Stories about Human Rights from July, 2017
Crisis in Maldives Parliament: Rejection of the ‘No-Confidence Motion’ Sparks Lockdown
The country is tilting toward authoritarianism as growing accusations mount against President Yameen for silencing dissent and imprisoning political opponents including former President Nasheed, under allegedly made up charges.
El Salvador’s ‘Rainbow Crosswalk’ Promotes Pedestrian Safety and LGBTQ Rights
The first "rainbow crosswalk" in Central America hopes to guide steps towards a fairer world for LGBTQ communities.
Tajik Parliament Plans to Monitor Citizens Who Visit ‘Undesirable’ Websites
The legislation also represents a shift in strategy for the Tajik government, which has historically opted to censor controversial websites and services.
A Request to ‘Imagine the World Differently’ One Year After Mass Murder at Japanese Care Home
The video features how residents in a care home for people with intellectual disabilities responded to the largest mass murder in Japan after World War II.
Netizen Report: New Research Tests Facebook’s Digital ‘On Ramp’ for Developing Countries
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Vietnamese Activist Trần Thị Nga Sentenced to 9 Years for ‘Propaganda’
The 40-year-old Trần Thị Nga, also known by her pen name “Thúy Nga,” is a prominent advocate for migrants and land rights.
Who Are the #Istanbul10? Learn About the Work of Jailed Human Rights Defenders in Turkey
A group of human rights defenders and information technology trainers continue to face jail time in Turkey and accusations that they were "aiding a terrorist organization without being a member."
Menstrual Hygiene Products Are Not Luxury Goods: Indian Rural Women Speak Out
Are menstrual hygiene products luxury goods? Women in India are voicing their doubts.
The Case of Fabiola Antiqueo and Police Violence in Chile
"The current system and the impunity that it protects, is one of the most visible legacies of the dictatorship in Chile"
French Bank BNP Paribas Accused of Complicity in the Genocide of the Tutsis in Rwanda
"France contributed to training and the international recognition of the government which organized the massacres (in Rwanda)".
Bahraini Rights Activist Ebtisam Al-Saegh Charged Under Terrorism Law
Bahraini authorities have constantly harassed Al-Saegh because of her rights activism.
Lebanese Government Bans All Protests Right Before a Syrian Refugee Solidarity Sit-In
Activists called for a protest after four Syrian refugees died while in the custody of the Lebanese army.
Three Decades After Dictatorship, Theater Aids the Search for Identity and Truth in Argentina
"There are already two generations that do not know their identity, we do not want to witness a third."
Luxury Lifestyle of the Congolese President's Entourage Attracts Attention of French Investigators
"Between 2008 and 2011, several tens of millions of euros from the Congolese public purse are thought to have passed through offshore companies."
Netizen Report: Authorities in China and Indonesia Threaten Whatsapp, Telegram Over Political Content
Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
How the Assault on Independent Media in Bahrain Silenced a Trusted Regional Watchdog
"Freedom of expression is under sustained attack here. With the shuttering of Al Wasat, there is no real journalism left.”
China's Xinjiang Residents Are Being Forced to Install Surveillance Apps on Mobile Phones
Local netizens reported that police officers at check points are randomly searching residents' devices to see if they have installed the surveillance app.
Ethiopia's Music of Resistance Stays Strong, Despite Repression
Amid wide-scale protests and a violent government crackdown, Afan Oromo musicians have begun to rise as a visible — and audible — driving inspiration for the opposition movement.
Poles Rally to Defend the Independent Judiciary From Ruling Party's Reforms
"Warsaw rally for #democracy and #ruleoflaw in #Poland continues... Candles symbolise hope for freedom and a better future."
One Year Later: Why the Purges in Turkey Were Always in the Pipeline
"What has happened in Turkey is a tragedy, made even worse by the fact that the loudest voices in the chorus said the wrong things at the wrong time."
In State of Emergency, Turkey Jails Six Human Rights Defenders Pending Trial
"The accusations of aiding an armed terrorist organisation against them are groundless. Workshops of this kind are common, essential education for human rights organisations."
