Stories about Human Rights from March, 2013
Changing Attitudes on Child Marriage in India
In rural India, two out of five girls are child brides. Though Indian law has made child marriage illegal, girls and boys bonded by traditional social norms and values are most likely to get married early defying the legislations. But the situation is changing as a number of women, who had been married as children, are speaking out against child marriage.
Hissene Habre Victims’ Long Road to Justice
Jacqueline Moudeina writes on Pambazuka.org about the inauguration of a special tribunal in Senegal, to bring Hissene Habre, former dictator of Chad, before the courts [fr]: “Being a victim, is...
Benin Journalist Gets Three Months in Prison
Jolome News notes that the International Federation of Journalists has denounced the sentencing of Ms. Berthe Cakpossa to three months in prison and a fine of 500.000 francs CFA (the...
Blogger to Ahmadinejad: Watch ‘The Godfather’
Hossein Derakhshan, a jailed Iranian blogger, wrote a letter to President Ahmadinejad and advised him to watch The Godfather movie and learns lessons from it. The blogger said Ahmadinejad had a “thirst...
Breaking All-Male, Offline Trend, Cambodia's First Female Lawmaker Blogs
Meet Mu Sochua, the first woman ever to be elected in Cambodia's Parliament and one of the very few politicians in Cambodia who actively use social media.
Jamaica, Barbados: Class & Justice
When I said let’s focus on substance rather than style or appearance it hadn’t yet occurred to me that in this case style IS the substance or a substantial part...
Greece: Corruption, Police State and Struggle in Skouries
Skouries residents, a region in Chalkidiki, Northern Greece, oppose against Canadian company Eldorado Gold, which obtained the Kakkavos Mountain gold mining rights through a controversial process. Netizens in solidarity play a significant role in news dissemination.
Guyana: Taming the Beast of Power
I start to call it the red-eye beast that can whisper in you’ head and tell you to do unspeakable things. Guyana-Gyal blogs about power, and how it affects all...
China's Social Web Frowns On State TV's Live Execution Broadcast
The unprecedented decision of China's state-run television network to broadcast live the final moments of a Burmese drug lord just before his execution has sparked debate on the mainland over whether the move was an act of justice or vengeance.
Activists Worldwide Mourn French Author Stéphane Hessel
Writer, human rights advocate, and French resistance fighter Stéphane Hessel, whose bestselling manifesto on peaceful uprising inspired the disenchanted of Europe and the United States to organize into protest, died on the night of February 26, 2013. He was 95. A peaceful march is planned on March 7, 2013, the day of his funeral.
Catholic Church Condemns Sterilization Law in Panama
Panama's National Assembly of Legislators has passed a law that allows women over the age of 23 with two or more children to opt for a free sterilization. The Catholic Church has deemed the law disastrous and has asked that it be repealed. At the same time, Panamanians are divided into those who see the law with good eyes and those who reject it.
Turkmenistan: With Enemies Like These, Who Needs Friends?
People in Turkmenistan and Turkmen dissidents in exile are unhappy about the fact that criticisms of the country's political regime come from various 'foreign experts,' while Western policymakers and politicians inside the country remain mute.
Violence Flares in Bangladesh Over Islamist Leader's Death Sentence
Renewed violence has erupted across Bangladesh, leaving 80 people dead, after the vice president of the country's largest Islamist political party was sentenced to be hanged for war crimes on February 28, 2013. Supporters of the Shahbag movement, who have protested for nearly a month to demand the death penalty for war criminals, rejoiced at the verdict.
Israel Introduces Separate Bus Lines for Jews and Arabs
Israel has introduced “Palestinian only” bus lines for Jews and Arabs, traveling from the West Bank to Israel, starting today [March 4, 2013]. Netizens react to the news, describing Israel as practicing segregation and apartheid.
Violence Holding Youth Hostage in Guinea
Diallo Thierno Sadou [fr] analyzes the political situation in Guinea where violence erupted between police forces and the opposition since February, 27. The fightings has led to multiple casualties and...
#Shahbag Protesters Fight off Atheist Shadow Cast by Islamist Groups
The massive #Shahbag protests in Bangladesh, demanding the death penalty for those who committed mass murder, rape, arson, and other crimes against humanity during the country's liberation from Pakistan in 1971, are seeing violent resistance from the country's Islamist political parties.
Religion Warps Politics as Bangladesh War Crimes Protests Continue
What began as a peaceful civic uprising may be taking a turn in the public’s perception as one that contradicts Islam. Since the beginning of February, hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshis have been occupying a major intersection called Shahbag in the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Brazilian Family Loses Home to the World Cup
In this article by Agência Pública, we meet another Brazilian affected by preparations for the 2014 World Cup. This time, it's Elisângela, whose Rio de Janeiro home was demolished without prior notice, leaving her and her daughter homeless.
Cyclone Haruna Kills 23 and leaves 22,000 Homeless in Madagascar
Cyclone Haruna has caused a total of 23 deaths, as well as 16 missing persons, 84 people injured and nearly 22,000 disaster victims, during just one week of February 2013 in Madagascar. Despite the images of distress and messages from humanitarian organisations requesting urgent help, some feel that solidarity has been slow be felt in the affected region, the South West of Madagascar. However, many associations and agencies have rallied round in Madagascar and abroad to come to the region’s assistance.
Self-Immolations Energize Bulgarian Protests
Three recent cases of self-immolation in Bulgaria have energized the protesters. New rallies are planned for March 3, Bulgaria's National Day. Ruslan Trad reports.
