Stories about Human Rights from May, 2023
With the death of Pema Tseden, Tibetan cinema just lost its most iconic director
Contemporary Tibetan cinema just lost its most famous and avant-garde film director, Pema Tseden, who specialized in portraying the clash of Chinese modernity and traditional Tibetan society.
The stories of Koreans in Kyrgyzstan who converted to Islam
Their conversion is partly the result of the re-Islamization of Kyrgyzstan, which started in 1991, after Kyrgyzstan gained independence.
Turkey heads to election run-off on May 28
These elections also showed how the main opposition coalition underestimated the societal split and the priorities that mattered — nationalism, big infrastructure projects, identity, and security to name a few
The Arab League dealt a painful blow to human rights by normalizing relations with the Assad regime
Diplomatic normalizing with the Assad regime sends a chilling message to tyrants worldwide, allowing human rights violations to go unpunished, particularly amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war on the global stage.
Pakistan faces nationwide internet blockage: A digital crisis unfolds
The internet blockade imposed in Pakistan amidst the arrest of Imran Khan raises serious concerns about the state of democracy, freedom of expression, and access to information in the country.
In the Philippines, cyber censorship is a new form of authoritarianism
Qurium’s investigation revealed that the cyber attacks were coming from the Philippine military, using the government infrastructure of the Department of Science and Technology.
Taiwanese documentary showcases forgotten story of a Vietnamese refugee camp from the 1970s
Even though Taiwan lacks an Asylum Law, it has not always been lukewarm to refugees. In the 1970s and 1980s, it accepted refugees from Vietnam, as one new documentary showcases.
A cinematic journey through Uzbekistan: How one actor’s career reflects the nation’s cultural evolution and history
Through the exploration of Rajabov's work, one can gain a deeper understanding of the people and the land he so passionately represented.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Ecuador
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Ecuador is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Cultural diplomacy, LGBTQ+ rights, and Ukraine in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest
On the evening of the Eurovision Grand Final, Ternopil, the home city of Ukraine's 2023 Eurovision contestant, TVORCHI, was brutally shelled by Russian forces.
Controversies erupt in India over the film ‘The Kerala Story’
Directed by Sudipto Sen, the Bollywood movie "The Kerala Stories" explores the controversial notion of “love jihad” — a conspiracy theory that Muslim men convert Hindu women to Islam via romantic relationships.
On cycling, chicken shit, and alternate futures
Cycling through Pajaro, California after the devastating flooding of April 2023, J. Nathan Matias wonders what his life might have been if his body had withstood the dangers of farm labor.
The Supreme Court orders the government to legalise same-sex marriage in Nepal
On May 2, 2023, same-sex marriage was finally legalised by Nepali by order of the Supreme court in Nepal after several years of legal disputes.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Kazakhstan
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Kazakhstan is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
Russian refugees: What changed after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Now some Russians persecuted for their anti-war stance, or those running from military draft, are also among asylum seekers
Anti-Taliban groups come together and call to resist with all means
As the international community is starting to discuss how to engage with the Taliban, the importance of the Vienna conference will continue to grow.
Pakistan on edge: Protests continue as Imran Khan's arrest sparks outrage
Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan was arrested from a courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. The news of Khan's arrest has sparked heated demonstrations and raised concerns about political instability in Pakistan.
This new, trending Cuban song calls for artists to speak out against the island's regime
Cubans don’t just suffer in silence, they also sing and dance to lyrics calling upon one another to pursue their much sought-after freedom.
In Turkey, election manipulation abounds ahead of May 14 vote
Ahead of general elections on May 14, the ruling Justice and Development Party seem to have resorted to foul play and tricks to steer the votes in their favor.
Lao political, environmental activist survives gun attack
A activist in Laos was the victim of an attempted extrajudicial murder. As he recovers in the hospital, human rights watchdogs are calling on the government to investigate the crime.
Building the homo militaris: Russia’s long game of militarized patriotism
The Kremlin’s promotion of militaristic patriotism has had a strong effect on Russian society. But the Soviet legacy of cynicism and “double-think” is actually working to mitigate it.
