human rights



STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 31, 2020 • 2 min read

LGBTQ rights Singapore court rejects challenge to gay sex ban

By AFP • Mar 31, 2020
A fresh bid to overturn a colonial-era Singapore law banning gay sex failed on Monday as a court dismissed challenges posed by three people, a major setback for efforts to promote greater LGBT rights in Asia

STORY OF THE DAY • Mar 12, 2020 • 11 min read

Tradition Crumbling walls

By Words by Marielle Lucenio, photos by Leo Solinap • Mar 12, 2020
With their past hardly accounted for in history, the future of the once-hidden traditional Binukot women remains challenged in the face of resistance and progressivism in the Philippines

STORY OF THE DAY • Jan 07, 2020 • 11 min read

The year ahead Watch this space

By Alastair McCready • Jan 07, 2020
As a new decade dawns, Southeast Asia is a region on the brink of dramatic growth and change. Looking at our four pillars – Power, Money, Life and Earth – Southeast Asia Globe outlines some of the biggest stories, trends and events to watch out for in the region in the coming year

STORY OF THE DAY • Dec 10, 2019 • 6 min read

Cambodian civil society A not-so-fond farewell

By Chak Sopheap • Dec 10, 2019
This year will be the last in which Human Rights Day will be officially marked in Cambodia after the government's decision to remove it from its list of public holidays. Chak Sopheap, Executive Director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights, reflects on this symbolic gesture and what it means for rights in the Kingdom

Nov 28, 2019 • 11 min read
LGBTQ rights

The art of love

Asian artists gathered in Bangkok this weekend to explore diverse themes of sexuality in a country commonly regarded as among the most LGBTQ-friendly globally. But does this tell the full story?
By Andrew Haffner • Nov 28, 2019

Sep 24, 2019 • 9 min read
Human rights

Putting Cambodia back on track

Cambodian Centre for Human Rights executive director Chak Sopheap breaks down how Cambodia has strayed from the promises of its constitution – and how the nation can get itself back on course
By Chak Sopheap • Sep 24, 2019

Jun 10, 2019 • 15 min read
Mental health in Singapore

The fallen

For some Singaporeans with mental health issues, mandatory military service can be an isolating and traumatic experience – and one which can leave them at serious risk of self-harm
By Thomas Brent • Jun 10, 2019

Jun 06, 2019 • 14 min read
Sexual abuse

Under the world’s mirror

Facing discrimination for gender, disability and poverty, Cambodia’s women and girls with disabilities are among the most vulnerable to sexual abuse and violence
By Thomas Brent and Kong Meta • Jun 06, 2019

Mar 16, 2019 • 7 min read
Politics

Why the Philippines’ ICC exit could ‘undermine years of quiet diplomacy’

Duterte’s decision to withdraw the Philippines from the International Criminal Court has prompted outcry from certain members of the opposition and human rights groups. But what exactly is he walking away from? Southeast Asia Globe breaks down the purpose of the ICC, and what a withdrawal really means for the Philippines
By Thomas Brent • Mar 16, 2019

Mar 08, 2019 • 14 min read
Women's rights

A cut, unseen

Despite Singapore’s reputation as a modern hub of progress and prosperity, female genital mutilation and cutting remains widespread among the city-state’s Malay Muslim community
By Robin Spiess • Mar 08, 2019

Dec 15, 2018 • 6 min read
Press Freedom

He wanted to expose Cambodia’s virginity trade. Now, he’s in prison

A Cambodian translator helped foreign journalists film a documentary about alleged sex trafficking in the Kingdom. Authorities now claim the film’s subjects said they were paid to be in the film. The translator’s wife, who visited him in prison, tells Southeast Asia Globe that her husband is afraid, sick and innocent
By Matt Surrusco • Dec 15, 2018

Aug 29, 2018 • 3 min read
Indonesia

Questionable virginity tests for female police and military recruits

The practice of attempting to verify the virginity – and ostensibly the morality – of female police and military recruits has been in place in Indonesia since as early as 1965. Human Rights Watch recently called for an end to it, citing a lack of women personnel for United Nations peacekeeping missions. According to Jakarta Feminist Discussion Group founder Kate Walton, “one’s sexual status has no link to one’s morals”
By Tom O'Connell • Aug 29, 2018