Stories about Human Rights from July, 2023
Why is Kyiv giving Taiwan the cold shoulder? Interview with Ukrainian MP Mykola Knyazhytskyy
While Taipei continues to support Ukraine by sending humanitarian aid, including to refugees across Europe, official Kyiv sides with Beijing and fails to acknowledge Taiwan's overall support.
Russian diplomats react to a new law on language in Kyrgyzstan, bringing back colonial past
The Kyrgyz language is an integral part of national identity. It is vital for the survival of Kyrgyz people as a separate ethnic group and Kyrgyzstan as a nation.
Hong Kong court rejects government application for ban on pro-democracy protest song
A Hong Kong judge believes that perfectly innocent people might refrain from engaging in lawful acts involving the song for fear of trespassing the injunction.
Can Taiwan become a hub for journalists fleeing mounting authoritarianism in Asia?
Taiwan is rated as one of the freest societies in Asia, but are the Taiwanese authorities ready to turn the island into a welcoming and safe haven for journalists fleeing authoritarianism in their home countries in Asia?
Commentators discourage extending national security crackdowns to ‘soft resistance’ in Hong Kong
The government is considering clamping down on “soft resistance” when drafting the local version of National Security Law (HK-NSL).
Haitian refugees land on Jamaican shores, while CARICOM’s efforts to help its troubled member state falter
"The anxiety among many social media commentators over the treatment of the refugees reflects an appreciation of the historical ties, and mixed feelings of admiration, helplessness, and obligation towards Haiti ..."
Can Algerian human rights defenders be safe in Tunisia?
Tunisia's strong reliance on Algeria places it in a vulnerable position, as Algiers expects reciprocal compliance with its demands, including in the extradition of Algerian human rights defenders in Tunisia.
An interview with Aïssatou Fofana, environmental investigative journalist in Ivory Coast
Aïssatou Fofana, an Ivorian journalist specialising in environmental investigations, talks to Global Voices about her passion but also the dangers of the job, and about her own media platform.
New Taiwan TV series tackles sensitive issue of race and makes it to Netflix
A Taiwanese TV series called "Port of Lies", now also showing on Netflix, is addressing one of the most sensitive issues in Taiwan today: Race.
The Great Leap Backwards of media in China
To understand the nuances of censorship, state violence, resilience and journalistic courage in China, Global Voices interviewed Cédric Alviani, head of the Taiwan-based office of RSF for East and Southeast Asia.
Turkey has a long road ahead with renewed EU bid
Pundits say, there is a long road ahead. Reforming the rule of law, adhering to democratic principles, ensuring equal rights are just some of the pressing requirements.
A ‘diplomatic tiff’ over same-sex marriage is downplayed, but differences on LGBTQ+ issues remain in the Jamaica-U.S. relationship
"While several Caribbean nations took positive steps towards recognition of the LGBTQ+ community in 2022, Jamaica was not among them.
In Turkey, conservatives go after a queer volleyball star
Divisions between between Turkey's conservatives and secularists are worsening. The latest showdown occurred after conservatives attacked a queer volleyball player after her team brought home a gold medal.
In Kazakhstan, the truth about the 2022 deadly protests is still suppressed
For a year and a half, the authorities have not released a complete list of the victims, along with the circumstances of their death.
Turkmenistan unveils its first ‘smart’ city, named after the former president
Arkadag’s future remains unclear given the government’s authoritarian and bizarre rules for its potential residents.
Deconstructing the politics behind the mistreatment of migrants from Africa in Tunisia
Tunisia's crackdown on African migrants has become a bargaining tool with Europe, leading to an agreement that allows Europe to control immigration in return for helping with Tunisia's economic crisis.
Armenia and Azerbaijan: A blockade that never ended and a peace deal hanging by a thread
Since mid June, no supplies are being allowed past Azerbaijani checkpoint. Azerbaijan has also blocked International Red Cross vehicles from entering the region citing "contraband" prevention measures.
How will Tunisia include its growing poor in an increasingly digital society?
At an age when they should be digital natives, many young Tunisians are starting life without the foundational skills to navigate an increasingly complex and digital world.
The Belarus regime’s crackdown on civil society continues
The number of political prisoners in Belarus continues to rise; by the end of June, there were 1,496 individuals languishing behind bars on politically-motivated charges.
A forensic investigation finds a site that doxxes Hong Kong activists and journalists is likely backed by Beijing
Toronto-based Citizen Lab finds circumstantial evidence that suggests the campaign operators held links to mainland China.
Burundian women reclaim self-worth thanks to their resilience
A third of all Burundian women suffer physical violence and those who leave home fall into poverty. However, a Burundian businesswoman has subsequently become their role model.
