Stories about Advocacy from November, 2020
Global Voices condemns the attacks on North Macedonia NGO Metamorphosis Foundation
We call on North Macedonia's public authorities to investigate the attacks and enforce the appropriate legal remedies against the perpetrators, as well as provide protection to Metamorphosis staff.
In Pakistan, social media platforms risk bans under new ‘draconian’ rules
New rules vesting the government with the power to regulate online content and ban entire platforms drew criticism from human rights groups and tech companies.
An internet with borders: A perspective from Pakistan
Pakistan recently adopted new rules imposing fines and bans on services that fail to take down and restrict content within short time frames.
Solomon Islands bans Facebook for ‘harmful content’
"Do not go into public life and make laws and decisions for your own good or for your own protection as is seen with the banning of Facebook."
Five new digital media platforms for uncensored news from Colombia
In Colombia, a new generation of journalists are fighting self-censorship and investigating corruption.
A Hong Kong reporter's account of the crackdown on press freedom under the national security law
"What we are facing now is not just the survival of Apple Daily but the whole independent media sector."
Malaysian students face sedition probe over Facebook post urging the king not to interfere in politics
"Academic scholarship and promotion of human rights cannot flourish in an atmosphere of censorship and disproportionate restriction of speech and expression."
Somali journalists say new media law will muzzle free press
Somalia’s media workers say that the draconian new media law will repress journalists who are already struggling in a hostile media environment.
European Court of Human Rights verdict vindicates Macedonian columnist convicted of defamation in 2010
"This verdict is important for Macedonian journalists, columnists, and overall, for the people that appear in public, as it encourages them to be principled, honest, brave and persistent."
Shutdowns, throttling and stifling dissent online: Africa’s new normal, Part II
Weaponizing digital blackouts or social media clamp down by Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania is an ominous sign of a deeply problematic system of governance.
Shutdowns, throttling and stifling dissent online: Africa’s new normal, Part I
African governments are using school examinations and politically charged moments as an excuse to effect digital blackouts or clamp down on social media.
Myanmar NGO launches tool for voters to compare human rights programs of parties competing in election
"Our aim is to give the electorate complete information about the political parties’ human rights promises – or lack of promises – so that voters can make a fully informed decision."
October – A bleak month for freedom of expression in Sri Lanka
This article offers a snapshot of challenges to freedom of expression in Sri Lanka during the month of October, 2020.
