Global Voices Digest

Russia: “Different Family” Photo Project

“These people may have no home, no jobs. They may be doing drugs, their neighbors may hate them, and they may be banned from entering a theater because of their inappropriate looks. But within such families, love and caring relationship still reign.” This is how photographer Irina Popova describes the subjects of her “Different Family” project, currently on exhibit in St. Petersburg. But since the series is centered as much on a toddler named Anfisa, the daughter of Popova’s marginal adult subjects, the photographer’s interpretation of her own work has caused harsh criticism.

Yellow Humvees and the UN Procurement Scandal

The use of SUVs by UN staff in Nairobi is rankling some bloggers. They are posting pictures on their blogs, and have even created a flickr pool called ‘Kick The Habit’. The title of the set of pictures borrows from UNEP’s (United Nations Environment Program) campaign from June of this year, which encouraged ‘countries, companies and communities’ to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Ukraine: Harm Reduction and Law Enforcement, Part 2

Last month, Ukrainian blogger mazay wrote about his attempt to educate a group of Kyiv police officers on harm reduction programs. Although many in the audience did not seem as interested in this not-yet-popular approach to dealing with drug addiction as they were in obtaining free condoms from the activists, judging from this follow-up post by mazay, the talk did after all bear some positive fruit.

Egypt Ranks High in Corruption

Egypt ranks 115 in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, which tracks 180 countries by their perceived levels of corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys. The rankings are in ascending order, with the more corrupt countries scoring higher ranks.

Tunisia: Yes, they can. No, we can’t!

The week of the US election coincided with the 21st anniversary of ‘change’ in Tunisia. But while Americans went to the polls to elect their 44th president, in its 50 years of independence, Tunisia has had just two presidents. Tunisian bloggers mark Zine El Abidine Ben Ali’s 21st year as president with a call for change.

Costa Rica: Free Trade Agreement Ready For Implementation

After a lengthy process, which included a nationwide referendum where Costa Ricans approved a free-trade agreement with the United States, the laws will go into effect on January 1, 2009. However, it took consensus building within the National Assembly in order to pass the necessary laws, while some sectors of society had been calling for a process of renegotiation.

Serbia: Does Barack Obama Mean Hospitality for the World?

Ljubisa Bojic reviews what Serbian bloggers think of Barack Obama’s chances of changing the U.S. policy towards Serbia.

Nepal Jumps Ahead on Gay and Transgender Rights

After California voters passed the proposition to ban gay marriage in the state, gay and transgender rights is back on the headlines in America. While the debate rages on there, Nepal – a faraway country, much smaller and often ignored on the world stage is now being looked upon as an example on how to handle the gay and transgender rights issue.

Another Separation between North Korea and South Korea

North Korea has announced that it will close the land border and cut non-military phone links with South Korea [BBC News]. Relations between North Korea and South Korea have been cooling down rapidly since the new government in South Korea and South Koreans are disconcerted by this sudden announcement.

Today on Rising Voices: AIDS Rights Congo: Stories of Stigma and Hope

Communication officers and leaders of local HIV and AIDS organizations in Congo start blogging about their experiences with HIV/AIDS issues in their communities, sharing stories of discrimination, stigma, and hope.

Today on Global Voices Advocacy: Iranian blogger Hossein Derakhshan “arrested” In Tehran

According to Jahan News website, Iranian blogger, Hossein Derakhshan (aka Hoder), a prolific blogger often described as the godfather of the Iranian blogosphere, has been arrested In Tehran. Hossein returned to Iran about three weeks ago and is being investigated on suspicion of espionage for the state of Israel.

Rising Voices is a nominee for the Best of the Blogs!

As you may know, Rising Voices has recently been nominated for a “best of the blogs” award in the category “best weblog”. At the moment we are trailing behind almost ALL the other nominees in spite of having such a big, powerful, and active community.You don’t need to vote in all the categories to have your vote recorded. Just click on the project you would like to vote for, enter your name and email – and click send.

Roundups

Get the blog buzz from the world over in the Global Roundups, where today you can find Barcamp Saigon, Indian podcasts, the case of a Saudi oil tanker being hijacked, and much much more!