Stories about Human Rights from December, 2013
Video: “Not Anymore: A Story of Revolution” in Syria
"Not Anymore: A Story of Revolution" is a 15-minute documentary film about the war in Syria which starts with a bang and ends with hope
Syrian Cartoonist Akram Raslan Reportedly Killed by Regime
Uncertainty continues over the fate of Syrian cartoonist Akram Raslan, winner of the Award for Courage in Editorial Cartooning for 2013, arrested in October 2012 by the Assad regime.
Romantic Love vs. Gender Equality: An Interview with Coral Herrera
Coral Herrera is a blogger and an expert in gender relations, specifically regarding the construction of romantic love. Author Laura Vidal interviews Herrera for this two part series.
VIDEOS: Singapore’s First Riot in 40 Years
Singapore's first riot in four decades also highlighted the growing tension between the local population and the rising number of foreign workers.
The Caribbean Ponders the Legacy of Nelson Mandela
Across the Caribbean archipelago, from Trinidad and Tobago to Cuba, regional bloggers reflect on Nelson Mandela's life and legacy.
Gay Sex is Once Again Illegal, India's Supreme Court Rules
"I was not a criminal yesterday, today I'm one. I intend to remain one. Wont ask for lordships permission before loving."
Visible Discrmination Against Ahmadis in a Shop In Pakistan
Farhan Janjua at Guppu reports a hate speech against Ahmadis. A mobile shop displayed this message “Caution: Qadianis (Ahmadis) are banned from entering.” The Ahmadi Muslims are religiously persecuted as a consequence of professing their faith.
Non-Violent Activist Razan Zaitouneh and her Team Kidnapped in Syria
Four activists, among them internationally acclaimed non-violent activist Razan Zaitouneh, from Syria's Violations Documentation Center (VDC) were kidnapped by unidentified masked gunmen, sparking a call for their immediate release.
Appeal to Free Spanish Journalist and Photographer Kidnapped in Syria
Appeals continue for the release of journalist Javier Espinosa and freelance photographer Ricardo Garcia Vilanova, both Spanish, kidnapped in Syria by the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq.
Brazil: Do You Admire Mandela? Then Support Human Rights
A banner paying homage to Nelson Mandela takes on the unanimous popularity of the South-African leader in Brazil to call those who admire his legacy to support human rights. The message was spread by the non-governmental organization Conectas Human Rights in the International Human Rights Day, 10 December 2013. “Do...
Prison for Homeless Man Carrying Cleaning Products During Protests in Brazil
Authorities accused the man in Rio of carrying the ingredients for a molotov cocktail, though many dispute the claim.
“Where the Sea Breathes”: A Letter from Puerto Rican Political Prisoner Oscar López Rivera
Oscar López Rivera has been imprisoned in the United States for 32 years. In this letter to his his granddaughter Karina he remembers the sea.
Jurrat – Marking First Anniversary of the Delhi Gang-rape
From 10-16th December Jurrat (courage), a campaign on violence against women, is marking the anniversary of the heinous Delhi gang rape. One year ago a 23-year old medical student was gang-raped in a Delhi bus. A mobile music concert by Swaang (a Mumbai based theatre and protest music group) and...
What the Situation of Street Children in Port-au-Prince is Telling a Haitian Citizen
Valéry Moise, a Haitian physician and activist, reflects upon the dire situation of street children [fr] in Port-au-Prince : Moi, quand je regarde un enfant des rues briser une vitre, je vois une promesse électorale non tenue, quand je regarde un enfant sans idéal, je vois un gouvernement sans vision,...
Infinite Detention Legalized in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia just approved a law which allows judges to detain people indefinitely in a country where activists claim up to 30,000 people are held without trial.
Interview With Chinese Political Cartoonist
China Digital Times interviewed Australia Chinese political cartoonist @badiucao on his upbringing and view on China. The cartoonist said: As a rebel, I want to use my pen to record history from my perspective, and use my individual perspective to confront the official record. Of course, as one person I...
In Japan, Disaster and a Radio Show Put Refugees On the Agenda
For nearly 10 years Katsuya Soda has worked to bring the refugees issue to the attention of the complacent Japanese public. These days he has some extra help.
A Brief Unity of Purpose: Marching for Puerto Rican Prisoner Oscar López Rivera
Thousands gathered this past November to demand the release of unjustly held political prisoner, Oscar López Rivera. Ángel Carrión shares some thoughts from that day.
Ecuadorian Government Shuts Down Environmental NGO Pachamama
The Ecuadorian government ordered the closure of the NGO Fundación Pachamama, dedicated to the defense of Ecuador's Amazon rainforest, alleging that the it was "affecting the public peace".
Russian Oligarch Khodorkovsky Will Go Free When He's Dead?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is scheduled to leave jail later next year, but there are now signs that he may face new criminal charges before he can breathe free air.
Chairman Mao Is Greater Than Nelson Mandela, Chinese Leftists Say
"I don't understand why India's Gandhi and South Africa's Mandela receive so much praise. Of course they were great, that's all. But Chairman Mao surpassed them all."
