Stories about Human Rights from June, 2023
A brief overview of AI use in West Asia and North Africa
In general, using Artificial Intelligence technologies almost always allows for greater surveillance of individuals, and therefore, is especially concerning in authoritarian regimes.
Kenya’s decision to remove visa restrictions sparks discussions about a borderless Africa
The Africa Visa Openness Index Report 2022 from the African Development Bank, highlights that only three countries — Benin, The Gambia, and Seychelles — currently offer visa-free access to all African nationals.
Disinformation helps weaponize homophobia in the Balkans
After 2013, Moscow has emerged as major generator of homophobic narratives that exploit existing endemic intolerance in the Balkans region.
Russian Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov: ‘Repression occurs when no one knows who might be targeted tonight’
"So who is opposing this potential junta, these armed people? Paradoxically, only the ability to speak the truth can stand up to armed men vying for power."
Undertones: If on welfare, better learn Dutch and be a man
Low education about AI tech leads to ill-informed narratives about algorithmic bias
Chişinău hosted the largest LGBTQ+ march in the history of Moldova
The march this year focused on advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in Moldova to have their marriages legally recognized.
In Azerbaijan, feminist activists say not the time to celebrate
At least ten political activists left the embassy premises following the extraction of feminist activists and Hasanli.
Chinese citizens find ways to dissent despite the risks
While Xi Jinping has imposed extreme censorship over Chinese society, dissent continues to happen despite immense risks for Chinese individuals, as a new database mapping protests across China shows.
Palestinians battle for their homes in East Jerusalem
Israeli settler organizations, supported by the state, exploit discriminatory laws to unjustly seize Palestinian homes, employing a pseudo-legal process to forcefully displace families from their residences.
Post-pandemic, lockdown on rights persists in the Philippines
The restrictions and repressive measures imposed during the pandemic have continued to have a chilling effect on the local population.
Over 100 arrests following Pride march in Istanbul
The emphasis on family values and the portrayal of LGBTQ+ people as a threat to these values has been part of a narrative often weaponized by local politicians including President Erdoğan.
Sri Lanka's LGBTQ+ community holds Pride events demanding an end to discrimination
Civil society and LGBTQ+ activists in Sri Lanka arranged a series of vibrant and empowering Pride events advocating for equality and demanding an end to discrimination.
Pride marches challenge endemic homophobia in the Balkans
Pride marches in all Balkan capitals all came with similar demands: stopping hate speech and hate crimes fueled by widespread homophobia and transphobia.
The hidden racism in Latin America
The cases of racism in some European contexts show that this problem is growing in the world, and Latin America is no exception.
Digital rights activist groups urge tech giants to defend against Hong Kong’s injunctions against protest anthem
More than 24 human rights and digital rights groups believed that the injunctions, once granted, would have a “disastrous effect” on freedom of expression and information access, with global implications.
A leaked report exposes government's cover-up of repressions against Uyghurs in China
The leaked document sheds light on the Chinese authorities’ comprehensive and intense efforts to cover up these violations and restrict access to information by international media.
In Turkey, a TV show ‘Metamorphosis’ pushes state propaganda
Actor Can Nergis, who stars as Bayramli looks suspiciously similar to Kavala and the series's plot follows the life of Kavala except built on the false narrative.
#StandWithBach: Support for detained environment lawyer who is on hunger strike in Vietnam
Vietnamese lawyer Dang Dinh Bach has been in detention since June 2021 and is currently serving a five-year prison sentence for tax evasion after criticizing the government for its environmental policies.
How to silence an environmental protest Azerbaijan style
Residents say the existing artificial lake, built in 2012, is used to dump toxic waste from the mine poisoning the drinking water with severe consequences on residents' health.
The controversial role of Islam in protestors’ executions in Iran
Despite the harsh interpretation of religion by Iranian authorities, there are those who contend that politicians within the religious institution manipulate religion to justify their actions or further their objectives.
Will Guatemala face its past as it votes for its future?
Guatemalan families still seek justice for abuses committed during the country's internal conflict. However, a proposed amnesty law could annihilate their hopes.
