Stories about Human Rights from May, 2017
Ethiopia’s Cholera-Denying Candidate to Lead the World's Top Health Body Is Taking a Battering Online
"I fear that the WHO’s reputation will be tarnished and credibility questioned if it elects Dr. Tedros Adhanom."
Why Doctors and Students Are Protesting Against Sri Lanka's Only Private Medical College
"It remains to be seen, if the Medical Mafia will continue to deprive the right to a private medical education for our youth."
Japanese Committee Clears Path for Vague and Controversial Anti-Conspiracy Bill
The legislation will cover nearly 300 crimes if it passes. Critics have argued personal liberties are at stake.
Argentines Rally Against Ruling That Could Shorten Prison Sentences of Dictatorship-Era Criminals
"Argentina cannot go backwards on human rights issues. The message of impunity cannot invade our streets”
Azerbaijan Blocks Independent Media (And Actually Admits it)
"This was one thing we had left and they have taken it too. May God punish them. All they think about is how to shut people up."
‘Cyber Warrior’ Group Threatens to Extort Indian Women on Facebook
Threats of character assassination and extortion can carry severe real-life consequences, especially for women.
Netizen Report: Chelsea Manning and the Power of Transparency
This week, Chelsea Manning was finally released from prison, Ukraine censored Russian web platforms and Thailand threatened legal action against Facebook.
#FreeThe5KH Campaign Seeks Release of Five Detained Human Rights Activists in Cambodia
The five have been recognized as among the finalists in the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders in 2017.
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients in Australia Raises Discrimination and Privacy Concerns
"The overwhelming Twitter response to the plan to drug test welfare recipients: drug test politicians and their staff too"
Cybercrime Charges Against Jamaica's Tambourine Army Founder Dropped
Jamaica's Director of Public Prosecutions has dropped all three charges against activist La Toya Nugent, under the country's Cybercrimes Act.
Iran Elections 2017: Hassan Rouhani Ran on Openness. But What Did He Actually Achieve?
Hassan Rouhani has been both the candidate and President of "hope and moderation" for Iranians. Article 19's report assesses how this has had an affect on freedoms online.
Palestinian Prisoners Remain ‘Determined’ One Month Into Hunger Strike Against Israeli Prison Conditions
Thirty days have passed and over 1,500 Palestinian political prisoners in Israeli prisons continue their mass hunger strike.
Dresden Musicians Take Reagan’s Advice for Gorbachev to the U.S.-Mexican Border
To protest against the border wall that divides the U.S. and Mexico, Germany's Dresden Symphonic Orchestra will stage an international concert with musicians on June 3, 2017, at the border.
Activists Say Azerbaijan’s Media Is Spreading Fear and Hate of Queer People
"Sometimes journalists forget their power, and mislead people with their unprofessional manners."
Did Tajikistan’s ‘First Parrot’ Flee Its Gilded Cage?
A media blackout regarding the status of the bird supposedly belonging to a top member of the ruling family failed to stop the jokes.
Bangladesh: Where Heavy Metal Dies at the Doorstep
Heavy metal fans in Bangladesh were heartbroken after Brazilian death metal bands Krisiun and NervoChaos were forbidden from performing at their sold-out concert in the capital Dhaka.
For Refugees in Seattle, Rising Rents Mean the Search for Home Isn’t Over
As rents rise in Seattle on the US west coast, Congolese refugees are facing the very real threat of homelessness.
New Documentary Throws Shade on Police Investigation Into Dissident Journalist's Murder in Kyiv
A new investigative report challenges the role of Ukraine's authorities in a stalled murder case surrounding a dissident journalist assassinated in Kyiv last summer.
Bangladesh's LGBT Community Launches a Blog Commemorating Slain Activists
"How can I live in this country, where if I were to be killed people would rejoice over a cup of tea that there is one less LGBT person?"
Calls for Boycott After Pizza Hut Israel Mocks Palestinian Hunger Strikers on Facebook
"...because human dignity is much more precious that your pizza!! #Boycott_PizzaHut"
Diversity, Interrupted: Anti-Gay Crusades Mar Ukraine’s Tolerant Facade
As this year’s Eurovision Song Contest enters its final weekend, a half-painted rainbow arch meant to symbolize the event’s slogan, “Celebrate Diversity,” hovers ominously over the center of Kyiv.