Stories about Human Rights from July, 2016
Irom Sharmila’s Long Protest Is Over, but Military Impunity in Northeast India Continues
"The national media [...] used to show her fast, year after year. They made the story about the fast, never why she was fasting."
Ignorance About Transgender Identities in the US and Mexico and the Challenges of Winning Asylum
A recent report highlights transgender human rights abuses in Mexico, and how the US immigration system has made accessing asylum particularly difficult.
A Police Raid in Bangladesh Leaves Nine Suspected Militants Dead. ISIS or Not ISIS?
"What we have in Bangladesh is a curious case involving a terrorist group that publishes magazine articles to boast about its plans, while the government...keeps on blaming the opposition..."
Critics of ‘Military Impunity’ Take On Indian-Administered Kashmir
In recent weeks, there have been protests in Delhi and Calcutta, where demonstrators called for the revocation of two controversial laws, and the immediate demilitarisation of the Kashmir region.
Disturbing Abu Ghraib-Style Abuse at a Juvenile Facility in Australia's Northern Territory
The Australian government is to set up a Royal Commission to look into the shocking abuse of children in a Northern Territory youth detention centre.
Political Conflict Triggers Turmoil in South Sudan, Leaving Hundreds Dead
An altercation involving President Salva Kiir and the Vice President Riek Machar, who have long been political rivals, swiftly unraveled into an armed conflict that lasted for several days.
So Long, Phone Companies. Mexico’s Indigenous Groups Are Getting Their Own Telecoms.
For the first time in history, the Mixe, Mixteco, and Zapoteco populations will get licenses to operate a telecommunications network for indigenous communities to access cellular and Internet services.
Maldives Opposition Holds Rally Despite Resistance From Government
"Under the plan for reform, Yameen is making criticism a crime..."
Mauritanian Authorities Once Again Go After Anti-Slavery Activists
"Many work without rest, without wages for their master's benefit. They do not have the right to education, to freedom of movement, to travel or marry, without their owner's consent."
The Week That Was at Global Voices Podcast: Freedom, Not Control
This week we take you to Puerto Rico, Indian-administered Kashmir, Nepal, China and Myanmar.
‘People Are Getting on Those Boats Because They Want to Live’
The rescue operation Sos Méditerranée publishes accounts of people who have survived journeys across the Mediterranean Sea to Europe on their blog.
Meet the Nicaraguan Feminist Group Fighting Gender-Based Violence in Central America
The civic group La Corriente develops “actions that generate changes [for] equality, […] combining research, education, media, and the creativity of a team of people devoted to the feminist cause."
How a Stolen Student Parliament Is Macedonia's Political Crisis in Microcosm
" Now try to imagine how this generation will organize parliamentary elections?"
The Plague of Human Trafficking Reaches Trinidad & Tobago
In a new report, Trinidad and Tobago has been identified as "a destination, transit, and source country for adults and children subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor".
Yet Another Environmental Activist Is Murdered in Honduras. When Will It End?
"We demand that the Honduras government put an end to the murders of environmental activists. Stop killing us for defending our rights."
Ethiopia Locks Down Digital Communications in Wake of #OromoProtests
#OromoProtests content on social media has triggered many attempts by the government to limit digital traffic and block telecom services in Oromia.
‘Playing for Change’ Promotes Peace and Inclusion Around the World Through Music
"Throughout our journey we have learned that music is the greatest tool for healing broken countries, cultures and hearts."
Imprisoned in Iran for Posting Jokes on Facebook, A Computer Engineer Awaits His Appeal Verdict
Political prisoners in Iran are routinely singled out for harsh treatment, which often includes denial of medical care.
‘Our Strength as Women Lies in the Differences Among Us': The Central American Feminist Symposium
"[M]y struggle is filled with energy from all of these marvelous and invigorating women, my commitment has new strength..."
Dozens Killed After Indian Forces Crackdown on Protests in Kashmir
"The mighty Indian state might have killed him but they haven't won. A 21 year old in his death has shaken you."
‘Visions From The Inside’ Illustrates the Struggles and Resilience of Migrants Caught in US Detention Centers
Fourteen artists created illustrations based on the testimonies of migrants detained in for-profit detention facilities in the US.
