Stories about Human Rights from May, 2020
#SiAceptoCR: LGBTQ+ couples celebrate online as Costa Rica legalizes same-sex marriage
Costa Rica became a beacon of hope for LGBT advocates throughout Central America.
Dalit youth and five of his friends stoned to death in Nepal because of his love for an upper-caste girl
A low-caste young man and 18 of his friends were attacked – and some of them killed – all because of his love for a girl who was above his station.
Quarantine debates in Zanzibar conjure memories of colonial racial segregation
In light of Zanzibar’s complex history of racial segregation in the name of public health, social distancing and quarantine measures have been controversial in the fight against COVID-19.
Côte d'Ivoire withdraws from African Court on Human and People's Rights
On April 29, the spokesperson of the Ivorian Government, Sidi Touré, announced Côte d'Ivoire's decision to remove its recognition of the competence of African human rights court.
Desecration of three religious sites in Iran signal the Islamic Republic's continued oppression of minorities
"Pressure on religious minorities has also taken the form of persecution of individuals by accusing them of promoting 'propaganda against the Islamic Republic or 'belonging to hostile groups.
‘Indonesia, whatever’: Frontline staff express frustration over COVID-19 response
"We risked our lives, but are paid less than is adequate. Hundreds of nurses faced pay cuts and their 13th-month salary was withheld."
Is China's ‘House of Cards’ in the Czech Republic beginning to wobble?
Public scepticism over Chinese influence campaigns and aggressive diplomacy is empowering anti-Beijing politicians.
Protests, police crackdowns return to Hong Kong as Beijing tightens grip
"This is the future of Hong Kong under National Security Law: No freedom of assembly and speech."
Art series sheds light on the marginalization of indigenous Tharus in Nepal
‘Masinya Dastoor’, an art series of young artist Lavkant Chaudhary, delves into the history of chronological marginalization of the indigenous Tharu community in Nepal over the past decades.
Uyghur human rights advocate Dilnur Reyhan laments lack of Muslim solidarity
Hatred against the West has blinded ordinary Muslim citizens to the point of refusing to believe news brought by the Western media, even when it concerns concentration camps for Muslims
Burundi voted — but will the political situation change?
Burundians voted on May 20 for a new president, with official results expected next week. The new president will face pressing questions on international relations, media repression, inclusive economic policies and impunity.
Why Hong Kong isn’t dead yet
"Today Beijing imposed the “national security” law in Hong Kong. It gives them broad powers to go after anyone they don’t like. Anyone who criticizes them. Anyone who disobeys them."
Slovenian protesters channel Katie Melua to explain anti-corruption bicycle movement
"There are 10,000 bicycles in Ljubljana. That's a fact. That's how mad the people are."
From counterterrorism to counter-COVID-19, governments use crises to impose continuous states of emergency in the Middle East
Fighting terrorism used to be the umbrella under which states of emergency were justified in the Middle East. Now, COVID-19 serves as a new justification for sweeping powers.
‘One Country, Two Systems’ on the line as national security law looms over Hong Kong
"Our way of life may soon be circumscribed but we will find a way to survive and prosper through this."
Support networks essential to safely leave violent partners during Ecuador's lockdown
"It is imperative to break the culture of silence."
In Tunisia, women stand on the frontlines of targeted hate speech online
In Tunisia, an uprising toppled leadership and lead to revolution in 2011. Since then, digital space has witnessed heated debates about politics and society — including attacks against women activists and journalists.
Meet the Uzbek activists using apps to connect gay men to HIV testing and care
Since 2016 Uzbekistan has been praised for its liberal reforms, but the LGBTQ+ community has not gained freedom. Those constraints make rights activists particularly resourceful – on- and offline.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence made more difficult during Ecuador's quarantine
"I’ve tried to leave my partner a few times, but he became the centre of my universe. That’s why, despite everything, I stay with him".
Stranded Nepali migrant workers protest to return home, Nepali government drags its feet
Nepal's government tries to stall repatriating migrant workers stranded abroad.
In Algeria, online repression targets Amazigh protesters active in Hirak movement
In Algeria, the Amazigh people are often associated with France, Algeria's former colonial power. Racial slurs online accuse this group of being separatists who threaten "national unity."
