Stories about Human Rights from June, 2021
Will a free vaccine program boost India’s COVID-19 vaccination rate?
India has launched the latest phase of its vaccination campaign, offering free vaccination for everyone, however, questions remain about how this drive can reach its intended population amidst emerging challenges.
Istanbul: divided on two fronts
As Erdogan delivered a speech at the opening ceremony for the Canal Istanbul project, scores of Istanbul residents were inhaling tear gas and hit with rubber bullets while celebrating Pride.
Myanmar journalists endure attacks for reporting the coup
"We're all just waiting for the knock on the door. Sometimes you hear footsteps on the stairs, it's like they're coming for you: you have this feeling all the time."
Amazon Prime TV series dangerously misrepresents Eelam Tamil narratives and histories
An Indian TV show, which launched its second season on Amazon Prime recently, landed deep in controversy for portraying the Lankan Tamils in a highly colourist and problematic manner.
Pride month marred by crackdown in Azerbaijan
As Pride month nears its end, one European country stands out for its dismal record when it comes to supporting the LGBTQI+ community.
Yemen stalemate deepening its long-ignored human rights crisis
All parties are hostile to human rights and “show no regard to international law or the lives, dignity and rights of the people of Yemen ... ”
Turkey moves to ban pro-Kurdish political party
The 843-page indictment was first filed by the chief prosecutor of Turkey's Supreme Court of Appeals in March 2021, accusing the party of collaborating with the outlawed Kurdistan Worker's Party militant group.
Security police interventions force closure of Apple Daily, Hong Kong's 26-year-old pro-democracy news outlet
In its inaugural editorial, Apple Daily had stated: "Are we not afraid of the changes 1997 could bring about? We are, but we are not willing to be daunted by fear."
Where are the voices of Central Asian and Russian Uyghurs?
Why are small communities of Uyghurs in Western countries more active in pursuing justice for their counterparts in China than the large populations of this Muslim minority in Central Asia?
An Emirati human rights defender's life has ended abruptly, but her legacy remains
Those who knew Alaa are saddened at the loss of a courageous human rights defender who addressed the injustices committed by the UAE against its law-abiding citizens and elsewhere.
Pro-democracy Hongkongers vow to resist on the anniversary of anti-China extradition protests
Overseas Hongkongers rallied in 52 cities around the world advocate for the city's liberation while for those who choose to stay vow that they will continue to resist on June 12 2021.
#NiUnaMenos six years on: triumphs and new demands of Argentina's feminist movement
Since the first protest in 2015 under the Ni Una Menos slogan, more than 200 feminist organisations have achieved major successes and put forward a new set of demands.
Arrests of more Mother Nature environmentalists in Cambodia labeled a witch hunt
Officials called the group "rebellious" and claimed they were using foreign funding in efforts to topple the government.
Trinidad & Tobago marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, even as some seniors struggle at vaccine centres
The country's president advocated for the protection of the elderly, saying that their recent treatment at health centres is a "less than subtle form of elder abuse."
WATCH/LISTEN: “Beyond the Protest Square,” a conversation with Tanya Lokot
Missed the livestream of the June 17 Global Voices Insights webinar featuring media scholar Tanya Lokot on her new book "Beyond the Protest Square"? Here are the video and audio replays.
Chile's new constitution offers unique opportunity to rethink workers’ rights in the digital age
When technological solutions are implemented in unchecked environments, as has become an issue in Chile, they also threaten to bring about over-automation, and unhappiness in workers
Green playlist: Asian short films on protecting the environment
These films feature the struggles of various communities across the Asia-Pacific region as they defend their lands, environment and cultural heritage.
New report details gross violations of humanitarian law in Second Nagorno-Karabakh War
A new report details extensive violations by Armenian and Azerbaijani forces of international humanitarian law during the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, including unlawful bombing, extrajudicial killings, and torture.
Final verdict against war criminal Ratko Mladić brings relief, denialism, but not closure
Serbian tabloids rushed to denounce the decision as evidence of anti-Serb bias and hailed Mladic as a hero.
Armenia and Azerbaijan exchange detainees and critical information in breakthrough diplomatic deal
The deal was brokered by the US, Europe and Georgia was hailed as a "first step towards renewing confidence."
Spate of attacks against LGBTQ+ people in Azerbaijan
"When he called the police, the officer told him, 'If I could, I would burn homosexuals myself'."
