Featured stories from December 2021
Stories from December, 2021
North Macedonia's Zoran Zaev, the prime minister who ‘has done the most to serve his country’
Zaev resigned as prime minister on December 22. His goals were to restore democracy and freedom, bring North Macedonia into NATO and the EU, and improve the quality of life.
Global Voices newsroom songs of 2021
As we reflect on 2021, we wanted to highlight the special role that music plays for our newsroom by featuring our editors' songs of the year.
Turkish finance minister wrecks economy ‘with a twinkle in his eye’
The Minister of Treasure and Finance was interviewed about the new rescue package introduced by the ruling Justice and Development Party that will protect lira deposits from further depreciation.
Despite widespread opposition, Japan plans to dump water from Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean
"The Pacific is not and must not become the dumping ground for nuclear wastes." - The Pacific Collective on Nuclear Issues
Libyans express anger over delay to much-awaited presidential vote
Following a decade of turmoil, Libyans were keen to vote for their freely-elected president in hopes it would usher their country back to normalcy. But challenges came in the way.
Portugal: Human rights activist fighting racism wins international award
Mamadou is one of the most prominent voices of the anti-racist movement in Portugal and is also often targeted by far-right and neo-Nazi movements.
Where is Qatari human rights defender Noof Al-Maadeed?
Having fled to Britain to protect herself from her father, the 23-year-old returned to Doha after receiving reassurances from Qatari authorities that she'd be protected. Days later, she disappeared.
Barbados prime minister calls a snap election, the first poll for the island as a republic
The announcement was met with approval by many Caribbean commentators, who saw the calling of early elections as a bold move and smart political strategy by incumbent prime minister, Mia Mottley.
Hong Kong police raid pro-democracy Stand News, arrest six on sedition charges
"Founded in December 2014, Stand News is an independent, non-profit, Cantonese-Chinese news website that undertakes to defend fundamental Hong Kong values – democracy, human rights, freedom, rule of law and justice."
The return of the rufous-necked hornbill to Nepal
It took nearly 200 years to establish the existence of the rufous-necked hornbill in Nepal, which is categorized as "vulnerable" by the IUCN. It was last seen in the country in 1829.
2021: A fruitful year for Indigenous communities in Taiwan
2021 was a fruitful year for Indigenous peoples in Taiwan: Indigenous community members won Olympic medals, received prestigious musical awards, and explored their history througha major TV drama.
Indigenous community radio operators win court case against the Guatemalan State
The ruling ‘will be a turning point for community radios in Guatemala’, according to one of the petitioning radio stations.
The untold story of a young Colombian Indigenous reporter, guardian and hairdresser
In spite of the risks, Nasa people will continue to defend Mother Earth through Indigenous communication, Indigenous guardianship, and culture before those who harm their traditional land.
Ukraine to get support from Apple with conducting national census in 2023
Commenting on the collaboration with Apple for the 2023 national census, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy said digitisation was "an unconditional priority for our state".
Exploitation of Indian migrant workers in Serbia continues
The workers' attempt to get redress are complicated by the layers of ownership and contracts, which allow the Serbian company to claim the contract is with a US company.
Russian censors block website of legal aid non-profit OVD-Info
"We see this as a continuation of the state's attack on civil society. It is no surprise that the attack is now focused on OVD-Info."
Indian migrant workers fight for their right to get paid in Serbia
Indian migrant workers have been targeted to work at mega construction projects in Serbia. Several workers are not willing to give up fighting for their back pay, despite legal loopholes.
Twitter ignores Malaysian government's request to censor Tweets about flood response
Tweets that criticized the Malaysian government's flooding response were flagged for deletion yet Twitter informed its users about the request, and decided to leave them uncensored.
Portraits of a pandemic: Films on the unequal impact of COVID-19 in the Asia-Pacific
“Portraits of a Pandemic” holds space for stories that portray with care and nuance the effects of the COVID-19 crisis in the Asia-Pacific.
Lebanon to deport Bahraini opposition Al-Wefaq members in unprecedented move
Lebanese authorities' move to deport members of Bahraini opposition group is the first such incident, and comes as the republic witnesses a remarkable increase in crackdown on freedoms.
Serbian authorities accused of spying on visiting Russian citizens at behest of Kremlin
Russia and Serbia have formed a joint working group to combat protest movements against autocratic and populist governments by suppressing grassroots initiatives, independent media, the opposition and civil society organizations.
