Stories about Human Rights from May, 2024
The Brazilian and Indian dilemma: How to regulate AI and Big Tech?
While the eagerness to regulate new technologies is understandable, it can sometimes result in unintended and adverse consequences.
New museum in Bamoun Kingdom chronicles Cameroon's history
The Bamoun Kingdom, one of the oldest kingdoms in sub-Saharan Africa, located in western Cameroon, is inaugurating a museum dedicated to over 600 years of its history.
Azerbaijan's President Aliyev cozies up to authoritarian leaders
In all of these cases, Azerbaijani government and its leadership got away with its dubious financial transactions and deals all the while, building new friendships and cracking down on freedoms.
The latest defamation bill further tightens restrictions on free speech in Pakistan
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Defamation Bill 2024, which aims at curbing the spread of fake news across print, electronic, and social media platforms against government officials and institutions.
Why May 21 is a day of mourning for the Circassian people
Explaining what happened to the residents of the Northwestern Caucasus during the Caucasian War which ended on May 21, 1864. For Circassians, it was a tragedy.
Fossil fuels dependency exacerbates Pakistan’s power crisis
Pakistan is currently facing a severe energy crisis characterised by electricity shortages and frequent electricity cuts, which has a detrimental impact on household activities, industries, and the overall economy.
Three ways to tackle digital rights in Africa
Instances such as Nigeria's X (Twitter) ban and Senegal's internet restrictions exemplify the extent to which governments are infringing upon citizens' online freedoms.
Ban on children’s book ‘Same-sex Parents’ backfires down under
One online petition to reverse the ban had over 40,000 signatures, with another exceeding 10,000 signatures before the Cumberland Council overturned its ban in a decisive vote of 12 to 2.
Southerly winds: How Nepalis are perceiving the ongoing Indian elections
Nepal has traditionally enjoyed a syncretic blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. However, if Modi's BJP wins in Indian elections, some fear that Nepal will slide back to Hindu nationalism.
Unrest in New Caledonia: ‘The Kanak people’s destiny should not be decided in Europe’
"The island closest to paradise has become the island closest to hell."
Pakistan administered Kashmir faces internet shutdown amidst protests
In May 2024, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir witnessed significant unrest, with daily life profoundly impacted by internet shutdowns and the violent suppression of protests by Pakistani security forces.
Taiwan International Documentary Festival honors Myanmar filmmakers
Taipei hosted in May the 14th edition of the Taiwan Independent Documentary Festival showcasing over 200 movies with a focus on Myanmar, Ukraine, and Taiwan’s own history of documentary filmmaking.
Madagascar internet price hike: An interview with Harinjaka Andriankoto Ratozamanana
On April 1, 2024, an internet price hike and a new pricing system saw internet access become a rare commodity in Madagascar
Cairo fears a ‘boomerang effect’ of pro-Palestine protests
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi oppresses pro-Palestine protests due to his fears that speaking out about the Palestinian issue during protests might motivate the public to rally against him.
Thai youth activist charged with royal defamation dies in custody
"This is a shocking reminder that Thai authorities are harshly denying pro-democracy activists their freedom in an apparent bid to silence the peaceful expression of dissent."
Tea is a daily delight for Bangladeshis, yet plantation workers face immense hardships
For most Bangladeshis, tea signifies a fulfilling life, but for the tea garden workers, their meagre wages mean tea leaves with rice is all they can afford in a meal.
Google blocks access to pro-democracy protest song in Hong Kong after court ruling
In addition to the blocking of 32 YouTube videos, links to the videos on Google Search will no longer visible to users in Hong Kong
Turkey joins the ranks of countries considering a foreign agent law
Turkey, is muling to adopt its own version of the foreign agent law, which has been proposed within the scope of the 9th Judicial Package.
Georgia's ruling party adopts controversial foreign agent bill despite widespread protests
As protests raged in the capital and elsewhere across the country, the ruling Georgian Dream members continued pushing the foreign agent law.
A Glimpse into El Salvador's ’state of exception‘
Since 2022, El Salvador has imposed a state of emergency that has continued until today. The measure has profoundly affected the rights and freedoms of the population.
Southeast Asian media groups cite need for press freedom in dealing with extreme weather events
Southeast Asian media groups organized panels, protests, and pointed reports about the state of media freedoms in the region.
