Stories about Human Rights from November, 2016
Melbourne Locals Welcome Syrian Refugees With Open Arms—and Butterflies
"Our butterflies are a reminder that even the smallest action can have a far-reaching effect."
Singapore’s Iconic Buildings Turn Purple in Support of Persons With Special Needs
"Purple symbolizes solidarity for people with special needs. The square logo of the Purple Parade symbolizes equality (equal length on all sides), inclusiveness and strong building blocks."
This Museum in a Protest Camp Documents the Struggles of Lumad Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines
"This museum is unlike modern or academic museums that tend to treat indigenous images and things merely as pretty relics for display,"
Demystifying Social Media Censorship — in Arabic, Spanish and English
Social media platforms have terms of use that restrict several types of content including nudity, hate speech, and violence. But these difficult-to-define rules are always subject to interpretation.
Pro-Kurdish Party's Leaders Arrested in Turkey Amid Strengthening Crackdown
Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag were arrested as part of a counter-terrorism investigation, media reported.
Indian Shooter Heena Sidhu Says ‘No’ to Iran's Hijab Rule, and Social Media Rallies Behind Her
"Heena Sidhu pulls out of the Asian Airgun Championships in Iran because of a compulsory hijab rule. A ridiculous rule. And, a brave stance."
In Oman, Independent Media Suspended Until Further Notice
Albalad is the second independent media to stop publishing of its own accord this year. Another newspaper, Alzamn, was suspended by the government last August.
‘My Life for Iran': The 4th Anniversary of Iranian Activist Sattar Beheshti's Death
Sattar Beheshti has come to embody the spirit of resistance in Iran, in an ongoing struggle against freedom of expression and government repression.
Sleeping or Dead – Part 1: “Everything Screams Death”
"An electric current that would be enough to re-power my neighborhood...ran through my body." The first in a six-part series by Sarmad Al-Jilane about his experiences in a Syrian prison.
These Are the Stories of Teachers Who Resist Violence in Northern Paraguay
"The problem is cultural. The solution, cultural."
Australian Government Plans Lifetime Visa Ban for Asylum Seekers Arriving by Boat
"It makes a mockery of international law to outlaw genuine refugees from forever entering Australia. That is the most draconian thing I have ever heard of."