Stories from May, 2020
Art series sheds light on the marginalization of indigenous Tharus in Nepal
‘Masinya Dastoor’, an art series of young artist Lavkant Chaudhary, delves into the history of chronological marginalization of the indigenous Tharu community in Nepal over the past decades.
Kremlin expands online voting possibilities amid COVID-19 fears
After the Russian government passed a bill expanding possibilities for voting online and by post, journalists and digital rights activists have started to question its potential for abuse.
Southern African leaders meet to address urgent security threats in Mozambique
SADC states have been urged to support Mozambique’s government to fight against terrorists and armed groups attacking civilians and infrastructure in Cabo Delgado Province.
While Pakistan combats COVID-19, a locust swarm is devastating food supplies
The plague of locusts has already devastated crops in parts of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula as well as South Asia.
COVID-19 on the front lines: An interview with Ecuador’s Red Cross
"At the Red Cross we believe in humanity, in alleviating human suffering in every circumstance."
Not just a number: Online memorial honors Brazil's COVID-19 victims
"After a while, those numbers start to lose their meaning, they become something like a clock, a warning, anything but people. And we start to become desensitized."
COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: ‘You can go outside for two hours’
Someone asked me, "What is the first thing that you want to do after the lockdown is lifted?" I said, "I want to walk by the river and yell."
Foreign Correspondent's Club of Japan accused of censorship after taking down Tokyo Olympics parody
The April issue of the club's magazine featured the Tokyo Olympics' emblem depicted in the shape of a coronavirus, which reportedly prompted copyright complaints from the Olympic Organising Committee.
How identity-driven conflicts fuel Ethiopia's incendiary social media rhetoric
Unity Park aimed to tell the story of all Ethiopians and celebrate the country’s diversity. But social media revealed politicized, nationalistic reactions along ethnic lines: Amhara and Oromo.
Will the ‘Self-reliant India’ scheme bring relief to migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced another economic reform package of 265 Billion USD during the COVID-19 pandemic which drew criticism from netizens.
Uyghur human rights advocate Dilnur Reyhan laments lack of Muslim solidarity
Hatred against the West has blinded ordinary Muslim citizens to the point of refusing to believe news brought by the Western media, even when it concerns concentration camps for Muslims
‘Born Ya': Speaking with Jamaican fine artist Judy Ann MacMillan about her new autobiography
"Fine art itself is under intense challenge in Jamaica, as it is elsewhere. The tenets [...] are in conflict with social improvement, political messages and democratic ideas."
Burundi voted — but will the political situation change?
Burundians voted on May 20 for a new president, with official results expected next week. The new president will face pressing questions on international relations, media repression, inclusive economic policies and impunity.
Why Hong Kong isn’t dead yet
"Today Beijing imposed the “national security” law in Hong Kong. It gives them broad powers to go after anyone they don’t like. Anyone who criticizes them. Anyone who disobeys them."
Slovenian protesters channel Katie Melua to explain anti-corruption bicycle movement
"There are 10,000 bicycles in Ljubljana. That's a fact. That's how mad the people are."
From counterterrorism to counter-COVID-19, governments use crises to impose continuous states of emergency in the Middle East
Fighting terrorism used to be the umbrella under which states of emergency were justified in the Middle East. Now, COVID-19 serves as a new justification for sweeping powers.
‘One Country, Two Systems’ on the line as national security law looms over Hong Kong
"Our way of life may soon be circumscribed but we will find a way to survive and prosper through this."
Support networks essential to safely leave violent partners during Ecuador's lockdown
"It is imperative to break the culture of silence."
Labour, migrant rights under spotlight as Thailand wrestles with COVID-19 impact
Fearing instability, the Thai government is failing to protect the labor rights of both Thai nationals and migrant workers.
In Tunisia, women stand on the frontlines of targeted hate speech online
In Tunisia, an uprising toppled leadership and lead to revolution in 2011. Since then, digital space has witnessed heated debates about politics and society — including attacks against women activists and journalists.
Fighting and writing for Moldova's place in the pantheon of world literature
"Foreign publishers doubt the literati of this small and little known place. Can they really write something remarkable? Of course they can!" exclaims Moldovan novelist Iulian Ciocan.
