Stories about Human Rights from July, 2020
The day Liberia shut down freedom of expression amid a mass protest
Last year, the Liberian government disrupted social media access to prevent live protest coverage and the mobilization of protesters, shutting down freedom of expression and the right to access information.
Hong Kong government disqualifies 12 pro-democracy candidates running for the local legislature
Beijing is determined to block any pro-democracy candidates to be elected to the Hong Kong Legislative Council in order to extend its full political control over the territory.
Musicians with albinism defy social stigma and break new ground in Cameroon’s creative sector
Albinos in Cameroon have brushed aside stigma to participate in the country’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. "It wasn’t easy for me growing up as an albino," says Boy TAG.
In northern Syria, COVID-19 worsens an already dramatic humanitarian crisis
Despite the looming threat of COVID-19, military escalation has re-started in the form of a proxy war in Idlib, leaving peaceful civilians in ever-greater danger.
Four student activists arrested in Hong Kong for ‘inciting secession’ because of related social media posts
Hong Kong's newly established national security police united has arrested four youngsters aged between 16 and 21 on suspicion of inciting secession in their social media posts.
Secret trials threaten open justice in Australia
"The cases… highlight the need for strong action to ensure that any such trials are held in open court and subject to public scrutiny."
Congolese journalist forced into exile for documentary on violent evictions
Congolese filmmaker Gaël Mpoyo and his family have been forced to live in exile, given the sensitive subject of his film and a climate of insecurity in South Kivu province.
Anti-fascist movements are re-emerging in Brazil to counter Bolsonaro
In 2020, anti-fascist demonstrations have emerged as a counter-offensive to recent protests organized by President Jair Bolsonaro's supporters.
Satirical comedy skit lands four Ugandan comedians in jail
The arrest of four comedians in Ugandan for a satirical comedy skit that went viral comes at a time when the government has passed regulations controlling the creative arts industry.
Documentary exposes the threat of facial recognition surveillance in Serbia
Online documentary warns the public about privacy risks emanating from a newly installed video surveillance system equipped with Chinese facial recognition technology.
Journalist's abduction raises concerns about media freedom in Pakistan
On July 21, renowned Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted in Islamabad. Though he was released about 12 hours after, fingers are being pointed at state security agencies.
Zimbabwe governance crisis: Arrests over COVID-19 corruption and planned protests
The arrest of two prominent figures in Zimbabwe signal new levels of crisis in governance as the nation heads toward unprecedented economic decline and social unrest amid COVID-19 corruption.
Yanomami mothers fight for the right to bury their children during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Amazônia Real's report located the bodies of Yanomami babies who died with COVID-19. They had been buried without their families' knowledge. One baby remained for two months in a cold storage facility.
Marielle Franco case remains under state police without federal interference, rules Brazil High Court
Marielle's family members and advocates have feared that moving the case to federal level would make it vulnerable to interference by President Jair Bolsonaro, whose family has links with the suspects in the crime.
Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in Colombia denounce the assassination of human rights defenders
"The answer should not be force. The militarization of the territory generates more panic and anxiety."
Liberian fishing communities stand up to Chinese supertrawlers
Liberian fishing communities are threatened by Chinese supertrawlers capable of catching about twice the nation’s sustainable catch — potentially decimating vital fish stocks in just a few years.
In Liberia, a new mobile phone tariff collides with digital rights
The cost-prohibitive surcharge will make it harder for everyday Liberians to get online, limiting digital access at the height of a pandemic when citizens need reliable information more than ever.
Students lead mass protest against dictatorship at Thailand's Democracy Monument
Protesters issued three demands related to democratic reforms and human rights protetion, and gave the government two weeks to respond.
The 25th anniversary of the Srebrenica massacre: Remembrance amid genocide denial
“... the glorification of war criminals inflict[s] tremendous suffering on the survivors and their families. Leaders in the region have publicly denied the genocide, even calling Srebrenica a hoax..."
Ecuador's transgender community decries lack of government aid during pandemic
"We aren't inherently vulnerable; it's the State that makes these populations vulnerable."
Female genital mutilation likely to rise in the Middle East amid COVID-19 pandemic
The pandemic disrupted FGM prevention measures in the Middle East, where the practice is widely underreported.
