Stories about Central Asia & Caucasus from September, 2021
Can LGBTQ+ rights activism be the key to reversing retrogressive policies in the Middle East?
"From Egypt to Turkey to Iran, governments are pushing back against LGBTQ+ inclusion, even resorting to social media and mobile phones to track and target the community."
Kazakhstan considers new legislation to hinder social media
New legislative amendments are poised to curtail the activity of social media companies in Kazakhstan. Ostensibly to protect children's rights, the restrictions could enhance government snooping.
Afghan refugees might complicate Ugandan politics
While accepting the moral imperative of accepting refugees, there are concerns about Uganda’s human rights track record and the US government’s continued dealings with the Museveni administration.
Shooting in Kazakhstan leaves five dead after financial dispute over real estate
A court ordered the eviction of a Kazakhstan family that had defaulted on its bank loan. The head of the household opened fire against the authorities enforcing the eviction.
COVID-19 pushes Armenian families into poverty
Before Covid-19 struck Armenia, Avetisyan says a steady stream of construction and day labor work kept his family fed and housed.
Chinese higher education programs attract increasing numbers of students from Kazakhstan
Education abroad and study exchanges have become instruments for the Chinese government to attract foreign students, especially from Kazakhstan. Does studying in China trigger support among Kazakhstani students?
Chinese soft power in Kyrgyzstan grows through culture and language
Still looking to publicize its language and culture in Central Asia, China is using the instrument of Confucius Institutes to strengthen its soft power in Kyrgyzstan
In Georgia, a taxi service for women by women
A new taxi service in Georgia, called TaxiWoman is promising safe journeys as it will serve only women, with women drivers behind the wheel.
Team Azerbaijan returns from Paralympics with 19 gold medals
Team Azerbaijan, secured a total of 19 medals, including 14 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze.
Artists join activists in protest to save a water reservoir in Kazakhstan's capital
A group of contemporary artists and activists joined forces to protest the urban developments at the Malyi Taldykol water reservoir in Kazakhstan's capital city.
In Azerbaijan silence looms as yet another member of LGBTQ+ community is fatally targeted
The story of a young trans woman killed in August stirs new discussions about homophobia, the lack of protective measures for the LGBTQ+ community, and governmnet's failure to take action.
Kazakhstan news site receives threats after reigniting a child abuse story
Journalists in Kazakhstan are often under pressure for their work. A harrowing about child abuse is now the target of fresh threats against a news outlet.
Georgian-Belarusian security cooperation deal worries political emigres in Georgia
A year after disputed presidential elections in Belarus, a Georgian-Belarusian security cooperation agreement has come into force. Critics fear the treaty could help Minsk target political dissidents residing in Georgia.
One step towards inclusion in Kazakhstan
When he turned 18, Aidar was deprived of his legal capacity by the local court, making him dependent on his state-assigned guardian at all times, and decisions were not his to make.
Azerbaijan extends special quarantine regime
As of September 1, all citizens over the age of 18 will have to provide proof of vaccination when entering indoor spaces, including restaurants, cafes, and shopping malls.
Disinformation campaign intensifies as Afghan refugees arrive in North Macedonia
The first group of 149 Afghan citizens arrived in Skopje on August 30. While the government and civil society welcome the refugees, right-wing nationalists exploit their plight to spread disinformation and hate.
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