Stories about Human Rights from June, 2021
Remembering Asia’s first Pride march in Manila
Two organizers of the historic 1994 Manila Pride shared their reflections about the legacy of the protest and the continuing struggle to fight for LGBT+ rights
Pro-Beijing lawmakers in Hong Kong slam Gay Games as ‘disgraceful’
"It's civil society’s business if they want to do it, but it’s wrong [for government] to throw money at this."
‘Nothing is braver than a trans woman unafraid to die in order to live’
"The lack of respect within patriarchal societies has internalized through its media the view that certain lives are not worth living."
Germany recognizes colonial-era genocide in Namibia, but survivors say it's not enough
More than 100 years after the genocide of Namibia’s Ovaherero and Nama ethnic groups, Germany acknowledges its guilt and will fund projects in Namibia over a period of thirty years.
Laos social media task force: Will it target ‘fake news’ or censor online criticism?
"The reinforcement of social media platforms’ registration and severe control of online information are another reflection of the digital dictatorship in Laos."
Mexican registry for cell phone users sparks privacy concerns
"The creation of a similar registry was attempted in 2009, but the database ended up being leaked and for sale."
Belarus bans foreign travel for citizens, EU closes airspace to Belarusian flights
Most Belarusians, including many foreign residency permit holders, have been temporarily banned from going abroad, while new EU air space restrictions further narrow travel options to and from Belarus.
Late-night raid at Turkey's Boğaziçi University as students continue resisting interference in campus affairs
Six months later, university students, alumni, and faculty members are still agitating against the government-appointed rector Melih Bulu and his policies, which they claim are eroding the campus' democratic culture.
Myanmar’s long history of revolutionary poets
In Myanmar's history, poets have shown solidarity with the ordinary people and have been at the frontline in every revolution.
Accident on a chemical-laden ship triggers one of the biggest environmental disasters in Sri Lanka
Singaporean container ship X-Press Pearl had an accident near the Sri Lankan coast and has since sent waves of microplastics and charred debris along the coast of the country’s capital.
Remembering Tiananmen in Hong Kong: An increasingly risky act of resistance
Despite all the legal threats, Hongkongers are finding their own ways to commemorate June 4.
CDM, NUG, EAO and other acronyms of Myanmar’s anti-coup resistance
Learn more about the common acronyms used by Myanmar protesters, their meaning, and significance to the coup and the democracy movement.
New report highlights ongoing pressure on Ukrainian activists and rights defenders
In the first quarter of 2021, physical attacks, destruction or damage to activists’ property, and attempted intimidation of human rights defenders were the most common, in addition to digital threats.
Twitter vs India: The battle of BJP and Congress over a ‘fake toolkit’ on COVID-19
Twitter expressed concern about the “use of intimidation tactics by the police” and “the potential threat to freedom of expression” for the Indian users.
