Stories about Human Rights
Campaign Tackles Migrant Worker Exploitation in Lebanon
Seven NGOs in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs have recently launched the “Fi Chi Ghalat” (Something is Wrong) campaign, denouncing Lebanon's controversial Kafala (sponsorship) System through which all ‘unskilled laborers’ (domestic workers) must have an in-country sponsor responsible for both her or his visa and legal status. That sponsor is usually their employer as well. The online campaign calls for a change of the Kafala system and guaranteeing those workers their rights.
Kenya: Murder of Muslim Cleric in Mombasa Sparks Riots
The killing of Sheikh Aboud Rogo, a Kenyan controversial cleric, on August 27, 2012, caused riots and unrest in Mombasa, a coastal city and a main tourist destination in Kenya. The riots, which resulted in more than ten casualties, prompted netizens to discuss issues such as extra judicial killings, human rights, religious tensions and long-standing local grievances over land ownership and employment opportunities for Kenyan youths in Mombasa.
Chinese blind lawyer and activist Chen Guangcheng flees house arrest
Chinese blind legal activist Chen Guangcheng has reportedly escaped from his well-guarded house in Dongshigu (Shandong) after more than a year of house arrest. Sources report he entered the US...
Rwanda: Blogging From Inside Rwanda: A Conversation With Graham Holiday
Etienne Mashuli speaks with Graham Holliday, an award winning blogger, a freelance media trainer and foreign correspondent. Graham runs Kigali Wire, a news wire, photojournalism site and blog.
Ghana: Blogging for World Water Day
World Water Day is a day observed on March 22 since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly declared March, 22 as World Day for Water. Jemila Wunpini Abdulai, an active member of the Ghana Blogging Group suggested we make the day a Ghana Blogging Universal Day post.
Philippines: Bloggers Raise Voices Against Martial Law
As the world commemorates International Human Rights Day, Filipino bloggers are eerily reminded of the dark days of the Marcos dictatorship when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo imposed martial law in the southern Philippine province of Maguindanao.
Qatar: Cartoon of maid abusing child raises ire
A cartoon published in a local paper in Qatar depicting a crazed maid abusing a child has raised the ire of Doha bloggers, many of whom are condemning the possible satire for being racist and in poor taste. Shabina S. Khatri has more on the debate.
