Stories about Human Rights from May, 2016
Filipino Farmers Hit by El Niño Are Protesting and Demanding Food Aid
"We can look for alternative crops to plant. But right now there is simply nothing – just hectares of dust that even weed won’t grow on."
Pakistanis Demand Arrests as Threat of Violence Looms Over Christians of Chak 144
"We do not simply want the Police to 'defuse' the incident, we want them to arrest those who are whipping up hatred and plotting sectarian violence."
Ugandans Are Finally Back on Social Media After Days-Long Blackout
The Uganda Communications Commission ordered the sites blocked for "security reasons" ahead of President Yoweri Museveni's inauguration. Authorities also blocked access to social media during elections in February.
Prepare for Pushback If You Call Jamaica Violent (Even Though It Can Be)
"These pockets of violence [...] are not as insignificant as we think. We have not begun to uncover the various forms of violence [...] in our society. Violence is pervasive."
The Government of Mozambique is “Spying on its Citizens”, According to @Verdade
The order to intercept information was secured by military command between 2012-2014, and installed by the Chinese ZTE Corporation. Listening in on citizens is said to have begun in 2013.
Kenyan Blogger and Photographer Goes Missing
Before disappearing, he wrote on Facebook about how his arrest and 'terrorism suspect' label have destroyed his career and livelihood.
Ethiopian Blogger and Activist Sentenced to Five Years and Four Months
Ethiopia's state prosecutor conflated digital security training with terrorism. A local judge agreed.
For Long-Suffering Refugees, a Three-Star Respite in Athens
It's been a long, dangerous journey, so Ali Jaffari first thought it was a scam when a Greek friend offered his family a room at a three-star hotel in Athens.
Lower Castes in India Are Still Clearing Human Waste With Their Bare Hands, Despite Laws Against It
According to a recent report, many rural households in India continue to engage in manual scavenging, finding that it has less to do with poverty than with enduring caste-based discrimination.
Bulgarian ‘Green’ Activist Faces Lawsuit Over Facebook Post
Bulgarian eco-activist Borislav Sandov was sentenced for "insulting" the director of a mining company through a Facebook status. Court of appeals will hear his case at the end of May.
Where Is Zeenat Shahzadi? Missing Journalist Is Suspected Victim of Pakistan's Enforced Disappearances
"It is getting to the point when anyone of us can disappear for seeking or speaking the truth..."
After Months of Investigation, More Doubts Than Certainties Remain in Mexico's Ayotzinapa Case
Where are the 43 Ayotzinapa students? That is the question which remains unanswered 19 months after the group of young teaching students were detained by local police officers in Mexico.
Ukrainian Activists Leak Personal Information of Thousands of War Reporters in the Donbas
The international journalist community reacted with consternation and anger to a leaked database of reporters accredited with the self-proclaimed "Donetsk People's Republic" published by Ukrainian activists.
Meet Two Sahrawi Activist Filmmakers Who Dare to Document Human Rights Abuses
“I am always in danger, even when I am not filming,” said Mariem Zafri, Sahrawi media activist about the risks she takes in her video advocacy work.
In Tajikistan, Shoots of Hope Spring from a Tale of Woe
Dilbar Gurgova was ostracised and driven into poverty after her husband was detained on extremism charges. Compatriots working in Russia were eager to help.
Gambian Protesters Allege Police Used Live Ammunition During Bloody Crackdown
The protests were part of an unprecedented movement in the Gambia calling for electoral reforms and the resignation of longtime President Yahya Jammeh.
Uganda's Defiance Campaign Will Not Be Televised
"Hot on the heels of #WorldPressFreedomDay comes #UgandaMediaGag. Ironic"
Anti-Impunity Activists Say Skopje Marathon Scuffle Is Example of Government’s Violence
"There hasn't been a major incident, but it's obvious that the regime considers even the use of force as a potential weapon."
Syrian Activists Raise the Alarm Over a Possible Massacre in Hama Prison
Activists are raising the alarm over the fate of more than 800 inmates, mostly political prisoners, held in Hama central prison after they staged a mutiny to demand their rights.
Iranian Blogger Hossein Ronaghi-Maleki Freed on Bail
"With every departure there is a return. Even when weak and ill we must stand and smile. We must go on..." writes Hossein Ronaghi-Maleki.
Famine Haunted His Childhood in Ethiopia. Now He Sees Food Running Out Again.
An Ethiopian expat worries for his homeland as drought and climate change threaten to trigger another famine.