Featured stories from August 2022
Stories from August, 2022
Trinidad & Tobago at 60: Celebration and contemplation
"On an anniversary of independence, we mark transition from being a colony. [...] We breathe into a vision for who we want to be and what we still must achieve."
A water diplomacy expert discusses the prospects of water conflict and cooperation in Central Asia
There are sufficient water resources in the region, but the regional cooperation is challenged by poor governance frameworks and weak institutional capacity.
Why the UN added Brazil to the Hunger Map once again
COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine, climate change and public policies: despite being one of the world's largest food producers, Brazil has now returned to the United Nations' Hunger Map.
Rising violence against women and girls sparks outrage in Kyrgyz society
Despite the adopted legislation on sexual violence (including violence against children), bride abduction, and domestic violence, the system for its implementation is deeply flawed — almost obsolete.
Towards digital authoritarianism in Nepal: Surveillance, data collection, and online repression
Nepal government’s COVID-19 response opened the door to various threats to human and digital rights. Nepal must decide on its own path if it envisions a democratic digital ecosystem.
Reviewing three Nollywood movies that broke the mold
A review of Nigeria’s top movies: “Wedding Party,” “King of Boys,” and “Chief Daddy.” Nollywood films are now recognized around the world, paving the way for the new Nigerian cinema.
China’s COVID tests carry on despite heatwaves, droughts, power cuts and wildfires
China has been hit with the most severe heatwave and drought in its history. However, the natural disasters have not deterred the country from conducting widespread COVID-19 tests.
In Turkey, the arrest of a popular singer prompts debate on the justice system and more
Gülşen's arrest prompted her fans and rights activists to accuse the state of a disproportionate justice system, as well as steering the country in a more conservative direction.
Families speak out after Myanmar executes four anti-coup activists
"My son was not a thief or a thug. I am proud of him for giving his life for the country. I’m really proud of my son."
Forty-three years after a masterpiece of Trinbagonian art was destroyed, a loving replica offers some redress
Pre-independence, “the father of Trinidadian art,” Carlisle Chang, created what has been called “possibly the most important work of art in the Caribbean” — and then, it was demolished.
Peruvian trans activist and Harvard student dies in police custody in Indonesia
"I just want to remind you that violating the law doesn't mean that that person deserves to die in detention: extorted, isolated from loved ones, getting transphobic treatments..."
‘He was the best of us': Trinidad & Tobago mourns the loss of veteran radio personality David Elcock
Elcock, the self-proclaimed “morning man with the morning plan, the rooster with the booster," dominated drive time with his unique mix of inspiration, information and musical vibrations.
Trinidad & Tobago's ‘Great Race’ is one of the oldest powerboat events in the world
On August 2, 1969, the first ever Great Race was held. A field of 62 boats sped off from the Trinidad and Tobago Yacht Club to conquer what was then a 72-mile course.
Whistleblowing is a service to society: Interview with Disruption Network Lab director Tatiana Bazzichelli
Whistleblowers are painted as heroes or villains, but what motivates them? Global Voices spoke to Tatiana Bazzichelli, a writer who recently edited "Whistleblowing for Change," an anthology on the subject.
Iranian women’s rights activists face new online threats
Flooding social media accounts with fake followers and then mass reporting the accounts is a regular tactic used by state forces to silence rights defenders in Iran.
Unable to emigrate and not welcome at home: The Azerbaijani political refugees in limbo
For many Azerbaijanis fleeing the country, among them regular migrants as well as political activists, Germany has become a popular destination. But it has not been a smooth ride.
Alhassan Alidu is uplifting the Moore language by bringing it online
As the executive director of the Moore Wikimedia Community, Alhassan is providing Moore with a digital platform that exists in the face of dominating Western media and languages.
YouTube is temporarily blocked during former PM's political rally in Pakistan
After blocking Khan's speeches from satellite TV, the government seems to be trying to stop his campaigning from being heard online as well.
Unfreedom Monitor Report: Russia
Advox research into digital authoritarianism in Russia is now in a report. Read an excerpt and download the full pdf.
A mother confesses to killing her child in Trinidad & Tobago, prompting discussion on violence, depression, poverty and mental health
"There is a lot of speculation [with] blame on state agencies [but] no one, unless familiar with the situation should be making any judgement."
How to solve nonprofit organisations’ ‘work-for-free’ dilemma?
"As college costs rise, students have more need than ever for money-earning jobs to help finance their education. Yet, nonprofits in the US allow these debt-ridden students to work for free."
