasolo
In the lead up to Madagascar’s highly contested presidential election, Global Voices interviewed Malagasy photographer, Rijasolo, who has been covering the latest political events using striking images.
A silent ‘coup’ in Turkey deepens political and judicial crisis
Both decisions — rejecting the Constitutional Court's decision and filing a criminal complaint against the members of the court — have been critiqued by officials as well as independent lawyers and observers.
In the shadow of decades-old scars and trauma
We are a generation of war, that will live in the shadow of the wars that left scars beyond repair.
European Commission greenlights EU candidacy for Georgia
On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the EU grant Georgia candidate status, paving the way for the bloc to begin the country’s accession process.
Italy's plan to set up asylum-seeker center in neighboring Albania sparks debate
A center will open in Albania to temporarily accommodate immigrants en route to Italy, while their asylum applications are assessed.
Digital Blackout: Systematic censorship of Palestinian voices
During the continuous Gaza bombardment and worsening humanitarian crisis, Palestinians face a communication blackout and tech censorship, hindering access to crucial information and the documentation of human rights violations.
Research exposes plantation giant Socfin's role in deforestation and displacement of Indigenous communities in Nigeria and Ghana
Greenpeace Media has cautioned that the Group’s steadfast resistance to adopting the industry’s zero-deforestation standard poses a significant and looming threat to the forests of West Africa.
Myanmar anti-junta activist pens a rap song seeking justice for his murdered parents
"I want to create a piece of art that will last and that demands justice for my parents, in case I die before the revolution succeeds."
Filipino radio host killed during live broadcast
"This barbaric act reflects the broader peril of democratic discourse in the Philippines. It is a manifestation of an alarming, ongoing trend that casts a dark shadow over independent media."
Apart from shadow deals, there are no visible results in Belarus-Zimbabwe economic relations
In spite of various visits and signed contracts, nothing substantial had happened in Zimbabwe - Belarus economic relations after Belarusian's leader visit to Zimbabwe in January 2023, when he promised groundbreaking results.
In Gabon, music is a tool for visibility both inside and outside the country
In Gabon, music has the power to fuse tradition and modernity, and use globalization to its advantage.
At a crucial time for global crises, X (formerly Twitter) dilutes its violent speech policy
X has softened its violent speech policy significantly, decreasing both the scope of its provision on violent speech as well as the consequences imposed when such speech is detected.
Armenia and Azerbaijan vow peace — for now
Armenian and Azerbaijan's leadership may have finally agreed on a peace deal document to be signed "in the coming months."
‘Taiwanese people should support democracy in Swaziland': Interview with activist Tanele Maseko
Taiawn-based New Bloom editor Brian Hioe interviewed activist Tanele Maseko, widow of Thulani Maseko who was killed in January 2023 in Eswatini, one of Taiwan's few diplomatic allies.
Casual racism in Russia's everyday life: ‘Even though you are Buryat, you are still one of us’
Hurtful stereotypes can create actual barriers between people, fuel division and animosity. Stereotypes about an ethnic minority living in Russia, Buryats, are a vivid example of these negative social processes
Yelena Trifonova: ‘In Siberia, calling someone “Muscovite” is almost an insult’
"Independent journalism will persist as long as there's a demand for it in Russia. We cannot abandon people; because it’s the same as abandoning hostages," says the editor of Baikal People.
Cracking the dilemma: Heavy metal concerns in Bangladesh's egg supply
Eggs are the cheapest protein source in Bangladesh. A recent study has identified elevated levels of heavy metals in eggs from farms located in Dhaka city, posing a health risk.
Sudan: Civilians caught in middle of military leader power struggle
Sudanese civilians have become caught up in a conflict between two military factions struggling to gain complete control of the country.
Open letter to Caribbean leaders urges them to make COP28 transformative
The signatories identified three key areas to help address broader issues the region grapples with, including inequality, poverty, and "staggering levels of debt," which are exacerbated by climate change.
