Stories about Weblog from May, 2012
Philippines: Military Bombings Create Refugees
Thousands of residents in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao have been forced to flee their land in the past few months because of increased military presence and activities in the area. The escalation of conflict between government and rebel troops also worsened the situation recently. The residents have become bakwits - the local term for refugees.
Mozambique: Diving and Defending Marine Life
Recent alarm has been raised about overfishing at one of Mozambique's most important tourist beaches. We document involvement of Mozambicans as dive professionals and conservationists - crucial to a sustainable future for Mozambique's coastal areas, where it is estimated two-thirds of the population lives.
Ukraine: Homophobic Legal Initiatives in Sync with Public Attitudes
Ukraine's first Gay Pride Parade ever failed to take place on May 20 due to perceived threats of violence against its participants; one of the organizers was attacked and beaten by a group of masked men. Meanwhile, Ukrainian MPs representing various political forces seem for once united in their attempts to ban "homosexual propaganda" in the country.
Egypt: The Resurrection of Ahmed Shafiq
The initial results of the first stage of the Egyptian presidential election indicate that Mohamed Morsi and Ahmed Shafiq will take part in the runoff vote. There has been widespread shock at the reemergence of Shafiq, one of the “feloul”, or “remnants” of Mubarak's regime.
Russia: Alexander Semin – Insight into NHL/Post-Soviet Relations
Euphoria spread across the nation on May 20, when Russia defeated Slovakia 6-2 in the Gold Medal match of the 2012 World Hockey Championship. The tournament provides insight into the modern interrelationship between NHL and post-Soviet Russia. Additionally, Alexander Semin provides an example of an instance where these two cultures diverge.
Bulgaria: President's Gift to Pope Provokes Questions
Bulgarian netizens are discussing their President's gift to the Pope: a gilded egg that seems "bigger than the President and the Pope combined." Ruslan Trad translates some of the jokes and conversations.
Cuba: The State of Human Rights
The recent request for information by the United Nations‘ Committee Against Torture with regard to alleged abuses in Cuba has got bloggers talking about the human rights situation on the island.
Egypt: No, the Revolution is Not Over
On May 23 and 24, the eyes of the whole world were once again on Egypt as the country held its first presidential election after the huge popular uprising that brought down Hosni Mubarak a year and a half ago.
DR of Congo: General Ntaganda Back on the War Path?
Bosco Ntaganda, a former chief of the Congolese rebellion is back on the war path, concerned that the ICC warrant against him for war crimes is now supported by the government. Another rebel, Thomas Lubanga, was recently found guilty of similar crimes.
Brazil: TV Humiliation of Young Man Opens Media Regulation Debate
At the beginning of May, a televised interview of a young man who was accused by the reporter of trying to rape a woman ignited debate over the necessity of regulating the great Brazilian media and of imposing limits on the custom of stereotyping minorities and vulnerable people.
Mexico: #YoSoy132, the Beginning of the Mexican Spring?
The visit of presidential candidate Enrique Peña Nieto to the Iberoamericana University was marked with protests by students who rebuked the candidate in several occasions. This, along with the media coverage of the event, unleashed an explosive mixture that first found an outlet in social media and has now taken its energy to the streets of major Mexican cities.
Trinidad & Tobago: Government Partnership a Leaky Ship?
A handful of Trinidadian bloggers seem disillusioned with the People's Partnership government and are being rather vocal about their reasons - especially in light of the country's upcoming 50th anniversary of Independence.
Azerbaijan: More Arrests Despite ‘Eurovision Effect’
On the eve of the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, held this year in Azerbaijan, police in Baku, the capital, have arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists protesting against human rights violations in the oil-rich former Soviet republic.
Global Voices Citizen Media Summit 2012: Countdown to Nairobi
In 38 days' time, on July 2, 2012, over 250 people from the four corners of planet Earth will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Global Voices Citizen Media Summit 2012. Shouldn't you be one of them?
Argentina: Controversy Surrounding Labour Conditions in Production of Yerba Mate
The Province of Misiones, where the famous Iguazú falls can be found, is the current subject of controversy because of the working conditions of yerba mate workers. The AFIP (Federal Administration of Public Income) has discovered slave labour in a yerba mate field.
Africa: Celebrating Africa Liberation Day on Twitter
Africa Liberation Day is the annual commemoration on May 25 of the 1963 founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). In 2002 the OAU established its own successor, the African Union (AU). Africans and friends of Africa celebrate African unity and freedom on Twitter.
The Internet, a Space for Information on Sexual and Reproductive Health
Female sexual and reproductive health is key for development. However, health services are not always accessible and, in the worse cases, disregarded. As a result, innumerable feminist organizations have taken to the Internet to encourage discussion, activism, to clear up doubts and share information.
Mali: A President Assaulted, a Nation in Turmoil
A rapidly escalating crisis has taken over Mali, including a recent assault on the interim president in his palace. All indicators seem to point towards a prolonged situation, although voices are calling for unity.
Spain: How Social Networks are Cleaning Up TV
For several years low-quality content has been broadcast in Spain. Called "telebasura" in Spanish or simply trash TV, it has been a very profitable business model for its low cost production and wide audience reach. However TV trash is in serious danger thanks to an active audience that has used the power of social networks and digital campaigns.
Puerto Rico: “Revuelo,” a Beautiful Commotion
"Revuelo" (Commotion) is the name of a breathtaking artistic and architectural project in the National Gallery in Old San Juan. The architect and photographer Raquel Pérez-Puig has shared some of her beautiful photos with Global Voices.
Côte d'Ivoire: Controversy during 2012 Tech Conferences
Between May 15 and 18, 2012, Côte d"Ivoire played host to two important tech conferences. Covering IT and communications technology (ICT), among the themes intended to be covered were cybercrime and the inclusion of women in the world of ICT. ‘Google Days’ and the JNTIC 2012 conference caused controversy and debate, with many people on the Ivorian blogosphere reacting passionately to the issues raised.
