Stories about Human Rights from August, 2023
Prioritizing disability employment in Azerbaijan
A January 2023 survey, found out that a striking 80 percent of respondents were unemployed at the time of the survey and were actively seeking employment as of January 2023.
A Mauritanian high school student faces the death penalty over blasphemy
The gravity of the situation cannot be underestimated, as she now faces the possibility of severe punishment, including the death penalty, under Article 306 of the Mauritanian Penal Code.
If adopted, Tajikistan’s draft law on bloggers will do more harm than good
In the last few years, the country has recorded significant backsliding with regards to freedom of expression as well as overall political freedoms.
PhD student from Gabon killed in Russia's fourth largest city
PhD student from Gabon François Ndzhelassili was murdered in Yekaterinburg, in what appears to be a racially motivated killing at a time when Putin has turned to the Global South in search of support.
Nayib Bukele with an easy path to a second presidential term in El Salvador
Bukele's mediatic power and popular 'iron fist' methods against crime may give him an easy route to reelection, despite concerns about human rights and constitutional violations.
Christian community comes under attack in Pakistan once again
On 16th August, over 19 churches and 80 Christian homes were vandalised by an angry mob reacting to an alleged incident of blasphemy in Jaranwala, a town in Faisalabad, Punjab province.
Morocco's Amazigh pursue civic presence through linguistic rights
Respecting the linguistic rights of the Amazigh people promotes social integration and allows speakers to freely express their culture and identity, which results in increased civic engagement.
Musicians in Afghanistan live in fear and despair amid the Taliban ban on music
"Taliban have transformed Afghanistan into a place deprived of music and art. They transformed it into a quiet, dumb country."
Cambodia: Problematic laws and restrictions on information are threatening digital rights
As internet use and digital technologies flourished in Cambodia, more people are relying on social media to access news and information and to exercise their rights to free expression.
Only Sharia-following women can engage in Kuwaiti politics
Kuwaiti activists and citizens are expressing discontent over the endorsement of a new law that seemingly aims to use religion to sideline women from politics.
How does Jamaica communicate about the climate crisis with the blind and visually impaired?
How easily can vulnerable communities access information on climate change? How much more needs to be done? Is the provision of climate funding, or lack thereof, a contributing factor?
Concerns in Guyana about threats against women activists
Women have been on the receiving end of death threats and other forms of intimidation for speaking out against mining, fossil fuel extraction and sexual violence.
Museveni challenges World Bank's decision on loan suspension over anti-LGBTQ+ law in Uganda
"Uganda's defiance in the face of international pressure over this law reveals the complexities of balancing national sovereignty with global human rights standards."
Ahead of election, Pakistan introduces new laws to stifle dissent
On August 9, 2023, the Pakistan National Assembly was dissolved to pave way for the upcoming election and dozens of bills were hurriedly passed that limit civil liberties and stifle dissent.
African institutions maintain silence on sub-Saharan migrant rights abuses in Tunisia
Despite a number of documented fatalities, African institutions concerned with transcontinental migration issues remain silent on the treatment of Sub-Saharan migrants in Tunisia.
Meet two Jamaican disability advocates who want vulnerable communities to become climate resilient
"People talk about being climate resilient, but not a lot is being done to educate. There isn’t [enough] public awareness [of] climate change resiliency for Persons With Disabilities."
Jordan's fight for online freedom of expression
Jordan's endorsement of the controversial "Cybercrime Law" fuels concerns about online freedom and data privacy. It also echoes a larger conflict between security and rights.
Is the exiled Iranian queer community finally getting acceptance in the Iranian diaspora?
Punishable by death in Iran, homosexuality is also condemned by many member sof the Iranian diaspora. Yet thanks to a few exiled activists, things could be changing outside the country.
Hong Kong artist in exile in Taiwan uses protest art to resist Beijing's attacks on freedom in the region
For Hong-Kong political activists, journalists, and artists, Taiwan remains the last free Chinese-speaking society where they can operate. Global Voices interviewed Hong Kong artist Kacey Wong who moved to Taiwan in 2021.
Unraveling the crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights in several African countries
It is crucial to foster a nuanced understanding of LGBTQ+ rights advocacy that respects cultural diversity while upholding the principles of human rights and equality.
For Venezuelans, the invasion of Ukraine hits close to home
For the past twenty years, the Venezuelan government has become increasingly intertwined with the Kremlin. Now, many Venezuelans protest against Russia's encroachments at home.
