Stories about Human Rights from May, 2018
From zero to superhero
In which an undocumented immigrant from Mali scales a tall building and—for once—comes out on top.
Kazakhstan commemorates Stalin’s Terror
Government critics argue that Kazakhstan has never had a frank debate about the legacy or lessons of its totalitarian past.
Amid continuing crackdown on anti-government protests, Nicaraguans pay homage to those killed
"If something should be clear, it is that the youth won't ever be the same. We won't see the places where the massacre occurred in the same way."
Protestors in Bosnia and Herzegovina demand justice in two unresolved deaths
The protests demanding justice in the death of 21-year-old David Dragičević have spread throughout Bosnia and its diaspora.
Bangladesh's ‘zero tolerance’ crackdown on drugs is leaving dozens dead
Human rights advocates say security forces are extrajudicially killing those suspected of drug crimes.
In India, 13 people are killed after police open fire on copper plant protesters
"My Constitution...ensures my right to protest. It ensures my right to life,livelihood,safe and healthy environment. #Thoothukkudi exposes the barbaric assault on these rights."
Macedonians manage to joke about a serious naming dispute with Greece
Although most citizens of the Republic of Macedonia consider the naming dispute with Greece a serious matter, some have dealt with it through humor and satire.
Tunisian journalists say police union attacks are having a chilling effect on press freedom
Impunity for abuses committed by security forces and police unions "is almost becoming a norm," according to the syndicate of Tunisian journalists.
Photo essay: Stateless in the former Soviet republic of Georgia
"Citizenship is all I need to heal the scar of not belonging."
Yangon police and a group of ‘nationalists’ violently dispersed a peace march in Myanmar
"Who were those self-proclaimed “citizens” and why did the police officers present turn a blind eye when they attacked?"
Greece's parliament passes bill allowing child fostering by same-sex couples
The bill seeks, generally, to reduce the red tape which resulted in candidate parents and children trapped for years in bureaucratic limbo.
Pakistan Chief Justice's notice produces some hope for Hazara protections
"Finally voice of Hazara people heard. Army chief gives assurance of security and safety. Chief Justice takes notice of the killing of Hazara. Took us several years. Extremely shameful."
Following pressure by security forces, Beirut Pride 2018 is “suspended for the time being”
"Lebanon has always been known for respecting diversity and claims to be an inclusive country for ALL its citizens, despite their differences."
A Beijing-Vatican deal could bolster China's persecution of religion, warns Hong Kong cardinal
"Any agreement on the side of the Vatican may be seen as collaboration with the government to persecute our own people; that’s terrible," says Cardinal Joseph Zen.
Serbia remains silent on cultural heritage devastation by its populist regimes
Serbian art historian Živko Brković has been targeted by threats and suffered burglaries after he demanded accountability from the current Serbian regime in regards to mishandling state-owned artworks.
Riddled with violations, Lebanon's first election in nine years yields underwhelming results for independents
Thousands of election violations recorded and a Ministry late at publishing the results. These were the first Lebanese elections in nine years.
Cuban activists launch detailed agenda for LGBTIQ rights in Cuba
"What could be considered the first document of its kind in Cuba [...] includes 63 specific demands and is divided into two sections: legislative measures and policies, plans and strategies."
Despite support for the #MeToo movement in Pakistan, a culture of silence still prevails
"There must be consequences for those who choose to abuse and not to comply... We say to the women who are speaking up: we hear you, we are with you."
Netizen Report: Gambia Supreme Court ruling leaves the future of free speech uncertain
The Advox Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.
Burundi's contentious constitutional referendum reflects deeper political problems
Whether a sign of independence or authoritarianism, Burundi's constitutional referendum appears to have further cemented divisions.
Social media platforms are ablaze as Turks say “enough” to President Erdogan
In Turkish, "tamam" means "that's enough". And that is exactly what Turks are saying to the president.
