Stories about Human Rights from November, 2013
Sri Lanka: Debate On Legalizing Sex as a Profession
“Sex work finds its place in the underbelly of most societies, more so in conservative cultures like that of Sri Lanka,” comments Shilpa Samaratunge at Groundviews. The question remains whether the sex workers can demand their rights confronting stigma.
Roma in Norway Evicted from Camp by Police
During the week of November 18, 2013, Oslo police and state property owner Statsbygg dismantled a Roma camp, acting on court orders. The Roma settlement was located on public recreational grounds at Sognsvann, Norway. An Oslo appeals court ordered this eviction, agreeing with Statsbygg that the settlers had surpassed the...
‘People That Look Like Themselves': A Comic that Celebrates Natural Black Hair
Angolan artist Francisca Nzenze Meireles, aka Chiquinha, discusses the inspiration for her comic, which relates the day-to-day experiences of those who love their naturally curly hair.
China to Do Away With Labor Camps
"Detention is a poisonous tree and we’re happy to see it eradicated. But the soil is still there. Some kind of variation of the camps will definitely grow out of it."
VIDEO: Fighting Pakistan's YouTube Ban, One Hug at a Time
A YouTube mascot roams Karachi in protest of Pakistan's ban of the video-sharing website in a recently released clip. "If you want me back, hug me," the mascot says.
GV Face: Students Occupy Bulgaria's Future
This Friday on GV Face we talk abut the future of Bulgaria's protests with our authors Rayna, Nevena Borisova and Ruslan Trad, and Danica Radisic.
10 Years After Fatal Police Operation, Ecuadorian Court Reopens the ‘Fybeca Case’
Assailants and a special police group at the fringes of the law clashed in a pharmacy in November 2003, leaving 8 dead, 3 missing and, even today, dozens of questions.
Protesters, Journalists Speak Out Against Japan's National Secrecy Bill
The controversial bill seeks to impose tougher penalties for leaking Japan's national secrets, but critics fear it could curtail freedom of the press and the right to information.
Racism, the United Nations, and the Dutch Saint Nicholas Tradition
While the children of Belgium, The Netherlands and other European countries prepare for the arrival of Saint Nicholas on December 6, the shadow of racism hangs over this tradition.
Jamaica: Abuse of Police Power
If the police involved…are allowed to go unpunished aren’t you sending a message to other cops with no respect for human rights, especially the rights of the poor, that they have a license to behave like this? Active Voice issues a plea to Jamaica's police commissioner after two teens were...
COP19: Fasting For The Climate
Bloggers and Twitter users attending the summit are reacting to Yeb Saño's hunger strike to pressure for meaningful progress at the UN climate talks.
Iran:Eight Netizens got Arrested
Iranian authorities announced that eight netizens including one woman were arrested in Rafsanjan,in Kerman Province, on charges of “insulting Islamic sanctities and values”.
Russian Social Conservatives & Economic Liberals Want to Cut Abortion Funding
Russians have consistently opposed measures aimed at restricting access to abortion. Despite this, there are indications the Russian government is moving to introduce restrictions on the practice.
Persistent Stereotypes, Latent Prejudices: Black Characters in Brazilian Comics
"The representation is not yet ideal," researcher Luis Henrique said about black characters in Brazilian comic books. Global Voices interviewed him about his work.
Chinese Netizens Say Farewell to American Embassador Gary Locke
What is the reason behind the resignation of Gary Locke, the American ambassador to China? Chinese netizens are wondering.
PHOTOS: Five Stories About Syrian Refugees You Need to Know
Rami Al Hames selects five stories through photographs to illustrate the hard and real life that Syrians refugees are facing away from their homes.
Egypt: Mohamed Mahmoud Won't Be Forgotten
Back in November 2011, violent clashes erupted in Mohamed Mahmoud Street, in Cairo. Protests erupt two years later in remembrance
1,000 Days of House Arrest
Iran's Green Movement leaders, Mir Hossein Mousavi, Zahra Rahnavard and Mehdi Karoubi remain locked in their houses without trial or charges.
NACLA-Global Voices Partnership Tackles Gender & Sexuality in Latin America & the Caribbean
A team of five Global Voices authors from Latin America and the Caribbean will contribute weekly articles for a series about women, gender, and LGBT issues.
Australian Prime Minister Downplays Sri Lankan Torture Allegations
Many Australians were flabbergasted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott's conciliatory remarks about torture and other human rights abuses allegedly committed by the Sri Lankan government
Does Tennis Pro Viktor Troicki's Doping Ban Go Too Far?
"It's one thing to not allow him to participate in tournaments, entirely another to limit his freedom of movement."
