Stories from April, 2023
The consequences of online discrimination and authoritarianism for minorities
In most countries, three-quarters or more of the targets of online hate speech are members of minority groups, with women being disproportionately targeted.
Pro-Beijing politicians urge Hong Kong to scrap the Gay Games 2023
Anticipating political pressures from the conservatives, Gay Games Hong Kong has adopted a depoliticised strategy by stressing the economic benefit of hosting the international event in Hong Kong.
Unveiling my grandfather's past: ‘Palestine 1936′ — A book review and personal odyssey of the Arab Revolt
Palestine 1936 is a compelling and important story that sheds light on a neglected chapter of history, given the ongoing unresolved dispute and frequent outbreaks of violence in the region.
Hong Kong Labour Day protest called off after organizer's brief disappearance
Last week, the rally organizers were interrogated about where they got their funding for the proposed demonstration and how they would guard against violent groups “hijacking” the march.
‘We may go unnoticed, but people with invisible disabilities exist’
People with disorders like autism, depression, epilepsy, endometriosis, or diabetes all have something in common: an invisible disability.
What is red-tagging and why it is dangerous in the Philippines?
With the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act in 2020, red-tagged individuals and groups face the risks of being subjected to surveillance, freezing of assets, and restriction of movement, among others.
Undertones: What do onions have to do with the Turkish elections?
President Recep Erdoğan is pitting “identity” versus “reality” in his campaign to stay in power
Pakistan's war on journalism: Abduction and arrest of prominent journalists
Journalists in Pakistan continue to face harassment, arrest, and abduction for their reporting on sensitive issues. In recent years, several prominent journalists and media workers have been targeted and killed.
‘Jamaica Farewell': Harry Belafonte passes away and the Caribbean tries to find adequate words of tribute
"There are not enough words to say how GREAT this man is and the giant contribution he has made during his life in music, film, human rights, Black rights."
Why are oil workers protesting in Kazakhstan?
The workers are depicted as privileged, earning exponentially more than average citizens. The reasons for their dissatisfaction, however, are structural.
Reflections from the Iranian diaspora: Rage against the ‘Iran Lobby’ Part 2
Evidence has been uncovered that links the NIAC and its founder, Trista Parsi, with lobbying efforts for the Iranian regime, including internal emails, court rulings, and accusations from Iranian dissidents.
Ukrainian couples weigh sperm freezing as the war wages on
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale war, the demand for sperm freezing has significantly increased as couples look to the future. For Ukrainian soldiers, the process is free.
At home, in a presidential palace, and a mosque: Where Central Asian presidents hosted iftar in 2023
Where they are held, who attends them, and what words are spoken at these events can help better understand Central Asia and its people.
End of Ramadan in Taipei shows role of Islam in Taiwan's diplomacy
Though it only makes up about one percent of the population, Taiwan's Muslim community represents an asset for greater visibility and engagement with the Middle East, where China dominates.
Underscoring the challenges of promoting digital rights in Southeast Asia
"…information disorders have been weaponized for political gain, while oppressive governments have tried to control the internet, particularly through social media, and crackdown on dissidents using digital surveillance as tactic."
Six films on Asia-Pacific communities addressing the climate crisis
These films feature stories of communities fighting against the adverse impact of climate change and inspiring hope in addressing the climate crisis through their efforts and solidarity.
‘Overseas Chinese writer is now a label’: Interview with youth author Xia Zhou
Overseas Sinophone writers tend to continue writing in Chinese no matter what, according to young Chinese author Xia Zhou who now lives in the US.
The reasons behind the myth of Cantonese as a more authentic Chinese language
Claims that local languages, including Sichuanese and Cantonese, only lost one vote to Mandarin to become China’s “national language” have kept popping up on the internet from time to time.
As Earth Day approaches, the Caribbean continues its struggle with a tidal wave of plastic, but remains hopeful
Despite the gloomy picture, it is fair to say that the Caribbean is fighting back against plastic, and is finding that in this effort, partnerships are effective.
‘The internet is full of good intentions’: an interview with Ethan Zuckerman, part two
"You have to look at the examples of people who are trying to create interesting, new ways of building social media. [...]grounded in real, existing communities in the world."
‘Harnessing the internet to create unprecedented global connection’: an interview with Ethan Zuckerman
In 2004, Global Voices founders asked themselves how they could use the internet to build bridges between the Global North and the Global South.
