Stories about Human Rights from June, 2016
Even Assad Supporters Aren't Immune to Syria's Kings of Looting
Talks of “banal death”, “corruption”, “war profiteers” and “price peaks” are no longer confined to private spheres.
Taiwan's First Airline Strike Inspires Workers in Other Sectors to Reflect on Their Rights
"Today the CAL flight attendants wrote a new page in the history of strikes in Taiwan. I hope this success will not be limited to this class of workers..."
5 Accounts From Female Political Prisoners That Recall the Horrific Torture Under Brazil’s Military Dictatorship
A confessed torturer was recently praised in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies, creating an opening for the group of people who support or minimize state crimes committed during the 21-year dictatorship.
Macedonian Youth Speak Out About Freedom of Expression Through Mini-Videos
"The important thing for the youth to understand is that you do not let them mute you, no matter what."
One of the World’s Most Welcoming Asylum Countries Is (Wait for It) Uganda
Uganda, surrounded by areas of instability and war, has admitted roughly 700,000 refugees from South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi, and Congo.
Iconic Pakistani Sufi Singer Amjad Sabri Is Murdered in Broad Daylight
"If you're looking for a reason as to why he died. You won't find one, if someone asks you 'Why', just say 'Because...Pakistan'."
10 Athletes From Four Countries Will Compete at the Olympics Under One Banner: Refugee
"In the refugee camp, we have no facilities – even shoes we don’t have. There is no gym. Even the weather does not favor training..."
India's LGBTQ Community Accuses Prime Minister of Hypocrisy Over His ‘Thoughts and Prayers’ for Orlando
"Your 110 character tweet was missing five important characters. Five characters that would reveal a truth that your government is refusing to acknowledge-LGBTQ’!"
Journalist Couple Attacked in Makassar, Indonesia
In Indonesia, violence against journalist happens regularly. Incidents like these often go unreported in the media, and perpetrators often go without punishment.
Protests Around the World Demand Justice for Angolan Activists, Imprisoned One Year Ago
"Because we need everyone who wants to help build a better Angola to be free to do it, because demonstrations are not war..."
Migrant Women Confront and Resist Sexual Assault on Journey to the United States
Approximately 80% of Central American women who attempt to cross Mexico are raped, according to some reports.
New Footage Shows Diamond Diggers Being Tortured With a Machete in Angola
"We are in 2016 and still have diggers being tortured with a machete."
Hong Kong Bookseller Says He Was Forced to Confess on TV During Eight-Month Detention in China
"This is not just my personal matter or Causeway Bay Books, this is about the human rights of Hong Kong people."
Remembering the 4,000 Syrian refugees who died en route to Europe
A humanitarian agency is working to increase global awareness about the refugees from Syria who have died trying to cross the Mediterranean Sea, releasing a film called “The Sea Cemetery.”
One Photographer’s Mission to Change People’s Perception of Burn Survivors
"For me all of them are inspiring. They are not victims. They are survivors. Fighters. Literally, they are happy."
World Refugee Day: Fear of Arrest Drives Journalists Into Exile
"I was paralyzed by the idea of exile. This is the first time I had decided to flee the country without knowing exactly when I would return."
Ramadan in Sri Lanka Is More Than You Think
Although Sri Lanka has grappled with divisions along ethnic and religious lines, in challenging times citizens do come together to help each other, casting aside their differences.
Russia-Trained Civil Militias Along Bulgaria's Borders Are ‘Ready for War With Refugees’
The civilian militias hunting refugees along the country's borders are a major manifestation of the rising tide of xenophobia in Bulgaria. Yet the authorities are mostly silent on the issue.
Blood on Campus: How the Killing of a Student Sparked Nationwide Protests in Sudan
Sudan has a long tradition of student protest, but the government appears bent on suppressing the latest wave, triggered by the killing of a student from the contested Nuba region.
Helping Refugees in Europe Get Connected to the Internet
"Connecting with family is a top priority for newly arrived refugees who want their loved ones to know they are safe."
Indian Court Condemns Film Board for ‘Censoring’ Movie on Drug Abuse
With numerous instances of censorship and bans targeting ‘freedom of expression’, Indian filmmakers are up in arms in an attempt to see this Bollywood film released soon without major cuts.
