Stories from September, 2018
Strongest typhoon to hit Japan in 25 years largely forgotten following massive earthquake
The media has struggled to cover the dizzying succession of disasters, leaving people feeling that some are eclipsing others in the public consciousness.
Jamaica finds new appreciation for beloved cultural icon and language activist, ‘Miss Lou’
"Underneath her wily comedic style, she forced the society to face unpleasant truths. But it is the unapologetic championing of the Jamaican language that so endeared her to many Jamaicans."
What an attack on a far-right presidential candidate means for Brazil politics
The attack was only the latest episode of a political drama plagued by violence and impunity.
More Afghan journalists killed as militants ramp up attacks on Shiites
"He was live moments ago on tv without knowing he himself will be making the headlines moments later. RIP dear friend."
Three years on, Lebanon's ‘You Stink’ movement finds fresh reasons to protest
In 2015, "You Stink" mobilized thousands of people against in what turned out to be Lebanon's largest non-partisan street demonstrations since the end of Lebanese civil war in 1991.
Egyptian photojournalist Mahmoud Shawkan to be released soon after five years in prison
"He never should have been behind bars. He was arrested while doing his job as a photographer."
Jordanian health survey sparks online debate about family planning
Jordanians engage in online debates over results of a survey concerning maternal and child care.
Google caves in to Russian demands, censors videos promoting a protest rally
This latest scandal is unfolding as Google is in the middle of an existential crisis, with its employees revolting against what they see as embracing censorship by their company.
It is women who bear the brunt of the Venezuelan crisis
"In Venezuela, the term 'feminism' has been consumed, abused and above all, distorted by [those] in power."
Nauta Hogar: A tool for Cuban entrepreneurs
The Nauta Hogar Internet program is a step forward, but it is still not the solution for Cuban businesses in the technology sector.
As China faces record-breaking flood levels, authorities arrest two women for spreading ‘rumors’ of health risks
"If they could react to the floods as effectively [as they do to the 'rumors'], that would be great."
It is now legal to be gay in India
"For 29 years, I have lived in the shadow of this law, and now, just like that, it’s gone."
Students illustrate injustice and human rights abuses in the Philippines through the arts
"The youth are aware of what's happening in society. On the images you can see extrajudicial killings, charter change, war, and the gap between the poor and rich in society."
South Asian governments keep ordering internet shutdowns — and leaving users in the dark
“Operators owe complete transparency to their users, as consumers who are paying them money and also in the interest of accountability.”
After Facebook ban, Myanmar military accounts are moving to Russian social media site VKontakte
"...they are now spreading their hate freely on the site without any moderation."
Despite parents’ campaign, Bosnia denies schooling to children with learning disabilities
Around 150 children from the Canton of Sarajevo will be out of school in 2018/2019 as, once again, the government fails promises of inclusive education.
Netizen Report: What role does Facebook play in Libya’s civil war?
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
A lethal combination: How MENA governments use cybercrime laws and spyware to target activists
Gulf governments continue to deploy cybercrime laws as an arbitrary legal cover to target target human rights defenders.
Two women who dared to oppose Rwandan President Paul Kagame
"By extending his 23 years in power, Kagame is denying Rwandans an opportunity to experience the first-ever peaceful transition of power in their country."
Brazil grieves as its oldest treasures turn to ashes in National Museum fire
"This year, the government's total investment in the National Museum equals a quarter of what each Congressmen's budget to hire advisors."
Confronting human rights violations in Africa one hashtag at a time
Galvanised by increased connectivity, pan-African online communities are using social media to speak out against repression and support young candidates challenging leaders who've been clinging to power for decades.