Stories about Human Rights from August, 2024
Bangladeshis help out in flood-affected communities
Bangladesh is experiencing another round of severe floods. Volunteers from across the country are rushing to the affected areas in trucks, carrying boats, speedboats, and relief supplies.
Azerbaijan clears out critics ahead of COP29
Azerbaijan has had one of the lowest international rankings on citizens’ rights and freedoms. Even so, Azerbaijani President Aliyev has insisted persecutions against civil society are justified.
What online narratives tell us about the aftermath of the election in Venezuela
For Venezuelans, one of the main narratives shows that the current situation exceeds the region's traditional dichotomy of left versus right and evidences a sense of overcoming polarization.
Two Hong Kong journalists found guilty of sedition after a 2-year trial
Two former chief editors of the now-defunct Stand News were found guilty of sedition, marking the first such conviction of journalists since the former British colony returned to China in 1997.
Lives on the line in the Himalayan mountains
Glacial lake outbursts and debris flows will be more destructive and frequent in Nepal in the near future, highlighting the amplified risks of mountain living due to climate change.
Through the lens of Czech-British photographer Liba Taylor: The power of photography
“People don’t just sit and wait for aid, but when there’s no condition to survive, they don’t have another choice” explains documentary photographer Liba Taylor, famous for documenting human resilience to adversity.
How LGBTQ+ people live in Russia after being labeled an extremist community
How has life changed for queer people across different regions of Russia after the ban on the LGBTQ+ "movement?" What do they fear and dream about?
Belarusian stand-up comedian who compared Lukashenka to a sparrow is accused of defamation
The comedian is well-known for his outspoken criticism of the Belarusian regime and its security forces, particularly in the wake of the 2020 opposition protests
‘Buddha is with us!’ How the war in Ukraine has changed Russian Buddhism
While some Buddhists are making anti-war statements and emigrating abroad, others are going to the front lines, despite Buddhist values.
How online disinformation fuels religious, ethnic and sociopolitical tensions during Bangladesh’s regime change
The month-long student-led mass movement that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was marred not only with violence, but also a surge in mis- and disinformation.
Being in exile is to struggle to say ‘here’
"Exile is about wanting to return ... Can we commit to a new home, without giving up on the hope of a free Hong Kong?"
Fear and intolerance: The impact of blasphemy allegations on Pakistan’s minorities
Pakistan’s 8.7 million minorities face escalating religious extremism and violence, including forced conversions, mob attacks, and blasphemy accusations, fuelled by the growing influence of extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP).
‘We have nothing except our hearts, and our minds': Vietnamese activist sentenced to five years in prison
“The only thing we did was to act in accordance with our conscience, speak up our thoughts, our desire, our longing.”
In Turkey, a street interview lands a citizen in jail
“Insulting the president,” and “inciting hatred and hostility among the public,” are both common charges leveled against government critics in Turkey.
New laws, old shadows: India's criminal legislation overhaul
In August 2023, the Indian government aimed to modernize and Indianize India’s legal frameworks by moving beyond the colonial legacy and overhauling the country’s criminal laws.
Solar power plant in rural Pakistan acquires land without consent
As the government prioritizes green energy over livelihoods, residents of Pakistan's Thal region in the Punjab province confront a heartbreaking loss of their ancestral lands.
Pro-democracy activists in Zimbabwe are being prosecuted for ‘public disorder’
The Kofi Annan Foundation has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and persecution of these human rights and democracy defenders, urging authorities to uphold due process of law.
In a blow to democracy, Thai court dissolves main opposition party
"The Constitutional Court should be an organisation that protects the Constitution and constitutional rights. Instead, it is an organisation that expands state power and limits people’s rights and freedoms."
After the SID4 conference in Antigua & Barbuda, ‘small islands’ fight to maintain ‘special case’ status at the UN
“We are not creating these problems but they’re tremendously disruptive to our development [...] SIDS are on the frontline, and we are one of the most vulnerable groups.”
Interview with Korean-Ukrainian podcaster Oleksandr Shyn about Taiwan's linguistic landscape
Taiwan is an extremely diverse society when it comes to languages. Global Voices interviewed Oleksandr Shyn, a Korean-Ukrainian podcaster who focuses on the island's linguistic landscape.
Bangladesh 2.0: Youth-led movement ends Sheikh Hasina's 16-year rule, seeks reform
A student-led uprising, supported by hundreds of thousands of citizens, defied PM Sheikh Hasina's heavy-handed measures. The escalating unrest led to anarchy, resulting in her resignation and departure from the country.
