Stories from October, 2021
The ‘Day of the Dead’ sparks painful memories of violence in El Salvador
Over the past 40 years, El Salvador has endured endless cycles of violence that cost the lives of tens of thousands of Salvadorans.
Sri Lanka sacks agricultural scientist for raising concerns over agro-chemical ban
The sudden move to total organic farming could be one of the multiple triggers for a Sri Lankan food crisis that has affected the availability of essential food in the market.
Brandy Rodriguez, ‘fearless’ advocate for Trinidad and Tobago's LGBTQ+ community, dies
'Her work has assisted with the reduction of exclusion, discrimination, and violence of marginalized groups – especially Trans-Women.'
Chaotic attempt to remove Trinidad & Tobago's president demonstrates how ‘the country was the real loser’
Trinidad and Tobago's landscape of tribal politics recently culminated in a motion—which ultimately failed—to remove the country’s sitting president from office.
Facebook’s ‘Dangerous Individuals and Organizations’ list concerns Oromo users in Ethiopia
Facebook's categorization of the OLA as a dangerous group has made many Ethiopian Oromo Facebook users feel marginalized.
Deaths of three Kenyan athletes puts focus on mental health and gender-based violence
Kenya has lost close to 45 million US dollars in revenue from sports since March 2020 due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. This has exacerbated the mental health of athletes.
Turkey finally ratifies the Paris Climate Agreement
All eyes are on the upcoming council meeting in January 2022, where the government will announce the new action plan to combat the climate crisis.
Hong Kong to ban films and punish unauthorized screenings on grounds of ‘national security’
An inspector authorized by the censorship agency may also enter and search premises without a warrant when they are trying to halt an unauthorized film screening or publication.
How children became the worst sufferers of COVID-19 induced lockdowns in India
VideoVolunteers Community Correspondents (CCs) report from the ground on the devastating consequences of COVID-19 lockdowns for primary education in rural schools in India.
The Pandora Papers unveil offshore companies linked to the family of Turkmenistan's President
In Turkmenistan, two brothers have used offshore companies to earn from state contracts of import-export. The problem is that they are relatives of the president.
Publishing house removes section on transgender individuals from Russian translation of teen health book
According to the publisher, Belaya Vorona, making the book available to Russian teenagers was more important that "preserving the deleted information".
Turkish President declares 10 diplomats persona non grata
President Erdogan's decision to expel the ambassadors comes following a statement issued on October 18, 2021 by the embassies of ten countries on the ongoing detention of philanthropist Osman Kavala.
Billboard satire blasts Australian government's tepid climate change stance for Glasgow COP26
"They are laughing at us in Times Square, as they should be: our response to climate change is the biggest joke on earth."
Controversial Jamaican pastor dies in car crash on the way to being charged for ‘cult’ deaths
Following the bizarre deaths of two congregants and a car crash that claimed the life of the sect's leader, Jamaicans are incredulous over how such "churches" are allowed to operate.
“Hong Kong, add oil” is censored as Pro-Beijingers associate the expression with sedition
"This paranoia says nothing but weakness. Changing shirts and covering up tattoos are easy things to do. Changing hears and minds? Forget about it."
The Uyghur issue, China’s greatest fear, is looming in Afghanistan
As the Taliban and China seem to strengthen their ties, the tragedy of the Uyghurs imprisoned in China's so-called re-education camps could prove to be a diplomatic stumbling block.
In Georgia, there is still hope for rainbow colors
Global Voices spoke with Giorgi Tabagari, 35, founder of Tbilisi Pride on Georgia's recent anti-LGBTQ+ developments and the plight of the country's queer community.
Paulina Chiziane, Mozambican writer, wins the Camões Award of 2021
Paulina Chiziane, 66, was born in Manjacaze, Mozambique and studied Linguistics in Maputo. In 33 years, this is the third time that the prize has been awarded to a Mozambican author.
Pandora Papers revelations across Lusophone countries
Numerous politicians were implicated in Angola, Mozambique, and Portugal. Before that, their names had never been attached to offshore scandals.
NGO says Egypt's North Sinai residents were badly abused by both military and militants
Abuses by the army documented by the Sinai Foundation for Human Rights against civilians included random shootings, airstrikes targeting civilian buildings, eviction of people, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings.
Cats, crows and planet Earth: drawings by Belarusian political prisoners
Drawings sent to friends and family by Belarusian political prisoners, detained in a crackdown after the 2020 elections, provide an insight into their lives.