Latest stories

Mass animal sacrifice in the name of God stubbornly continues in Nepal

Despite the global outcry against animal sacrifice in Nepal, the tradition persists.

28 April 2020

New video gives clues about motives behind attacks in northern Mozambique

Recorded in Ntchinga village, the video shows the armed group bearing an Islamic State flag and a leader addressing the local people in Kimwan and Kiswahili languages, resembling a rally.

A selection of Latin American and Caribbean ‘coronavirus songs’

COVID-19
The songs' mood range from solemn to humorous.

Pre-Hispanic inspiration, struggle, and satire: The art of Mexico's Manuel Ruelas

"In Mexico, the ultimate misfortune is death. That is why this is a recurring concept in my work."

27 April 2020

COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: A fake performance

COVID-19
They yelled out from their windows “fake, fake, it is all formalist performance”. This is not the first time the people in Wuhan express their resentment.

Russians under lockdown (re)create famous artworks online

RuNet Echo
The Izoizolyatsiya photo challenge has become a national obsession. To the RuNet's delight, thousands of Russians are recreating famous artworks using ordinary household items — in hilarious and often bizarre...

26 April 2020

‘Clean city-state’ image of Singapore shows double-standards in its treatment of migrants in times of COVID-19

COVID-19
"....even if you do most things right, if you're not considering or proactively looking out for the most vulnerable and marginalised in society, you're not going to effectively fight #COVID19."

25 April 2020

Out of 20,000 COVID-19 cases in the Balkans, more than a third are in Serbia

COVID-19
In Serbia, the government first ignored COVID-19 and even made fun of it.

Zanzibar relies on strong communities of care to confront COVID-19

COVID-19
Zanzibar thrives on unity. A wave of community-based health initiatives has ramped up their presence on the islands to raise awareness and educate islanders about the highly contagious coronavirus.

24 April 2020

COVID-19 in the Middle East: Is this pandemic a health crisis or a war?

COVID-19
War-like rhetoric around COVID-19 has allowed governments in the Middle East and North Africa to execute emergency powers and impose draconian measures that would otherwise be unacceptable.

Prosecutions mount as Russia intensifies fight against COVID-19 ‘fake news’

RuNet Echo
Russia has made sharing "fake news" a criminal offence. Rights activists fear that charges will be brought against anybody questioning the state's account of the coronavirus pandemic.

COVID-19 diaries from Wuhan: Feelings of insecurity

COVID-19
I want to go to the park to take a stroll after the lockdown is lifted...

23 April 2020

Jamaican activists spent Earth Day at home, online

COVID-19
Jamaican netizens explored the connections between COVID-19 and climate change and the response has been so strong that Earth Day has turned into Earth Week.

A high-profile funeral highlights a double standard in Nigeria under lockdown

COVID-19
In Nigeria, a high-profile burial amid COVID-19 lockdown orders highlights a double standard when it comes to state guidelines on best practices to mitigate the spread of the deadly disease.

COVID-19 exposes gaps in services for Azerbaijan’s elderly

COVID-19
Azerbaijanis over 65 are not permitted to leave their homes. Therefore many cannot receive their pensions, buy badly needed medication, or access social support.

In Colombia, solidarity movements multiply during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19
Almost half of Colombia's population depend on informal work.

COVID-19 creates more uncertainty for migrant workers in India

COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 in India leads to economic and geographical displacement of migrant workers.

22 April 2020

Trinidad & Tobago photographers commemorate Earth Day 2020 with online challenge

COVID-19
"We're trying to keep the topics upbeat in order to keep people focused, and steer everyone's mental state in a positive direction while practising social distancing."

Top Japanese pop stars upload music to YouTube to boost spirits during lockdown

With their spring and summer stadium tours canceled, a variety of Japanese pop superstars decided to help lift the spirits of fans who were now largely confined to home.

Malaria vaccine may offer respite from Africa’s greatest health scourge

After three decades of research, the RTS,S malaria vaccine backed by the WHO is getting piloted at a health centre in Kenya for the first time.